Anne, I vote more cars race Rome to Vienna.

I Moved!

2009-04-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

I converted to Tumblr! Follow me there...

Rose Garden Mischief

2009-04-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

On Sunday nights, I cut roses from Rose Garden for my apartment.
I don't think I'm supposed to do that.
It gives me great satisfaction and joy.
Sometimes Erin comes with me. Its what we do.
Live your life.

3 things i did this weekend

2009-04-14T00:50:00.000-07:00

#1 - Card making. I love crafting and card-making, i just don't get to do it as often as i would like to. I made a ridiculous amount of cards this weekend to include in the silent auction for Night of Nations for ISP (International Service Projects). One of each of these will be included in a package.
#2 - Hershey, my unexpected companion this week. I have a new found love for dogs...its weird.
#3 - Sugar cookie extravaganza with mom, we made a ridiculous amount of sugar cookies for our neighbors and friends to celebrate Easter.

#3- Sunrise service with Katelynn. We literally rolled out of bed at 5am to attend the Easter sunrise service at the beach. It was such a blessing to worship outside, celebrate Easter with fellow believers, and enjoy time with a dear friend of mine. After the service we got breakfast on the pier!

P.S. apparently i wore that red sweatshirt alot this weekend, slightly embarrassing :)

some friends

2009-04-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

i found this picture on my computer today...it was a rainy day in the caf when we took this. it goes: Kelsie, Julie & me. i love these girls.

Weekend @ Home

2009-04-02T00:57:00.000-07:00

Got to spend the weekend in beautiful Huntington Beach! I was really excited to spend a lot of time with my little brother, Greyson. He is 17 now, but im pretty sure he looks older (at least some Indian people think so...). It's weird and wonderful to watch my brother grow up and see him experience change, growth, celebration, heart break, hard decision making...etc. Im proud of who he is and who he is growing in to.

Therapeutic Things

2009-03-21T01:52:00.000-07:00

Recently I have discovered some therapeutic things to help me through the grief process...and life, or whatever:

1. reading: specifically classics and books that are full of grief and hope at the same time.

2. driving: specifically at night and through the use of cruise control, which i have never used before this season of my life. I also used to never be able to stay awake at night while driving.
now i cant sleep.

3. cleaning: specifically at ridiculous hours of the morning...

There are more things, but that's all for now.

GS2 2009

2009-03-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

GS2 2009 baby. This summer I will be leading my first trip overseas. A partner and I will be leading a group of high school students to western Europe. These are my fellow team leaders, an awesome group of individuals, if i do say so myself. Though I am nervous to be leading my first trip, I know it will be an awesome experience. Please keep this group (and our future students) in your prayers. Also, if anyone knows of any legit juniors or seniors in high school that would like to come to Western Europe for 2 weeks this june, tell them to check out http://www.calbaptist.edu/isp/GS2/.

Psalm 23

2009-03-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

"The Lord is my Shepard;

I have everything I need.

He lets me rest in green pastures.

He leads me to calm water.

He gives me new STRENGTH.

He leads me on paths that are right for the good of HIS NAME.

Even if I walk through a very dark valley,

I will not be afraid, because you are with me.

Your rod and your shepards staff comfort me.

You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies.

You pour oil of blessing on my head;

you fill my cup to overflowing.

Surely your goodness and love will be

with me all my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord forever".

Psalm 23

Happy Love Day

2009-02-18T22:54:00.000-08:00

I had an amazing and very romantic Valentine's Day. I felt SO loved by many people in my life, especially this one :)

2009-02-12T10:00:00.001-08:00

On Sunday February 1st, Belinda and I went to watch our friends race in the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, CA. Two of our dearest Bible Study girls (Erin Zurn & Emily Rimestead) ran the full marathon along with some of our other peers from CBU. We were also there to see Amy H. run the half and Chris H. run the full! It was such an amazing experience to watch our friends reach such an incredible accomplishment. Here are some fun pictures from the big day!Belinda & I at the starting line...it was WAY too early.

Emily at mile 15!

Erin at mile 15!

Jenny, Julie & Erika at mile 15.

Amy crossing the finish line!

Emily crossing the finish line! I was SO proud!

