Remember how my brother's car got stolen? And Mom and Dad thought we'd never see it again?
Well.
I'm glad God doesn't wait for us to straighten up before he proves himself, yet again.
In short, the police found the car, up at a sketchy hotel thirty minutes away, where we know the illegal immigrants are dealing drugs, we just haven't caught them yet. It was totally intact, including Padre's sunglasses:)
Aren't you glad God answers prayer? I sure am. Can't wait to tell Stretch this story.
For lack of a better transitional phrase, in other news...I'm back at my loverly college for the day. I helped with some large auditions and watched a band concert. Now I'm sitting in the good ol' music library, waiting for my friend Max's viola recital. Max is great. He's a serious hippie, right down to the scraggly long hair. Goes "green" on everything, and harps on me to make sure my tires are properly inflated to maximize gas mileage. He's (literally) as liberal as they come, but I just plain like him. He's a very nice communist :) And we get along just fine, as long as he can't make his beliefs a reality for me. Of course, he thinks I'm as crazy as I think HE is. But I'm right. :) Anyway. I'm rambling. And really tired because I slept fewer than 7 hours last night for the 6th day in a row. YAY LEAH. So I'm going to quit now. Thanks for reading my tired rambles.
Leah
P.S.
"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation,
and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished."
Hope the rotten thief who stole our car and then left a ROSARY in it gets what's coming to him. That just goes to show that there's no redemption apart from the finished work of Jesus Christ. Mary can't get it done for you.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Random Dozen, High-speed
I have seven minutes to do the Random Dozen before I have to go to work. Here goes:
1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?
Oh yes. I've shot a .45 special, a .22, a Glock .17, .19, and .27, (the 19's my favorite. What a SWEET handgun!), and I've done archery many, many times. I'm killer with a handgun (pun intended, but true) so don't try to rob my house. I will literally shoot you.
2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?
I didn't really have childhood best friends, but I have young-adult best friends. Both are in Virginia, and I miss them terribly. We're three peas in a pod, we are.
3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
Early. On time is late. And I cannot stand to be late. I hate it. It's so stressful.
4. Are you more of a New York or California type?
I'd say more New York type. Although I love the beachy atmosphere of California, it has earthquakes, and I know I'd never be able to handle that. Plus Carnegie is in NYC, and the older I get, the more I enjoy cities. I'll always be a country girl at heart, but I enjoy being able to walk to the store.
5. Do you have a special ring tone?
If by "special" you mean the hippie-guitar-sounding one that comes on the phone for free, yes, I have a special ringtone. If you mean "did you buy one" the answer is no, because I actually have bills, and I'm not spending my money on something that unimportant.
6. What is your favorite type of chip?
I love Ranch Doritos, but really, the best chips ever are the ones you get at Chipotle, sprinkled with lime juice, with plenty of guacamole...mmmMMM.
7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....
Night at the Museum II. HILARIOUTH. (If you don't understand my lisping reference, go watch the movie)
8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"
NO. Definitely not. But I did cut my doll's hair when I was 13. Yes, I still played with dolls at 13.
9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?
Well...me I guess because I always hate my hair. Plus I don't plan on living in this house (with the parentals) for too much longer, so it wouldn't do me much good. Although I'd love to have floors with finish on them.
10. Are you allergic to anything?
Some weirdo antibiotic whose name I can't remember. And Bovine Growth Hormone.
11. Why is it so hard to change?
Because we're full of ourselves and don't think we need to, or because we're afraid to look stupid trying something new, or because we have plain old habits that we don't feel like working hard to change.
12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.
Loving someone else means they are close enough to hurt you. It means if something happens to them, you're just left and that's it. I've had my experiences with that, and it royally sucked. But on the other hand, loving someone and being loved back means you have a precious trust between you. It means they're something special and so are you. Can't speak for the crowd, but from my point of view, it's totally worth the risk. Yes, I've had my heart broken. Literally. (Not talking about a boy here...) But I wouldn't trade love for safety. No way.
Leah
1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?
Oh yes. I've shot a .45 special, a .22, a Glock .17, .19, and .27, (the 19's my favorite. What a SWEET handgun!), and I've done archery many, many times. I'm killer with a handgun (pun intended, but true) so don't try to rob my house. I will literally shoot you.
2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?
I didn't really have childhood best friends, but I have young-adult best friends. Both are in Virginia, and I miss them terribly. We're three peas in a pod, we are.
3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
Early. On time is late. And I cannot stand to be late. I hate it. It's so stressful.
4. Are you more of a New York or California type?
I'd say more New York type. Although I love the beachy atmosphere of California, it has earthquakes, and I know I'd never be able to handle that. Plus Carnegie is in NYC, and the older I get, the more I enjoy cities. I'll always be a country girl at heart, but I enjoy being able to walk to the store.
5. Do you have a special ring tone?
If by "special" you mean the hippie-guitar-sounding one that comes on the phone for free, yes, I have a special ringtone. If you mean "did you buy one" the answer is no, because I actually have bills, and I'm not spending my money on something that unimportant.
6. What is your favorite type of chip?
I love Ranch Doritos, but really, the best chips ever are the ones you get at Chipotle, sprinkled with lime juice, with plenty of guacamole...mmmMMM.
7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....
Night at the Museum II. HILARIOUTH. (If you don't understand my lisping reference, go watch the movie)
8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"
NO. Definitely not. But I did cut my doll's hair when I was 13. Yes, I still played with dolls at 13.
9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?
Well...me I guess because I always hate my hair. Plus I don't plan on living in this house (with the parentals) for too much longer, so it wouldn't do me much good. Although I'd love to have floors with finish on them.
10. Are you allergic to anything?
Some weirdo antibiotic whose name I can't remember. And Bovine Growth Hormone.
