Let It Snow

Ah snow. Well, if we're being totally factual, its more like ice. Ah ice. Nothing like waking up to a white yard on a Saturday morning. Sure, it wasn't on a school day, but it's still fun. I've spent the weekend locked inside thanks to the wind chill getting some homework done. Talk about low key weekend. But its not like I could have gone anywhere- the neighborhood is literally blocked off with caution tape indicating "no driving". To many accidents on the hills in our neighborhood over the years have finally tipped off everyone. I've only gone outside twice, and both times it was pretty fun I must say. The first time was Friday afternoon, right when it really started to snow. My little brother and I played football for about an hour in it. We passed the ball back and forth, kicked a few field goals... It was a really good time, and one we'll remember. The second time was to go late night sledding with Polly. And may I just politely point out, that you have not LIVED until you have experienced some late night sledding. Polly and I have one of those old wood sleds that is perfect for going down the icy roads. And of course, as we're out sledding it starts snowing again. It was like a movie. Ah snow and ice. Maybe if we're lucky it'll refreeze and we'll get a day off tomorrow.

Whiplash

So I haven't blogged in a week, and I just wanted to let you all know that I'm not dead or anything. It has just literally been insane around here the past two weeks- getting up at 6, going to bed past midnight. So, if you've been mauled in the face ( or accidentally ignored you while walking in the lunch room...sorry Aj and Jay) by a flash of read hair, please excuse me. Let me catch you up to speed on how life is going. In the past two weeks I have: had a test in every one of my classes, had to go into school an hour early 7 of the past 10 school days for various reasons, our family had a funeral all day Saturday ( and that was such a testament to a woman of faith. I was so blessed by it. If only I had time to blog about it...), I have been involved in play practices that literally drain me of all my youth- I'm supposed to be a well lived mother of four, after all.- had several church obligations, had to prep for singing at an open house this week, and try and fit in New Thru 30, all at the same time. Why do I tell you all this? Not so you can feel sorry for me, but to let you in on the little pearl of wisdom my mother shared with me last night. I was feeling super overwhelmed, and not at all like my usually optimistic self, and my mom just looked at me and said "Claire, the JOY of the Lord is your strength. So don't forget it, ok?" Talk about a good dose of perspective. Cuz, if God is for me, who can be against me, right? Anyway, I really don't even have time to be typing this right now.... government notes are calling my name.

Silence

" Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,to mind your own ambition, and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.- 1 Thessalonians 4: 11-12"

Oh man. I am LOVING new through 30. LOVING IT! I am learning so much, its insane. Today, I came across this little passage, and felt oh-so compelled to share it with the blogging world. Just to set the stage, Thessalonians was a letter that was written by Paul in the early stages of his ministry. It included history, encouragement, and instruction- basically it covers a little bit of everything. But anyway, this particular passage really spoke to me today- now, I could chat about a million parts of this passage, but the thing that screamed to me the loudest was the word quiet... and I'm not trying to be oxymoronic or anything. Here's my train of thought- So many people today in the church are loud and proud. And there is NOTING wrong with that. But this verse got me to thinking. In this day and age, when there are so many people practically screaming their views on every issue in the world, when activism is the norm, shouldn't we as Christians let our actions speak louder than our words? I mean, we were talking in government about how Christianity is declining in the nation at an alarming rate. And that is scary! But the last thing that people need, is more views shoved down their throat. Instead, we should "make it our ambition to live a quiet life" that honors the Lord, without shouting our views from the rooftops. My guess is that people would be much more open to listen if you're not screaming. A good deed, peppered with respect can say a lot more than words ever will. Now, I'm not saying don't witness. I'm just musing. Maybe, just maybe, this quiet is the loudest weapon we Christians have to use... I encourage you to read the entire book this week. Because I have been inspired. And it would be a shame to miss out on the inspiration.

