A New Mantra Everyday

Geishas and Coffee

2011-04-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

What did we do before coffeehouses? I was wondering that today in line at starbucks, and ended up creating a monologue in my head, a perfect blog posting if you will, akin to the narration of Renee Zelwegger in Bridget Jones' Diary. Are coffeehouses a unique social phenomeon, or did, perhaps, it just evolve with the times, and has become the latest evolution of a prior phenomeon? I'm currently reading "Memoirs of a Geisha". I saw the movie with my sister Michelle a long time ago. I was actually surprised she wanted to see Asian women in a movie. Nevertheless, we went, and we loved the movie. Now, as i read it, i am forced to wonder if coffeehouses are modern day, western versions of teahouses in Japan. Teahouses in the 1930s were where men came to be entertained by geishas. Now, coffeehouses are not necessarily where men go to be entertained by women, but, lots of dates happen at coffeehouses. I'm not proposing everyone who goes to a coffeehouse in hopes of romantic interest is a geisha or a japanese man. In fact, Chris and I started our relationship at Starbucks (well, before we went on a long walk to DTR). But i AM proposing that perhaps the coffeehouse is the American 2011 version of the Japanese 1930 teahouse. Just a proposal. The book happens to be just as good as the movie. I actually wished i had read Memoirs before watching the movie. But alas, i did not, and instead, i'm left here, in complete awe of the beautiful Japanese story, and now coveting a nice visit to one of the nail salons to feel a bit of the Eastern vibes. I'm still a lover of Jesus. I also like culture. Well, not really culture. Moreso exotic stories of the 1930 Japenese version of a modern day coffeehouse. I am a bit embarrassed to say i've come back to blogging, and this is my gloroius returning post. oh well.

Starbucks and the Sin Nature

2010-11-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

I don't know if all starbucks has this, or if its just the one in Maui, but there's like this "wall of words" at my starbucks that tells random stories. And when i sit and stare at it and read when i'm bored (or waiting for a friend), i realize...

The stories are actually kind of sexual and kind of perverse and violent and use bad language. i thought i'd might bring this up to management, but i wasn't sure if this was a starbucks thing? And i'm not going to make them take down free expression...it's their business, after all. This is not the sin nature i'm talking about. And, also, this is not the wall of words i'm staring at. this is just a wall of words i found on the internet that i thought would be fitting to get the picture. the one at starbucks is much nicer, also...

Taking 2 junior high girls to starbucks is always an adventure. it's like they've entered into the sophisticated "adult" world of coffee and cute cafe chairs that only the elegant get to ascend into. They got so excited, they actually began screaming with energy and taking pictures.

I need to take them out more.

But i realized they were reading the wall! THE WALL OF NAUGHTY THINGS! And so i said: "oh, stop reading that wall, there are bad words and the like on it..."

And insted of stopping, they tried to find the NAUGHTY WORDS!

If that's not a picture of our sin nature, i don't know what is.

I told them they were sinful and that the world is born into sin and that was their flesh. They kept looking, and i made us all leave.

But i glanced back to see the naughty words. and i laughed.

Collegeinpjs.com

2010-11-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

I just saw a commerical for "college in pjs" dot com. Obviously, this is a way to get people to go to college online, with the persuasion that you can sit in your pajamas all day.

I'm serious. Here are the stats:

As you can clearly see, college in pjs online has had a triple growth in the past year. The graph does not lie.

I understand college on line, but why make it less academic by saying you can go to college in your pjs.

That was cool when we were in third grade, and to celebrate Drug awareness week, we got to wear our pajamas to school. It was awesome back then. But not now.

I mean, what do you say when you graduate? "I graduated from collegeinpjs." Sounds prestgeous. (also, i believe i just spelt that word wrong.)

A List of Tips and a Revelation about Acts

2010-11-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Other than this being a shameless plug for my babies at Hume Lake 2010, I do have a point in showing these photos.

At Hume this summer (see), the babies, myself, and my boyfriend went to this class called "How to Read your Bible". Now, being in ministry now for 8 years, and a Christian since I was 5, with my mom discipling me in the word, i was very doubtful this seminar would teach me anything. I was just there to show my support of my babies reading the word.

But instead of a "step by step" reading directions on how to sponge up the word into your head and heart (which is what I would have done), this man named Chris Nicely proceeded to give tips on how to read the bible.

Genius. Everyone loves a list of tips.

Praise God I take notes. Here are the Tips:

1. Why do you want to read the word? Why equals How Each of us is created uniquely, so we have different needs as to why we are reading the word.

2. Never view God's word as a textbook It's the Word of God. It LIVES.

3. Never be educated beyond your capacity of obedience If you know it, you must do it, or you end up like a Saduccee and Pharisee, and no one wants that (James 1:22)

4. All of the bible is inspired, but not all is important in the season of life you are in Why do we never do Sunday School classes for kindergartners based on Song of Songs?

5. With each season comes new revelations "How did I miss that the first time?"

6. Never get stuck in the New Testament You don't start a movie half-way through.

7. Ask questions And answer all your questions by asking more questions.

8. Not all things are called to action, some may be called to awareness Why David and Goliath? To remind us of who God is. What must if have been like to receive the ten commandments like Moses?

9. ALWAYS remember the Context The bible is NOT ONE VERSE

10. Know what is cultural and what is timeless Study. Know the setting.

11. Create an atmosphere and an attitude of anticipation Why is it more easy to connect with God at camp? You know God is about to reveal something crazy! It's not a buffet.

12. Memorize scripture Read it over and over again and make it a part of your conversation. Repetition reduces resistance.

Crazy stuff, huh? Powerful. For me.

Recently, the book of Acts has made number 4 relevant to me. You see, i've been trying to read Acts since High School, but i just can't get it. I can't get into it. too many people, places, and speeches. I can read Ezra. i get excited about Leviticus. Heck, Song of Songs sounds marvelous. But Acts?

God knows the season. I'm life journaling (SOAPing) with my girl small groups through Acts right now. I have three small groups of 13 different girls on 3 different occasions meeting, reading DAILY and journaling a chapter a day of Acts. It's crazy.

But out of everyone, i believe i'm getting the most out of it. I talk about Acts 3 times a week, and i read it an hour a day and journal it. I have maps now. I have diagrams. I get excited about little words.

My confession: Hi, My name is Whitney Branscome, I'm a Youth Director, and I've never read the whole book of Acts.

I'm on Acts 16. Let's pray this momentum carries me through...

While Preparing for the Resurrection

2010-10-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

We are finishing an 8 week series in our Junior Hai based on the life of Jesus. We've went through the whole book of Mark. Anyways, my job this tuesday is to cap it off with talking about Jesus raising from the dead. I had NO IDEA this would be so complicated.

It's times like these, when i'm pouring over the word and I feel these oxymoronic feelings. Such as: I feel so full of knowledge through research and studying, I don't know what to do with myself. But then, I feel like a spiritual anorexic, because there is NO WAY i know enough of anything to do something. But then, I look at my babies, and I think to myself: they really don't need me. The Lord is so teaching them things. Here are some of my favorite things I've heard from them recently:

"Whitney, I didn't think Peter and that other guy could heal that beggar-guy at that gate-like thingy in that book in the bible we are reading (Acts 3, by the way). I thought only Jesus could do that, so i was getting sad, like, oh no, don't try! But then they did. and that was cool."

(A prayer) "Lord Jesus, I pray that you would embalm us in Jesus..."

"Before I die, I want to lead worship for the Africans"

"How do you know where everything is in the bible, Whitney? Like, do you read it every day?"

"My favorite points from Ben's talk last night was that Men are leaders and women are to give birth (From our Friday night series through 1 Timothy...we were learning 1 Timothy 2 haha)"

(Praying for our leaders who were about to get married) "And i pray for Angela, as she is with child, for her children and their children's children, and their children's children's childrens that they will know you."

"Did you guys see Ryan's muffins, i mean (giggggle gigggle) his muscles!" (girls talking about my intern ryan's arms in a game of apples to apples)

"this is the best day of my life!" (after we did a chocolate slip n slide)

"How do you know all the songs we sing at church, Whitney? Do you listen to them while you're not at church?"

And my favorite thing EVER:

"Whitney, you have a house? Like a real house? I thought you slept on the couch in your office."

And this makes my job worthwhile. Here's to the resurrection!

Laughing with God

2010-10-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

Story: I decided to google myself today. And this picture came up as #2. And i thought to myself, looking at the little thumbnail in the Google finder page, "Haha, that's classic. Look at that retarded picture. This would be so funny to post as my blog as the first thing I found when I googled myself!"...

But then I realized...that actually is me. That idiot i wanted to post as a joke ended up being a reality. A reality. My reality.

I mean, the truth is that this was me my senior year of high school at summer church camp with Sagemont. I was on the silver team. And i actually remember taking this picture. I really thought I looked really sporty and cool.

ugh.

This picture also came up when i googled my name. I like this one better. Sassy. Classy. No one says, "look at that idiot." No one's laughing at this whitney branscome google image. No one.

It reminds me of this song that keeps popping up on my Pandora:

Laughing with by Regina Spektor

No one laughs at God in a hospital

No one laughs at God in a war

No one's laughing at God

When they're starving or freezing or so very poor

No one laughs at God

When the doctor calls after some routine tests

No one's laughing at God

When it's gotten real late

And their kid's not back from the party yet.

No one laughs at God

When their airplane starts to uncontrollably shake

No one's laughing at God

When they see the one they love, hand in hand with someone else

And they hope they're mistaken

No one laughs at God

When the cops knock on their door

And they say we got some bad news, sir

No one's laughing at God

When there's a famine or flood

But God can be funny

At a cocktail party when listening to a God-themed joke, or

Or when the crazies say he hats us

And they so red in the head you think they're about to choke

God can be funny

When told he'll give you money if you just pray the right way

When presented like a genie who does magic like Houdini

Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus

Sixteen and Pregnant, Take 2

2010-10-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

In the past, I have said some pretty nasty things about "The Secret Life" and MTV pregancy shows...I even saw that I had done a blog a while back, vowing to keep the young babies of America pure by not allowing the young eyes to watch the likes of MTV and Secret Life.

I stand by my previous statement that "The Secret Life" is poison. It is. I hate the main character (I can't even utter her character's name aloud) and the actress is sooooo awful. The whole show is just awful. Not because of the content (although the content, too, is just a cultural disaster and i no longer wonder why America's youth is slowly rotting away) but because of the atrocious acting.
That picture makes me want to vomit. I really really hate Secret Life. And i might just hate ABC Family, too, if they didn't show reruns of Full House at night. They have kept me addicted.

Now, JUNO, however, is a completely different story. And so I begin my change of heart...
I want to start new, with no judgement, on T.V.'s portrayal of pregnant teenagers. Again, I know this is opposite to my previous fire and brimstone rant, but I recognize that I am a changing person, as God works on my heart.

I'm really sick of seeing myself and my self-righteous attitudes in books such as "What's so Amazing about Grace" and "Starving Jesus". I'm sick of looking more like a Pharisee than Jesus.

In Job 12:5, it says: Men at ease have contempt for misfortune as the fate of those who feet are slipping.

Pretty much, Job is saying to his idiot friends (again, i don't read the parts where Job's friends talk, because I'm not that mature) that it is easy for people to point fingers and show judgment and despise those who have "misfortune". In Job's case, this misfortune was losing all his earthly possessions, having his children and family destroyed in one fell swoop, and being near-death sickly. I think the biggest misfortune is that his friends are idiots. But when you are not in that place, in the desperate of desperates, when you are doing pretty good, everything is working just peachy, then you cannot understand the despair of the desperate. Instead, it's "their fault"...

Pregnant teenagers. It's your fault. Pregnant out of wedlock? Your fault. Homosexuals? Your fault. You deserve EVERYTHING you get. Divorced people. Your fault. I don't feel sorry for you. In fact, I don't want anything to do with you.

Job's friends sound a lot like the Christian church today. They sound a lot like me in previous post...

Sixteen and Pregnant on MTV tells about four teenagers who are pregnant and the journey they take with their families, boyfriends, friends, schools, and strangers. At first, I thought MTV was saying, "look at how cool this is! you can be 16 and pregnant and be on t.v." I'm sooo sorry for that. I'm so Job's friends. (I'd like to be Zophar because of his Z name). But the more I watched, the more respect I had for these young woman and their boyfriends.

I'm terrified of being pregnant. Terrified. When I was a teenager, i would have nightmares that I was pregnant and not married. I wasn't afraid of child birth (although that looks like death) or the idea of being responsible for someone's life the rest of my life. I was afraid of the judgement of the church. Not of God. Of the church.

I'd never get to be a missionary. I'd never get to work with youth girls. No one would accept me.

Sixteen and Pregnant became Teen Mom. And I love teen mom. It is the most precious show. I love the teenagers in them. My heart gets melted by their desire to do things right. Of course, without Christ radically transforming them and redeeming them from their darkened thinking, they will not be able to be free. But they need a Savior, just like me...

My favorite couple is Catelynn and Tyler.

First of all, I really love Catelynn. Her mom is AWFUL and she has had to overcome so much anger at her, anger within her, being poor, being misunderstood...and she has the most gentle spirit. I also really like Tyler. Normally, teen dads are labeled as Deadbeats with no heart. But Tyler LOVES Cate, and you could see them working on their relationship.

They had a beautiful baby girl named Carley. And they gave Carley up for adoption to a great family who couldn't have a baby. The Mom and Dad are great. And they supported Cate and Tyler the whole time, as well as now. Cate and Tyler get to see Carley once a year, and they get sent pictures and letters all the time.

They brought me to tears today. A year and a half later, they are still dealing with the heartbreak of knowing they will never be with Carley as a family. They struggle with doubt. They struggle with self-worth.

Catelynn was talking today about how she feels no one will like her for who she is, so she lies all the time. She's in tears. Tyler's in tears. I'm in tears. And I know the Father is in tears, too.

Catelynn just wants grace.

O momentary grace of mortal men,

Which we more hunt for than the grace of God.

Shakespeare, Richard III

Exerpt from "The Mandy Diaries"

2010-10-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

My baby sister Mandy has grown so much. Who would have thought these words would have come from her journals, entitled "The Mandy Diaries":

'I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ (Mohandas Gandi). Let's try to change that. Let's try to untaint the word Christian and actually live up to the name that was set before us by being Christ-like. I want someone to see Christ in me and like Christians but LOVE Christ through being a light in the darkness of this broken world. Let's not try to break the world more with our actions but try to mend them. June 8, 2010

Mandy writes with the same conviction and passion I had when I was a sophomore in college. She is fiery and excited and ready to put her faith into action, all the while, opening her eyes to the depravity and hypocrisy around her.

But her point has really gotten me thinking. How much we, even as believers, do not understand the depth of the character of Christ. And, in view of that, how desperate we are for someone to save us from this lost, hell-bound world.

One of my favorite things to do is put my ipod on shuffle while running. The most random things come up- thus the word "shuffle". My good friend Justin Timberlake came on with this song, Losing my Way. It goes like this:

Hi my name is Bob and I work at my Job

I make 40 something dollars a day.

I used to be the man in my hometown

Until i started to lose my way

It all goes back to when I dropped outta school
Having fun, I was living the life
But now I got a problem with that little white rock
See I can't put down the pipe.

And it's breaking me down
watching the world spin round
While my dreams fall down
Is anybody out there?

It is breaking me down
No more friends around
While my Dreams fall down
Is anybody out there?

Can anybody out there hear me
Cause I can't seem to hear myself.
Can anybody out there feel me,
Cause I can't seem to hear myself.
There's gotta be a heaven somewhere
Can you save me from this hell?
Can anybody out there see me
Cause I can't seem to see myself

Losing my way...can you help me find my way?

Desperation. Confusion. Depression. The world. It describes so many people in our world, in our country, in our community. In our house. And yet, ME, I, am called to grab hands with the lost and hurting and show them the way to Christ.

JT goes on in his song to say the sinner's prayer:

Oh, my God please forgive me
I know I've done some wrong in this life
If I could do it again, have just one more chance
To take all those wrongs and make them right...

The world is SCREAMING for redemption and forgiveness, and restoration. How pathetic and sad that the world must hear a cry for salvation from Justin Timberlake's #5 track on his "Future Sex/Love Sounds" CD...

We need more Mandy's in the world.

Mandy, I'm reading this book called "Starving Jesus". A quote you'll love:

Men and women yell from the rooftops, "church sucks!". There voices are quickly dismissed and rarely see the light of day...Christ yelled the same thing once. It got him killed.

Also, please forgive me for putting that first photo of up of you. love love.

My Wedding Repotoire

2010-10-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

Since today, two good friends of mine are marrying, i thought it only fitting to give a brief snapshot of the weddings i have been involved in, or gone to, over the years. My best friend Katy Fuller became Katy McAngus in December 2007. Gorgeous wedding. I got my dress for $67 off of ebay. We also got some adorable patent leather red peep toe pumps, which i was looking for frantically today, and i only found one of them. I needed those red heels today. I NEEDED them. I love Katy.

Bryan was my wedding date to my friend Lacey's wedding in the summer of 2006. Yes, pathetic. He is my cousin. And he flew all the way from Indiana to be with me. Bryan, will you still stand by my side when I get married?

Also, this wedding was epic, especially since all of us bridemaids did the Thriller dance for a talent show when we were seniors in high school. And yes, we did it for the reception.

These beautiful girls comprise my besties in college. Two are married already. I love the color of our dresses together. Very College Station, Texas in the fall. This is at Katy's wedding.

Angela and Marvin married in September of 2010, this year! They've been married over a month, and still no baby. I want to be a God Mother so badly! Give me a baby!

Angela's dress was GORGEOUS. She used red in her dress and in the veil. Very post-modern, Angela, according to "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC.

And this is my best friend Michelle McClure, now Michelle Joseph. I flew to Texas this past April to see her and Floyd tie the knot. She is gorgeous.

Michelle and Floyd were best friends in college, and she always said that if they got married, they would walk down the aisle to "Grillz" by Nelly. Welp, they didn't. And i still hold it against them.

But, today, I miss my wedding date more than ever. He is breath-takingly handsome and so precious to me. He has been with me to 3 weddings this year.

Now, I'm going to watch "Four Weddings" on TLC while reading my "Pacific Weddings" magazine and looking at wedding photography blogs.

Authentic Hiking Experiences

2010-10-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

I would like to think of myself as "sporty", "athletic", and "rugged". However, the truth of the matter is: i can't run very fast, I don't have the best "athletic" drive, and i hate camping with an undying passion. On top of all of that, I have this intense desire to live in the wilderness, having God provide food and shelter for me, as he did Elijah in the wilderness, but I find that I get distracted very easily.

I can count on one hand all the times i've been "hiking" here in Maui. Three of those five times have been with my young junior hai babies, one with a three year old, and the last (and most rugged) with the interns of my intern year, where I had to be carried, pulled, and pushed most of the way.

It's not that I don't like hiking. In fact, I find the outdoors to make me "one with God" and refreshing, in a "I didn't put on enough deoderant for this trek, and the smell of myself is making me vomit" sort of way. But every now and then, I get this wave of confidence that I, too, can map out the uncharted rainforests of the earth... I made this authentic grass skirt whilst hiking with the Junior Hai babies on a hike called "swinging bridges". It's really easy: You first grab large green leaves as you walk along the path. You can also enlist the help of other hands along the way. Secondly, you proceed to tuck the end of the leaves into your shorts at the top. Thirdly, fold the leaf down over your waistband. Lastly, grab a large stick, a native hawaiian flower, and take a step off the path and pose for an authentic, native 'Hiker' picture.

No one can deny your ruggedness. I dare for people to deny mine.

The skirt is pretty functional. I jumped over streams of rushing water, walked along shakey bridges, and even sat down for a picnic lunch in forest, using my leaves as an shield from those diasterous peanut butter and jelly drips from my sandwich.

I am confident that one day, my children's children's children will look at these photos and say, "Our great great grandmother Whitney was one rugged fool." And I will look from heaven and say, "Yes, children, it is so. Fulfill the legacy."

I'm Wearing my Peacock Feather Earrings

2010-10-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

Whenever I wear my peacock feather earrings, I feel free and happy:

These two photos make me happy for two reasons: First of all, the very thought of my beloved sister Michelle and the love of my life Chris hanging out with a beaver named Buccee at an epic gas station in Texas called "Buc-cee's" makes my heart soar with the thought of the deep-rooted memories. And, lastly, Tiffany, my good friend, works at the school many of my kids go to. They can't believe that me and "Miss Wyrick" are best friends, and they feel as if they need to let me know, in hushed tones, "Whitney, Miss Wyrick thinks she is a rapper!"

I've been reading this book on Grace called "What's So Amazing About Grace" by Philip Yancy. This book sat in the back window of Chris's car for over 7 months, and so the pink cover is now a pale manilla color, and the pages look like the paper the Declaration of Independence was written on.

But regardless, i am reading it, and it makes me cry each time I read it. I mean, I'm not a cry-er, but for some reason, the small glimpses I get of the grace of God overwhelm me.

I'm such a baby.

I love reading books on sin. You know, the books that talk about God's wrath and the righteousness and holiness the bride of Christ needs to achieve, but will always fall short. And I know the gospel and Romans and the truth that we can't to anything to deserve the GIFT OF GOD.

Whatever. I knew i was a very good member of the pure bride of Christ. Check out my list:

1. I never kissed ANYONE before 11 months ago, with the man i plan on marrying soon.

2. I quit Varsity Basketball so i could pursue other clubs to put me in contact with non-believers.

3. I lead small groups and taught Sunday school when i was 15 years old.

4. I have over 15 journals over the span of 10 years of my life.

5. I spent my college career leading a Christian Soriority and discipled junior high students through the local church.

6. I now do full time ministry working for a church.

7. I listen to top 40 music and read magazines for the soul purpose of research...

I won't go on. I feel prideful already, and that is not the point.

But when I stare in the face of Christ, and look at the example of pure, undivided forgiveness and love in the body of Jesus, I can't help but see that I pale in comparison. I don't just pale, but I dissapate.

It's not the standard of Christ that makes us love him. It's the grace of Christ that makes us obsessively lovesick for him.

I look at some of the favorite people im my life, and i see a pattern:

My sister Michelle: the sacrificial lamb of our family. She always took the fall for me, and she allowed me to make so much fun of her. And yet, she still answers the phone when I call...

My boyfriend Chris: let's be honest, i'm not the easiest person to date. I'm a picky eater, I hate the cold, and i tend to rant about various issues that really don't have any importance in the long run. And yet, he still is dating me, and still tells me how much he loves me.

My friend Tiffany: Her honesty is refreshing. She sees things in a different way than anyone else. I see joy in her that I don't see in anyone else. She is creative, and although she could be hanging out with a million other cool cats on the island, she chooses to surf with me, and share with me the deep lockers of her soul.

