Must read!!!

I just finished a very good book by one of my favorite authors, Ray Blackston. It is called, "A Pagan's Nightmare." It's about a reverse rapture. The redeemed are left instead! You can read the prologue and chapter one here.

It brings up a few good points. One of which being how Commercialized Christ looks to the unsaved.

And while I'm at it, let me take this opportunity to plug his other three books. In order they are "Flabbergasted", "A Delirious Summer", and "Lost in Rooville."

They are about single guys and gals in the Bible Belt that are church hopping to find "the one." It sounds... weird... but trust me, it is utterly hysterical! I don't think I've every laughed so hard while reading a book in all of my life. But they aren't all about the comedy. They do have good points to them as well.

You will probably be tempted part way through to think he's completely cracked, but do remember, they are narrated first person, and thus from the narrator's perspective. Hang in there, read up to the end, and just go along for the ride. In other words, don't sit there and try to figure out. He's a story teller, let the man tell his tale!

Oh, and don't start reading any of them if you don't have a solid weekend to devote to it. They are incredibly hard to put down!

There are potholes on the road less traveled. Some deep, some not so deep, some you dig yourself. Most are filled with mud. Many contain rocks. Once in a while, however, you’ll be walking along and step in one a bit more accommodating . . . shabby, green, and pulsing with life.

It’ll tickle your feet, like clover.

-from the prologue to "Flabbergasted"

Merry CHRISTmas!
-Frank

Hooray for Holidays! Fruitcakes, Nuts, and All!

Last year or so, I discovered quite an amazing dessert. Though it is oft ridiculed, I love it just the same. It is, you guessed it, fruitcake.

Now, this isn't any nasssssty, sickening monstrosity that looks like... well... that -->
It's faaar from that! This is NOT the fruitcake that you hear all the jokes about. This would NOT make a good door stop or building material. This fruitcake is not able to survive a nuclear explosion. Nor is it responsible for the death of a hundreds of British soldiers.


This is GOOD fruitcake! The sort that is moist, nut laden, with large chunks of actual fruit in it, along with... uuuuhhhh... a few added special ingredients that give it a "nice" flavor. ;o)

And nothing accompanies this wonderfully marvelous fruitcake quite like a bottle of either Cranberry Canada Dry or, my favorite, Vernors. Since I've gotten home, I've not managed to have either drink, but I have consumed quite a bit of the fruit cake.

So much for keeping my girlish figure... (like I actually care. Ha!)

Speaking of fruitcakes... I'm now home for Christmas break! This means I'm back to sharing a room with only one other person. In some ways, it's less dramatic, but in other ways, it's more... hmm... insane. Yes, I think that's a good word. I don't think I've necessarily lost any insanity from college dorm life to home life, I've merely exchanged what sort. I went from living with three girls, to living with my siblings again. I had forgotten how nutty they were. My sister claims she's "normal nutty" but I fail to see how any of all this is at all normal. Well, I take that back. It might all be normal, but it is certainly not sane.

I've quite given up on trying to find normal, sane people. I've decided that normal is a setting on my washing machine and sane is purely a term used by psychologist to define "normal" behaviour. I've known for nearly all of my life I am not normal or sane, but I was hoping to find such people to perhaps become either one or both. At this point, I'm not either one, nor do I want to be!

I've completely given up on the whole business. Particularly since everyone seems to be in a Scrooge of a mood and unwilling to have a little fun and actually remember to celebrate Christmas. If snow isn't going to fall and people are going to be humbugs about the whole thing, I'm just going to remember that "The best way to spread Christmas cheer/Is singing loud for all to hear!" ;o)

And as usual, the end of the blog entry has very little, if anything, to do with the beginning of it. Hehe!