Belinda and I with Erin after the race :)

Family Vacation

2009-02-03T12:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from our family vacation to Hawaii! It was so nice to get away and have some quality time with my family and my grandparents. We stayed at the most beautiful place you've ever seen, and had a lot of family tennis matches :) Greyson and I had a blast getting into trouble around the resort...something we've always done. I love spending time with my grandma and grandpa, this trip was one of the sweetest times I've had with them. My grandpa is the smartest man I know, I respect him so much. My grandma is STILL one of the most beautiful women I've ever known, and has the sweetest giggle I've ever heard :)

Old Picture

2009-01-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

Here is a old picture that I found of Chaddy and I. Trever Hoehne took this when we went to take my senior pictures, I was especially glad that he snapped this one :) Anyway, I promise I will be posting ab9out Christmas later!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite tree that is in my front yard at home...its so beautiful this time of year :)
Chaddy and I had a great time relazing with the fam over break...we ate alot, saw some movies, drank alot of apple cider, and played an awful lot of Acquire (silly Brandon ALWAYS wins). It was a such a sweet time.

Coldplay!

2008-12-05T20:53:00.001-08:00

Over Thanksgiving break, my mom and I went to a Coldplay concert! We went with our dear
friends, Katelynn and Denise. It was a really fun night, a nice treat for us just girls!

When we got out, it was POURING rain...and we had to walk like a mile back to our car! Denise couldn't ruin her super cute suede shoes...so she walked bare foot! omg it was so much fun, here we are....soaked!

Katelynn and I's concert tradition.

Sophomore year

2008-11-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is my sophomore year thus far, at least these are all the pictures I have to describe it thus far. Anyway, these were all taken at our friends' art show earlier this year, "Going Everywhere, Going Nowhere". It was quite the occasion. Its been pretty crazy this year...but I've been busy doing a lot of things that I love to do. I know I haven't been posting a lot, I'm going to try and get better. Anyways, photos are by Brooklyn Wagner...she's wonderful.

Saturday

2008-09-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

I brought my bike to school. I ride it to Chaddy's house and to class and to the Caf. Its awesome.

My new blog title

2008-09-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

I have a new blog title! Some might think its weird, but if you look closely there is something special about it...its a palindrome. I think palindromes are so cool, and this one is my favorite. Anyway, this is the formal introduction of my new title, I hope you can warmly welcome her into the blogging world :)

Things I've Made

2008-09-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

These are some of the new items for Belinda and I's apartment this year. We made this red pillow and a few others for our bedding, and the bulletin board below we made out of a big picture frame. The apartment as a whole is coming along quite well, I will try and post pictures later. Anyway, thats all for now.

The Middle East

2008-08-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

Its kind of difficult to relay to you all that happened on my trip, but overall it was an incredible cultural experience that allowed Christ to be glorified in incredible ways. I LOVED the country, people, food, and language. Every Middle Eastern culture I've been in has been one filled with incredible hospitality...but
the time it was beyond anything I've ever experienced. During my time there I befriended many locals that opened up their hearts and homes to me. So here are some faces and places that I will never forget.

Its been a long time

2008-08-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

Wow...there is so much to catch you up on! I'm not really sure where to start so I'm just going to begin with this last weekend...my mom and I went on our 2nd annual girls weekend in Palm Springs. Because our house and life is surrounded by mostly boys, we decided last year to create NBA (No Boys Allowed) weekend. We stay at our favorite spa resort in Palm Springs and enjoy a relaxing weekend that consists of laying out by the pool, watching movies, shopping, laying out by the pool and going out to dinner. Here are a few pictures from the weekend...

Hello from the Middle East

2008-08-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Internet and time for it has been limited...but all is well and our work is going very well :) The people here are extremely hospitable, kind and beautiful. The food is awesome, but the tea is even better. I have been able to talk so some amazing women from all over the Middle East. We definitely stick out here like a sore thumb...but it works to our advantage to start conversation. I am having a blast here, i love it...minus the squatty pottys :) those are getting old. On a more serious note, this is a very dark place...my heart is constantly heavy. However, I find strength and joy in His word and Him alone. Not much time to talk now, sorry its so short! Ma' Salaama!

