When Parts Become A Whole

The following is written by Rachel Young and Ryan Warnholtz. *Disclaimer* grammer, spelling, punctuation, are not correct, so just bear with us.


When Parts Become A Whole: a tale of valor, trial, and love
In a land beyondth this one there was a fairth maiden who nameth was Lady Rachel. The following begins with letters written between her and Sir Ryan, both faithful followers of the True High King. While Lady Rachel was serving her King she befalls in to the merciless hands of Lord Picklebottom. We find at the beginning or our story her first letter to the brave knight.

Dearest Sir Ryan,
I haveth one lastest journey to maketh. Taketh out the burden of rotted, solied items and throw them into the pit of the stinking stench of death. I fearth that the lions and giants will not let me returnth, for they may capture me and taketh me to Lord Picklebottoms. Who is master over all evil creatures. Thou mayest be my lastest chance to surviveth Sir Ryan.
 Faithful servant of the True High King,
Lady Rachel

Fair Lady Rachel,
Oh dear, this is far worse than even I, the great Sir Ryan could have imagined. I must go fuel up for this journey, to the kitchen! (I've been summoned for eggs and oatmeal).
 Knight of the High King,
Sir Ryan

Dearest Sir Ryan, knight of the True High King,
I haveth beenest captured by Lord Picklebottom's creatures. He hast placed me in the dungeon and charged me with the task of scraping sheet rock off boxes and washing all his sliver and gold. I am keepth under guard by the most terrible beast imaginable. The beast of Utter Despair. I workth night and day with no sleep, or rest, or food. My tears are many. The days seem endless and my heart is failing. This is truly my last farewell. I still clingth to the hopeth that maybeth you may reachth my in time. Alas, it may all beth in vain.
Faithful servant of the True High King,
Lady Rachel

Fair Maiden,
I have returned, with the breakfast of champions! Fear not fair maiden Lady Rachel, for I have mounted my trusty steed and boundeth for the dungeons of the dreaded Lord Picklebottom! I shall not rest until  I reach thee, not eat before I rescue thee! I cometh, with my sword raised high, and shall pierce the hearts of all of the beasts that surroundeth you! Keep hope Lady Rachel, for I am on my way,
Faithful servant of the True High King,
Sir Ryan

Sir Ryan,
My heart has a ray of hope! I will hold strongly to thouest promise that thee will rescue me! Each day still dragth on. Lord Picklebottom has commanded that I be wed to him in a fortnight. I am not distressed for i know that thou will reachest me in time.
Faithful servant of the True High King,
Lady Rachel

Dearest Lady Rachel,
For I am but a breath away, yet you doth not see me... for I ninjaeth amongst these beasts. My trusty steed was not so trusteth, and so I doth taketh an airplane. A magnificent beast that doth soar above the clouds with the greatest of ease! The next time that thou dost hear from me it shall be face to face, for I cometh ever so soon!
Faithful servant of the True High King,
Sir Ryan

*Lots of roaring from hugeeeee beasts! The sound of hearts being pierced, the yells of an injured Knight*

*A hobbling knight enters into your midst!*

Lady Rachel,
For it is I, Sir Ryan. I have cometh to rescue you from this place. But what is this? You have disappeared! Oh no, can it be that I am too late?

Dearest Sir Ryan,
Lord Picklebottm intercepted my last letter so he learned of thou mission to rescue me. He took me awayth to his secret castle and has me locked in the highest tower. My heart the was rejoicing of thou rescuing me is now full of despair. For, alas, Lord Picklebottom has made today the day I weddest him. I write in great haste for his servant soonest come to take me away to my doom. I'm dress in the most beautiful and whitest dress, but the irony of it, I can not bear this. I shall throw myself from the tower before I wed Lord Picklebottom. I fear that there is no way thee can rescue me for only the servants of Lord Picklebottom know of this secret castle. My tears are many and my heart aches for rescue. You must find th True High King and plea with Him to reveal where I am. That is my last request Knight Warnholtz. But you must make haste! Alas! I hear the trod of footsteps in the stairwell!
Servant of the True High King,
Lady Rachel

****In haste, Sir Ryan scours the prison for any hidden clues, secrets that might revealeth this secret location. In Lord Picklebottoms chamber a secret passage is found due to a strange wind that bleweth through the room. Clearly the powers that be wished for this to happen. Sir Ryan crawleth through the passage on his hands and knees until they becometh raw. The pain of the injuries from his victorious battle stinging and the rawness of his knees and hands exuding pain - he began to loseth hope for the fair maiden, Lady Rachel.

