CRAZY

School is almost over. Three more weeks roughly, and I will not have to walk down these corridors anymore. I am so excited about being done and moving on. Granted, I will be starting my internship (as soon as they find me one) in January sometime, but I won't have to scramble through the loops of academics anymore. ***** I shocked myself and got a 52 on my last two math exams. The most points possible were 50. I got the extra credit! Whoo-hoo! And on my transcription test I got 100%, which is crazy (only those who would transcribe would know how crazy). I am walking on the clouds. Well, not quite. I had a rough start to this week and was worrying like crazy. When I finally gave it completely to Jesus he said, "Now sit back and watch what I will do through you!" Crazy, huh. That is my favorite word currently. ***** I am having a good time planning for True North, but when it comes down to it-I don't have a clue! I have been pestering Pastor John and Heather for information, wisdom, counsel, and anything to help me. The more I step into stuff the harder I realize this job is. I told Heather last night at our worship meeting that I have never appreciated her as much as I do now. She is amazing! Well, I have to get back to the drawing board and finish out this quarter strong! God bless you, Reader! Joyanna

The Secret of the Sea

Ah! what pleasant visions haunt me As I gaze upon the sea! All the old romantic legends, All my dreams, come back to me. Sails of silk and ropes of sandal, Such as gleam in ancient lore; And the singing of the sailors, And the answer from the shore! Most of all, the Spanish ballad Haunts me oft, and tarries long, Of the noble Count Arnaldos And the sailor's mystic song. Like the long waves on a sea-beach, Where the sand as silver shines, With a soft, monotonous cadence, Flow its unrhymed lyric lines:-- Telling how the Count Arnaldos, With his hawk upon his hand, Saw a fair and stately galley, Steering onward to the land;-- How he heard the ancient helmsman Chant a song so wild and clear, That the sailing sea-bird slowly Poised upon the mast to hear, Till his soul was full of longing, And he cried, with impulse strong,-- "Helmsman! for the love of heaven, Teach me, too, that wondrous song!" "Wouldst thou,"--so the helmsman answered, "Learn the secret of the sea? Only those who brave its dangers Comprehend its mystery!" In each sail that skims the horizon, In each landward-blowing breeze, I behold that stately galley, Hear those mournful melodies; Till my soul is full of longing For the secret of the sea, And the heart of the great ocean Sends a thrilling pulse through me. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

POST NO. 95

This is my new best friend. I haven't been able to purchase a pocket dictionary, so this will do. Check it out, if you like! Well, if you like medical vocabulary! =) http:medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX ISAIAH 62:10 "I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. The Sovereign Lord will show his justic to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere."

True North Core Groups

Our core groups started up last fall. Joel and Joe Rasmus have the Jr. High boys, Daniel Vining and Jon Molby have the High School guys, Elizabeth and Mrs. Allen have the Jr. High girls, and Pastor Cheree, Sarah Bradley, and I have the High School gals. This arrangement is probably going to change as soon as Pastor John and Cheree have time to work out the bugs! Also, we might have two other college age folks moving into leadership soon. It's all in God's timing. Meanwhile we are praying for miracles and getting ready for the Harvest! The more time I spend with them, the more my heart is stolen and broken for our young people. Last night we changed the order of service around. First Jon brought the Word; his topic was worship(the kids really love him and respond well to his teaching and insights). Then Lizzy lead us in worship. It turned into a large person prayer time, as us leaders laid hands on and prayed for all the kids mainly from our core groups. God is moving and I am so excited to be right in the middle of it! I wish every day was like Wednesday nights! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX I lead worship Saturday night and it went well. I was nervous a little Thursday night, but by the time Saturday rolled around I was simply excited! Shelly K. stopped me on Sunday to tell me that my singing had really blessed her. She spoke confirmation by telling me that my leading was anointed and there was a purity in it. I could have cried. I have been praying that this would be so. I am so glad! Sunday morning I woke up from a dream (really strange because I never remember my dreams). In it I was leading worship on a Saturday night. Katherine was leading prayer and we were singing 'Jesus, Lover of my Soul'. I'm not sure if it means anything specific, but it was wonderful. I need to study for some tests. LATER! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Prophacy in My Church

This last weekend (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday night) Christian Life Church had presbytery. For the first time, I was able to be one of the candidates. I will post my Word here when I get a printout of it. I have to meet with Pastor Steve and Jayne first, I believe. Those three nights were so exciting! God is stirring up the church and has his hand placed strategically on the young people. I am surprised I am not more tired than I feel. I had to be at the church at 5:45 every day and the meetings went until 9 p.m. Of course we never got out of there until at least 45 minutes later. I have an 8 o'clock class every morning and homework to finish. I lead worship last night and will again at prayer on Saturday for the very first time. Why am I able to sit here? Because I can do all things through Christ! GOD IS GOOD!