Merry Christmas!!!
-Frank

Crunch time Craziness

My head has been working over time lately, so I'm taking this time to do a little Christmas parodying (word?) of a few of my favorite Christmas songs and poems.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Twas the night before Christmas. In my house, all through
Not a creature was stirring, not even a Schnoo.
The stockings were hung on the chimney with care
But one was flipped up 'cause the air vent was there.
The siblings were sprawled out, all warm in their beds
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
And being quite hungry, Bubs reached up to steal
The sugary treats for a midnight meal.
I lay in my bed and I listened to hear
Nat King Cole croon out Christmas songs dear.
Then all of the sudden, I arose with a jerk
Perhaps my dear Mufflin was up late at work?
Not able to sleep, I crept out of bed
(being careful not to fall upon my sisters head).
I walked out of my room, and what should appear
But my brother wandering... asleep I did fear.
Into the kitchen he shuffling went-
To the cookies his path was quite certainly bent.
I followed him in. Suspicions confirmed.
Where milk and cookies were kept, was very well learned,
But oh-ho-ho! What is this? My father draws nigh!
I hide behind the tree, but keep watchful eye.
He tells sleeping brother to head back to his room
And so he does, but will Dad? I assume...
And I assumed right! A cookie he takes!
With a tall glass of milk... and a sip of my shake!
Being overprotective of my shake of strawberry
I jump out from the tree and say, "That's my shake Daddy!"
He just stands there sipping beside the fridge door
Saying, "What shake?" ere he drinks a bit more.
I give him a glare and then try not to smile
As he gives me an innocent face for a while.
I snatch it and take a few sips then I head
Back to go sleep in my warm, squishy bed.
And just before Dad leaves the Christmas tree's light
He says, "Merry Christmas! Sweet dreams and good night!"

JINGLE BELLS

Jingle Bells
Gollum Smells
Sauron wants his Ring
The ents have taken Isengard
And all the orcs can’t sing

Ooh!
Jingle Bells
Human’s smell
Gollum wants the Ring
The elves are leaving on Grey Ships
And Pippin sure can sing!

Frodo is on a trek
To destroy the one Ring
While smelly Aragorn
Is trying to become King
He’s in a love triangle
With Eowyn and Arwen
And if he’s caught then he shall be
One dead ranger-man

Oooh!
Jingle Bells
Mordor smells
Denethor’s crazy!
Gimli’s getting sea-sick
And Legolas hears the sea

Ooh!
Jingle Bells
Sauron smells
Gimli’s breath is bad
Denethor hates Faramir
And that makes his son sad.

The Witch-king thinks he’s won
But Eowyn’s no man
Sam’s tired of Lembas
Nob is a hired hand
Elrond’s brows are scary
And Haldir is not dead
Galadriel is turning blue
Now watch her spinning head!

----

Hehehe! Aah! Sooo relaxing!

Oooh, as for Jingle Bells: See how many jokes you can find it.

Anyway! I am exchanging one set of deadlines for another. Oddly enough, it's just more of the same things, but less of them. Strange our world.

Catch y'all around!
-Frank

Frank Prayers

Today was the Day of Prayer. We spent most of the day in the gym praying. I wrote out what could arguably be one prayer, but in three parts. As I wrote it, I found it is really more like a testimony. It is also a preface to the story of my life.

A Frank Prayer:

Lord, what words? I have no words no words that describe what you are unto me. No words have I that can express my gratitude for what you have done. Words are empty and are fled from me, and all I have left are the inarticulate thoughts and feelings that words cannot describe. I would try to articulate these things, but rather than making what I feel and think vague, I shall simply send my feelings and thoughts to you.

My fear is that words would cheapen all that is inside of me. The language of heaven cannot be translated into the tongues of men; only into the hearts of men. Thus, I do not try. Perhaps I were a more skilled or practiced poet I could combine rhyme, meter, and rhythm to convey what I feel, but I am not so great a poet. I am glad, Lord, that you understand clearly what exists so clearly in my mind and heart and so vaguely in words. You understand what I cannot say. You can read what you have written on the tables of my heart. I only partially, somewhat understand what is there. Teach me, please, to understand it clearer. It is your perfect story written there, tell it to me always! Explain it to me always! Teach me the language in which it is written, O Lord!

You have raised me up from the pit in which I was. You have cause me to grow, yet I am still young. Please grow me up until I understand your story and the language in which it was writ. May I never forget that it is you that raised me, and it is you that keeps me lifted up. May I never take any credit for what you do in and through me. I love you, I praise you, I want naught more than to see you face to face. I know I will be home soon, for all times are not far away at all. When I get home, shall I understand all the wonderful things you have done for me? I can only begin to be grateful for what you have done. I do not yet understand how wonderful you are to me. I long for the day I can understand the fullness of your grace and love. I long for home, Lord. I long for home! May I not grow weary on the Road heading home. Keep me walking in the way you would have me walk. May my longing keep me running faithfully. Oh Lord, I love you! I thank you! I praise you! A-men!

That was my prayer at the beginning of everything. At the end of the day, it was a little different. Why? Because I learned a lot today.