My friend and mentor, Marla: I can do no wrong in Marla's eyes. No matter how many confessions, rants, issues, or mess-ups I claim, Marla always tells me I'm doing just fine.

Never before has the idea that the Lord's KINDNESS brings us to redemption become so real. I want to love these people because of the Grace they offer me.

I think that's why this book gets to me. Never does it talk, in detail, about how our sins are such a hindrance to God, but he puts up with it to get to us. Instead, it speaks of a kind God, a good God, who has limitless love and gives us his grace without complaint or hesitation.

These are a few of my babies. I love them so much. And my prayer is that I will always teach them about the gospel of grace, and never lead them to think they will ever be good enough or earn the love of God.

The notion of God's love coming to us free of chare, no strings attached, seems to go against every instick of humanity. The Buddhist's eight-fold path, the Hindu doctrine of Karma, the Jewish covenant, and Muslim code of law- each of these offers a way to earn approval. On Christianity dares to make God's love unconditional... (My book on Grace)

How Job's Woes led me back...

2010-10-20T12:14:00.001-07:00

I used to love this blog. I'd use it as a canvas for my brilliant ideas, which EVERYONE was to read and the very words would change lives. People would read my intelligent, reasonable, and witty writings, and think to themselves, "Genius! How did I not see that before?"

Soon, I realized my prideful attitude in the blogging realm, and I resorted to the internal reflection offered by private journaling in a quiet, secretive place, all alone. And during this period of exile from the wed world, I went through 4 journals: a cute, colorful one, a plain black small one, a "Life Journal" with cloud pages, and a big, black sketch book filled with graph paper. And now, I am in the middle of 2 journals: a big, black one with wide-ruled pages (a love literary work for the love of my life, Chris Blyth, who now is currently, but momentarily, residing in England) and a beautiful "crafty" Prayer Journal made for me by my friend Aunty Jean (I use this one to do assignments from the Bible I give to my small group girls.)
However, I have decided to return here, partially because I hate not finishing something I started, and partially due to pride (my friend Brynn has a blog, and my writings pale in comparison to her humor.) But I would love to explain how the WOES OF JOB brought me back to this place...

Yes, this man is super hot, and he is all mine. I'm not going to get into our love story, the one that God wrote for us, and is still writing for us (that sounds so lame. I should write a Christian dating book).

I've started reading Job this week. I'm thrilled God brought me to this book AFTER my depression. So many people go all emo and decide to read Job to make them feel better. I believe Ecclesiastes would be a better fit for the Emos of the world. But I am in Job, and after my two and a half week "depression period", I find Job to be enlightening and entertaining.

Job's friends tell Job that he deserves what he is getting for his sin, but God calls Job a man of integrity from the beginning. And while we see the whole picture, reading this centuries later, and "knowing" what God is doing with Job, it's easy to want to tell Job, "Oh, Job...calm yourself down. God is in control."

Job is the most gut-wrenching, desperate, painful literature written. The honesty and intensity of his words stab me into the depths of my heart. And his woes are so honest and so pure and so seeking truth.

It reminds me of Christ on the cross. Christ doesn't DOUBT God, when he says, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" but rather expressing abandonment.

We all feel abandoned sometimes.
This picture was taken the night Chris left for England, a little over 3 weeks ago. I remember, after he got on that plane, thinking to myself, "THIS IS NOT HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE. Why me? Why am I now abandoned?"

I only take the parts in Job where Job talks as "truth". This may be a bit small-minded, but I don't like his friends. I think they are shallow, and that they can be compared to Snooki, JWOW, and The Situation on Jersey Shore on MTV. (No, Mom, i don't watch that garbage... only for "cultural awareness")

Job 9:33-35: "If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both, somone to remove God's rod from me, so that is terror would frighten me no more. Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot"

I just like how Job recognizes the problem, his problem, the ULTIMATE problem: there is chasm between God and people. We don't know God's mind.

But here is the hope: Jesus is that mediator between God and man, and now we can approach the throne of grace with CONFIDENCE.

We can be like Job and be truthful with God.

I want to be truthful right here and right now. I buy coffee from the Minit Stop across the parking lot, and sit in Starbucks. I'm not a patron of Starbucks, but I'm using their internet. And, also, my earphones aren't working anymore, but i put them in my ears so people won't talk to me.

I so have a pastor's heart.

Ehhhh, just because.

2009-10-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

I just really like these pictures of friends, and my name. It's been such a good year thus far for me here in Maui...seeing as I'm on my 2nd year of being here. Wow. It totally amazes me to see that when I thought I'd be here for a year, has turned into a second year. I'm always telling God that if I forget how blessed I am at any moment, he has my permission to slap me in the face.

I'm getting pretty dang excited about the holiday season, and here is why: When I was fifteen, and just discovered the goodness that is Starbucks, I bought a Charlie Brown Christmas CD. I love this CD. Seriously. It is the most played on my iTunes. I play it year round---it is just my happy place.

With the holiday seasons around, i feel less of a loser for listening to it. I really like the little boy voices of the choir, as well as the instrumental rendition of that crazy cartoon boy we call Charlie Brown and his rag-tag gang.

I also really like the ready availability of candy corn.

My goal for this holiday season is to see someone famous, too. Perhaps me and that famous person will sit down at the shops of Wailea, listen to my Charlie Brown Christmas music, and eat some candy corn.

Now THAT would be a Holiday dream come true.

Preggers, air pollution, shark attacks, and MTV shows

2009-10-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

First of all, I am not pregnant. Neither are any of my junior highers. The only person I know who is preggers at the moment is my sister Jackie. Kate Ann is holding on to her premie self and waiting for December to get here so that she can blow that popsicle joint she calls home (aka Jackie's womb) and opt for the world of air pollution, shark attacks, and retarded MTV shows. I promise to protect her from all three.

First of all, last night I was having some delicious chocolate milk with my dear friend and sister in the faith Rio at Denny's (our "serious convo" hotspot of sweet nourishment). I was waiting outside for Rio to come upstairs to Denny's (yes, our Denny's in Maui is on the second story) and I was reading this book Dateable, which, by the way, is the stupidest Christian teen dating book I've ever read. Kate Ann WILL NOT read this...

So I'm sitting on story 2 waiting for Rio, when I get this gross waft of weed in my nostrils. Mind you, I never knew what weed smelt like until I came to Maui, but now I know...aka Maui Wowie. My nostrils began to burn, I had to cough, and I realized that if I inhale, my breath will probably be so rancid, I would have to down a good 4 cups of chocolate milk to even feel remotely comfortable with the stench in my mouth. I was very upset at this invasion of my breath-privacy. I strongly believe only I should have the right to dictate how I want my breath to smell...do i want people to talk to me? I'll have an altoid. Do I want to kill the whole western world? I won't brush my teeth that morning. I have a dream, that one day, all people will be free to choose the flavor of their breath.

KATE ANN, I WILL FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT TO CLEAN AIR.

On to number two of what I vow to protect Kate Ann from: shark attacks.

You see, here on Maui this past Monday, my favorite surf spot had sighted a shark. An old paddleboarder man, i believe, was biten by a shark at 6amish in the morning. The scary thing is, I was surfing there the night before.

Sharks like to feed a dawn, dusk, and night. However, my momma says that sharks don't care what time of day it is, they will eat you at any time. Momma, you grew up in Indiana, i do not take heed of anything you say regarding oceans and sharks. (I say respectfully and in love).

Yesterday, two days after the shark attack, i went surfing at that very spot again...and I SAW THE SHARK!

OK, i lie. No shark spotting, but it was super adrenaline rush surfing there, keeping a weary eye out for a shark. there were others, too, and I made sure they were further out than me.

KATE ANN, I VOW TO KEEP YOU AWAY FROM SHARKS. YOU WILL NOT DIE A DEATH FROM SHARK-EATING.

Now on to what I really want to talk about, and this will all come full circle. I don't have problems with preggo people. In fact, although I do not want to become a preggo person, I admire preggers with the utmost respect. The very idea of something living inside of me kinda freaks me out. But I will say that the miracle of birth has me entrigued, enchanted, and willing to research and observe at the appropriate distance.

God is incredible...we are so complex and babies are soooooooo little. Like, woah.

However, I do have problems with present day media re-enforcing and exploiting the "coolness" and "frequency", and, dare I say, the "acceptability" of being pregnant as a teen...

We get into the age-old question of: does media reflect or influence society? It's both...good, glad that's settled....

I really have a problem with MTV's show "16 and pregnant" and, most importantly, "Secret Life of an American Teenager". Yes, I understand that more and more of today's youth are refusing to follow God's perfect plan of abstitence and purity until marriage and instead walking in disobedience. Yes, I understand we "live in a fallen world", "it's only to get worse from here", and "times have changed"....but God's truth doesn't. While we let children go around having children, we are not LOVING those children who are become mommas. If we loved them, we would show them the fullness of life God has for them....

In the meantime, these shows show, not only that it happens all the time, but that it is "cool" to have children at a young age. Especially Secret Life, which shows that even though she has a baby, she can still do everyday things...no consequences...keep having sex, doing the school thing, living as if nothing has changed...

Grace, the token "christian girl" on the show, even goes as far to make a pledge of abstience, but then breaks it with her boyfriend, and then teaches a church class on abstience again, making light of it all.

KATE ANN, YOU WILL NOT WATCH MTV OR SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER. YOU WILL ONLY WATCH TBN AND PBS AND MAYBE, IF YOU ARE LUCKY, AN EPISODE OF THE BACHELORETTE, JUST SO I CAN SHOW YOU HOW SHALLOW PEOPLE ARE.

Thanks, Jacks, for letting me use you and Kate Ann as my muse for this post. I'll send you the royality check later...or maybe a Charley's pancake.

Listening

2009-07-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

My junior high babies have gotten me so excited to share my faith.

Not just with junior highers...because I work with them. But with people my own age.

You see, it's easy for me to share my faith to twelve and thirteen year olds. I'm cool. I'm 22. They're lame. They're twelve. See my point?

But recently, I've been desiring deep convos with people my age, people fresh out of college, struggling to figure out life and reality and all that goes on with it. People like me. I want to tell them about the love of God, how deep and rich it is. I want to bring others aboard the lifesaving ship of Jesus.

Maybe I got a little bit over excited there and over dramatic, but my point still stands. I want to share Christ with others.

I've been reading this book called Letters from a Skeptic. It's by this guy named Greg Boyd who works at Bethel School of Ministry in Cali. Anyways, he and his dad began this letter correspondence in 1988 with open dialogue about God, Jesus, the bible, and Christians. His dad didn't believe in the whole "faith thing" and Greg was open with wanting to answer his questions.

I've been a growing believer my whole life and I've never seen the love of God presented in such a way. Things I've always just taken to be took on meaning. Things like the fairness of God, or how the bible is the "word of God". I'm all vamped up.

But the most intriguing part of the book was that Greg never preached at his dad. He never went off on a tangent or talked about how ridiculous is was to NOT believe in God. Instead, he listened to the questions of a man confused by the world's view, and answered them according to God's view.

Listening.

I can't do that. I'm too good at talking. I'm too good at defending. I'm too good at making up the next funny joke or clever come-back. Listening?

I'm not going to give away the end of the book...whatever, you won't really read it, but Greg's dad becomes a believer 2 years later. And the letters were published in a book. And skeptics have been coming to know the love of God since then.

Because a son LISTENED to the questions of his dad.

I read another article today, similar to the Letters from a Skeptic. This article was called, "Lessons from Pete" (https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=77249).

Pete was this guy that the author sat by on a plane for 2 hours, and for 2 hours, the author just listened to Pete talk about his life and his obstacles to believing in Jesus. By the end of the conversation, Pete said it was the most meaningful conversation he had ever had.

The author quotes this guy named Francis Shaeffer. Shaeffer said that if he was given one hour with a person who he didn't know and who didn't know Christ, he would spend the first 55 minutes concentrating on listening and the last 5 minutes giving the person a biblical truth that somehow applied to what he had heard during the first 55 minutes.

Do I do that? Nope. As previously mentioned, I am the last finisher in the race of listeners. I tune out and peace out mentally.

So that's something for me to work on listening...if I want to share the gospel, maybe it's not about verbally giving. Maybe its about being. Being there to listen. Being there to care. Just being there like Christ was there.

And it's the love of God, the "being there", that draws people into a relationship with the Creator of the Universe.

All that to say, pray for me, that I may have opportunities to listen to a hurting and dying world.

A Revived Passion

2009-07-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've developed a new passion for researching our culture.

I've normally gotten very involved in the culture and media of the day, but as I've drawn closer to the Lord these past months, I've realized that what I need to do is "research" this culture, and not truly get involved.

I'm trying to teach this to my junior highers. Check out that blog to see more:

http://rootedjuniorhai.blogspot.com

Hume Lake 2009

2009-06-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

I did it and i survived. I took 20 junior highers to California for Hume Lake last week.

My rockstar 7th graders using their free time to practice on their guitars.

All my Maui Babies!

It was freezing. Check out Maile's shaka! We so repped maui!

On the way to Paintball!

Noa on the high ropes.

Check out kayla's face. My all time favorite picture. Kayla wanted to kill me for putting her and Noa together for the crab walk.

My boss is the best boss! This is Marla's 13th year at Hume...and her last!

Joshua with Noa and Tristan

My gorgeous girls.

Duh. We had to take a jumping pic.

Vini's first time on the mainland. He loved being a clown.

Oh my gosh i love my boys.

Chandler green as a clown.

Girls in a canoe. Go Maui!

Notes on my Desk from People...

2009-06-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

"Not Cool, Whitney, Not Cool..." on my Miley Cyrus Got Milk poster

"Fact: .0004 percent of jr. high relationships end in marriage"

"Bringing Awkward Back. Jr. High Ministry Smells"

"Whitney, you smell" -Daniel Mauck on my "Whitney, you're a star" poster. "weeeeeeeeeeeeeee" written on an orange sticky note

Dear Pomergrante person: yo thanks a bunches 4 da cutie holder and glasses I heart them! TTYL love you lots like cheeze Kayla

"Whitney...you suck"

You are beautiful just the way you are

Fact: 4:1 is the ratio of cologne squirts to exposed square inch of a junior high kid.

And lastly:

Whitney, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. I love you. Love always, your secret admirer (Puff...shhhhhhh!)

My desk looks like a kindergartener decorated it. But when can i say? I keep EVERYTHING! I'll post more, and maybe even some pics!

When your Ipod battery dies...

2009-05-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

Were you ever in a situation where you were by yourself and to make yourself look cool, you'd pretend to be talking on the phone, when really, you were just holding a cell phone to your ear without anyone on the other end?

I did. Multiple times. And sadly, I still do. Only on desperate occasions.

Today, I did it. Except, it was with an ipod.

I was at Starbucks this morning, doing the Christian thing: drinking a coffee and having quiet time. I was listening to some Robbie Seay on my ipod, totally in the groove, when, ALL OF A SUDDEN, the ipod turned off. That can only mean one thing:

I ran out of batteries.

No longer was I cozy and snug in my insulated ipod earbud world. I was suddenly aware of the music, the talking, the beeping of microwaves, the mixing of blenders, and the opening of doors...

But i didn't want to join just yet...

so yes. I sat with the ipod earbuds in my ear for a long time without music.

Just thought I'd share.

John 15- Abide in Me

2009-04-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

I have a confession. Scripture is clear that confessing our sins to one another is good. It's what we are supposed to do. So here I go:

I haven't spent time in the Word faithfully this month.

Man, I wish I could have said just today. Or just this week. But it's a month.

Sure, I've had spouts of time with Lord here and there this month. But it's been a crazy month, and I've ignored my heavenly Daddy. I've avoided my Creator. I've skipped out on my Savior. I've completely dismissed my perfect Lover.

The longer I stayed away from really spending time with the Lord in prayer and in fellowship and thru the word, the more I felt like He was going to smite me. You know, that feeling you get when you know you are guilty and I was ready for punishment and wrath. I was waiting for bad news to occur. I was waiting for my personal life to crumble. I was waiting for my ministry to collapse, because I was doing it all on my own strength and not with His.

I'm really humilitated in writing this. I hate saying that I've been doing ministry without the Only True Minister. But God exalts the humble, and brings down the proud. How I cling to that promise.

However, even when I was not being sustained by God, he still sustained me. Do you see the faithfulness? He could have easily stated, "Whitney, you have not looked my way or spent time with me in such a long time. It's time for you to get what you deserve." But he didn't. It's his kindness that leads us to repentance, right? How true it is.

The story is not a sad one. I wanted to confess because I did what I had to do. Have you ever known what to do, and people tell you what to do, but you refuse to do it? And then, when you do it, you kick yourself because you were so RETARDED not to do it in the first place? Sometimes, my internal Whitney is not my favorite person.

I finally sat in the Lord's presence, uninterupted and undistracted, yesterday afternoon. It's like a hot shower after a day spent in the cold. He did not disappoint. He did not hold back. He was relentless in consuming me, as if I had never left His side. What is this love? And why does my flesh flee from this love so often?

The Lord brought me to two passages. One of them was John 15---i am the vine, you are the branches. The part that totally brought me to my knees was "apart from me, you can do nothing." In one moment, one glorious encounter with the Living Word, I broke and recognized that i never want to be apart from that vine. I want to bear so much fruit...fruit that lasts. This is Delaney. I love this baby girl. I don't remember what fruit this is she has, but it's fruit! But to bear fruit, I have to ABIDE.

So I sat and contemplated the word "abide". I didn't have a cool greek dictionary thing or my laptop...or even my mom to talk to about it. I just prayed God would give me a word picture. You know...a picture that describes a word?

Here is what the Lord gave me:

I was sitting at a potter's wheel and I was molding something. I think I was trying to mold a pot, only it looked nothing like a pot. It looked completely indistinguishable and useless. I was getting frustrated. I started to cry. No matter how hard I tried to move my hands to make this pot, I was failing.

Then, I saw and felt these big hands come over mine, and I instantly recognized this hands as my Heavenly Daddy. He at first placed his hands over mine and I instantly surrendered my control over to him. Then, I saw my hands physically melt into his hands. We were one. I was abiding in Him. And it was then I looked at my pot, but I don't remember seeing it. It didn't matter. My hands were in my Daddy's hands, and I was amazed.When Jackie came in February, Shelley and her granddaughter DeLaney came with us hiking at a place called "swinging bridges". It had these swinging bridges that were kind of scary. DeLaney was definitely not so sure of herself going on this bridge, so Shelley grabbed her hands and guided her across.

Abiding. DeLaney was abiding in her Grammy. Their hands became one. Just like me at the potters wheel with my Daddy.

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Keep praying for me that I will abide. The second thing the Lord showed me was that He was my Hiding Place. So rich.

My friend Lori prayed for me for rich times in the Word. It has been rich. I will take it one day at a time, walking with my Daddy. He is so good.

Maui=Love

2009-04-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

There really isn't much i really need or want to say today. For the most part, God is teaching me how retarded and ridiculous i am without him. I've been reading through Judges (just finished) and by far, Gideon spoke the most to me. In fact, I just went to Starbucks with this incredible 7th grade girl named Kayla and we both agreed that Gideon was retarded without God working in him (http://rootedjuniorhai.blogspot.com to read about Kayla :)

I've learned a lot about love recently, too. Loving people comes easy to me...when it's easy. You know what I mean? I love to love. I'm really good at loving. But when I don't want to love, I really suck at it. When I don't rely on the Lord to work in me, I can't love. I PHYSICALLY can't love. I just want to sleep...but He calls me to love with HIS love. Not mine. So, again, I'm retarded without Him working in me.

I've been on some wicked cool adventures recently. I rode on a yacht. I saw whales 20 feet away...for forty minutes they played by the yacht. I went on a bike ride to Oprah's house. That was sick. I've been running on the beach at sunset. Each sunset is so different from the last. It's hard to explain it. You'd think you'd be sick of seeing the sunset, but each time i run, I'm in awe of the sky and the Creator of that sky. As my ipod bounces music and my feet slap the sand, I stare in amazement at the dipping sun, and i think to myself, "really, God, as if you didn't blow me away yesterday." It's an incredibly romantic relationship, God and I. I'm physically doing well. I got sick a little bit back, but it was just mucus caught in my chest. You know that phlemmy delicious snort-cough? I had that for about 2 weeks. It was super attractive. I'm back, though, and ready for action. Haven't surfed in a while, but will soon, i feel it. I'm just waiting for wickedly huge waves to rip on...yep, to rip on.

I miss my sisters like woah this month for some reason. I feel like i've just missed out on Michelle and Mandy completely. There are some moments here in Maui when I wish they could be here and share them with me. Like this rainbow I saw upcountry:

You're probably like, "That's not maui." But oh yes, it is. Many sides of maui are never seen. But back to my sisters. Mandy is getting accepted into colleges, buying prom dresses, prepping for graduation celebrations...and Michelle is totally thriving in san antonio with her peeps, trying new things, and getting ready to intern at Sagemont (keep the tradition alive, sister. branscome girls dominate). I'm contemplating coming home for camp this year, seeing as I will be living here in maui for another 2 and a half years. I would love to come to camp, for the sole purpose of seeing my sisters.

One random memory: i love snuggling with my sisters. they always complain about my prickly leg hairs. seriously--it's not my fault my leg hairs are thick and dark. But I miss annoying them with my leg hairs. oh, sisthers.

I'm going to finish this random post with a video of my dear friend Josh cliff jumping at a height greater than 75 feet. John is the one filming. I wasn't there. I preferred to chill on the sea-level beach while they decided to cheat death. I think this video is funny because of how Josh screams....enjoy!

Ula writes me a song on his ukelele

2009-04-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

Keola reminds me of my sister Michelle.

Anyways, I call Keola "Ula", like Ula from 50 First Dates (such a Hawaiian movie, and one of my favorites ever). He is a rugged Hawaiian. He likes to go diving and body boarding, and he loves to play the ukelele. He's really good at it and has a great voice, if i do say so myself. I am partial, because he's my little brother.

My favorite line is, "She drives a rugged van that looks like one homeless man".

So true. So talented. Enjoy.

Maui Sunsets...

2009-04-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Wow. I've been in Maui for 7 months. That's crazy. I remember this time last year, I had applied for the position at Hope Chapel. Everything else in my life was a MESS. But God totally had a plan. I remember interviewing with Brandon, and then getting a phone call from Sam asking me to choose between junior high and high school...and then, April 6th, I was offered the Junior High Intern position. Wow. A year ago! This post isn't meant to be super reflective...more just like a little update and some fun pictures. God has blessed me so much in one year. From not knowing what i was doing to being here, knowing that God has it all under control.

I like the pirate life.

God is good. All the time.

Girls Purity Retreat in Keanae

2009-03-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

These are my favorite pictures from our Girls Purity Retreat in Keanae in February. Sometimes, words aren't needed. Just pictures. Enjoy:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:30

Fave Pics of February

2009-02-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

February was a BEAUTIFUL month, compared to last year...here are my favorite moments captured in photographs... The boys at Movie Night- A BIG success! What gangstas. Michael, Tristan, and Jameson.

