A Day at a Time

Par-tay!

2012-01-22T19:09:00.011-06:00

Saturday was a day for laughing, fun, friends and family. A day for a party. To celebrate one amazing woman. One amazing mom. My mom. Her birthday isn't until tomorrow, but we had one heck of a time yesterday, showering her with love and gifts and hugs.
My mom's 46th year has been a difficult one- in more ways than anyone will ever really understand. And my number one prayer for her 47th? Healing, restoration, true love, and real happiness. Hopefully this quaint party was the start to those things.
I made cute invites that had a rhyme to explain the nights events, and made a few simple, matching decorations :) It was fun! The food included Buffalo Chicken dip and Cucumber roll-ups (recipes found on my Pinterest), a delicious punch, coffee and other yummy treats.
And of course, the famous 'Shoemaker birthday cake'.

My mom has had this birthday cake every year since she was one year old. And that tradition has been the same for all of us kids as well. It's a scrumptious chocolate cake made from scratch (of course) with a "fluffy white frosting" that looks like marshmallow but isn't. Then, the top is drizzled with melted Hershey's bar... OMG. Yum! We definitely had enough to feed all of you... You should've been there!
And her friends. Amazing people! They gave gifts that showed her how loved she is, but most importantly.. They came. They hugged her. They care. I am thankful for those people.

It was a great night- so fun! I love you, Mom! Happiest birthday to you!

Pies the Limit

2012-01-02T17:46:00.004-06:00

I've never been big on resolutions. Maybe it's because I somehow know I will most likely fail at them, or maybe because I'm just too lazy. Well this year is going to be different. I am making a resolution. Maybe I'll make more as the year goes by, {who says you can't do that} but for now, just one.

I will make pies. Learn, create, master even. ... Ok maybe not MASTER, but you get the enthusiasm.

And I am excited about this resolution. This goal. I believe in myself! I really believe this is a resolution that I will see carried out. And... I will blog about my pies. Yes, my pies will be delicious, not-so-nutritious and pretty :)

Are you excited?? I bet you want to come eat pie with me now, uh? Well... you can. But I haven't made one yet. I'll open my window and blow the fresh-out-of-the-oven scent in your direction. I promise. It might just come in the form of a blog.

So get your fork and tuck your napkin in to your shirt- this is gonna be good!

Here Comes the Jackpot Question in Advance:

2012-01-01T22:11:00.004-06:00

{What did you do on New Year's Eve?}

I had a couple dates- which was very new for me. It's been years, I truly believe, since I've even stayed up to see the ball drop- let alone see it through with friends and family. This year, I did just that. Matt and I had a surprise birthday/New Year's party at our dear family friends', the Iwerks. They have a really big family. Really. Big. So there was tons of food and laughing and memories and catching up. It was fun. Really. Fun.

As you can see in the picture with all the shoes; there were a lot of people there. I loved it. I love large gatherings where you can tell people love each other and love getting together. Thanks! Iwerks' for letting us be a part of the celebration!!

We also spent a small amount of time with a few of my close girlfriends playing a hilarious board game called "What's Yours Like?" A card is picked for everyone except whose turn it is to see. Each card has an item that most people have (i.e. desk, favorite fruit, silverware drawer, etc.) You must give a single clue to what yours is like... and that person tries to guess what's on the card with the fewest amount of clues. Ok. That was a basically the rule book... So hopefully you got it. It was fun :) Lots of laughing there too. And who doesn't want to ring in the new year with laughing?

And the best part of my new year's eve? I didn't have to wonder whose arms would be holding me good and tight when it was exactly twelve o'clock that night :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree

2011-12-24T12:16:00.005-06:00

It's Matt and I's first Christmas married! And I am SO excited to spend this most wonderful time of the year with him! We recently went out to find our Christmas Tree.

Growing up, this event was a favorite. We would go get the tree. Let it fall for a day. Then, in the evening we would fill up on delicious appetizers and treats, listen to Harry Connick Jr.'s Holiday album and drink eggnog. Bring out the ornaments and get to work! My parents always bought us a new ornament- every year- so we always have a lot to get on the tree.

This year, it was just Matt and I. We went to pick out a tree. And it was still SO fun for me! I still LOVE this tradition. It ended up falling into a funny, straggly-looking thing, but I think it's the best tree ever! And boy is it FULL of ornaments!

How lovely are your branches!

'Tis the Season

2011-12-24T11:58:00.004-06:00

I LOVE Christmas. The warmth you feel coming in from outside. The extra amounts of hot coco and Peppermint White Mocha's from Starbucks. The family time. The creativity in gift-making and giving. The wrapping. I LOVE wrapping gifts.

This year I wanted to put a fun spin on using the traditional Christmas wrapping paper, and try some new things. I had a lot of fun doing it. I bought a few spools of fun ribbon. I also had a pack of vintage ornaments I wanted to use- they were my favorite part this year. Take a look :)

As you can see I used some different papers for wrapping. Regular Christmas paper. Hymnal pages from an old hymnal I've had forever. And atlas pages. (I collect maps and atlases, so I have an abundance)

Anyway, just wanted to share one of my favorite Christmas activities! Hope you're having a Merry one!

{the urge}

2011-12-17T14:10:00.003-06:00

What is it that draws you to the noisy toys in the store? You know the ones I'm talking about... Their specific cardboard holder is plastered with those two simple words.. "Try Me". And you just can't resist, right? Or am I the only one? ... ... Didn't think so.

Last night I went to Target with my honey... I found these:

All different kinds. I tried them. And they were SO LOUD! But I just couldn't help it... can't resist the urge.

GO TEAM!

2011-12-16T20:37:00.010-06:00

The first weekend in December changed my life. And I bet no one- not even you- could guess what had such an impact. Are you ready for this?? I went to my VERY FIRST professional football game. And I FREAKING LOVED IT! (my enthusiasm tends to bring out intense language) It was in Minneapolis; Vikings vs. Broncos. I cheered for the Vikes {my hubby LOVES them- bad or good... mostly bad} even though, I love Colorado- and who doesn't love them a little Tim Tebow?! Right? I know!

Here we are waiting in the masses to get in. It was REALLY cold outside.

Matt's good friend got us the tickets- with AH-MAZING seats! Lower level, end zone, 11th row. So close!

Us in our gear. Waiting for the game to begin :)

A look into a bit of the game.

And of course... They have a REAL Viking!

I really had a blast, learned a lot about the game and cheered with the best of them! I also had beer spilled in one of my shoes, and made fun of the "cheerleaders" the whole game. All this to say- I still hate watching football at home. And I'm patiently awaiting our next live kick-off! In the mean time... Tebow like there's no tomorrow.

Smile! You're eating Pancakes!

2011-11-20T12:53:00.004-06:00

Matt and I have a disagreement. I say the new design of the Hungry Jack syrup spill-proof pour spout looks like a smiley-face.. and that they did that on purpose. Because eating pancakes and the like makes people happy- duh. Matthew just thinks it's design is to better serve the sticky substance an escape from the bottle. What do you think?

Uh huh. That's what I thought.

Deck the halls with bells of holly....

2011-11-19T13:59:00.004-06:00

Yay for Christmas decor projects! Today is the first snowfall of the year... Even though I would hardly say it's "snowing". And I had nothing to do, but that of what I wanted to. So, I decided to work on (and finish) and project I've been not-so-patiently awaiting.

You see, about 45 miles from here, in a tiny little town called Bristol, there is some amazing thrifting and antiquing. Last time I was there I stumbled upon a zip-lock filled with OLD Christmas postcards. SO cool! Some of them date all the way back to 1902. I have always loved old things. I like to imagine the people they used to belong to. What their lives were like. The stories formed around the specific item. So, I bought them. Duh. And then... I made this...

Fa la la la la, la la la laaaaa.

I've decided...

2011-10-27T06:33:00.002-05:00

... to follow Jesus... (remember that song??... that's not really what I'm deciding. Already did that)

I've decided that I'm TERRIBLE at remembering to write blogs. I have tons of things to blog on, and maybe sometime this weekend I'll find that time to catch myself up. But until then, I came up with an idea (whilst in the shower; that seems to be where I do most of my inventive thinking)

I will 'Status Blog'. We've got Facebook and Twitter and who knows what else out there to help us inform the world of what we're doing that very second. So, I'm going to blog that way. Just here and there... to get myself back in the groove of things.

Ready for the first one??

Last night I rolled around on my living room floor while asking my husband if he would still love me if I was only a torso. His response was very practical and level headed for the matter of my question. He said "Yeah, you'd be really easy to get around". I'm not sure now, when I read what I just wrote, if he meant easier to WALK around because I would be shorter, or easier to MOVE from place to place... Either way, it was a good thing to know- He would still love me if I was just a torso.

L0V3

2011-09-06T16:25:00.006-05:00

It really is crazy to think about how fast the time passes. I've been pondering this all day, and wanted to share with you.. whomever you may be... A little about this past year.

One year ago today, in just a few hours time, I was headed to a coffee date with one Matthew Leonard. Red Rooster was the place to be- they had open mic night going on. Matt's coffee came in a sweet world map printed cup (which I kept) and we talked and learned about each other for 4 hours. I left that date feeling like I was in the right place at the right time for the first time in a while.

You see, Matt found me when I wasn't looking. He found me when I didn't think I could be seen. But he found me, and saw me. And has been a rock in my life ever since.

This last year has been full of hard times. A lot of hard times. And Matt hasn't wavered. Even when I thought he had every reason to get out of our relationship, he stuck by my side. And at the end of the day reminded me how much he loved me.

The amazing thing? That I've learned how much you can learn by going through hard times with someone! I think that's great. It's hard, and sometimes easier to give up. But pressing through is SO worth it! This past year spent with him has been sweet, fun, tough, rewarding, exciting, and just the beginning to our future together :) In 18 days I will marry that Matt Leonard who took me out for coffee one year ago... and I am thrilled!

I LOVE you, Matt! Forever.

{Breaking Habit}

2011-06-26T20:21:00.004-05:00

I have a tendency to grab a snack whenever I have things to do on the computer. Actually, I have that tendency no matter what I'm doing. But seeing as I have a wedding coming up I'm trying to break that horrid habit.

I just put this sticky note on my desktop.

Of course I won't completely quit eating. That would be absurd! But you get the idea.