Letter un-to Great friend

Hey. I left a note on your Xanga. I hope it didn't seem accusitory. Is that a real word? I guess I've had some time on the computer and realized that the friends I used to hang with aren't here. What's up? I know, you're crazy busy with all your activities. I am trying to get a little un-busy and focus more on school. Only three weeks into the quarter-that means only eight more to go! Do you read my blog at all? I have been posting. Hey, when is a good time to talk? I don't have your number, but I know you have mine. I wish I was more computer savy so I could send you pictures of my family. I am leading worship twice a month for True North and you can't tell anyone this(not like you know anyone to tell), but Pastor John wants me to move into music director for True North. I am praying about it (I know that I have already said yes in my heart) and probably sometime in June I'll step into the postition. I am so excited! This is one of my goals being met! What awsome experience! Mom and dad sat down and listened to my dreams and plans for the years ahead. I asked them for their support and encouragement (and wisdom to). I told them that nothing should come between these dreams and what God wants to do in me. I asked them to keep me on track and help me with distractions. I said, "no guys, no ministry, no short-term passion. This is the vision and I am sticking to it!" That isn't to say that God won't redirect me or that his way of getting there will be different. I just know that I get side tracked easliy. Wow. I should get back to my books. Once again, WHAT'S UP? Talk to you soon! Joyanna

Almost There!

It seems so close, yet so far away! ***** I am currently taking 11 credits this snowy spring quarter. In the fall (2008) I have two classes left to take and then over the winter I will be working my internship. I don't know where yet. I am praying. To become a CMT (Certified Medical Transcriptionist) I have to pass the test after two years experience. I know that if I intern at a good place (ie. close to home, good pay, good bosses) I could get hired and work for two years, pass the test, get hired long distance, and move to college. Sounds complicated I know, but God has it all planned out. I know, I know...I leave everything to Him. I think I have learned from past experience that he knows, and always will, the best thing for me. That is why I am not to overly concerned. I should be. I don't know where I am going to college or what degree I am going for. Crazy huh. I just know that this dream in my heart is to big for me to accomplish by myself. It's God's dream. I dedicated long ago every desire and plan and goal to glorifying His kingdom. When I loose track of things I have to first pull myself back to realignment with His goals and plans. Praise God! I was all alone in the kitchen yesterday (that spells trouble) and I begain to sing (when am I not singing?). It was so wonderful! God is good! Just when I think I know Him more he opens my eyes or changes my attitudes. Shazam!! SHABBA!

Wirrly-Gigs

Have you ever stood under an oak tree in the fall when all the seeds start dropping? Some people call these little guys helicopters or whirrly-gigs, and it's no wonder why. The wind blows, even gently, and hundreds of these little whirrlers dip and soar to the earth many feet below. Does life make you feel like a whirrly? It just scoops you up like a helpless seed and spins you around until you don't know which way is up! We dream and make plans to soar to the sky, but with every attempt we seem to get closer to the ground. Oh, no! Not down there! I want to go up! I want to be in control! Going down there is unpredictable! Occasionally, I feel like a whirrler. I haven't forgotten who controls the wind. With His infinite wisdom, the Lord Jesus guides my path. He sheds light on my next step. With our narrow eyesight we are unable to see the complete picture. In the book of Matthew in the Bible it says that a seed must first fall to the ground and die to produce a harvest even greater. So it is with each one of us. We may think we know where we are going, but the Lord directs the wind. Why then should I struggle? In the book of Proverbs it says that man makes his plans but the Lord directs His steps. Even when we are not serving the Lord in what we say and do, even then he is guiding our steps. He is so wonderful!

