Emily Journal #5

    As many of you know, Auburn got blessed with a bunch of snow this weekend! I slept late on Sunday and played with my friends all day long in the snow. The day consisted of extreme snow ball fights with one another, a truck full of little boys, and some other college students who joined in. When the fighting was over, we went to Taylors for some coffee and to thaw out. Most of my friends were tired or needed to study so many of them headed home. I decided that I would use my new burst of energy from the excitement of snow to entertain my best buddy, emily. I called Emily to see what she was up to. After I listened to the many things she had done alone in the snow, I decided to go pick her up. When I got to her house, Emily showed me this "town of little snowmen" that she had made (pictured). We headed back to my house to build another. When we got to my house, we immediately began working on our snowman. My roommate, Chatty came outside to help. The three of us worked very hard to roll up the snow just perfectly for the head, body, and base. When the three strangely shaped circles were finished, we went inside to find the appropriate apparel. We decided a black and white scarf, vanilla waffer eyes, carrot mouth, cinnamon stick nose, and a sombrero. Our snowman (pictured) was awesome! Some of our friends came over with their puppy so we played in the snow with him too. After a scary snowball fight (probably a little too much excitement for Emily in one sitting), we went inside. I made everyone some hot chocolate while we sat and fellowshipped. After about an hour and a half, I decided to take Emily home. It was one of my favorite days that we have spent together. We were both full of life and excited to share this day together. Emily really loves the snow just like me and I am thankful for a stress free time together!

  

SNOW in AUBURN!?!?!

The back of my house.

The front of my house

My amazing group of friends.

My girls. 

My crazy self.

My snowball fighting.

My life.

HAHA WATCH THIS!!!!!

How To Tell If Your Feet Stink

   

 

 

 

 

 

Because I want you to get checked out to make sure you're healthy and will be around longer...        MEDICAL TEST         STARE INTO THE CAT'S EYES   FOR 10 SECONDS...  Then Scroll Down     NOW STARE IN THE PUPPY'S EYES   FOR 10 SECONDS ...         Your CAT SCAN  and LAB TESTS  are now complete                     - couldn't resist...

  
Do you feel like working today? 

Tomorrow?

The day after?& nbsp;

Next week? 

Next Month? 

 

 Me neither!
I just want to party!


You...

 

....have a GREAT Day!!! 

Lyric Love

Lately, most of my time with the Lord has been inspired in different songs I've come in contact with. One amazing quality that I share with many of my friends is the passion, excitement, and love for music. On a weekly basis, I'll get a text from someone to "listen to this song" or "look up these lyrics"-just a great way to encourage one another. I thought I would write about a few and let you be encouraged as well. 

#1. While I'm Waiting- John Waller

-Many of my friends are at crossroads right now. Their future is undecided and they are trusting the Lord with their next step. It encourages me to see people who are this way and aren't distraught because they have faith that the Lord is perfect in His timing and faithful to His children. Two of my friends on the GCM staff have really inspired me with their faith and trust in The Father as they are hearing Him to leave staff and not live in HK next semester. Talking with both of them, this song really reminds me of their obedience and patience. 

Lyrics to While I'm Waiting :
I'm waiting 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
And I am hopeful 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
Though it is painful 
But patiently, I will wait 

I will move ahead, bold and confident 
Takeing every step in obedience 
While I'm waiting 
I will serve You 
While I'm waiting 
I will worship 
While I'm waiting 
I will not faint 
I'll be running the race 
Even while I wait 

I'm waiting 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
And I am peaceful 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
Though it's not easy 
But faithfully, I will wait 
Yes, I will wait 
I will serve You while I'm waiting 
I will worship while I'm waiting 
I will serve You while I'm waiting 
I will worship while I'm waiting I will serve you while I'm waiting 
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

#2. Too Proud- Enter the Worship Circle 4.  (see previous blog)

#3. Sing Us a New Song- Enter the Worship Circle, Chair and Mic #2

This song was sent to me by a friend and I have really appreciated it. I am unsure what she gets from it but since the Lord speaks to us in His own voice in us, I hear him really like this one. The Lord is all about loving His children. He loves us so much that He takes the time to count and know every hair on our heads. For thick headed people like myself, this one really shows His admiration. He sees beauty in EVERYTHING and EVERYONE He creates. The fact that the same God who made that beautiful sunset outside, the clouds that dominate the sky, the ocean that covers the Earth, and even the little bitty ants on the ground-takes time to love each and every person individually is beyond human comprehension. The love God has for us is so undeniable, unattainable, and unreal. This song just helps try to put how much He cares for us into perspective for me. 

