journeys

Friday's Feast #3

2008-09-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Appetizer
When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?
Right before I came to school. So just about a month ago. I just had a little trim. I like to keep my hair longer now.

Soup
Name one thing you miss about being a child.
Being carefree.

Salad
Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil.
Olive oil.

Main Course
If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why?
This is a rather excellent question, really. I am thinking Hebrew. 'Tis a beautiful language.

Dessert
Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be…
Graduated, loved, and an apartment renter.

Friday's Feast #2

2008-05-23T06:49:00.003-07:00

It has been forever since I have done this. My poor blog. Always so rejected and alone.

Appetizer
What is the nearest big city to your home?
Seattle. Mmm. I love it there. I even love the airport. I think that is a little odd, but I do. The airport is a very exciting place.

Soup
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?
8. There are some secrets that I simply cannot keep.

Salad
Describe your hair (color, texture, length).
Long, dark, and curly.

Main Course
What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?
I am a disgustingly courteous driver with the exception of being late for work. Then...I pass people.

Dessert
When was the last time you had a really bad week?
This week was really bad. Not horrid, but really bad. The last horrid week was almost two months ago.

Thursday Thirteen--6 December, 2007

2007-12-06T16:29:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Songs That Should Be On The Soundtrack of My Life

1. The Fear You Won't Fall--Joshua Radin

2. I'll Be--Edwin McCain

3. Precious--Moshav

4. Hallelujah, Chorus Number 44--George Frideric Handel

5. If We Are the Body--Casting Crowns

6. I'm Not Cool--Scott Krippayne

7. Tradition--Fiddler on the Roof

8. I'll Take You Back--Brad Paisley

9. Miss Independent--Kelly Clarkson

10. Tunnel--Third Day

11. Beyond the Sea--Celtic Woman

11. Fall in Love--Kenny Chesney

12. Shalom, Y'all--The Isaacs and Mary Lowry

13. What Hurts the Most--Rascal Flatts

I Am Allergic to My House

2007-12-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, indeed. And before anyone comments on my odd sense of humor...it is not a joke. I am allergic to home.

It started on Friday.

I am at home-I am miserable. My eyes are itchy and watery and red and puffy. My nose runs. My throat is itchy.

I am not at home-After my body detoxes from home, I am fine.

This is not good. What does one do when one is allergic to one's own home?

This Time Last Year

2007-11-29T16:53:00.001-08:00

...Megan and I were just getting home from our Monday-Thursday stay at Cedar Springs. We had about 10 inches of snow and since NO ONE in Washington knows how to drive in it and the road are terrible and the snow froze....we stayed up there. Just the two of us. I got the worst cold I have ever had. Staying at work is no fun thing. There is no escape from it when you are sleeping there! I said I was never going to do it again.

In January, we were all a little surprised when we got dumped again. Guess who Cedar Springs called up there? Hmmmm. I gave in. I am weak!! I think it was Tuesday-Saturday the second time around. We had to sleep next to the ping pong room where the guests stayed up way past midnight. We pounded on the wall. They pounded back. Oy vey.

All summer, I have been saying that I am not going to do it again. Nope. Not happening.

The forecast is showing 3-8 inches of snow this weekend. I was told I need to bring a packed bag to work on Saturday.

I am too nice.

Thursday Thirteen--29 November, 2007

2007-11-29T16:02:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Keys To My Heart

Just in case anyone is wondering. In honor of the sappy day today has become. Enjoy.

1. Swedish Fish. Yum.

2. Calling me sweet girl. Not sure why this is so adorable to me, but it just is. Any other pet names are questionable.

3. Handwritten letters.

4. Watching Fiddler on the Roof with me. The most precious, sacrificial thing a guy could do for me.

5. Sticking notes in my books.

6. Roses. Not just red.

7. Holding hands.

8. Giving me a puppy. Not kidding, I have always, always wanted someone to give me a puppy.

9. Playing chess with me. Long story.

10. Holding me all night long.

11. "Precious" by Moshav and "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain, and "Winter" by Joshua Radin. And of course the dancing that goes with them.

11. Taking me on the ferris wheel and letting me keep my eyes closed the whole time because I am terrified of heights.

12. Tea. Of all varieties.

13. This. Yes, I will marry you.

I Wonder

2007-11-25T21:29:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, no, actually, a lot of times, I wonder why God has allowed certain things in my life to happen the way that they happen.

I wonder how things made to be a shelter, made to be the encouragment in this Christian life, become the things that cause me to stumble and fall, leaving me broken, tattered, bleeding, disheartened.

I wonder why the people closest to me do not understand that I am hurting. I wonder why they do not see that I am crying out.