11. Why is it so hard to change?
Because we're full of ourselves and don't think we need to, or because we're afraid to look stupid trying something new, or because we have plain old habits that we don't feel like working hard to change.
12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.
Loving someone else means they are close enough to hurt you. It means if something happens to them, you're just left and that's it. I've had my experiences with that, and it royally sucked. But on the other hand, loving someone and being loved back means you have a precious trust between you. It means they're something special and so are you. Can't speak for the crowd, but from my point of view, it's totally worth the risk. Yes, I've had my heart broken. Literally. (Not talking about a boy here...) But I wouldn't trade love for safety. No way.
Leah
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
It Actually Happened to Us
You know how you hear things from other people, or see them on TV, and you think, "Wow, I'm glad that never happens to me!" Well it happened to us this time.
The Mother Ship got up Saturday morning and checked out her bedroom window to see if Padre's car was gone. If it's gone, that means he's already at the gym. And it was. Ok cool, Dad went to the gym already. Only then she heard him cough in the living room. She came flying out into the living room and said in a very tense voice, "Not to make you panic or anything, but where's your car?" "It's in the driveway." "No it's not." Both go flying to the front window. No car. They check my bedroom and Moose's room. We're all here. Dad says to Moose, "I need to ask you a ridiculous question. Did you move the car last night?" "No." Moose promptly falls back asleep. Dad, muttering, "Car's been stolen."
So we had the sheriff here (he's a corrupt scumbag, but hopefully he'll find our car), who asked us all about our neighbors and friends, and that was that. Mom says if we ever see the car again she'll be stunned, but I'm praying. We didn't have the right kind of insurance on that car, so it's not like the insurance company is going to give us a new car. We're just OUT a car.
Wanna know the best part? It wasn't even Dad's car that got stolen. It was Mike's car. And Mike just left for Air Force basic. Sweeeeeeet. But we aren't the only ones who got robbed - another car in our neighborhood was stolen on the same night.
But really, it's like my parents both said: God was watching out for us. How? you might ask. Your car was stolen! Well, here's the way we look at it. The thieves didn't come in the house, No one was hurt, not even our dog (who slept through the whole thing...so much for the watch-dog idea). Dad didn't catch and kill the thieves - and he would shoot them. Literally. The thieves didn't take ALL of our cars. So there's a lot to be thankful for.
Did YOU hve an exciting weekend?
Leah
The Mother Ship got up Saturday morning and checked out her bedroom window to see if Padre's car was gone. If it's gone, that means he's already at the gym. And it was. Ok cool, Dad went to the gym already. Only then she heard him cough in the living room. She came flying out into the living room and said in a very tense voice, "Not to make you panic or anything, but where's your car?" "It's in the driveway." "No it's not." Both go flying to the front window. No car. They check my bedroom and Moose's room. We're all here. Dad says to Moose, "I need to ask you a ridiculous question. Did you move the car last night?" "No." Moose promptly falls back asleep. Dad, muttering, "Car's been stolen."
So we had the sheriff here (he's a corrupt scumbag, but hopefully he'll find our car), who asked us all about our neighbors and friends, and that was that. Mom says if we ever see the car again she'll be stunned, but I'm praying. We didn't have the right kind of insurance on that car, so it's not like the insurance company is going to give us a new car. We're just OUT a car.
Wanna know the best part? It wasn't even Dad's car that got stolen. It was Mike's car. And Mike just left for Air Force basic. Sweeeeeeet. But we aren't the only ones who got robbed - another car in our neighborhood was stolen on the same night.
But really, it's like my parents both said: God was watching out for us. How? you might ask. Your car was stolen! Well, here's the way we look at it. The thieves didn't come in the house, No one was hurt, not even our dog (who slept through the whole thing...so much for the watch-dog idea). Dad didn't catch and kill the thieves - and he would shoot them. Literally. The thieves didn't take ALL of our cars. So there's a lot to be thankful for.
Did YOU hve an exciting weekend?
Leah
Friday, February 19, 2010
A new conjugation of "to bring"
One of my students, Cortland, asked me on Wednesday if it would be ok to bring his personal guitar to class. "Of course! That would be great!" I enthusiastically replied. So while I was meeting with my principal this morning, he came down to my classroon and left his guitar there, with this note stuck in the capo:
So exactly what conjugation of the verb "to bring" is that?
I love eighth graders.
Leah
So exactly what conjugation of the verb "to bring" is that?
I love eighth graders.
Leah
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Babysitting a Cutie
Today after work, I get to babysit TBoy. TBoy is my friend Boo's little brother, and man is he cute! He's five now, and says the cutest things...well I'll quote him tomorrow:) He also pitches wild fits sometimes, so hopefully I won't have to switch him tomorrow. The reason I'm babysitting him is his oldest sister, TabbyDear, is going to the hospital to have her second child, and TBoy's mommy wants to be with TabbyDear. Her last childbirth was extremely difficult, so she needs a little extra encouragement with this one. The baby is much smaller this time, thankfully. Pray for TabbyDear today if you think of her. And that TBoy won't pitch a fit while I'm there:)
Leah
Leah
Oh Pilates...
Pilates really kicked my butt yesterday. I'm telling you, if you don't think that's exercise, just go to one class and you'll be convinced otherwise. We stretched. Did planks (HATE). Used the Bosu...for more planks. Did our regular child's pose-cobra-downward facing dog routine. Did squats on the Bosu. Leg work. Dude. It was really rough. Even the Mother Ship admitted it was hard, and she's in way better shape than I am!
In other news...(for lack of a better subject transition) we might have school tomorrow! With a 2 hour delay, but still. I have no idea if it's an A or B day, which means the kids won't either, and half of them will forget instruments. Sweeeeeeeet. Oh well. I'll cross that bridge tomorrow. Guess I better go check the website...
