An Interview with Santa Claus

Yesterday at work we were kinda slow so I had about 90 minutes to stand around talking to Santa. Our Santa is soo kind. He is from OKcity and has been a Christian for years. Here are a few thoughts and insights we came up with the other day...

Santa is a mask he puts on two months out of the year and yet as Christians we are supposed to let people see what being a follower of Christ is all about. Santa couldn't figure out how this could be. He finally came to the conclusion that this is where he is supposed to be in life by as every child comes to tell their wishes and say 'hi', Santa says a silent prayer for them to get to know God's grace. The one thing he doesn't like is representing a man that takes away the eyes of people from Christ who of which Christmas is all about.

Last year one of my lessons to my 7th grade girls consisted of this idea...
people try taking God out of Christmas by changing the name to X-mas. What they don't realize is X in Greek stands for Christ's name. What else do we associate the X with? A pirate map. The goal of this map is to acquire a treasure of value which we cannot even comprehend. There are obstacles and challenges filled with clues along the way. Christ is the treasure we all are searching for whether we realize it or not. Be a clue along the way...make people question their beliefs and test them to be truth. No matter what situation your in from Santa to Sonic, be a good example of what our craziness looks like. Only one belief will win in the end...Enjoy the journey and spread your acquired wealth.

TMNT

COwabunga!!! I thought I would take one of Mikie's sayings to express how I feel today...'Man, I LOVE being an elf!' give of take the last word. Love you all now it's off to work I go!

Ahhh, sweet melody

Did anyone else see the night sky yesterday? It seemed like the sky in Bruce Almighty with out the moon as large. Take a breath of the night and enjoy. Man, God sure is a great artist...

mind warped

Well, this morning started very early with our traditional running around town to shop and find the best deals. It's not my favorite day of the year due to the stealing of precious sleep time involved but I did get a lot of stuff I needed for Holland. Yesterday wasn't so great for me as I awoke with the turkey at 7am (after staying up until 3am due to my mind's venturing around the universe) sick, and unable to taste the holiday. I spent the majority of the day stuffed in my room away from the 21 other relatives in my house and not accomplishing anything. I still have an entire book to read which we were assigned last Friday and both the read book and 180 study questions are due Monday. I work a Santa schedule of 10am-9pm tomorrow and then 11am-2pm Sunday plus church so the probability of my actually finishing this will astound even me I it comes even close to the truth. College applications and transcripts for admission and scholarships are all due in 4 days!!! Still have to call back to tell DBU what day I can go in for an interview.

Oh, my calendar is complete so for a suggested donation of $15 towards Holland you too can own this Alicia D. Garcia original! I guess I better get working on Sense and sensibility...It's only taken me 4 1/2 hours to read 24 pages so far! Wish me luck...

_

Gooble, Goble, Gobble..there we go! Enjoy!

New college update...the University of Alabama has offered me a full ride plus living expenses...the race seems to be between DBU and AU now..."A U guys"..sorry, couldn't refuse putting a little Goonies action into the day. have a great one! (for the record, i'm glad auburn won)

Thanksgiving

Why is thanksgiving celebrated? Yes, a colony back in the day survived throughout winter and yet why isn't it a day of survival? Instead we travel a long way to get together and eat...how much more American can you get! Don't get me wrong, it's a great holiday and all, I mean who can complain when getting a week off from school and escaping Ms. Wright's wrath. I just want to get you thinking why you celebrate what you do. I think too often we simply go along following the crowd than we question what we are doing in the process. Give thanks...but know why. Spend time with family and friends...but don't leave in anger. Put off the dishes, spend time together and embrace each others' company. Think, talk, and eat.

Oh and if anyone can tell me why moms worry so much about cleaning a house when your siblings come home..please let me know. After living in a house for almost two decades you'd think said siblings would know what the house looks like dirty.

Happy Turkey Day!

A Simple Thanks

Sometimes, when one is off daydreaming...it is better not to ask why. Juniors, thanks for today, despite the headache...i enjoyed spending time with you all. You'll pick up right where i'm leaving off come jan. 20. No need to worry at all. Thank you for that. 

Jumping for joy?

 

A look astonished

Maria after finding out i wasn't talking to Mr. Austin Michael Higgins but indeed one of the Dutch folk! 

Of Conquest...

