So today...

I stayed with Jess for a long time. Hospitals are pretty boring but Erica was there which made it bearable. Also, Pastor came and entertained us and then later Sis K came which made the day that much more special. I worked more on the blog and am actually becoming excited about it. I fear that it will be a big flop. I'm not trying to do anything major. I am jut wanting to do something meaningful with my time and help someone while I do it. I guess even if it doesn't work out I did something other than watch the paint peel all day. Ha anything beats that!

No title

I said I'd be back so here I am. I went and visited Jess in the hospital after dinner. Mom was there and then Pastor came shortly after I arrived. It was pretty boring other than watching Jess and Pastor interact. They're pretty funny together. I worked a little more on my other blog. I told Sis K that it would be up and running this week if I didn't chicken out. No such luck though.According to her that is not going to happen!! Bro K asked me if he should start a blog. I said YESSS!!! I think Oro needs one. Well...maybe we do not need a blog but it would be a fun thing to do. So, by Wednesday night I have to present him some blog ideas. That is it for now folks. Stay tuned for more info on my fab life.

I'm actually busy?!

Yes, you did read the title right. I actually have been occupied with something other than boredom today (I bet Pastor will be glad to know). I have been trying to get a new blog up and running. It's a lot harder than I thought considering it's a very personal issue that I'll be posting about. I worked on it a couple hours today and my brain hurts along with my heart. As I was doing some journaling trying to brainstorm for this new blog I just became so overwelmed with sorrow for people going through certain issues. If I can reach just one person with this blog than I will be happy.Sorry, I realize I'm being pretty vague. My thoughts seem to be all over the place. I will go collect them and then report back in a few hours.

Did you know

*That cancer cures smoking
*That it is against the law in Oklahoma to hunt whales
*It is illegal to hunt camels in Arizona
*The custom of saying "Bless you" when someone sneezes was first used by ancients when they believed that breath was the essence of life, and when you sneeze a part of you life is escaping. Evil spirits rush into your body and occupy the empty space. By saying "God bless you" the speaker is protecting the sneezer from that spirits.
*The study of nose picking is called "rhinotillexomania."
*In South Africa, termites are often roasted and eaten by the handful, like pretzels or popcorn.
*March 14 is "Save a spider day." (ha! I do not celebrate this day)

I am so happy it is over!!

*My pup on Christmas
*Josiah trying to hold Frank so I could get a pic

I am kind of a scrooge when it comes to Christmas. I enjoy shopping for people and receiving gifts but for a reason I cannot really explain I am most happy when Christmas is completely over. I got a sweet new camera so that I can take tons of pics in Japan. I also got my passport paid for. I'm so excited! Michelle and Joshua from church came over along with my aunt Michelle. We hung around and ate dinner. Then the Krantz' came over to play games and hang out. That was a lot of fun. Especially since Jeremiah came with them(duh). He and I had so much fun! I hadn't laughed that hard in FOREVER!! I got a good stomach workout from laughing though. My dog officially met Boston. They were both acting real gay so we had a little issue. I think they just have to get used to each other and then it'll be okay.

More random ?

What is always guaranteed to make you smile, even on a bad day?
A child always always makes me smile. Especially Jeremiah because he has the coolest things to talk about :) For instance, the yellow bunny with a sausage for a weapon. So awesome! Ariana makes me smile when she says,"So, Hollyanna, what do you want to do?" If I could work with a bunch of little kids I'm sure I'd be smiling all day long.

Who do you go to for advice and why?
Well, I have a few people but my main peeps are my Pastor and his wife. My pastor has incredible wisdom and helps me to see beyond my circumstance into the future. I can trust him with my darkest secrets(and I have) and I know that they will never be revealed. I have never had an authority figure in my life that I have trusted more than Bro Krantz. Now, his wife is the other person I go to. She is not afraid to tell you what she thinks and I so love her for it. I value her opinion over almost everyones. I do not think she knows how much she actually helps us young women of Oroville. If you have ever seen her in everyday life you'd see how she truely is a Prov 31 woman. I pray that one day I will have even just a fraction of the qualities she has.

What is the worst pain you have ever experienced? Did it "make you stronger" as the saying goes?
The worst pain I ever felt wasn't physical. It was emotional. I disappointed someone very special in my life. Honestly, I have never felt so sick in my life. I barely slept/ate for days until this person said they were over it. During that time I cried all the time and thought for sure life was over. If you've ever felt like you're heart was missing and was replaced with a lead weight than you'd know how I felt. Oh man, just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes and a certain sickness in my stomach. I do not know if I'm stronger right now but I do know that I am very careful about things I do now so that I dont ever have to feel that way again.(whew was that a run on?!) When I think of doing something dumb this person's face comes to mind and I feel that pain all over again. It keeps me out of trouble so if that means I'm stronger than I guess feeling so terrible served its purpose.