Leah
In other news...(for lack of a better subject transition) we might have school tomorrow! With a 2 hour delay, but still. I have no idea if it's an A or B day, which means the kids won't either, and half of them will forget instruments. Sweeeeeeeet. Oh well. I'll cross that bridge tomorrow. Guess I better go check the website...
Leah
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Watch Out, Air Force!
Yesterday my oldest brother (Stretch) left for Air Force Basic Training. He's been trying to get into their officer program for a while now, and things kept getting messed up and not working out. So he enlisted and is trying to get in that way. His program is airborne linguistics, meaning they'll teach him a language or five and he gets to fly around the world eavesdropping on terrorists. Something like that anyway:) So yeah, he left yesterday. It's amazingly quiet around here now! Minus Padre, of course, who is about as quiet as an elephant stampede.
Stretch is all kinds of excited. His career is going somewhere, like it or not! He's been working as an intern for an online news source for a while now, but there's a hiring freeze, so they couldn't offer him a real job. Bummer. He did get quoted on Hannity & Colmes one time though. That was pretty sweet.
So pray for Stretch - that he doesn't get recycled in Basic, that he studies like he should in tech school afterward, good testimony, etc.
And pray for the Air Force - they have no idea what they're in for :)
Leah
Stretch is all kinds of excited. His career is going somewhere, like it or not! He's been working as an intern for an online news source for a while now, but there's a hiring freeze, so they couldn't offer him a real job. Bummer. He did get quoted on Hannity & Colmes one time though. That was pretty sweet.
So pray for Stretch - that he doesn't get recycled in Basic, that he studies like he should in tech school afterward, good testimony, etc.
And pray for the Air Force - they have no idea what they're in for :)
Leah
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Snow Day no. 8
Yes, I've really had eight snow days. Shoot me. I'm so bored I've re-read almost the whole Little House on the Prairie series. I'm on no. 7 and I started Saturday. I'm thinking we might have school tomorrow though because the roads really aren't that bad. Not that that matters to this school district. They cancel school for wind. LAME.
So here's a bunch of discoveries I've made while stuck in my house for two weeks.
1. Honey Cinnamon Almonds are 1 step below manna. True story.
2. When in doubt, cook. I've baked and cooked so much the past two weeks that the Mother Ship is making me stop so Padre can do his diet. LOL.
3. I can crochet baby mittens in an hour and a half.
4. Texting is evil. I'm so tired of answering texts. CALL ME PEOPLE.
5. I hate bandwagon fans. Just because Drew Brees managed to win one superbowl with SEVEN WIDE RECEIVERS doesn't make him remotely close to as good as Peyton Manning. And if you're going to be a jerk about football, at least watch it all year.
6. There's nothing like cleaning the bathroom to make you see the bright side of your life.
7. Tchaikovski's piano concerto no. 1 is amazing. And I realized after I listened to the first three chords that I've actually played that before...my freshman year of college. Go Trevor (the piano soloist)! Woo!
8. The combination of dried cherries and dark chocolate is amazing. Recipe forthcoming.
Leah
So here's a bunch of discoveries I've made while stuck in my house for two weeks.
1. Honey Cinnamon Almonds are 1 step below manna. True story.
2. When in doubt, cook. I've baked and cooked so much the past two weeks that the Mother Ship is making me stop so Padre can do his diet. LOL.
3. I can crochet baby mittens in an hour and a half.
4. Texting is evil. I'm so tired of answering texts. CALL ME PEOPLE.
5. I hate bandwagon fans. Just because Drew Brees managed to win one superbowl with SEVEN WIDE RECEIVERS doesn't make him remotely close to as good as Peyton Manning. And if you're going to be a jerk about football, at least watch it all year.
6. There's nothing like cleaning the bathroom to make you see the bright side of your life.
7. Tchaikovski's piano concerto no. 1 is amazing. And I realized after I listened to the first three chords that I've actually played that before...my freshman year of college. Go Trevor (the piano soloist)! Woo!
8. The combination of dried cherries and dark chocolate is amazing. Recipe forthcoming.
Leah
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Gutsy Tim Tebow
Oh, Tim Tebow. They love you, they hate you, they freak out over a commercial.
Alright, I admit - I'm a huge Tebow fan. No, the guy can't throw. And he can't take a snap from center (WHAT THE HECK???). But I'm a fan. Because in the midst of all the Michael Vicks and Plaxico Burruss' of football world, Tim Tebow not only stands up for what he believes, but does it with class. Whatever you think of his positions, the man has guts. And I respect that.
Take the eye black, for example.
He regularly puts Bible verse references in his eye black, including a recent Hebrews 12:1, which reads, "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees."
Appropriate for football, don't you think?
Or try this one: Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Yeah, I'll say.
Or try on for size his recent Superbowl ad, featuring a pro-family message from his mom, where she talks about being concerned for his health. Somehow this is considered "extremely offensive" by the National Organization for Women. I can't figure out how, but maybe that's because I actually watched the ad (they admitted before making that statement they hadn't seen the ad). The boy loves his mom. And he said at a press conference that he's pro-life. Interesting statement in a sports world where most athletes are pro-steroids.
The real kicker for the media was when they asked Tebow at a press conference if he was "saving himself for marriage." Tebow didn't blink. "Yes, I am," he replied. The room fell silent, only broken by a few snickers from reporters. Tebow burst out laughing. "I think y'all are stunned right now!" he said. "You can't even ask a question!" They were far more embarrassed than he was.
So-called women's rights groups are calling him a chauvinist, saying he's trying to take away a woman's right to choose, proselytizing, and forcing his beliefs on others.
First they complain men are jerks, and then when a guy has character, they slam him for it. Men can't win with those kinds of women.