My girls on our way to our Girls Purity Retreat (more on that later). Kayla and Janae are my girls since the beginning. Kayla loves reading books on growing up; she would kill me if she knew i was writing that. I gave her this book called the "Girls Guide to Life". She read it in 2 days. 7th grader with a huge personality. And Janae is an 8th grader with the maturity of a 20 year old. No lie.

Luke, Evan, and Noa with their gloves on. They served hot dogs and popcorn at our movie night. Look at Luke's smile! They are such a handfull!

My family :) Dickie, Marla, and Cade, all enjoying the movie. Cade is such a little lion.

My baby sister Zoe LOVES kisses from me! I love this picture so much! So much love!!

Sassy girls on the way to Keanae for our retreat!

that's right. We are a bunch of trouble. I love this pic- it totally looks like a band shot! Just another month in Maui :)

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

Nothing Like A Little Maui Beach Baptism

2009-02-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

Every 4 months, Hope Chapel has a baptism on the beach for people who, well, want to be baptized. It's such a sick time (sick meaning super amazing) because people are coming to the ocean to proclaim that they are following Jesus. It's been really cool for me too, because I've gotten to think through baptism and answer questions, like, "What is baptism?" and "Why do I want to get baptized?". Some good stuff.

A week before baptism, I was hanging out at my family's house (the Tezaks) and I was explaining that I was excited for Baptism coming up. My baby sister Zoe (8 years old) then said, "You know, I think I might want to get baptized!". It was so sweet. I got out my bible, and Lori, Kenze, Zoe, and I began to read about baptism and why we do it. We talked about Christ getting baptized and what it symbolizes for us. Zoe was super attentive and soaked it all in. Look at how adorable she is (the day of the baptism):

From Zoe's curiousity, Mackenze started thinking about getting baptized. This was such a cool thing for me, because my prayer for her recently is that she would be bold with her faith. Getting baptized is a big deal. But Lori and I agreed that we didn't want her to do it just because Zoe was, and we didn't want her to not do it because Zoe was (understand?). I prayed all that week that the Lord would speak to her heart and allow her to make her own decision. I knew in my heart that on Monday she would be baptized...

Monday arrived and it was Lori's birthday! here is me doing my job that day, with Lori by my side. Isn't she beautiful? I love her so.

Zoe went to the children's meeting, while Zoe and I sat with high school. I just wanted her to sit to see if maybe she'd make a decision (I knew she would!). Here is Chandler and me (a 7th grade boy who already got baptized before coming to Maui): After the meeting, Kenze decided to get baptized (like I knew she would!). I was so stoked as she filled out her card, and i couldn't wait for Lori to know. Kenze was so ready. I knew the Lord was moving in her heart. I also knew she was a bit nervous, but no one could tell but me. I prayed over her, asking the Lord to bless her life for His glory and to continue to make her into a woman after His heart. As we headed to the beach for worship beforehand, I thanked the Lord over and over for her and her life.

On the beach for worship, I held my sweet sister and sang songs to the Lord. I love this pic:

We headed into the water to watch Zoe get baptized first. It was so awesome: Aunty Toni, Chris, Josh, Kenze, and I stood by her side as she was in the water. Aunty Toni said some sweet stuff about the girls, and I wished Lori could be there to hear. Then down Zoe went, as I cried under my Aviators :)
Next, it was Kenze's turn:
I love that picture of all of us! It was such a celebration!!!!!!!!!!!!! My baby sisters were baptized!!!!

As we walked out of the water, I felt so proud and so full! I couldn't wait for the girls to hug their momma. I kept thinking about how faithful our God is.Here is my family (minus Tom, who was the amazing photographer all day!) I love them so much, it hurts. Praise the Lord for rebirth, new life, and salvation! I'm so thankful for this family and the blessing they are in my life. My prayer is that I would be a faithful discipler to these girls, my baby sisters, and that I would be a blessing to the Tezak family, although I could never bless them the amount they bless me!

Don't be jealous. My sisters were baptized in Maui.

Simple Salvation?

2009-02-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

I recently asked my junior high girls what they needed to do to get into heaven.

"I need to prove my faith and devotion to God more before I can go to heaven."

Another girl said, "I need to pray more and probably go to church more. Then I can go to heaven."

"But it's so easy," I said as I proceeded to share the gospel. But as I was sharing the gospel, I realized it wasn't as easy as it sounds.

Here is God. And here is man. And man sucks. Like, we really suck. And in comparison to God, we suck more and more, probably the most anything has ever sucked. We want to go to heaven, to get out of this hell-hole of life. Problem is that God can only have the perfect be with him in his perfect heaven. That is some bad news, considering we've already established we suck.

But God, being super loving and kind, sent his Son, Jesus. And Jesus was God in the flesh. Jesus walked earth, living a perfect-God life, showing us how to live the way God wants us to live. Then, they killed him on a cross. And when they killed him, God accepted that death as payment for us sucking so bad. The best part is, when Jesus died, he rose again and he lives today in heaven, with the Father.

The only thing we have to do is believe that when Jesus, who was God's Son, died on the cross, it saved us from our own sins like Jesus said it would. When we believe Jesus was who he said he was, we are completely changed and we live like He did. We love him and obey his commands. We have a life, full of God living in us and with us, knowing we will be with him forever in heaven.

The thing is, I can't wrap my mind around salvation. God's given me some amazing opportunities to share the gospel with people lately, and I've realized that I can't explain it. Salvation is a mystery to me. The whole thing. It really puzzles me. Questions like, "When does salvation occur? What does it mean to believe? Is there a part of salvation you don't really need to be saved?"

All these questions stem from my junior highers, asking me some amazingly-puzzling questions. Like Camy, an 8th grade Jehovah-Witness/Christian mix who comes to bible study. Or Rio, a 7th grade girl who didn't believe in God until she came to our Junior High Christmas Party, heard the song "Wonderful, Merciful Savior" and asked me for a bible. She wants to know if she has to do more to be saved...

Maybe the gospel isn't meant to be so simple. Sure, Christ died on the cross for us, and that statement is simple in grammatical terms. But conceptually, the gospel is way complicated. I hate that I can't understand it simply or put it into simple themes and ideas for my kids. I guess that's why it says that we don't save people, God saves people. God draws people to himself and he shows them himself. He doesn't need us to explain it all. He does it. I can't even explain my own salvation. Personal relationship...and it starts when God himself reveals who he is to a person.

I came across this verse the other day in Matt. 8:36 "For the Son has set you free, you are free indeed." The very words of Jesus. The Son has set me free, and I am free, indeed. Free from the bondage of sin, worry, guilt, hatred...free from myself. Free from the world. I don't fully understand the prison-break, or why the prison-break occured, but I know that I am free.

"On that wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree,
on a beautiful, scandalous night, you and me
are atoned by his blood and forever washed white.
On a beautiful, scandalous night..."

Continue to pray for the harvest and for workers.

Kimmie and Vini do Laundry

2009-01-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

Everyday choices I have encountered recently:
*Milk or Orange juice?
*Regular or super?
*Window up or down?
*Read Nicholas Sparks or Brennan Manning?
*Pink marker or purple?
*Recycle or not?
*Do i have time?
*Is it worth it?
*What if....

I'm a little overwhelmed by all these everyday choices. I was never very decisive. Opinionate, yes. Decisive...only on the outside. The internal thought process kills me.

These are things I think about while sitting in Janna's office before church on Sunday morning.

Faithful

2009-01-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

God is Faithful. What does that truly mean? Faithful. God is. I've been saying that a lot to people who need encouragement. And I've been wondering if I really believe that... I do. I look back at where I was a year from today, and I realize that God never abandoned me. He promised he would be a rock and refuge, and he has. He promised that he would place my feet on a firm rock...put me in a spacious place. And he has. He has been faithful for 22 years of my life. Why would he forsake me now? It goes against his character. I've seen the Lord's faithfulness in my ministry. My junior high babies are growing up so strong and steady in their faith. I love being around them. They challenge me in my ideas about God and the Word. Above all, they give me great joy. When I left college station in May, I was very depressed about leaving my 7th graders. But again, God has been faithful in giving me his children to love on and be loved on by.

Dani is one of my "new" girls. I met her at Lokelani through my old girls. She just turned 13 and had never had a birthday party. Her friends and I took her out to celebrate. She has been such a blessing in my life. She's still trying to figure this whole faith thing out, but the more I hang out with her, the more I see the Lord working on her. She's a riot.

Lastly, a new blessing in my life has been these 7th grade girls. Honestly, at the beginning of this year, we had close to NONE 7th grade girls. Now, these cute chicks are rolling into junior high every Sunday night. I eat lunch with them at school on Thursdays. No doubt God is going to use these girls mightly.
Last sunday night, our junior highers watched a clip from Lee Strobels' Case for a Creator. At first, I thought the information would be way over their heads, but I really wanted them to be exposed to some scientific evidence about God. My students always surprise me. They were able to grasp more than I thought. We watched a clip about Darwinism and evolution. After proving that there is NO WAY evolution could have been the cause for creation and the species, I asked the question, "Okay, now what? You know all this information, what are you going to do about it?"

Tristan, one of our 7th grade boys, said, "Read the bible." Thinking he was being smart alleck, I said, "why?"

"It's God's Word."

"But what's the big deal about that," I asked back.

"Because. It's true. We just saw that."

God is true. And faithful.

Christmas Time in Maui

2008-12-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

I will be heading home for Christmas on Tuesday night, around 9pm...And I'm excited, sure. However, Christmas in Maui is so amazing. It's not cold, or cozy. But it is warm and exciting. They do it up big here. Parties galore! It's only been like 2 weeks into the Christmas season, and everyone is already full swing into it!

We had Rio's Christmas party the other night at Marla's house. No chips and salsa this time, only celery and humus. I love this girl Rio. I'll be talking a lot about her on Wednesday night at Sagemont Youth.

Again, Christmas lights, palm trees, and a Hawaiian sunset. Do I really live here? It's funny, because now that I know I'll be going home for a little bit, I'm trying to soak up every second and every sight here. I was driving to work today, and the mountains caught my breath for the first time in about 3 weeks. I'm going to miss just running to the beach whenever I want, or looking into the ocean to see other islands, or even looking to the middle of the island and seeing a green mountain. I was already taking things for granted, and I've only been here 3 months.

Vini, Kimmie, and I went to the Ritz Carlton the other night to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree. Santa and the elves parachuted from helicopter. It was amazing. The Ritz is pretty dang classy.

I'm going to miss my Maui family over Christmas. True true.

Oh Marla...

2008-12-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

When I first arrived here in Maui, at the airport in Kahului, Lacey and Shaun picked me up. It was great to see them, and I was EXHAUSTED from my long flight and OVERWHELMED, because, hey, I just moved to a new state across the Pacific Ocean. We get to baggage claim, and I see this group of 3 high school girls, one really tall guy, and a short, tan woman. The short tan woman called out my name. "Whitney? Whitney?" And I looked at this woman, my mind racing and kind of freaked out, and I said, "Yes?" to which she embraced me with a short scream. The rest is a blur...that enthusiastic woman ended up being my "boss", Marla McManus, Jr. High Director.

However, the word "boss" is sooooooooooooo inappropriate to describe this woman. Marla is my rock. She is my encouragement. She is my inspiration. She is my sunlight and my best friend. She is my laughter. She is my wisdom. If it wasn't for Marla being here, I would not make it. She's been with Hope Chapel as the Youth Director for 20 years. 20 years!!! Like when it actually started. She's the joy behind Hope. EVERYONE loves and adores Marla. Especially me. I've never learned so much about ministry like I do from Marla.

She is the most generous person I know. She is the best listener. She is an amazing mentor. She LOVES young people and makes them leaders. She finds the best gifts in people and then coaxes the gift out of them so they can realize their full potential. LORD, i love her so much! Thank you for her! Marla is BIG on family. She cut her hours at the church to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. This is Cade, the oldest grandbaby. They spend every Wednesday and Friday together (lucky kid). Marla also just got a new grandbaby (Josiah) and another on the way (Cade's brother/sister!). She has two beautiful girls, too! Her joy is her family. And the best part: she considers ME family. It's too much!

Marla is also Portegee. She's Portuguese. So is Vini. They get along so well :) Here they are dancing. Marla ALWAYS dances. ALWAYS. It's so fun to be crazy with her. She's so hot.

We could totally be mother/daughter. We are SOUL SISTERS. When my heart is with hers, I feel complete. It's like looking at myself in a mirror: heart and all. Her passion is mine. She's ME 20 years down the line. I can only hope and pray!

Marla and her husband Dickie. They have SUCH an amazing testimony. He owns a pool cleaning business here, and is probably the most knowledgable person about Hawaii. Seriously. This is my family. Really, Lord, how did I get so lucky?

I write this today because I just spent 2 hours at this AMAZING spa with Marla, getting pedi-s and massages. She treats me like a princess. She is another angel for me here in Maui. I'm so grateful to the Lord for her!

Quick

2008-12-03T17:28:00.000-08:00

I have 7th grade girls bible study in 10 minutes... I'm still a Texas girl. I love that chips and salsa.

Lately, I've been in a place where I'm trying to just sit and reflect on what the heck God is doing in my life. I've realized that I have not had time to meditate on how I got to this place in my life. I go running a majority of the mornings (I was going to say EVERY morning, but let's be honest, I don't) and I've tried to take different aspects of my life and talk to God about them. For instance, the other day, I was listening to the song, "Beautiful, Scandelous Night" by Robbie Seay and I revisited when I accepted the Lord. Another time, I talked to God about my view on myself and if I was glorifying Him by the way I thought about myself. It's been really awesome.

I think I'm at this stage where I'm so anxious to move forward and to continue what I'm doing here full-force. But I also know that I can get weary really fast. Everything is going amazing. I'm praising the Lord for the little things: my 8th grade girls, people coming to know the Lord, for ministry, for waves, for a vehicle, for food...
It's good that I'm thinking about all these things because I'm going home for Christmas soon, and I'm going to have an opportunity to talk to the youth at Sagemont about what God is doing here in Maui. Actually, more specifically, what God is doing in ME, through Maui. I love this picture (from Lindsay's camera) of some of us walking in the bamboo forest. I love that I'm walking completely NOT in line with everyone else. It's funny, because I feel like my life is ALWAYS like this...never really falling in line. I always thought it was a bad thing, but being here, God has shown me the little "quirks" about myself are actually the things he has designed in me specifically to do specific works. I mean, who really likes middle schoolers? Who just randomly googles youth internships opportunities in Maui and actually goes? God, you are one Great and Complex God.

Anyways, I'm really wrestling with what to tell these Sagemont students when I come home. I wanted to talk to them because I know that God wants to use me as a direct mouthpiece...I know that because of the overwhelming burden on my heart to tell them the great things going on here. The funny thing is: the great things going on here in Maui are happening IN me. So during this time, wrestling with what to speak, the Lord has spoken in the quiet of my heart to just talk about what He is doing inside of me. How have I changed as a result of where he has sent me?

That is a big question. I've changed so much as a result of the people, the place, the stories, and the environment. It's like God played favorites with me. He took me out of everything I knew, away from family, jobs, and my education, made me abandon it all, just so He could show me His love. And it is so rich. It is so deep. It is so great.

This waterfall picture shows me how small I am in comparison to Him...

"Lord, these are just words

and are not enough

to contain you.

Jesus just words

would never suffice

to acclaim you.

Father just words

and I have so few

I run out too fast

to speak them to you.

Because you are indescrible,

You are beyond expression

I run out of words for you

I can't think that high.

So hear my spirit groan in me

A painful sense of urgency

To tell you that you are to me

So high."

Hau’oli La Ho’omakika’i!!!

2008-11-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

Hau’oli La Ho’omakika’i (pronounced how-oh-lay la ho-o-ma-key-kah-ee)! Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful to be living in Maui! I'm super thankful for my church and for my ohana (family) here. Last night we had a thanksgiving eve service (which we don't have in Houston or College Station). We had hula.

Even the men hula! The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands be glad. Psalm 97:1

Sing to the LORD a new song, Sing His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it. You islands, and those who dwell on them. Isaiah 42:10

My Junior High girls did a special dance. This is Kalia. She is in 8th grade and has such a sweet heart. Her mom leads the hula ministry. Kalia is one of those quiet leaders. She is thirsty for the Word and has a servant's heart.

The famous Mackenzie Tezak. She is my little firefly. Her family is my family. She dances so amazingly. I tried to have her teach me once, but I have too much hip hop in me. Mackenzie is always there when I need her. She always listens to me vent about things. Last night, after she danced, we were sitting in the courtyard and she laid her head on my shoulder and grabbed my hand. We can do that. Just sit in silence. I love her so much.

Keolani is in 6th grade. She was one of the first girls I met here in Maui. She isn't in jr. high yet, but she comes sometimes to bible study with the other girls. I can't wait to have her next year. I love this picture of her.
Aren't they beautiful? I'm so thankful for them!
Remember Gilbert, the angel? He was there, too! I'm so glad yall get to see him, now! Isn't he beautiful? He loves me :)

Week of Holiday Memories 2: Thanksgiving 2007

2008-11-25T18:39:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2007 was a special thanksgiving...it included a lot of Lucas: We danced in Galveston, where Mom HAD to see the Museum. That was special.

We went on a quadrouple date ice skating with our Christmas sweaters.

Michelle transferred schools in December. We celebrated.

Jackie had a birthday...I got her a calculator. She loved it.

Lastly, I got ENGAGED last Thanksgiving. Oscar bought me a gorgeous ring. We broke up soon afterward.

Week of Holiday Memories

2008-11-23T23:26:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving will be the first major holiday I will spend without my family. I won't lie; it is kind of sad. To cheer me up this week, everyday I will post my favorite holiday photos from years past... Michelle and Mandy always get the fun parts of decorating the tree. They get on each other's shoulders and put the star on the top of the tree. I get to hang the "down low" ornaments, aka, the ones no one sees. I love this picture. It makes me laugh.

This is my dear friend Lucas who came to College Station one year to be my Winter Semi-formal date for ASC. We didn't have a Christmas tree in our house, so we made Lucas put lights on one of our fake trees. Isn't he handsome?

One year, after Thanksgiving, my family decided to take "family photos". Here is just one of the most awkward photos taken that day. Look at my dad, then look at how awkward Michelle looks and where she is sitting in reference to where I am sitting. And we are all off centered. What a special family.

Lastly, here is my mom warming her buns in front of our fireplace. I miss her doing that. Our poinsettas are positioned nicely on both sides. All the nativity scenes are placed on the shelves, and the houses are on the mantel. And mom, you look great in those flannel pjs. Classic Lory Branscome.

Photos from our Intern Retreat

2008-11-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

Aloha, friends and family! I am doing well, or as mom would tell me, "You look so good. You look so happy." And then she cries because she is so happy. But I am doing so good, yall. I love it here. I've found "home" amongst the locals and the tribal rituals and the jungles. Just joking, but I really do feel home. The Lord has spoken this into the quiet places of my heart. I wish these pictures did Maui justice, but it doesn't. I can tell you this, though. I love my Jesus and I love my Creator Daddy.

I've been here for three months Nov. 21st. THREE MONTHS tomorrow. It's called my Maui-versary, and I made it up. I've been here for that long, and I'm still in love. This weekend the interns went on a retreat to "refuel". It was the best weekend I've had here so far! As you can tell, we HAD to take a jumping picture.

We also were able to hike to various places, do praise and worship, pray, and get to know each other better. Oh my gosh, it was gorgeous. God is THE PERFECT artist and creator.

We went swimming in the waterfall pools and the boys made a cute little pyramid. Vini and Josh also played the American pasttime sport of baseball with a stick and guavas.

The girls in the pool. I love my roommates. I do not, however, like the fact that Josh is in our girl picture. Not one bit.

Sunset on the pennisula. How can you deny there is a God? Look at that. The waves were crashing over the rocks, the sun is setting, and the Lord is Lord over it all. I just got to sit and be small for a while...Hawaii does that to me.

All of us are SO excited to go on our hike. Our first assignment: Get over the hill from the street. I was the first one to complete it, because I am that good. Those standing in the street did not survive. Especiall little Marla in the back in the purple shirt. She got ran over by a car. Just joking, she survived.

The boys cliff-jumped from a 75 foot cliff. My favorite quote comes from John (who is jumping in this picture), as he said in the water after his jump, "that was a lot higher than I thought." Joshua Jack watches from below.

The view from our cabin. I swam in that ocean water right there and cut my foot open on a razor sharp rock. The waves are super hard, but how could I not go swimming in that gorgeous ocean?

Our home for the two nights. A family from the church bought it in the 70s and allow the church to use it for various functions, or to just get away. It had one bathroom (for all 12 of us) and no walls. We slept on couches, cots, futons, beds, and floors. And a roach flew on my head in the middle of the night.

There was a hut in the middle of the bamboo forest. I love my family.

My Friend Gilbert, the Angel

2008-11-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

I wish I had a picture to show you of Gilbert.

He gave me one last Sunday. He was sitting on a rock in front of those oceans, with one leg straight out, and the other pushed into his chest. He was wearing boots and jeans and a big grin, and the photo was a bit out of focus.

I met Gilbert one Sunday morning while I was working my "table"...which means I was at a table dedicated to all the Junior High information. He came up and wanted to sign up for some of our events. I had to tell him it was only for Jr. Highers. He took flyers and a calendar and told me how much he loved Star Wars (one of my flyers had Chewy on it). We talked for a good, long time as people stared. He asked if I would want to sit by him during service, but I could not. He gave me a hug and a kiss, and headed over to the next table to sign up for some children's events.

Gilbert is an older man. He probably is only in his late forties, but looks much older. he doesn't have any teeth, he rarely ever shaves, he always wears way-embelleshed jeans with flames and logos, and always has a henna tattoo on his wrist or hand.

He also has a mental disorder. He thinks and acts like a four year old, because that is his mental capacity. He has a care taker who takes him church every Sunday on the bus.

He loves to run up and give me a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek. His grin runs from one ear to another, and even though he has no teeth, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. He loves to talk to me (although I can rarely understand anything he ever says because he has no teeth) and he also loves to push the hair out of my eyes and away from my face. I don't mind, although sometimes his breath may smell. But doesn't our breath smell sometimes, too?

On Sunday, I was in one of those moods where you just want to fade into the crowd. You don't really want to sit by anyone. Those days I feel like this are kind of diastrous, because I go to a church where EVERYONE knows me. I can't fade. But I try. On this particular Sunday, I was sitting to the far left, semi-front, just fading in. We stood up to sing worship, and Gilbert slips in beside me. After a big hug, we begin to worship.

