I just got back from serving with Inner City Impact.  A group from our church’s high school group went down to minister for a week.  As always, it was great being back at ICI.  Whenever I step into those doors, I feel like I have entered a home away from home.

While preparing for this trip, our group read through C.J. Mahaney’s ‘Humility.’  What a challenging and encouraging text.  I have never studied the attribute of humility before in such depth.  One of the things I found interesting is that so many people today (including myself) try to come across humble so they look more righteous or justifiable.  Which totally defeats the purpose of being humble.  Funny how that works…  How many times have I acted in a certain way just so that people would perceive me as humble?  The times are countless.  Being confronted with this reality made me become more aware of my motives.  Are my intentions to please others and myself, or is it to glorify Christ?  When you recognize the true power and holiness of our Lord, you can’t help but fall prostrate in full adoration.  How I long to daily fix my eyes on the Lord, so that I may come to a true sense of humility and sense of awe and wonder of our King.  Being humble doesn’t necessarily mean to lower or devalue yourself.  We are still made in His image — we are children of God.  But to be humble simply means to lift Christ to a higher place and to acknowledge Him for who He really is.

Humbled,

Elle

To read more and to stay updated, please visit my “ministry” blog by clicking HERE or by following the “ministry” tab above.

I know some of you were wanting to follow what I was doing with ICI this summer.  

If you go to the “Ministry” tab (above), you can click on a link. That will take you to a separate site where I will be updating you on what I am doing and how God is working through me and the ministry. I am hoping to update this once a week.

Please leave comments and say hello!! I love getting comments

I did a massive cleaning of my closet today.  I have never found or seen so many bobby pins in my life.

Right when I thought there couldn’t possibly be any more, I would find ten hiding behind something.  Who knew I was a bobby pin collector.

I probably threw out more than 100 and am still left with an entire container.

If anyone collects metal, you may want to sort through my garbage.

I finished up my harper classes and am now almost done with my taylor online course. 

Now that I have more time, I am helping get the yard look spiffy for my graduation party…and just ready for summer in general.

My latest task: spray paint all the patio furniture. 

I’m realizing how soon college is coming. I’m obviously very excited, but nerves are just starting to approach as well. 

When I start to think how far away I’ll be from my family (okay…well, only 4 hours…) and for how long, it makes me really sad. I’ll miss them so much.

Khalia and I had a fun day today.  

The piano in our backyard is really getting worn — but it’s looking cooler and cooler in my opinion.

The entire front panel came off, exposing the hammers inside.  

Go ahead and laugh.

——-

Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? Closed.

Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel? On occasion. But I usually use it all by the time I leave, so there is none left. One of those tiny conditioner bottles is not enough for hair like mine.

Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? I tuck them under me, so it’s like a taco — to keep me nice and warm. But no matter how hard I try, they always end up on the floor the next morning.

Have you ever stolen a street sign before? All the time.

Do you like to use post-it notes? Love them. Sort of obsessed…

Do you cut out coupons but then never use them? I don’t even make it that far.

Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees? If I chose the big bear, I ge attacked, and if I chose the swarm of bees, I also get attacked. But I’ll go with a big bear. I could maybe calm it down and keep it as a pet.

Do you have freckles? Yes! Like…12 of them.

Do you always smile for pictures? Usually.

What is your biggest pet peeve? SHUT THE MICROWAVE DOOR WHEN YOU ARE DONE AND CLEAR THE TIME

Do you ever count your steps when you walk? Yes. Especially stair steps.

Have you ever peed in the woods? Hmmm…yes, actually.

What about pooped in the woods? Now that is nasty. Even if I had, I’m not sure I would admit to it.

Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing? I probably have once or twice in my life

Do you chew your pens and pencils? Not pencils, but pens, yes.

What size is your bed? Double…I think

What is your Song of the week? Definitely “We’ve Got Company” by Civalias

Is it okay for guys to wear pink? I think so. It looks good on some guys.

Do you still watch cartoons? I don’t really watch T.V., but last week I found myself watching Power Rangers…it was a long week.

Whats your least favorite movie? There are lots. But Popeye with Robin Williams is pretty terrible.

Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some? Technically, if it’s hidden, it’s already buried, but regardless on how they asked the question, I would bury it under my clothes in my bedroom … it’s messy enough that no one could ever find it except me.

What do you drink with dinner? Depends. Water is a safe answer, though.

What do you dip a chicken nugget in? Ketchup.

What is your favorite food? I can’t just pick one. I love rice, bugolgi, mangoes, spaghetti, and a real good burger.

What movies could you watch over and over and still love? Not sure. There are too many good ones out there. It would probably have to be a funny movie, though.

Were you ever a boy/girl scout? No. I fail at life.

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? Tonight, actually.

Can you change the oil on a car? No. But now I want to learn how.

Ever gotten a speeding ticket? I am proud of this answer — no.

Ran out of gas? No.

Favorite kind of sandwich? Panini’s.

Best thing to eat for breakfast? Fresh mangoe.

What is your usual bedtime? Somewhere between 10 and 11 — except for tonight.

Are you lazy? Sometimes. Probably too many times.

When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? We didn’t really do halloween, but a few years ago I dressed up as a groom…I looked like a long-haired, asian man. I try to keep those pictures away from the public.

What is your Chinese astrological sign? Does anyone really care?

How many languages can you speak? 1.2 — English and I struggle to speak Spanish (that’s where the .2 comes in).  My brother would say that I speak a language of my own, but that’s only one persons opinion.

Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Not now, but I used to.

Are you stubborn? Not really…but you tell me.

Ever watch soap operas? No.

Afraid of heights? That’s not one of my biggest fears, but I definitely have been.

Sing in the car? All the time. You should see the face expressions some people make at me.

Dance in the shower? That’s dangerous. You might slip and fall. And then die.

Dance in the car? If you mean bobbing your head, and shaking your shoulders, then yes.

Ever used a gun? Every day — I have two of them. Ha. Ha. Ha.

Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? This year for senior pictures.

Do you think musicals are cheesy? Yes, but I love them.

Is Christmas stressful? It can be. But It’s always worth the stress.

Favorite type of fruit pie? Ooo, there are too many good ones. I love all fruit, so I can’t say.

Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? Doctor, lion, butterfly and actress.

Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? Yes. I have had several not that long ago, actually.

Take a vitamin daily? No, but I’m supposed to. I just need those gummy bear ones. Those taste soo good.

Wear slippers? I started just a few months ago, and realized that I have been missing out on warm feet. I wish I started sooner.

Wear a bath robe? Not for long periods of time, but yes.

What do you wear to bed? Sometimes the clothes I wore that day…but I usually will find some sweat pants and hoodie.

First concert? To attend? Oh man, who knows when. And to perform in? Oh man, who knows that either. Ages ago.

Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? Target.

Nike or Adidas? Nike — but just because of their shoes. Other than that, I really don’t care. Adidas is more fun to say.

Cheetos Or Fritos? Cheetos.

Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? I’m going to go with sunflower seeds

Ever take dance lessons? Yep

Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? Haha, yes, actually.

Can you curl your tongue? Yes, one of my better talents.

Ever won a spelling bee? Ha. No. I never will.

Have you ever cried because you were so happy? Definitely.

Own any record albums? Sadly no. But I wouldn’t be able to play them either. So, I guess it’s not that sad.

Own a record player? Ha. I didn’t even know this was the next question — no.

Regularly burn incense? No.

Ever been in love? Not in the way the question is asking.

Who would you like to see in concert? THE FRAY. I’m so bitter about last week…

What was the last concert you saw? Like a real, live, band concert? Kenny Wayne Shepherd at the House of Blues — it was also my first.

Hot tea or cold tea? Cold, because that usually means it sweet.

Tea or coffee? Tea. Coffee still grosses me out — I have yet to grow up.

Sugar or snickerdoodles? Sugar if they are good, and snickerdoodles if there is no cinnamon.

Can you swim well? I like to think so.

Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? Yes.

Are you patient? I would say yes. I at least try my best. Man, is this survey over yet?

DJ or band, at a wedding? Probably DJ. Bands are too risky, I think.

Ever won a contest? There have been lots with music and photos, but the most exciting one is when I won candles from Yankee Candle for guessing the right amount of objects in a jar! Money is good and all, but I think winning candles is even better.

Ever have plastic surgery? No.