All I have to say is, "Hey Tim, are you single?"
Leah
P.S. Unfortunately, he's not. Darn it.
Alright, I admit - I'm a huge Tebow fan. No, the guy can't throw. And he can't take a snap from center (WHAT THE HECK???). But I'm a fan. Because in the midst of all the Michael Vicks and Plaxico Burruss' of football world, Tim Tebow not only stands up for what he believes, but does it with class. Whatever you think of his positions, the man has guts. And I respect that.
Take the eye black, for example.
He regularly puts Bible verse references in his eye black, including a recent Hebrews 12:1, which reads, "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees."
Appropriate for football, don't you think?
Or try this one: Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Yeah, I'll say.
Or try on for size his recent Superbowl ad, featuring a pro-family message from his mom, where she talks about being concerned for his health. Somehow this is considered "extremely offensive" by the National Organization for Women. I can't figure out how, but maybe that's because I actually watched the ad (they admitted before making that statement they hadn't seen the ad). The boy loves his mom. And he said at a press conference that he's pro-life. Interesting statement in a sports world where most athletes are pro-steroids.
The real kicker for the media was when they asked Tebow at a press conference if he was "saving himself for marriage." Tebow didn't blink. "Yes, I am," he replied. The room fell silent, only broken by a few snickers from reporters. Tebow burst out laughing. "I think y'all are stunned right now!" he said. "You can't even ask a question!" They were far more embarrassed than he was.
So-called women's rights groups are calling him a chauvinist, saying he's trying to take away a woman's right to choose, proselytizing, and forcing his beliefs on others.
First they complain men are jerks, and then when a guy has character, they slam him for it. Men can't win with those kinds of women.
All I have to say is, "Hey Tim, are you single?"
Leah
P.S. Unfortunately, he's not. Darn it.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Right Choice for Women - A Passionate Plea
"Do what's right for you." "It's my body." "It's just a clump of cells."
I became involved in the pro-life movement through my younger sister in my freshman year of college. I modeled t-shirts for American Life League and helped plan the first-ever candlelight vigil for abortion victims at my school. Participated in pro-life memorial day, and helped found one of the first college pro-life clubs in my state. For what? What's a young woman doing being pro-life anyway? Isn't that sort of, you know, backwards?
Well, no.
Here's why life is the right choice for women. First of all, let's run with the 80s feminist theology for a minute or two. I am a woman. I have the right to do whatever I want with my body. Hey, if I want to sleep with a different guy every night of the week, it's none of your business. Guys do it to girls, so let's give it right back to 'em! Women have been sexually oppressed for way too long. Let's let it loose, girls! And if I get pregnant, I'll just have an abortion. No big deal, I mean it's just a clump of cells. And it's a totally painless procedure anyway. Nothing's getting me down - women are finally breaking free!
...
Somehow, that just sounds so unfulfilling to me. Here's why it's wrong for women.
1. We're just wired differently from men. Basic scientific fact. Our brains are created to release a hormone during intimacy which also triggers feelings of love. Women physically can't separate sex from love. It's impossible. If a woman tells you she can, she's lying. It's actually impossible. So when a woman sleeps around, she's not only setting herself up for major heartbreak, but she's also overloading the brain with dangerously high hormone levels. So a woman might sleep with a guy she doesn't really care for, and then wonder why she suddenly wants to see him again. It's the way we're made.
2. When we buy into the whole "sexual liberation" idea, we end up agreeing with men that sex is no big deal --> meaning women are, in fact, just sex objects. It's not like you should have sex with someone you...uh...care about, right? Wrong, actually. See #1.
3. Withholding sex before marriage actually empowers women. Think about it. He wants it. You've got it. Man up and marry her. If he's not that into you, you've protected yourself by not giving it up, and if he's really into you, he'll marry you. Guys aren't afraid of commitment with a woman they're really into. (Read that book, "He's Not That Into You." It's great.) Sleeping with a guy before you're married to him says he doesn't have to commit to you to get some. And can someone explain to me why we would want that?
4. It's all about respect. I respect myself waaaaaaay too much to give it up before I'm married. I'm not arrogant, I just think enough of myself as a human being to wait. It's something that's really special to me! Why would I hand it over like it's no big deal? Waiting says A) I respect myself, B) You better respect me too, and C) Man up and marry me or you don't get it. Among other things. Let's not beat around the bush here. I'm not God's gift to the planet, but I'm pretty darn special (ask my Daddy) and if you want me, marry me. It's that simple, boys.
5. Abortion is a big deal. Only idiot feminazis still tell girls it's "just a procedure." No, it's not. It's a really big deal. And for the record, post-abortive women will tell you that it's extremely painful. And they don't drug you up for it. You're doing it commando. Not only that, over half of women who have an abortion regret it, in addition to experiencing the awful aftermath of guilt, depression, anger, and in some cases, suicide. Infertility is becoming more prevalent in post-abortive women. Post-partum depression is more common in post-abortive women. Isn't this enough? Even if you still aren't convinced there's a baby there, aren't the effects on you enough to convince you this isn't the right choice? And! If a doctor tries to tell you that you have to have an abortion to save your life, he's lying. George Tiller himself stated that abortion would never save a woman's life. If you can't take his word for it, you're hurting.
Wake up, girls! This feminist agenda has gone far enough! Fight back! This is the wrong choice for our generation. Say NO, respect yourself, and wait. It's so worth it.
Leah
I became involved in the pro-life movement through my younger sister in my freshman year of college. I modeled t-shirts for American Life League and helped plan the first-ever candlelight vigil for abortion victims at my school. Participated in pro-life memorial day, and helped found one of the first college pro-life clubs in my state. For what? What's a young woman doing being pro-life anyway? Isn't that sort of, you know, backwards?