The Lord He thunders from heaven

And his voice can stop this world

He created the day and the night

Still he knit together this little girl

Chorus:

Oh you could sing us a new song

Or you could stand up and say (hallelujah)

You love me today

Verse:

He gathers the sea into jars

And he calls the stars by name

Clothes the flowers in every field

And he loves me just the same

Verse:

The earth trembles and the mountains shake

And the wind can blow so strong

All of creation waits for the day

When you call your children home

#4. He Lives In You- Lion King

This song has really played a huge role in my community and body of friends. We sang it a couple times to and fro the Beach the other weekend. To me, it really describes my group of friends. Each person seems to reflect the character of Christ. I believe that Jesus' spirit lives in those who have called Him Lord of their lives. Therefore, I know I am seeing Him in each of my friends. Each time someone comforts, encourages, edifies, helps, and loves on another, I know that the Lord is being reflected through them. I hope you have people that shine Jesus through them in your life because it's a much better day to hang out with many who resemble the most amazing friend in the entire world than living out the flesh. 

Ingonyama nengw enamabala
Ingonyama nengw enamabala

Night and the spirit of life calling
Oh, oh, iyo mamela oh, oh, iyo
And the voice with the fear of a child answers
Oh, oh, iyo iyo mamela

Wait! theres no mountain too great
Hear these words and have faith
Oh, oh, iyo
Have faith
Hela hey mamela, hela hey mamela
Hela hey mamela, hela hey mamela

He lives in you, he lives in me (hela hey mamela)
He watches over everything we see
Into the waters, into the truth
In your reflection, he lives in you

Dream, and the voice in the wind whispers
Oh, oh, iyo, iyo mamela oh, oh, iyo

Wait! theres no mountain too great
Hear these words and have faith
Oh, oh, iyo

He lives in you, he lives in me
He watches over everything we see
Into the waters, into the truth
In your reflection, he lives in you

Ingonyama nengw enamabala
Ingonyama nengw enamabala

He lives in you, he lives in me
He watches over everything we see
Into the water, into the truth
In your reflection, he lives in you

He lives in you (oh yeah), he lives in me
He watches over everything we see
Into the water, into the truth
In your reflection, he lives, he lives, he lives, he lives in you

He lives, he lives, he lives in you
He watches over everything we see

These songs are very moving so I would encourage you to go and listen to them on youtube, itunes, wherever. I hope this could encourage you today. Love.

TOO PROUD

Too Proud

Sometimes when I hear a song, it just resonates deep in my soul. That happened last week when we went running and I gave a new CD a first listen. The song that stood out is called "Too Proud" and is lyrically simple, yet powerful. It is on the new "Enter the Worship Circle "album called "4th Circle" and is similar to their previous 3 worship records. Here are the lyrics: 

Too Proud

"I’m too proud to ask, too broke to eat

Too weak to bow, too strong to bleed

Can you sing over me words of comfort

Can you satisfy me, sweet honey

Can you break through me, with your strong hands

Can you undo me, enough to heal me

You take the weight from my shoulders

My hands were clinched now they’re open

I’ll take your goodness, pour it from the sky

Food from the ravens, water from the dry well"

While I was running I found myself just opening my clinched fists and receiving God's goodness. Something about the combination of sweat, sunshine, snowcapped mountains, and guitar strings just stirs my soul.