I love worshipping by Gilbert. And i love that the Lord let him sit by me. He can't really clap on beat, but he claps. And he claps enthusiastically, smiling and looking all around at everyone else. I had to laugh. Then, when we sing, he sings too, although he doesn't know the words. He moreso sings very high-pitched, trying to hit the girl notes. Again, I had to laugh, as my eyes were closed. Because, you see, God probably loves Gilbert's singing more than my poor concentrated effort to harmonize. I decided to join Gilbert in his out-of-range octave and sing along. And then, as I raised my hand to the Lord, Gilbert grabbed my other hand dangling by my side. And we worshipped together. It was one of the most unique and enjoyable worship though song I've ever encountered.

As we sat done, we got out our bibles and notes and pens. Gilbert helped me find the right page (although we were going through Hosea and not Revelation), and we began to listen to Pastor Craig. Craig asked the congregation how many books there were in the bible, and serious as a heart attack, Gilbert answered, "8,724". Then again, louder, "8,724!!!" Craig said, "that's right, 66." and Gilbert replied, "yes, 66." I had to stifle my giggle. I was going to pee my pants.

Gilbert and I took notes together and listened. I thanked the Lord for a friend like Gilbert who doesn't care about what the world thinks. He doesn't care how he is perceived. He doesn't care that he doesn't know the right answers or has the best voice. He's Gilbert. And God loves him.

As we went our separate ways, Gilbert told me, as he always does, that he would see me that night, which, of course, he would not because there are no sunday night events. Then, he hugged me, and said, "Take care, little girl."

When I wanted to fade into the crowd and just stop existing for a while, the Lord sent me Gilbert. Or rather, allowed Gilbert to find me. I think the Lord used Gilbert. Maybe I blended in to the crowd in everyone else's eyes. But because Gilbert doesn't see the world the way most people do (just like the Lord) he was able to find me. And not only did he SEE me, but he MET me, in the hour of my semi-depression and funk. Gilbert was my angel, my touch from God on Sunday.

Thank you, Lord, that you see me when I don't want to be seen. And thanks for Gilbert.

Arkansas Adoption Ban: I live in Maui. Why do I care?

2008-11-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: this is probably the closest thing I've written to a research paper since my junior year of college, but thanks to this ridiculous chick named Leslie who always challenges the heck out of me, I had to back up my stances with statistics and such. Blame it on her.

Arkansas Unmarried Couple Adoption Ban:
Would make it illegal for any individual cohabiting outside of a valid marriage to adopt or provide foster care to minors.
*Passed

Every Wednesday morning, the interns meet with our fearless leader and senior pastor Craig Englert (to learn more about my church, go to http://www.hopechapelmaui.com/). We meet to talk about our experiences as an intern, discuss the upkeep of our apartments and vans, church issues and thoughts, as well as community, state, nation, and world issues. And then we pray.

The past two weeks have revolved around the election. To be completely honest, I could vomit because of the election. Not because of the outcome, but moreso because of all the chaos that surrounds it. I have a severe case of voter apathy, stemming from the experience of my dad runnng for mayor and coming up defeated when I was a junior in high school. I hate politics with an undying passion. I only voted in 2004 because my Political Science prof gave us an extra 2 points on our final grade if we did. And voting was a no brainer at Texas A&M...we have the George Bush Presidential Library, so of course we're voting for the young George W.

So I hate elections. Think what you will about me. I understand and have study scripture about leaders and rulers and authority and all that jazz and I believe it. It doesn't change the fact that i hate elections. In all discussions I've witnessed and experienced these past couple of months, I've remained pretty silent (gasp, I know. Whitney not have an opinion, say it ain't so!). However, for some reason, a specific issue was brought up in our discipleship class that totally got me going:

Arkansas Unmarried Couple Adoption Ban:
Would make it illegal for any individual cohabiting outside of a valid marriage to adopt or provide foster care to minors:
*Passed

This isn't even about the national election. I'm sure you're wondering where I'm going with this.

For some reason, I am super passionate about children in foster care--the orphans of society. When I was about 10 years old, we were able to house two orphans from Romania for a week while they sang at our church and around Houston in the Romanian Orphan's Children's Choir (http://www.eroi.com/web/assistinternational.org/romania.htm).

While people are fighting about abortion and animal/environment rights, there are children right next door in our communities who are starving, dying, not able to have a family, no shelter...we can't even take care of our own. I definitely am against abortion, because I believe that life is life starting BEFORE life in God's eyes. I just believe that sometimes we forget the people we already have among us...I think that's why God made the "body" with different concerns, because I'm sure that if we all had the same burdens, we would not be able to move. The world is such a heavy mess.

Back to children in foster care. Working in Bryan, TX with some of the inner city kids opened my eyes to the devestation of children without families. I was able to witness some amazing families in the church take in babies and children that were put into the system. This always struck compassion within me. Orphans. Take care of the widows and orphans-this is religion the father finds faultess (James 1:26).

Here comes the real issue that the Arkansas ban brings up: Can gay couples adopt or foster care. Big jump, I know. Orphans to sexual orientation.

***On another note, both Obama and McCain have the same stance on gay marriage. Check it out (http://www.obama-mccain.info/compare-obama-mccain-same-sex.php)

The actual law says: "A minor may not be adopted or placed in a foster home if the individual seeking to adopt or to serve as a foster parent is cohabiting with a sexual partner outside of a marriage which is valid under the constitution and laws of this state."

Arkansas says that if you are cohabiting with someone who you are not married to, you are unable to adopt or foster care. Meaning...if you are not married and you live together, you cannot adopt or be a foster care parent. Obviously, if you are single, you can still adopt, as long as you aren't cohabitating together. This is to prevent unmarried couples from adopting, but the underlying issue is allow gay couples to adopt.

I've done some research on foster care:

In 2002: 302,000 children entered foster care (up from 290,000 in 2001) and of those children, 126,000 were free to be adopted, but only 51,000 kids were adopted, leaving well over half of the children to still be adopted. (http://life.familyeducation.com/adoption/foster-care/45767.html)

Today, there are over 500,000 children in the foster care system. In 2004, there were only 153,000 licensed foster care homes. (http://www.fostercarealumni.org/resources/foster_care_facts_and_statistics.htm).

We need more people to be foster parents and adoptive parents, as the stats say. But what about the reprocussions of the kids who are in the foster care system:

Each year, an estimated 20,000 young people "age out" of the U.S. foster care system. Many are only 18 years old and still need support and services. Several foster care alumni studies show that without a lifelong connection to a caring adult, these older youth are often left vulnerable to a host of adverse situations:

Outcomes during transition from care to adulthood

National data
Earned a high school diploma
54%
Obtained a Bachelor's degree or higher
2%
Became a parent
84%
Were unemployed
51%
Had no health insurance
30%
Had been homeless
25%
Were receiving public assistance
30%

Obviously, these kids need families.

There are more than half a million children and youth in the U.S. foster care system, a 90% increase since 1987. Three of 10 of the nation’s homeless are former foster children. A recent study has found that 12-18 months after leaving foster care:27% of the males and 10% of the females had been incarcerated33% were receiving public assistance37% had not finished high school50% were unemployed (http://fostersurvivor.netfirms.com/statistics.shtml)

It comes to a question of lesser of two evils (which, by the way, God has no hierarchy of sin or evil, evil is evil, but earthly consequences are different): Put a child in a family of two homosexual partners or allow a child to bounce around in the foster care system?

What about the reprocussions of a family headed by two gay men or lesbians? Won't the children turn out gay? Research has shown that sexual orientation of parents has no bearing on the well-being of the child. "Good parenting is not influenced by sexual orientation. Rather, it is influenced most profoundly by a parent's ability to create a loving and nurturing home -- an ability that does not depend on whether a parent is gay or straight." (http://www.youdebate.com/DEBATES/gay_adoption.HTM)

All that matters is that the child is in a loving, nuturing home, which is not defined by the sexual orientation of the parent.

I could continue on and on, but these debates speak for themselves http://www.youdebate.com/DEBATES/gay_adoption.HTM
http://www.slate.com/id/2061789/

Of course, people are so afraid that the gays are trying to take over our country and trying to get married and rule the world. I do believe in the sanctity of marriage (that's for you, mom, so you don't freak out on me and think that Maui has turned me liberal) and that God's plan is one man one wife family, of course.

I think it's funny that people believe that gay people adopting is a back-handed way for gay people to get the label of being "married". Really, this issue is not about the children at all; rather a way to prevent the gays from taking over the country.

A Christian author once wrote (I can't remember what book or who it was, but i remember reading it aloud to people) that he was asked on a radio station about what he thought about the Gay's trying to take over the world. This man replied that he had a lot of gay friends and he had no idea they were trying to take over the world. How were they doing it? That really makes me think about how we view things...

Hate the sin, love the person. I've heard that my whole life in church. But do we hold on person's sin against them for everything else?

Do children raised in a gay household turn out gay? Do children in a heterosexual household turn out straight? What do we do? What's more important?

I'm rubbing my head right now because I can't reconcile it all in my mind or in my heart. What would Jesus do? Dude, I don't know. Take care of the hurting. Be loving. Be meek, but not weak. Be humble.

Give it to God.

James was written to the church. James commands THE CHURCH to take care of the widows and orphans--it's not society's job or the government's job. We can use these avenues, but it's not their job, it's OURS.

Maybe instead of making laws limiting foster care, we should be making our houses into places TO foster care and take care of those orphans.

Can you imagine all the money and energy that went into getting this proposition passed that could have went into finding more foster families to care for the children who are suffering right now without families? Can you imagine the impact people would have for the children if they'd stop discussing this proposition and getting all pissed off and instead advocating for the foster care system?

You see, we've already lost, regardless. The issue is NOT about the kids, but about US as a selfish society, still fighting against on another.

Tell Me I'm Beautiful

2008-11-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

I've heard it said that as long as a husband tells his wife she's beautiful AT LEAST once a day, the marriage will be a happy one. Now, I don't understand the whole husband-wife dynamic, seeing as I am husband-less, but I do understand the importance of telling people they are beautiful.

A cool part about my job is that I get to work with Junior Highers at the middle school right across from our church. It is called Lokelani Intermediate. I not only get to hang out at lunch with MY kids, but my kids introduce me to some of their friends and I end up networking for the Kingdom. It's awesome because these kids are like, "Why do you come here every thursday?" and "What exactly do you do?" The Lord is beginning to let them ask me questions and allow me just to love them the way he would.

My favorite part is getting to tell these girls how beautiful they are. Some of the girls i haven't even fully met, I'll get to tell them how gorgeous they are. And I don't lie. These girls are gorgeous. But I believe everything God made is gorgeous, because He is the master artist!
Beauty is not in the eye of the beholder: Beauty is in eye of the Creator.

The God who made all of Hawaii made me and these girls I get to see every thursday. It's cool because it's like I am telling myself how beautiful I am every time i tell these girls.

"Post-a-lani"

2008-11-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

"Lani" in hawaiian means heavenly. A lot of people here have names that end in "lani"...

I went to a birthday party for one of my 8th grade girls, Dustyn, last night. (Kids here NEVER have school...seriously, they have a 5 day weekend this week, they were off halloween, this monday, and then tuesday too!) It was such a local party. Her family, we decided, is Tonga or Somoan, or some Hawaiian thing like that. I was definitely the only "howlee" there, and i don't even look that white.

Needless to say, I couldn't understand anything these people were saying, and I resorted back to my texan accent to feel safe, so they didn't understand me either. But we did have fun with a game called "pull one over on the 'howlee' " where we made fun of white people:

On the trash cans here, it says "Mahalo", which means thank you. But sometimes, white people think that this means trash. So they'll say, "Oh, go put it in the mahalo"... ohhhhh white people.

We also played a game where we gave everyone hawaiian names ending in "lani"...so, someone who is annoying would be "annoy-e-lani"...and if you were white, you'd be like, "oh, that is so cool, my own hawaiian name" when really, they are just calling you annoying.

Seriously, the people here are so funny. Then we made fun of Japanese people, calling them "ja-panties". We laughed for a while. Love it.

To be known

2008-10-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

If you're going to accuse,
then get to know.
If you want to know,
then act interested.
If you just want to accuse,
then don't pretend like you care to know.
I'd listen if you knew.

Your help does nothing more but hurt.
It would help if you knew.
And i have enough hurt without more
but you wouldn't know.

Now I know.
And I don't plan on telling you anymore.
I don't depend on you anymore
and I shouldn't have to.

I know a God,
Who knows me and knew me before
and doesn't have to ask.
He never accuses, just whispers
and tells me I don't have to be perfect,
because that will come, in time, in waiting, in growing.
He loves me now, as in this very moment.
However disappointed you may be.
You can't see my heart, and I don't want you to anymore.

I'm not mad, just through.
Of explaining, of defending.
Most of all, of trying to make you know,
Where you don't care to know.
You would want to know, if you knew what it means to me.

I will make myself known to another.
He sees my heart, delights in its imperfection,
Loves me because I can't do anything to seperate me from Him.
And I love Him, with whatever human love i posses.
However misguided, it's love.
However demented, it's love.
It's all I have, and all He asks is everything I have.

So I don't have to ask you,
or tell you
because all that matters is Him.
And I'm full.
I no longer feel heavy with guilt of you not knowing.

And I don't plan on telling you anymore.
-------------------------------------------------
This was written by a young woman I know. I love the simplicity of this poem and the calmness. It's like she knows who she is and what to do, and that is that. Her confidence is in the Lord, who sees her heart, and she is made whole. I learn a lot through these words of passion, and wish I had enough courage to write them myself.

I told her once after reading this that I wanted to know the situation she was in. She smiled and told me it's the situation we are all in. Trying to make others understand us when only God can. She laughed and told me that by me asking that question, that poem could be written about me!

I want to understand and believe in a God that has the power to fulfill the deepest longing of the soul: to be known.

Lord, you are enough.

Storms

2008-10-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

Today, Kimmie and I prayed in the Death Star. Not the real death star in Star Wars, but our youth van, which we lovingly refer to as The Death Star for two reasons: A. It's white, huge, and looks like a space craft clanking down the highway, and B. It's physically about to die. Seriously. The upholstry on the roof is held up by scotch tape, there are fleas in the seats, and it smells. Bad.

We prayed today in the Death Star because we feel like there are storms over lives of people we know and people we love. People here. People at home. Storms are swirling everywhere.

Where is God during the storm? I have a sister named Jackie (a sister, not just in the spiritual sense, but flesh and blood could not make us closer) who is in a huge storm, and has been for a long time.

I have another precious friend who ran into the bookstore on Monday, and burst into tears in my arms. She can't go on anymore. The storm is too fierce, too violent. Too much.

My momma and Jackie bought me this devotional book called Streams in the Desert. I highly recommend this devo book, and have actually recommended and sold this very book in the bookstore on mondays. October 2oths devo was based on this verse: "And the peace which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" Phil 4:7.

The devotional then began to talk about this special place in the ocean called the 'sea cushion'. Since I practically live at sea, I really related to this. The sea cushion is in the depths, the heart, of the sea. It's never touched, never moved, no matter what is going on in the waters above. You can find millions of years of fossils and gravel, rock, whatever, all sitting perfectly in its ground. And as the waves crash, the currents pull, the storms strike and waters tumble, it stays calm and unmoved.

Christ. Our peace in the storm. Under it all, but there all the same. Deep. Untouched. Calm. Peace. Wow.

John 6 talks about the storm and Jesus walking on water. It starts with Jesus feeding the five thousand with bread and fish and the people freaking out over it. If someone fed me, I'd follow and freak out, too. That's why I love my momma and Jackie for sending food and gift cards.

Jesus sensed they were "about to make him King" so he retreated by himself to the mountainside. It's like the ultimate papparazzi/fan pandemonium, and he had to escape.

I love this next part. It says that the disciples got into a boat and headed across to Capernaum. And Jesus hadn't joined them. I kind of scratch my head at this. They just peaced out from one side of the Sea of Galilee without the main event- the main guy, the celebrity of all celebrities- dinner and teaching. And those idiots left him, and didn't know where he was...oh man. Those crazy guys.

So they are in the Sea of Galilee and this storm comes. I'm sure some of the disciples were like, "Great, we're going to die...the one time we leave with Jesus, and we die." Most of all, I know they were terrified. I'm sure these guys had never even traveled that far into the Sea before, being just tax collectors and shore fishermen...I really don't know, but I know that the sky was super dark and the winds were blowing and the waves were crashing...

Friday morning I had the privledge of waking up at 5:30 to surf. I didn't surf, but I went with some people who did. We went to a place called Hookipai. Lots of my junior high girls are terrified to surf there because it's so huge, so i was stoked to go see what it was all about.

We arrived there around 6ish because its far on the other side of the island (Pi'ia side, hippie side) and we looked at the waves from a cliff point.

It was crazy. The sky was dark, even though the sun was rising, and you could see this storm off in the ocean. The water looked cold and greenish and not very Maui-like. And the waves...it's not that they were huge, but it was nothing but turmoil and white wash. A white sea. It was so crazy. Eddie was telling me that there's this channel that has this current that literally takes you out to sea. And then this other current takes you back into the bay on the waves, only to leave you to get crushed by the oncoming overhead waves. Terrifying.

Looking at Hookipai, I was scared. I really didn't want the boys to surf there, because it looked like death. Thankfully, we peaced out and went to Lahania side, where they surfed Shark Pits (i don't know what is better, stormy death waves or sharks).

I understand why the disciples were so freaked out. First, they left without Jesus (which, on a side note, maybe they thought he was in the boat because Jesus can be a quiet guy, and then figured out later he wasn't there...that would suck even more. Especially for guys like Peter who got real riled up about stuff)

So they keep rowing, and they see Jesus walking on the sea, and coming near to the boat, and they were frightened. I love that wording. First of all, I wonder if they knew it was Jesus immediately. Were they scared because they just saw a figure and it freaked them out? Or were they like, woah, there's Jesus and he's walking on water and THAT freaks me out. Or maybe they were scared because Jesus might have been pissed because they left him on that side while he was just trying to pray. I don't know, but I'm sure it wasn't the last one. I think Jesus was perfectly fine being left on that side, because, hey, he can walk on water. Obviously, the disciples didn't know this.

In the midst of the crazy death storm, they were afraid, and then they see this man walking towards them, probably steadily walking through the crashing waves, and they are frightened. I don't know about you, but afraid is like, on a scale from one to ten, like a three, but frightened is like a seven. Just a word thing. But it makes me feel sorry for the disciples, too, because those poor guys have gone through so much...

Back to Jesus, he says, "it is I, do not be afraid". I wonder if he shouted this across and above the wind, or if it was like a PA system over creation because he's God. Or maybe he drew real close to the boat, grabbed John by the shoulder, and said it into his face tenderly.

The next part says, "They were willing to receive him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going". I love it. They were then willing to let Jesus into the boat. Some translations say that the waters were instantly calmed, but look closer. Immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. Immediately they were at their destination. The sea didn't become calm. The storm didn't stop. They were just immediately somewhere else. They were home.

I don't think this implies that with Jesus, he physically takes you out of the storms of your life. Not at all. I think it's the opposite. He actually gets into the boat with you, and you're home. You don't care about the storm. Because you have gotten "home". You are with the Creator, and nothing else matters. He is with us in the storm, and with him in the storm, we are home. We are safe.

You'll get through it...

Praying with you through the storms.

Bouquets of Smores

2008-10-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

"Don't you just love New York in the Fall?"

An email from my bestie Meemsy on the mainland made me think about New York and the Fall, and how I do love it. I think it's weird I love New York in the Fall, seeing as I've only seen New York in the Fall on the t.v. set or in movie theatres, where it smells like buttered popcorn and body odor mushed into the cotton, scratchy seats. I've never actually experienced it, but I do love New York in the Fall. Meemsy said she wanted to send me a bouquet of pencils like in You've Got Mail, or a bouquet of footballs or smores, which i'm sure would not survive the hazardous journey across the pacific to see me.

I really love Maui in the fall. I love maui in the fall because it's not any different from Maui in the summer, and apparently not from the winter or spring either. I love it, because, either way I'm going to sweat in the underarms and get blown off my feet from the wind and hear complaining that there's no surf. And I love it.

I also love Maui in the fall because that means my dad will not make me pick up leaves and sticks in the backyard, because, hey, i'm not in texas, i'm in Maui, dad, and i cannot seem to make it home at this particular time.

I love Maui in the fall because everyone still gets hot chocolate and hot coffee and bakes just to feel like they're keeping up with the mainland season-followers

You know how people say they love jesus? Maybe sometimes I'm just like that. You know, I've never really experienced New York in the fall, so how could I really love it? I mean, i know it's great and incredible, and i would enjoy it, but i haven't actually been there during that time, if at all. I know it all in my head, but not with my heart and my senses. Sometimes I say I really love Jesus, but I haven't fully experienced it all.

I'm definitely secure in my salvation and my place with Christ next to the Father, but I don't think anyone will ever fully grasp the greatness of the love of Jesus. Never. Even if we experience it, we don't realize it. And sometimes, people even say they love Jesus, but haven't even accepted him into their lives. They only watch from a scratchy, b.o. seat. I praise the Lord that I am his and that I'm actually in New York with him in the Fall, and not merely wishing or pretending...

I want to go deeper. I want to know all the smells, the tastes, the feelings, the emotions, all of it that goes into knowing who Jesus is and knowing that love. I want to put my ear up to his chest and hear is heart beat. I want to see his smile, smell his hands, hear his laugh. I want him to explain to me is love and let me understand it.

"One thing I ask of the Lord,
this is what I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple."
~Psalm 27:4

As for New York in the Fall, if i can't wear my bathing suit, then I don't think i'd really enjoy it all that much.

Stars, Straightners, and Awkward Jr. Highers

2008-10-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

This week has been crazy. I've made a couple of bad decisions, made some great strides in areas, and went through $23.57 at Starbucks. (note: try this order: single salted carmel signature hot chocolate...you will physically die). The Lord has taught me, however, that in the midst of it all, he walks with me. Last night, I drove my van to the beach at 11:30pm and sat atop the hood and looked at the stars. It still blows my mind that Creator of the big universe would care about me. And he DELIGHTS in walking with me.

My best friend Meems and I have been emailing prayers back and forth to each other for each other. I love it because it seems as if the Lord is allowing us to walk through the same things in life and we can walk with each other. I love her emails of prayer and scripture, helping me focus on HIM and not on myself. Here is a precious picture of two of my roommates. Kimmie is in the middle and Linds is on the other side. We're at Big Beach, where our church goes to hang every sunday. I like to bring my In Touch magazines and do the crossword. I'm so blessed.

This is our precious Vini. He's been struggling with the idea of cutting his hair recently. he has awesome hair, as the picture clearly shows. We decided one night to straighten his hair. Bless his heart, the heat and clamping of the straightner was unbearable, and while holding the straightner for me, he touched the hot plates and burned his hand. The result was worth it, though. He looked like a rock star afterward...