Today was so crazy, late night broom hockey was a blast aside from my going to bed at 3am and having to wake up at 8!!! We have new carpet so this officially is not my house anymore...well, at least not as I know it. Holland is fast approaching. In EXACTLY two months I'm outta here. Funds are coming yet never as quickly as one could hope. I know God is providing though so I'm not really worried about it. "Santa's helper" never seizes to amaze me, she got lost yesterday going to Hobby Lobby! Still love ya kid! We're working hard to frantically put our house back together before the new furniture gets here on tues. I'm glad my parents can do this though. They have wanted this for a long time and were planning on it before 9/11 and my dad lost his job. I see the joy it brings them in their eyes, a well deserved joy after living in this house for almost 21 years now. I'm off to see the wizard called Mr. Clean and watch my episodes of Roswell, hope you all had a grand day.

New thought: A customer came up to me the other day after we asked him if his son would want a picture with Santa Claus...his reply "I can't, I'm not Christian" What up with that yo?!? Is that what some people think Christ is all about. Remember: Christianity isn't a religion but a relationship.

WhoaOH we're half way there!!!

No need to fear, earth is safe as long as Master Chief is near.

Hmmm, life in short right now:
conquered Halo
aced economics test
can't wait for another tues. night
had fun last night although strange fire was absent
love God
love the dutch
--the end for now

what's the story? morning glory...

So, I almost didn't want to type this blog as I knew it would take away my "Grand Finale at the Sound of a Buzzer" post which I really tend to like.

Things are coming up fast, I leave in two months three days no matter how much Amanda or Katie try to tell me differently. Now if it's God speaking I guess I've got another response eh? Anyways, today was good. Went to work for a bit and then off to Tuesday night. After our weekly trip to Four-bucks, I drove a friend home and had a nice chat for quite some time. Quote of the night, "I like some meat on my bones." It won't make sense to anyone except for the person who said it but I thought I'd put it in there anyway. (Don't be confused Bailey Pen. It's ok, just breathe...)
People tend to be giving me lots of advice lately, not people I really know or have ever seen but it's odd because it's just what I need when I need it. Aha yes, Katy Sem and Alexa have guessed right, I am again talked about my beloved poets. We've been talking a lot lately as a group and society about letting people do things as they want to, as Brent explained worship coming in many different forms. Here is a quote by J.R.R. Tolkien I have fallen in love with recently, "Not all who wander are lost." Think about it. Let me know what you think.
Off to watch Elf since I never have before...I could use a laugh as well I guess...p.s. Joey, I am SO glad you are home same from Turkey! Can't wait to hear what God has done over these past months with your life! Call.

English

Jane Austen is new on my despised list. Sense and sensibility stinks!!!

strange what effect words can have on others. Yesterday, a panel of high-schoolers got the chance to speak to the mid--school classes. It's so amazing to see how some of our freshman have grown since they sat in the opposing seats. As our other seniors and juniors spoke, the faces of the audience focused with such devout attention. You can tell these high-school punks have made an impact on the lives on their small groups and Tuesday night crowd. I can't wait to see what God has in store for these people I am glad to call my friends. Keep on keeping on.

Also, can't wait for our 'eternity practice' at the night of strange fire on wed!!! See all you guys and gals there!

Cleansing of the Pores?

Odd.
In the past, I only found a drop of salt-filled pupil influenced water to only fall from my face about once a year and on a very rare occasion twice.
I used to never cry.
These past two years have changed that but, it's not that I was/am a huge black-hearted being, yet crying is just not how I express my sadness...It normally comes in music or writing or writing music. And then even when the tear does come it is normally alone or in light company. But tonight I saw pictures from the past of what in my room I have present pictures of...the same places, different years.
You see, tonight was the play "And Then They Came for Me" presented by the Marcus JV theatre crew..(Keila and Bailey, you guys rocked no matter what you though of your parts!) It was a story from the holocaust mainly based in The Nederlands. I was good until the end. I was fine until one of the actors placed his shoe next to the other items in remembrance of those lost. I was ok until the candles were placed in a row and the strategic placing of said candles left them as the only thing left on stage once the curtain was drawn. And then I was not.
I walked those streets.
{I think what really bothered me is in 8th grade, Andra and I had the opportunity to meet with a 'real-life' survivor of the holocaust. Eli showed us his scars and told us his stories. The last play I viewed in entirety in that auditorium was Andra's JV performance before she quit. She cried when Eli showed us his pictures...warned an auditorium of teenagers to be a strong example of good to our world. I tend to think it was the last time I saw that emotion of good ambition in her eyes. I tend to think why I am dancing around the subject is the memory I have of Eli's two possessions left from this event in history...his hat with numbers stitched on it for the concentration camps...and his tattered holed left shoe.}