Ok. Off to lift the weights or... walk. {suddenly I feel ill at this idea} Happy Sunday!

the friday night.

2011-05-30T23:40:00.007-05:00

Since what seems to be the entire world knows by now that I'm going to be marrying the most amazing and Godly man for me, I thought everyone would probably appreciate "the Story" :) You know; how it happened. Words that were exchanged, and all the fun and exciting details in between! So here you go...

Last week Matt suggested using this past weekend to have a Date Night. These are common for us. We try to do them on a regular basis- which I love! He had also mentioned how it could be in celebration for our nine-month anniversary. Had I really given thought to this, I would have remembered that we've never specifically celebrated any anniversary, and nine months is sort of a random number to start. So anyway, back to the main story...

We has been wanting to try making our own sushi, so we decided that this would be the perfect Date Night event! We purchased everything needed and got to work. It was SO fun, and I think we did a pretty good job considering it was our first time! After we made four sushi rolls, we set the table with our fun sushi-dinner wear and dug in! It was DELISH! Matt had also made this super good cucumber salad. Cucumbers, mock-crab, white wine vinegar. So good!

After we were finished eating we just chatted for a few minutes. Matt said he should probably give me my card. "Um. What? You were serious about celebrating our anniversary?! I don't have anything for you!" (That was exactly what I said) He said it's really ok, it's just a homemade card. (I always give him a hard time about how much money he spends on cards from the store when homemade are way better :) On the front of the card were two stick-people. Holding hands, and one was saying 'Woo Hoo. Nine Months' (lol) When I opened the card there was a disc labeled 9 Months of Elise. And of course I wanted to watch it right away!

Keep in mind, I have NO IDEA where this is all going. Matt is sweet, something so thoughtful was not out of the ordinary for him. Let me just tell you.. The video was SO sweet! It made me tear up and laugh. It was full of pictures of our journey so far and sweet thoughts from mine truly. I wish I could get it to upload for all to see, but I'm still working on that. Anyway, at the end of the video Matt was saying that I make him feel so lucky. All while showing pictures from our trip to Vegas (where I wasn't so lucky) and then said "Would you do my the honor... and make me even luckier?????" Followed by the last picture of the video which was him holding the ring. Ah! "Is this a real thing?" (Again, exactly what I said) He retrieved the ring from a couch-side drawer, got down on one knee, and shakily said I love you.

I wish you all could have been a fly on the wall! I'm sure my facial expressions were hilarious and fun. I could not get over how sparkly my ring was! And every morning since I wake up and still think it's so sparkly and beautiful!

I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with Matthew Leonard- and can't wait even more for what our Lord has in store for us! I leave you with pictures from our evening...

I better get planning! Love!

It's almost time...

2011-05-18T19:47:00.005-05:00

I think everyone already knows. Because I'm too excited to keep it to myself- JULIA IS COMING TO VISIT! 2 WEEKS FROM TODAY! AH! In honor of her coming, I've officially created a 'Spare 'Oom'. I wanted to name it even- "Weary Traveler" hehe... But I think it's inviting enough that she'll get that from it without a sign on the door :)

The room originally had one wall and the ceiling dark blue with the rest of the walls a nice contrasting light blue. I'm not too keen on blue. However, I found the CUTEST drapes at Salvies that happened to match the light blue. So I painted the dark blue plain white.

Before and after + the curtains. Note to self: Never paint a ceiling again! SO hard!

Complete :)(Not shown: one corner that holds an old guitar of my dad's and a very vintage briefcase/luggage piece) Pretty cute for a house that's made from mostly plastic, vinyl, and 70's wallpaper!

Can't wait for you to get here, my friend! Long awaited talks, laughs, cries, hugs and... well, you get the picture. See you not soon enough!

I Am My Mother's Daughter

2011-05-16T20:10:00.004-05:00

Ok, so Mother's Day was like a week ago. I had the cutest picture of my mom and I that I planned on posting on my 'Mother's Day' blog... somehow in the craziness of life, I'm just now posting it. Whoops!

Anyway. My mom is just that. A mom. She's never been one of those mom's that is always trying to become my best friend and have an in on all the latest gossip and such that the daughter may be into. Robin Elise Moslander has always been just my mom. You know the word mom can be different things to different people at different times. These are some words that describe who my mom is to me:

Thank you for all that you are to me and for me. Thank you for everything you teach me, and for the things you've let me learn on my own. Thank you for being my mom. I love you!

A Night In

2011-05-04T20:48:00.006-05:00

Life gets busy. We all know that. Nights like tonight are always welcome, and sometimes feel so few and far between. I stayed at home, and cooked- if you could call it that- an easy but delicious dinner for Matt and I :)

I had this sandwich creation at a local bistro-type diner a month or so ago. It seems like a strange combination, yes. But soo good!

It's your basic tuna sandwich. Add: Avocado and... Green Apples! Sliced real thin.

Matt had me put his apples on the side but was brave enough to try it! He liked it :)I also made sweet potato fries and homemade honey-mustard. It was delish!

So we ate and watched Practical Magic. We also laughed a lot. I love that that's a common occurrence between us. Laughter heals the heart, and makes life a little brighter- there can never be too much laughter!

Chocolate bunnies and a Risen Savior!

2011-04-27T21:17:00.005-05:00

This year Easter was traditionally un-traditional. It was nice. Easy. Joyful. It involved friends, old and new, and family. Here is a little peek at our day. (Sorry there weren't more pictures!)

2011-04-27T20:50:00.006-05:00

I only recently got Internet at my own home. Therefore, I shall update you with what has been recent in my life :)

For my dad's birthday I made this salad. Spinach, strawberries, feta, poppy seed dressing. Pretty much no one liked it but me. Oh well!

My biggest-littlest brother attended his Junior Prom. Doesn't he look dashing?? And soo tall!

Now this I was so excited about! I got my Grandpa Joe's (my mom's dad) famous recipe for Clam Dip. It's more than just that, though, and is DELICIOUS! You eat it with really crunchy chips... Mmm! Anyway, a local store was supposed to be carrying the main ingredient- actual clam dip. Then you add things to it... But, apparently they quick selling it :( So unfortunately I need another go at it. Soon, I hope! Thanks, Grandpa, for sharing it with me!

And I have finally decided. I will make a genuine attempt at learning guitar. My dad is lending me this beauty. It helps to actually have something to learn with :)

Lonel

2011-04-27T20:37:00.003-05:00

Guess who's coming to dinner?? Ok, you got me.. She's coming for a whole eleven days!!

JULIA!

She lives in Sweden, you know... that's kind of far away. But she is one of my bestest friends in the whole world and not even an ocean could keep us from reuniting! In honor of her coming to visit me- not to mention meet my family and boyfriend for the first time- I made a paper chain. Yes, sort of childish of me, I know. But have you made one of those to count anything down recently? They are SO fun! I mean, usually you only take time to count down things that are already exciting, but this just adds to the excitement! Go paper chains!

I've already started making a list of things to do while she is here, but just today (when I counted my chain links) I realized how fast June is approaching. Eek! I have another "to-do" list just to make her accommodations. So, on to that list I go... Just had to share the good news!

Happy counting!

Superman

2011-04-14T14:33:00.006-05:00

Today is a day to be celebrated. My father's 50th birthday. He may not be excited about the number, but I say choose to make every year your prime! This year I want to give my dad 50 reasons why he is the best! Even though there are countless. Let's get started... 50 reasons makes a looong list. (hehe just kidding, dad) :)

~You make me laugh

~You are a self-taught rock star!

~We have the same sense of humor.

~You see the good in people- something I get from you, and appreciate more than you'll ever know!

~You are kind hearted.

~You listen to the Lord.

~You think I'm funny

~You're tender- in the most manly way, of course!

~You're practically a walking concordance.

~Everyone wants to be your friend.

~We share a heart for missions.

~You get me.

~You pray.

~You come from an amazing family heritage- so grateful to have been brought into that.

~You're strong

~And VERY courageous!

~You're a glass-half-full kinda guy.

~You're always up for a little adventure.

~You laugh at SpongeBob.

~Even if you don't remember, you taught me the first things I learned about the Holy Spirit.

~You're full of love to give!

~You cook awesome food!

~You support me

You're such a great story teller!

~Artist. Need I say more?

~Back in the day you could grow a pretty sweet mustache. We have pictures to prove it.

~You ARE anointed.

~You encourage people.

~You speak Spenchlish. (A made-up language consisting of Spanish, French, English. He thinks its real)

~Your memory is impeccable!

~God speaks to you through dreams- I'm convinced.

~You don't let to many things get you down.

~You're always looking out for me at thrift stores :)

~You never made me mow the lawn.

~You share your vision for ministry and life with me- Thank you :)

~No matter how much you and Mom regretted them, you always had dogs for us!

~You protect us.

~You have lived out Eph. 6:4

~You're creative.

~You didn't get mad when Ross and I ran away.

~You are maybe the only person I know who actually likes cafeteria food!

~You appreciate all kinds of music (except for maybe that screamy stuff Corbin likes ;)

~You told me about a word from the Lord grandpa had when you left for college about Kings of other nations.. remember? I'll never forget the day when you passed that on to me :)

~You have a strange love for Hawaiian shirts.

~You are humble.

~You lean on the Lord.

~You're handsome!

~You are MY dad!

I would follow you to the ends of the earth. I love you, dad! Happy Birthday!

Love,
#1

How the Cookie Crumbles...

2011-01-01T11:54:00.005-06:00

Last night I ate a fortune cookie. Well, we all know that the best part of a fortune cookie is the fortune, right? Right. So I've decided to jot down a couple thoughts about New Year's resolutions... and my fortune.

For this year, I shall remember this:

'It is the hope and dreams we have that make us great.'

So, my hopes and dreams for this year are as follows:

*Be a better saver financially.

*Enhance my knowledge in, and do more sewing (with my new sewing machine- yay!)

*Memorize more scripture.

*Actually use my cookbooks ;) hehe

*Experience more healing emotionally and mentally.

*Laugh more!

*Go deeper with my Lord.

*Have completed decorating my kitchen and bathroom (my two favorite rooms to decorate)

*Experience more love- giving and receiving.

*Do more domestic and international traveling. (i.e. Chicago, Vegas, Peru... etc.)

