A legacy

Many people have aspirations in life. Some desire fame and fortune, others beauty, some wish for their names to become unforgettable in history. Some want great athletic ability, some outstanding musicianship or perhaps to write an astounding work of literature. All of those things are wonderful. Many of those achievements would mark you down as a name to remember. You may get a paragraph in a history textbook or maybe a short documentary, depending on the obstacles you overcome.
After you died, the world would remember you.
That isn't wrong or bad in itself, but it isn't my goal.
I want to be remembered for the little things.

I want to be like her.
You probably don't recognize her or know her name.
If you googled her, wikipedia wouldn't have an answer for you.
But if you asked me who she was, I could tell you just a little bit.
She was my grandma, a great-grandma at that.
She was a sister who grew up in a tiny town in the rural midwest.
Her family now outnumbers the amount of people in the town she was born in.
When she was a girl going to school in a one room school house, her teacher took away the end of the school year excursion from the ornery class.
However, in my grandma's words, "She might said there was no picnic this year, but the only one not going on the picnic was her. We all told our parents that the party was on, and we went by ourselves."
 And so they proceeded to pack their lunches, ride on driftwood down the river to a field in a neighboring state and then back home before dark. And nobody ever knew.
During all her years in high school, our country was engaged in WWII.
She didn't have an iphone, instagram, facebook or twitter. (or internet or tv)
She was a worked a teletype (go look it up, I didn't know what it was either)  and traveled all over the country in her late teens with a few other close friends.
She married the only man she ever dated. (or courted)
And they loved each other more than words could ever say.
I hope my marriage is as Christ centered and passionately romantic as theirs was. You rarely ever ever saw one without the other. They were real about their struggles and intentional about forgiving one another.
The few years that my grandmother was a widow were so painful for her. It was like a part of her had died, and she didn't know quite how to continue on.
I hope my legacy and career as a mother is as warm and gracious as hers.
She was an encourager. She teased. She was funny.
She left no impact on the world like Mother Teresa, no social stirrings like Martin Luther King Jr, no great literary works like William Golding.
But she left a legacy.

 She left a legacy of a family who loved music. And a family who loved each other, no matter where they were from, what they had done, or what they looked like.

 She left a legacy of laughter. There is no sorrow in this life that cannot be remedied by a joy that comes from putting our hope in the next one.

 She left a legacy of intimacy and listening. Both my great-grandparents were listeners. They were keen to when a person was struggling and never to busy to listen to even a slight woe and offer wise advice.

 She left a legacy of hard work. Neither my great grandma or grandpa were rocket scientists. I don't even know if they had college degrees. But they worked hard and with joy. My grandma didn't work hard for the praise of man, she worked to honor God and serve her family. My grandfather didn't work hard to impress people or hoard money. As much as he received, he gave. I hope I can leave a legacy like this. Never afraid to give, even if it hurts.

They left a legacy of learning. They were never to old to try something new. My great grandma was alive when telephones and movie theaters were just becoming popular and I can recall just a few years ago watching her play solitaire on her iPad. To me, that's impressive.

She left a legacy of beautiful homemaking. She was a wonderful housekeeper, cook, cleaner, wife, mother and business woman. Being a woman who cared for her home didn't scare her. She wasn't held down by it or in any way did it inhibit her. She delighted in hospitality and caring for her family.
Food is often like a glue that brings people together.
And she knew that.
She cooked and was in her kitchen and let others be in her kitchen. She taught us how to make good food.  
I used to bring her and my grandpa desserts and even if they were AWFUL I never received any comment except for how good and tasty it was.
Her buttermilk pancake recipe is the one I hope to make for my grandkids' someday. Her mint jar was always full. Tootsie Pops were in the cabinet next to the lazy susan. I distinctly remember a Christmas at my great-grandparents when I couldn't have been much older than 3 or 4, and sitting on a stool in the bustling kitchen watching three generations of women scurry around cooking, laughing, singing and talking.
I want to be a woman like that.
I most importantly want my legacy to be one of devoted love and service to my Savior and to those around me.
Just like her.



~Bugg

Ski at your own risk.