Tell me that's not the most incredible before and after pic ever. He looks so happy, even if his ears are 400 degrees and his fingers are burned. He is one hot brazillian.

Mmmm, my jr. high group. we worked at the Maui food bank this saturday. It was like a sweatshop, but worth it. Can we just sit in the awkwardness of this picture. Especially the girl in the blue in the front, the one next to her not looking at the pic, me not even looking, and the random Sam in the back with his coffee. Seriously. Maui kids can be so awkward. Our boys refused to be in the picture. I'm just going to sit here and laugh while the song "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter plays. It just seems fitting.

Love is...

2008-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

That book The Five Love Languages narrows down showing love to 5 ways. However, since being on island, i've discovered that there are MANY ways to show love. Some ways are a little non-conformist, while others are very traditional. Still, the spirit of "aloha" is so strong. Aloha means hello, goodbye, and LOVE. This might be a little cheesy, but every now and then, it's good to be so blatently mushy. "Love is..." is a tribute to the ways I've felt loved since being here. All the stories have happened to me, yet the other person showed love.

Love is...receiving gift cards in the mail and notes of encouragement.

Love is...answering my phonecall at 3am, your time.

Love is...letting me lick your ring pop, even though its your favorite flavor and I'm 22 and you're 7.

Love is...giving away dresses you were going to sell at your garage sale to me instead.

Love is...praying for me aloud while driving me to work.

Love is...making 40 phone calls to 40 junior highers in one day so I don't have to.

Love is...watching the Labrinyth and letting me sing to David Bowie.

Love is...letting the me have shotgun.

Love is...listening to my itunes library, especially after I bought 50 chick flick love songs.

Love is...not being mad after I put in your contacts by mistake.

Love is...putting up 3 facebook albums of pictures for me to see home since i've been away.

Love is...telling me you love me.

Love is...listening to me sing.

Love is...muffins.

Love is...sitting with me at Starbucks and helping me fit my straw into the plastic cup top.

Love is...not being annoyed when I say, "oh my gosh, I live here" every day.

How can I not feel loved? I have love coming from all over the country to me :)

J is for Jump

2008-10-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

Isn't it the most amazing picture ever? In order from left to right is Vini, Papa Juan, Christen, Lindsay, Joshua Jack, K-Fed, Me, and Jeepers. My family. And these babies can jump. We had so much fun taking this picture for our staff picture. It looks amazing blown up. Check out the air we all got! I love jumping pictures. Obviously...
Ah, in the slums of Galveston, in an alleyway. I'm pretty sure Ike destroyed this place. But still, look at all the joy of jumping. I love that Lucas looks all radiant in this pic. He's such a stud.
And my beautiful sisters. We have perfected the happy picture jump. We jump all the time. This picture is my desktop backgroud so I am constantly staring at my baby sisters.
Ah, all my girls in my family. Again, Galveston beach jumping. Even though Momma looks like a dolphin, I still love it. Just staring at this picture makes me laugh.
Boys from College Station. Sometimes, boys just look awkward jumping, but I love Garrett and Joe anyway.

Jumping for Joy (a poem i found on the internet...seriously, they'll put anything up)

i feel radiance

like a wave of happiness

flowing through me

makes me jump jump for joy

its just a feeling

but i cant controll it

it flows through me like a surge of positive energy

i cant controll iti cant help but laugh

but smile

but sing

i feel perfect

this moment, will never end

i cant slow downi only speed up

i only get happier

i dance in my perfect place

under the treest

he leaves dancing in the wind

the grass flowing with the breeze

and me, jumping for joy

--Poem by Wandering Scarlet

And the Mormons came to visit.

2008-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Coming home from a walk tonight around 7:50pm after a chat with Miss Allie Mac (holler, girl, holler), I see two young girls standing at my neighbor's door, dressed in skirts, fancy nametags, and briefcases.

RRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAARRRRRR (that's a siren noise). Mor-mons. Mor-mons. Right? I mean, run the other way! Or be super mean. Maybe laugh in their face as I slam my door, yah? That's what I've been taught, anyway.

I was feeling a little adventurous tonight (SINNER). So I spoke over to them: "Hey, whatchya waiting for?"

The two girls turned around, surprised, and looked at me.

"We are here to see Jill. She made an appointment with us."

"Oh," I said. "Well, I think she's out." And they stood their akwardly. Then, they stepped away from the door and to me.

"We have a message of happiness to share with you," one of the girls said. She was Filipino and her voice was monotone, obviously rehearsed and tired. "A living prophet is alive today."

"Man, it's reall late," I said. "What are yall doing?"

At this point, the girls begin to relax and tell me they are missionaries of the Mormon church. "You've heard of the Mormon church, right?" the non-filipino asks, about to cower to hear my response, almost flinching.

"Yah, I think so," I respond. "But isn't it real late for yall? I mean, are yall safe? Yall are too cute to be out here in this part of Kihei."

"No, we work from 7am to 10pm." They smile. At this point, the Lord really began to put compassion in my heart. I mean, here are these two young girls working the streets of Maui late at night all for their faith. I was broken for their misguidedness, as well as for the way i know they've been treated.

We then began a conversation about how beautiful Maui is and how the Filipino girl came from the Phillipines and misses her family. I told her I can relate.

"What brought you out here from Texas?" they ask me.

I had two choices. A) tell them I came here to work at a CHRISTIAN church and to get the %$#$$%$ away from my door, or B) tell them I came for work. Just work. No details.

"My job," I say casually. I told the truth. I decided I just wanted to hear them out. No need for me to get all "christian" on them, like they hadn't heard that before.

As we continue talking about everyday things, I begin to see these missionaries as PEOPLE, not as crazy religious fanatics. Don't get me wrong: I understand they are false prophets and preachers and leading people toward death with a false religion. But we don't fight against flesh and blood. These two beautiful young girls are not my enemies. We fight against the ruler of the air and the powers of darkness. Satan. Not physical people.

After a bit more small talk, they ask if they can come visit me again. Obviously to tell me more about happiness. They wanted my name and number. What was I to do?

I gave them my first name and a false phone number. I mean, they know where I live now. They asked for permission to come back. What did I say?

"Sure, come back anytime. And if you get thirsty or hungry, or even if you feel unsafe, I'm here," I said. (I'm positive my Mom reading this right now is shocked and speechless at this point. Simmer, Momma, simmer)

"Okay. Thanks. Keep smiling," the precious filipino says.

I'm sure this was the most positive interaction these girls had all day, or even all week. No doubt they'd been bashed by Christians, doors slammed, and treated like crap the whole time they've been here in Maui.

I had two choices: be high and mighty, or be like Jesus. I think Jesus would have treated these girls like human beings. It's funny how we treat Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Catholics, Scientologists, and other religions as "fragile". We don't want to "ruin the Christian name" and be mean. "Be loving and compassionate and gentle to every other religion but the Mormons. We must destroy the Mormons by treating them like dogs," seems to be the Christian motto in addressing other religions.

Wow. Could we be more hypocritical? I think Jesus would want to vomit at our attitude. Are we to win every other person to Christ through love, just not the Mormons?

On another note, what can we learn from the Mormons? Why is it that the Mormon church is the fastest growing religion in the world? Because they meet needs, they take care of each other, and they get their word out. Shouldn't that be the Christian church?

Just as Jesus used the Samaritians, the lowest of the low, for his parables and stories to the Jewish religious leaders, maybe he would use the Mormons as an example for us arrogant Christians. How humbling that would be, huh?

I hope they come back. Maybe I'll let them come inside and drink some water and have a granola bar, because that's all I have. Maybe we'll talk about family. Maybe they'll want to talk about happiness. And you know what, maybe then I'll tell them about my sweet, loving, nonjudgmental Savior. And maybe, just maybe, by the Grace of God, they'll listen, because maybe, just maybe, they've already seen Him through me.

And maybe, just maybe, you should think twice when the Mormons come to visit.

Spa Servanthood

2008-10-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

We ran out of food...We didn't do the "craft"...We didn't have enough drivers...We didn't have enough towels...We didn't have the right nail polish...But let me tell you what we DID have at Junior High Spa Night 08...

We had SERVANTHOOD. God gave us 30 girls to love on and pamper last night at our Spa night. And what a night it was...I had no idea He would teach me so much: We had 30 girls show up last night. That's almost 3/4ths of our total attendance on Sunday nights. Our girls brought their friends. We ran out of food and my schedule didn't exactly work, but God showed me that His plans are way better than mine.
This is Rio doing nails. Talk about a servant. Rio has been one of my best friends here in Maui. She has the biggest servants heart I've ever seen. She helps me plan, pray, and prepare. This week, she called all of our girls on the roster to invite them to Spa night. No doubt her labor was what produced such a turn out.

She didn't just paint nails. She LABORED over the nails. She did flowers, french tips, everything! She treated each girl not only as a "customer" but as a daughter of the King, almost as if she was serving Jesus himself. (which she was). She didn't even stop to eat or drink, just kept on doing those nails. She is going to rock the world for Jesus...she's doing it already.

Joelle did waxing, and here's the funny part: some of these girls had never had waxed eyebrows before. I would not want to be the waxer-it's a dirty job, in my opinion. Joelle did it, though. She attacked those brows. I love how she looked intently at these girls, just like Christ does to us. He really looks at us, dirt and all. He sees us. I mean, really SEES us, and does not turn away from our grossness. And all we want to do is to be seen, to be known. Joelle took her time in studying these girls faces (and souls :) ) and seeing them as Christ does.
Laura massaged. I love kayla's face in this picture: total relaxation. Laura is another girl who serves with all she has behind the scenes. She ran all my errands with me for Spa Night. I loved how she "touched" these girls, with the hands of Christ. He wasn't afraid to reach out and touch the unlovable (not that Kayla is unlovable, by any means!). Jesus was there physically to be with the people, to feel the people, to TOUCH the people. And sometimes, all people need is a hug, a pat on the shoulder, or a massage!
And here is my station: Pedicures. I loved doing this station, because it represented Jesus washing feet...i'm so Godly. But seriously, I tried to take on the mind of Christ as i painted those little toe nails. It was such a joy to serve in that way. I painted for 2 hours, then peaced out and got some food in the chocolate fountain.

I learned a lot last night: mostly from my high school leaders. Above all, I finally took it into my heart what I'm doing here in Maui. I'm being Jesus's hands, feet, and service to these Junior Highers. And what a joy to serve my precious Jesus in that way. I mean, he served me by dying for me. I owe him my all.

The Bookstore Section Marked "Singles"

2008-10-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

My roommate Kim and I at the Maui County Fair this past Saturday. Kimmie is the High School Intern and grew up here. She's great. I just wanted to show a picture for Mom and Jackie who like to see me in real life. I know, I look good. But onto the real post...

I work at Kihei Christian Bookstore every Monday from 9-5. It's the only Christian bookstore on the island, and Hope Chapel hosts it. I've always wanted to work a bookstore. I come from a line of book-addicts, as well as garage sale book junkies and Half-Price books frequent flyers. I even applied to Borders for a job, but they never called. I'm still bitter. But, God will give you the desires of your heart, RIGHT, and where better to work than at a bookstore in Maui?

I really love working at the bookstore. I work with a woman well advanced in years named Helen. We work well together. She laughs at my antics, while I laugh at her little "old people" things, like hiding my purse way in the back so the homeless people can't get to it. Whenever anyone comes in and asks us how it's going, I usually reply with this little story:

"All was well here this Monday, until, suddenly, a gang of homeless bandit men run into the store, demanding all our Christian merchandise. I, of course, cower into the storage room, pleading for my life, while Helen whips off her green apron and proceeds to beat the bandits, screaming profanities. The bandits, blinded from Helen's whipping, take off through the door, and Helen saves the day, again."

By this time, Helen is keeled over, laughing, while trying to scould me for crying wolf and lying about outlandish things. Oh, Helen, it's all to see you laugh!

Another favorite Helen story is when I finally counted the change in the register right for the first time. She slapped my butt, and said, "You go, girl." No lie.

While I love Helen and our Helen stories, the bookstore carries a more in-depth story for me. You see, I'm surrounded by Christian culture. I work at a church, play at a church, eat at a church...I'm churched all the time. But I've never been so suffocated by Christian culture than I am at the bookstore.

There are Testament Peppermint Gum. There are Christian cards. There are t-shirts that say, "Jesus died for MySpace in heaven". There are wooden angel magnets, wooden dove magnets, and wooden lamb magnets. There are Christian flower seeds. But most of all, there are thousands of Christian books.

Don't get me wrong. Christian books are great to encourage, to advise, to counsel, and to learn. But don't we have enough?

My favorite part of the bookstore is the book section marked "Singles". These books are only for the single people; you know, those without a significant other to share life with. As I shelve and alphabetize, I can't help but read these titles:

1. 5 Love Languages for Singles: because apparently, you have different love languages depending on what "species" of relationship status you are.

2. When Dreams Come True (couple holding hand on the cover): Thanks for letting me know that my dreams have NOT come true because i am an unattached, dreaming LOSER.

3. Get Married: Not a suggestion, more like a command, as if saying, "You, over there, get married, already, geesh".

4. Boundaries in Dating: If I'm single, do I really need boundaries in dating? i mean, why is this book for singles?

5. When the Man in your life Can't Commit: Again, if I had a man in my life, you better bet he'd be committin'.

6. If I'm Waiting on God, then What Am I Doing in a Christian Chat Room?: Now we're talking...tell me more about these Christian Chat Rooms. Online dating just might work.

and finally, my favorite:

Living without a Better Half: Huh, I didn't know I was living without any half at all. That really sucks I'm living without the better part of me.

Okay, so maybe I'm a little cynical, but it's either bitter laughter or just pathetic tears. I prefer the former. But then, I meandered into the Men section. There is a huge difference between Men Christian literature and Female Chrisitan Literature. Let me explain:

1. Golfing with the Master: I'd love to go golfing with the Master. Instead, all my books are on how I am to "sit in Jesus's lap" and let him tell me how beautiful I am. Seriously, I'd like to play some sports with God, too.

2. Wild At Heart: Famous book...aparently, us women are "domesticated", or, for the female version, "Captivated" like Shamu at Sea World. Can you see my dorsel fin flopping over. (To clarify, I understand it's Captivating and I've heard it's legit.)

3. The Game Plan: I wish someone would spell out the game plan for me, sometimes, too.

4. To Own a Dragon: Now that's what I'm talking about. I want to own a vicious dragon to unleash at the world. But, only boys can own dragons.

5. Tender Warrior: Oxymoron, but sounds interesting and inviting, instead of, "Oh, I'm a tender woman" I'd rather be a warrior for Christ.

6. 6 Rules Every Man Must Break: Wait, you mean it's not all about rules...like who to date, how to date, what to wear, what to read, how to act...Apparently, men have more freedom in this life. They get to break rules, whereas us women are meant to keep them all, even the stupid ones some woman decided to enact one day.

Here is my plea to the Christian authors of today: No more books for singles. Seriously, you just make it worse on us.

And to all Christians of the day: Read a few books, but my goodness, live life, too! Start living out what you read about. Jesus didn't spend his time reading. He spent time with his Daddy and with people. Whether you are male or female, we should all be doing that.

Dear Momma, I went to town...

2008-10-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Conversation with my mother recently: "Whitney, you look good. You look rested. You look happy. You just look good."

"Thanks, Momma. I feel good."

"You know, though, in all your pictures you are wearing that bathing suit. Do you wear that often?"

Yes, it's true. I wear my bikini top everywhere. But you see, this isn't a new development in Maui. My college roommates would enthusiastically tell you that I sat around in my bikini top most days, no matter the season.

I bought my brown/maroon suit that I currently sport at Old Navy a year and a half ago on sale for only 9.99. It has served me well. However, now being in Maui, "wear" the suit is it 24-7, i've realized I needed more variety. Momma helped me discover that reality.

So, dear Momma, I went to town today, to the WalMart, and bought 3 bathing suits, each costing 3.99. You would be proud, because I shopped the only way I know how to shop.

Now, you can sleep soundly knowing i am well-rested, feeling good, and looking good.

Iao Valley (Pronounced EE-OW)

2008-10-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

Some of the joys of Ministry in Hawaii is not having to plan amazing ministry happenings...you see, here in Maui, things just happen. The land itself presents amazing adventures. You don't have to be creative to plan events...just knowledgeble about your surroundings. While I am still partially ignorant to all the places Maui has to to offer, I'd like to think I'm becoming local enough to stop creating on my own and instead utilizing what God's given...
This past Saturday, our amazing Junior High Ministry headed off to Iao Valley. This place is seriously incredible. It's like a lush rainforest in the middle of the island. The kids have all been here before. You just hike up to these rivers with little waterfalls and play all day. There are so many paths to take and so many places to explore. Here are my gorgeous girls, who totally dominated in our Guava fight we had up the mountain. We pretty much played paintball with ripe guavas for three hours.
And now our manly men. Without their leadership throughout the hike, we would have been lost. Seriousl. So much love in one picture. These boys could throw guavas. I have huge welts on my back from their expert skills.

We have some insane local kids. This is Paulo jumping from a rock into the pools. The water was perfectly clear and chilly! Paulo is a total stud. He is one of our jr. high leaders.
Okay, seriously, the people here are so beautiful. This is one of my 8th graders named Marina. She is from Pa'ia, upcountry and hippie-like. The girl can surf. My favorite thing about this girl is her honesty and how blunt she is. For instance, during bible study, she told us the only thing she could think about at the moment was her up and coming pimple on her chin. That's why i work with these kids.
My favorite pic of the hike. Orry is a little more crazy than Paulo. This kid is so athletic and lives with total wreckless abandon. He hops from rock to rock. I love this pic, because he looks totally out of control, but so sick. I don't remember if it was a dive or a cannonball; either way, it was sick.
Here I am eating a guava from a tree because I am THAT native. I had like four guavas that day. They are soooooo sweet. I love it.

This is Paulo, who is kind of like Jesus. Let me explain: During the vicious hike, Paulo would be behind me. As I went through the branches, pulling them out of my way, i would accidently fling them back. One struck Paulo in the side...like Jesus. It bled, but he is recovering.
The valley...full of fun.

After this Sunday...

2008-10-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

My second family at Hope---Mackenze is my 8th grade girl and Zoe is her 3rd grade sister. They are my family. We are just chillin in between services. I'm so blessed :)

I taught the J.Hers Sunday night in our big service called Rooted. I was able to share a little bit of my testimony and share how the Lord brought me here. It was pretty powerful...for myself. Sometimes, its good to see where you came from and to re-live moments that impacted your life.

I came to really understand Jesus as my Lord, and not just Savior, when I was in 8th grade. I think that is an interesting distinction, and people in youth ministry are constantly wrestling with the maturity between someone who knows Jesus died to someone who dies for Jesus. Track with me: A small child knows that Jesus dies on the cross for their sins so they don't have to. All God asks of us is that we BELIEVE that he died on the cross for our sins. However, it's not really that big of a deal until you understand that sacrifice, and in turn, die for Him. This means your old self dies and instead you live for Jesus entirely.

Preparing to talk to the students was the most incredible journey with the Lord. God asked me to dive deeper into WHY I live for Him. Junior Highers are always wanting to know "what's the big deal?" and as I was walking through this process, I found myself asking the same question.

When I came to know Jesus as the Lord of my life, I understood the sacrifice he made. I remember being handed a foot-long stake and the speaker, in turn, telling us that this stake was driven into Christ's hands and feet in the most painful way. The speaker also said that if we did not accept His sacrifice, we had to pay for our own sins on the cross. It was then the sweet moment of recognition hit, and I got it. Christ paid it all. He gave it all. Didn't have to. But He did. And oh, how I loved Him for doing that.

I related the feeling to a personal story about my best friend Lacey and I in High School. I was kicked out of my friend group in a harsh way, and Lacey decided to kick herself out of the same group and come be my friend. The kids loved this story, because I talked about how popular Lacey was and how she was gorgeous and kind and all the boys were obsessed (accompanied picture followed). The whole idea was that she gave all that up to be my friend. And I could never get over that. I wanted to be just like her, help her, talk like her, serve her...just like when someone does something huge for you, you want to devote everything to them. IE Christ on the cross gave his all, and I should give my all for him (it's all i have is all of me).

I was able to re-live my "ah-ha" moment at the cross with these other junior high students. As I was speaking on the stool into the microphone, I couldn't help but talk with Jesus in the back of mind...

"Jesus, look at their faces! They see you on the cross! It's clicking! Lord, make it rock their world like it did mine. Wow!"

It was so inexpressible. Through their eyes, I saw myself doing the same thing. Oh, how I love Him!

Afterward, we were able to have small group time to process the message, and I was with two girls who had never come before. One of the girls actually asked me why He had to die on the cross. She had no idea what it meant or why it happened. I was given the blessed opportunity to completely lay out salvation and how loving Jesus is. She was very un-engaged, but the Word was spoken, and it's up to Jesus calling her near. I prayed that my crappy words wouldn't get in the way.

You know, I think us "mature" Christians never go back and revisit that part of our life where Jeus becomes our all. It's a huge moment.

My favorite verse is "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me" galatians 2:20. Funny thing is, I never fully grasped why I liked that verse so much.

After this Sunday, I saw why.

U-kah-lay-lee

2008-09-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

I have some way talented students in our junior high ministry. Sometimes, I'm just like, REALLY, Lord, could you have given me ONE talent, like playing the ukalelea, or maybe riding a skateboard? Nohea (who reminds me of JTT) can play that thing. He's incredible. See how excited I am to be sitting by him? He taught me to strum, although I don't have very good chord-playing skills.
When I play, I like to put a Hawaiian flower in my hair. Obviously, my chords are off, but my heart is singing along.
The cover of Dustyn's CD album. She plays at school. They have ukalalea class, kind of like how we get recorders to play. Everyone in the lunchroom jams out. It's pretty awesome!
And sometimes, we like to shoot nerds out of our nose into other people's mouths. I told Josh that if he could get it into John's mouth, I'd give him $100. They failed miserably...Vini actually got the nerd stuck IN his nose, crazy Brazialian.

Friend-making skills

2008-09-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

I have skills...like friend-making skills. The peeps here in Maui are absolutely incredible and completely unique. The culture is way laid-back and so welcoming. But, I mean, who wouldn't love me?These are my girls. They hula. That's right, they HULA. And the verb for Hula is NOT hulaing. It is "to dance hula" or "dancing hula". Duh. I got corrected lots of times. Anyways, these girls move so beautifully to the music and they really minister with their dance. Right now, they are in the process of choreographing their own dances to perform later this fall. I'm so proud of them!
Eighth grade bible study gets pretty extreme. This is Dustyn on her rip-stick. I'm going to dominate on one of these real soon. We always take a break during study to practice, although the signs clearly tell us "no skateboarding"...Jesus was a rebel, right?! Anyways, all my girls have amazing skills.
Ah, Jesse. She is my "real age" friend. She just moved here, too, and works at World Mark with condos and such. She's a stud. We went out on a friend date to watch the sunset and eat at Fred's. I still miss my close girls back home, but my Father is so good and faithful to provide new ones. We both massage our head in the shower so our hair will grow faster, because long locks are it in Maui.
And finally, the family. Here are all the interns on top of Haleakala, previously mentioned in the previous post. They are my rocks. More to come on our antics and such :)

Back to Bloggersville....