I cry out to God to end this. I want my life to be easy. It is not a comfortable thing to endure trials.

Trials...even as I write that, I think of how far from a trial this is.

I think of Job...he endured more suffering than I shall probably ever know, yet he did not become tainted with sin. Rather, he praised God.

I think of Stephen, the church's first martyr. I ponder the terrible death of stoning and realize that he really understood what is most important.

I think of Esther who risked her life to save her people. I am amazed by her courage.

I think of Noah. Mocked by those around him, he chose to obey God. For decades, he was taunted. He was surrounded by sin, yet he chose a life of holiness. Because of his obedience, I am writing this right now.

I think of Ruth. Her husband, dead. Her life, destitute. Her future, bleak. She could have chosen to stay in her land with her people, yet she chose to serve the LORD. We will always remember her as the grandmother of King David.

I think of the thousands of people around the world who understood that "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." The precious people of God who gave their lives for the cross...and gained lives that will never cease.

This is hardly a trial, really. Yes, it hurts. Yes, I want to give in and say, "IT IS NOT WORTH IT." But even now, especially now, God is good. No matter what He allows into my life, His goodness never changes. His mercy is everlasting. His truth endures to all generations.

I am reminded by His very Words that I am not alone.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:1-2

I know that God has not left me. I know He will give me the strength and patience and grace I need to endure--with a joyful spirit--all He gives me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. -2 Corinthians 12:9

Thanks for listening.

Blessings,
Melissa

Bologna and Bachelors

2007-11-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

My room is a mess. A huge mess. It probably looks like a bachelor's pad. But I don't really know because I rarely venture into those. My bathroom is a war zone as well.

My bestest friend is in Israel. I miss her mostly because I have much to tell her.

Apparently, I was really meant to be an English teacher. The problem lies in the fact that I do not particurally want to be an English teacher.

Faith probably has my ACT scores.

I really dislike bologna.

A year ago this week, I saw the Dead Sea Scrolls. In person. One of the best days of my life.

It is getting cold. I am wishing for snow.

I get to work all weekend. Lots of hours. It is good for me.

I love Joshua Radin.

Cedar Springs is getting old.

My little sister started driver's ed. Please, be scared and afraid.

I very much like to ramble. Thank you for listening.

8 Years Old

2007-11-14T16:28:00.001-08:00

My baby sister turned 8 today. She does not have to use a booster anymore. And I am not allowed to call her a baby anymore. Good thing she doesn't have Facebook yet.

We are going out for dinner tonight. All of us. She got to pick where we are going. The diner. Of course. I told her that next year she should pick McDonalds. In Ankeney, Iowa.

Ah, sweet girl. I will never forget the day you came into this world. So soft and little and even from the beginning, showing your independent spirit. I can not imagine our little family complete without you.

I think that you are going to be a Senator one day. Or a fire fighter. Or maybe a momma. All of equal imortance.

I love you, darling, a million sweedish fish. Never stop dancing, but please stop growing up so fast. Happy eight. ♥

Most Likely to Have a Cell Phone and NEVER Answer It

2007-11-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

Miss Kylie nominated me for this. I am very deserving of this title. I may answer the sixth time you call me, but not before then.

Today was no exception.

I was supposed to work this morning. I reset my alarm this morning because I wanted more sleep.My mom told me I had to bring my cell phone, but like a good girl, I did not turn it on. I had to go to the bank before work. I went to the bank. I drove to work. As I get closer I start to think that all the houses are very dark. We had a nasty wind storm yesterday, so it was not terribly surprising. I drove up the Cedar Springs hill. I go into the lounge; it was cold. No power. I walk down the hall. The office door is locked. So, like a good girl, I broke in. No one was there. It is dark. And icky. And lonely. And scary.

I wait 10 minutes for my coworker to show up. I try calling my boss. No answer. Finally, I decide to call my mom.

"Mom, no one is here."
"I have been trying to call you for 45 minutes! Don't you have your cell phone?"
"Yes, but it is off."
"Melissa!! Ach! Well, Doris called and you are not working today because the power is off."

Apparently.

Ah well, my lesson really is learned now. My cell phone is charging as I write this.

It was not a bad thing. I got a nice drive in. It was good to get up early. And I get another day off. :)

You may notice that I changed up my blog. Yay!

I leave you with "Bibbidi, Bobiddi, Boo" from Cinderella...sung in Hebrew. Thanks to Lindsay for posting something similiar on her blog and piquing my curiosity.

Cheerio!

Melissa=Entertainment?

2007-10-02T15:43:00.001-07:00

It is an interesting thing, my age.

What is every more interesting is that most people do not perceive me at the age I am.

I have calculated that the average age people think I am is 21.5.