Very Courious

I wonder if I even spelled that right? Whew! It gets better every day. That reminds me of that worship song, 'Everyone'. Heather used to do that song, like, every Sunday. JUST KIDDING. So, I am taking Business Communication, Human Relations, and Intro to Medical Transcription this spring quarter. I CANNOT WAIT FOR SUMMER BREAK! I love work, but as usual, I wish I were more forward in sharing my FAITH. Who was that famous person who said, "Share your faith always and when necessary use words."? So I am currently wondering who reads this blog. If you do, yes you, please do me a favor and jot me a short note (ie: a comment) Thanks a heap. *singing* I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart! JOYANNA

Personality

Global Personality Test Results

Stability (56%) moderately high which suggests you are relaxed, calm, secure, and optimistic. Orderliness (90%) very high which suggests you are overly organized, reliable, neat, and hard working at the expense too often of flexibility, efficiency, spontaneity, and fun. Extraversion (40%) moderately low which suggests you are reclusive, quiet, unassertive, and secretive.

Take Free Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

trait snapshot: clean, secretive, does not make friends easily, observer, hates large parties, risk averse, perfectionist, reclusive, solitude loving, more practical than abstract, does not like to stand out, high self control, intellectual, mind over heart, very cautious, takes precautions, respects authority, irritable, EMOTIONALLY SENSITIVE Your personality type: Independent, original, analytical, and determined. Have an exceptional ability to turn theories into solid plans of action. Highly value knowledge, competence, and structure. Driven to derive meaning from their visions. Long-range thinkers. Have very high standards for their performance(PERFECTIONIST!) and the performance of others. Natural leaders, but will follow if they trust existing leaders. Careers that could fit you includes: Scientists, engineers, professors, teachers, medical doctors, dentists, corporate strategists, organization founders, business administrators, managers, military, lawyers, judges, computer programmers, system analysts, computer specialists, psychologists, photographers, research department managers, researchers, university instructors, chess players.

Hello!

I found this old post from the begining of January. If funny to look back and see how much has changed in such a short time. *****

From SPSCC! I had a few precious seconds (I really should be working) to write, but I am having trouble deciding what I should write about. It keeps snowing here at school and faking it at home. I was it would really neat if it would snow and cancel school for a day. I would be able to catch up. I am only about a day behind in two of my classes. It seems I can only keep up with one at a time.

* * * * *

A Couple Days Later...

I started teaching three more kids piano last Tuesday. I am insane. Actually, I've been praying about this my whole life, it seems, and I finally gave it to God and told him that I'd waot for his timing. Then it happened. Doors begain opening

TRUTH

Sometimes it hurts. You know it is the better way, but it is going to be hard to come to grips with. I feel like Job sometimes. I ask God why even though I know he doesn't have to give me an answer. He is the answer. When he replied to Job he didn't tell him every thing that really happened behind the natural. He answered by telling of himself- his greatness. HE is the answer. I ask, "Why the pain? What good is it going to accomplish? What can I learn from it?" He says,"I AM the answer. Look to me for your comfort and strength." I say, "I trust you, but it still hurts." He says,"I never left you." Zach. 2:8 NLT says that anyone who harms me harms HIS most precious possession. NIV says that I am the apple of his eye. What matters the most right now is that I use the pain and the seemingly unanswered questions to draw closer to The Answer. I Need You Now How I need you now how I need your love to surround me how I need you now I need you now There's no love like yours there's no love that ever compares to yours theres no love like yours I need you now

Elizabeth Jodway

Who is she? She is sixteen years old. She is involved in showing dogs in 4-H and attending youth church with her family. I met Elizabeth a year and a half ago. One month ago she was diagnosed with adult cancer (it's in her blood) level 3D*. There are four groups (1, 2, 3*, and 4) with four levels in each group ( A, B, C, and D*). Level four is incurable. Monday the 12th she started chemo even though the doctors wanted to wait (she'd had an infection) they said that we'd run out of time. Sunday the 18th Elizabeth collapsed at her grandparents. The doctors said she was dehydrated and the chemotherapy treatments were kicking in. I talked to her yesterday at 3 p.m. and she said she wasn't feeling sick anymore, just very weak. Last night I got a call. She was in E.R. because of an allergic reaction to a drug. Elizabeth's parents, Dale and Vanessa, need our prayers also. Their marriage is under grate strain during this time and financial issues with his business and health insurance are paying toll. Pray for healing for my friend and her wonderful family. My God is bigger than cancer.