Which are better black or green olives? Black. I still remeber that Arthur episode where D.W. thinks the green olives were looking at her…creepy.

Can you knit or crochet? I just learned how to crochet! I am working on a blanket. And if you are acutally reading this, and comment at the end, may have the chance of winning it when I complete it. Note: the words “may” and “when”.

Best room for a fireplace? A cold room.

Do you want to get married? For sure.

If married, how long have you been married? Not applicable.

Who was your HS crush? Like I’m going to say. Boys have cooties anyway.

Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way? Ask my parents.

Do you have kids? Not yet.

Do you want kids? Yes.

Whats your favorite color? It switches every day.

Do you miss anyone right now? Ha, yeah.

Well, if you actually read all of that, congradulations on finishing and wasting your time.

I also congradulate myself for finishing the survey and wasting my time.

Night,

Elle

Currently Playing [click]: We’ve Got Company [Civalias]

Yeah…I almost forgot I had one.

Well, I think at least four holidays have past since I’ve updated this thing.  I’ll try to do a quick update on each of them that I can remember…

(Cardboard maze downtown at ICI)

Halloween: I really don’t celebrate it, but this year, I went down to ICI and passed out bags of chips.  And then that night we stayed up really late, and made an indoor cardboard box maze that filled the entire gym.  The boxes were refrigerator boxes, so they were just the right size so you could crawl on your knees and go through.  It was super super cool.  The following day we invited kids to go through it.  It was pitch dark in that thing, and absolutely hu-mun-go!  Such a fun experience.

(Everyone at this years turkey bowl)

Thanksgiving: The food was absolutely awesome and the family time even better!  Each year I’m always convicted on how I don’t thank the Lord enough for everything He has given me.  I always take the time around Thanksgiving, but that’s only because it’s easy when there is a day set aside to “give thanks.” We had our annual turkey bowl, which was really fun — as always.  I blocked zero people, and caught the ball zero times, but they used me a lot for fake plays — usually because I never understood what I was supposed to do. Good thing it’s just for fun, and I don’t play with too competitive of players.

(Cassie and I with our award winning gingerbread model)

Christmas: Another awesome time of family.  I absolutely love Christmas when the entire family gets together.  Sean and Alice even stayed at our house for five days.  It was nice having everyone in the same house like old times.  So many good laughs and memories were made during Christmas break.  Christmas is another holiday where I know I don’t think about Christ’s birth nearly as often as I should.  When I really take the time to think what He did, it really is amazing.  To think that He gave up EVERYTHING because He loved ME and YOU is unfathomable.

Also, it has been so nice to see all my college buddies back for a little bit.  I had not seen Cassie since she left, so it was great seeing her smiling face again .  The picture above is when we partnered in a gingerbread party.  We won the “Best attention to detail” award.  And if you can’t tell what it is (although…you should since it’s AWESOME), it’s a farm.

(New Years Eve with my buddy, B-rad)

New Years Eve: HAPPY 2009!  Can you really believe it’s been an entire year? I certainly cannot.  Each year goes by faster and faster.  I’m stil catching myself writing 2008.  This year I didn’t stay up nearly as late as past years (i.e. 7:00, 8:00 a.m.), but instead went to bed at a lame 1:30 a.m.  I had to get my rest for my recital — which I guess was worth it

Well, that was a pretty good update, I guess.  No details, but just the jist of things.  I still have until the 20th before I start up with school again, so my mom and I are taking a road trip out to Indiana to audition at Taylor, Indiana Weslyean and Anderson.  It should be a fun time.

Blessings to you in 2009,

Elle

Seriously…don’t be afraid to comment. Seriously.

Currently listening to [Click]: Vienna [The Fray]

And now I get to apologize for not updating this for ages.  Although, I don’t think anyone was really anxiously waiting for a new one to be posted.

[Fifteen minutes later]

I have just sat here trying to think of something to write about.  This would be a great time to whip out some awesome story.  Like, how I was backpacking in Australia, and almost died from falling off a cliff.  Unfortunately, none of those type of stories exist in my life.  Yet.

Okay. This is going nowhere.  I guess I’ll tell you about some new goals I want to achieve (sorry if this is boring you to tears).