However when he thoughteth that all was o'er he saw a light shine through the tunnel, and he saweth that the end was near! He goteth out of the tunnel in the stables of this hidden abode - now to findeth that tower. Ah! There it is, the tower being the biggest he had ever seen! What doth he haveth for options? And then he heard it - the roar of a dragon! With that roar of the dragon, a thought runeth across the mind of Sir Ryan, a thought only knights in desperation would ever consider... but it had to be done, for the fair lady Rachel's life dependeth on it! Full of haste Sir Ryan sprinted to the dragon and after narrowly avoiding death by fire (and losing an eyebrow) he mounted the beast and directed it towards the tower!

Lady Rachel  sent the letter to Sir Ryan in a last act of hope. Alas she heard the approaching footsteps of those who would take her to her doom. She would neverst be weddest to the evil Lord Picklebottom. She threw the bar back from the door that led out to the tower balcony. Stepping carefully onto the railing she paused looking down at the deep water of the moat seeming miles down. If she survived the jump she would still have the crocs to defeat. Breathing deeply she closed her eyes feeling the wind tug at her long hair and play at the white hem of her dress, she was about to step a foot over when the wind change from a peaceful breeze to a raging gust. Opening her eye see sawth Sir Ryan approaching on the back of the dragon of Utter Despair. Just then her captor entered the tower. Her heart gave way as she fell forward. Lord Picklebottom caught her, then called out all his evil servant creatures to finish off Sir Ryan. Flocking around him they pressed in to bring him to his death.

Sir Ryan jumped from the back of the dragon and plunged into the black water of the moat. Lady Rachel awoke just at the moment to see him disappear in the depths. With every onuce of strengh she had left she rung herself from the grasp of her captor and flung herself over the balcony, and submerged beneath the deadly waves of the moat.

After emerging from the cold dark depths of the moat, Sir Ryan heardeth a loud splash behind him. Seeing the alligators on the land nearing the water, Sir Ryan decided to act fast! He doveth into the dark icy depths yet again, in despair that the person in the moat was indeed Lady Rachel, and that she was indeed okay! With a huge breath, Sir Ryan doveth into the depths in search of the fair maiden. Lady Rachel's wedding dress was so white, that it shone even in the darkest of depths, leading Sir Ryan right to her! Lord Picklebottom was an evil man, but without knowing it, he had savethed her life.

Sir Ryan scooped up Lady Rachel and emerged in the presence of burning arrows flying down from the tower! Oh no, they hath archers! Without thinking, Sir Ryan whistled to his new found steed, and the dragon descended with great speed towards Lady Rachel, and Sir Ryan.

Sir Ryan threw Lady Rachel who had not yet revived over the back of his noble steed, then turn to face the dragon, Utter Despair. Taking his sword up in hand with fiery arrows flying past inches of his life. He lunged the sword with all his strengh at the direction of Utter Despair who was diving towards him. The sword found rest in the chest of the huge beast. He plummenth down at such amazing speed Sir Ryan had to jumpth to safetl narrowly being missed by Utter Despair tail. With the beast dead the rest of the evil creatures coward back into the forest and a horrendous screech was heard above Sir Ryan. Lord Picklebottom full of rage swore that he would get his revenge and Lady Rachel would be his. Sir Ryan mounted his noble steed and raced off into the forest holding onto Lady Rachel limp body. They rode at a great pace though the darkest night. A faint glow of torches trailing behind. It was Lord Picklebottom and his army of evil creatures, gaining, gaining. Sir Ryan's noble steed was fainting and Lady Rachel was still unresponsive. Sir Ryan's hope was faltering, but he still press on and on. Deeper through the forest. His heart cried out for help any help.