30 Days of Lessons

Well, my friends, the challenge is in full swing! You know what I'm talking about- NEW THROUGH 30! This initiative started by my church, is calling us all (literally no one is excluded) to read through the entire New Testament in 30 days. Talk about hard-core! We're talking around 10 chapters every day (30-45 minutes of reading at least). But of course my fantastic small group is walking through it together...and that just makes it all the more fun! Having just completed my assignment for day 4 of the challenge, I felt inclined to tell you all a bit of what I have learned thus far. So here we go!

• Having gotten through Matthew and Acts, I must say- the Bible has some weird stuff going on you may have missed! Intestines spewing, being eaten by worms, an angel reclining on top of a tomb...yeah. Totally stuff worth noting. Just makes the Bible all the more awesome.
• Jesus seems so much more of a person to me now. Ok, I know its cliché. But really though. Reading his entire ministry story back to back in one sitting made it click for me I guess. I had never noticed his raw emotions that he displayed so proudly while on earth- anger, sadness, even some fear. So now, he's more relatable and relational in my mind. I mean, I've always known that he was totally 100% human on earth, but now I realllllly "get it". Which is such a plus.
• Jesus was totally the kind of guy that woulda peed on the side of the road...or fallen down flat on his face. I'm just saying.
• The Bible is such a passionate book!!! All of the people involved are so very ardent about the love of Jesus, and will stop at nothing to get their point across. I wish there were more people in the community like that today....Its totally inspired me!
• There is a NUDIST in the Bible!!! *gasp. But I won't tell you where. You'll just have to read for yourself and find him.
• Contradictions do have explanations. And good ones too!

As you can see, I'm loving this initiative....And I really think you should do New Through 30 with me. You're not to far behind, and there are grace days built into the schedule. Find that here: http://www.newthru30.com/readingplan

So come on! Read with me!

Once Upon a Saturday

Once upon a time, there was a big group of kids that wanted to go to the movies. Most of them had a rehearsal that ran late, causing them to have to be flexible and reschedule the original movie time planned. Before the movie, they all went to chick-fil-a, because they were all starving since they had been so busy (sitting and doing nothing) at rehearsal all afternoon. As they finished up their food, the kids started heading over to the movie theatre in little groups. They all planned on meeting in the ticket line. Then it happened. The movie sold out. A few of the kids had managed to slip in with the last few tickets, but the rest of the group was stuck- either left desolately on the curb or trying in vain to find the all elusive parking place. All were angry, because the movie was supposed to be top notch. They decided to regroup. The kids in the theatre got their money back, while the others froze outside. It looked as though the group was going to have a not so happy Saturday ever after...But then, a brilliant plan was hatched, and their insane disappointment over a silly movie suddenly turned into a raving party. And so, the group of kids lived happily ever after that Saturday night, in the comfort of the Brannock's home watching Ryan Reynolds propose to Sandra Bullock. THE END.

*For Your Consideration IV *

Recent Findings:

Starbucks Must Haves: grande carmel dulce latte with extra carmel drizzle, or vinti iced passion tea lemonade (sweetened, of course).

Books of Choice: A Voice in the Wind, The Last Song'

Ear Candy: Jack Johnson's "En Concert", Frank Sinatra, The Princess and the Frog soundtrack.

New-Found Talent: Making up Shakespeare on the spot.

Newest Challenge: Singing a classical piece in Vocal Tech.

Current Frustrations: School's back in session, Aaron Tveit left Next to Normal before I got to see it, my house feels like a hospital, and I don't know if I'm good enough.

Flashback Moment: Re-watching Monica and Chandler get engaged in Friends.

Christmas Wish (Granted)- I now have an Ipod. Yesss.

Exciting Opportunity: Possible NY trip soon...??? I'll be sure to keep you posted :)

Shocking Fact(s)- Katy Perry's engaged, and Kate Gosselin's hair extensions (and no, I did not look it up. They popped up on yahoo when I was checking my emails. Like I said, quite Shocking!!!)

Anticipating: New through 30!

Not Excited About: cleaning up....which I must go do.

Quotation to ponder: "No big deal, I've hit my stride. If I'm not breaking the ribbon at the end of the race its only because I haven't tried."-Taking the Wheel