Another Frank Prayer:

Lord, you never cease to amaze me! It amazes me how much you can do in a short time. Is that not how you work? Great and mighty wonders and works in a short space. It throws back into perspective how short life is and how fleeting time is and how whatsoever you do, it lasts forever. And that all times with you are present tense. In these few, short hours you have showed me how wretched I am and how wonderful and glorious you are. Your grace and love amaze me! How you could love such a wretched creature as myself is mind boggling. Grace, Lord. You spoke to me today of Grace. And Home. Your grace will bring me home. What a glorious thought! Again Lord, I am at a loss for words. My heart swells with so many different things at the thought of what you have done and how great you are. I think today I have come to understand you a little better, and learned how little of you I know. Lord, the lessons you taught me today are beyond words. I praise you with my heart, for I know not the words with which to praise you. I love you Abba, my dear, beloved and loving Father. A-men!

Counting Blessings and Giving Thanks

I recently heard a song called, "Count your blessings (instead of sheep)". And the jist of it was that if you can't sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep. (pretty obvious, I know.) Anyway! In light of the holiday, I'm counting off a handful of blessings.

First off, I am VERY thankful for my family! I'm a third generation Christian with awesome grandparents, parents, and siblings. I just love them all more than I can tell.

Second, I am very thankful for my friends. Home, school, wherever; I've got an excellent group of friends. My friends at home have endured me while I was growing up. Hehehe... yes... all sorts of fun times, misadventures, close calls... I am SOO glad none of them had cameras! I owe them... about everything! A few I owe more than others... Boofa, Rach, George, BC... oh yes! I owe them BIG TIME!

Also thankful, in major ways, for my friends at college. They don't have qutie as much black mail on me... nor do I owe them my soul... but I owe them quite a bit. What they've done for me and helped me sort out and get through and whatever else means a lot to me. They will probably never realize just how much it means to me to know that they're there.

Third, I am thankful for the lessons God has taught me since college started. Most of you all have seen or heard some of what I've been taught, but there is soo much more! Oooh! I could go on and on and on about how great and awesome God is and what He's teaching me and everything else, but I have much more fun telling people in person. Hehehe! Be warned!

Fourth, (this sounds just blanketing and chiche or whatever... but so it is!) for everything that I've been given in life. I have been blessed and given FFAAAAARRRRR more than I deserve! Even salvation aside, I have been indredibly blessed. To start listing off the things is to tell the story of my family and my life.

And such is the brief highlight of the tip of all the things I am thankful for.

Thankful? Nay! That word is not deep enough. Is there a word deep enough?

Well, if there is, and until I find it: Hugs to all and... Thank you!

Make-up Act III: One Week Later

Well, last week at this time I was at the Grind getting a turtle frap and a bagel with cream cheese.

This week, I am sitting in my room in possibly one of the worst outfits I have ever donned, and contemplating all the things God has taught me over the last few weeks.

There are a few things I hinted to in my last entry, but there are so many more things that I learned!

One lesson I'll share was one that came somewhere part way through the Saturday night performance. "There are no small parts, just small people who play them." How often have I heard that (or a variation of that) phrase? Sure, I understood it. Everyone in a play is necessary. But it wasn't until I watched Papa that I realized exactely how true that was. One of the scenes towards the end got me thinking about that. I pondered it for a while, and then I started to wonder if that saying could apply to real life. Sure enough! It could.

After thinking it over, I realized that some of the people that have had the biggest impact on my life are not the ones that I have known my whole life. Often times they are the ones that I only knew for a few short years. From that I thought about how many people's lives I've touched. Then I realized I could have had a big impact on someone's life and not even realized it. Then I wondered whether it was for good or ill.

Once again, I was reminded to walk uprightly. All the world's a stage. That means everyone is always watching. This means whether I'm playing sister, roomie, friend, whatever; someone is watching me. Now, of course God is always watching, but He knows exactely how I am anyway. I mean people. People know you by how you act and what you say. This reminder caused me to review this. *sigh* Room for improvement!

Another lesson I learned is one about God's timing. May I say, it is excellent!

The whole time leading up to last week I kept thinking, "How in the world am I going to work this out?!" Well, God kept telling me He was going to help me, and as the days progressed, I saw Him move tests, quizzes, homework... you name it. Suddenly, I had nothing much happening that week. So that stress was gone.

Another thing I think I learned/relearned/shall always be learning is that the further I get down the path, the further I have to go. This sounds almost discouraging, but when I look back on the road I've traveled down, and see how far I've come, I take heart and go forward.