Galloping faster than ever having to gallop before, Sir Ryans steed stopped suddenly, throwing Sir Ryan and Lady Rachel at the distance of 10 feet. After checking to see if Lady Rachel was okayeth quickly, Sir Ryan went to retrieve his steed. Suddenly the ground crumbled beneath him and he quickly took hold of the end of the cliff he had not seen in the utter darkness of the woods! Hearing screams, footsteps and branches cracking, Sir Ryan pulled himself up. What had just happened? Had this been the reason his trusty steed had stopped so suddenly? If it was, then Lord Picklebottom would possibly plunge to his death if the same thing was to arise! Could this be the only way out for Sir Ryan and Lady Rachel?!

No steed, and Lady Rachel unconcious... was this the end?

Quickly Sir Ryan picked up Lady Rachel and headed into the woods by on foot. It was not the speed of a trusty steed, but he was going to doeth everything within his power to make sure Lady Rachel was to reach safety!

Awakening in and out of conciousness, Lady Rachel was unawareth of the goings on, and the danger her lifeth was in. She suddenly was fully awakened by a constanth jostling and open her eyes to seeth the face of Sir Ryan focused intensly ahead and running at a great pace. Her heart warmed with in her and all the fearth melted away, for she felt safe in the arms of her rescuer. Behind them cameth a great sound of death, for all of Lord Picklebottoms army plummenth down to their doom over the cliff the Sir Ryan's steed had encounterth. Soon the wailngs of the lone Lord Picklebottom were far in the distance and the danger seemth to fade away. Stopping at the top of a mountin range Sir Ryan looked down at Lady Rachel to see she was still unresponsive. He did not know she had awakened beforeth, now she was just asleep from the exhaustion of the last fortnight. Fear grew in his heart. He had saved her from Lord Picklebottom, but had he saved her from her death?

Fainth pink and orange light streaked across the blackth canvas of the night sky. Dawn was coming. Sir Ryan placeth Lady Rachel on a soft patch pf grass and stood up surveying his surroundings. Something seemed familiar. As the sun peaked the first mountian top Sir Ryan recongnizeth that he was in the True King's territory. HOw he had managed to get there he hadth no inkling as to how, but his heart filled with hope once more and he scooped Lady Rachel up and began the acsenth down to the valley where the True King abideth.

Sir Ryan was exhausted, but with one look at the Lady Rachel and one look at where he was, he suddenly felteth like a new man. He was not sure where the new found energy had cometh from but he did not considereth for a moment to pondereth it! He had to rescue the fair Lady! So not a moment longer, Sir Ryan picked up Lady Rachel in his arms and began the trek to the great castle of the True King! It was not that far away, but the path was treacherous, and the mountains steep! Thankfully they had cleared the dark woods, and were safe from the treacherous monsters!

Nearing the peak of the mountain where the True Kings castle layed, Sir Ryan heardeth a louddddd screech from behind he and Lady Rachel! In turning around Sir Ryan to his disbelief saweth Lord Picklebottom riding in with great speed on the back of the biggest dragon he had every layed his eyes on. Quickly Sir Ryan found a safe place for the fair Lady Rachel in a cave, and prepared himself for one last battle. Lord Picklebottom was about to breatheth his last breath, and would no longer wreak havoc on this world!

The dragon Lord Picklebottom rode was the mother of Utter Despair, Fiery Death, and Sir Ryan knew that if he could just get the gold pendant around her neck he would be her new master instead of Lord Picklebottom. This would not be and eay task. For at any moment Fiery Death could blast him into charcoal with on puff. They were bearing down on him and with get hasth Sir Ryan leap into a crevice and squeezeth him self against the jagged rocks. Unseen by the peril that was bearing down on him. At the instant Fiery Death flew by Sir Ryan jumped out a caught hold of the gold chain with the pendant on it. He held on for dear life and tunged with all he was worth at the clasp. it broke free and he fell to the rocky ground.