Yep. It's risky. It's dangerous. But it is oh oh oh oh so much fun! Not to long ago our church youth took a day long skiing trip.
I am not kidding, it was seriously. the. most. fun. thing. ever.
Okay, maybe not ever, but if there was a list of the top 10 most fun things to do with your best friends, skiing would be in the top 3. I really don't even know if I can describe how AMAZINGLY  enjoyable our time was. The fresh pure air flowing through your hair, making you feel like an Olympian, the shining sun, the clear blue sky, the biting air, giggling with your friends as you ride into the clouds on the lift and the scratchy sound of the snow as your skis plowed through it.....yep. it's just one of those things that you probably won't forget. But...as always, because it is a very accident prone sport, almost everybody walks away with an embarrassing and hopefully not too painful moment or two.
Tip #1: If you ever go skiing NEVER EVER EVER fall on purpose with out very very very clearly knowing how to stand up. My hypothesis is that it's a ski instructor practical joke to put you and  all your friends in  a nice little circle then watch you flop on the ground like fish out of water while you try hopelessly to get up with 5 foot skis strapped to your feet completely inhibiting your ability to ever think about standing again.
Tip #2: If you want to avoid flopping on your stomach like a fish, don't listen to the advice that getting on your stomach and walking your legs up is easier that sitting on your rear and taking off your skis, standing and putting them back on.
Unfortunately, I did not have these two insightful tips, and I blindly did the opposite. I very nicely fell over and then....tried to stand. I flopped onto my stomach like a fish or walrus or manatee or some other ungraceful arctic creature and tried to get on my feet. Let me just tell you,
 It did not work.
I would get on my knees and simply fall back on my face.I will spare all the details, but let's just say it took a loooong time to just get my right leg up and able to stand on.
 Success!
Or not.
My other leg and my complete sense of direction decided to fail me. After my right leg was up (sort of) I went about trying to turn the other leg so I wouldn't floor myself by tripping my right leg with the left ski. (It sounds confusing....it was)
I did it!
Sort of.
I was up on two legs. I looked down wondering why I couldn't move.
Why was the tip of my right ski in front but the tip of my left ski behind me?
(Let me assure you that at this time, I am the only one still trying to get off the ground)
My leg seemed to be backwards.
I had completely twisted my left leg in the wrong direction. It really did look like my leg was put on the wrong way.
"That does NOT look normal," a friend pointed out.
By now I am utterly confused and every one else is in hysterics. (I had a pretty bad case of the giggles myself)
Tip #3: When you cannot get off the ground, rely on other people to help you up. (hopefully they will)
So, I dropped to the ground again and got some help.
And I am happy to say that pretty soon I was back up on my own two forward-facing feet.
True Success!
And thankfully the rest of the day went much better. I got to hang with some super awesome people and AH! God is so good to give us the cold. Even though I know I complain it more than I should, I would miss winter and snow something terrible if we didn't have it! So...if you're not going skiing in the near future, go enjoy the cold anyway!
(here's a few hints: ice skating, snowball fights, snow forts, sledding or perhaps...
do you want to build a snowman?)
~Bugg

Ready?

Well, after thinking for awhile, I decided to blog once again. I would apologize for the delay, but I do think it's quite past that point. I'd much rather spend my time writing new things than back-tracking and side-tracking; accounting for all the reasons I haven't blogged for almost the past year.
It seemed quite necessary to freshen up the place though! :)
I really am just going to jump back into this, and try to be regular about writing because it is simply so thrilling and enjoyable.
Fall is really wrapping up around here and I rather wish it wasn't, because I love this season so very much. I've been in the mood for apple cider and pumpkin cookies lately....maybe this weekend....and not to mention chai tea! It's one of my favorite things to drink while trucking away at school....What I really can't wait for though, is pie season. I absolutely LOVE making homemade pies. Seriously, it puts me in my happy place. Right up there with gardening and canning. And reading, and writing and cake decorating.....
God is so good to give us autumn as a picture of the wonderful creativity He has. It's like the universe is His canvas and he's not only drawing beautiful masterpieces, but filling them with colors so gorgeous I could yell and jump for joy! What a glorious Father we have. It makes me want to desire Him even more than I do now. I never ever ever ever in a thousand million years want to think that I could stop learning about God. Sometimes, my heart goes through periods of not longing as fiercely as I want it to, and reading the Bible and seeking Him out can be hard. But isn't it wonderful that He pursues us? Even when I'm being a disobedient, rebellious child He still loves, and He still seeks after my soul. How amazing.