*Be completely debt free.

*Build my credit- in a responsible and wise way.

*Own my very own laptop! (Oh, please God, won't you just drop one on my doorstep?)

*Serve.

And overall, I want to put into daily practice the Fruit of the Spirit.

Happy fortune-ing to you all (or resolution-ing if that's what you're into) ;)

To End the Year

2010-12-31T22:56:00.002-06:00

Odly I'm really looking forward to a new year. A fresh start. A new adventure. More lessons to learn. 2010 wasn't my favorite year, and from what I'm hearing, most people feel the same. I wonder why that is... ? Anyway, here's a fun way to let you in on how I will end this year. Happy New Year everyone!

Where I am: Brighton, Colorado

Who I'm with: Uncle Dave, Aunt Jeanie, Christiana- the sister, Tredessa- the cousin, and Stormie- the La Prima.

What I'm doing: Watching episodes of Castle :)

What I'm listening to(or was listening to, rather): Kat Edmonson- My latest fav.

How we're going to ring in the New Year: Probably watching Castle... or sleeping. Boring, I know.

Who I'm missing: Matthew and his midnight kiss.

Sighs of Relief and Feelings of Fulfillment.

2010-12-28T16:53:00.003-06:00

It has been too long. I miss my blog... I have had so many blog ideas, meaning to come make posts when I can, but I'm learning that mental notes don't really mean anything to me. I must take after my mom in the memory department. Hehe

Anyway, so much to catch up on. For the moment, however, I am taking a little vacation in my favorite place. Colorado. Christiana(my sister) and I made the 10 hour drive yesterday. We are here for a week. And I am SO glad to have some quiet, relaxing days to think and hopefully- catch up on some blogging! Yay for a non-week that you can fill with whatever your little heart desires! Happy doing everything... or nothing!

Raspeaches~n~Cream

2010-10-04T19:10:00.004-05:00

Saturdays. For me they are usually half taken by work. No sleeping in, no cartoons, no fun. But this past Saturday- I played hooky! (I actually had two legit reasons for calling in to work, but for stories sake, we'll pretend I'm BA)

I had THE best morning playing hooky! First, I slept in. Only until 9am, but hey! Compared to getting up at 5am for work at 6am.. it was definitely sleeping in. Then I laid in bed for an hour... I LOVE doing that! I finally got out of bed, headed to the kitchen to make some delicious coffee, and out my front door window see a man. Standing in front of my house. Dressed in all camouflage, LOOKING THROUGH BINOCULARS! Yeah! I know! Weird, right? (not to mention, a little creepy) So I watch him for a couple minutes, and then he sees me. Oops. He starts to walk around the side of my house, on the sidewalk, and down the alley. Of course I'm completely intrigued by this point, so I keep sneaking peeks out my kitchen window. And what'd'ya know... He's stopped, behind some shrubbery mind you, peering through those binoculars again! At a new house! So ya know what I did?! That's right... I called him in! ... Basically in the end I felt like the old neighbor lady from Ann of Green Gables who is always in other people's business.

Anyway, all this to tell you the next thing I did. Made the MOST delicious breakfast- and it was healthy! I had fresh peaches and scrumptious raspberries together in a bowl with yummy French Vanilla Soy creamer poured ever-so-gently over the top. Yu-umm-y! Here's a picture. It was taken with my phone, which usually gives it a painting-esq look... But I think you'll get what I'm saying.

To more Saturdays... Even if they are found by playing more hooky.

Projects gallore... and more to come!

2010-10-04T18:54:00.003-05:00

Ah! It's taken me close to forever to get these pictures up. I never forgot... but I lost my camera when I moved back to South Dakota from Hawaii :( I had to borrow my mom's. So that is my excuse. And here are the pictures of the so-fun-to-do project...

And the latest in my household news. I shall be moving, once again, to a new location. More space, less money. No complaining... But I will miss my humble abode dearly. Oh, don't worry. I will be blogging about this upcoming move... it's going to be epic... and one HUGE project! Bring it on!

I heart Projects

2010-08-31T20:04:00.007-05:00

Tonight I have intentions of gathering supplies, setting myself down in front of the TV(yay for cable!!) and getting to work on my latest project idea.

You see, my very own La Prima is coming to visit for my birthday!! (Insert major excitement and lots of random squealing here) We share o-so-many tastes in decor, fashion, and life, that my house must be in tip-top shape for her first ever sighting.

My idea, for those of you who would like to know, has been inspired by Real Simple- my favorite magazine! It contains mustard yellow lace, mix-matched frames, pictures that tell stories, lots of colorful spray paint, and double sided sticky tape.

Bring it on!
(oh, and don't worry. I'll post pictures when it's complete!)

I am here.

2010-07-29T13:39:00.003-05:00

Some peoples "get-aways" would look like this:

A place serene and quiet, that makes you feel like you are away from civilization. No phone calls or emails to check... unless you want to, of course. And then you enter your hotel room; there are few without access.

My current get-away? Not like that. But still a "get-away" none the less.

I get to see people that I love. And I await the phone calls that give me my daily plans to see more of those people. I get to sit in a home, decorated by creative geniuses that welcomes kids of all ages with open arms. A place I so easily meet the Lord. A place for me to get my barrings. A place my heart still calls home.

This time around, it is a safe place. Today I feel safe enough to allow the Lord to find me, instead.

Thank you, Lord, that you meet us where we are.

Brother

2010-07-05T16:43:00.005-05:00

On June 25th, 1988 I became a Big Sister for the first time. I finally had a baby brother, not just a doll to play with. (of which had been given in an attempt to "prepare" me for the upcoming addition)

Joseph Ross Moslander would add lessons in responsibility, love and adventure to my life in more ways then I ever knew to expect. And still to this day I look up to him because of who he has grown to become. He's never too loud, and always strong- mentally and physically and spiritually. He lives for the next adventure, the next mountain to climb, and stories to create and then tell. He is the epitome or a man truly wild at heart. He will always be my little brother. I will forever want to "look out for him" and often I have to remind myself that he's not my doll and I can't boss him around. (being bossy is a first-born requirement)

Ross, I love you with all my heart. You push me to look at things differently and challenge me in ways I cannot explain. Thank you for playing with me when we were kids.. I will never forget our garbage burning sessions. I want to be adventurous like you. Happy 22nd birthday, Brother.

“Adventure, with all its requisite danger and wildness, is a deeply spiritual longing written into the soul of a man.”

“Safe? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.” –C.S. Lewis

“In the heart of every man is a desperate desire for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.”

The Things We Share

2010-07-05T16:35:00.004-05:00

On June 23rd my dad and brother, along with a small group of people from our church, left for Peru on a mission trip. They were there until yesterday when they flew back to the states.

I cannot express with words how excited I am to hear every detail of the trip.. so excited because I now feel like someone in my family got a taste of what I love. What my heart truly beats for... The World.

Bring on the stories at family dinner tonight! I can't wait!!

Moving.

2010-06-09T16:45:00.004-05:00

You would think I have it down to a T. But no, of course I don't. Haha

I'm officially moved in to my house. I rent a little one bedroom place in town, and I LOVE it!

I lost my camera, but will get pictures up asap.

Until then, the best description I've come up with for people who can't actually see it is: It is to a giant, what a little square lego is to us :)

My Utmost

2010-05-07T21:04:00.003-05:00

Oswald Chambers is one of my heroes. Have I ever mentioned that? Because I know I've blogged about him before...

He is SO blog worthy though, and this is why.

I've been wrestling with myself a lot since I moved back to South Dakota. Mostly about how I can live a "normal" life, around "normal" people, but not become "normal" in my relationship with the Lord. I'm humbled to admit that becoming stagnate or mundane - "normal" if you will - in my every day relationship with the Lord is a great fear of mine, and one of the number one reasons I didn't want to move back here. However, I cannot live here under a lie to myself that I must prove otherwise, because I believe the Lord has me here for another reason. Something other than living here for a period of time to come out on the other end victoriously proving myself. I want to live my life here in such a way that other people are affected for good. And turn around to affect the Kingdom of God. That doesn't sound so hard reading it as a write it, but I know that people(being the main thing I hope to affect) can really test and try a person's flesh. So, back to Oswald. Yesterday was an exceptionally tough day within the mind of Elise, and this is what I read:

A Spiritually minded man will never come to you with the demand- "Believe this and that;" but with the demand that you square your life with the standards of Jesus. We are not asked to believe the Bible, but to believe the One Whom the Bible reveals. (John 5:39-40) We are called to present liberty of conscience, not liberty of view. If we are free with the liberty of Christ, others will be brought into that same liberty- the liberty of realizing the dominance of Jesus Christ.
Always keep your life measured by the standards of Jesus. Bow your neck to His yoke alone, and to no other yoke whatever; and be careful to see that you never bind a yoke on others that is not placed by Jesus Christ. It takes God a long time to get us out of the way of thinking that unless everyone sees as we do, they must be wrong. That is never God's view. There is only one liberty, the liberty of Jesus at work in our conscience enabling us to do what is right.
Don't get impatient, remember how God dealt with you- with patience and with gentleness; but never water down the truth of God. Let it have its way and never apologize for it. Jesus said, "Go and make disciples", not "make converts to your opinions".

Good, right? It was SO good for me. Thank you Oswald, I'll take it!

:::inspired:::

2010-04-30T20:32:00.000-05:00

Today was gloomy. Chilly.. and rainy. All day I felt like I should be doing something... and everything I wanted to do was, I believe, brought out by the weather we were experiencing. I decided instead of trying to rightfully capture all I wanted to do with words, I would use these...

On this day...

I want to read my Bible,

while I drink loads of piping hot coffee.

I'm on my best creativity behavior.

And I want to catch an old movie on TV.

I want to have a dance party all by myself,

and I want to pick up something like this...

at a place like this :)

I want to eat good meals,

while I get lost in a good book.

And always, always, I want to pull the cutest, most colorful outfit together with a great pair of shoes!

Happy rainy day!

Watch out! He knows Kung Fu!

2010-04-24T21:49:00.000-05:00

I'm so late, I debated whether or not to even write this blog. But it only seems right that I give my dad, Superman as he likes to call himself, a birthday blog.