Lady Rachel awoke in the dark and coldness of the cave all alone. Fearful once again she heard a horrenous roar out the cave entrance. She reached the mouth of the cave in time to see Sir Ryan fall to the ground with the gold pendant. Fiery Death screech to a halt flinging Lord Picklebottom to the edge of a cliff. Lord Picklebottom stood up at the edge and commanded Fiery Death to get him and finish of Sir Ryan. But Fiery Death was no longer his prisioner for when Sir Ryan had take the chain, it had freed her. Before Lord Picklebottom could spit out anouther word of hate he was ashes in the breeze. feiry Death then ascended down and landed where her new master lay unmoving on the rocky terrian.

The True King shielded His eyes against the glint of the sun on the horizon. It had been days since word of Sir Ryan had been heard from. But He knew what was to be for He was, after all, the True King. Then appearing in the distance was a figure of a large dragon. After awhile He could see on the back was Sir Ryan and the fair Lady Rachel.

When they had reached the True King's castle the townspeople were at first terrified, but their fearful hearts and cries soon turn to great noises of celebration, seeing the Knight and the Lady. The two were both in pretty bad shape, but no longer controlled by the fear of the Lord Picklebottom. They were full of joy. They came before the King and He looked at both fondly. He spoke of the great courageious bravery of Sir Ryan, who would have given his life for Lady Rachel...His Daughter! Sir Ryan had no ideath of this and looked greatly surprised. The King chuckled as Lady Rachel kissed Sir Ryan's red cheek. Then he proclaimed thoughout the nation that His daughter was to wed the noble Sir Ryan. And so is was. And they lived... happily ever after, raising a family filled with little Knights and fair ladies. Sir Ryan made sure to teach his little Knights to watch over the fair ladies, and to scare any interested parties away until the age of 18!

And that dost concludeth the tale of the brave Knight Sir Ryan, and his Fair Lady, Lady Rachel.****

THE END!

Remaining in Christ

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:7-11

Abiding with Christ we are given the character of Christ. Trust the promise that by abiding we will bear beautiful fruit. The characteristics of remaining and abiding in Christ are obedience, prayer, glorifying God, assurance of God's love and joy.

I'm only going to touch on a few. First off, We LOVE him we have a supernatural desire to OBEY. With JOY! :) Joy in the midst of difficult situations is the mark of a Christian. And true joy is granted be the Holy Spirit. You know, happiness is self-seeking. So Lord, may I be filled with joy in everything!

Finally (this is so good, I love it!) "When we remain in Christ and His words remain in us, we begin to experience His thoughts and words filling even our subconscious thoughts and deepest emotions." WOW!!! This really made me think and reflect. I desire an even deeper and intimate relationship with Jesus! I would rather have HIM fill my subconscious and deepest emotions instead of the passions and lusts of this world which is what's mostly there now because of my sinful nature.
I posted this story on my blog awhile ago, but learning about this brought it to my mind again...here's the link to that past  post on my blog...this is Mabel's Story...http://beauty-quietdignity.blogspot.com/2007/11/thinking-about-my-jesus.html

Everafter Wisdom

---

Henry: Do you really think there is only one perfect mate?
Leonardo da Vinci: As a matter of fact, I do.
Henry: Well then how can you be certain to find them? And if you do find them, are they really the one for you or do you only think they are? And what happens if the person you're supposed to be with never appears, or, or she does, but you're too distracted to notice?
Leonardo da Vinci: You learn to pay attention.
Henry: Then let's say God puts two people on Earth and they are lucky enough to find one another. But one of them gets hit by lightning. Well then what? Is that it? Or, perchance, you meet someone new and marry all over again. Is that the lady you're supposed to be with or was it the first? And if so, when the two of them were walking side by side were they both the one for you and you just happened to meet the first one first or, was the second one supposed to be first? And is everything just chance or are some things meant to be?