Journal #4 - Valentines Day

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EMILY!!!!!
.Well for Valentines Day, Emily and I hung out at my house for 3 hours. We watched her favorite new movie. High School Musical 3 was actually a pretty fun movie to watch. She loves the mean girl (Ashley Tisdale) so I give her a hard time about that. After the movie, Emily and I went and picked up some Subway. As she ate her sand which we sat in the car outside of her cheer leading place. I was kind of minding my own business when she said, "Ya, that's how I show my love." When I realized what she was referring to, I was really touched. The song playing in my car was "I cannot hide my love" by Second Circle which says this:
"I cannot hide my love, I cannot hide my love
My feet will have to dance, My heart will have to sing."
She told me that this is how she fills when she is having a good time or wants to enjoy/ love others. She says it just fills up and she loves dancing and singing. I told her she was right because she does really love to dance and sing which obviously shows her joy and love for the moments she's in. I explained to her that this is how I feel when I am worshipping or in the presence of the Lord. He overwhelms me and I am so in love with him that it is like an overflow. It was a really great moment of truth for me. I am continuing to learn and grow through my friendship with Emily. I am so thankful for these moments where the Lord steps in and shows me how much He loves my Best Buddy too. Thanks for reading

random story.

The other day in lab, I heard this girl make the strangest statement:

A guy walked in and they were discussing the test they would take next class. She asked him if he studied, and he replied (in a duh like fashion), "No, but I have the old test right here and I know they are always the same." Here it comes.... Ready? -left out the curse words just for you!

She said, "If you let me study those, you would be my SAVIOR!"

Hmm... Personally, I want a savior who died for me so that my sins could be forgiven and I could have the opportunity to know God in a personal relationship and live life on Earth with the purpose of glorifying Him.

Either way, we will both stand and look at our tests soon. I don't know about her, but I guarantee you that on my test in Heaven, I have already made an A because My SAVIOR went before me.

Wedding Weekend

    Rebecca and I at the Bridesmaid Luncheon 

  The Flower Girl, Riley Anne

  With Friends-LeRoy, Katie, and Jordan

  with the beautiful, Mrs. Rebecca Barrett Healey

   Rebecca and her nieces

Awesome weekend full of love, life, and grace. Congrats to Bec and Trip!! It was a blessing to share this amazing memory with you! Love you both!!

Thought

When Helmets Don't Make Sense...

Try a Parachute.

Grandparents.

Yesterday, I came into Montgomery to celebrate a weekend full of wedding festivities. I am in a wedding for my friend, Rebecca Barrett. So, I went to my grandparents house in Montgomery to get showered and ready to attend a Bachelorette dinner/party Thursday night. I love getting to see my Nana and Pop. They are so precious in the way they show love to one another. When I got there, Nana did the normal grandmother routine. You know, the one where they ask us 32 times if we would like anything to eat, drink, look at, wear, cover up with...etc. It's almost overbearing how generous and concerned grandparents can be. They display the BEST attitude of servants of anyone. I love IT! Anyways, I read a familiar plaque in the bathroom:

Grandchildren- the reward for not killing your teenagers. 

So, I thought about it and rewrote the saying for myself:

Grandparents-the reward for putting up with your parents.

I absolutely LOVE my grandparents and the way they love me unconditionally. Even though I don't get to see them as much as I would like, I value our relationship and pray that they will receive blessings in their days now more than ever. I love you Nana and Pop. 

emily journal 3

Before I start the journal on our last adventure with my Best Buddy, Emily, I want to tell you about this emblem. This is the best buddy emblem they use across the states for this program. If you would like to know more about the program or the involvement in your areas, go to www.bestbuddies.org

Ok- So, Journal #3

Last night, February 3

I picked Emily up around 4PM from her house. We decided to just come over to my house for the night. She brought her DVD, Cheetah Girls, and some music. I had to do some homework so I just let Emily sit beside me and watch the movie. She knew all the lyrics to the songs and dances. I was sad that I wasn't much fun, but thankfully my roommate Chatty filled my spot. Chatty has continued to be such a blessing for me when it comes to hanging out with Emily. I think it's easier when I have someone else to help out. Chatty encouraged Emily to show us so new dance moves. After teaching Emily how to "Scrub the Ground," Chatty and Emily danced together. It was definitely a sight to see to say the least. My other roommate, Katy came home and we ordered some pizza. We watched American Idol and ate pizza with some other girls that came to my house. I took Emily home around 9 or so. It was a good night. There wasn't too much interaction but I think just spending time together is really what this buddy system is all about. To give Emily a shout out- She won first place in the cheer competition this weekend in Atlanta. She was very excited about it! Well, that's all I have for now but we will be hanging out again soon. Some things you may could pray for as I continue to seek Him in this relationship and His vision for me in this organization: patience, patience, patience, calmness, security, Emily's health issues, and love of course. These are the things that I'm really struggling with and hope with His help, I can continue this friendship. Thanks for reading. Have a great week!!