My dad turned 49 on April 14th. It seems strange to think of him at this age... so many of my memories have him pinned at a permanent 35 ish. Joseph Allen Moslander is a man full of memories, stories, laughter and lessons. He grew up remembering everything is seems like, which makes "story time" always a delight! I definitely did not inherit a good memory from him. My dad, who is a preacher- and was at heart even for the seven years he was a police officer- is always thinking up a "great idea" for a sermon series. And quite honestly, they're always pretty creative... I can't give away too much, but just tonight he talked to me about doing one on the seven deadly sins using a famous TV Land favorite that involves a ship wreck with seven unlikely co-passengers... If you know what I'm getting at :) If not, I guess you'll just have to come to church in a few weeks or go online and listen in to hear more!

Anyway... My dad is a very gently man who is almost never loud, but a man who loves his family and most importantly the Lord with all his heart! He has passed down a lot of life lessons, stories, and Bible info... But I will always carry with me his example of loving God and His Word. And loving people for who they are. He's really good at that.

Thank you dad for everything you are. I admire you, I believe in you, and I want to be like you when I grow up! You truly are my Superman. I love you.

On the water... A place we both love with all our hearts!

Our most recent picture together. Crazy-eyed El and Ghetto-pout Jo

Post it!

2010-04-09T23:58:00.000-05:00

I have a fascination with post-it notes. Since September I have used them in every shape and color for all kind of purposes. They are great for taking notes, giving notes... or keeping your place in a book. I mean really...

Best invention ever! Recently I was running low on post-its so I went out and bought new ones. Super bright colors... I was so excited! When I opened the package of them, to my delight a little mini package fell out. Inside contained samples of other great sticky things that Post-It makes. I was over joyed! I haven't used them yet... I'm waiting for just the right thing to stick them to...

There's a mouse in the house. And I'm callin' him the Common Cold.

2010-03-13T23:55:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I just want to get excited and jump around while shouting about new awesome things or events taking place in my life! Other times I want to yell and scream about the weird and crazy and stupid things that a special La Prima has just told me on the phone!

The thing is... right now, when I do either of those things, I squeak.

It's all in her name...

2010-03-07T17:17:00.000-06:00

I have one sister. A sister who is more beautiful from the inside out than any other person I know. A sister who really looks up to me, even when I'm not much to look up to. She attracts people with her smile, her voice, her love, and her eyes. She is a one-of-a-kind sister. My sister... and I love her :)

Urbandictionary.com describes "a Christiana" as: A beautiful girl that is very cheery and always lightens up the room. She is very pretty. She is known to be hyper and never shuts up. It can also be an adjective of being someone who is always putting a smile on some one's face with her hilarious statements.

I took the good parts that I thought were the truth. Sometimes urbandictionary.com can be weird... haha

Anyway... Christiana Spring turned 19 on March 5th. I'm bummed I couldn't be there... but can't wait to go home and watch her walk the Grand March for her Senior Prom.

Christiana: Get ready for tons of hair and makeup practice! We're gonna make it look awesome!!! And Happy Birthday! I love you, am proud of you, and would be a better person to be more like you!

(I am embarrassed for myself, but Christiana looks SO cute in this picture!)

This is us being silly at Chili's. Girls Day in Sioux Falls a couple years ago.

This is our most recent picture together. I had just taken her to get her nose pierced :)

2010-03-05T18:09:00.000-06:00

I've made it. I am actually sitting down. Breathing normally. At Starbucks instead of a meeting... The sun in shining, and I feel like a load is off my shoulders.

You see, two and a half weeks ago, my best friend, Julia, came to visit! This is just where all the craziness starts; she had nothing to do with any of it other than the fact that she was my stress and comic relief at the end of every day. Let me just give you a run down of what I've been doing since that day... not so long ago. ...

Tuesday, February 16th:
8:30am- Staff Meeting
10:30am- Lecture
12:30pm- Lunch/One-on-one with Lukas
2pm- Pick up Julia!!
4:30pm- Meeting

Hang out with Julia.

Wednesday we hung out and joined the DTS for worship that night.

Thursday, Febraury 18th:
7:30am- Staff meeting
8:30am- Base Intercession
10:30am- Haircut with Cary (she's a YWAMer on the base, and gives great deals! It's awesome!!)
12:30pm- Lunch/One-on-one with Chelsea
4:30pm- Meeting
6pm- Mexican for dinner!!

Night Off.

Friday and Saturday we had the chance to go to Kauai and visit the team of people that have just moved over there to pioneer a new YWAM Base. It was an amazing couple days... and I only did work that could be done over the phone, which meant I had a half vacation. It was SO nice!!

Sunday we hung out with another friend visiting from Oregon and then said goodbye to her.

Monday, Febraury 22nd- Sunday, February 28th is litterally blank in my planner. I was SO busy, I didn't even have time to write stuff down. Haha. But stuff was definitely happening.
Tuesday marked the first day of outreach teams from the September DTS returning. The Nepal and Thailand teams came back. We took the outreach leaders out to coffee and someone else brought the students and their luggage back to the base. After two months in another country, leading students who ask questions none stop, complain about not always knowing stuff, and always thinking their leaders are keeping secrets from them, are among the many reasons we give the leaders an escape from being with their students. It may seem mean... but you come and staff a DTS and then you'll understand.
The two other teams from the September DTS were scheduled to arrive, flying from Fiji, on Friday morning bright and early. Thursday night, around 8pm, I get a phone call from a frantic leader from the Fiji team. Buna informs me that the re-entry letters we (YWAM Honolulu) have written for all the Canadians and Europeans have the wrong entry date on them, and they will not be able to leave without getting that changed. Well, let me just tell you... that is a lot easier said than done! So, from 8pm until a little after midnight I, along with a couple helpers, worked on rewriting each letter with the correct date, trying to fax them to the airport in Fiji, and after many failed attempts, having to email them there instead. What makes this even worse, is ten minutes before the teams are supposed to be boarding, I get another call from them. One of the students from Norway does not have proof that she will be leaving Honolulu to go back to Norway after so many days. Which is a big no, no. Even though there are some questions as to how and why they did this, because of that, the airline would not allow the student to even check in. Therefore, she missed her flight and had to watch as her whole team, and the other team, left for Honolulu... without her. She was able to catch the Sunday flight out, but still... I felt SO bad for her!
We had debriefing for the returning school on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
And yes, we still had jobs to do and things to get done amidst the craziness of a Tsunami warning! Staffing DTS really is a 24/7 job.

Sunday, February 28th:
10am- Church
5:30pm- September 2009 DTS Graduation!!! (WOO HOO!)

Monday, March 1st- Wednesday, March 3rd (the day Julia left ) all the students left one by one.

Yesterday I debriefed the returning outreach staff. It was really great to see them and spend time hearing about all the things they learned from leading the teams. How the Lord used them, and worked in them. Those parts of my job are what I love the most.

So, here I am. Still at Starbucks. I kind of feel like a normal person, who lives a normal life. But, then again, we're not called to live a "normal" life, are we?

Lord, thank you for everything you do in my life. Even the crazy parts of my job... May your name be glorified at the end of all my days. No matter what!

Here's me... being normal... in Starbucks. :)

A Piece of My Heart

2010-02-16T12:08:00.000-06:00

We have an outreach team going to Bangladesh in April. Yesterday, I was asked to come pray for the team to get the Lord's heart for that country and the people there, because I've been there myself.. and loved it. I wore my Bengali shawl while I prayed for people, when I prayed for the girls on the team, I had them wear one as well. It had a big impact on them. It got me thinking how much I really did love Bangladesh, and how excited I am for another team to be going there. Here are come pictures from my time there, and some facts about the country. Help us pray for this nation!

The U.S average for population density is 86.2 people per sq. mile. Bangladesh, population 156 million, has 7,656 people per sq. mile.

Up to 60% of the Bengali people live on less than $1.25 per day.

Bangladesh is affected by major cyclones, on average, 16 times a decade.

Our Own Bourbon Street

2010-02-14T04:22:00.000-06:00

Two of my friends and myself decided to throw an awesome Mardi Gras Party! It was SO much fun! We played zydeco type-cajun like- Mardi Gras appropriate music, made masks, and ate and drank deliciousness! Here's a peek at our night...

What?!

2010-02-12T21:40:00.000-06:00

Last night Bon Jovi was in Honolulu for part of the tour they are on right now.

My friend got the chance to go backstage for free with his boss from work.

Bon Jovi texted me.

What?!

Yeah.

Oh yeah... he said I'm beautiful!

That's all.

2010-02-07T00:29:00.000-06:00

Imagine...

It's approximately 6am on a day full of things to do. Knowing this, you are not about to waste any time getting up and ready for the day. Especially the getting up and going to the bathroom part. See, when you live with 12 girls, the early bird gets the worm... or the bathroom in this case. So, in a rush to get in the bathroom I do a little dance when I see that my own is occupied already. "Shoot... try the other one!" Is a quick thought in my mind. Running through the living room and kitchen in early morning light, I forget to check the floor for geckos... and the ever-so-dreaded cockroaches. Much to my unwanted surprise, THIS:

runs accross my feet! GROSS! But all I can say is, "This is YWAM"... and:

"HA! I win again!"

A Form of Worship

2010-02-04T19:35:00.000-06:00

The other night in worship I was prompted to just sit in the Lord's presence and write down things I'm thankful for. This is the list I had at the end of worship:

Dad
Mom
Ross
Christiana
Corbin
YWAM
DTS
Fashion
Arts and Crafts
Spanish
Lifegroup
Jason
Julia
Katie Miller

Colors
Flowers
Perfume
Mexican Food
My eyes
My nose
My part-time roomies!
Bangladesh
Passions
Desires
Journals
Music
Worship
Heritage

Pop

The Cross
The Resurrection
Mentors
Teachers
Razors (who wants hairy legs, right?)
Mugs
Laughing!
Crying
Doctors
Medicine
Cool Breezes
Sunshine!
The ocean
Shoes

Geckos
Chili's (as in the restaurant)
Scarves
Old Chicago (also the restaurant)
Hawaii
Colorado
South Dakota

Summer
Pools
Autumn
Birthdays
Christmas
Prayer
Big Rings
Skype
The Bible
Lamentations
Learned Lessons
Love

A Raven in My Life

2010-02-04T18:49:00.000-06:00

Corbin Michael Moslander. Where do I even begin?