My thoughts:  Do I believe that there is only two people that are right for each other? It seems nice to think that way, for once someone gets married I'm sure they think that they had found the perfect one. But what about deaths....and in this day and age, divorces? Does God really create two people who are perfect for eachother? If so, then what happens if you marry the wrong person?
When I was younger I grew up always thinking that there was only the one perfect guy for me and it was just a matter of time until God brought us together, and until then I was to strive to glorify Christ with my single years until I met my prince charming. Now my thinking has changed. Of the few relationships I've been in only the recent one seemed to be flatter my mind that I had found the ONE! Doubts that kept coming up I just keep pushing aside...until finally within the span of a week God really made it startlingly clear to me that he wasn't the ONE. My mindset has changed now and I'm now at a point where...of undecided. Haha, sorry to not  answer directly. It seems nice to think that the is one right person out there for everybody, but some people think the opposite, that there isn't a right person out there, just have to find someone who you can't live without. So I don't know what to think and I fell like I'm rambling on. I do, but I don't think that there is only one perfect mate.
But what I do know is what is essential for the guy I marry to have:

• a man of God striving to glorify and magnify Christ in all things
• a man who challenges me in my faith and encourages me
• a man who cherishes and adores me
• a man who I respect
• a man who's values and convictions align closely to mine (for example: a heart for mission work and Reliv)

And then not so essential, but nice to have:

• sweet guitar playing skills
• can go from country boy to finer things in one day
• likes concerts and art museums 
• likes to travel
• experience in hiking/camping/backpacking
• likes dancing

So...thats all I got for now!

Like the beat of a song, and eet is just not quite right, like most things are when we try to remember them after we've forgotten them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMEpaVL_WsU

This song basically sums up the way I'm feeling about my life the last year and a half in so many ways...

(the following is someones elses interpretation of the song meaning, and it fits)
When you lose something or someone dear to you, it's confusing and painful....

- It's like forgetting the words to your favorite song.
- You can't believe it; you were always singing along.
- It was so easy and the words so sweet.
- You can't remember; you try to feel the beat.

"I found, is closest to the disbelief, the "I can't believe this is happening" feeling. And the last line 'You can't remember, you try to feel the beat' is trying to regain what you lost."

- You spend half of your life trying to fall behind.
- You're using your headphones to drown out your mind.
- It was so easy and the words so sweet.
- You can't remember; you try to move your feet

"The first line regards all the energy and the time spent trying to regain what you've lost, "falling behind" is like going back to when things were well, when you remembered the words to your favorite song. The next line, is about escaping your sorrow and your pain. And the next 2 lines are about trying to regain what you've lost by doing something familiar associated with it (in this example, that would be moving your feet like you did while singing your favorite song)."
.

Have a cup of coffee, say you went to church...

This is something that I was going to blog about awhile ago, but didn't. After church yesterday and hearing Pastor Josh go over the foundations of our church, thought I'd write my thoughts out. I went to a church with my Grandma and Aunt in MN last fall. I think it was non-denominational, but anyways walking in to the church was interesting. Now I'm not judging in any way, but when I walked in the first thing that came to mind was that this didn't feel like a church at all. I looked around and I see a coffee shop and tables surrounding. They had a lounge area where people were relaxing on couches and there was a big screen TV in the wall that had the video of the worship and service. People didn't even have to go into the sanctuary! When we got into the sanctuary apparently had missed the memo that it was jersey day so practically everyone was wearing a sport jersey of the favorite team. The worship felt like we were at a rock concert and should be screaming at the musicians and have all focus on them instead of worshiping God. I don't remember much else, but just left with an impression that Josh's words brought back to my mind again.
Just how churches are trying to come up with all these great programs and activities and ideas to get people and kids interested in coming to church. But really that is not what the church should be...the church should be sending people out to share the gospel. Basically working on the inside to send the gospel out that would bring people into the church. Church is about fellowship with the body of Christ and encouraging fellow believers. Preaching of the gospel and to share that with sinners. Anyhow, Josh said it a better way and this is my lame attempt. But really, I think there should be more to just going to have a cup of coffee and saying you went to church.

Be the change you wish to see in the world

I reflect back on the last week and half and how each day I have felt different emotions. A comforting peace and sure of my decision and then the next day my heart physically hurts like it is breaking into a million pieces. I am confident in the choice I have made, but I do need to reassure myself that this is the path God wants me to take.
After breaking it off with Daniel God has been working in my heart and stirring up Africa again…I so long to be there at this moment maybe just to get away from all this hurting, but God has His timing and I fully trust Him to get me there when it’s time. I have been pushing on a few doors though with no avail.

