A New Record!

Blogging from work again....they said they are coming to fix our internet today, but we'll see.

Yesterday I hit a new record!! You see, I keep track of all the books I read in a notebook, and I've kept track since 2005. Two separate years I reached the total of 24 books, but couldn't seem to inch my way past that number. This year, my goal was to read more than 24 books. Last night I finished book #25!! WOOHOO! I am hoping to get one more in this year, but things will be pretty crazy from here on out between work, college preparations and Bible Institute. Any suggestions for my next book?

Whidbey Weather

The weather has been quite interesting these past couple of days. It's been rainy and bleak, but that's pretty normal for this time of year on Whidbey. The wind, however, has been intense! Monday night, my family and I were heading back into town from doing some shopping and noticed that Southern Oak Harbor was blacked out. Well, if they are out of power out in town, then we are most likely out of power, I thought. Sure enough, our street was completely dark.

One aspect of a power outage that is fun (probably the only thing) is that you can light a bunch of candles! My room smelt heavenly. :-) I gathered several onto my nightstand and read by candle light. Now I can assure that if we had internet that would not have been happening, but it was kind of nice to do something different for a change. I went to bed early that night, but woke up in the middle of the night to a huge popping sound and lights outside my window. I peeked out my blinds and saw a transformer down at the church blowing. GREAT! I thought. My mom and I ventured down to the church to make sure there wasn't a fire, and that was my adventure for the night. :-) Because of the transformer blowing we still didn't have power the next morning. It came on around noon. However, still no internet. I am blogging from work before I start my shift. It is even more windy today than it was Monday night so who knows what will happen. It's definitely a blustery day on Whidbey!

Another 7-Eleven Coffee

Yes, as I type this I am sipping a Pumpkin Spiced Latte from 7-Eleven. As you may have guessed, I now go in there with a purpose. :-) As much as I love the lattes, it's only an excuse to talk to Michelle. Last Monday I went in and didn't see her. After inquiring, I learned that the man was filling in for her. I was a bit dissapointed, but planned to go the next Monday. That would be today! I ran my usual errands, looking forward to my stop at 7-Eleven. I had the first study out of the E-life studies and a John & Romans all set to go.

As I was getting my coffee, Michelle came up to greet me. A good sign! I thought. I told her about the Bible study and asked her if she would be interested in doing one. She said, "Well my schedule here is really weird and busy so I don't know...." I assured her quickly that she could still do it! We could get together sometime over coffee or I could give it to her and she could do it whenever she gets some time. She brightened at that idea! I approached the counter and paid for my coffee, but didn't say anything else about the Bible Study yet. As I finished she said,"So you can just bring that Bible Study in to me." She seemed really excited and eager to have it! So I ran out to my car and brought it inside. I told her that this was only the first of many studies and she said, "Oh well write your phone number on the first page!" I made sure she knew that she could call me anytime if she had questions or just wanted to discuss it. I am so pleased to see that she is open to hearing more about the gospel. Please continue to pray for her.

This coffee just tastes better and better each time! :-)

A Passing of the Torch

My pink laptop has starting showing its age. I don't mean wrinkles or gray hair, but random shutdowns and the terrible "blue screen". My brother, the computer tech, called it "toasted breakfast". :-) Because I am starting school, I decided that a dependable computer was a must. So through some research and much advice from all my techy friends, I went with an HP. Shocking!! Howers seem to migrate towards Dell, which I love! But it isn't always the brand that matters. I opted for a smaller size due to easier transportation, and I actually really like it! All in all, I am satisfied with my purchase and content that I won't have to scramble for a computer in the middle of a class.

Notice the considerable difference in size....

I'm So Thankful (Part 2)

*~ I'm so thankful for the good education I received in Highschool. (A Beka DVD homeschool for credit) While math never was my favorite, it's starting to come back to me! I'm preparing to start college classes for the Winter quarter and all this testing is forcing me to brush up on my Algebra. Even though it hasn't been a very "fun" thing, I am glad that I was forced to learn it well at one point because it's making my life a lot easier right now.

*~ Music.....a passion of my life. :-) While I have been very busy lately and not able to really get to the piano as much as I would like, I am SO glad to see the church orchestra growing! We now have four flutes (including me), a violin and two guitars! And a few up-and-coming musicians. :o) Music is something I can't imagine my life without. The Lord has given me the ability to praise him through the song of my fingers, and that is something I will never EVER be ungrateful for. My prayer is to enstill that in others. It was such a blessing last night to be able to play an offertory duet with one my students, a seven year old who has been playing for less than a year. I'm excited to see how the Lord uses her growing talent in the years to come.