Anthony Burger: My Hero

In Loving Memory June 5, 1961 - February 22, 2006 Anthony Burger was born on June 5, 1961 to Richard and Jean Burger in Cleveland, TN. When Anthony was just eight months old as he was learning to walk in a walker, one of the wheels of the walker got caught on the furnace grate and the walker turned over, throwing him down on the heater. He sustained third degree burns throughout his legs, face and hands. He had to be carried on a pillow for an entire year, during which time he received three medicated baths a day for the burns. Doctors who treated him said he would never be able to move his hands. But God had a plan for his life and his hands. At age 3, Anthony played his first song, The Old Rugged Cross, and was just five years old when he became the youngest student ever to be accepted by the Chattanooga Cadek Conservatory. Playing the piano was more than just a job for Anthony Burger. It was a way of life, as well as a blessing, privilege and a direct gift from God. As a young teenager, barely 16, he joined one of Gospel music's most popular quartets, The Kingsmen, and by the age of 17 was nominated as one of the Top Five pianists in Gospel music. In fact, he earned that Award by subscribers of The Singing News Magazine for 10 consecutive years, from 1980 through 1989, before the Award became known as the Anthony Burger Award.Countless awards, accolades and honors have flowed his way throughout the past 25 years, in which he devoted his life to Gospel Music. He has traveled nationally and internationally, sharing his unique musical gift in small country churches, sold-out arenas and concert halls night after night. He was thrilled to perform at the White House, as well as several Billy Graham Crusades. Shortly after leaving The Kingsmen and embarking on his own solo career, he began traveling with Bill Gaither, serving as pianist for the Gaither Vocal Band, the Gaither Trio and the Gaither Homecoming Friends. He was a Dove Award nominee this year for Instrumental Album of the Year and recently was endorsed by Steinway & Sons.Gospel music was, indeed, a way of life for Anthony, but perhaps it could be said that it was more than a way of life - it truly WAS his life. He traveled quite possibly as much or more than any other Gospel musician. His performances exceeded 250 each year, and he loved every moment on the road, on stage, sitting at the piano.Anthony died suddenly during a piano performance, on Wednesday evening, February 22 aboard a Caribbean cruise, as it sailed in the Atlantic Ocean. According to the official medical examiner's report, Burger's heart simply burst. He was on board the ms Zuiderdam with his wife LuAnn, Bill & Gloria Gaither, many of his Homecoming friends and more than 1500 passengers, doing exactly what he loved best, playing the piano. He was only 44 years old. He is survived by his wife, LuAnn, two sons, A.J. and Austin, one daughter, Lori, parents, Richard and Jean two brothers, Randy and Clinton, and a host of family and friends who loved him dearly.His life could easily be summed up with a quote that he himself once stated, "I am a simple man, with a majestic instrument and the power of God behind me." That's the life he lived. That's the life he loved, and that's the legacy he leaves.

God is so good to me! Life is good. I am so ready for Christmas!! Funny. I think that this year is going to be different somehow. Better. I am already celebrating each and everyday the birth, death, and resurrection of my Savior. I can't wait to celebrate with my families! (Church family and relatives) I am already playing Christmas carols on the piano and singing "Joy to the World!" I was going to make rice packs for all my co-workers and boss, but Ashley asked me to help her and Alivia make flannel scarves for the homeless this Christmas. I love hanging out with the Peashes. It's always fun. Our power went out Monday night and we had a little party. Puzzles, poker and lots of interesting conversations in the semi-darkness. We played hide-and-seek in the dark (inside of course) with Gail-Leigh and Olivia and scared the bijeebers out of 'em! It was a blast! Olivia is the best hider. She is so small she fits anywhere and she doesn't make a sound or move. I call her the Rock. I started teaching Braden and Amelia Hisaw piano every Thursday night and I have choir practice on Tuesday and Friday nights after work. My life is busy, but the greatest joy I get comes from Him and sharing Him with others. Life is not to be taken for granted. It's a gift.

Today Is A GOoD day!