Psalm 32 (Cont.)

In my silence I waste away
Feel your heavy hand on me
Pointing me to turn to you
Here in my Confession,
You remove the sin
You're washing me again
You don't hold it against me
Now my soul is free-
Free from all deceit, I sing as righteous


All Glory to You, All Glory to You, My Righteousness
All Glory to You, All Glory to You, My Righteousness
All Glory, All Glory, All Glory to you
All Glory, All Glory, All Glory to you Jesus.


You are my hiding place
You protect me from trouble
You surround me with songs
of your deliverance
So I'll rejoice and sing
To you my God my King
And you surround me
With your unfailing love
Oh, God in you I trust and rejoice.


All Glory to You, All Glory to You, My Righteousness
All Glory to You, All Glory to You, My Righteousness
All Glory, All Glory, All Glory to you
All Glory, All Glory, All Glory to you Jesus.

Though the mighty waters rise

They will not reach me

You instruct and lead the way

As you counsel and protect me

I will hear your voice, I run to you by choice

And you are found, Yes you are found.

All Glory to You, All Glory to You, My Righteousness
All Glory to You, All Glory to You, My Righteousness
All Glory, All Glory, All Glory to you
All Glory, All Glory, All Glory to you Jesus.

emily-journal 2

Here's the update with my Best Buddy-Emily

On Wednesday I picked her up from cheer leading at 6. It was so fun to see Emily and her friends doing cheer. They have a whole team through Special Olympics and they compete on the weekends. In fact, Emily competes this weekend in Atlanta. I picked Emily up and headed to our long awaited Best Buddies Event. She has been so excited about this night full of karaoke and dancing. In fact, on the way to the place, we jammed in the car to some of the songs she wanted to sing on stage. When we arrived, I quickly realized how popular Emily is. Everyone knows her, loves her, and accepts her. She's just so fun and full of excitement. I met many of her friends and previous buddies. It wasn't ten minutes since our arrival that I turned to see my buddy already on stage posed and ready to dance. As everyone else was gathering and getting some snacks, Emily was putting on a show. She danced her self-choreographed dance to the Cheetah Girls. She was awesome, and all over the place. She definitely got the party started!! She was the first of many fun dances and performances done by all the buddies. Here's a video of one dance, the Cha Cha Slide. Emily is in the pink shirt.

After Emily had quite the night dancing and singing away, I took her to get some ice cream at TCBY. There, Chatty (my roommate) met us to fellowship over some cookie dough and peanut butter ice cream. Chatty is really good with Emily so I love getting together with her. Emily told Chatty of all the events of the night and then I took Emily home around 8:00.

Thursday-

Emily's mom and sister were both busy Thursday night so I picked her up from her Creative Dance class at 6:30. Did I ever tell you that I have some of the most AMAZING friends? My friends, Rachel and Becca Beers, Lindsay Westlake, Lauren George, Cullen Johnson, Richard Lang met up with us at Laredos for dinner. Emily may have been a bit overwhelmed, but she really enjoyed getting to tell my friends all about her favorite dances, her activities and her favorite Disney actors. I was so impressed with the way my friends accepted, loved, and ministered to Em. From Cullen's conversation about love and dancing to Lindsay's about Greek sing-I really enjoyed watching all my friends in their differences fellowship and enjoy dinner. Around 8:15, Emily, Rachel, and I jammed all the way back to Emily's home. Before she got out, Emily lost her favorite Cheetah Girl's cd in my car. I'm not sure where it went. We have checked the floor, her belongings, the console, but no c.d. has been found. Of course, this is a big deal but I really don't understand where that dang thing went! Maybe Emily is right, the car got hungry-ate her cd.