*~Our military. Today is Veteran's Day and it is extra special to me since my Dad is a veteran. In fact, he's over there serving right now! I will forever be grateful to every person who has given their life for the sake of this country. I speak not only of those who have died, but of those who have made many sacrifices to ensure that our country and its freedom is protected.

*~I'm very grateful for the Lord's provision and how He teaches us faith. This last month was Missions Month and that involves a renewal of Faith Promise. I knew the Lord wanted me to increase my amount, but it was definitely a test of my faith because I know that I will be unemployed over the next year due to full time school schedule. After much prayer, I went with the amount the Lord laid on my heart. A few days later my mom informed me that the stipend I'll be receiving while going to school is much more than I expected! Not only will this allow me to freely give the amount I promised, but it will allow me to give even more! Praise the Lord!

Didn't intend to write paragraphs for each, but hey....this is me! :-)

I'm So Thankful For...

Ok....so it's been November for over a week now. I still can't believe it. 15 days until Thanksgiving! So, as I count down the days, I will share things I am thankful for. I don't know if 15 days is enough to cover it all!

- Good health. Haven't been feeling too well these past couple of days but I am up and perky now! :-)
- A wonderful church! The Lord has blessed me so much in allowing me to be part of a church that preaches the pure Word of God. I have grown so much since we've been here!
- Bible Training Institute (this kind of goes with the last one). So many times I have found myself in conversation with someone and have been able to answer questions, thanks to the thorough teaching of the Bible Training Institute at BBC.
-My family. We love to tease (a Hower trait) but also know how to love.
- My dog. Ok so he's not MY dog, but he's definitely a pal. Yesterday when I was sick he just snuggled with me all day. So cute!

Those are a few for now....till tomorrow.

Coffee and Witnessing

Getting coffee at 7-Eleven to people in this part of the country seems just plain weird. Why go for the cheap stuff when you could get Whidbey Coffee or Starbucks? You see, I have this thing for their Pumpkin Spiced Latte. YUM! Not to mention, the Lord has opened doors for me in that place!

About a month ago, I found myself craving a Pumpkin Spiced latte at 7-Eleven. Nothing abnormal. I look forward to the season where I can get it. This day was special. Pastor Sargent had been preaching a series on Soul Winning. He encouraged us each to pray for a person to witness to, and the Lord WILL give us a soul if we ask Him. That day I was very conscious of opportunities and seeking them. So I got my coffee and made my way to the counter. Now, if you give out tracts even every once and a while, you know that most people say "No Thank you" and reject the tract. That's just a fact of soul winning, something we have to be prepared for. That had been happening to me a lot, so as I approached the counter I prayed that this lady would accept the tract. After I paid, I handed her the tract and asked her to read it because it's something that has really changed my life. She looked me in the eyes and said a meaningful "thank you". I went away from there rejoicing because I could see something in her eyes that I didn't see in most people I give tracts to. She's been on my mind quite a bit since then.

Today, as I was getting gas at 7-Eleven I got that craving for a Pumpkin Spiced Latte (yes they still have it!). So I went inside, got my coffee, and went to pay. I looked at the lady behind the counter and thought "Is that her? I'm not entirely sure. But if I offer her a tract she'll tell me if I've already given her one." She did just that. Immediately I knew that it was her. So, I asked her if she read the tract. She said yes she had, and had even passed it on to someone else that needed it. She then began to cry and say that she has been going through a really hard time, a time where she just can't trust anyone. I told her that we cannot put our trust completely in men because they will let us down, but that the Lord is someone who will never let us down. Through the conversation she shared some of her burdens. I told her that the reason I wanted to share the tract with her and to speak with her was because I wanted her to experience the same peace that I have. She said, "What is that experience? I have never had that. In fact, I haven't had peace in SO long." By that time customers were making their way in and I knew the conversation was over for the time. I introduced myself, and she introduced herself as Michelle. Please pray for her. I plan to go back next Monday and invite her to the Ladies Bible Fellowship.
I would like to even do the e-life studies with her at some point if she wants to.

So if you ever get the urge to get some cheap coffee, go for it! You never know what doors the Lord will open. :-)