God is AWESOME! He watches over me every where I go and loves me no matter what I do. He loves the passion with which I seek Him and the piercing desire I have to tell others about Him. He knows how much I want to make people happy. He speaks to me through His Word and through the Holy Spirit that lives inside of me. He shows me all the lies and garbage that the Devil has tried to get me to believe. He is patient, slow to anger, abounding in love. God is LOVE. I love Him. Don't you?

It's Been Awhile

Wow! Alot has happend in the last week or two! I'll start from the first. Exactly one week ago was my nineteenth birthday. It was the best birthday I have ever had! I worked so I didn't expect to do anything at all. Lizzy, my wonderful sister, had a boquet of a dozen carnations and a delious box of Aunt Kate's chocolates delivered to me so everyone knew it was my day. I love my job and the people I work with! It was a normal day right? Wrong! Later after my lunch break I had my back to the front isles when I noticed an intresting smile on my boss's face. I was about to ask what was up when... I heard (the song of the day) happy birthday behind me. There stood most of my family with a big tray of cupcakes on fire. Surprise!! I love them! You should've seen the color my face turned! What fun!

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I started school Monday and it is hard, but then it isn't. It's hard because I don't type very accurately and there is alot of in-class stuff to do. It's confusing. It isn't hard 'cause I'm only taking six credits. I am going to get A's in both of my classes. I work one-hundred and three hours in all this month. Yay!!

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Big News Flash! For anyone who watches the T.V. show Extreme Home Makeover my brother Joel is going to be on that show! His business Nature Perfect was asked to build a pool/pond? for the lady they are helping in Kirkland. (Sorry I can't diclose info at this time) Questions? Call me.

Got to take Jonathan to Rainier Chapel.

Bye!

It's Kick Off Time!

September 12th, 2007- Kick off night for True North!

Memo to all leaders: dress code black or grey.

I started off my time with Jesus by asking for a life changing night for all of us; not just the kids. I think the main two attitudes of the youth are: I'm here for my friends or I'm here to do church. Only a very few of them, that I can see from actions, come because they are truly hungry and desire to know God intimately, more than anything. Even I have to stop and reprogram my brain after being caught up in the get in, get it done, get out. Why do I do it? For Jesus! Sure I know Jesus! I study him, I know what he like and dislikes, but do I know him?Intimately?

I begian reading a wonderful book by Tommy Tenny called The God Chasers this morning. I recommend it to any Christian.

I am growing my hair out to donate it to Locks of Love. It's an organization that makes wigs for cancer patients. I think it will be long enough to get it cut just before next summer. I found a nice style that will suit me just fine and I am counting the days. I was very hot this summer with my big mane to care for. I am blessed to work in a air conditioned building. I feel for Joel's Nature Perfect crew and I pray for them and my daddy while they are out in the weather. I remember last winter when it froze every night for a two week span. Joel would come in cold and wet every night and pray for the ground to thaw while the rest of us would pray for snow.

Here I go talking about snow again! I think I'll go eat a popcicle since I seem to have ice on the brain.

What's Up?

God is Good to me!

Taken from Wikipedia

True north is a navigational term referring to the direction of the North Pole relative to the navigator's position. Its concept was first discovered and noted by the Chinese polymath Shen Kuo in the 11th century. True north is compared to magnetic north (the direction of the Magnetic North Pole) and grid north (the direction northwards along the grid lines of a map projection). The direction of true north is marked in the skies by the celestial north pole. For most practical purposes, this is the position of Polaris. However, due to the precession of the Earth's axis, true north rotates in an arc that takes approximately 25,000 years to complete. In 2002, Polaris was at its closest approach to the celestial north pole. 2,000 years ago, the closest star to the celestial north pole was Thuban. On maps issued by the United States Geological Survey, and the U.S. military, true north is marked with a line terminating in a five-pointed star. Maps issued by the Ordnance Survey contain a diagram showing the difference between true north, grid north and magnetic north at a point on the sheet. ******* I am simply fasinated with the name of my youth group! I know that when God moves us it changes us; when he changes us we affect the world around us. I have seen what no one can argue against: the hopless become hopefull, the lost become found, the timid become bold, the double-minded become determined, the cruel become kind-hearted, the proud become humble, the selfish become selfless. All this, I know, is only the begining of what Jesus has predestined for us.