When I was 12, someone asked me how old my baby was. When I was 16, the lady at the grocery store asked me how old my daughter was. Many a time, people mistake the gold ring on my left hand for a wedding ring.

The managing director of the retreat center that I work thinks it is fun to ask people who do not know me how old I am. Before they answer, I tell them that it is a mean question and they lower their guess. Today it was 20 and 21.

I have learned to smile at people when they ask me how many children I have. It warms my heart when people tell me that I am mature-the compliment I receive most often for sure.

But I am starting to wonder...is this looking older than my age going to catch up to me someday?

What are people going to say when I am 50?

It Is Beginning to Feel Real

2007-09-28T17:42:00.001-07:00

I have been buying stuff...for school. School, school. College school.

Yup. You heard it. Melissa is no officially in this crazy pre-college phase.

It is making me kind of loopy. Everywhere I go, I think,
"Can I use this there?"
"Oh, this would be great!"
"I bet this is the height of fashion in...Iowa?!"

Last week, I bought this awesome messenger bag/laptop case. Yup, pretty sweet. My beautiful HP (still nameless, can you believe it?) is going to accompany me to class in that paisley print messenger bag. I like. 'Specially when my sister said I didn't have to pay her back for it. I like it even more.

Today, I bought all my bedding. That's right. All of it. Wal-Mart was having a clearance on twin xl bedding, and it was a deal too wonderful to pass up. Pink sheets. Gray quilt. Pink velour husband. (Amusing...) All I need is an extra set of sheets and I am all set in that department.

I love this shopping stuff. I love finding amazing deals and feeling like a frugal woman. Actually, I am going to be honest. I just love this whole college process in general. ;)

Your Call

2007-09-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

This is what the almanac thinks about me. What do you think?

If Your Birthday Is March 23--
A good executive and meticulous about detail, you are a born leader in business and in your social life. You are considerate of others, and family. You will have a happy married life with many children.

Haha, I love the many children bit!!

Head in the Sand

2007-08-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

Don't you ever want to be an ostrich?

When things get hot and hard, wouldn't it be nice just to stick your head into the sand?

I want to be an ostrich today.

Sweet Nights of Summer...

2007-08-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

I have been nudged by several people to update my blog.

So, alas! Here I am!

To be perfectly honest, I am quite at a loss for what to post about. Currently my life is one huge blur of work, babysitting, and church.

Here is what I have learned recently:

-I really don't know much. I would like to think that I am so intelligent, but wow...am I wrong!

-I am an ENFP and I am extremely type A. If you disagree, please take this up with Jerry.

-I am extremely sensitive, but even more so, I am very much afraid of hurting someone else.

-I am extremely sick of mediocre Christianity.

-The friends I thought I would keep forever are going away but the friends I thought were gone forever are coming back.

-The doctrine that I once held to so tightly may actually be doctrine that I blindly accepted.

-I cannot put God in a box.

-I have an evil side.

-I want henna. ;)

Oh, and as for the title of this post, summer nights are just wonderful, are they not? The stars are enchanting, the breeze is refreshing. I can feel God's touch all around me. I pray that you are enjoying this time of year as well.

Blessings,
Melissa

Rejoice!

2007-05-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

My notes have been so depressing as of late.So I deleted the depressing ones. :)

All I can say is that God is soooo good! His grace is sufficient for me. His mercy is everlasting. His truth endures to all generations.

How blessed I am to be a child of the King of Kings!

I am currently reading through "My Upmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. Yesterday's reading was super good.

"His cross is the door by which every member of the human race can enter into the life of God; by His ressurection He has the right to give eternal life to anyone, and by His ascension our Lord entered heaven, keeping the door open for humanity."

Praise God for not desiring that anyone be lost but that all come to repentance! What unspeakable love!!

Ah! The memories!

2007-02-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

From "A Psalm of Life"

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still acheiving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.

Love Always,
Melissa

I have been thinking...

2007-02-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

I know.

Thinking is a very scary thing for me to do.

But I have been.

And I have deduced the following:

I am so extremely selfish.

All I care about is me. My needs now, what I want now. I so infrequently ask how people are doing. I want attention, but I hardly ever give it to anyone else. I want people to pray for my needs, but I hardly ever intercede on the behalf of the people I love. And this is so terrible!!

After all my Savior did for me, I must offer something in return though ministering to the saints.

To all of you whom I have dumped on without a thought, to those of you who I said I will pray for you and never did, for those of you who felt like I really wasn't listening, please accept my sincerest and most heartfelt apology.

So, tell me. How can I pray for you? How can I lift you up?

Blessings,
Melissa

Three hours!

2006-12-28T16:08:00.000-08:00

Three hours until the wedding.