2008-09-18T13:51:00.001-07:00

The climate in Maui has changed. It's super cold. You can note this by my maroon Texas A&M WHOOP sweatshirt, jeans, and closed-toe shoes. Not necessarily what one would think from a tropical island...actually, I am 10,000 feet above sea level on Haleakala, the volcano on Maui. I'm jumping, so really, i'm like 10,003 feet abouve sea level. We went for the sunrise...glorious! God is super amazing.
Here in Maui, they surf on the sand, not the water, and fully clothed. Here, I am totally ripping it up. Everyone was super impressed with my sand surfing skills. Actually, this is the first time I'm learning how to surf.
Ah yes, the real surfing begins in the deep. My pastor, Craig, taught me how to do it. He's standing in the deep...he's super tall. Not really. it's super shallow on the reef. But look how I'm ripping it up.
Josh thought he could out paddle me. And he did.

Me with my long board. I'm such a freaking surfer.

Boyfriends and Drive-Ins

2008-07-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

I don't have a boyfriend. But if I did, or if someone was interested in being my boyfriend, I think they would have to seal the deal by taking me to the drive in.

The drive in is romantic. It has been featured on such films as "Grease" and made a cameo in "Twister", as a victim of a tornado.

The drive in is reminiscient of simpler times. Times where movie-watching was a social gathering in the outdoors. Times where sitting under the stars could be multi-tasked with watching a film. Times when, for once, people had to wait for something beyond their control: dusk, so that it would be dark enough to see.
Sydni agrees with me. Kru was her Friday night date to the drive in premiere of Wall E!
The four girls. Cindy, my Kari, Sydni, and, of course, the ever-so excited to be around people that I love and adore: Me!
Sometimes, the drive in isn't just a time for romance in a boy-girl way. Sometimes, it is a time for friends to just hang out.
The pre-movie music is bumping. As anticipation for the movie rises, Kye and I decide to put a little pep in our step. He is such a good dance partner, and the best date EVER! Who needs a boyfriend when you can have Kye loving?
Finally, the movie starts, and we settle into the back of Cindy's truck for the movie. Popcorn, cotton candy, and POP (for you, Kari!). Can life get much better than this? I don't think so, not even if I had a boyfriend!

Grahmm, Jesse, Jason, Fred...

2008-06-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

You know, I love love.

Truly.

I love dating shows, although I know that the church would frown about such nonsense and such "unbiblical" ways to get a mate.

When I was in junior high, I resolved to one day be on "Elima-date".

I was on a fake episode of "The Dating Show".

My secret is that I watch "Blind Date" on late-night television when I can't sleep.

Remember that show where the women were on a show to see if they could marry "Joe Millionaire"...who really turned out to be a construction worker looking for love? Obviously, not honest love.

Maybe this is why my love life is such a mess. I look to reality television as my model.

I could go on and on, but I won't.

Instead, I'll talk about my newest obsession: The Bachelorette.

I've been watching since the beginning. I'm not talking about the beginning of this season. I'm talking about the beginning of De Anna's love, when she was kicked to the curb by Brad in the previous season of The Bachelor.

Following me?

Anyways, my sister Mandy and I have been waiting for this season of the Bachelorette to come for many moons. She loves love just like I do. Mostly, we adore De Anna, and we really want her to find real love; better yet, reality television love.

She is doing well so far, this being week 3 of her endeavor for love.

I think we like this show so much because it is how real life should be.

25 guys all at a party. One girl (me). I chose who I want to take on a group date. I chose who I want to go on a single date. I give a rose. I don't give a rose. I dress in some smashing outfits. The guys dress in some smashing outfits. I win in the end.

However, real life isn't like that. Not even mine (shocker).

Grahmm is our favorite. He's a pro-basketball player. His longest relationship has been 5 months. He got to go on the first single date with De Anna. And he got the first kiss.

We hate Jeremy. De Anna really likes him. We see through his sappy monolouges of love. We hope he goes home soon, but he won't. He'll be there til the end.

Fred is, what we belief, De Anna's plant, meaning he is really De Anna's friend and will come out in two weeks to tell De Anna how he feels about all the guys, betraying them all.

Jesse is a pro-snowboarder. Total skater. Total cutie. Mr. Personality. We love him, but he won't win.

Jason has a kid. He's used it to the best of his advantage. De Anna fell for it, fell for him, had a star named after his boy, and we know he'll be there to the end, too.

The rest of them don't really matter, because they will be gone soon.

Why do I go through all this trouble to share all this? Because the Bachelorette brings sisters together.

My sister Mandy and I watched the season-opener together. The next week, my other sister Michelle and my girl Lynae watched it. This week, Lynae brought over her two sisters, and we had a double sister-group date. It's now a tradition.

You know what they say: If you don't have a date Monday night, watch one on T.V.

Oceanic Flight

2008-05-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

If you think this is a post about Lost, I'm so sorry. While I haven't embraced the full chaos-ity of the Lost Season Finale, I am still a fan. I just thought that for those of you who are Lost fans, this might suck you into reading my story. It's all about the title; us writers know this.

No, I will be taking a different Oceanic flight of sorts. And the destination is around where Lost is filmed...

Last night, I booked my airline ticket to Maui.

Let me explain.

My senior year of college has been life-altering. I always thought people who said that were lazy, crazy, and not as prepared as me. You see, I had a plan. I was going to become a teacher, find an inner city school, and teach for the rest of my life. I'm a good teacher. I love kids. I want to find those places only Jesus could love. I want to do it.

However, I began to think about missions. Particularly, translating the bible with Wycliffe. So at the beginning of my senior year, I explored the Wycliffe organization with the possibility of going to Papau New Guniea for two years as a teacher for missionary kids who are on the field with their families helping translate the bible into unknown languages. (http://www.wycliffe.org/) I was in the "system", had interviews, and even began to ask churches for help to get there. It was set.

Then God closed a door. A pretty big door. And even after that door closed, I still tried to pry it open with my own strength and my own means.

Enter the most desolate time of my life.

At the beginning of my last semester at A&M, I completely disregarded God. I started student teaching and began to be arrogant. I was in my own terrible-two stage, where I wanted gratification NOW and I wanted it MY way. The Lord is loving, and He let me experience a fall that ripped my life and my thinking completely away.

Student teaching became hard: that's an understatement for those like Kari who actually walked through it with me. And as I began, like a little baby again, to cling only to my Father, my eyes began to see something greater than myself.

I began to learn humility. I learned dependency. I learned how to submit to authority. I learned about love. I began to experience sorrow for sin, something I never had experienced, or recognized.

And I began to fall head over heels in love with my Savior all over again.

I began to ask the Lord to bring MY castles to the ground and to crash down. That's a Spur 58 song (http://www.spur58.com/) And I began to see the abundant life...

As I began to think about my future as a teacher, I realized I didn't want to do that anymore. My whole life, this is what I wanted to do, and now, my heart felt it wasn't right.

From that point to now, a lot happened. A lot that still has to process. But I'm here, and I'm speechless and in awe about the journey the Lord has taken me to.

I will be boarding a flight to Maui on Aug. 21 at 8:20am. I'm going to Maui to be the Jr. High youth intern at a church called Hope Chapel. Visit their website and learn about my future home (http://www.hopechapelmaui.com/) I'll be there for a year, and I'm so excited to see what God does!

The Lord right now, though, is telling me to be content where I am. Meaning: Yah, Maui is going to be life-changing, but I still have growing for you to do, Whit, before you get there. I have a purpose for you this summer that is just as important.

So pray for me and with me that I will become sanctified this summer. And also pray a prayer of thankfulness, that our God is a God that gives! Every good and perfect gift comes from above!

On the topic of Lost: Sawyer is my favorite. Locke creeps me out, and I have a LOST calendar.

Here's to lots of Oceanic Flights this week!!!!

P.S. By me calling this post Oceanic Flight does not mean that I think my flight will crash...i kinda freaked myself out just thinking this thought...

A Tribute to Ping Pong

2008-05-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Branscome Household got a ping pong table yesterday.

We played for 2 hours, well into the night.

We played doubles.

We played singles.

We played backwards.

We played around the world.

We hit the ball a record of 32 times going around the world.

It was a sight. All 5 of us. In the garage. Late into the night.

True familial bonding.

We sang to the radio.

We sweated.

Mom videotaped.

Ping pong backward is Gnop Gnip.

We played that, too.

Maybe a summer in Friendswood, Texas won't be that bad.

Then again...there is only so much ping pong you can play.

Shake LEFT Receive RIGHT, Look...WHERE?

2008-05-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

Before I get back to the "Adventures of a Daughter Working at Her Father's Insurance Agency in an Office of Three People", I wanted to relive my moments of Graduation.

On Saturday, May 10th, I officially became one of those "Association of Former Aggies" sticker carriers.

It was an eventful day, full of pomp and circumstance. My family was in attendance.

My dad gave me one job during graduation: Smile for that photo.

You see, A&M hires this photographer to take your photo on the stage as you receive your diploma. Every graduate gets their photo taken, and then you can purchase a package of photos at the end of graduation.

My family wanted that photo.

Being as photogenic as I am, I thought this "job" would be easy, a no-worry thing-to-do on my graduation day. No biggie.

Shake with your left hand, receive that diploma with your right, and then look to your left and smile at the photographer.

Before I went on stage, a man even came and told me again what to do.

I had it. I would make momma and daddy proud.

I stood next in line, at the top of the stairs. The announcer began to speak, but I suddenly realized he wasn't saying my name!

"Oh no, oh no, oh no," I panicked inside. "I messed up. Regardless of how many times they checked us in line, I still managed to get out! Oh, sweet Jesus, help me in my time of need, I pray!"

In all actuality, the man was saying, "Magna Cum Lade", the honor I graduated with, before saying my name. I thought he was calling another person!

I realized it was my name, and I proceeded forward to get that maroon tube of a diploma.

Only now, my confidence was shot. My heart was pounding, my underarms perspiring heavily.

Shake....left.

Receive....right.

Look...and smile...

I turned the complete OPPOSITE way from the photographer and flashed my million dollar smile to a random old man standing way back behind the stage.

Once I realized I looked the wrong way, I snapped my head the other direction, but it was too late.

My parents bought the most expensive photo package: 3 8x10s, 10 5x7s, countless wallet photos...

All of the back of my head.

We have it on video as well. I even pause for that random old man to take my photo...if he had had a camera...and if he had been the one A&M has for us to take our pictures.

It would have been a gorgeous photo, I tell you. A gorgeous photo.

Whitney the Professional

2008-05-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

Ever seen The Office?

I hated that show. Until Mimi, my bestie and roomie, started to work at an office. To which she said, "Whit, it's all true. It's all, sadly, true."

So because it was Mimi's life I was watching, I kind of got into The Office, secretly thanking the Good Lord that it was not me at that office.

Unitil Summer Job 2008.

For a good 21 years, I have put off working for my dad at his Insurance Agency. I've had my fair share of interesting summer jobs...

1. Work at the YMCA (16 years old) as a Day Camp Coach---in charge of 45 9 year olds, contracted a staff infection, and warded off shady co-workers' advances to date me.

2. Worked as a waitress at a Catfish House (18 years old)---got screamed at for not perfecting the "Sudie's Baked Potato", was trained by a man named Jimbo, and wore a denim, embroidered shirt. Lasted one month.

3. Worked as a Youth Intern at my church (18 years old)--- made a paper "friendship chain" to teach about unity, stole the "spirit doll" and used it to scare the boys in their cabins (illegally), and had lunch every day in the gym with the rest of the church staff. A welcome change after the Catfish House.

4.. Worked at Just For Kidz Resale shop selling used children's clothing (19 years old)--- learned how to fold clothes, speak Spanish, and made money "under the counter" in cash.

5. Worked at T Bar M Sports Camp (20 years old)---coached soccer and tennis, lived in a cabin, and blobbed all day. Pretty much the best summer job EVER (http://www.tbarmcamps.org/)

And now, today, I tell you, it is time for me to make money and work for my dad. In his office.

His office only has two people: himself and his office manager, Dee. Dee rocks. She is amazing. She started working for Dad when she was my age. She really knows what she is doing.

And now me. I have no clue what I'm doing.

This was my first week "in office". Thankfully, Dad and Mom were in Cancun for the week, which left Dee and I to our own vices. My job is, quoting my dad, "to make Dee happy." That means I'm her assistant, and I do all the menial office work.

Like today, I folded brochures, called dental agencies, and lamented dental cards. I also...no, that's about it for today. I only work until Dee's list for me is done. Oh wait, I filed one folder.

I really don't know the significance of what I do. I mean, it is significant; I am just ignorant to what it means. I'm sure I will find out soon enough.

I would refer you to our webpage. But Dad does not have one. He actually just got internet in his office a year ago. Hopefully, by the end of this summer, I can have a spiffy web page to show for my work this summer.

However, for the purposes of a meaningful summer, I plan on documenting my days in "the office." Some characters to look forward to meeting:

1. Homeboy, a black thug who works for the lawyer across the hall

2. Mailwoman, who delievers the mail everyday at 11:30 and stays to chat

3. Crazy clients

4. My dad, now to be referred to as, "Boss," "Head Honcho," or if I'm ticked off, "Mr. Branscome"---never Dad, for professional purposes.

5. Dee, whom you have already met

6. Computer nerds upstairs who wear blue collared shirts and take a smoke break every 27 minutes.

I will call my adventures, "The Adventures of a Daughter Working at her Father's Insurance Agency in a 3 person Office for the Summer"

Catchy.

MTV's Made

2008-05-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

"I wanna be Made"

These teenagers, standing in front of a white background, telling the world what they wish they were...then enlisting the help of MTV.

A cry to become something they are not...Cool. Talented. Poised. A skateboarder. Prom queen. A cowboy. A rockstar. A male-model* (more to follow on this one).

It's the type of entertainment that makes you feel good about yourself, because you are NOT that desperate to go on MTV's Made.

And even if you did go on MTV's Made, you'd do a better job than those who are chosen to be on Made. Let's face it. The "Made" that these clueless teenagers go through doesn't even work out. I'm sure they get the rock gig or the cute boy in the end because, hey, it's MTV, and there's like a billion cameras following these kids around.

So really, Made doesn't even work.

There was a boy on Made who wanted to be a male model. Problem was: the guy was a total metal-head. He played in a heavy metal band, had long hair and sideburns, gages in his earlobes, and definitely did not have the Calvin Klein physique.

But he wanted to be a male model because he felt like that portrayed and expressed his "inner self"- the social, well-mannered, beautiful person on the inside. So he "becomes" a male model.

Personal trainer. Personal nutritionist. Full-out makeover. Waxing. New clothes. Dump your friends. Get a hot, model girlfriend. Personal coach. Runway training. Acting classes. A portfolio.

Sure, he gets the casting call in the end and is selected for the Buckle fashion show. But seriously, after MTV turns their cameras off, the kid is left with red, irritated skin from waxing, no more casting calls, and some pretty angry kids at school who feel ignored by the "star".

But what cracks me up even more is that when I look at pictures of myself from the past 21 years of my life, isn't that what I've done? I've tried to be "Made"...not made into something I'm not, but rather, I've been trying to be Made to be known.

That's all that kid wanted on Made: to be known for who he truly felt he was. And that's why we play with our looks and our personalities: to portray who we really are so people will know us.

Obviously, no one will really "know" us for who we truly are. We don't even know or realize our full potential of who we are or who we were created to be. Only our Creator understands who we truly are.

At the risk of sounding oh-so-cheesy: He "Made" us.

Lies...all lies.

2008-04-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

Oprah.

She seems to be all the rage right now. I remember getting the youtube video from my momma in an email. She always sends me weird and awkward stuff...so I just deleted it.

"Did you get it?" she asked. Sure, mom. Back to talking about other things.

I saw on facebook statuses: "Oprah lied" and "hates Oprah right now."

Oh, Oprah.

Then, Kari made me actually watch the post. If Kari Stephens (http://3stephensboys.blogspot.com) is taking time out to actually see something on youtube and then write about it, I better jump on that bandwagon real fast.

I was shocked.

Lies. Flat out lies.

I don't have anything real deep about this...yet...because all i can say is...

Liar.

Kari said she wanted to vomit and cry at the same time. I was actually amused. Oh, Oprah. You think you're so cute. You think God is jealous of YOU?

It was very amusing to me. "The Church of Oprah"...by the way, Heather Hendrick's blog is amazingly insightful on this: http://allthingshendrick.blogspot.com

Then, it became all too real.

The lies. The deception. The truth that these people are REALLY BELIEVING this packaged set of hell-bound feces!

A friend of mine is struggling with finding the truth. But instead of putting Oprah versus Jesus, she is putting Mormonism versus Jesus.

Talk about deception.

I decided to research Mormonism a little more. Our HOPE group leader told us that it would be wise to do it: a little homework for the week. So I did. Because I am just that good of a Hope grouper.

I surfed the web, eating animal crackers. Clicking on various mormon links. And i wanted to cry and vomit all at the same time.

I understand now why Revelation COMMANDS nothing be added or taken away from the Word. The Word itself is a mystery of grace and love. Add more, and we will explode. Take away, and we will disinegrate.

My mind reeled. I read that Mormons believe the bible has SOME good stuff, but it is mostly error and misguided. Which makes me ask this question: Then why even use the bible? If it has some good stuff, but mostly error, why use a fallable book?

I also read that the state of Utah has the highest depression rate (www.exmormon.com) Why? I have lots of theories. But CNN reports that it is due to their lack of access to health care and mental health care. Get this: Mormons use their tithes and monies to the church to provide their own health and medical care so they won't use the government. This means the members of their church are not getting the help they need.

Then this will really get you: They blame it all on the women.

If women would raise their kids right, this wouldn't happen.

If you thought submission for the Christian woman was awful, take these poor Mormon women.

But they believe it all.

But Christ. His Way is freedom. His way is Love and not Burden.

His Way is Truth.

And I am convicted that I am not broken for all the lie-believers.

Looking Back

2008-01-21T13:59:00.000-08:00

I have a confession. I worry about what other people think.

I know everyone deals with this. But when I look at my life and who I am, it makes me angry that what people think about me bothers me. I am confident. I am strong. I know who I am in the Lord, and I know who the Creator created me to be. Yet, I still care about the opinion of others.

Every decision I make, I make for someone else. In Youth, we talked about what influences HOW we think. For instance, when I buy an outfit, I think, "Man, I saw on 'What Not to Wear' that horizontal stripes make me look bigger. I probably shouldn't get that shirt." That's a real obnoxious example, but it gets my point across.

I'm learning what it looks like to let Jesus do my thinking. That's alot more intimate than letting Jesus dictate what you say or what you do. We all know it's easy to be sweet with our words and with our actions, but what about our mind? We are called to be "transformed in the renewing of our minds" and to "love the Lord with all your heart, MIND, soul, and strength." Straight up, Jesus does not control all my thoughts. And doesn't the mind control the whole body? I've been going about this all wrong...

The Word says to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. EVERY thought. What we think about. HOW we think. What does that look like?

I've been battling with a decision for some time now. I hate when people are so vague about their issues, but what mine is is not that big of a point. It's the underlying way I've been thinking about making my decision. I want others to make it for me.

I read today out of Luke 9:62: Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God". I know what I need to do. I have already made a decision to follow Christ and deny myself. But I'm looking back. I'm looking back to check to see if it's okay. I want others to applaud me. I want to know what they think. I want to make sure that what I'm doing is appropriate in their eyes.

What happens when you look back while you're plowing? You trip over the soil and land on your face. Then, maybe your ox (or water buffalo, if you're in Southeast Asia) might back up and run you over, or go crazy and destroy everything you've already planted. You will lose sight of what your are after, and end up flat on the ground.

Lot's wife ended up as a pillar of salt. I hate sodium.

I have to fix my eyes on Jesus, to throw everything off that easily entangles, and RUN! I can't look back. I can't go bury my father, or say good-bye to my family. I have to just get up and follow Jesus.

The only way to follow and never lose focus or sight of Jesus is to let Him consume my thoughts. Think about it: I'm sure the stumbling plower was thinking all about others and what was going on behind him. He was worried. And he falls. He is not fit for service in the kingdom of God. What if the plower was instead thinking about God's glory. About God's grace. About mercy. About the man of Jesus Christ and His selflessness. Of His gift. What if he was thinking about how God's love is better than life? What if he had his i-pod in, jamming to some Chris Tomlin or some Robbie Seay?

EVERY thought and make it captive to Christ. It's what I think about. How I think. It controls my mind. Renewed.

"Deep calls to deep, in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me." Consume me! Consume my thoughts!

Baby sisters!

2008-01-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

My baby sister Mandy. She's 17. I miss the days when she was just a little girl. We'd have her do crazy things, like sit on a rope and have Michelle and I try to lift her from downstairs to upstairs in the entry way using only a jump rope. She was also the "tent height checker"---we never let her help us build our tents and forts in the playroom. She had to sit inside and make sure the blankets were high enough for us to enjoy. She also had to put paper in her hat at DisneyWorld to make her tall enough for rides that the whole family was going on. We didn't care that it was a safety hazard for her to be too small. No one wanted to sit out with her, so we made her come.
My middle sister Michelle. She's 19. She hates getting dressed up and taking pictures, but she does it anyways. Little does she know, she's the treasure of the Branscome girls. As the middle child, she dealt with getting left out. She also always had to play sports with the older age group so we could be on the same team and my parents didn't have to go to two sporting events every week. Bless her heart-she'd play basketball with teenagers who towered over her. I also made our next door neighbor (Bubba, he was a cutie) kiss Michelle as an "experiment". That's right. Michelle had the Branscome sister's first kiss at the ripe age of 5.

I love them because they put up with me. I'm not the coolest ice cube in the freezer, or the brightest crayon in the box, but my sisters make me feel like a million dollars. They've been in all my plays I've written and they helped me colonize the other side of the creek behind my house. Whatever came into my crazy whitney head, they'd do, without complaint or comment.

A strand of three is not easily broken :) I miss my baby sisters. Nevermind they are both a good 5 inches taller than me. I hate the fact that we live in 3 different cities. But I love the fact that we all love Jesus with our whole hearts, and we're just a phone call or a prayer away! MMMMM, nothing beats sister lovin'.

Wifely Skills

2008-01-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

The running joke for me has always been, "I have no wifely skills."

You know, those "wifely skills"...the skills that make a wife. I don't have any of these skills. I can't cook. I don't sew. I don't even like little babies. Thus, I wouldn't make a good wife.