The last year and a half has been quite a journey…it started when I went to South Dakota in September 2008 to take care of grandma and grandpa. I think because it was the first time I was actually away from my parents is why the journey began. Reflecting back on everything brings a rush of so many memories and emotions its hard to grasp them all. The pain and the happiness. I think the biggest thing was how my spiritual journey was effected…

I think the lack of fellowship, my poor choices, and experience while I was away from home impacted me more then I thought. So much in that I came to a state where I couldn’t feel the closeness of my Savior. Sure when I went to a bible study or church and worshiped I would on occasion, but my personal spirituality was severely lacking. I couldn’t pray. I couldn’t read the Bible. I felt stuck, I was stuck. And don’t get me wrong I tried to do these things. What it came down to was a sin in my life I wasn’t viewing with the hated we as believers should have towards sin, that among the other things. When I got home from my second trip to SD this past Christmas, I was back in my beloved church where the Holy Spirit is clearly working, attending BSF where we are studying the book of John, and going back to the college study I’ve been in. Being convicted to confess my sin before the throne of grace and repenting I felt restored, it is still a working progress though.

The thing that really spoke to me were the chapters in the book of John BSF was doing at the time I came back.

From John chapter 9: Many time God gives us suffering in our lives in order to awaken our spirits.

From John chapter 10: Talks about Jesus being the Good Shepherd and how once we are His sheep no one can snatch us from out of His hand. He is holding onto me. I am secure in Him.

So during the time I felt I was so far from Christ…He was still holding onto me, not giving up, just patiently loving His child.

Another verse that keep coming up in my readings and lectures I attend was Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.” That is where God started speaking to me…just to be still and once I did He showed be the above truths reassuring me.

He never let’s go! Through the calm and through the storm, HE NEVER LETS GO OF ME!


Now where am I…? God has told me to go to Africa to be a part of getting Reliv over there. I found a ring at the dept store last week. It is a simple silver band with a twist in it and the words engraved on it are “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I wear it now to remind me of this calling and how may not be able to change the world, but I can be that change.

The Only Thing That's Beautful In Me

Just like the oceans
You crash on me

Just like a tidal wave
You ruin me

Just like a hurricane
You devastate everything that needs to change

You are the only thing that's beautiful in me
Beautiful in me
You are the only thing that's beautiful in me
Beautiful in me

Just like a mountain peak
You lift me up

Just like a desert stream
You fill my cup

And like a heart that beats
You are the blood that covers me
You cover me

You are the only thing that's beautiful in me
Beautiful in me
You are the only thing that's beautiful in me
Beautiful in me

And all I can say is thank You,
Lord,
Thank You.


By: Rush of Fools

Praying for a family in N.C. I never met or even know, but they are my family in Christ

" . . . is so thankful I serve a Sovereign God who holds life and death in His hands."
That is a really good truth I thought to myself as I was scrolling through my friends status' on facebook. I "LIKE" and clicked. It was cool cause I was recently being reminded in biblestudy of God's Sovereignty.

15 minutes later the same friends changed her status again...

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.'" John 11:25-26 In the eyes of the world Aimee died today...but really she just started to live...all of eternity with the Savior she loved.

Hmm, I wonder who Aimee is. I had a lingering thought in my head if she was my friend's Grandmother or something. Out of curiousity I just searched her friends and the name Aimee Powell came up, but I couldn't see anything on her profile cause I wasn't friends. So I went to Allison Powell's profile and her wall was open. I scrolled down countless post from people who said they were praying for her and her sister and I was like oh my goodness what happened. Then I read Allison's status:

"Our sweet Aimee is finally finding all the rest she needs with her Savior. I feel blessed to have been close by and to hold her hand. Thank you for all your support. I'm being so well taken care of by family and friends. Prayers are still much appreciated as my family flies in and we have a lot to do in the coming days."

Just 10 hours before her status read:

"Allison Powell still somehow knows that God's in control, but we really need a miracle. Pray for my sister. She was in a car wreck and it will take a miracle"

My heart went out to her and her family. Oh my goodness. Then I found the news article and I was crying. Aimee was 25 years old, a fourth grade school teacher. I hurt for her family.