Blessings to the bride and groom. Love you both!

Thursday Thirteen #1

2006-12-28T11:45:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Things Mellie loves about weddings edition #1

13. The little mints that they have at the reception.
12. Wearing fancy earrings.
11. Watching the little flower girls drop their petals all the way down the asile.
10. The trumpets.
9. The flowers.
8. The adorable ring bearers.
7. Seeing people I have not seen in years.
6. The bridesmaids walking down the asile with the groomsmen.
5. The look in the groom's when watching the bride appear at the entrance to the sanctuary.
4. Watching the bride walk down the asile on the arm of her daddy.
3. The teary exchange of vows.
2. The first kiss.
1. Knowing I am one day closer to my prince.

A Lesson Well Learned

2006-12-22T15:46:00.000-08:00

We went to Wal-Mart today. On December 22. We must have idiot writtien across our foreheads.

Blog things! Woot!

2006-12-20T13:15:00.000-08:00

You Communicate With Your Ears

You love conversations, both as a listener and a talker.What people say is important to you, and you're often most affected by words, not actions.You love to hear complements from others. And when you're upset, you often talk to yourself.Music is very important to you. It's difficult to find you without your iPod.

How Do You Communicate

Your Blogging Type is Artistic and Passionate

You see your blog as the ultimate personal expression - and work hard to make it great.One moment you may be working on a new dramatic design for your blog...And the next, you're passionately writing about your pet causes.Your blog is very important - and you're careful about who you share it with.

What's" Your Blogging Personality?

Your EQ is 133

50 or less: Thanks for answering honestly. Now get yourself a shrink, quick!51-70: When it comes to understanding human emotions, you'd have better luck understanding Chinese.71-90: You've got more emotional intelligence than the average frat boy. Barely.91-110: You're average. It's easy to predict how you'll react to things. But anyone could have guessed that.111-130: You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on your butt.131-150: You are remarkable when it comes to relating with others. Only the biggest losers get under your skin.150+: Two possibilities - you've either out "Dr. Phil-ed" Dr. Phil... or you're a dirty liar.

What's" Your EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)?

Thank you!

2006-12-20T02:48:00.000-08:00

I know it is super late, but I just wanted to give a big thank you to Lindsay! She helped me so much with my blog tonight.
Doesn't it look just wonderful?
Thank you, sweetie!

5 days and counting...

2006-12-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

I can hardly believe that there are only five days until Christmas! It has come up so quickly this year!

Thankfully, I have all my Christmas shopping totally done. And no, I am not posting what I got here! My friends and family read this blog! :)

I spent most of the past few days making Christmas cards. I have never made Christmas cards before, or any cards really, but I loved it! I used all my mom's stamping stuff and I am hooked! It was so much fun to do! Pretty sure that I am going to start collecting card making stuff now. :)

Tonight I am going to be going down to Sea-Tac (the airport for all you non-Pacific Northwesterners). Our Pastor's daughter and her new husband are flying in from North Carolina for the holidays. Her older sister asked me to go with her and her two little girls (whom I love to death) to pick them up. That will be fun. I told my sister Megan, who will be going down too, that we are going to pose for a picture in front of one of the Christmas tress they took down and put back up. Yes, I know, I am a strange one. :) But we all already knew that! On the way down we are going to go to some botanical garden that has a gazillion lights and walk through it. It will be fun, but it is also going to be freezing! :)

I have nothing really planned for this next week. I love Christmas vacation! It is so lazy and fun! So if y'all don't have anything to do, you can come up here and hang out with me. I would love to have you! We will even find you a pillow and blanket so you can crash on the couch. ;)

Love Always,

Melissa Lea

New Layout

2006-12-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

So, as you may notice, I have a new layout. Not as professional as it could be, but I am still learning. I hope it gives my dear blog a fresh look.
Well, I am off to Amy's Christmas party.
Blessings to you!
Love always,
Melissa Lea

"I can do this, I can do this!"

2006-10-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

I am going to try this!
*gulp*

No takers?

2006-09-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

No takers on my new blog yet? Hee-hee...that's okay. I have faith that somebody will comment sometime.

Yeah!

Corn maze tonight....

Welcome!

2006-09-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

Welcome to my new blog!! You can still view my old one if you would like to see old pictures or posts, but this is going to be the one that I post at from now on.

The reason? I have gone through so many changes lately and I really feel that my old blog sort of represents the old me. So I have this new blog for the new me. I know, sounds lame, but that is just what I decided. :)

But for now, I have a shower to take, verses to memorize, sheets to change, a cake to bake, and a quiet time with my Savior to enjoy.

(LOTS) More to come!!

Love Always,
Melissa