Random questions I found that I'm going to Answer because I'm bored

What do you plan to name your firstborn child? Why?
I plan to name my firstborn should it be a girl, Grace Genevieve. I never used to like the name Grace but recently it has been a favorite. I may change it by the time I actually have a child but who knows? Also, Genevieve was my grandma's name(may she RIP) and it's my middle name. I am going to continue to keep it in the family because my Grandma was one of the only old people I ever loved.

Are you an organ donor? Why or why not?
Of course I am an organ donor. I would hope that at the time of my death something good could come of it. I've heard so much stuff about how doctors don't try and keep you alive if they find out you are an organ donor..blah blah blah. If that is the case than it doesn't really matter to me anyways because God holds the key to my life and if it is my time than see ya later! I would be so happy knowing that a child or a father got one of my organs and was able to live the life that I couldn't finish for unknown reasons. That would make me so so happy!!!

What is your favorite childhood toy? What makes it special to you?

My favorite toy was most definitely a glow worm doll. At night when I would get scared all I had to do was turn that thing on and everything was okay. I think everychild should have a glow worm. In fact, a friend actually bought me one a couple of years ago because she knew how much I loved them. The thing is that when you are a young child and you're terrified nothing feels better than to hug something and feel safe. That is what the glow worm did for me.

Christmas Dinner

Yaya Buddy I went to my first Christmas dinner in Oroville Sunday night. I helped decorate and it sure paid off. It looked beautiful(i thought). By the end of the night my feet were sure hurting though and we still had to clean up!! Thankfully I didnt have to walk around much. I tried to clean up as much as I could without having to move much. Afterwards some of us went to the Krantz' lovely home to play games. Here are some random pics of Sunday night

Family Visiting

Hello,

My aunt came to visit today with my two little second cousins. They are super cute!! I love visiting with them and wish that we lived closer. I finished up my shopping today and am trying to rest up for our Church Christmas Dinner tomorrow. I will post pics up for sure of the dinner. It's going to be amazing!

More on GB houses

My house before I ruined it!!

Gingerbread fun!!

Kev and I made gingerbread houses last night.I tried to make mine look like it was snowing but ended up making look super ugly so I just painted a big huge H on the roof and called it good!

When I speak Your name

When I speak Your name darkness flees.It has no hold on me

Redemption

You all remember that song, "My Redeemer Lives"? Ha, well He sure does, and man do I feel His redemption every single day of my life. I get up and look in the mirror and BAM! I see His work of redemption. I once read that redemption is the rehabilitation of man. I need a restorer and a rehabilitation in my life. That's all for now.

Ladies of Grace Christmas

Us playing games! It was so much fun!! Thanks Vicki for hosting LOGS

Frank in the Christmas spirit.

Frank and I after a long day

More of Becky's house.

I just want to

I just want to live for God. I do not want drama. I do not want to argue over churches. I just want to live my life for God and Him alone. It is such a sad thing when our world consists of drama. I pray everyday that any drama that is around me keeps its distance. I have worked too hard and have come too far to be brought down by lame stuff. With all that said let me just say I love Jesus. I love what He has done in my life. I had a pretty awesome but exhausting day. Today I dealt with an issue that has plagued me for many many years. I said goodbye to it forever. With the help of God and my Pastor I am claiming victory from this point on. You know I am so proud of myself. Weird huh?! I am truely proud of the strides I have made. Now, don't get me wrong I couldn't have done it without my Savior,the Krantz' and my church. They are my strength when I cannot carry on.

Japan

I am thinking of going on a missions trip to Japan with AIM. They are going to Naha,OkinawaJapan in June of this next year. Bro Krantz actually showed a paper on it. I had a genuine interest in it at first glance but couldn't see how I could possible go on a missions trip. I am so incredibly shy when it comes to talking to those I don't know and obviously I wouldn't know anyone. I prayed about it today and I really feel like it's something I should pursue. God can help my nerves when the time comes. I just feel the need to give back what I have been given. I've been given love like nothing I have ever felt before. I want to give other people the same hope I got from simply being loved. I do not care that this trip isn't in Africa where my burden is very heavy because it is a step in the right direction. This could open doors I could have never imagined being open.
Bro Krantz spoke tonight on consecration and how we may not want to do somethings, but it is our business to serve God in the way that He wants. I have received the grace and mercy of God so it is my duty to do certain things. He expects that of us! I took 4 1/2 pages of notes tonight in service(i write big) and am super excited to study them tomorrow morn.