Well, no.
Here's why life is the right choice for women. First of all, let's run with the 80s feminist theology for a minute or two. I am a woman. I have the right to do whatever I want with my body. Hey, if I want to sleep with a different guy every night of the week, it's none of your business. Guys do it to girls, so let's give it right back to 'em! Women have been sexually oppressed for way too long. Let's let it loose, girls! And if I get pregnant, I'll just have an abortion. No big deal, I mean it's just a clump of cells. And it's a totally painless procedure anyway. Nothing's getting me down - women are finally breaking free!
...
Somehow, that just sounds so unfulfilling to me. Here's why it's wrong for women.
1. We're just wired differently from men. Basic scientific fact. Our brains are created to release a hormone during intimacy which also triggers feelings of love. Women physically can't separate sex from love. It's impossible. If a woman tells you she can, she's lying. It's actually impossible. So when a woman sleeps around, she's not only setting herself up for major heartbreak, but she's also overloading the brain with dangerously high hormone levels. So a woman might sleep with a guy she doesn't really care for, and then wonder why she suddenly wants to see him again. It's the way we're made.
2. When we buy into the whole "sexual liberation" idea, we end up agreeing with men that sex is no big deal --> meaning women are, in fact, just sex objects. It's not like you should have sex with someone you...uh...care about, right? Wrong, actually. See #1.
3. Withholding sex before marriage actually empowers women. Think about it. He wants it. You've got it. Man up and marry her. If he's not that into you, you've protected yourself by not giving it up, and if he's really into you, he'll marry you. Guys aren't afraid of commitment with a woman they're really into. (Read that book, "He's Not That Into You." It's great.) Sleeping with a guy before you're married to him says he doesn't have to commit to you to get some. And can someone explain to me why we would want that?
4. It's all about respect. I respect myself waaaaaaay too much to give it up before I'm married. I'm not arrogant, I just think enough of myself as a human being to wait. It's something that's really special to me! Why would I hand it over like it's no big deal? Waiting says A) I respect myself, B) You better respect me too, and C) Man up and marry me or you don't get it. Among other things. Let's not beat around the bush here. I'm not God's gift to the planet, but I'm pretty darn special (ask my Daddy) and if you want me, marry me. It's that simple, boys.
5. Abortion is a big deal. Only idiot feminazis still tell girls it's "just a procedure." No, it's not. It's a really big deal. And for the record, post-abortive women will tell you that it's extremely painful. And they don't drug you up for it. You're doing it commando. Not only that, over half of women who have an abortion regret it, in addition to experiencing the awful aftermath of guilt, depression, anger, and in some cases, suicide. Infertility is becoming more prevalent in post-abortive women. Post-partum depression is more common in post-abortive women. Isn't this enough? Even if you still aren't convinced there's a baby there, aren't the effects on you enough to convince you this isn't the right choice? And! If a doctor tries to tell you that you have to have an abortion to save your life, he's lying. George Tiller himself stated that abortion would never save a woman's life. If you can't take his word for it, you're hurting.
Wake up, girls! This feminist agenda has gone far enough! Fight back! This is the wrong choice for our generation. Say NO, respect yourself, and wait. It's so worth it.
Leah
More Adventures, This Time By Candlelight
Well I happen to live in an area hit by the Snowpacalypse on the east coast this weekend. It's good times, lemme tell ya. Especially if you're a...err...summer baby, shall we say.
In other words, I passionately hate cold, winter, and especially snow.
Now then. We got about a foot last weekend, which did the melt-freeze-melt-freeze thing all week, only to have another foot dumped on us Friday and Saturday. The real fun began when we lost power at about 9am on Saturday. Let me add at this point that my dad is obsessed with the woodstove. We've had one since I was five, and he loves it. We love the heat. Not the mess. But we deal with it for the lovely heat it puts out. So We have a woodstove. Which came in really handy when we lost power yesterday. We did not, however, have water. Bummer! So we went and checked on the elderly neighbors all down the street, while Padre and the brothers went to cut trees. There was so much ice and snow on the trees that a lot of them had fallen across the street. And we were NOT getting stuck in there where a snowplow couldn't get to us. So Padre and the boys went to cut them all down - total: over 30 trees they cut and dragged into the woods. The Mother Ship and I heated soup on the woodstove. Then the boys and I went to the neighbor's house to get water (they have a generator). After bringing back almost 20 gallons, Padre let us quit. Sweet. It got darker. I solved a Rubick's cube for the first time in my life. Kept getting darker. I crocheted my nephew mittens (he's 8 1/2 months...it only took me an hour). By this time it's totally dark. Padre and the Mother Ship decide we're having hot dogs for dinner. But the grill bottle is frozen and won't open. So we put foil on the woodstove and cooked them on there. Yesssssss. All by candlelight, I might add. Those boys are never going to mock my sweet-smelling candles ever again. :D Then, having nothing else to do, but it only being 6:30 at night, we had a family rummy tournament by candlelight. But the Mother Ship couldn't see the other end of the table, so every time someone did something, she shined a flashlight on their spot. LOL. Anyway, we did that till about 9:00, and then we all went to bed out of boredom. And slept terribly, because we didn't have our white-noise makers - our fans. Which run on electricity. It was almost comical. I decided I could either laugh or cry, so I laughed.
This morning we woke up to no electricity again. We went to the neighbor's for drinking water. The boys went out to cut more trees. The Mother Ship and I melted snow for still more water. We read our Bibles for a couple hours. I cleaned my room and dusted the living room. Finished my fourth book since Thursday. Considered using duct tape to get the crap off my carpet. Decided not to.
