tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51275987041576676932024-02-07T21:07:16.637-08:00stars and snowflakesembracing the beautyEmily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-67866189925268683542016-09-10T15:44:00.003-07:002016-09-10T15:44:42.302-07:005 years.I just read through all of my old posts. (There are a few hundred of them. At some point, apparently, I changed most of them over to drafts.) What fun to take a little glimpse back on life--as it was several years ago.<br />
<br />
So much is different now, of course. New home. New job (well... like 3 new jobs since the last post). Sweet (and crazy) little one at home, who always keeps us on our toes. <br />
<br />
And, so much is the same.<br />
<br />
It's funny how life can move on so quickly. And in some ways, 5 years feels like several lifetimes ago. And in some ways, it feels like just yesterday.<br />
<br />
<br />
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With the two loves of my life.</div>
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Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-44425084232347830252011-07-18T18:10:00.000-07:002011-07-18T18:10:09.836-07:00you may or may not know this...... but I am married.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Y0p-1gFL2pWGC4jsAlwlThEOOreGhyvyGxntO5KdKn46jclhle1PzoneK_0sGbm3DsGtdKV2QQak-CLAN4jbYkMyoclok-4c1UpiLCE1P64OprVh9GoDES8S7ahXj1z4XjcWnBB6niXJ/s1600/271167_2158059121184_1537707417_2305033_8033144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Y0p-1gFL2pWGC4jsAlwlThEOOreGhyvyGxntO5KdKn46jclhle1PzoneK_0sGbm3DsGtdKV2QQak-CLAN4jbYkMyoclok-4c1UpiLCE1P64OprVh9GoDES8S7ahXj1z4XjcWnBB6niXJ/s320/271167_2158059121184_1537707417_2305033_8033144_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes. On Saturday, July 9th, I married this guy. Bengt. The love of my life. It was a perfect day. A perfect wedding. A perfect reception. And I am loving married life. (Well, the first 9 days of it, anyways!)</div>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-77037883123347086132011-03-21T20:32:00.000-07:002011-03-21T20:32:33.989-07:00Last summer.I recently came across this list that I wrote on <a href="http://starsandsnowflakes.blogspot.com/2010/05/summer.html">May 5, 2010</a>:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">1. Host a BBQ at my house.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">2. Go to a Saints game.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">3. Take (and pass!?) all three Praxis licensure exams.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">4. Drive to Rochester to see</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://lifeandprimenumbers.blogspot.com/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">Eva</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">5. Send a personal letter to each of my friends who will be working at camp.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">6. Go to Canterbury Park.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">7. Get portfolio as complete as possible.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">8. Enjoy fellowship with friends at Twins games.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">9. Read at least one book by C.S. Lewis.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">10. Read as many</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.maudhartlovelace.org/pages/nominees.html" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">Maud Hart Lovelace</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">nominees as possible.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">11. Watch fireworks.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">12. Go camping.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">13. Leave the state of Minnesota.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">14. Go to the beach.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">15. Finish a quilt top.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">16. Become a runner.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">17. See</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://stevepluslaura.blogspot.com/" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">Steve and Laura</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">18. Go to the Quarries.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">19. Meet Mya Kaye Dannen</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">20. Write letters that are long overdue.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
I'll say that, for the most part, I was fairly unsuccessful in these goals. Time to analyze? I suppose so.<br />
<br />
1. The grill at my house was out of commission last summer. This makes it difficult to successfully host a bbq. Bengt and I are looking at getting ourselves one... so maybe this could be accomplished this summer?<br />
2. I actually went to two Saints games this summer. Success.<br />
3. Check. Check. Check.<br />
4. Shoot. I was on a roll there for a hot second. Ugh. Rochester really isn't that far away. Rochester really isn't that far away. Maybe if I keep telling myself that, my mind will listen and be up for the challenge. (See, I REALLY don't drive that long. Or far. Ever.)<br />