Not that I'm even close to the "wifely skills" stage of my life. Don't take this post as a woe-is-me-and-my-lack-of-skills post. I'm just stating the facts. But still, as a young woman, I see it fit to try and work on these skills--if not to be a good wife, then to better myself as a human. One is always in need of a good meal.

However, it has come to my attention that I indeed have one aspect of these "wifely skills". I love to clean. And, dare I say it, I am GOOD at cleaning.

I love Windex. I love the way it makes my mirror streak-free. I love vacuums. I feel as if I am sucking up all the nasty in my life everytime I run it over my carpet. I love Clorox wipes. I'm addicted to wiping counters, killing that flu virus.

I love cleaning my shower. I love sponges.

Most of all, I love throwing my hair in a bandana and putting on a pair of sweatpants, turning up some techno music, and cleaning with the beat.

I also love that all my roommates are gone, thus making my obsession with cleaning much less embarrassing.

I say to you, world, who thought my wifely skills weren't enough: I love to clean. Mark one for Whitney in the Wife Market.

Maybe I should just get a job as a hotel maid...

Baby's Momma Drama

2007-11-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

These are my girls. To my left is my momma, with the braids and tat. And the gal on the right could very well be the big sister I never had rockin' the chains. We are about to go shoot up some of our peeps in the hood.

Recently, I've been throwing myself some pretty pathetic pity parties. I've been thinking, "Why, God, this....Why, God, that....." Poor me. Life is so difficult. I'm suffering SO much. Swing low, sweet chariot.

Then, I look at pictures like this one. Check it out. A 40-something year old momma and a twenty-something year old momma, along with a super-hot college chick NON-momma, dressed like gangstas.

So during this Thanksgiving season, I have discovered a few things to be thankful for:

1. That I am not a true gangster. Gang life seems hard.

2. That my mom is not a real gangster. Let's face it, she wouldn't last an hour on the streets of Bryan, let alone in Jersey. I'm glad she's no single momma drama with no baby's daddy hangin' on the street corners gettin' shot up.

and 3. That I have friends (and a rocking momma) who will dress like gangsters with me.

Really, there is no room for pity parties. Life is so good. The Creator of life is good, thus making life a GOOD thing.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:14. I know these peeps gots my back!

Elf...

2007-10-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it is October 26. Yes, I know Santa doesn't exist. And yes, I know that it is noon on a gorgeous Friday afternoon.

But here I am, watching ELF. Listening to Christmas Music. Wishing I was eating Christmas cookies. And it hasn't even been Halloween yet. Oh my, it is going to be a long rest of the semester...

God has been doing a lot in my heart lately. I'm struggling with the whole, "what am i doing with my life after college" ordeal that I promised i'd never encounter, and if i did, i wouldn't tell anyone.

Struggling isn't the best word. Butch talked about faith last week. Faith is obedience, believing God's way is the best way.

I have faith, though it is small. I'm praying it will grow. Help me with my unbelief!

The word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I love this verse because it reminds me of walking on a dark pathway with just a candle. The candle doesn't shine on the whole path, but just enough for you to take one step, and then another. That's faith. That's walking in obedience. So that's what I'm doing. Walking with my candle, trusting.

Who knows where I'll be. But right now, I'm watching ELF, thinking to myself, "would I date a boy who thought he was an elf?"

Would you?

Photos

2007-10-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

Just some photos of those I love....

Sydni and Michael!

My lil bros :)

Why I Don't Like Harry Potter

2007-10-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

I recently began reading Harry Potter.

I recently stopped reading Harry Potter.

I don't know what all the hype is about Harry.

Bottom line: Harry Potter just is not good literature.

The sentence structure is too simple and too patterned. No variety. No rich word choice. No good descriptive language. The more our children read these books, the less literate they become.

I truly believe that. Our children are obsessed with these books. They will read and read and read them all, only to become accustomed to the characters and simple words that will hinder them greatly when they grow up. Harry Potter is a security blanket for our developing young readers.

Just a story about Harry and this black cat and a weird witch school.

Witchcraft aside, cute Harry-in-the-movies aside, and the love that children have for the books aside...

Harry Potter is just not good literature.

It's banned books month. Did you know that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a banned book? We are banning Mark Twain, but allowing for JK Rowling to write her little stories with simple, one syllable words for billions per book sold?

America, where have we gone wrong?

Blonde? If Jessica Alba Can, I Can

2007-09-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

No, I don't have a major obsession with Jessica Alba, although I do love her in Fantastic Four...recently, I've played with the idea of a major change in my life.

Going blonde.

I need some sort of change in my life, and I'm just that crazy to do something drastic to the hair. I don't want or need a cut.

I'm young. I can deal with some sort of change that will alter my look. I'm not talking platnium blonde. Rather, a nice, light, dirty blonde, like my good pal Katy Fuller.

I think people have very strong opinions regarding this idea. Many are completely against it, whereas others are adimantly for it. My girl Michelle McClure is living her adventurous side vicariously through me.

Fictional Characters Comin' to Jesus

2007-09-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'm reading "The Mark of the Lion" series by Francine Rivers...excellent series. I'm on the last book, the one that really has nothing to do with the first two, but excellent all the same. I carry this 500-page book with me everywhere. I read it on the bus, at home, before I sleep, when I wake up, and when I eat lunch. I read it in class. I pretty much am overly obsessed with this book and its characters.

The story is way too complicated to explain. I like it that way. It means my gray matter is actually having to work when I read. Bottom line is: Francine Rivers writes Christian fiction that doesn't make me want to take a pine cone and rub it over my face with frustration.

On the cover of my book, there is a scantally-clad drawing of a gladiator with a spear. He is wearing traditional gladiator gear. I've never really taken a look at this cover illustration, until my good friend at church, Bobby Merchant, asked me why I was reading a book with a cover like that. I started to blush and get real sweaty and nervous, and explained that it was Christian Fiction, I promise! It is written by Francine Rivers, a respectable, older woman who loves the Lord! Now, if I have any shame in the book, it is the cover. I now try to conceal the cover when I read...or maybe I should just buy one of those awesome "High School Musical" book covers.

The other night, my roommate Meems (aka Michelle McClure) and I were reading on the couch, me, my Gladiator book, and Meems, "Must Love Dogs", a book i bought from Half Price two weeks ago, already finished, and gave to her, because it is so entertaining. Anyways, every fifteen minutes or so, she'd giggle and we'd talk about the characters in her book. Finally, in my book, something exciting happened, but I knew Meems wouldn't understand. Complicated story, remember? You see, the character in my book finally accepted the Lord! This was a huge deal! However, my character is fiction. So in reality, his soul really didn't matter. Francine Rivers...such an author to make me want to pray for the soul of a fictional character.

But I figured, a praise is still a praise, whether it's a character in a book or a real person, because God still gets the glory, so I told Michelle anyway. She laughed. For a long time. Obviously, she didn't think that a fictional character could accept the Lord...

Which brings up a pretty interesting idea. Fictional Characters...still bringing God glory, even if they aren't real?

A tribute to Laughter...

2007-09-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Laughter is the sporadic expression of joy or glee. It can be silent, loud, high pitched or low. It can include snorts, wheezes, gulps, gasps. The mouth can be wide, closed, and the head can be thrown back or bent forward. I believe that when we get to heaven, we'll be able to tell who is who by our laughs. Laughter is verbal fingerprints- no two people laugh the same. And I believe God had our laughter in mind when he designed our diagphragm, throat, and vocal cords. Can you hear the laugher?You can laugh when someone falls...

You can laugh before you shove your face into pudding...

You can laugh holding someone's hand...

Or you can laugh at someone.

The Hope Group Situation

2007-09-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

My schedule is pretty well-known:

Thursday night friend night
Friday night friend night
Saturday night church
Sunday night with my girls, now in youth
Monday night with Kathryn and the boys
Tuesday night FREE
Wednesday night...

Today is Wednesday. If you know me, and you know Wednesday, then you draw this conclusion:

Wednesday is when Whitney goes to Hope Group at the Carpios.

Time to knock the earth off its rotation.

Because i have to "grow up" and take my methods courses this fall so i can "grow up" and become a "teacher" and get a "real job" making a "real difference" in "society"...i have to "take an important, only offered once a semester at this time" class on wednesday nights, from 6-9pm, right in the middle of my wednesday nights.

Wednesday nights used to be sealed in an envelope, packaged in a box, cemented in stone, locked with fifteen locks, thrown into the ocean with a weight on the bottom, never to be touched.

Alas, this wednesday night, not so much.

Two years I have spent with these people who I no longer call "people", or "friends", or even "brother/sister"...i call them "life". I call them "my picture of Christ's love, all in one house, 13 faces, one meal".

Now i have to move on. And they have to move on.

Carlos will continue to say silly things like "gon-dola" and repeat his name.

And Kay will continue to write down prayer requests in that little notebook.

Easton, Alex, and Michael will continue to come down the stairs with scary masks.

Little Arie will continue to grow into a real-life baby, and fulfill his potential.

Kathryn, Nells, Sara, Juiliette, and Kristin will continue to snuggle on the couch.

And Pat will continue to come up with new ways to pray.

But do we really have to "move on"? I mean, isn't that what we've been doing for the past 2 year, "moving on"...we've been through so much, and Wednesday nights were only a part of it all. Wednesday nights are more a means to the end, not the end!

Pray for me as I go to my new thursday night hope group. And I will always be praying for yall.

And if I can sneak out of class, 2 and a half hours early, i will. Don't think I won't.

"No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us" 1 John 4:12

Camp vs. Regular America

2007-08-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

After living at camp for 12 weeks, coming back to the "real world" has made me realize how easy I had it, living in regular America:

1. I can choose to eat whatever I want, whenever I want it, instead of a two-week rotation of meals such as "Salsbury steak" and "Green Meal" at feeding times.
2. I can turn on the light when I wake up instead of using a flashlight, as to not blind my poor campers.
3. I'm only responsible for one person: ME, instead of 6 to 9 young, moldable, and unpredictable girls who need to eat, feel loved, bathe, go to bed, and have fun.
4. I can changing in my bedroom, instead of a two by four cube containing a toilet.
5. I can do laundry whenever I want, instead of waiting, again, for a two-week period, while sniffing my clothes I've worn for the day to see if I can wear it again the next day. Oh, and I no longer have to rely on the swimming pool for cleaning my shorts and shirts.

After living in regular America for 2 weeks, coming back from 12 weeks at camp, I realize how easy I had it at camp:

1. No makeup, blow drying, or jeans. Just straight up shorts and a t-shirt, all day, every day!
2. Kids constantly wanting to hug me, hold my hand, or sit on me. So much love!
3. Everything is a game.
4. I can talk about Jesus, whenever I want, wherever I want, without feeling any inhibitions...I've realized coming back from camp, I'm not as bold as I was. It's me.
5. They do my laundry and cook my meals. All I have to do is show up or drop off.

This post does not do my summer experience justice, but I'm still having a hard time expressing how camp was this summer and what happened. Hopefully, it will begin to come out, slowly but surely, and my articulation of it will be much better. Mind you, I have been at camp for 12 weeks, so my writing skills are oh-so-below parr.

WRITE ME, K?!

2007-06-01T20:04:00.001-07:00

Whitney Branscome
c/o T Bar M Sports Camp
2549 Hwy 46 W
New Braunfels, Texas, 78132

Long story short, I am now working the WHOLE summer at T Bar M Sports Camp, teaching tennis the first half, and then soccer the second half. God is so sovereign, and his plans are way more than our plans are! I won't be able to call much, but i can receive and send letters! Please write me so that I can write you back and keep in touch!

Especially my little bros and sis's, you know who you are :)

Kathryn, I have found a girl here at camp who is also going through the Women of the Bible study, so we have decided to meet and discuss a woman each week... Isn't God amazing?

Keep praying for me, that these kids I get this summer, each week, will be touched and saved by Jesus! I am praying for all of yall! I can't wait to get back and reflect on how INCREDIBLE our Lord is!

Colossians 1:28-29
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling WITH ALL HIS ENERGY, which so powerfully works in me.

Mother's Day

2007-05-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

One time I called my church in Houston my "home church" in front of Howard Tipton, and he got real offended :)

That is the dilemma of us college kids who were real attached to our church family we grew up in, then become super attached to another church in college. It's like being in love with your mom's enchiladas, then having someone else make enchiladas that aren't the same, but taste just as good...are you digging what i'm serving?

Anyways...

I love Mother's Day at my "home church" in Houston. We do something very special that I never fully grasped the significance until I read about Hannah in the bible.

Yes, be prepared for another "Women of the Bible" story...

At my church, we have couples or friends of couples who desire to have children but haven't been able to get pregnant stand up and be prayed for. At first, this is a really intimate, almost too personal thing. Who would want to stand up in front of a good 2000 people and admit they can't conceive? The answer: those who are desperate and see that only God can fulfill their deepest desires. They've tried doctors. They've tried methods. They've done the books. But they are at the end of their rope. They want a baby!

After reading about Hannah in the bible, I've realized many women in the bible were barren. Sarah, my all time favorite character (i say that sarcastically, in case you didn't catch that, Kathryn) was barren until God intervened. Rachel was barren as well until God opened her womb. And then Hannah...

Bearing children makes a woman feel fulfilled...at least, i think it does. I don't have any to compare it to. But that is what makes us different from men. Hannah must have felt so weird, like a freak. So she turned and cried out to the Lord.

And guess what. Little Samuel came. Hannah kept her promise to the Lord and gave that little Samuel right back to the Lord.

Okay, so maybe I can't fully grasp how amazing being a mother is, or how devestating it is not to have a baby when trying.

But all my little mind needs to understand is that God is bigger than we think can't happen. He created us. He rules over creation. So if he created our bodies and a woman's womb, he can make little babies in that womb that he created.

For goodness sake, Jesus appeared out of no where into Mary's tummy.

Many couples in our church now have gorgeous, precious children thanks to the prayers of faith offered by the church family and through their own personal faith, as small as a mustard seed, that God can do whatever he wills, and he grants us the desires of our heart.

We just have to call out in faith, and, as Samuel's name means, "God hears".

A Post Dedicated to My Final Week in College Station

2007-05-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

There are five things I would like to accomplish before leaving College Station for the summer. I would also like to accomplish this in only one week. They are as follows:

1. Play Frisbee Golf at Wolf Pen Creek Park (they have a new course and I would like to try this out, preferably with Nellie)

2. Sit down and watch "Gone With The Wind" while eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and banana pudding.

3. Take a bubble bath in my bath tub, because I have one, and I have yet to take a bubble bath.

4. Understand who Ruth was in the bible and have a fascinating discussion with Kathryn while eating ice cream sandwich cake.

5. Meet George Bush

Seeing as I can probably accomplish four out of five of these things on my own, I may need some help with the fifth. Anyone know George Bush?

British Accents

2007-04-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

If I had to chose between having a british accent or having a boyfriend, I would choose having a british accent.

That way, I could talk about how it makes much more sense to not have a boyfriend in my british accent, and people would listen and take my word for truth, and agree with me because I sound so smart.

British people are smart. I don't care what they say, they just sound like they know what they are talking about. For goodness sakes, they are British!

Also, if i had a british accent, everyone would want me to talk all the time. So, in putting others in front of myself, I would oblige, and talk all the time. And people would listen, because, hey, I'm british.

Brits are powerful, smart people. Making up that language that everyone listens to.

Thoughts on Vietnam

2007-04-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

It's funny how unattached you can be to your education. I've never really had any sort of intent connection to anything I've ever learned. I didn't know what it meant to actually be motivated internally to learn about something.

Until I got into Vietnam.

God has opened my eyes using this Vietnam War class. I've been exposed to so many thoughts and ideas and facts and speculations, it makes my head swim. But in light of all that floating information, I was able to make connections and become personally involved. I'm not some sort of expert on Vietnam by any means, but I know more than most. But I don't believe the Lord placed me in the Vietnam War class to learn about Vietnam: he wanted me to learn about humanity.

After all the hours and work I've put into that class, the final paper is an interview with someone who was involved in the war in anyway. My dad encouraged me to call Officer Ross, my old crossing guard at my elementary school. Now he works night patrols around Friendswood, so decided to call him at midnight and have him tell me about the war while riding around in his patrol car on duty.

Two hours later, I flung myself onto my bed, weeping. I wept for the world. What have we become? Such a fallen people, broken and lost, desperate and hopeless. We have no comfort, no life in our bodies. We walk around defeated, death is all around us.

The people in Vietnam today still suffer. They fill their bellies with sand and cling to what little of a life they have. The people in Iraq suffer. They live in terror and in oppression and without any sort of physical comfort. The people in Africa are sick, dying, and children have to flee for their lives every night to evade being warriors and slaves.

Don't think the industrialized world isn't suffering, either. We've become slaves to ourselves and our desires, to our lusts and to consumerism. The spiritual world is dark in Europe. In America, our "education" consists of sitting in a classroom one moment then being shot at the next.

Broken and hopeless and death surrounds us.

So I cried, and I echoed what Officer Ross said: Where is God? God, where are you?

It was never meant to be like this, my soul quietly mourns.

But it is. I can't bear it all.

So I pray. I pray for Vietnam. I pray for our soldiers in Iraq. I pray for faith and comfort and to see God amist the death. I pray for myself and for my own faith. Increase my faith! The times will only get worse, but God never changes.

Where are you God? Where he's always been. We just won't look and we won't see. This is a world destined to be overrun with Satan. But God is still there, and my hope is this:

Revelation 3:11: I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown

Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Acrostic poem

2007-04-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

In light of Jesus showing me how blessed I am in life, I decided to write an acrostic poem with the word "BLESSED". Each letter stands for a blessing I thank Jesus for and ask him how it blesses others...

B-Brothers that aren't biological but spiritual, or "my brothers in Christ"...Like my boys Michael, Alex, Easton, and yes, even Kevin, Carlos, and Pat, among many others!!!

L- Love. Jesus Love...and for allowing me to experience genuine love from others and give love, too!

E- Education. I have the opportunity to attend a great university to obtain the knowledge and tools I need to make a difference in the world!

S- Sight. Do you know how amazing it is to be able to see? Not just physically see people, places, and all of God's beauty and color, but actually see the truth! I once was blind, but now I see!

S- Silliness. I think it is a blessing to be able to let yourself have moments of pure joy through silliness, whether its crazy dancing or laughing for hours with friends!

E- Encouragement. I have so many people in my life that encourage me when I need it the most, whether it's encouraging me to write a book or encouraging me to continue reading the word.

D- Dannon yogurt. I eat it every morning. It's pretty much the best yogurt out there :)

You should make an acrostic, too!

Immenseness

2007-04-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

The beauty of God is that he meets people where they are. God became a man and took a vacation from heaven to come hang out with these lowly creatures called "humans". He knew we couldn't come to him, so he came to us. How else does he come?

God speaks to us where we are at. Some people meet with God in the quiet hours of the night, looking at the stars. Others meet with God in their cars, singing worship songs, or just talking to God while they drive.

Some see God in the faces of babies or in the love of husband for his wife. Others see God in the intricacies of the human body and how everything is just so, that if it weren't just so, it would not be so.

As for me, I see God in immenseness. I see him in large expanses of land. I ponder him in the large blue expanse we call the sky. I meet with him while standing at the brink of the expansive ocean, where the water goes on past the horizon.

The ocean has always left me in silence, in speechlessness, in awe. It's so large, it touches so much, and yet, God is so much bigger. I guess the ocean is the largest thing I can wrap my mind around. Contemplating space leaves me literally on the edge of insanity, and, to be honest, mountains just don't amaze me quite as much as the ocean.

I meet with God at the ocean. Maybe it's the waves that crash continuously that remind me of his never-ending love. Or maybe its the water that accepts me just the way I am, with no resistance or hesitation, I just fall in. But I think it's just the fact that the ocean goes as far as my eye can see and beyond, so huge, where I am so small...and I don't matter at all anymore.

I see God in the large things. For me, this is where I am consumed. And only the one True God can consume me, completely immerse me, in his immenseness...

I need to be completely taken over.

Elegance

2007-04-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

"Elegance does not mean getting noticed...it means being remembered"

I read that on the back of some soriority girl's hot pink shirt today in class. I sat there, staring, and had three revelations:

1. Elegance isn't a verb. It's an adjective. Thus, elegance does not mean "getting noticed" nor does it mean "being remembered". You cannot "elegance" something.

2. Don't you have to be noticed to be remembered? I mean, if you are never even pointed out, how can I remember you? It's like, "hey, remember that time Katy wore that really cute headband with that pink polo and a peasant skirt with Doc Martens?" uh, no, I don't remember, because I never actually noticed the headband because I was too busy staring at the Doc Martens, which went out of style the moment I had enough money to actually buy a pair.

3. No one remembers elegance anyways. They say the Oscars is the most elegant event in the history of elegant events. No one even remembers who wore what or who was even there. Man, I don't even remember who won what. I do remember that Jack Nicholson was there. Now, if I remember Jack Nicholson, does that make him elegant?

Soriority girl, with your pink "elegant" shirt, I do remember. I remember how your elegant shirt made me stare off into space and ponder the word "elegant" when I really should have been listening to Dr. Cain talk about Authentic Assessment in the classroom.

"Elegant" to me reminds me of the word "elephant", which makes me envision an elegant elephant in an evening gown, with a fur coat and a feather boa around her neck. She also has a glass of gingerale in her hand, (or elephant paw) and she speaks in a british accent. And her name is Elizabeth. Elizabeth the Elegant Elephant.

Sunday Sickness

2007-04-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Today, after two days of weakness and one morning of throwing up (no, I'm not pregnant, I can't believe you would even think that!), I finally ate a meal.

A chicken caesar wrap.

I write this for you, Kathryn.

I am fine.

No wait, scratch that...

God Bowls a Strike

2007-03-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder why it thunders?

My dad always told me it was because God was bowling. And when it lightninged...it was a celebration, because he made a strike!

I never thought this was weird or odd...until i told it to Michael and Alex.

Michael said, "nu uh, God doesn't bowl"

And I replied, "yes huh, he does too!"

Michael asked, "Then where does the rain come from?"

To which i thought for a moment, and in a desperate attempt to keep with my metaphor, and to save face in front of an 8 year old (a VERY BRIGHT 8 year old) i said, "it's his sweat, okay? He gets sweaty when he bowls"

So last night, God bowled and made lots of strikes. Alex got excited everytime. I laughed.

God bowling and eating those cheap bowling alley hot dogs. I bet they don't have his shoe size in those gross bowling shoes. But He's God. He can create his own bowling shoes.

Thank you, Dad, for creating these weird stories in my mind about what God does up there in heaven.

And thank you, Michael and Alex, for showing me even though they are weird, they still work :)

Are These Eating Apples?

2007-03-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

Today, Empire apples at HEB were 99 cents a pound. That is a deal! Although I am a huge supporter of Pink Lady apples, and occasionally Gala, the monetary savings I would achieve by buying Empire far outweighed the temporary delight I would get in a sweet bite of a Pink Lady apple.