All those lives lost...Corrie Ten Boom and Anne Frank. Holland, Germany, Poland, Europe, the World.
Embrace your life.
Don't use history as an excuse
You are who you choose to be.
Stand firm. Stand strong. Cry when you need to, but don't dwell or hold grudges. I know another salt-filled tear will come soon...in approximately 2 months, 7 days I will despise it's taste yet again in my lips...And yet, I'll be ready to move on and embrace this venture God has graciously allowed me to join in on. John 16:33

Lost In TIme

Have you ever felt as if you were trapped in-between two realities? Like alternate parallel universes and no one else can seem to find their way to you?
I am taking a short break from packing up my house today...Trying to decide what goes and what stays. I've lived in the same house my entire life meaning I've never felt as if I were leaving my home before. The fact is in 2 months and 8 days..I will be. I will never again have this so-called feeling of home. No, I'm not being kicked out or anything like that but I won't be here 24/7 with my parents to try and figure out. I'm stuck. After Holland I'm planning on going to college..where? I don't know that yet. I do know I would MUCH prefer to not live at 'home' though. After living 'on my own' for so long thousands of miles away for six months I simply cannot see myself coming back to not being out late, having to know where I am every second, and showering before 9 so my dad can get to bed. Don't get me wrong, I love my parents and all they have done for me but I'm the more adventurous type, I want to see what is out there and experience life with friends late at night and all-night studying where I don't have to worry about the keyboard waking my parents up. Yes, tasting this upcoming freedom has much responsibility to it as well. So as I pack up my room figuring out what to store in the attic...In a way I say goodbye to this old sanctuary depending solely on HIM as I should to be my one and only. Well, off to label and move more memorabilia, maybe one day we'll see it in a museum!
By the way...does anyone know what the postage cost is to another universe? I seem to have lost my price chart.

To The Rock That Is Higher Than I

This is not something i wrote but instead it is a republishing of a friend of mine's blog. I love the meaning and song. Also, does anyone else find it ironic that this song was made 21 Sept...or is it just me?!?

There's a Rock that is so much higher than ourselves and that Rock is God. I often try to do things on my own and do them my way and I find myself falling. This last week I battled with a decision that was like that. I know what I wanted to do and I was determined to do it but I knew God's will was the exact opposite. Thats when you got to pray for God to let you go to the Rock that is higher than yourself. And you have to be really prayerful about it. While I was struggling I picked up my guitar and just starting singing random things that came in my head and then came up with a song which is a prayer between me and God

>GOD LET ME FLY 21.09.04 --click.to.listen

When life seems weary
When theres no hope
When life seems dim
When you feel alone
When your covered in Darkness
Theres no light ahead
When you feel like giving up
Theres one place to go, so pray

God let me fly
to the Rock that is higher
Than I
Than I (x2)

When your heart's overwhelmed
and you wonder why
how can it be
that your stranded in life
Well then pray to God
Give Him your life
Hand it all over
and fly, fly, fly

God let me fly
to the Rock that is higher
Than I
Than I (x2)

Casting Crowns

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girls teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

Chorus:
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way
A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ

Jesus is the way


==this song and the one called "you said" just happen to be my two favorite worship songs right now, as you read this...think about the words..don't just start snappin' and tappin'

Amanda Bradley: displaying our tax dollers at work. Sorry for the blur and pixalation on this picture and yet it seems to add to the fogged mind junior Amanda Lynn Bradley felt as after locking her keys in her own car, the fire department came to let her in. Oh what a night at fourbucks...we love you amanda...and katy, thanks for the spare piece of advice! 

Ah, the sound of utter destruction...

Today is 9 Nov. The day earth will finally be free.
"Switching to plasma!"
"move, move, move!"
"launching!"

the sounds echo troughout this entire country as all answer the call of Halo 2.

Goodbyes

A friend of mine once told me the only person we will never have to say goodbye to is also the only one who will never leave us no matter how hard we try to run.
Tonight was one of those nights I further realize the fact that the course of history goes on and goodbyes are inescapable. I spoke with my little brother today and he kept telling me about how much he misses America, strange because I feel as if I'm ready to escape this country. How much easier would it be to swap places and yet we both are in places we are supposed to be in. I spoke with another friend of mine tonight who says she misses the Dutch being here. My comfort only goes so far as I try to help and yet looking back...I was in the same place for 2 years before now! Anyways, the time is coming no matter how much I try to shift my mind from it. I am going to leave behind this great youth group and venture into the 'real world' that lies outside of the Flowerplex. It's not that I doubt Holland or graduating early, I am truly overjoyed at this opportunity...It is simply that as now as the final year of high school is ending, the youth group is now forming into this ideal mixture of craziness I have wanted since my freshman year. I go to Holland not to escape this group, but let them grow and develop to serve God with such a passion next year. As we go on our separate missions, I'll be praying for you all that you will be aware of God's presence and allow Him to lead your pursuits. May He bless you to be a blessing and remember...It is not simply goodbye, but instead 'until a later time.' Ik hou van jou...to all.