Al-Salaamu Alaykum

2008-07-22T04:23:00.001-07:00

I am writing to say that we have arrived safely in the Middle East! I have once again fallen in love...with a Middle Eastern country :) My guess is that it is about 200 degress with about 200% humidity. The culture is vibrant and very Islamic. Last night I befriended some beautiful young married moms that are taking me and a few teammates to get henna tomorrow. Anyway, I will post more later. Not much time now.

New Hair Cut

2008-07-15T23:43:00.001-07:00

Well, I have a lot to catch up on, and more posts will be coming but I thought I should start with posting about a recent change I've made...I chopped my hair off! This is a picture with my friend Emily, and you can see it...

Happy Birthday Daddy

2008-06-27T00:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my dad's birthday. He is a man that I respect more than any other. He has taught me how to have integrity, how to work hard, and how to live a life that is Christ-like. I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished in his life. Even though he turned *cough cough* years old yesterday, he is still the biggest kid I've ever known. Here are some pictures of my family...Happy Birthday Pops :) I love you.

Things I've Made (Cont'd)

2008-06-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

This summer my friend Emily and I have taken on several furniture projects, and this little dresser is one of them. I wish I would've taken a picture before we renovated it, but I just didn't. Anyway, this is a dresser from Ikea that I've had for years and it needed a little TLC. Emily and I sanded and painted it, and then most importantly, knobbed it! We took off the old knobs and replaced them with mismatching new ones that coordinated with my room. I hope you can see them from the picture, they're really cute.

Things I've Made

2008-06-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the bedding I made for my dorm room this year. My roommate (Belinda) and I decided to put my Singer sewing machine to some use and make matching sets of bedding. After 21 hours of sewing and 3 trips to Jo-Anns, we had created 2 twin duvet covers and 14 pillows :) This summer we will make another set of bedding for our new apartment, this project will also known as: Bedding Endeavor #2.

Starbucks

2008-06-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

I have recently become employed at Starbucks. I know, I've become a sell-out to corporate coffee, but I really needed a job. I actually work at the same location as my little brother, Greyson. He is basically the cutest and friendliest barista you will ever receive a cup of coffee from. We have a lot of fun working together! We work at a drive-thru/walk-up location in H.B, where the sun always shines and the coffee is always fresh :)
This is a picture of Greyson outside our work.

Fiddler on the Roof

2008-06-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

So this is definitely a little overdue, but better late than never! This is a picture of my dear boyfriend Chad, as the star in "Fiddler on the Roof" (that's why he looks like an old man). He played the role of Tevya, and did an AMAZING job! I am so proud of him :)

Family

2008-05-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I definitely wouldn't consider myself an accomplished blogger, I'm actually quite the opposite...an amateur. However, I have learned one thing about blogging from my fellow bloggers: you really aren't an accomplished blogger unless you're posting pictures. So, here you are, dear internet and fellow bloggers, my first picture post. And by the way, this is my beautiful family (+ our dear family friend on the left, Donna Rea).

photo by Belinda Shirley aka "Roomie" :)

Go Big or Go Home!

2008-05-14T17:04:00.001-07:00

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted my out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."
Psalm 40:1-3

This verse is an incredible reminder to me of the ugliness of my sin. Christ has redeemed my life and given me a fresh start. You might be thinking that I'm sounding really cheese-ballish (yes, this is a technical, theological term) but today I have been blown away by this truth and wanted to share.

P.S.
If you're wondering how the title of this post connects with the content, no worries...it just doesn't.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

2008-05-11T19:24:00.001-07:00

My mom Roxanna is my hero. My mom is a beautiful survivor. She is a graceful, smart, nurturing, and Godly woman that has set a wonderful example, not only to me, but to many other women as well. She teaches me on a daily basis what it means to be a loving wife and an awesome mom. Not only does she manage to keep our home beautiful, but she also somehow manages to be the most beautiful 50 year old woman I know (my father agrees). Throughout her life she has not only been transparent to those around her, but she has allowed Christ to redeem her hurts, holes and habits. She has never been afraid to get dirty when it comes to helping people out of their pain and into the arms of Christ. She is in love with my father, but even more importantly, deeply in love with Christ. She is amazing, and that's why she is my hero.