The real reason I was bummed about no power wasn't the lack of vacuum. Or lack of shower. It was that my favorite football team, the Indianapolis Colts, are playing in the Superbowl tonight, and I was going to miss it. SICK, PEOPLE, SICK. So I prayed. Hey, you have not because you ask not, right? So I asked. What could it hurt? And no lie, ten minutes later, the power came back on. And I immediately thought, Well dude, shoulda prayed yesterday, ya moron!
God is pretty funny sometimes.
But kickoff is in 10 minutes. And I get to see it.
Praise the Lord.
Leah
In other words, I passionately hate cold, winter, and especially snow.
Now then. We got about a foot last weekend, which did the melt-freeze-melt-freeze thing all week, only to have another foot dumped on us Friday and Saturday. The real fun began when we lost power at about 9am on Saturday. Let me add at this point that my dad is obsessed with the woodstove. We've had one since I was five, and he loves it. We love the heat. Not the mess. But we deal with it for the lovely heat it puts out. So We have a woodstove. Which came in really handy when we lost power yesterday. We did not, however, have water. Bummer! So we went and checked on the elderly neighbors all down the street, while Padre and the brothers went to cut trees. There was so much ice and snow on the trees that a lot of them had fallen across the street. And we were NOT getting stuck in there where a snowplow couldn't get to us. So Padre and the boys went to cut them all down - total: over 30 trees they cut and dragged into the woods. The Mother Ship and I heated soup on the woodstove. Then the boys and I went to the neighbor's house to get water (they have a generator). After bringing back almost 20 gallons, Padre let us quit. Sweet. It got darker. I solved a Rubick's cube for the first time in my life. Kept getting darker. I crocheted my nephew mittens (he's 8 1/2 months...it only took me an hour). By this time it's totally dark. Padre and the Mother Ship decide we're having hot dogs for dinner. But the grill bottle is frozen and won't open. So we put foil on the woodstove and cooked them on there. Yesssssss. All by candlelight, I might add. Those boys are never going to mock my sweet-smelling candles ever again. :D Then, having nothing else to do, but it only being 6:30 at night, we had a family rummy tournament by candlelight. But the Mother Ship couldn't see the other end of the table, so every time someone did something, she shined a flashlight on their spot. LOL. Anyway, we did that till about 9:00, and then we all went to bed out of boredom. And slept terribly, because we didn't have our white-noise makers - our fans. Which run on electricity. It was almost comical. I decided I could either laugh or cry, so I laughed.
This morning we woke up to no electricity again. We went to the neighbor's for drinking water. The boys went out to cut more trees. The Mother Ship and I melted snow for still more water. We read our Bibles for a couple hours. I cleaned my room and dusted the living room. Finished my fourth book since Thursday. Considered using duct tape to get the crap off my carpet. Decided not to.
The real reason I was bummed about no power wasn't the lack of vacuum. Or lack of shower. It was that my favorite football team, the Indianapolis Colts, are playing in the Superbowl tonight, and I was going to miss it. SICK, PEOPLE, SICK. So I prayed. Hey, you have not because you ask not, right? So I asked. What could it hurt? And no lie, ten minutes later, the power came back on. And I immediately thought, Well dude, shoulda prayed yesterday, ya moron!
God is pretty funny sometimes.
But kickoff is in 10 minutes. And I get to see it.
Praise the Lord.
Leah
Friday, February 5, 2010
Warning: rambling vent below
Do you ever feel like every single little thing in life is a struggle? I've been feeling like that a lot lately.
Like yesterday.
I slept like crap, as usual, and was exhausted by 7:00 in the morning. I had an awful headache that wouldn't go away. My computer at work died. For the third time. The Smartboard (AKA Dumbboard) wouldn't turn off. The kids were rotten and whiny and wouldn't stop talking. Parents are emailing me and condescendingly letting me know every single mistake I've supposedly made with their little angel's grade. Our county string teachers' meeting got canceled but no one felt the need to inform me of that. My AP was extremely unprofessional to a student in front of me. I had a BAJILLION things to do and didn't get half of them done because I had eight kids in lunch detention. And three, THREE people cut in front of me at the gas station. THREE. So I just decided I'd go home and get gas tomorrow. And then I got behind someone going ten miles per hour BELOW the speed limit. Those people should not be allowed to drive.
Why does it seem like some people have it so easy and I struggle just to get through a day?
I'm just restless and anxious and tense. And for once, I just want everyone to stop trying to FIX me, and just give me a freaking hug and remind me that stuff will be better tomorrow.
I need to move out. I love my parents, but I don't love living at home. It's such a contradiction...working like an adult and being treated like a child. How frustrating.
But...something that helps is...
He knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust...
Sometimes I get frustrated with God. Like why doesn't he just stop the stupid stuff that happens to me ALL THE TIME??? But it IS nice to know that Jesus had to go through all of this, and he really does get it. Even if no one else does. And he understands that I'm just a girl that gets frustrated sometimes, cries a lot, and then gets up to keep plugging through it. Because I'm not a quitter. I can't be...I have too much self-respect I guess. But sometimes I really want to. I like teaching, it's the babysitting that gets to me. The kids who won't shut their mouths long enough to learn anything.
*sigh*
It's frustrating. If I didn't love music and believe in the good it does for kids so much, I'd go be a performer. But I can't help it...I love teaching orchestra. Maybe someday I'll have a job where I don't teach general music. That would be cool.
I'll try to post something happy tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm going to go brainstorm ways to get kids to listen. Ideas?
Leah
Like yesterday.