We've been up to so much lately, from pumpkin patches with friends and couuuuuuuuuusins, school, costume parties, plays (my sister starred as Cosette in Les Mis....and totally ROCKED it!), bible studies, and much more....

 Oh boy. Gotta love those crazy pictures...we seriously didn't get a single 'perfect' one, something about the hands on the chin...but honestly, I think I enjoy the real life pictures better, they're much more meaningful. :)

 The Oggie is about an inch away from being taller than me, and he's all the sudden mr. strong guy. I like to take advantage of the piggy-back rides...I figure he owes me for all I years I gave them to him!

 Our halloween costumes this year...(left to right: clown, 50's girl, hippy, 50's girl, the cutest lion in the whole world and Flash)

 We've already had our first snow....I love it!

 More to come....hopefully sooner than later!
~Bugg

Springtime

Birds bubble forth a melodious song,
The plants bloom in colorful throngs.
Life is rising from the ground,
How the noise of spring resounds!

Windows open in curiousity,
What could this pure, crisp tune be?
The invisible wind whispers in the trees,
While a sweet sound is heard in the hum of the bees.

All creation resurrects in harmony,
From the snuffle of a baby rabbit,
To the tiny birds hungry pleas.
A song from the earth begins to ring,
Singing praises to our King.


~Bugg

The best of friends

It may sound crazy, but God has given me enormous gifts through my siblings.
It may sound crazy because at times things don't feel right.
Sometimes things go painfully wrong.
I can be a pain in the neck, and so can they.
Other times, we're all just plain irritable.
Sometimes living life with my brothers and sisters can feel like trying to put together a puzzle, but all the pieces are discombobulated and turned topsy-turvy.
Despite all this, these relationships are priceless, precious and unforgettable.
Because God has a plan.

We laugh and giggle,

We teach each other,

We get silly and crazy,

They've given me doses of humility,
Oodles of laughter,
Heartaches and Headaches,
I don't know what I'd do without them.
We balance each other out,

We still have a long way to go,
And a lot of learning to do.
Even though sometimes I want to quit,
to move on and forget,
I know God never, ever, ever leaves or forsakes.
And that He will give me and my siblings the grace to build relationships with each other to His glory.
Oh, I have the best of friends in them, and I love the way God has pieced us all together.
~Bugg

A precious photo

I recently found this photo while I was going through some old floppy discs.... When I saw it, I almost cried. Maybe it seems silly, but this is a picture of my great-grandparents meeting me for the first time. My Great-grandpa passed away in August, so that made it even more meaningful.
 Whoever took the picture perfectly captured the moment. The facial expressions of both my grandpa and grandma are totally 'them.' My grandma's caring face, sweetly talking, My grandpa's gentle admiration. Although I (of course) have absolutely no recollection of this picture being taken, I can almost hear their voices.
If I live to be a great-grandparent, I hope I radiate a life full of glorifying my Savior as much as my own did and are doing. And while I'm still growing and quite young, I hope I pursue God so that even if I don't live to be old, people still know that earth was never my real home anyway, and that to die only means going to be with my true Father.
~Bugg

Humility

"The pleasures of humility are really the most refined, inward, and exquisite delights in the world."
~Jonathan Edwards
One thing I find myself struggling with as of late is an inward prejudice. Thinking myself better than someone, being glad I was so much better than that person, pride in appearance, upset toward others in my family.....disgusting. (It is rather painful just to write it out like that, but it's truth and something I really need to work on...) I am reading 'Humility' By C.J. Mahaney, and am finding it very encouraging. I didn't really realize what a sneaky and subtle sin pride is until I dug deeper into my heart and realized how clingingly it's stuck...(I'm still realizing and fighting, and always will be...) I am beginning to realize that I truly desire the humility Christ had all the way to his death. I want to not only be emptied of self-righteousness, but filled with more of the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ so that I can shine even brighter to to others! But, as you probably know, Satan put up so many snares and temptations in the paths of those who are pursuing Christ. He blindfolds us to the true horror of our rebelliousness and whispers 'comforting' reassurances, "Everybody does it...It's true anyway, you have a perfect right to think this thought....You are so much better than that....You would never do that....etc." All of this lulling us to sleep, because it makes sense to our dull minds which are too easily satisfied. Thank God that He does not leave His children! He does discipline us, but not because he wants or desires to hurt us. He guides us to the right path and helps us to know Him. I so desire to have a singular passion, to know, love and serve my Savior. I don't want to be distracted by the world and it's fleeting entertainments.
And what a treasure this verse is to me. An astonishment really, I am in complete awe of it's power and the love it speaks.

   Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
(Hebrews 7:25 ESV)

Christ is interceding to the Father on our behalf. He's praying for us, and reassuring our salvation! What an amazing relationship The Father has invited us to, and provided through the death of Jesus and the sending of the Holy Spirit.
Here's a hymn I remembered this morning:

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart

(Written by Charitie L. Bancroft)

I am constantly being reminded that no matter how I hard struggle to do what is right, I can do nothing without the help of my Savior. We can go boldly to the throne of Grace and humbly ask for help. What an amazing salvation our God has given us!

~Bugg

He's got a plan

One thing that I so admire and am in awe of about God is His sovereignty. Since the beginning of time, to the sending of Jesus, God has been in control. His being in control isn't some kind of band-aid solution for every time we mess up either. God doesn't nervously wait up in heaven trying to think of ways to fix what we mess up. He knows us better than we know ourselves and our failures and sins are woven into his eternal plan.
1 Timothy 1:16-17
"But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen"

He knew that man was arrogant and so confused their languages at the Tower of Babel. (Genesis 11) But getting to listen to all the languages of the world sing praises to Christ is wonderful and makes me look forward to heaven all the more. He used the weak to humble the strong and Christ, God in the Flesh was born in a smelly barn and laid in a manger that animals ate out of. 
God uses our weaknesses and imperfections to glorify Him. As a Christian, I want people to see me and know that anything I do that is "good" is ALL God's grace in me. I could never, ever, ever on my own strength obey him or even desire to strengthen our relationship by getting to know Him. And even then, I stumble. Sometimes it's like 2 steps forward and 3 steps backward. I dishonor Him by dishonor others and not shining his light.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
We can trust God with our futures and know that even when we stumble, He can use it to glorify Himself and teach and discipline us.
~Bugg


Continuing on with being thankful...
21.) God's sovereignty
22.) Grandparents
23.) Cousins
24.) Chai Tea
25.) Bible verses put to music
26.) The freedom we have to worship God
27.) Fresh snow
28.) Playing with my sisters
29.) Being able to run
30.) The opportunity God gives us to pray, and that we know He hears us :)
   

Learning

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
        and do not lean on your own understanding.
    In all your ways acknowledge him,
        and he will make straight your paths.
    Be not wise in your own eyes;
        fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
    It will be healing to your flesh
        and refreshment to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV)

My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
        or be weary of his reproof,
    for the LORD reproves him whom he loves,
        as a father the son in whom he delights.
(Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV)


So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
(Romans 7:21-25 ESV)


Oh how true these verses have proved in my life! God is so good and yesterday I read Proverbs 3 and Romans 12 in my quiet time. Little did I know he gave those verses to me so that all day I could remind myself not to be wise in my eyes, put others before myself, and to remember God corrects those whom he loves! And trust me, yesterday was not one of my better days, but I look back and see God teaching and revealing to me that prideful thoughts sneak into our minds often without our realization. That's where that strenuous battle of sin comes in! Unfortunately, it seems much easier to give into sin than it does to fight for righteousness and the glory of God. But how badly I want to glorify Him! Jesus, who died for us, is so worthy of every bit of obedience and praise I can give. But, let it be known that every bit of "good" in me is from God, because without him I am a weak vessel capable of nothing. Absolutely nothing.
   