Thanksgiving Day Yum!!

My new buddy

You know how kids can make you smile even if there is nothing to smile about? Well my buddy Jeremiah Krantz always makes me smile. I came to church tonight so broken in my spirit. I cried all the way to Oroville.I didn't even have the strength to stand up straight. I was all hunched..it was pitiful. I walked in the church and there was my buddy. He drew me this great pic of the Mad Hatter who is a character in Lego Batman. I didn't necesarily feel better but my heart got a little lighter knowing there are some things to smile about. My buddy and the Mad Hatter.If you don't know about this cool dude you probably should read up on him. He wears these cool hats that have a mind controlling power to them. Sooo awesome! So thanks be to God for sending me this sweet kid who has a heart of gold.

Saturday in Sac

Mom,Kevin and I drove to Sac on Saturday to spend a couple hours with Sarah and Jessica. We ate at the Hard Rock Cafe(which was incredibly gross) and walked around. You can see I wasn't in that great of a smiling mood. I was feeling a bit somber. Kev had to push mom up the hill because she couldn't do it.

Mission Service Friday Night

Our foreign mission service was so awesome!!! The props were beyond what I had expected and the service was powerful. Sis Amy Howell sparked something inside of me that I hope just grows and grows. She has traveled all over the world(literally). It was hard to not be a little jealous :) I prayed through over it though haahaha. Then Sis Dodd rocked on the drums. I have never even seen a guy play as well as she did. Everything was just amazing and I cannot wait until next years service. You see the collages on the wall?? Well, Amy,Sis Krantz and Sis Angela and I all did them. I had a ton of fun and it was nice getting to know them a little more.

Just some random stuff

So I have been doing this women's Bible study on the favor of God. I just finished it today and am so happy I decided to do it. Sometimes I struggle with what/where to read in the Bible so doing this Bible study was such a blessing. God has been extraordinarily good to me. One of these days I'm going to write a complete testimony and share it with y'all. 2 more days until mission service!! Pretty soon i'll be counting down the hours lol. Kev and I went to the Krantz' to work on the collages again. Kev spent much of the time playing with the boys but he had a great time. We finished the collages around 11:45 (i think) and then sat and talked with the Krantz'. Everytime I spend time with them I leave incredibly thankful. Sometimes I don't think either of them realize how much of a blessing they actually are. To think that only a few short months ago my Tuesday nights were probably spent partying and there I was at my Pastor and His wife's house having more fun than I ever had partying. Weird huh?!

2 Cor 2:14

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Pugalicious

Lamentations 3:22-23

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Aren't these passages beautiful?! Everytime I read them my spirit feels so lifted up and thankful for His mercy. My testimony is proof that God is SO good and His compassion fails not.

Missions Service coming up!

I am super excited about our mission service next Friday. Amy and I were at the Krantz' house last night working on some collages. I have to say that for working it was a lot of fun. Saturday we will go at it again and hopefully finish most of it. Tonight I have decided to not do anything but stay at home and relax. I kept trying to make plans but then decided against them. I really want to use the time alone for me. I need to catch up on my journaling and some other things that I havent been doing lately. I'm so glad God is my refuge and my strength...without Him where would I be.Ha! Actually I know where I'd be...I was there at one point in my life...thank you Jesus for second chances!

Another lovely day (cough cough)

So yes we had a missionary tonight in service. He is from Pakistan and it was so awesome. Of course I'm partial to missionaries anyhow because I'm so incredibly interested in every aspect of their lives. I had a 24hr heart monitor put on today....I haven't been feeling well lately...please pray for me that everything will be okay. My group for my communications class must plan our symposium that we are presenting next month. We have to do it on a global issue that will continue to affect 7 generations. I really want to do it on domestic violence. We really need to start teaching kids about this as early on as elementary school. It's becoming such a big part of society and many people just aren't very schooled on the whole issue. Coming from a history of domestic violence in my family I know that some people in those situations just don't know how to leave and if they did where would they go? What would they do? It just breaks my heart that there are people out there living in such a dire situation yet they do not have enough strength to leave. I want to be their voice...