It's Summer!

2008-05-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

My To-Do List for the Summer:

-drink tea & have talks with mom
-sand & paint my dresser with emily
-go to the beach
-bake cakes
-ride my bike at the beach
-enjoy chad's wonderful cooking
-get a job (blah)
-complete shadow boxes with hayley
-scrapbook (finally!)
-read...alot!
-go to breakfast with my stud little brother
-go to the Middle East
-go fishing with my dad
-paint
-go hiking

wow...i LOVE summer.

its definitely friday

2008-03-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Four days a week I work as a nanny for three wonderful kids. Though they have all tried to kill eachother at one time or another, they really are a joy to be around. And eventhough im supposed to be an adult now, I dont feel like one, so it is nice to be able to be a kid with them. We do homework, ride razor scooters, watch Spongebob, bake cookies, play alot of basketball, and I make ALOT of quesadillas. It was humbling when 10 year old Noah reminded me of Phillipians chapter 4 the other day. He said it was his favorite part of the Bible, and I decided that if he told me to read it again, then I definitely needed to. This is what I discovered:

"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no oppertunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and ever situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Phillipians 4:10-13

I fail miserably every time I attempt to handle things on my own. It is only when I get on my knees that I can survive difficulties. It is Him who gives me strength and in Him I can place my trust.

put in my place

2008-02-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was quite an unproductive day. To put in persepective the seriousness of this statement, let me just say that I wrote one "Thank You" note and I felt very accomplished. Anyway, last night I was venting to a close and precious friend of mine about a decision I have to make in the near future. This conversation included me giving her an explanation of all my thoughts concerning the conflict ive been having within myself to make this particular decision. It has really taken over my mind recently and it has seemed to be so important. As I continued talking, the voice of a third party who had been listening suddenly joined in and said, "It's ok Gab. Its really not that big of a deal in the big picture. It's gonna be alright, its just not that big of a deal". Though im pretty positive that the third party was unaware of the impact and significance of their statement, it actually hit me pretty hard. Its just not that big of a deal, im pretty sure that life will go on and that I will somehow survive :) Though I DO wish I knew what the big picture looked like, I rest knowing that I have complete trust in the One who paints it.

Any other ideas?

2008-02-03T17:24:00.000-08:00

So Ive been thinking a lot recently about the issue of abortion. Ive been thinking about the fact that I am pro-life, along with many other Christians that I know. So when I think about women who are debating having an abortion, my first response is, "Well they do have another option - they can put the child up for adoption". Actually, I would probably go as far as to say that many Christians have this same response, because it is kind of considered "the other option". However, there is an issue with the option of adoption...there aren't enough people to adopt. Especially if all the women in the world started putting their unwanted children up for adoption, as opposed to aborting them...there would definitely not be enough people to adopt.

In view of all this, the Lord has laid something on my heart. I feel quite strongly about the issue that we have today with abortion. I have seen abortion effect peoples lives in a deep and traumatic way. So i have asked God what i could ever do or say that could help prevent women from making the decision to abort. While I'm not quite sure that I have fully received an answer to this question, I do know that the Lord has laid one specific thing on my heart. Someday im going to be a supporter of "the other option"by adopting children who might of otherwise been aborted. If we as Christians are going to tell women not to abort, but to put their child up for adoption, I think we should be a supporter of those adoptions. I would hope that some would at least consider the idea. Though i am not sure who they are, im sure that others have had this same idea and have probably written something way more insightful on the subject. It just seems that there must be something we can do...any other ideas?

Weekends @ Home

2008-02-02T23:44:00.000-08:00

So i have just spent the last hour of my life creating blogs with my mom. She wanted one, needed me to show her how to create it, and finally sucked me into having one myself. So here i am. An official blog-owner.

10 Reasons to come home from college on weekends:

1. apple crisp
2. quilts from the family room
3. non-caf food
4. legal candle burning
5. my own room
6. my little brother
7. hot tea is always ready
8. a full house
9. permanent toiletries in my shower
10. mason jars for drinking glasses