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
        no one does good,
        not even one.”
(Romans 3:12 ESV)

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
    Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
(1 Corinthians 15:56-58 ESV)

I am so thankful that God loves me despite the fact I sin, stumble and a lot of the time just mess things up. He is a merciful, wonderful savior.
~Bugg

Psalm One

Blessed is the man
        who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
    nor stands in the way of sinners,
        nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
    but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
        and on his law he meditates day and night.
    He is like a tree
        planted by streams of water
    that yields its fruit in its season,
        and its leaf does not wither.
    In all that he does, he prospers.
    The wicked are not so,
        but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
    Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
        nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
    for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
        but the way of the wicked will perish.
(Psalm 1 ESV)


A very good reminder to constantly seek the Lord and be striving to become more like Him. He promises us we will be firm and strong if we delight in his law and meditate on it day and night. It's also convicting because I know I let other things fog my view of Christ and how I can serve Him. My prayer for today is that I would glorify Him in all my actions and that He would help me keep a clear view of himself today and forever! And I know I can trust and rely on my great God!
~Bugg

Yes, I'm actually posting :)

'Tis true! Thanks to some faithful blog readers relentlessly asking me to post again, here I am... :)

I haven't been up to much lately, in fact, this post may seem rather uneventful to you, dear reader....nevertheless, I will try...

I had my birthday in earlier this year which happened to fall on our church's annual retreat, so we celebrated there :) It was a blast!

Our grandpa retired this year and we have had the privilege of going on a few field trips with him!

We also took a trip to MN. On the way to our favorite store, IKEA, Oggie and Erin couldn't help but pose next to their least favorite sign! Go Packers! No hard feelings to all my friends out there who are Viking fans :)

I just had to post this picture of my super handsome brother Oggie...He's growing up! I remember when we used to play all sorts of silly games together, Rescue Heroes, Dolls, Dress-up, build a house in the backyard, ect. Good times :)

 I love photography...And I love the fact that I can take pictures that can't even contribute to the enormousness of something, and yet capture the intricate detail of something else. More importantly, I love the fact that my God created huge, vast things, and also the teeny, tiny details humans seem to miss.

From the deep colors of fall and the large forests that are the showcases for those colors, to the paper thinness of a butterfly's wing. He is an amazing God.

Thanks for reading! Trust me, I am going to try and post more often! I seem to have forgotten how relaxing it is...
~Bugg

To the Glory of God...

"We only have our two-fifths-of-a-second-long scene to live. I don't know about you, but I want my two-fifths of a second to be about my making much of God. First Corinthians 10:31 says, 'Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.' That is what each of our two-fifths of a second is about.
So what does it mean to you?"
(Taken from 'Crazy Love', by Francis Chan, Ch. 2, pg. 44)

After reading this, my heart and mind both say, "How am I living my 'scene'? Am I living for me, or to the glory of God?" In our American culture, living for the Glory of God and dying to self is hard. Not only is it hard in our flesh because all humans are natural self-pleasers, but our culture says that if you don't serve yourself first, you're crazy!
        My family and I were out shopping, and I noticed somebody trying to ask this lady something in the parking lot. After they asked the 2nd or 3rd time she turned around and said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I was so wrapped up in my world, I didn't hear you!" And not that I totally don't do that, but it's a good reminder to myself to be constantly focused on others, and not me. Also, if anybody has noticed Pepsi's "Live for Now" advertising... That made me really sad. I don't want to live for now. Living for now usually results in, "What is the best way to self-indulge?" and "How can I make 'the now' better for myself?" 
I am writing this post as a self-reminder to myself, because I am always finding myself caught up in the moment, tangled in a mess of pleasing myself.
One thought I had the other day has been really on my heart as of late.
 Am I living with the world and trying to get enough of it before I tell God, "Okay, I've had enough. Can you take me to heaven now so I can fill myself of pleasure there now?" Or, am I living in the world but standing out because I don't belong here anyway? Heaven is my true resting place, and God is where I should derive my joy and pleasure from.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
   
(1 John 2:15-17 ESV)

Living for others and to the Glory of God is hard. And, it doesn't come easily. I've noticed something in my quiet times, the bible is full of verbs. Action verbs. And it's pretty hard to carry out the action of an action verb without doing anything! :)

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
    Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
   
(Romans 12:9-21 ESV)

Now, practicing is hard work too! But, he takes our burdens and when I practice righteousness, I feel very joyful. It brings me happiness to know that I'm doing what my King has commanded! And even though I try and fail, and try and really fail and try even harder and fail yet again, HE LOVES ME. Isn't that unbelievable! I am so thankful for a God who tenderly loves his children, and who rebukes them in gentleness, and even though are constantly turning around to other things, loves them.
 