Again, I am taken back to a couple of summers ago. My family and I went to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes in Michigan, and when we got there, I decided to climb them all the way to Lake Michigan. I was told roughly how long it should take me to get there, but it meant very little to me, so I went forward. At the top of the second sand dune that I climbed, I saw Lake Michigan and thought, "Woohoo! It's not so far away after all!" and continued on. After 45 minutes of climbing, seeing the Lake draw no nearer, and decending, I began to think about turning back. But no, I had come that far, and surely it was not much further away! So I kept climbing. Half way there, or so, I started singing "I've Got a Mansion Just Over the Hill-top." It was occuring to me that yes, Heaven is just one "hill-top" away, but God never said which hill it was.

Well, after an hour and forty-five minute climb, I at last topped this small little bump of a sand dune, and there it was: Lake Michigan. Exhausted and hot, I ran down to the Lake as fast as I could, splashed in up to my knees, and started drinking. No water has tasted sweeter!

The really odd part about that whole walk was that the Lake never seemed to draw any closer, nor get any farther away. In so many ways, that's how Heaven seems. I never seem to be any closer to reaching it, nor any further away from it. Yet, I can look back and see how far I can come, and know that there is less distance to go. But looking forward doesn't tell you how far away it is. There's always a hill blocking the view. Just like walking the sand dunes.

I learned that again this week. I saw how far I've come in such a short time, but I'm realizing more and more that it's a long road before me. At times it seems to grow longer, but I know it's just an illusion. It's not longer, just new hills are coming into focus.

This (though you may not see it) goes back to the whole comment on God's excellent timing. Before last week I came a long way in a short time, and just in time.

Anyway! I've been rambling and rabbit trailing. In a nutshell- I'm learning a lot, I'm growing quite a bit, and I'm patiently waiting to see where God is going with all this. Right now, I have no idea what God's will is for my life beyond what is happening this very minute.

Exciting stuff!
-Frank

BTW, that is a picture of an actual rabbit trail. Isn't that spiffy?!

Make-up Act II

God is amazing! The way He worked out this week was amazing. I had almost nothing due, no tests, nothing assigned... it was awesome!

It has been a lot of fun doing the make up. I figured it would be enjoyable, but it has been quite fun indeed!

I've gotten to know the people whom I do make up for, which probably wouldn't have happened if I hadn't done it.

(FYI, I'm not in the picture. It's just a random shot of random people)

This next week, however, it chock full of tests, speeches, and writing assignments. Not to mention a thorough inspection of our rooms come Monday. This means Sunday is spent deep cleaning. Oh joy.

But, I'll get it done by God's grace... I pray...

Friday proved to be a wonderful day! Not only did I only have one class and got to take a wonderful walk around Reflection Lake, but it was also the night we had the cast party. That was fun! The cake was delicious too! Anyway, back to the party! It was such a wonderful time of fellowship! I was able to see everyone just mill around and be themselves with out any nerves about the performance. Everyone was just relaxed and kicking back and having fun. I really really enjoyed it!

By the end of the evening I was laughing so hard that my stomach hurt and I was almost certain I was going to fall over with laughter. Some people just make me laugh! Afterwards I headed over to the Rec Hall to play a couple different card games. (Like Uno)


It snowed here Friday! It was beautiful! This is snapshot from the path around Reflection Lake with a picture of Reflection Lake. I walked it with a friend of mine, and she got really good at stopping for me to snap pics. Then she said her father did the same thing all the time. Anyway, most of theses pics were taken relatively early on in the snow storm, so there were several more inches added afterwards. But by then it was all spoiled. You see, my friend and I were the first ones to walk the path, so I got pics of it with out any footprints. Whee! I was a happy gwumpkin!

And the fact I got to wear my Ulu's out in the snow had nothing to do with it. I swear. Nothing at all. I love my Ulu's! WHEE!

Do forgive this entry if it is disjointed and slightly incoherant. But I am simply exhausted from this week, and God is in the process of showing me or teaching me something, but I don't know what just yet. So, I'm trying to figure out what and follow Him and pray and ... all that...

...My mind is terribly preoccupied...

Oh, I have been in an artistic mood lately, so I've been making various graphics. Well... It'll probably be shrunk down quite considerably, but here are two banners that I made and am particularly pleased with.


Anyway, that's all for now! Later!