One thing Emily is teaching me is to really enjoy life. Everyday this friend has multiple activities lined up that she thoroughly enjoys. Dancing, singing, bowling, writing-She does what she enjoys. And, rightly so. She deserves to do things-life is too short not to enjoy it. As do all of us! It's strange to think about how much I really enjoy the things that consume my daily life. Emily really gets the importance of living life to the fullest and experiencing each new day with joy. She finds things that make her happy and people that accept her, love her, and desire her presence, and sticks with them. She brings encouragement to me as I encounter her positive attitude and challenges me in our weekly dates.

The Introduction-Journal One

emily.

For the rest of the semester, I will be using my blog as a journal about my daily experiences with my new Best Buddy, Emily. Best Buddies is a service program where a college student is paired up with a mentally disabled person and spends at least once a week with them and enjoys companionship through email, phone, and group gatherings. I decided to do this through my love of people and felt the Lord really lead me straight to this organization. I believe He will show me the significance and teach me to better love difficult people. With that said, the process to meet my buddy was as fast as lightening. When the Lord is in on what you're doing or planted the idea in your head, He will direct it completely. I didn't think I would meet my Buddy until the group event this Wednesday. How little did I know that my buddy just couldn't wait. After about a week of constant text messages and emails, my buddy and I set up our first official date- Sunday dinner, January 25,2009.


My roommate, Chatty, and I met at the house to go over our feelings for the next 10 minutes. We were both a little nervous about this dinner. My Buddy had already called to make sure we wouldn't get lost and she scheduled us to eat at her favorite, McAlisters. I plugged her home address in the TomTom and before ya know it, Chatty and I were parked in her driveway. In the next 30 seconds, my world would be overwhelmed.


First Sight- As I looked to the house, I saw the front door slightly open about 5 inches. I turned to Chatty questioning if she saw it, and then as soon as I turned back, I saw Emily. Dressed in a blue jacket and a toboggan, this sweet new friend slowly made her way to my car. I got out to say hello and in no time we were on our way listening to her CD's she brought and speechless at her singing and dancing. She loves some Hannah Montana, Highschool Musical, and Ashley Tisdale. Our conversation covered her favorite things to do and favorite music and shows. When we got to the restaurant, I helped her out of my car as she took my hand and walked with me to the front door. Emily spotted what she wanted on the menu and I agreed to the same. As the three of us sat at our dinner, here are some of the highlights:

-Emily printed out her entire schedule for me with numbers of contact people, and location of activities. The girl has the most packed schedule I have ever seen. From bowling to gymnastics, cheer and creative dance, this girl is active in everything Special Olympics offers.

-Emily has been in Best Buddies since it started, 18 years ago.

-Emily suggests I write down my schedule so she can arrange our Best Buddies activities.

-Emily gets emotional talking about past buddies who didn't uphold the expectations.

-Emily holds my hand most of the dinner

-Emily whips out her hand held video camera to show us a video she recorded of Ashley Tisdale's dancing on T.V.

-Emily tells us she loves horses. In fact, she can ride them bareback.

-Emily is a mess.


The car ride home was really fun. Thanks to Chatty, Emily really enjoyed herself. She was dancing and singing to her Cd's while me and Chatty echoed with "yeah!" and "ohh mmm..." and anything else we could get in. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't even open up with her. I am so thankful that Chatty was there because she was really good with her. Emily is really great but has a whole lot of expectations for me so I will soon set some boundaries. I really am excited to get to know her though. She is so precious and I can already tell has an amazing heart and is very similar to my children from daycare. I know the Lord is going to really teach me alot thru my new Buddy. I just pray that I can be a light to Emily as well. She really touched me when she described her Best Buddy bracelet that said, "I See YOU." She said it means that your buddy sees past your disabilities and weaknesses and accepts you for who you really are. It really made me think about my Best Buddies. I am so thankful for so many friends that I can call Best Buddies too. I pray that I can do this for Emily and that we will all be encouraged, strengthened, and changed as the Lord does his work through my relationship with my Best Buddy, Emily.