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
(John 15:9 ESV)

He loves us so much, he died to cleanse us. That is amazing.

~Bugg

Grandparents :)

My great-grandparents on their wedding day about 60 years ago.

I just had to share a couple of the stories my great-grandparents told us when we visited them. It cracks me up to hear their stories, and I think my family cracks them up as well!

{~As told by my Great-Grandma~}
When we lived at our house down by the river, their was an old abandoned shed down the way. Now, I think that it had lots of little critters in it, and since nobody was using it, they burned it down. Well, there sure was a family or two of snakes living in there, cause I walked out on the porch the next day, and their was snakes everywhere! They covered the bushes and and front lawn and the entire porch. Now, the girls were at school, and dad was workin'. Now you know, we didn't have cell phone in those days, so I couldn't call dad, so, I grabbed the dandelion weeder, and started stabbing them. I killed 73 snakes. I'd stab 'em, them pick 'em up and throw them in the driveway. Now, you now, snakes don't just die and not move, they wriggle and wriggle and then they stop. So when I was done, I had a driveway full of dead, wriggly, snakes. The End 

{~As told by my Great-Grandpa~}
When I was a little kid, we had lots of cats. Now, there was this one cat, it didn't have a name, but it was my favorite. I loved this cat, and we played together all the time. We also had a big woodpile next to our house for our stove. And this woodpile was filled with mice. Lots of mice. So, my mom told me to bring my cat out there and eat the mice. So, I brought her out, and said, "Go get 'em. Eat up those mice. And so she ate the mice, then fell over and died.
Then End

There's a bit out doubtfulness about that last story, but it's claimed to be true, so, believe it or not.....So, there's your story for the day! And I hope you found them as strangely amusing as I did!
~Bugg

Just for you!!!

This post is entirely about and dedicated to Belle. Her blog is HERE.
We were joking the other night about doing blog posts about each other. And, even thought she beat me to it, I am not going to let this opportunity slip through my fingers. Belle is my awesome 2nd cousin, (and to steal her words) starting to feel more like an older sister. She is hilarious, smart and thoughtful. We always have a ton of fun together, whether it be tubing, watching cooking shows or doing homework with magnetic stickers and lots of twizzlers... :) (long story) she is an amazing cook, and a great friend. She is a good sport about a lot of things, from 3 older brothers to a weird cousin who at one point was obsessed with barbies.  She is a great role model, especially in the way she loves Christ. She is a bright light in this fallen world, and stands out for her savior.  She is definitely someone I totally look up to. And she is crazy, giggly, funny, totally odd, and can be blonde at times. But with that being said, she is also reserved (sometimes) and very smart. I love her so much!!!
Awkward Koala....SQUIRREL!!
~Bugg

Reflections

"Driving here is interesting, stop, start, swerve, slow, wait..yikes! The little boys who came up to the car at one stop were putting their heads on my window, giggling at me when I would wiggle my eyebrows.When they laugh, their eyes sparkle and give they a sly smile when you say hello to them in their language. The Holy Spirit is so present here. I've never had to trust God so much before, and guess what? I've never felt so much peace......."~from one of my very few journal entries in Africa.