While I packed my treasures in a clear, plastic produce bag, an older woman approached my side and then asked me, "Are these eating apples?"

I was taken aback at this questions. My initial internal response was, "Of course they are eating apples, you silly woman!! What else would you do with these apples?" But then I began to ponder...

These apples could be used for baking. Or maybe for your pet rabbit. Or may, they are those artificial apples you buy and place in a fake basket on your kitchen table for decor. I hate when you go to grab a fake apple, take a bite into it, then have to embarrassingly explain to the host why the fake apple is wet.

So instead of responding out of my first reaction, I smiled at replied to the woman, "Oh yes, you can eat these! I asked the same question to the produce guy. You just never know these days!"

Her face brightened up as she giddily chattered and filled her clear, plastic produce bag with her own Empire treasures. "What a good deal!" she kept exclaiming.

I love the produce section of the grocery store. Such comradry, such unity.

Then I headed to the bananas, where a man asked me, "Say, are these eating bananas?"

Just joking :)

Roses and Thorns

2007-03-07T05:26:00.000-08:00

It is a well-known fact that every monday night, you can find me at Kathryn's house. We have been going strong with our "women of the bible" study, and haven't missed a night yet! But alas, spring break is coming up, and I must depart and go to Flordia. That doesn't mean the women of the bible wait, oh no! They live on, even on the beach!

I love spending monday nights with Kathryn and the boys, because that means I get to be intimately apart of a family for a night.

When we eat dinner, we do this thing called "roses and thorns", where we tell the best part of our day (the rose!) and the worst part of our day (the thorn). I love being able to reflect on my day in a kid-friendly way, with little glances to Kathryn, and I delight in Michael and Alex's triumphs and poopies of the day!

Michael has some good roses and thorns! "No color change, and I got all my work done!" was the recent rose of the day! No thorn for him, he said! Momma's thorn was shaking her finger at a not-so-friendly motorist at a stop sign, and her rose was getting work done at work and at home. And now Alex...

Every week, Alex is the "teacher". He says who gets to go first...."ummmmmmm, whitney!" So we go around, and he usually is the last one. I don't think he fully understands what "roses and thorns" are, but he does it just like us!

Alex: "um, my thorn, is, um, I had to go to a thinking space at the park (time out) and my thorn is that i got all my work done and no color change" (an obvious copy of his role model big brother, Michael)

"and, my rose is......... blue!"

You see, each week, Alex's rose is something different. Sometimes its a color, like one time it was gray, and other times, its an animal, or a sound, or anything little Alex's mind can conceive...

And I think he gets it. Our rose should always be the Lord and who he is and what he has done! So what is our rose? It's the color blue that he has created. Or that sound that he has made come out of our mouths...

Maybe this is a long stretch, but Alex continuously shows me that God cannot be contained in a little "rose and thorn" game. God's a creative God.

It reminds me of how we've been praying for my Dad to go to church and maybe sunday school, and, lo and behold, he finds a sunday school class....but it's the prison ministry sunday school class, and he's hanging out with convicts. God can use convicts to bring my daddy to church! Who would have thought my dad could connect to convicted felons?

God is a creative God, and today, my rose is..... a giraffe!

Nellie's Little Mexico

2007-03-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

What do you do when a member of your HOPE group has a birthday? Dress up in Mexican wear and have a fiesta, of course! We were missing Nellie, the birthday girl, ironically, and our "older" Hope Group Members who go to bed early (really, you couldn't stay up? the party started at 10pm!!!)

Kathryn, Carlos, Kay, Michael, Alex, Estan :), and Amy, yall were so missed!

By the way, Juliette was "Big Mama" (she put on another shirt, stuffed a pillow in her shirt, and ran around being big mama)

Sara was salsa girl, with a pink bed sheet around her waist!

Pat was some sort of brightly-colored shirt wearing Hispanic man?

I, of course, was Salena, the 80s Latino Pop star :)

And Ashley started as J-Lo, but ended up putting on everything in my closet. Best makeup and hair ever!

Next birthday, I want it to be China-themed!

I support the Arts.

2007-02-24T14:51:00.000-08:00

I saw a musical last night at this community theatre in League City.

One of my dad's clients had written, directed, and now is starring in this musical, so Dad thought it would be fun to go see. I'm proud of how my dad supports his clientell.

It wasn't like it was the best musical ever, or had the best talent ever, or even the best songs, lighting, scenery, costumes, or chairs...

But the senior citizens of the Clear Creek Retirement Community liked it. They wore matching red jackets...all 40 of them.

I was the youngest attendee of the performance. My dad sat next to these two old women and bought them some candy bars. Their blood sugar sky-rocket, and they giggled through the whole performance.

The main character was this women whose voice was too high and too weak, yet she sang every other song of the musical.

There were costume malfunctions, misquoted lines, and awkward silences.

My mom, dad, and I sat at the top, and just laughed.

We didn't laugh AT the performance. We rather enjoyed it, actually. We laughed at the fact that, out of everything we could have done on a Friday night to celebrate Mom's birthday, we chose the senior-citizen screening of a community production of a never-seen-before musical.

I support the arts.

Eye Drops, Glasses, New Makeup, and God

2007-02-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

My pink eye has faded, praise the Lord! I felt real cool wearing my glasses all weekend and putting drops in my eyes every 4 hours. "Excuse me, I have to go the bathroom to put these eye drops in my eyes to make sure my pink eye doesn't come back"...

The upside is that I had to throw away all my eye makeup: full and soft mascara, extra volume mascara, brown-black eyeliner, "nearly nude" eye shadow, "golden sunset" eye shadow, face powder, liquid eye liner, "metallics" revelon cream eye shadow.... AND I GOT TO BUY NEW STUFF! It was that i HAD to buy new stuff. It wasn't an option. My sickness demanded it.

So i went through the weekend, glasses and all, no eye makeup, much hand washing, and it was good. Because i cried a lot this weekend, and no mascara ran. And the glasses made me look like a college student and not like a 9th grade girl :), so I got some respect finally. God uses pink eye, too!

Although now, I can't get enough of my glasses, and I kind of don't want to go back to wearing eye makeup. I can get ready in 30 minutes now, shower and everything! I cut out some meaningless time, not putting on eye makeup or my contacts, you know?

Pink eye was definitely an attack from the enemy this weekend. He did not want me to go to Journey (D-Now) at Sagemont. He didn't want me to serve my amazing 9th grade girls this weekend. He didn't want me singing "Marvelous Light" and he definitely didn't want me to realize how desperately I needed a Savior and how amazing grace is. He didn't want me to witness new sisters and brothers added to the kingdom. He didn't want me going to Starbucks and the Galleria to spread the news about how great God is and how his gospel extends to everyone! He didn't want me to experience the love and bonds my girls and I felt as we prayed for one another and experienced God together...

Pink eye. Another tactic from the enemy thwarted by God's master plan. We win. Always. Because no matter what happens here, I'm still full of joy. God is in control. And I'm running into Marvelous Light for now and eternity.

Vanity Part II

2007-02-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

A Poem: "Response to My Former Relationship with Vanity"

Oh, I was vain.
So very very vain.
And I told you so, vanity,
in my blog, clear and plain.

How I lamented I was pretty
How I delighted in my looks.
How I ignored all the warnings,
stashed away in the "comment" nooks.

That very next day, with cute boy behind
I fell UP the stairs, on my way to see the prof
Scraped up my hand pretty bad
the guy just scoffed.

"Pride cometh before the fall" said Lisa
and kathryn told me to "watch the heart".
Well, today was round two
and the response to my vanity part.

I woke up today with two eyes
that were swollen and pink.
Gunk coming out of the corners,
Not too pretty, one would think.

Sat in Beutel all day,
next to sniffles and strep throat man
Dropping drops in my eyes, I say:
"Vanity, away from you I run as fast as I can"

*Yes, I have pink eye. If you have been in contact with me or my eyes in the past days, do not rub your eyes! Wash your hands! Keep your eyes away from people! I am so sorry...my sin affects lots and lots of people...

**I like the color pink, but not in my eye.

Vainity

2007-02-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

I've realized I'm pretty vain.

Every mirror or window or reflective surface I pass, whether on campus, in a house, or in a store, I look at myself.

Sometimes, I think, "Who is that gorgeous girl, and why isn't she on t.v.?"

Other times, I think, "Wow, so glad that's that girl on the other side of the window and not me..."

Like I said, I'm pretty vain.

No, maybe it's just a healthy self image of myself.

Who am i kidding, I'm vain.

No kids like Bryan High kids

2007-02-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

9th graders.

9th graders + substitute teacher.

9th graders + substitute teacher + "group project" assignment.

9th graders + substitute teacher + "group project" assignment + Bryan High School.

Flying scissors. Crude drawings on the board. Cursing (lots of it). Multiple "I need to go to the bathroom". Cell phones. Fighting.

No working. Just loud talking.

And me. Sitting at the desk. Praying.

One kid tells me he's gotten three fighting citations this week. THIS WEEK. Another kid tells me his brother throws knives at him. The silent kid in the back set the shop class on fire.

And me. Sitting at the desk. Praying. Keeping my water handy while suspiciously eyeing silent bob in the back.

"Yah, Miss, last week Jimmy threw a dictionary at the sub. I threw a pencil. It hit her in the face".

I then proceed to talk about respect. Riiiiiiiiiiiggggghhhhhhhhttttttttt.

"Miss, do you do drugs?"

I tell the story about my friend who did drugs in high school and how it messed up her life.

"Miss, how old are you?"

I'm in college. You too can make it to college, if you try hard.

"Miss, Milton just said I had a big butt. It's not that big, right?"

And me. Sitting at the desk. Laughing. Because, hey, if you don't laugh, you may get a dictionary thrown at your face.

Highlighting Matthew 24:15 for $20

2007-02-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

That's my sister and I at the Passion Conference '07 we went to this past winter break in Atlanta, GA. If you've never heard of the Passion Conference, it is a massive week-long gathering of 24000 college kids all crazy in love with Jesus in one place worshipping, learning, serving, and fellowshipping.

I've been thinking for a long time about how to go about sharing what happened at the Passion Conference. The Lord revealed to me many things, he touched my heart and moved me, and he also allowed me to just be held for a while.

They had this center in the bottom floor of Philips Arena that was called the "GO Missions Center". It was incredible all the mission opportunities that existed there. I was, like any good Christian, looking for a place to go on a mission trip this summer. I got lots of flyers and signed petitions, I even sent a bible to China, but one thing caught my eye, and then touched the deepest part of my heart.

My sister and I had the amazing opportunity to buy a verse for $20. Buy a verse? You see, the Dela people in Indonesia don't have the bible translated in their language. An organization put the translation of their bible into tangible terms by putting the real price on what it would take to translate it. Considering supporting missionaries, the time it takes to learn a language, a culture, and meeting the physical needs of these people, the price came to $20. For $20, I could buy them a verse in their language.

I was excited when I turned in my $20. They assign you a verse at the cashier's stand. I was certain I was going to buy an incredible, moving verse like, John 14:4 "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." You know, a "powerful, life changing" verse.

We got Matthew 24:15. You remember that verse? You probably don't, so I'll help you out: "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation' spoken through the prophet Daniel-let the reader understand"

What? A verse about the anti-Christ?! And only, like, half a verse? I don't even fully know what it means! I couldn't even put into words my disappointment. I was speechless. But Michelle was so excited! One of the cool things about buying a verse is that you get to take a highlighter and highlight the verse you bought on these huge posterboards. As I stood there, highlighting with Michelle, her joy overflowed. She highlighted with pride. And I remember looking at her and thinking, "the Dela people won't even know what that means. Heck, I don't even know what that means".

I've been meditating a lot on that verse and on the Dela people and on Michelle's reaction. And while I've been praying for the Dela people, my heart began to stir. And the Lord showed me this:

Whitney,

Okay, so you didn't get a verse that man calls "powerful" or "life-changing". But you were able to give to someone who has never read the word MY words, whatever words they be. It's not the words, it's THE WORD. I am the Word. You gave them me. And besides, did I not say, "If anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book" (Revelation 22:19). Every word I speak is powerful and life changing because I spoke them. That verse is needed. Every word is needed.

Could anyone love Matthew 24:15 more?

Maybe my sister Michelle :)

Pray for the Dela people of Indonesia: for the translation team led by Thresia, for new believers, and for an impact on these people.

www.oneverse.org

Imaginary Friends of the Women's Devotional Bible

2007-01-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

My sweet Kathryn and I are going through the "Women of the Bible" Devotional Bible together this semester.

Last night, after a marathon of Eve, Sarah, and Hagar, we were delirious from sleep-depravation and serious analysis of these women in the old testament.

Then I began to become real vulnerable with Kathryn:

"Kathryn," I said sheepishly. "Can I just be real honest? I really don't like Sarah."

Kathryn replied, concerned, "Why, Whitney?"

"She was just so mean and evil and not gentle or quiet. I mean, she laughed in God's face! Who does she think she is, anyways?" I pleaded my case.

Then, it hit both of us. We were talking as if we KNEW these women. I mean, we were already committing the sin of gossipping by talking about these women who lived, like, 3 thousand years ago, behind their dead backs. We were talking informally about these mothers of our faith!

While it may be not the most reverant way to talk about biblical things, Kathryn and I fully understood last night what the word means when it says, "the word of God is living and active"...

Some of our insighs to Eve, Sarah, and Hagar:

-"I mean, you would be bitter too, if God told you you were gonna have a kid at 90. I would have been like, 'But God, I just got this whole barren thing down'!" -Kathryn

-"In heaven, at the feast, I'll make sure Hagar and Sarah don't sit next to each other" Kathryn

- "If you notice, when God was looking for them in the Garden, he didn't say, 'Adam and Eve, where are you?', he just said, 'ADAM, where are you?' " -Kathryn

- "Childbearing isn't that bad. I forgot about the pain." -Kathryn

- "I was telling Michael that some people had last names because of their jobs. Like Blacksmith. And then we got on the names like Tiffany." -Kathryn

A lot of our hope groupers, like KEVIN, make fun of Alex's imaginary friends. However, Kathryn and I aren't much better.

These women of the bible are all the friends we got :) I mean, you can have any friend you want with the Women's Devotional bible.

"Good Job, Miss B, Good Good Job!"

2007-01-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

In light of the fact that I have such a short supply of money on hand, I have taken up the part-time job of substitute teaching in Bryan.

Last Friday, I subbed for a first grade bilingual class. I'm not bilingual. I've explained this part in the previous post.

However, Monday, I had the joy of subbing for an elementary special education classroom. And when I say "joy", i truly mean "joy".

We had 4 kids and 3 teachers, including myself, in one classroom. The "specialness" of these children included down-syndrome, autism, learning disability, and MR (mentally retarded). I never realized how beautiful these special children could really be!

We played all day: games, work stations, nap time, coloring, painting, swinging. It was so much fun! We used bright chalk to draw on black paper. We can't use crayons. We sometimes eat those crayons :) I colored a picture for Katy to put on the fridge.

The music woman came in and we danced and sang and passed furbies around the circle. We also learned where our wrist was. This was a much needed review for me.

The most precious part of the day was playing a board game about letters with the girl and one of the boys. It was this game where you roll the die, land on a certain box with a word like "fox" and then you flipped over these memory cards with pictures on it. You try to find the word that begins with the letter "f" like "fox". The joy of this game came when the little girl did it. She flipped over the card with "feet" on it.

I grabbed the dice, because it was my turn, and I was ready to find a match, too. However, the little girl and the boy jumped out of their seats and proceeded to do a celebration! They both, from both sides, hugged and kissed me, and then whooped and hollered! I was laughing so hard!

When I rolled, and found a match, both of them did the exact same thing, and hugged me so hard and saying, "good job, Miss B, good good job!" I was so proud of myself.

Then I started thinking. It is just a game. It is just a match. Just one match. And they are so happy and joyful about it. And not only did they cheer for themselves, they cheered for each other and for me.

This story can be taken on so many levels: joy, love, and other lessons. But all I could see was the church. How we, as members of one body, should rejoice with one another just as if it were ourselves. We are one body. And everything effects everything else. We suffer together, we mourn together, we laugh together...

Who knew the Father would use Special Ed to be the church?

....oh, and the best part about special ed? We leave at 2:30 instead of 3:15. The special bus rocks!!!!!

Peanut Butter and Mexico

2007-01-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Question I get asked most often: "What are you?"

Uh, I'm a human being. With feelings.

"No, I mean, what ARE you, like what ethnicity?"

Yes, I know I am dark and ethnic looking.

Then, usually, depending on my mood, I make something up. Like, "I'm Hawaiian" or, if I really just want to stop talking, I'll say "I'm Hispanic". I'm not. I don't want to get into it, but I have Middle Eastern roots, I think. When I get to heaven, the first question I will ask the Lord is what ethnicity I was on Earth. Not that it matters in heaven. Unless the Lord gives me ethnic looking wings..

People usually think I'm Hispanic. I don't really care, to be honest. I didn't think it was that big of a deal.

Until Thursday night at Kathryn's.

Alex and Michael hugged me a lot that night. At one time, we were sitting on the couch, and Alex was on one side hugging me and Michael was on the other side hugging me.

"Cool," I said. "A Whitney Sandwich!"

Then Michael quipped, "No, a PEANUT BUTTER sandwich!"

"MMMM, I love peanut butter! But I want to be a Ham sandwich!" I wittingly chirped.

"No Whitney," said Michael. "Peanut butter is brown, and you are brown, and we are white, so we are the bread".

And they say A&M has no diversity.

But tonight, Michael and I had another run it. This time, about my "HOME"...

Whitney: Come give me a hug, I'm going home.

Michael: Which home?

Whitney: Uh, the one I live at with Katy. What other home would I be going to?

Michael: The one in Mexico.

I don't think I have anything else to say.

Babies and my Destiny

2007-01-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not particulary fond of babies. I really enjoy young children, and I especially enjoy older children. However, in light of recent events, I've found my heart is beginning to turn towards its maternal side and adore babies and toddlers.

First of all, I feel this change of heart may better my chances of finding a future, quality mate. But the most important benefit of beginning to like babeis is that I may get to go New York City and be on LIVE with Regis and Kelly.

Woah. You may feel as if you have missed a step. And you have.

You see, every year, around this time, Regis and Kelly put on a Beautiful Baby Contest. I've never really seen the benefit of this contest for ME, because I indeed did not enjoy babies. I probably enjoy beautiful babies more than ugly babies, but still, the contest did not interest me one bit.

I was apathetic. Even a bit sorrowful. With this Beautiful Baby contest, that means there would be less guests on the show, less funny quips from Kelly, and less akward exchanges between Gelman and Regis.

But this year, my heart has changed. I now find babies quite interesting, and, dare I say, enchanting and engaging. This has to do with three instances:

Number One: My baby cousins Ben (16 months) and Daniel (5 months). You will hear more about Ben soon. However, time spent with these two delights have really warmed my heart and shown me I may have a shot of not killing my kid accidently if I have one. Or even if I live long enough to have kids. I feel as if I may die young. I am way off track here. Back to the events at hand.

Number Two: My HOPE group. Granted, we do not have itty bitty babies, but we do have toddlers and pre-schoolers. Alex and Easton are precious, although I don't think either of them are particulary fond of me. However, I enjoy watching them from a distance, with the occasional, "STOP LOOKING AT ME, please" from Alex.

Number Three: Little Palmer Smith. His diaper leaked on me the other day during a wonderful babysitting affair. I almost cried. Palmer loved me so much, HE PICKED ME to leak on. I wore that shirt all day with pride. Seriously. It was the green ASC shirt I wore to Kathryn's Wednesday night. Ask Lisa.

This year, after my new enchantment with babies, I had an idea. I think my baby cousin Ben is beautiful, so I have decided to enter my baby cousin Ben into the Regis and Kelly Beautiful Baby Contest. I would show you a picture of him, but I think it's best to not take a risk with stealing my material. You will just be surprised in February...

With his dashing good looks, and my street-like smarts, we will attain victory. The prize: Fly to New York, be on Regis and Kelly for a segment, $5000 prize, and Ben gets to be on the cover of Parenting magazing! And once I'm on LIVE with Regis and Kelly, the producers of LOST will see my charming personality and ease in front of the camera and beg me to move to Oahu and be on the show and meet Josh Holloway aka Sawyer and the Olsen twins will call me and we'll go shopping and I'll be on the cover of Us Weekly and I'll be a guest judge on American Idol and fulfill my destiny of being famous.

I mean, it's all about the babies. Nothing to do with me...

2007 will be a very good year, indeed...

2007-01-15T15:04:00.000-08:00

Calanders. I've never really been a big calander person, but my mom always has. Every year, after Christmas, we'd head over to the Mall and pick out a calander. We used to get calanders for Christmas. However, Mom always had a fit when she'd see the same calander she paid $15 for the week before down to $7.50 the day after Christmas. Thus, Mom sacrificed our enjoyment of unwrapping calanders to save herself $7.50. Very thrifty, if you'd ask me.

Usually, I'd get calanders with cute puppies or cute babies. But, in light of the fact that I have wavered on my fondness of puppies and babies, I decided this year to find something more fitting to my maturing taste. The Calander store did not disappoint.

This year, I got a LOST calander.

Last year, during Christmas break, I rented the whole first season of LOST and watched it, as I sat on the couch, eating leftover turkey sandwiches with fudge. I became addicted! However, I couldn't watch Season 2 due to the fact that I have HOPE group wednesday nights. I chose HOPE group over a t.v. show because I am that good of a Christian (uh oh, Kathryn, I realize that's not very humble...)

This Christmas break, I rented all of Season 2 and watched it in the confines of 3 days.

You can imagine my excitement upon Mother buying me the LOST calander.

The second thing I love about calanders is seeing what picture they put up for August. My birthday is in August, so it is only fitting for the cutest, most best picture to be in August. Usually, my luck in this department fails. I always got the ugly pit bull in the puppy calander or the fat, bald baby in the cute baby calander. But, like I said before, the calander did not disappoint.

My favorite character, Sawyer, is the August. He is a man after my own heart, such a rebel and oh so very pretty. This was definitely a sign from the Lord that the LOST calander was destined for me.

My prayer is that you too will find a calander that brings you joy like I have found mine.

2007 will be a very good year indeed.

Coming soon: My new calander

2007-01-14T21:32:00.000-08:00

Apparently blogspot is much better than xanga. New year's resolution: To get back to the old "whitney" blogging way. Kathryn, Kev, Sydni, the Carpios, and the rest of the Living Hope Clan has inspired me once again to return to my glory days as a blogger.

And I will fill your hearts with anticipation for the next entry: My new calander. Who is on my new 2007 calander? Where did I get my new calander? And, even a how-to section on how to choose the right 2007 calander for YOU!

Tell your friends. Tell all of them. This is an entry you don't want to miss.