5. Yeah, well... I pretty much did my best to forget that camp existed. Last summer became the first summer EVER that I haven't spent at least a week there. A bit liberating, I must say.<br />
6. Aww man, no, I didn't make it there. It was free all last summer too... Dumb.<br />
7. Didn't. Even. Touch it.<br />
8. Definitely completed. Many friends. Many games. Much fellowship. Loved every minute of it.<br />
9. Nope.<br />
10. Nope.<br />
11. Yes, but not nearly enough. I saw Robbinsdale's Whiz Bang fireworks. And, is that it? It's quite possible... bummer.<br />
12. No... but it's a definite goal this summer! After we get married, Bengt can take me out and show me how it's done away from Eagle Ridge.<br />
13. I meandered into Wisconsin once or twice.<br />
14. Don't think so. Pathetic.<br />
15. That was an easy one... but I still didn't get it done.<br />
16. Hahahaha.<br />
17. Fortunately, yes. I miss them, though. (Dear SteveandLaura, Please come back to MN to see me. ThanksAMillion, Emily<br />
18. :( I am bummed that I forgot to do all this fun stuff!<br />
19. Adorable.<br />
20. Beyond overdue at this point.Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-44774790603751277012011-03-15T19:17:00.000-07:002011-03-15T19:17:24.450-07:00Springing.Spring is (almost!) here. The snow is melting. The rainstorms are coming. The sun is shining. (I've been a Minnesotan long enough to know that these things do not *actually* mean that spring is coming anytime soon... but I'm holding out hope.) And I am springing!<br />
<br />
I am springing because.... Right now, I am on Spring Break. (Of course, I was sick for the first 3 days... that's how I roll.) The plan is to get out and enjoy the sunshine as much as I can. Maybe even get a pedicure to help relieve this spring fever I've got going on. Also on the agenda: Finalizing some wedding details, finishing a few quilts, and heading out to Cokato for my fiance's Family Christmas. :)<br />
<br />
I am springing because... A month from now, my family and I will be on our way to Disney World. It's part a Christmas present, part a celebration for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary, and part a "just-for-fun" trip because my 4 year old niece is just getting to the age where she loves anything and everything princesses. It will be great (albeit a little stressful) to spend a week with my family, especially now that two out of my three siblings live out of state.<br />
<br />
I am springing because... In less than 4 months, I will be marrying my best friend. So much to say about this... But let me just say that I am So. Incredibly. Excited. to marry and spend the rest of my life with this boy. As cliche as it might sound, he is better for me than any other guy I could have ever imagined myself ending up with. I am so happy!<br />
<br />
Springing. Oh, what a joyful time of year!Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-21531528180942416192011-02-28T17:07:00.000-08:002011-02-28T18:18:40.424-08:00I am not a theologian.***<br />
<br />
In fact, despite growing up in a conservative Christian home, attending Sunday School and AWANA on a regular basis, attending and working at a Bible camp for my entire life, and graduating from an evangelical university, I have a difficult time placing myself in one camp on most theological issues. For a while, I have considered myself less of a Christian because I don't have the Biblical knowledge to take a stand anywhere on the continuum from Greg Boyd to John Piper. (And, in a sense, I suppose that might be true.)<br />
<br />
But there is a reason that I haven't found a place to anchor my feet on a theological view. Many people seem so certain in their interpretations of the scripture. Where does that certainty come from?<br />
<br />
I have been following the <i>Farewell Rob Bell</i> drama that has been unraveling on Twitter and blog posts over the past few days. What bothers me about both sides of these debates is the same thing that bothers me with every theological discussion I have ever witnessed. It's the "I'm right, You're wrong" point of view that everyone seems to take, even though they are reading the same Bible, and have the same genuine interest in interpreting it correctly.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/omeoflittlefaith/2011/02/thoughts-rob-bell.html">On a blog by Jason Boyett</a>, I read the following (Note: I do not agree with his entire blog post. However, he stated my theological frustrations well):<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The truth is this: </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">In order to be an everyone-get-saved Universalist, as Taylor claims Bell to be, you have to elevate some biblical passages and ignore (or explain away) others. Because there are definitely some passages that seem to be about eternal punishment in hell.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">But...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">In order to be a predestination-style, God-saves-the-elect reformed Christian -- like Taylor and Piper -- you have to elevate some biblical passages and ignore (or explain away) others. Because there are definitely some passages that seem to contradict predestination.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">But...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">In order to be a free-will Arminian Christian, you have to elevate some biblical passages and ignore (or explain away) others. Because there are definitely some passages that seem to confirm predestination.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
