A Favorite Hymn

The Love of God

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

His hope is my anchor

Going into the New Year, I do have several resolutions. It's not easy to not look back though. 2008 truly was a great year. I found a love for healthy living and clean foods, graduated from high school, began my adventure at Messiah College, and met some inspiring people who have challenged me to be a much better, more loving person. I have decided not to have regrets about 2008. Even though I didn't accomplish everything I hoped to, I'm not discouraged. Every day is a new day. I want to give each day a gift.

Some guidelines for 2009:
1. A deeper relationship with my Lord
2. Complain less
3. Straight A's
4.Washboard abs (hah)
5. Active and healthy living
6. Seek adventure
7. More arts and crafts
8. Be a servant; look for ways to serve others
9. Read more
10. Enjoy nature more

We're not bored anymore...

Today's Saturday morning went as usual. We all woke up, ate breakfast, stayed in our pajamas, wandered around, desperate for something to do. After watching some I Love Lucy, I resorted to plummeting on the carpet upstairs beside Bonnie. Boredom had really struck when I decided "playing jail" would be our best option for fun. A couple minutes later, I heard Hyun Tae, our Korean exchange student, yell, "ANNIE, ANNIE! WE HAVE A PROBLEM." He came running upstairs, eyes wide, letting me know that there was "water everywhere." Due to faulty plumbing, our toilet has overflowed countless times. Our family is used to this happening. When we see the water rising, we know to turn the knob to shut the water off. Well, Hyun Tae was not informed of the procedure. Bonnie and I ran downstairs, told Hyun Tae how to shut off the water, and soaked up the leakage with towels and the wet-vac. So much for being bored. And so, Saturday morning adventures continue...

Starting Right

Today's breakfast:
Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal
-tossed with dried cranberries, pecans, and sliced apples
Orange Juice
Green Grapes
:o)

One Track Mind

can a thought not be
simply that?
Passion spurs
the oddest things

Cycle

Wet Velvet

Dark waves bend the sky
Your words move in accordance
We're in a tree house

Angelina lips.

Next Friday, I will attend my first formal event: Messiah's Winter Formal. I'm actually proud to say that I never indulged in such the privilege in high school. My sister Kara's ruby red prom dress from 2003 will be my attire. Enchanté.

I did get into the classes I wanted for Spring and J-Term. I am so excited to take "Encountering the Bible" with my favorite Elizabeth Arnold. I am also taking "Creative and Expressive Movement" during J-Term with Sarah and Miriam.

We are "decking the halls" this week. Naugle 3B is "Christmas Around the World." We pillowed our ceiling yesterday for the Moroccan feel. Sarah and I are going to make windows and a fireplace in Climenhaga now. Wish us tidings of comfort and joy!