Help is On the Way

Today was the third time the Marcus Engligh Honor Society hosted a book drive for central elementary. Central is a very poor school in our district where Spanish is the most popular language and most kids there have never owned a single book in their lives! Things such as these give at least a flickering image of hope for society as we at least do something for another even if it is solely for service hours. But does that justify it? Is it enough? Why is it we tend to look upon events such as this Book bash and think of it as enough? Why is it we as humanity get so close to seeing one loving another and turn off our minds to even fathom what more there is to this sculpted piece of chasos called Earth? Pray for joy to all nations. Thank God for choosing you...if you too have redeemed the coupon of life.

And in case I don't see ya...Good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight.

So, it's official now, high school football is over as I know it. I watched senior guys stand in the middle of the field crying as they hugged their friends. The barren field remained lit up after everyone else left. The image still captured in my mind is that of an empty field after all the buses had left the Colony and began their venture back to MHS. I don't know how the eerie sense overcame me, and yet it did. This chapter of my life is rapidly being set to an end point. High school is almost gone, and with that...The innocence of responsibility and financial stress. Thank God there are people there along they way to help us out in life...I don't know how we could make it otherwise.
I have a new job at the mall with Katie Lorenc, who ironically I have called 'Santa's helper' since we were in 5th grade. Let me explain, Katie and I have acquired jobs at the Christmas workshop station in the mall. I as a photographer and she as an elf!!! I am so looking forward to spending time with her before I leave. My one regret about leaving is I am just beginning to realize the importance of a quote which says, "my time is not my own." I truly wish I could spend so much more time with the youth group and everyone in it...Especially all of you sophomores...Be involved. If I or we don't approach you, come to us..Please. I speak boldly saying we would all love to get to know each and every one of you better.

Savor you time...It will be gone before you know it. Get on now..Tick, tock.

Up Up and Away

A big Hoi (or hello) to all. Great news on God's faithfulness...today i purchased my plane ticket for Holland and plan to depart from the United States of America on 20 Jan 2005. I want to thank all of you who have donated freely your support and wave of prayer...it is such a blessing to have God provide for us what we need when we need it. At this moment, i am approximently 1/5 of my way before the concert is brought into consideration. If you have no earthly idea what i'm talking about then you can go to a website which i can't seem to find at this moment but will add in this spot soon with a hyperlink..ohh, big technical word! Anyways, i just wanted you all to share in this joy for the kingdom. may He bless you to be a blessing

Hooray

VIVA LA BUSH!!!!!!


y una message especial de mi hermana diana y mi hermana en Jesu Cristo (quien donde en el nederlans). Feliz cupleanos y te amo...gracias para tu amigiendo en mi vive.

Ariel=19
Diana=21

You Think You're Going on Fine and then WHAM! A Bread Truck!

I can't really tell you why I thought of this quote from Carl on Family Matters...but the fact is I did. The fact is I am no longer a member of the (movie/gaming company whose name i am not supposed to display on a web page)'s realm...I am free. The fact is I realize the black-heart in this world even more today. The fact is people cannot be trusted. The fact is sometimes life will stink and you must simply get over it and move on. I got hit with a curveball today...not even a strike but an inside pitch. Said company is the enemy...not in itself but by the employees working there. I have been struggling for a while as to if it was where I was supposed to be or not and after much agitation I decided not to transfer because of the customers at my store. I didn't want to leave them behind. The company's grasp over the Flowerplex has loosened its grip today as one store across town was slammed into by an old lady's car. An outside force and yet my store was disrupted by an inside one. Don't be surprised if you see entirely new faces there. Yes, us employees were uninformed and yet it was our responsibility to figure out what was going on inbetween the abyss of chaos. I couldn't take it anymore.
I'm free...and broke.
Although there is evil in this world...and dead among us, don't be turned off to trust. Yes, I was crushed along with two other employees because of the actions of another. What was done was wrong...there's not much more to it. I shouldn't have given my number to others and they shouldn't have used it against the three of us and yet, I feel more of a sorrow for those left behind. For the one who isn't caught..For the one with the fogged conscience. Trust people...even if it turns out to hurt you years later...make an impact. People are what matters most in this world. For John 16:33 says, "In this world you will have trouble...but fear not. For I have overcome the world!"
Take faith and hope in this. All will work out...now, i've got some free time...let's see what God has in store. At this moment...i believe i have a date with a certain mountain bike and N70 digital camera.