He is the youngest of us four kids... but exceeds us all in height (he is 6ft. to be exact). I can't believe that today, Febrauary 4Th, he is turning 16! I really do have memories of him being a baby... a really sweet, chubby baby :) Everyone loved him the second they laid eyes on him. Tender eyes and a tender heart. --Sorry if that embarrasses you, Corbs. But I only speak truth. To this day Corbin is one of the sweetest kids around. He really cares about people, and wants to help out. If nothing else, he always has an inspirational laugh or a joke up his sleeve.

I have missed dearly the majority of the last four years being away from home. When I "left home", Corbin was still a boy at 12 years of age. By the time I get back, he will be a 16 year old young man... on his way to discovering what the Lord has for him in his future. I pray that he encounters God on his own, understands who he is in Christ, and stays the sweet little-est brother I've always known him to be.

If Corbin was here I would tell him:
I love you! and even though I HATE when you tickle me... I always love laughing with you!
Don't break too many hearts, please.
Love God first, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Never quit loving people, and having fun! (you take after me in this... just sayin')

I love you, Corbs! Happy Birthday... and for goodness sakes, stop growing!!

My Life in a Picture...

2010-01-31T17:05:00.000-06:00

Here's the long-awaited photo journal. Not the last of it, of course.. but something to get started with! Enjoy :)

The DTS in lecture. Learning about Hearing God's Voice.

Go in to all the world...

This is where we eat all of our meals.

YWAM often = Youth With A Meeting (the Tin Cathedral, where we hold our lectures, worhsip times, corporate get togethers and meetings)

Hanging out in the back of a meeting, Jason, plays with Play-Doh. His parents are from the Philippines but are on furlow from India right now. Their other sons are Johnny and Joshua.
Megan, Danielle, Sarah and Julia...

and Silje inside the Asia Pacific Missions Center for "Creative God Time"

My house!

Our little kitchen and a bit of the living area.

Another look at our living space and kitchen.

A look inside...

This is what one of the student rooms looks like. Four girls in one small room is cramped. and messy.

The entrance into my closet... i mean my bedroom... well, my closetroom.

My lofted bed.

Ok, ok... I need to clean my room. I know.

Hi :)

I share my bathroom with 6 other girls... this is the proof.

My not-at-all-like-a-resort shower. ... Just for the record.

My bathroom sink. Pretty, huh?

Mister Matt Hughes. Head of Maintenance. Working hard at putting together a new dumpster for the base.

Jordan, a staffer who works hard every day in the yard, and Danielle, a DTS student, posing with their yard equipment.

Julia, a DTS student, mowing the lawn. Behind her is the playground for the kids, and the much used volleyball court.

We've attempted to hide some of our "base junk"... however, the shrubbery isn't quite long enough... Mom, I know you would hate this! lol

One of our DTS Students, Megan, reading in the shade.

This is in the back of the Tin. It lists all of the long term-ers that our base has sent out, and to where. It's pretty cool!

This is one of the gazebos on the base. Great for quiet times, and getting lots of bug bites.

The Asia Pacific Missions Center. Started by Kevin and Kim Darrough for the purpose of partnering the local church with missions in East Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Some people hanging out outside of Hospitality.

The Hale Koa... where I live :)

This is a common request of people entering homes in Hawaii. It's a very asian thing, but also a way to show respect.

Christ Fellowship- My Every Sunday Fill

2010-01-31T16:58:00.000-06:00

This morning in worship I heard a cry to God above the rest. When I looked around to see who was unashamedly praising the Lord, I caught my breath and held back tears.

It was a YWAM friend who recently found out she has breast cancer. She got the news almost one year to the day that her husband- also a friend of mine- passes away after a long battle with cancer himself.

Regardless of the craziness in her life, Kim is a true example to so many people.

Lord, you really are worthy of my praise... no matter what.

To my Mama!

2010-01-24T17:44:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, January 23rd, was my mom's 45Th birthday!

Robin Elise Shoemaker was born to Joe and Wilma Shoemaker January 23rd, 1965 in Butte, Montana. Twenty-two years later, her and my dad had me! Their first born. There's a lot more behind all of that, but this is when I enter the story, so we'll start here.

I did a little bit of searching to find out what my mom's name means. Robin means Famous Brilliance. Her middle name, Elise, means Consecrated to God.

The cool thing about this is, my mom really is famous! You may not know her, but I do... and I know for sure that everyone who meets her loves her! If they don't, they're just jealous. After all, she's beautiful, strong, courageous, and cool! Who wouldn't want to be like her?! She sets a great example for woman to rise to their full potential in Christ... if that doesn't make you famous, I don't know what does. My mom is also brilliant! She creates, writes, organizes and cleans like no one I know! She taught me and my siblings when we were home schooled, but she also taught us to be who we were created to be! She's a really smart woman; I want to be like her when I grow up! My mom is consecrated to God; She has built her life around her relationship with the Lord to the best of her ability. By her example she has set a really good, high standard for my life.

My mom has always been there for me. She cries with me, and for me. She laughs with me, and at me. She lets me be me, and that means a lot to me. I realize more and more that I'm like her, and contrary to popular belief, I am very okay with that! She is my light, strength, leader, follower, friend, and mother. I love her with all my heart.

I love you, Mom! Not too much longer, and we'll be thrift store shopping together! Happy Birthday!

This Christmas...

2010-01-09T19:22:00.000-06:00

I spent it in Hawaii with Ciana and Joey. Normally all of us would have been home with our families (our moms are sisters), but it was just too expensive this year. We had lots of fun together! They are a huge blessing to me here, I love them!

2009-12-24T03:08:00.000-06:00

This Holiday Season I've been thinking things are a lot different than if I was spending the Holiday Season back home in South Dakota. I mean, it's still Christmas... music, decorations, and crazy crowds in all stores. But, there are a few things you would only see here...

A Christmas tree outside... right next to a palm tree.

A truck with Christmas decorations on the front bumper and grill... with palm trees and the ocean in the background.

This is what the locals call a Christmas tree. To me, it's a Charlie Brown Christmas tree...

This window sign is part of starbucks holiday decor this year. I thought it was funny... seeing as I'm in Hawaii.

Hope you've enjoyed seeing a Hawaiian Christmas through my eyes!
Mele Kalikimaka!

I AM still alive... and I haven't forgotten

2009-12-21T05:52:00.000-06:00

So I've come to the conclusion that doing a photo journal about where I'm at and what I'm doing is a little harder when there isn't a school being run. They all went on outreach... so now I'm not really doing much of anything worth documenting.

It doesn't help that the week after I posted my Thanksgiving blog, I was laid up with a pretty severe staph infection. Did you hear they think it was MRSA? I feel strong and brave after conquering that one... however the healing process is still happening. I'm down to a bandaid, and I'm walking normal again. Finally!

Anyway, I just wanted to inform you all... whomever you might be reading this... that I WILL resume on the photo journal... it just may be a little here and there... Christmas is just around the corner. I think I shall start there... Stop back after next weekend! I promise there will be a new one :)

Mele Kalikimaka!

Thanksgiving is here!

2009-11-30T01:12:00.000-06:00

For the actual day of Thanksgiving, I spent it with my cousins, Joey and Ciana. They live on the North Shore.

On the YWAM base we did a grand Thanksgiving dinner all together, Wednesday night. Fun, food, friends, fellowship. Perfect!

The little turkey I'm holding was hand made by me.. idea by my friend Casey. Its an avacado with colorful leaves pushed into it and a constuction paper turkey face. I made them to be center pieces for the tables.

Sound the Trumpets!

2009-11-19T02:15:00.001-06:00

I have decided...

I will do a photo journal.

It will be about where I'm at, and what I'm doing.

Stay tuned.

Heart for Nations

2009-11-12T19:33:00.000-06:00

This week was 'Missions Week'.

The main goal is to reveal more about missions to our students through videos, intercession and worship times, and a thing we like to call "Nations Night".

Intercession and worship times are already a part of the DTS' weekly schedule, but we really take time to focus on nations that people on our base have a heart for, are long-termers to, or where the outreach teams are going. It just gives the students a new heart for missions on new scales. The staff prayed that this week would be a week where multiple students get a long term call to the world. I believe God is faithful in that, and because in part of a word from the Lord for this school, we as staff really believed there would be a large number of callings to the nations from this school.

Nations Night was a blast! We had Cambodia, Thailand, China/Taiwan, India, Philippines, and Kyrgyzstan represented. Each booth set up clothes, material, food and drink, and pictures from their country. Everyone dressed up from a nation or people group and walked around booth to booth to learn about each country. We also spent time interceding for all the named countries. It was awesome to not only learn about the countries, but really ask for the Lord's heart for them.

For our speaker this week we had the famous Don Richardson! It was an honor to have him, and his wife Carol, to impart knowledge and wisdom, and hear his awesome stories. I loved hearing about his time with the Sawi people of Indonesia, and all the crazy ways he shared the Gospel with the tribal people.

God is teaching me a lot personally right now. He has me stuck in the book of Lamentations, which may be odd for some, but it's totally wrecking me! God is faithful, even when things are hard. I love it! I'm still in need of quite a bit of finances for staff fees and toiletries, etc. Please join me in praying for the Lord's provision in this area. Again, in case anyone wants it, here is my address:

2707 Hipawai Place
Honolulu, HI 96822

Love and miss you all!!!

Hard times = New revelations

2009-10-31T18:47:00.001-05:00

The last few weeks for the DTS have been so busy. But we just completed the 5th week of lectures, the topic being "Fear of the Lord/Character and Nature of God". We have thus far covered "Evangelism/Spiritual&Personal Discipline", "Spiritual Warfare", and "New Hearts"(Openness and Brokenness). Having those last couple topics back to back was really tough for some of the students and staff. So this week was a lot more easy going.
The last few weeks for me have been really tough as well, but for a lot of different reasons. All I know, now more than ever, is when you're in leadership, you are put under the microscope a lot. The Lord has been with me, though, and I am working through new things... getting to know my Lord and Savior on a whole new level. Which I love!!
The DTS as a whole is doing amazing! We will be sending out four outreach teams in the early part of December. They are going to Vanuatu, Fiji/Samoa, India/Nepal, and Thailand/Philippines. Its such an exciting thing for the students, and I love watching them learn about God and themselves so that they can go out and tell the lost people in these nations about Him. This is what I live for! :)
I am still struggling financially, so if you could help me pray for God's provision in this area of my life, it would be greatly appreciated! I can also use prayer as I continue leading this school, that I would have the Lord's heart for each student, and that He would show me how I can serve the staff.
I love and miss all of you who are not on the island terribly! Thank you for your prayers and support! Keep in touch! Oh, and Happy Halloween!