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/22302342/detail.html

But then I read the facebook status' again. Aimee was in her Savior's arms! And her family would see her again! I sent Allison a message telling her I was praying. I don't even know her she is just a mutal friend on facebook, but she is a fellow believer and my sister in Christ.

It is still hard to think about though. How fleeting is this life! She was just on her way to work, probably expecting a regular day maybe getting excited that tomorrow would be friday and then the weekend. She was 25. As far as I could tell she wasn't married. But her life here on earth ended, just like that!

But as my friend on facebook said, she just started living the life of eternity on the arms of the Savior she loved.
I went back to my friend's status and clicked "LIKE"

Please pray for the Powell Family, that they may be comforted in their grief and encouraged that Aimee is at rest with the Savior.

South Dakota Again...

I today is a week and a half since I've been in South Dakota. And Day 7 of nannying. I left on Monday September 28 (Mine and Daniel 6 month anniversary of being together!!!!) I stopped in Bozeman, MT for the night. Met up with some Reliv friends. Went on a short hike then went to The Barn for some country dancing. It was very fun. Had some great conversations!
Daniel knew I had a surprise for him for our anniversary, but had no idea what it was. I just told him he had to do what I said no questions asked. Tuesday was the longest day to drive 11+ hours. But the anticipation of surprising Daniel kept me going. Only his sister and parents knew of me coming. His sister had a game in Kimball the town near where my Grandparents farm is. I got there about 7 but Daniel wasn't there cause he was working late. So I continued onto Mitchell were he live another hour drive. Before I got to Kimball, alot of memories came flooding back into my head and I couldn't hold back the tears, just about Grandpa and everything that happened during my time with my grandparents. When I got to Kimball I went to the cemetery and all the grief I had been holding all summer since I left met me. I left South Dakota in May in such a hurry because of family issues, that everything that happened hadn't quite sunk in.
As I was approaching Mitchell I text Daniel and told him to call me as soon as he got off work. He called me when i was about 20 minutes away. We were talking about his day and stuff then he said he was going to Marlin's to eat because his family was at the game, there was no one home and he had been working all day and was very tired. I told him NO you have to go home. He was in the parking lot of the restaurant and he grudgingly turn around and went home. I was still driving and talking, getting closer about 10 minutes away. He got home and was whining about being tired and hungry. So he started getting something to eat at home and I told him "NO go downstairs and wait 10 more minutes. Remember no questions asked, you want your surprise or not." So he went down to the basement.
I pulled up to his house and all the lights were off. I went in through the garage and then said "Daniel I have to ask you a question. If you could have one wish tonight, what would you wish?" He said that he wished I was right there by his side.
At that point I hung up the phone and went down the steps. I got down there to find my boyfriend was sitting in the dark with the TV on. He heard me coming and sat up with a confused look on his face. Then I spoke, "your wish came true!" He recognized my voice and rush over. So yeah. The next couple hours he was I guess you would say frazzled. He thought I was 1300 hundred miles away and had no idea I was coming. It was a great surprise! :)
Now I've been nannying Tate 3, and Brandi 6 months. My cousins children. Tonight I'm going to a high school football game, meeting Daniel and his sister there and some of my cousins. Before that I think I'm going to go out to the Youngs farm. There is nothing there anymore...it was all sold in the auction. I need to go back. I've been working up to it since I left.

My Second Home

South Dakota Sunset by Badger Clark

A woman stood at her cottage door

And a traveler passed that way.

He was weary and dusty and tired of it all,

So he stopped, and she asked him to stay.

"Why do you choose this place to live?

This dusty, desolate spot

Where the sun beats down relentlessly

And the wind, when it blows, is so hot?

"The woman spoke, and her voice was low

And her eyes looked far away.

"Have you seen it when it's white with snow

On a crisp, bright winter's day?

Or when the trees are full of buds,

Or autumn leaves are falling?

These things we South Dakotans love,

For we hear our dear land calling."

Then she turned her eyes toward the west

Where a sunset swept the sky.

The traveler looked at the gloroius sight

And no longer wondered why.