I know I already posted some about Africa, but it is so heavy on my heart right now. I want to go back, but then, I realize that I don't have to go thousands of miles away to serve Jesus. Literally, I can sit where I am right now, and be the same kind of light I was while blowing bubbles and jump roping with the kids there. I don't think my siblings are saved, why can't I realize that they are just in need of Christ as any other 8,9, or 10 year around the world? I prayed and asked God for a especially servant's minded heart while I was there, to let the little things slip and be patient, kind, loving and gentle. And I really think he answered my prayers. But the thing is, I don't think I've whole-heartedly prayed for those things since. Isn't that awful? I have been so convicted of this. I am a light, and I reflect my savior. Sure, I'm a rusty, fogged up mirror, but he is gradually polishing me up to reflect him better. Does that mean I can be comfortable with snapping at my friends, siblings ect. for minor things that bother me, but aren't necessarily wrong, or correcting someone when they do sin out of anger? Christ corrects in love, and I should too. Maybe this means I should think a whole lot more before I open my big mouth. I know I struggle with this to, like being to loud, or trying to be funny.....My thoughts even, not setting my mind on Christ like things, and that comes out in the way I act. So thinking before I think would even be a good idea. (It does make sense, sort of, if you think about it) Ugh, I am so sinful. Can you believe God would ever love some as rotten as man? He sent his only son to die for us! How incredible is that? He loves me. HE loves me.... way down here on planet earth, a small little teeny, tiny, itty, bitty thing, and gave his life. He was carpenter. He got splinters and stubbed his toe, he got cold at night. He had foods that were is favorite and not so much, but he never complained, he never gave up. He, Jesus, the creator of the universe, left his heavenly, unimaginably beautiful home, and came to earth, not as a king as so many expected, but as a commoner. And because he didn't come and defeat the Romans and sit on a pathetic earthly throne like so many other men have done, he did something far greater. He gave us a far more magnificent gift, not one of fleeting trends or passing worldly things but of love.  He forgave us.  He wrapped us in his righteousness and now before the Father we are seen as spotless. How amazing is that? I love Him so much and I am so extremely thankful for his forgiveness and grace. Thank you Lord for saving me! Thank you for loving me. Please shine through me as the broken vessel I am and let your light be so bright that people instantly know it's YOU.
~Bugg

Another long post :)

And you didn't think I would post again before I left for Africa.....shame, shame....But, here I am!!! Anyway, I was just going to post some things that have so greatly encouraged me in like the past 24 hours.
#1.) God. He is so awe filling. I can't get enough of Him. This trip is already stretching me in ways I never would have thought and very much showing me how much I unintentionally exclude
God in my day to day life. And I'm not even out of the country yet!

#2.) The scripture. Oh yes, convicting, but comforting at the same time.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
    Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Romans 12:9-21 ESV)
Ahhhhhhh... there goes a sigh of frustration and joy, because I KNOW I am not like this all the time. Sin just latches onto me, and if I give the slightest inclination that I am giving in, it sinks its nasty claws in deeper and fill me with the nastiest poison. Fear will gnaw at my mind, creating a void of unknowing-ness, but I have HOPE!!! I will rejoice with my savior because he crushed the serpents head, and defeated death! And I want to be like Jesus. Oh so badly I want to be like him. And so this verse gives me joy because I can follow his example and be a servant of all. I want to abhor what is evil, and cling to what is good. God is so powerful and merciful he can take the dirty, dingy sinner that I am, and polish me and sand me down, and refine me into vessel  fit to serve in his kingdom.

#3.) My friends. Oh my. God has given such good friends that fill me with buckets of joy! I can just giggle thinking about them. And Sunshine, my 'sister' friend, is going to Africa with me! Her brothers left a awesome comment on the last post, and that was so sweet to read... Thanks guys! And then my friend Noah gave an awesome card yesterday and reminded me that God picks me up when I am down, and shows me his love. Thanks Noah! My friend Z is such a witness to me, and her servanthood and love towards the people she is serving right now is such a testimony to Christ. I want to have her ability to die to self someday. And then there are all my other friends and that is  so many people that that I could probably just write a whole blog on them all. :)

#4.) This quote: "God has called us into the joyous ministry of giving His love away to others." ~Don Lessin.

#5.) My mommy and dad. I LOVE them. They are such a blessing in my life, and now that I am going to a place where not a lot kids have mom or dad, I am just beginning to realize how much they really mean to me.

Well, I could probably write more, but because I already wrote one lengthy post this week, I'll free you of the reading and sign off now. I am about 99.99% sure that this is the last post before I come back from Africa, but there is always the .01% chance, so, goodbye for now!!
~Bugg~

Happy Valentines Day!