God is Faithful!

2009-09-13T21:07:00.000-05:00

It's been one week today that I've been back here in Honolulu at the Youth With A Mission(YWAM) base. And I never knew just how much of my heart was still here until I came back and found it. My heart is complete.

We started Monday morning with staff training, and I LOVE the team of people I will be staffing with. There is a family-like unity already, and you can just tell that God has put us all here for this time and His purpose. I feel completely honored that the Lord is allowing me to be a part of YWAM Honolulu again... especially in the place they're at. The Lord has amazing things happening here, and it's really exciting to be here watching all of it take place.

Tomorrow will begin another week of staff training; Tuesday and Wednesday being all-base staff conference. I'm pumped to continue learning and growing in the Lord with everyone here. Thursday we will have a cleaning day to get the base ready for students to arrive the following week. Aloha Day, as we like to call it, is the first official day of the Discipleship Training School(DTS), which will happen on September 24th.

Please pray for me as I continue to ask the Lord for his heart for my staff and the students that will be coming. I am also still in need of financial support. Please prayerfully consider partnering with me that way.

I know the Lord has SO much for me here in this time, and can't wait to keep you all updated!! Please keep me updated on how you're doing... I miss and love you all TONS!

Elise Moslander
2707 Hipawai Place
Honolulu, HI 96822
605-228-9219
eliserachelle@hotmail.com
ywamhonolulu.com

Rings!

2009-08-23T18:26:00.000-05:00

My new favorite accessory! For the longest time I wore two white gold rings on my left ring finger... and everyone always thought I was married. So, recently, I decided that if I'm ever going to get married, I may need to let people know that I'm single.

Thus started the ring phenomenon. First with the simple yellow ring, bought for a couple bucks at Forever21... one of the greatest stores out there! And slowly but surely my collection has grown. I now have enough rings, all worn on my left ring finger, to wear a different one each day of the week... and I love it! Of course I don't just wear a different one everyday, I match them to my outfits... because that's what girls do.

I realize that I took off the other rings so that people know I'm single, but I'm assuming that people also know that the kind of rings I'm wearing in place of the other ones would NEVER be engagement/wedding rings. It's just a super fun way to dress up any outfit!

I also wear a ring on my right hand. Its cool and funky and I consider to be my "Right Hand Ring" like the ones advertised in magazines(Zales, I think). You know, the end of the woman-power statement reads "Raise your right hand"... or something like that. Anyway... this ring of mine was a gift from my parents. It has a tiny diamond in the middle, and a sapphire(my birthstone) on each side. It's beautiful.

Check out the blog that inspired me to write about my rings... jeanierhoades.com (my linker isn't working, but just copy and paste this into your web address bar)

My Heart Is Sad.

2009-08-10T13:02:00.000-05:00

I made it through Sunday... but not without crying. Or more like sobbing. It happened... and I couldn't stop it. I was saying goodbye to a couple girlfriends from lifegroup when Pastor Rob Kelly came over... and then I lost it.

This moving thing, which I've decided my parents instilled in me throughout my whole life, is no fun. I really LOVE change, something I also think is because of my parents, but i HATE saying goodbye.

Tonight, I will part ways with my beautiful fam here in Colorado. The Rhoades', Powers', and Kelley's. They have no idea how much they've done for me, my soul, and my mind in my time here with them. I will forever be indebted to them. They have changed me, and they are a lot of the reason I am being changed by the Lord.

To all of you: THANK YOU! (if I could I'd tell you in every language out there) I LOVE YOU! I OWE YOU! and I WILL MISS YOU ALL TERRIBLY!

Ribbons of Joy

2009-07-28T00:18:00.000-05:00

The other day I had the amazing chance to "ketchup", if you will, with my dear friend, Mary Jean Powers. Now, MJ has played a large roll in my life here in Colorado, and I'm not sure she even knows that. She has challenged me, taught me, laughed with me, and cried with me. She shared Venezuela with me and Honduras with me, and I am forever grateful for every minute I've spent with her.

At lunch we were discussing some of the good times I had on my very first mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico. And somehow landed on the topic of tambourines, ribbon dancing, and that both go well when paired with interpretive dance. MJ is a little bit of an expert on these things... you should ask her about it.

Needless to say, our conversation was quite intriguing and I know for certain people around us wished they could have been a part of it. Thank you again, Mary Jean, for lunch and your company. I will miss you and the way you teach the Word greatly. And I will never forget your love for pastel colored ribbons.

Things I like...

2009-07-13T19:40:00.000-05:00

... With ketchup on them.

I figured since my blog name has the word ketchup in it, I might need to explain it. I didn't mean for it to be anything other than a fun way to title what otherwise would have just been "Catch Up With Elise". But, look how boring that is. So, I decided to tell you some of the normal, and maybe some of the abnormal things I like ketchup on.

* Hamburgers
* Hot dogs
* Scrambled eggs (this may be one of the abnormal ones)
* Brats
* Tacos (this is maybe my favorite thing to put ketchup on, and the one that gets me weird remarks and grossed ou looks)

And even though tomato soup isn't ketchup, it's kinda like ketchup, and I like it with mac-n-cheese in it :)

Thats all.

Life... Lately.

2009-06-23T23:07:00.000-05:00

I feel like life has been crazy. I'm all settled in Brighton, and it has been so nice being closer to everything I'm involved in up here.

So... above is a blog I started a few weeks ago. And I feel like life has been WAY more crazy this last weekend.
Friday at theMill, Pastor Brady Boyd spoke. He titled the message "Five Questions", and it was SO good! He said that the first four questions should be answerable in your twenties, but that the fifth question, for most people, can't be answered until your late thirties. I believe these five questions have changed my life...

1) What are my purposes(the reason(s) of my life)?
2) ... I missed this question b/c I was in the bathroom :)
3) What are my passions(what makes my heart come alive, and causes me to be at my best)?
4) What are my values(my non-negotiables)?

...

5) What is my life message(my personal thesis statement; something I could speak or write about with little preparation; something you could communicate passionately and clearly)?

I believe I aleady know the answer to number 5... and seem to be having a harder time answering the other ones. All I know, is the Lord knows my future, has a plan for me, and loves me enough to get me through it all.

Girl Scouts

2009-04-29T22:18:00.000-05:00

Tonight as I was going through things, preparing to move, yet again, and start a new chapter in my life, I had the Girl Scouts theme song come to mind.

Make new friends, but keep the old,
Some are silver and the others gold.
The circle is round, it has no end,
That's how long I want to be your friend.

But the thing that struck me odd, was, to me, all my friends are gold. They hold some characteristic I want in my life, or they've taught me something new, or they've counted on me to be a listening ear. And hopefully not to sound too 'Outsiders'-ish, they really are all golden... and will always "stay golden" to me. No matter where I live... even if I haven't talked to some of them for a long time.

There are so many things I'm going to miss terribly when I move away from Colorado. My last year here has been something so good for me and my life, that I don't even think I can put it into words. My roommates have been there for tears and laughing... going out on the town and staying home to watch Friends. I made some good friendships with new people, and improved a friendship with a childhood friend.
"The Fam", as I usually refer to them, has been my backbone throughout my year. They've been there to support me, and lead me really. I've learned countless things from them about how to truly live a life glorifying to God. I will take the times I've spent celebrating birthday's and all the "just because" family dinners, with me for the rest of my life. And hopefully be able to be such a great example to the people I meet in my life. Thank you Rhoades', Powers', and Kelley's for letting me be a daughter, sister, cousin and friend to you :) and for taking me under your wing, Aunt Jeanie, and always thinking of me when there's leftovers!
I am also SO thankful for my part-time roommie. Remember that time you started none-date dating a guy from your work? Then you started for-real dating, and we would stay up a little later just so I could be filled in on how things were going?? And then, remember when you came home, and I got to be there for you to announce that you were engaged??? Thank you for letting me be a part of your life, yours and Jake's lives... it means so much to me.
And to all my church family- I love you and have been blessed over and over by your overwhelming kindness towards me! Thanks for looking out for me... my parents really appreciate it!
Phipps's... YOU GUYS have blessed me more than I deserve. Your servant hearts in everything you've done for me has been such a great example in my life. Thank you for Nella By, she's been a true blessing. And for letting me live with you in June... that hasn't happened yet... but I already know how much it will bless me.

All of your crowns will be beautiful... now in abundance, simply because you let me in. Cared. Loved. Thank you!

My Plea To Weather and Seasons.

2009-04-17T18:04:00.000-05:00

Today is gross. Snow. Sleet. Snow. Sleet... ugh. Weather, Seasons, please make up your mind. Is it Spring or Winter... because I can't take this much longer. Really, I can't take it any longer. I had things I wanted to do today, guys. Why did you have to ruin those plans? I might need to have a talk with your Mother... nature. Please, please, please, let Mr. Sun come out tomorrow! I can't promise I will love you if you do let him out, but I did say please... :)

Day 10

2009-04-08T23:19:00.000-05:00

I stink at making habits. I was so excited, I really thought I could do this. And here I am on day 10... and I've only done Rosetta Stone 3 times. Bummer. I will, however, be working on it. It's still important to me, and I know learning Spanish will help me in my future.

Lord, help me! I want to learn so You can use me even more. I know with You, I can do anything...

Cacey is doing amazing! She is going through the book of John, which is great because it has 21 chapters. She is in her room now, reading and praying. You go girl! I'm SO proud of you!! God will teach you through this time with Him. After 21 days is over, keep going! I love you!

21 Days

2009-03-30T19:50:00.000-05:00

Cacey- a roommate of mine, and I have decided that we want to make a few changes in our lives for the better. One of those being spending good, quality time with the Lord each day. Also, we're both trying to learn Spanish, and need to spend more time on that then we currently do. So, starting today, we are making a committment with eachother to do both of these things for 21 days in a row. Hopefully to find truth in the study that shows 21 days of something consistent equals habit. Bring on the Bible and my new best friend, Rosetta, for some well spent time every day. I sure hope this works!!