I slept like crap, as usual, and was exhausted by 7:00 in the morning. I had an awful headache that wouldn't go away. My computer at work died. For the third time. The Smartboard (AKA Dumbboard) wouldn't turn off. The kids were rotten and whiny and wouldn't stop talking. Parents are emailing me and condescendingly letting me know every single mistake I've supposedly made with their little angel's grade. Our county string teachers' meeting got canceled but no one felt the need to inform me of that. My AP was extremely unprofessional to a student in front of me. I had a BAJILLION things to do and didn't get half of them done because I had eight kids in lunch detention. And three, THREE people cut in front of me at the gas station. THREE. So I just decided I'd go home and get gas tomorrow. And then I got behind someone going ten miles per hour BELOW the speed limit. Those people should not be allowed to drive.
Why does it seem like some people have it so easy and I struggle just to get through a day?
I'm just restless and anxious and tense. And for once, I just want everyone to stop trying to FIX me, and just give me a freaking hug and remind me that stuff will be better tomorrow.
I need to move out. I love my parents, but I don't love living at home. It's such a contradiction...working like an adult and being treated like a child. How frustrating.
But...something that helps is...
He knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust...
Sometimes I get frustrated with God. Like why doesn't he just stop the stupid stuff that happens to me ALL THE TIME??? But it IS nice to know that Jesus had to go through all of this, and he really does get it. Even if no one else does. And he understands that I'm just a girl that gets frustrated sometimes, cries a lot, and then gets up to keep plugging through it. Because I'm not a quitter. I can't be...I have too much self-respect I guess. But sometimes I really want to. I like teaching, it's the babysitting that gets to me. The kids who won't shut their mouths long enough to learn anything.
*sigh*
It's frustrating. If I didn't love music and believe in the good it does for kids so much, I'd go be a performer. But I can't help it...I love teaching orchestra. Maybe someday I'll have a job where I don't teach general music. That would be cool.
I'll try to post something happy tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm going to go brainstorm ways to get kids to listen. Ideas?
Leah
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Emma and Anna's Story
A few days ago, I posted a prayer request for my friends Emma and Anna. Their mother was diagnosed with cancer almost six years ago - she fought it like a trooper. Well, she recently passed away, and the girls are really hurting. I wanted to share their story, because it's such a tribute to the love and mercy of God.
Emma and Anna are twins, and were born in 1988 in Ghana, Africa. Shortly after they were born, their birth mother contracted AIDS through the poor sanitation in their country. Their father struggled to feed the family. After their mother died (when the girls were toddlers), the girls and their father moved to the capital city, where their father was blessed to find a government job (janitor-type...he's moved up since then:D). Shortly after that, a couple from the United States came to the capital city with Wycliff Bible Translators. Their names were Bill and Penny, and they had three sons. They witnessed to the young African man and he believed on Jesus and was saved. He began taking the girls to church. Still, he struggled to provide for them, and was weighed down by guilt. Finally, he asked the missionaries to take his daughters and adopt them. "I want them to have more than this," he explained. It broke his heart. Bill and Penny agreed to adopt the girls (who were almost four), and after a few years, moved back to America, having adopted two other orphans, Kessia and Angela.
They raised the girls to love the Lord, and in 2003 Emma and Anna went on missions trips with Teen Missions International (check my favorite sites for a link). That's when Emma met my sister Deb - they went to Cuba together. I met Emma, Anna, and Angela the following year when I went to Poland. Anna went to Zambia and Emma to India. Angela went to Uganda. Their parents came for our candlelight commissioning service, and Emma introduced me. She came walking up to me under the big top (where we have all evening services at Bootcamp) with a tall man and said, "Hey Leah, this is my dad, Bill." And I just sort of looked at him.
He was white.
Yeah, it was a little weird. I guess I just didn't think about that before. But there's no doubt this was her daddy. And then later I met Penny, and immediately thought, "She is quite a woman. I can't really explain it other than that. She was. Is, in fact. Now the Lord gets to enjoy having her in heaven, instead of us having her here.
After we returned home after that summer, I found out that Penny had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was very upbeat about it and fully expected to beat it. For a while, everyone thought she would. She was getting better. But then it came back. Stronger. And Penny couldn't beat it this time.
A few days ago, Penny died. She is now with her Savior, waiting for Bill and her kids to get there too.
I guess the best way I can describe her is precious. She just was. I didn't spend a lot of time with her, but she just was. She loved Jesus Christ so very much. She loved Bill and her sons and daughters. And when I read this:
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
I think of Penny. She truly was quite a woman. I hope to be like her someday.
Leah
Emma and Anna are twins, and were born in 1988 in Ghana, Africa. Shortly after they were born, their birth mother contracted AIDS through the poor sanitation in their country. Their father struggled to feed the family. After their mother died (when the girls were toddlers), the girls and their father moved to the capital city, where their father was blessed to find a government job (janitor-type...he's moved up since then:D). Shortly after that, a couple from the United States came to the capital city with Wycliff Bible Translators. Their names were Bill and Penny, and they had three sons. They witnessed to the young African man and he believed on Jesus and was saved. He began taking the girls to church. Still, he struggled to provide for them, and was weighed down by guilt. Finally, he asked the missionaries to take his daughters and adopt them. "I want them to have more than this," he explained. It broke his heart. Bill and Penny agreed to adopt the girls (who were almost four), and after a few years, moved back to America, having adopted two other orphans, Kessia and Angela.
They raised the girls to love the Lord, and in 2003 Emma and Anna went on missions trips with Teen Missions International (check my favorite sites for a link). That's when Emma met my sister Deb - they went to Cuba together. I met Emma, Anna, and Angela the following year when I went to Poland. Anna went to Zambia and Emma to India. Angela went to Uganda. Their parents came for our candlelight commissioning service, and Emma introduced me. She came walking up to me under the big top (where we have all evening services at Bootcamp) with a tall man and said, "Hey Leah, this is my dad, Bill." And I just sort of looked at him.
He was white.