The Morning After

Uuuggh! Please tell me I'm still asleep! *looks at empty bed* Ugh! It's true! I am awake!

Well folks, the Democrats have the house! Nancy Pelosi is second in line for the presidency.

And Jennifer Granholm is governor of Michigan. *screams* You have GOT to be kidding me!!! Are the majority of my fellow Michiganders so blind as to think Granholm did a good enough job to get re-elected? WHAT PART OF RECESSION DO THESE PEOPLE NOT GET!!! The rest of the country is doing well economically, yet, true Blue Michigan is to dense to see that that the liberal Canadian socialist has done nothing for our state except drive it further into an economic slump! The unemployment rate in the state is ridiculous, businesses are moving out, people are moving out... in short, the economy is BAD! Why? Because we elected a democrat who raises taxes and hurts the economy.

When, oh when shall people figure it out? If you want things to go better, you elect a conservative/republican who is going to CUT not raise, but CUT (C-U-T) taxes!!! HELLO! Basic economics here folks! The more money people have in their wallet, the more they spend. The more they spend, the better businesses do. The better that businesses do, the more people they hire and more jobs they create. The more jobs they create, the more people who are working and making more money. The more money they have, the more they spend, and so it goes.

Apparently, there are too few of us that recognize this in the State of Michigan.

Californians get this. New York City gets this. WHY DOESN'T MICHIGAN?!?!?!?!?! The liberal democratic hot beds of the country understand this. Yet... Michigan doesn't.

Either that, or the ones that do realize DON'T VOTE! I'm pretty sure all the liberals at UofM, State, and Detroit went out and voted. But do the conservatives, the ones who actually care, the Christians that don't like the way things are going go out and vote? Sadly, many don't.

On the flip side! I'm not sure exactely who passed what, but as of last night it seemed that a fair chunk of the more conservative proposals were passed! Whee!

Ah well! So we lost the house and Nancy Pulosi is now *shudders* speaker, this just means there is more for me to pay attention to! Though, it may not be so bad that the democrats have the majority. The Republicans that were ousted were more liberal, and the democrats that were elected were more conservative. This could be VERY interesting!

So, here we are. The day after the vote. What happened yesterday may affect this country for good or ill for the rest of her life.

We'll see. We'll see.

As long as certain people --->
don't get it in '08 I'll be fine.

May the games begin!

Here's a question!

Here is a question for the ages.

Who is the bigger wreck?
A. The pre-teen/teenaged girl who is twitterpated
B. The college senior girl who is twitterpated?

And if you want to know why I came up with this question (I'm just certain you're on pins and needles, dying to find out!) it's because I am having a conversation with a twitterpated pre-teen about a twitterpated pre-teen and then... well... I'm at Northland aren't I?

Wild and Crazy Notion

I have this wild and crazy notion. And for variety's sake, I think it should be done.

Personally, I get sick of singing the same few songs over and over again. Once, just once, I would LOVE to be in a church where the music director stood up in front of the congregation one day and said, "We're going to sing every song in the hymnal, starting with the first song and ending with the last." and then over the next months sing straight through the hymnal. That would be wonderful!

In the church I grew up in, there were something close to 825 songs in the hymnal. I seriously doubt whether I've sang more than 150 of them. I've been using that hymnal for the last 18 years.

Now, being musically inclined, I could go through and pick out the tune on the piano, but that still leaves the rest of the non-musical, non-motivated congregation in the dark about all sorts of wonderful hymns.

Why do I say this? Because I get sick of singing the same few hymns every week. The Baptist order of service and hymns sung on Sundays is about as predictable as the phases of the moon.

Could we PLEASE shake things up a little every now and again? Would it kill us?

No!

Though, the congregation might fall into shock.

-Frank

Make-up! Act I

Well, I signed up to do make up for "Papa", thinking that I'd be doing the make up of "Extra #3" and maybe, "guy with three lines." But who did I get? The Narrator, Lyd, and Papa Patz! Yes, I somehow managed to get assigned to do Papa.

This is slightly nerving! I mean, I mess up his make up, and the main character looks bad! And if I have to redo it all... Consequences could be bad! But oh the fun of it!

It's fun to be stage crew only. Hehe!

This is going to take a fair chunk out of my evenings next week, so if I seem a little cranky or frustrated or whatever, it's because I'm having a hard time getting everything done.

Weeelll... that's all for now...

-Frank

Under-representation

And if that ^ is not a logical or correct word constructiony thing-a-ma-jig, it is now! HA! Take that Sarek!