Who is to say which biblical passages should be taken as more important, more <i>correct,</i> than others? Do we pick the passages that are most comfortable? The passages that make us feel like we are on the right track? The passages that set out the path of least resistance between us and heaven?<br />
<br />
I really don't know. I'm not a Calvinist and I'm not an Arminianist. Not because I'm too lazy to spend time reading my Bible, but because I just don't know how to pick and choose. Someday, I might dig deeper, and in turn find a place to take a stance. But for now I will live out what I feel is most important.<br />
<br />
Love God. Love others. Everything else will fall into place.<br />
<br />
<br />
*** That's right, I said it. I am not a theologian. Those of you who are will inevitably disagree with me on my thoughts and/or opinions in this post. While I welcome any comments that you might have, please don't try to convert me to "your side." As Christians, we're all on the same team here.Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-57169176882417868412010-11-13T20:14:00.000-08:002010-11-13T20:14:32.401-08:00Life is so busy. But I thought I'd drop by and tell you that....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVl_OHG30HoHoIAAgillUcCja3nM-ATA7xHFfkdLFTTIRs4cWlXfs1KDq8DXfuuickH7tJkloZGK5N6bfHb_NLco86pKoPPEBhBWT5mkLySnSDNPlUXFGm0Ay7Pou_CiA-5NshkhJzg9L/s1600/P1020118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVl_OHG30HoHoIAAgillUcCja3nM-ATA7xHFfkdLFTTIRs4cWlXfs1KDq8DXfuuickH7tJkloZGK5N6bfHb_NLco86pKoPPEBhBWT5mkLySnSDNPlUXFGm0Ay7Pou_CiA-5NshkhJzg9L/s320/P1020118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
... my boyfriend proposed to me tonight...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfZHB69VIYKo3DVjn_6_v-PL9bWfppL9twx8cLonsQC_eyA5Dtmxfps8ZE-UxJxhtBGAP_nf1-4IIM_DrISCtTKcq5Cs6V6vkObWO9CqdtTeBB0RCerX_GSzRfhBqmaWixR6JcpMgeMc3/s1600/P1020123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfZHB69VIYKo3DVjn_6_v-PL9bWfppL9twx8cLonsQC_eyA5Dtmxfps8ZE-UxJxhtBGAP_nf1-4IIM_DrISCtTKcq5Cs6V6vkObWO9CqdtTeBB0RCerX_GSzRfhBqmaWixR6JcpMgeMc3/s320/P1020123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
...and I'M ENGAGED!Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-2970210497506853752010-10-11T05:18:00.000-07:002010-10-11T05:18:18.552-07:00Remember Me?Just wanted to check in and let you know: No, I didn't forget about you.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Student teaching has taken over most of my life. And, in the midst of that I'm still trying to have time for some sort of a social life and relationship with my boyfriend (!!!!).</div><div><br />
</div><div>Plus, I've been sick. First the stomach flu. Now a cold, and possibly (probably?) pink eye.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ugh... someday I'll be better about this... when I have fewer things to do, and much more time in which to do them.</div>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-87190179862838186122010-07-26T22:46:00.000-07:002010-07-26T22:49:04.294-07:00The Great Photo Scavenger Hunt<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A friend of mine is participating in </span></span><a href="http://hareton.xanga.com/730581625/the-great-photo-scavenger-hunt/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Great Photo Scavenger Hunt</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and I figured I would join in on the fun.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #101070; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Essentially, you just go out and take pictures (ie. don't use your archives) of whatever these words mean to you. When you're done, post them on your blog!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">No contest. Just fun.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is the 4th round of the game... but I figure it's better to join in late than never :)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(You can check out my friend Sara's </span><a href="http://ligsar.xanga.com/503878561/item/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">first</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span><a href="http://ligsar.xanga.com/562117608/item/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">second</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and </span><a href="http://ligsar.xanga.com/664348701/the-third/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">third</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> lists, if you would like!) </span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. arrow</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. crushed</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. duct tape</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4. hole</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5. your state</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6. money</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">7. contrast</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">8. western</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">9. nothing</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10. vending