Matt. 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

AMAZING INSPIRATION IN DR

The following is pulled from my sister's blog. She's in Dominican Republic doing missions and is amazing! This poem is AWESOME... let me know if you want her blog address. Love.


Posted in Dominican Republic by Blair Brendle on 1/22/2009

On the corner of 19th of April and Rodriguez sits a little green house
With 30 plus girls and one boy, we nicely fill it out
With electricity and water never a guarantee
This month is all about Breaking Free
Free from comforts, desires, and ultimately myself
Putting a whole new definition on what it means to have wealth
Immersed in a new lifestyle, new culture, new family and friends
Each day a decision on whom to depend
Depend on me and get tired and fail
Depend on my team, well there humans as well
Depend on my Jesus, but what exactly does that mean
It's that idea of faith: belief in the unseen
Or maybe you can see it if you look just right
Believe me or not it's a new kind of sight
It's in Alexandra's eyes and in Jose's smile
It's in Maria's look though it's distant all the while
Though all preciously different, they are undeniably the same
Because at the park or the nursing home the same king still reigns
This new sight has been my prayer though not sure what I was asking
I had no idea how much my vision was lacking
The eyes of Jesus I desperately hope to acquire
Over the next ten months, that is my deepest desire
Eyes to see His people in the same way as He
A life built in Him alone, with less and less of me
Frustrated at first with what all my eyes have missed
But thankful it's only month one; A smile I can't resist
Less than a week left in the D.R. time's going pretty fast
But the lessons and life change are truly going to last
This is more than just a mission trip, it is life amongst God's people
It's being the church not just a building with a steeple
So this month's about Breaking Free and receiving clearer sight

It's a life long battle I'm excited to fight!

Majesty

My Weekend

I thought I would catch up on here my sharing my weekend with you. This weekend a few friends and I went to Sugar Mountain, North Carolina to go snow skiing. We left Friday and returned on Monday (thanks to MLK holiday). It was a random group consisting of 2 members of my Hong Kong team, an old family friend and my sister's best friend. We stayed in a hotel room that was right on top of the mountain so you can ski in/out of your home. :) The first night we were there, it was 1 degree F. It hurt to breathe. I have never felt weather that cold before! The night consisted of dinner, settling in, and playing cards. My first stupid move in North Carolina was this- We bought fire wood for our fireplace and I decided I have had enough lessons watching Dad make fires so I could. First off, I didn't know you had to have a starter log. Fire=crumpled up paper and logs. Lasted- 4 minutes. Secondly, I didn't know about the damper. Yea, it has to be opened. So, our house quickly filled in smoke. Open doors, laugh, blame me.=unsuccessful. Saturday was our first day of skiing. Even though we got off to a late start, we enjoyed skiing on the mountain until 10PM. My sister's best friend from Clemson, Barbi, arrived later on Saturday. She decided to snow board. The day was exhausting but we each got some good rest to begin Sunday. Sunday was another incredibly long day of skiing. We started at 12 noon and ended at 10 PM. Katie broke her poles, I almost got my car stuck, Barbi freaked out on the slopes, Page and Katie were influenced by me to do a terrible black diamond (Katie walked back up, Page slid down, I laughed), and we relaxed by a terrific fire made by Barbi. The weekend was so much fun but not too detailed since it was really more of a relaxing trip. However, my favorite parts of these trips is seeing the hand of God everywhere I turn. So, here are some thoughts on creation.

I think it is so mesmerizing to consider all the different ways humans enjoy creation. For example, God made water-we water ski, swim, tube, boat ride, sail, snorkel, all the things we can do in the ocean. God made mountains with snow-we snow ski, snow board, build snowmen, snow tube, all the things we can do in snow. God made forests-we hike, explore, enjoy animals, eat fruit from it, all the things you do in forests. God made mountains-we hike, climb, mountain bike, camp, all the things we do in the mountain. Think of all the nature that we all enjoy. I too often take for granted the majesty of our Father. It's so amazing to think about how he made these things for His glory, yet I take pleasure in them too. It's like he gives us all these playgrounds and it's up to us to invent and decide how we will play. He loves us so much! How fun is our heavenly father? I think He beams in His glory to see His children who, He so dearly loves, enjoying His creation that He set in the beginning of time!