After watching my sister in law, Alice, run in the Chicago marathon this past Sunday, It has inspired me to start running again.  I think it would be cool to run it next year.  We’ll see how that goes.  My dad even offered to do it with me.  I think it would be neat to do it with him.  I honestly am not a fan of running with other people, but I’m up to giving it a chance.  I just have always liked running alone.

Another thing I have been convicted about is scripture memorization.  I attended a woman’s conference (which, by the way, was absolutely amazing and refreshing) this past week with my mom, and I got to see such Godly woman spitting out scripture verses.  I have felt this conviction before, but never did anything about it.  I have learned I can’t ignore the Holy Spirit…I have to listen and act.

A verse Nancy Leigh DeMoss mentioned in one of her messages was, Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord’s servant,” [Mary answered.] “May it be to me as you have said.”  I think this will be the first verse I memorize…starting out nice and easy .  I like this verse because it shows how willing Mary was to obey God.  Another thing I learned while attending the conference was that God sees the big picture for our lives, while we sometimes get so stuck “in the moment.”  We often don’t understand why God places certain circumstances in our lives, but we have to trust and obey Him.  We are all “players” for God’s higher purpose.

See, I knew that after I got started I would go on a tangent.  I just had to convince myself that I had something to write about.

Hopefully I’ll be updating this blog more regularly.  I have no excuses.  Just laziness.

In awe of Christ,

Elle

“In every situation, God is always doing a thousand different things that you cannot see and you do not know”

-John Piper-

Currently Playing [Click]: King of Doves [Maritime]

This post will be sort of random. Just a little bit of what has happened since my last post. I’ll write whatever comes to mind.

-School started. All my professors seem really nice and fun — score! The work they are handing out seems manageable (for now). I’m taking ECO200, SPE111, PSC101, MUS120, and ART105. I wasn’t too excited for the Economics and Political science class, but am finding out they aren’t all that bad. Economics isn’t as strenuous as it sounded, and political science isn’t as boring as I thought. I actually am finding myself interested in some of that stuff — weird :]. All in all, this semester should be a good one.

-Thanks for everyone who sent me birthday wishes!! It all added up to make my day feel special and loved! Whether through facebook, text messages, phone calls, a homemade cake or flowers — it all meant so much to me!

-I’m missing all the college kids. I have talked to them, and they are doing great. I could feel bad for myself, but when I hear how awesome they are doing, it sort makes me feel stupid being sad :] So, if they are doing well, I’m doing well.

-I have really been excited about this next year regarding youth ministry at our church. I wasn’t the most excited about starting my senior year, but with everything God has been placing in my life, I can’t help but be enthusiastic about this semester/year! I have really been impressed with some of my fellow high schoolers, in how they have been offering their lives up to Christ — letting Him direct their every move. It’s been encouraging to watch them grow. I pray that this year is a fruitful one, and that I can have a strong impact on incoming students and everyone around me.

-I am hesitant about writing about college applications, because I feel guilty in that I should probably be doing that right now. BUT … yeah. The goal was to have some of them in by Monday. That didn’t happen. So now my next goal is September 15. Let’s see if that happens. I’m really going to try — I’m so close. I just have to sit down and do it.

-I have been trying to write some of my new music lately. It’s going…good? Well? Terrible? I would say a mix of “Okay” and “Horrible” :] I’m hoping it’s one of those things where you get better at it, as you go along. Or maybe you were just born with it. I, was not born with that gift.

-I went to my first live concert last week. Not Steve Green (although, I did want to marry him at one point … anyway … ) but Kenny Wayne Shepherd. I never had heard of him before, but was offered a free ticket. Naturally I took it. It was at the House of Blues, which was awesome. It was a good first experience. Not the type of music I would listen to on a CD, but it was definitely cool to see live.  I actually got to accomplish another thing from my “Things to Do” summer list!

-I have picked out my entire program for my senior recital, so that has been a major accomplishment. It’s a lot of music, but I’ll just have to focus real hard on getting it all learned. If you’re reading this, mark your calendars for January 2, 2009 (I know, it’s not the best time in the year). I hope you all can make it!!

-Sleep.

Elle

Currently Playing [Click]: In Which I Put on my Shoes [Jadiid]