Tree$

2009-03-25T11:30:00.000-05:00

I have this entire week off from work due to Spring Break. Not really by choice, but it has been nice. Actually, with all the time I've had, I find myself wanting to start all these projects. Either around my house, around Robbin's house (lol) or this huge scrapbooking project I was supposed to already have finished. And yes, it hasn't even been started... all this to say... if money just grew on trees, I would be able to do all these projects, plus some.
I recently stated how i wished money just grew on trees on my facebook status, and these are a few responses people had for me.

Mattias(my friend from Sweden):
im not sure I do. if it did, everyone would stock up buttloads of money, which means their value would drop, and all the prices would increase. so basically the only difference it'd make is that you'd need a wheelbarrow full of money to buy a $1-double cheese burger (how I miss those!)

Holly Guaper(a friend from my DTS' wife; she's now a friend to me)
i bet those trees would be really expensive.

Rebbekka Messenger(Robbin Kelly's cool cousin)
it kinda does grow on trees....

My roommate, Samantha, also said that maybe I should just wish that money grew on one single tree that I own. I think that's the best comment so far :)

"Oh, Oslwald"

2009-03-10T20:26:00.000-05:00

Recently in my times with the Lord I've been telling Him about my desire to represent Him in everything I do. Today's reading in 'My Utmost For His Highest" really encouraged me in that desire, and I wanted to share it with you :)

"Preach the word." 2 Tim. 4:2
We are not saved to be "channels only", but to be sons and daughters of God. We are not turned into spiritual mediums, but into spiritual messengers; the message must be part of ourselves. The Son of God was His own message, His words were spirit and life; and as His disciples our lives must be the sacrament of our message. The natural heart will do any amount of serving, but it takes the heart brokenby conviction of sin,and baptized by the Holy Ghost, and crumpled into the purpose of God before the life becomes the sacrament of its message.
There is a difference between giving a testimony and preaching. A preacher is one who has realized the call of God and is determined to use his every power to proclaim God's truth. God takes us out of our own ideas for our lives and we are "batter'd to shape and use", as the disciples were after Pentecost. Pentecost did not teach the disciples anything; it made them the incarnation of what they preached- "Ye shall be witnesses unto Me."
Let God have perfect liberty when you speak. Before God's message can liberate other souls, the liberation must be real in you. Gather your material, and set it alight when you speak.

I pray this encourages you also :)

Honduras

2009-03-10T15:10:00.000-05:00

While we were still in Honduras, Mary Jean had us do a little exercise to help us debrief the trip a little... we were to write down the story we would tell people when they asked how our trip went, or jot down a few memories of what the Lord did. Here is what I had to say...

Sujapita

This trip will be one I look back on in years to come and say, "that's where it all started". It took a few days to figure it out, but Home of Refuge litterally became a place of refuge; to search for what God had brought me here to find.
The first thing being "my shadow". She picked me from day one and would follow me around forever if only i could sew her on to my shoes. Sujapita- a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. So tender and light hearted. I'm not sure if there's a future in our relationship, but i truly believe we found eachother for a reason.
The second thing hasn't been completely found yet. I believe that my time at HOR has been 100% necessary for beginning a new journey with God. I came to Honduras to be with orphans, and hopefully bless Tony and Rosa, however, I now know I came to be with God. I came so I can survive. I'm learning all over again- everthing it feels like. But I am called "chosen" and I'm starting with that.

Do You See What I See...

2008-12-25T11:59:00.000-06:00

Dad, Ross, and Corbin playing board games. Boys only I guess... if you wanna play you have to say "Boys are fantastic, girls are elastic" three times... I'm not too sure being elastic is the insult of the century, but this game is based on a book written in the 30's.
Mom is cleaning... she never rests, I'm convinced. Not even on Christmas Day. Taking care of us all. Christiana is modeling her new clothes without realizing it. She loves everything, so she has created an outfit so she can wear it all... :)
Puggers is looking under the tree, table, wrapping paper and everything else for food scraps... he's always hungry for our food!

Do You Hear What I Hear...
Beautiful piano music... rolling dice... dishes being put away... laughter... :) (and we can't ignore Pugsley... the dog who snores while awake)

I LOVE Christmas!

2008-12-24T16:41:00.000-06:00

Here are a few reasons why I love Christmas...

Yummy baked goods
Giving
Hot drinks (like a Peppermint White Mocha from Starbucks)
Family and Friends
Feeling like, if only for a few minutes, that all is well in the world.
A reason to buy a cute new outfit for Christmas Eve Service at church :)

This is a short list, and hopefully doesn't need to contain Jesus' birth for you to know how important that is to me. Without His birth, I couln't make the list above.

Merry Christmas!! Hope it is full of blessings!

Addicted

2008-12-02T19:59:00.000-06:00

OK. I just decided I need to go public with my latest addiction... although I'm sure this will not come as a shock to anyone who knows me. And just for the record, this addiction will be added to a fairly long list of not-so-bad things to be addicted to :)

Just tonight, I went to the store to stock up on groceries. It's always a bad idea to shop when hungry, but I think I did pretty well... irrelevant. So anyway I got some really good pasta for dinner... but I couldn't hold out for that... I had to dig into... are you ready??

Salt and Vinegar Chips.

It's pathetic, I know... but I love them!

In case you are wondering, here are a few of the other things on my addictions list:

diet Coke... or all pop for that matter
coffee
Gilmore Girls
Friends
chocolate chip cookies
shopping

Front Porch

2008-10-02T21:18:00.000-05:00

The porches of my life...
porches of significance.

A place that will always be 'home'. Summers at a young age, eating sunflower seeds and believing life to be so simple. Watching the big trees sway back and forth in the constant breeze... seeing the seasons change. Bringing all kinds of growth over the years. Looking through the window, into a life that has brought me to where I am today.

Porches carry memories.

A tropical surrounding claims a piece of my heart. Here there is also a constant breeze. One that smells of flowers, salt, and sunshine. I could sit forever, and sometimes do. A place for laughing and crying, praying and praising. A place I also call 'home'. Watching the Lord move through this place... that was so hard to leave.

Porches carry love.

This place sometimes feels more sideways then I want life to feel. This is a place that brings on new challenges, with an extra helping of hardships. A place that is quite the opposite of Never-never Land. But, this place is a home, where I have found friends. This place will forever remind me of the constant provision in my life. Where God has me now... and may take me from later. I know, it's all in His hands.

Porches carry futures.

-Dad, thank you for the reminder of all the porches in my life. I love you.-

SiMpLe LoVe

2008-05-20T23:36:00.000-05:00

The feelings and desires I have for a man I don't even know yet should be exampled after those of my Lord, and His love.
How strange to be able to sit in oblivion to your surroundings and dream up the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Whether you have an actual person in mind, or you totally make that person up, those butterflies are there... and you find yourself sighing, and loving "love stories" so much more. Wanting to do things that you think makes you a better house keeper, child care-taker... a better person. In hopes that one day, soon, you will run into him.. maybe bump into him and lose your grip on something and as he hands it back to you... your eyes meet... and the rest, is well.. in your dreams. ha.

lord, thank you for the perfect example of love, relationship, and intimacy.

I want to be so in love with the Lord that at times I am in total oblivion, doing all I can to be exactly who He's created me to be. Knowing thats who He's in love with. I want to spend time with Him, and talk about life and love and what makes us happy. God just wants to skip rocks with us... what Simple Love.

We're havin' fish tonight!

2008-04-08T22:14:00.000-05:00

Wow! God's provision is truly abundant! I officially start at DSW Shoe Warehouse on Saturday, and boy will I be glad to get out of the house! I think I'm suffering from a tid-bit of cabin fever.

Sunday night I had the oppertunity to go with my dear cousin, Tredessa, to a house church she attends occasionally. The main conversation starter was John 6, where Jesus feeds the five-thousand. After about an hour of discussing this passage and seeing what each person was getting from it, I noticed that the boy with the loaves and fish starts with five loaves. But at the end of everyone being fed, there is left overs. Five loaves of bread... again. And I thought to myself... "Not only does God provide what we need, but He provides it in abundance."

Where I am in my life right now, the one thing- definitely not the only thing- that God is teaching me and showing me is how much He provides for me. In every area of my life. And I LOVE IT! He is my Rock, my Strength, my Everything. Thank you Lord for the way you teach me, and the way you ALWAYS provide! I love you!

Prayers...

2008-04-03T00:14:00.000-05:00

Lord I am yours. I am fully trusting you with my life, my future. You know the plans you have for me, and that just means I don't have to worry about them! As cliche as it might sound, where You guide, You provide.

Renew me, Oh Lord. You are the healer of my soul and the filler of my spirit. Light in me a fire, Lord. I want to shine bright. How could I be so selfish to not include you in my every thing? Forgive me Lord.

Your grace is sufficient and your mercy's new every morning! I am so blessed! I love you Lord, with all my heart, and I don't want to lean on my own understanding anymore.

Your love is beautiful.
I will continue to seek your face.

Where He guides, He provides!

2008-03-21T13:18:00.000-05:00

This view is from the yard, our front door.