machine</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">11. missing</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12. four</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">13. old-fashioned</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">14. laundry</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">15. weapon</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">16. the letter “A”</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">17. puff</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">18. red</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">19. palm</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">20. water tower</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">21. game</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">22. wrong</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">23. ownership</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">24. label</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">25. toy</span></span></span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I started on my pictures this morning. Then I dropped my camera, and it broke. Whoops! It wasn't really that big of a bummer, though, because it just meant that I had to (got to) buy a new camera today. The new camera makes me even more excited to play the game! Stay tuned... I'll post my pictures soon!</span></span></div>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-64274728402546825002010-07-16T23:01:00.000-07:002010-07-16T23:01:09.500-07:00Busy.When school finished up for the semester, I should have started blogging more. Instead, I stopped completely. I won't try to make excuses for why this happened, but I will say that this summer has been busier than I had ever expected it to be. Good busy, fun busy... but busy, nonetheless.<br />
<br />
What have I been busy with? Oh, a little bit of everything. Working about 3 days a week at a job that I love. Catching up with friends for lunch or coffee dates. Going to Twins games. And, well, I've also kept myself busy with a few other things...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Being a Bridesmaid in my LONGEST Friend's Wedding</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb3CAe8bVm__MjLtwmpU54HKcM44WU3uRuFcb_UBSnF-jAmF0nhFyPshZ7mRx5NVmzcjc-jtHCkR0AZhaPhnPMs0BFaYUuZa6ZgHq7SwGmP_Nu4AOVNU8CKi2AEVR7zQF3nyns6EYnJT8/s1600/DSC01796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb3CAe8bVm__MjLtwmpU54HKcM44WU3uRuFcb_UBSnF-jAmF0nhFyPshZ7mRx5NVmzcjc-jtHCkR0AZhaPhnPMs0BFaYUuZa6ZgHq7SwGmP_Nu4AOVNU8CKi2AEVR7zQF3nyns6EYnJT8/s320/DSC01796.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Spending Time with my Family</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7_K2BdEN7KV1349F8kqRA3tOAiEES05zRZo6WSbOtqyMA9tQ2j1YfmClr8LVnT-TRpgCtyc3K20w1yYhpl2oAZzKE86Xl0QkWWS-o8vb9EzjnrjIKmgXD2j_cBJodrXRz5bE_Yku_VEW/s1600/P7020079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7_K2BdEN7KV1349F8kqRA3tOAiEES05zRZo6WSbOtqyMA9tQ2j1YfmClr8LVnT-TRpgCtyc3K20w1yYhpl2oAZzKE86Xl0QkWWS-o8vb9EzjnrjIKmgXD2j_cBJodrXRz5bE_Yku_VEW/s320/P7020079.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Enjoying Rare Best Friend Time</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdF5guy44r5dg9htiGU8BNLCYIj1hFdwCgc2wpEDQpK07cxwDfgOTwoyNquXoNZz3JxL4hwXfhtholjs9Ga1JB9vcMSb7wXDktqsX30belWavHn6dXdNQPC9ZxhHJ1W1XdPMoKhrnWb_z/s1600/P7050084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdF5guy44r5dg9htiGU8BNLCYIj1hFdwCgc2wpEDQpK07cxwDfgOTwoyNquXoNZz3JxL4hwXfhtholjs9Ga1JB9vcMSb7wXDktqsX30belWavHn6dXdNQPC9ZxhHJ1W1XdPMoKhrnWb_z/s320/P7050084.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hanging out with this Boy</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqThLo2_jDlcCZj01u4fXC6O7FgXkQPSrHofBcFHtTDY56vQPVM40Vi9cx6xQoL_sBr54ouA9vl-mv9GGQJq-_MpluV98SErEt7z1_FYB1RaWBKBZ2yBbgq8hWMTW5uTOXa6qkkYTdAEnS/s1600/P7050089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqThLo2_jDlcCZj01u4fXC6O7FgXkQPSrHofBcFHtTDY56vQPVM40Vi9cx6xQoL_sBr54ouA9vl-mv9GGQJq-_MpluV98SErEt7z1_FYB1RaWBKBZ2yBbgq8hWMTW5uTOXa6qkkYTdAEnS/s320/P7050089.JPG" /></a></div>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-71017924739701815132010-05-11T19:44:00.000-07:002010-05-11T19:44:37.797-07:00Baseball Games.I love Minnesota Twins baseball. I always have, and always will. As a young girl, I remember watching games with my Grandma, hearing her scream and yell whenever Kirby Puckett or Kent Hrbek made an amazing play. As a fifth grader, I remember sitting in the cheap seats in left field at the Metrodome, yelling marriage proposals at the gorgeous Marty Cordova. (At least he was gorgeous in my fifth grade mind... maybe I should take a look at pictures again sometime.) As a freshman in college, I remember watching post-season play in my college dorm, wishing and hoping and praying for the Twins to keep advancing in the playoffs.<div><br />