Yeah, it was a little weird. I guess I just didn't think about that before. But there's no doubt this was her daddy. And then later I met Penny, and immediately thought, "She is quite a woman. I can't really explain it other than that. She was. Is, in fact. Now the Lord gets to enjoy having her in heaven, instead of us having her here.
After we returned home after that summer, I found out that Penny had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was very upbeat about it and fully expected to beat it. For a while, everyone thought she would. She was getting better. But then it came back. Stronger. And Penny couldn't beat it this time.
A few days ago, Penny died. She is now with her Savior, waiting for Bill and her kids to get there too.
I guess the best way I can describe her is precious. She just was. I didn't spend a lot of time with her, but she just was. She loved Jesus Christ so very much. She loved Bill and her sons and daughters. And when I read this:
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
I think of Penny. She truly was quite a woman. I hope to be like her someday.
Leah
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Getting a Passport, Part II
Well, I finally found a post office where I could apply for a passport without an appointment. It was forty minutes away, but I'll take what I can get. So yesterday I waited till 11:00 for the ice on the road to melt into lovely slush, then started the run-around. First the drugstore to get passport pictures taken. Where I learned that you are not allowed to smile in them. Well, there goes ANY chance I had of getting a decent-looking picture this time around (last time I looked like a man). So I got those. Then to the bank to get cash, because for some reason, I couldn't pay with my bank card at this particular post office. You'll see why in a minute. Then I drove myself all the way out to this teeny post office in the middle of cow pastures, missed my turn like I always do, turned around, and came back. Then I pulled in the (gravel) parking lot. And discovered that both spaces were full. Yes, there were only two. So I just pulled over to the side and waited for someone to come out, and someone eventually did. I took his parking spot and went inside. This place is about the size of my kitchen. For real. When the guy told me in the morning that they were busy right then, I think he meant they had two people in there, because that's all the space there was! Crazy! So he checks my paperwork and expired passport, copies my birth certificate and all that fun stuff, and then I went to pay him and...turns out cash doesn't cut it either. So it cost me another $1.10 for the money order he had to write up. Greeeeeaaaaaaat. On top of $100 for the passport. Awesome. So then he went behind the one wall in there to do something, and I took this picture, because it was so very Jesse James:
Yes, that is a safe. With the old school, turn-click-turn-click-turn-click lock on it. It was very cool, in an 1857 kind of way.
The adventures in my life never cease.
Leah
Yes, that is a safe. With the old school, turn-click-turn-click-turn-click lock on it. It was very cool, in an 1857 kind of way.
The adventures in my life never cease.
Leah
Monday, February 1, 2010
Only for the Unemployed
I'm traveling to Hong Kong this summer.
To travel, you need a passport.
My last passport expired a year ago. So I need a new one. So the Mother Ship says, "You should go down the post office. It's where we got Moose's passport last year. But call first because I think you have to make an appointment." Ok, no big deal. I call the post office. Our conversation went like this:
Me: Hi, I need to apply for a passport - do I need an appointment?
PO lady: yes, passports are by appointment only.
Me: When are those hours?
PO lady: between 10 and 11 am, Monday through Friday, but we're full until February 16th.
Me: Are you kidding me?
PO lady: Uh, no ma'am.
Me: You have ONE HOUR a day, and none on the weekends?
PO lady: Uh, yes ma'am.
Me: Please tell your supervisor that's REALLY FREAKING STUPID. I have a JOB, and it's not like I can just take a day off in this economy. Plus I'm a TEACHER. We have to show up every day! I know you don't make these rules, but please tell whoever does that this is IDIOTIC.
PO lady: I sure will ma'am. (Proceeds to explain to me why they only have one hour a day IN THE MORNING, when people are at WORK.)
Me: It's still stupid.
PO lady: Yes ma'am. I'll let him know.
Me: Thank you.
At this point, I started calling every post office within twenty miles of me. And there are ten. I finally found one, forty minutes away, that is going to let me get a passport today. Lovely.
What on earth is that even about? One hour a day? And they're ALL like that! So only the unemployed can get a passport? Because the rest of us have to, you know, SHOW UP for work. Grrrrr.
I think they must find the stupidest people in America and have them work for the government. Am I the only one who thinks this is really incredibly stupid?
Leah
To travel, you need a passport.
My last passport expired a year ago. So I need a new one. So the Mother Ship says, "You should go down the post office. It's where we got Moose's passport last year. But call first because I think you have to make an appointment." Ok, no big deal. I call the post office. Our conversation went like this:
Me: Hi, I need to apply for a passport - do I need an appointment?
PO lady: yes, passports are by appointment only.
Me: When are those hours?
PO lady: between 10 and 11 am, Monday through Friday, but we're full until February 16th.
Me: Are you kidding me?
PO lady: Uh, no ma'am.
Me: You have ONE HOUR a day, and none on the weekends?
PO lady: Uh, yes ma'am.
Me: Please tell your supervisor that's REALLY FREAKING STUPID. I have a JOB, and it's not like I can just take a day off in this economy. Plus I'm a TEACHER. We have to show up every day! I know you don't make these rules, but please tell whoever does that this is IDIOTIC.
PO lady: I sure will ma'am. (Proceeds to explain to me why they only have one hour a day IN THE MORNING, when people are at WORK.)
Me: It's still stupid.
PO lady: Yes ma'am. I'll let him know.
Me: Thank you.
At this point, I started calling every post office within twenty miles of me. And there are ten. I finally found one, forty minutes away, that is going to let me get a passport today. Lovely.
What on earth is that even about? One hour a day? And they're ALL like that! So only the unemployed can get a passport? Because the rest of us have to, you know, SHOW UP for work. Grrrrr.
I think they must find the stupidest people in America and have them work for the government. Am I the only one who thinks this is really incredibly stupid?
Leah
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