Yes, it's here once again! A day pretty much focused on love, candy, secret admirers, cards, hearts and did I mention candy? So, in honor of this day, I will post some things that I love. :) <3

1. My Daddy writing all my lesson plans and for history letting me watch Braveheart! (Not until Friday, but I am excited!)
2. My sound of my mom in the kitchen flipping french toast and making hot chocolate this morning....mmmm.....

3. My brothers scooping freshly fallen snow in the driveway, and Erna's drawings and Lil's obsession with Elmo. (She is soooo cute. Here, maybe a picture would be good....)

4. Sore fingers and a blistered thumb from learning the guitar.

5. Raising money and shopping for my trip to Ethiopia!!! It is coming up in like a month!!!

6. Verse like Isaiah 18 when I am nervous or afraid. (especially of traveling overseas, new places, strange languages and new foods)

7. The book, 'The Scottish Chiefs' Oh my! Such a good book!! It goes along with the movie Braveheart, (William Wallace) except more romance and stuff. But still lots and lots and lots of battle chapters.....

8. Silent Movies with Sunshine. :)

(The Artist, I totally recommend it! The whole time we were watching it, these old ladies were making the funniest comments like, "Oh! This movie needs sound! and trying to predict what would happen next.)

9. My cousin being done with basic training! Yea Popeye!!

10. Long nights of sleep, and waking up to a crisp winter morning.

11. Nature hikes with my dad and siblings. (Sorry, the pictures aren't on the computer yet....)

12. The pageview tracker on blogger (When you don't get any comments, it is nice to know people still read your blog! smile......)

13. Knowing that my God is so much bigger than any fears or problems that you have. And that compared to heaven the trials of this world are trivial. What a friend we have in Jesus!!!

14. The stars!

Yes, those are the stars! And God knows each one by name.

15. This video

Have a fantastic Valentines Day, and eat lots of chocolate, and spend time with your valentine (if you have one....) Or join me in realizing just how many blessings I have to love, and that loving people includes your enemies, your siblings, your neighbor, everybody!!! That is convicting for me.....Because I know that loving is easy when people are loving you, but to love those who hate you with the love that Christ loved me is HARD!
~Bugg~

Oh my Stars!

Who thinks God is amazing! ME!!! My younger siblings have been studying astronomy and I have been able to listen in once in awhile. A couple startling facts slammed into my brain and put a whole new sense of WHOA! into Christmas for me. Did you know... If the sun was the size of a basketball, the earth is the size of a peppercorn? Okay. So if the sun is about a thousand times bigger than the earth, and the sun is still just a star in the universe, and the universe is like a kajillion-billion-trillion-million light years long. (Don't laugh, I'm obviously not scientifically or mathematically minded) And God created the universe, that makes us really really small. And I for one, didn't really realize how truly small I really am. (I still don't) But just think. The creator of all that hugeness, came down to earth. (really really small!!!!) And I mean didn't just become the size of the universe, not just the size of the galaxy, not just the size of the sun, not just the size of the earth but the size of MAN. I can't even begin to wrap my mind around the amazing things God can do. And then think, He didn't come here to be a ruler arrayed in splendor and glory with gold and silver and all that jazzy stuff. He was born in a stable, the son of a carpenter, to grow up and be persecuted and eventually killed. WHAT?!?! He did that for me? He loves me that much? I sin against him everyday, and disobey, and lie, and cheat, and think awful things and HE STILL LOVES ME?! I am in shock. I love my brothers and sisters or friends or mom and dad, but if they do something 'wrong' to me, I want to hurt them, or do bad things to them! But, We have been doing that to Jesus ever since the fall, and this was his plan all along. Why? Oh, Jesus! Why can't I have your selfless attitude,your servants heart, and your willingness to die to self daily? You drank the cup given to you, please make me more like yourself! I don't want to be ashamed of the gospel, not sharing what you did for me, just so I don't feel embarrassed. Please help me to remember how big you are, and how small I am. I can't wait to come and see you someday. Please help me to share your name throughout the nations! Amen.
~Bugg 

 Yep, That's the sun!!

This is called the sombrero galaxy. IT IS HUGE. And very beautiful.

A supernova called the Crab Nebula....

This is the photo of the day on NASA.gov. 

And here we are, teeny tiny us.....