Monday Borefest

School today pretty much rocked. My communications class is so much fun and it feels like you're only in class for 20min not the 1hr and 20min that you actually are. A few days ago Bro Krantz emailed us and asked us to pray for the Sunday service and to bring a shovel. I felt really strange walking into church with a dirty shovel and thought for sure I was going to be the only one.Well most everyone brought theirs even though we still had no idea why. Bro Krantz got up and preached like nobody's business. Not kidding. Our shovels were our own object lessons. Our shovels were being used to dig out all the I can'ts. The reasons why we can't live for God. He had us who felt the need to go down to the altar and bring our shovels with us. I left that service changed. God has really been doing a work in me. It has seemed like every single service I have been in the past couple weeks have been directed at me. I'm sure many others may feel the same way but I can't help but feel thankful and blessed that I have a God who cares enough for me and my salvation that He speaks to me time and time again. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for my future. I know that I can/will do great things for God and His kingdom.

WCC

WCC

West Coast Wed-Thurs

Wednesday night service was so awesome! A message was preached on keeping the flag. Basically just carrying on the standards of God. It was incredible for the first night of WCC. Thursday morning there were two preachers. The first preached on obeying your pastor with the lines he draws. Then Bro Noe Trevino preached specifically to the young people. He preached on how when we are younger our parents are in charge of us therefore in charge of the arrows and where they point. Then when we get older we are in charge of where our arrows point. Do we want them to point straight(to God)? It was just so awesome! All 3 messages really touched me.

First unofficial day of West Coast Conference

Ever since I've been attending West Coast(previously PSR a way long time ago) we have gone up a day early. You don't want to get caught in the rush of hundreds of pentecostals trying to check in at the same time. No thanks! I was supposed to drive to Fresno the entire way but that didn't really work out. I was extremely carsick until we got out of Sacramento. I took Dramamine and felt a ton better. About an hour into my driving time I starting falling asleep at the wheel. My eyes were open but I was dozing!! Good thing my mom was asleep because she would have freaked out.hahaa Kevin sure was scared. I actually woke my mom up and had her take over because the Dramamine must have kicked in and caused the overexcessive drowsiness.

Kev and I look so drugged in this pic. We had just gotten in Fresno and were exhausted.

NoBama for Prez

Yes, I know he won. We found out for sure while we were visiting our friends,Jodi and Max in Fresno. Jodi and I were pretty upset. I just hope he didn't just sign his death warrant. He has 2 little girls and a wife. I'll certainly be praying for his family while he's in office. I was for sure voting for McCain but life sure is uncertain. Too bad.

Church Tonight

Tonight us good folks of First Pentecostal in Oroville had super awesome church. I mean,it was really good. I got such a touch from God. I still have a ways to go but thank God for tonight. Bro Krantz basically preached about shaking us up. How a lot of us saints sit through service after service unmoved. We leave the same way we came in. It was quite informative and touching. Bro Krantz and I talked after service about some personal stuff that I certainly won't blog about. I will say however that I have never felt so blessed for such a great man of God in my life. I've never had anyone tell me they were going to step in and be a father figure in my life. Especially not my Pastor. I almost started bawling but I saved that for the car ride home :) So, here I am at midnight sitting on my couch with this overwelming sense of gratitude and love for my Pastor and his absolutely wonderful,fabulous,gorgeous wife. I'm pretty sure I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

So I'm almost over my little cold. I'm so excited! I was starting to sound like my pug. You should hear my sweetie...he snores even when he's not sleeping. I went to Oroville tonight and hung out with my new friends Michelle,Joshua and Chris. I had an awesome time and was around some pretty great company. Anyhow, This pic is of my baby right before his big play date at the park

More on mi familia.

Kevin and I in Roseville at Mimi's.Yum!

My twin Jess with our cousin,Ryan.

Family

My little sis,Sarah with our brother Guy.Isn't she beautiful? I miss her so.

Mom and Jess at chemo.

The day before my least favorite holiday.

Yes, this is my dear dog who some may say looks like a raisin. He is my baby and I think everyone is just insanely jealous of his beauty. I have yet to go get the resources for my Halloween outfit. I do not want to dress up at all but my communications group has to do a project and we must all dress up. I'm just going to be a black cat. It's incredibly lame but I can easily do it and not compromise my standards in any way. I dread this retarded "holiday" every single year. I hate dressing up,hate all the candy and HATE being snuck up on and spooked.I think it's safe to say I am the scrooge of Halloween.