This is my new house! (view from the sidewalk)

So, I've been in Colorado now for a little more than a week, most of that time spent with the extended fam I have here. I moved into my new house on Sunday night, and have been loving it! Of course it was hard to say goodbye to my sister Christiana, who had to stay in Aberdeen, and of course my mom and dad, and little brother Corbin, who brought me down here. But once I got here, and started uppacking- which took forever it seemed like!- it was really great!
I've been able to see God work in so many ways since being here, and that hasn't even been for that long! For those of you who don't know why I'm here; my two-year commitment with YWAM Honolulu was up this past February, and I just really felt like the Lord was calling me out of YWAM for a season. I also felt like i wanted to take this time and really get on my own two feet in areas of my life that I can't do as well living in community... or living with my parents. (Hence the reason I'm not just in South Dakota). I have a long-time good friend that goes to school here in Lakewood, CO and decided to move in with her, and three other girls! Who are all great, by the way!
But back to the ways I've seen God move... (these are my favorite things to share with people!) A week ago today (Friday) I went with my mom and dad to Salvation Army to try and find a bed, since I didn't have one coming here. Well luck was on our side when we found what seemed to be pretty brand new looking twin mattress and box spring. It was $95, which doesn't count as a Salvation Army deal to me, but I needed a bed and had the money so I bought it! We put it on hold and told them we would be back the next day to pick it up. I was thrilled at my purchase, and felt "all grown up" for just buying a BED! haha. So Saturday rolls around, and we're planning on moving my stuff into my new house, so my dad goes to pick up the new bed. Well, he gets to SA and someone had ripped off the 'hold' tag, and it had been sold right from under my feet! Luckily I had my receipt and was refunded all my money. I probably don't have to tell you that I was really upset, and even cried over it. But I just knew that God must not want me to pay that much for a bed. He was wanting me to trust Him even for something as small and petty as a bed. It was hard, but SO worth it. The next day at church I was introduced to a couple that... HAD A BED FOR ME! FOR FREE!!! Praise God!
My next big worry was not having a job. And without a car, it's kind of hard to get around. I mean, yes they have a bussing system, but it's always going to be easier to just drive yourself. I went ahead and applied online for an opening at Whole Foods Market. I know all ya'll don't know what that is, so let me tell you. It's a health foods store, the size of a regular grocery store. Make sense? Ok, so the cut off for them accepting applications was Tuesday. So I figure that I'll have to wait until after Tuesday, IF I'm even going to hear anything. Well, we shouldn't be suprised, because it's totally God, but Tuesday morning I get a call, and to make a long story short-ish, I have a job interview Monday! Awesome, uh? God's cool! He's provided me with a bed, and possibly a great job, I can't wait to see how and what He provides in the future!

Mae Sot

2007-12-30T07:29:00.000-06:00

Myself and six of our students went 6 hours south west of where we are now to a place called Mae Sot. This town is made up of mostly Burmese people, most of whom are illegal. We were working with a family and a few single people who's main objective in going there regularly is to provide relief for these people and help them develop their communities, schools, etc.

It was absolutely amazing! We were able to bring Christmas to kids in schools, and some street kids. The difference between them was huge. The kids in the schools were crying because they were so thankful, and the kids on the street would hide what we gave them to try and get more, say they hadn't been given anything at all, or just try to take things when we weren't looking. What was so sad about this to me was that they don't know any different. The life they are forced to live consists of lying, stealing and anything else along those lines. But the Lord gave me a special love for these street kids, along with a much needed patience, and it was very hard to leave them.

One of my students was hit pretty hard when a homeless lady with a baby asked her to take the little girl. It was clear that this lady knew Whitney was better off than she ever would be, and wanted something for her daughter she felt Whit could provide. Whitney wanted nothing more than to scoop her up and bring her home with us, but had to promise the lady instead, that she would pray for them everyday. She's holding true to that promise still.

The four days we had in Mae Sot will never be forgotten. That place made a huge impact on my life. I hope and pray i was able to shed His light in such a dark place.

Thankful for... life.

2007-11-21T19:51:00.000-06:00

Day before Thanksgiving...
Luau. Roasted pig. 200 lbs. This Thanksgiving was soo amazing! Most of all, I'm thankful for my life which God has blessed me with!

Thailand...

2007-11-21T19:24:00.000-06:00

We leave for Thailand in 13 days!!! I'm really excited!

We leave December 4th and arrive in Thailand December 6th. It seems weird, but because the time difference is not just a few hours, but a whole day different, we are actually leaving December 5th Thai time. Anyway, we are going to be spending time in Chiang Mai (in the North) working with university studetnt, teaching them english and just hanging and making friends until January 12th. After that we will go further north to a place called Chiang Rai to work with three different ministries whose main goal is community development. We are excited to get our hands dirty and be creative in sharing the gospel! We head to another location on January 25th to help out a ministry wherever we're needed. We have to make a border run into Myanmar (Burma) because we were only granted 60 day visa, and we are in Thailand just over 60 days. So we will leave for Myanmar January 31st, stay over night, and then head back to Chiang Mai for three days of debriefing. We come home to Honolulu February 4th.

When i see it all written out like that, it seems like we hardly have any time there, but i know it will feel like a long time after we've been there for a while. I really loved Thailand when i was there this past Spring. Granted I wasn't doing ministry, but i love the Thai people and their food! I know God has alot in store for us. Please pray for our team as we go out!

Prayer Points:
Health and Safety
Team Unity (there are 20 people on this team- its HUGE!)
My co-leader, Breanna, and I
The ministries we will be working with
Open hearts from, and divine appiontments with Thai people

Outreach Prep Week

2007-11-21T18:23:00.000-06:00

It was about a month ago when we had a speaker cancel on us last minute, that we decided to plan an entire week to prepare the students for outreach. The idea was to re-arrange the normal schedule, add in new things, and hope it gave them some what of an idea of how outreach is SO different than lecture phase of a DTS. It would challenge them and stretch them... we called the week 'The Gideon Experience'. The idea came from Judges 6 and 7 and just as Gideon's army went from thirty-two thousand to ten thousand, and then from ten thousand to three hundred, we really tried to facilitate an environment and experience that would allow the students to really look in at themselves, and allow God to work in them- to take away things in their life they didn't need.
We started Monday morning off by waking the students up at 5:30am for a prayer walk. They had no idea we were going to do this and to my suprise didn't put up a fight! Throughout the week we did alot of team building, which was muchneeded for our large team! We did personality tests and spiritual gifts test, and learned about left brain/right brain and gaurding your heart. Even I got so much out of the teachings, I think everyone should hear about those topics!
The best part about this week for me was how much i learned about myself. God was able to reveal things through activites and situations and I've been able to really apply things I learned to my daily life, my leadership, and my friendships. I especially benefitted from the teachings on left brain/right brain. I realized that just because my way of thinking is sort of like pulling things from a garage sale instead of a filing cabinet, doesnt mean I am not capable of certain things, and I'm finding that i have a filing cabinet in the back of the garage- its just a matter of finding it sometimes :)
To end the week, we decided to do baptisms. We usually do this once a quarter for students who feel like they've made changes in their life and want to symbolize a new self. Because this week was all about getting rid of the old self, it just seemed like the best timing. It was an amazing thing to be a part of, and I was so honored to be asked by a few of my students if I would be the one to baptize them.
All in all, God did really cool things that week. It gave everyone a little taste of what outreach is like, and they really can't wait to get to Thailand.

What's Happening...

2007-11-02T15:34:00.000-05:00

The DTS is going really well. I think the students are finally realizing this isn't a church camp, and starting to get really serious about why they're here and listening for God to direct their steps after DTS is over.
We went out to Waikiki Wednesday night for a Halloween outreach/evangelism. It was absolutely crazy-town. My co-leader, Breanna, myself, and one of our students teamed up and walked to a fairly busy corner to pass out candy. But every attempt at getting someone to come over and take a piece, hoping it would lead to a conversation, led to people thinking it was poisoness. In all reality, it probably looked that way; we weren't dressed in costume of any sort, we were just standing in random places on the strip, and to top it all off, the candy was in PAPER BAGS! haha. It's funny when i think about it now. But eventually we got some takers, that even asked questions-other than if they could have our number. Breanna talked with some girls that she came to find out were only 13 years old! One of them in particular was very drunk and maybe even more. Bre tried to tell her she's too young for this kind of life, and that there is more out there for her. We prayed for her at the end of the night, hoping God would plant a seed through what Bre shared. On a more positive/fun note, there were some pretty creative costumes. Alot of them had me cracking up! :)
I am doing well too, getting things ready for outreach. We leave in just over 4 weeks and time is flying! If you think about it, take a minute and pray for our team. Its quite large, and me and Bre can use all the prayer we can get! God is doing alot of stetching in my life, and challenging me in my faith and trust in Him. He's done so many amazing things in my life, and I know there is so much more of His provision for my life to come.

Pirates

2007-10-23T16:39:00.000-05:00

So...confession.

i LOVE pirates. Now...I know you're thinking... "what? Pirates aren't real", and I know this, BUT they are SO COOL, and i think sometimes people get a really bad idea of what a pirate is. As if they are a group of bad guys that go around killing people so they can take their ship and gold. I'm not too sure of this, and maybe we have Pirates of the Carribean to thank. After all, those movies put some pretty handsome faces on the pirates, made them romantical-like, and very, very funny.

But i think pirates are just a group of people that just needed a little love. Someone to listen to their problems and give them advice. I think i would have liked to be a pirate back in the day...

Anyway...i was just thinking someone might like to know. :)

Passion

2007-09-23T20:51:00.000-05:00

What is passion? What is it to passionate for something...about something? The dictionary defines passion as 'any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate'. So, you can love something with a passion, and also hate something with a passion. Marked by characteristics of an earlier period, passion meant 'the sufferings of a martyr'. To be a martyr...what a passion...

This question: what is passion...or more so, what is MY passion, has come up alot recently. Maybe it's because of where i am in my life, and what i'm doing. But, i am believing God to give me the answer. Because what is passion if not given by God Himself, right? I love alot of things, and i hate alot of things.

Could it be that my passion is Life?

Bellows

2007-09-19T21:37:00.000-05:00

So today was beach day. I really love this day, and especially the beach we take the students too. But, i'm not sure how i feel about it anymore. Usually my time spent at Bellows is beautiful, fun-filled, and sunny. Today, amongst those things, the water was filled with Portegiese Man-a-wars. And I had an encounter with one while wading in the water...actually, i wasn't even in the water. It washed up on the shore, right where my feet were. The tail-like stinger wrapped around both of my legs, sending a crazy and VERY painful feeling into my body. I thought at first "wow, cool...i've been stung by a jelly fish...i can't wait to tell people about this!". But after about ten minutes, i wasn't very excited about it anymore. What happens when you get stung is the sting causes your glands to swell up; either at the top of your legs or under your arms, depending on where you get stung. So i had already gone to the lifegaurd and he put some vinegar on it, when i started to feel the cramping in my upper legs...and lower back...and stomach... and i was scared. They say as long as you can breathe normally you're ok, but i started to get scared and THOUGHT i couldn't breathe. Haha. Really i was fine...and still am. But i had crazy welts on my foot and around both legs. They're gone now, for the most part...and it still is pretty cool to say... i've been stung by a jelly fish!