</div><div>And now, as a 26 year old (unreal, I know), I still love them more than ever.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Several months ago, my friend Matt and I decided to get a 20 pack of tickets to watch the Twins play this season at the beautiful Target Field. He suggested that we each buy 2 seats, so that we could bring friends along to enjoy the games. Though I was a bit hesitant to invest that amount of money into entertainment, I haven't regretted my decision since the season started.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg3ZyA89zGIYa2FyQcwiYtTiG0KMk8RvKw0PAffZ7RdvLHNdLfXdNFCVm64WTUbRQqMW88uA3wtlzOMlNBUNUvFS_eoIuMHCF7CpXkMKXDoZPhPh968dMlGP1k6TsZqNf-dxLg1RIGOMQ/s1600/DSC01612_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg3ZyA89zGIYa2FyQcwiYtTiG0KMk8RvKw0PAffZ7RdvLHNdLfXdNFCVm64WTUbRQqMW88uA3wtlzOMlNBUNUvFS_eoIuMHCF7CpXkMKXDoZPhPh968dMlGP1k6TsZqNf-dxLg1RIGOMQ/s320/DSC01612_2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have brought several different friends to the six games we have attended so far this season. Our schedule is filled at least through the end of the month with guests. It is fun to bring people to enjoy the new ballpark (which we fall in love with more each time we go), and even more fun to catch up with old friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am excited for more and more baseball over the next few months. I am excited that the Twins are off to a great start, and will hopefully keep it up for the rest of the season. And, perhaps more than anything, I am excited for the fellowship that is to come!</div></div>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-52541752125624546902010-05-05T07:32:00.000-07:002010-05-05T09:19:30.157-07:00Summer.I am just about a week away from finishing another semester of college. It is my last semester of actual classes, as all that is left is student teaching in the fall. This term is pretty much over already, actually, with only a few small assignments remaining to complete and turn in.<br />
<br />
Then, it's summer.<br />
<br />
Summer should be good to me this year. Though I'll be working some, it will most likely only be one or two days a week. So, it's looking like 3 months of play before embarking on the last 3 1/2 months of my college (well, undergraduate) career.<br />
<br />
Because simply "playing" all summer is probably unacceptable in the eyes of my friends who don't get summer vacations, I have decided to make some goals of things that I plan to (wish to...) accomplish this summer.<br />
<br />
Here is the beginning of my list... We'll see how this goes:<br />
<br />
1. Host a BBQ at my house.<br />
2. Go to a Saints game.<br />
3. Take (and pass!?) all three Praxis licensure exams.<br />
4. Drive to Rochester to see <a href="http://lifeandprimenumbers.blogspot.com/">Eva</a>.<br />
5. Send a personal letter to each of my friends who will be working at camp.<br />
6. Go to Canterbury Park.<br />
7. Get portfolio as complete as possible.<br />
8. Enjoy fellowship with friends at Twins games.<br />
9. Read at least one book by C.S. Lewis.<br />
10. Read as many <a href="http://www.maudhartlovelace.org/pages/nominees.html">Maud Hart Lovelace</a> nominees as possible.<br />
11. Watch fireworks.<br />
12. Go camping.<br />
13. Leave the state of Minnesota.<br />
14. Go to the beach.<br />
15. Finish a quilt top.<br />
16. Become a runner.<br />
17. See <a href="http://stevepluslaura.blogspot.com/">Steve and Laura</a>.<br />
18. Go to the Quarries.<br />
19. Meet Mya Kaye Dannen<br />
20. Write letters that are long overdue.Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5127598704157667693.post-50846137446647016832008-10-29T21:35:00.000-07:002023-08-26T14:51:23.747-07:00Eva.Every once in a while, or whenever my heart so leads, I am going to post about a person who brings a glimpse of beauty to my life. This person may be a part of my life currently, or it may be a person from my past whose memory brings beauty still, after many years have passed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnVTYbyFWmRS7js7lxESP-RvKVzfYFl9XnkdXoY-MT9J4ZgI-ZGaU71_EazZ0ypPo9cKN8vl-LlrnTQV7dHs7KXXzWODAnZJojuf9EJaXUXwt1ij8cXmPzpPAYWTIVA5QeRuzpK2WN7Gx/s1600-h/em+%26+eva.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262802702516942850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnVTYbyFWmRS7js7lxESP-RvKVzfYFl9XnkdXoY-MT9J4ZgI-ZGaU71_EazZ0ypPo9cKN8vl-LlrnTQV7dHs7KXXzWODAnZJojuf9EJaXUXwt1ij8cXmPzpPAYWTIVA5QeRuzpK2WN7Gx/s320/em+%26+eva.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today, this person is my beautiful friend Eva.<br /><br />I have known Eva for years. (I still laugh when I think about my first memory of her... but for her sake, we'll leave that one unspoken, for now.) After working together at camp for several years, we got to know each other pretty well. But, it wasn't until I was blessed to be part of a Bible Study with Eva that I would say we became close friends.<br /><br />She challenges me, supports me, calls me out on things, and loves me unconditionally. She brings out the best in me, when all I see in myself is the worst. She can always make me laugh, even through tears. Her passion for Christ and missions encourages me. She sends me cookies that only I would understand :) And, I can always (well, almost always) count on her special and unique birthday greeting.<br /><br /><br /><div>Thank you, Eva, for bringing beauty to my life. Thank you for letting Christ shine through you. </div>Emily Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702299467716828510noreply@blogger.com1