This also made me think back to a story from Hong Kong. Some of our sweet students went with us to a beach called Stanley Beach. The beaches are so beautiful overlooking the South China Sea. Anyways, if you can picture a beautiful sunset over the water in China, you can imagine how beautiful this creation scene appeared. I then explained the word "Majestic" to my students. I told them the word meant something like... man can't make it or do it-only God. Even though they may not believe in God, they understand that man can't make mountains, oceans, and sunsets. As I was standing on top of Sugar Mountain this weekend, looking out at the mountains topped with white snow, this word echoed in my head. MAJESTY. So many parts of our lives are wrapped in the Lord's majesty and we just don't take time to notice it. I love taking trips to play in creation and enjoy the majesty of my Father.

I'm blogging on elephants?

Yea, it's true, I'm blogging on the feet of elephants. But, this is entirely too interesting for you to click out now. Check this out-

Did you know?
-The elephant´s foot is formed in such a way that it is essentially walking on tiptoe, with a tough and fatty part of connective tissue for the sole
-This spongy "shock absorber" helps an elephant to move silently
-The sole of the foot is ridged and pitted; this contributes to the sure- footedness of the elephant for a large variety of terrain.
-An elephants five toes are buried inside the flesh of the foot.
-Not all toes have toenails.
-The circumference of the forefoot is approximately equal to half the the shoulder height!

Don't think I'm too crazy yet. Today in Biology, my friend and I were listening to our professor talk about these feet of elephants and this crazy tissue they have. A great proportion of the foot is composed of fibrous, fatty tissue. The tissue--acting as a shock absorber-- has elastic properties which help the elephant maintain its grip on the ground and move silently.
The reason that elephants can walk so quietly is in part due to the "elastic spongy cushion" on the bottom of the foot smothering any objects beneath itself. This causes most noises (including the cracking of sticks) to be muffled. Immediately, we turned to each other and were like... Dude, God is so creative. I mean he uniquely created only an elephant to have this pad of protection to help the comfort ability and structure of such a large animal. Creative? I think so! Just some fun stuff for you today!! We serve such a creative God!! Thanks for pointing that out Auburn.

Blair-Dominican Republic-2

How BEAUTIFUL are the feet...

Posted in Dominican Republic by Blair Brendle on 1/13/2009

 

"for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" Romans 10:13-15

As I look down at my feet at the end of the day, believe me when I say they are anything but beautiful! My feet already have the tan lines of my chaco sandals; they are disgustingly dirty along with the two wet wipes I have already gone through trying to wash them off; and only remnants remain of the beautiful pedicure I got before leaving home. Like I said, my feet are anything but beautiful. 

However, as I look down at my feet I begin to smile as a great realization sweeps across my mind. Oh how the Lord is full of paradoxes... to become great is to become nothing, to live is to die, to have beautiful feet has noting to do with the actual appearance of the feet. This paradox makes complete sense to me as I think about the many reasons why my feet look sobeautifully disgusting:

They look this way because of the hours of walking all over the beautiful dusty roads of San Juan, Dominican Republic building relationships with these people and prayer walking their community.     They look this way because the hunt for the beautifulAmerican delicacy of peanut butter and jelly ended successfully.   They look this way because of hours of playing soccer, volleyball, makeshift basketball, pato pato ganso (duck duck goose), tag, and so much more with the beautiful children of San Juan. 

I think you get the point, and so did I! I thank God so much for revealing himself to me in the most simple and real ways. This revelation became my prayer for each day here in San Juan. Lord please give me beautifully dirty and disgusting feet every single day!

Just so you know, launch is over and we are now in full time ministry. My team will be doing a variation of things including some sports ministry, VBS, nursing home visits and cleaning, and whatever else the Lord lays on our heart. Mostly we are focused on building relationships with these amazing people, hearing their story, and daily showing them the Love of our Father! Thank you for your prayers and more blogs and hopefully pictures will be coming soon.