This post is going to be dedicated to Star Trek because I just think it's so spiffy awesome a show! That, and doing all the research to figure out what I was going to do for today sorta got me going back to my Trekkie roots... so now I'm on a Star Trek jag. If you see me do the whole "Live Long and Prosper" thing, don't be alarmed. I'll be back to "normal" *cough* shortly.

Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. It's five year mission, to seek out new life and new civilization. To boldly go where no man has gone before!

Anyway, today being the last day of Spirit Day, I was hoping to see a few Trekie's come out of the wood work. Well, apparently they are all bigger George Lucas fans than Gene Rodenbarry fans, because I think I was the only person supporting Star Trek at school today.

For me, before there was Star Wars, there was Star Trek. I grew up watching Captain Kirk fly around with Mr. Spock (I learned quite young that Mr. Spock and Dr. Spock were NOT the same person. These things were made quite clear in our house.)and Bones. Star Wars was introduced later, and I liked it okay, but you can't beat the theatrical, futuristic show (that changed the world!) that is Star Trek. What other show could have diseases like xenopolycythemia, or have episodes with gangsters, another with Apollo, and the first public introduction to the CD and get away with it? None I tell you! Or very very few! But none have had the impact that Star Trek has!

Going back to the characters- Everyone has their favorites. Some like the dramatic ways of James T. Kirk, some prefer the ever logical Spock. Some people go for Scotty, others Chekov, Sulu, O'hura(sp?), or Bones. Personally, I love them all! But it's always the characters made of random props that I like!

Take that one episode where there was that creature that looked like half cooled lava that Spock mind melded with. Or the Trouble with Tribbles episode. Mechanical balls of fluff. Gotta love that! So small, so cute! I wonder if they were allowed to keep them after shooting that episode...

One thing about the show that I never realized til Drama Mama (that'd be my mom!) pointed out was this: The show is very theatrically done. Almost a Shakespearean theatrical quality to it. Though the props and sets were often very basic and simplistic, they always created the right allusion with the help of dramatic lighting, characters, and of course, make up. Often, as I recall, the planets were symbolized by a few props and a solid colored back ground. Nothing fancy, but it definitely conveyed the idea. It was imagination television in a way!

Going back to the make up. Often it was nothing spectacular. Like the Vulcans. A little pancake over the eyebrows, some eye liner, BOOM! THere ya go. The pointy ears are a little more difficult, but the truth of the matter is a person with a little time could do a very true to the show Vulcan costume with out hurting their wallet too badly.

Then of course, the sliding doors, the communicators, the transporters, all the nifty props... a little harder for anyone to just make on the weekend, but they were all really basic.

All this rambling to say, at the end of the show, it was half what you saw, and half what you imagined that made Star Trek so much fun to watch. Which is why I love it so... I have a crazy imagination, and when I was a little kid, I could put a lot into the show, so I could get a lot out. There is something to be said for drama done like this- it sticks with you longer. When all the imagination is gone, and you're spoon fed all the awesome and wonderful stuff, it takes some of the imagination out of it for the viewer. At least for me. That was one reason I didn't like Star Wars. All the stuff looked so real and so believable, which is great, but I didn't have to imagine anything. I could watch it mindlessly. Not as much fun.

But, as is true with many things people go crazy over, the funnest part about it is doing the crazy little picture/caption/spoofs that the fans do. The fandom is what helps make it so much fun.

Anyway, since in light of today, the fact I am dressed like a Vulcan (but being crazy/emotional like a Romulan or Klingon), and because I think you can't have too much Star Trek in the world, I posted a few pics I was sent with captions. Live long and prosper.

Apparently Never Here

I know my blog is called "Never Here" but that hardly means I'm never here! Why do I say this? Because I have been given demerits twice now for not showing up to places. Devo's and Chapel. I got an email one day a few weeks ago telling me to go pick up a demerit slip. I did so, and lo and behold, there were 15 demerits with my name on them for supposedly ditching devotions. I looked at the date, thought for a minute, then said, "Wait a sec! I haven't missed anything this year!" So I had to get that straightened out.

Well, it has happened again! This time, they said I ditched chapel on Friday. Even though I was not there, that hardly means I was unlawfully skipping it! I was home for the weekend, sitting at Granny's house while everyone else was in chapel. I had a nifty pass and everything. So, now I must track down the guy who is responsible for passes and all that and get him to repeal my demerits. Otherwise, it's off to demerit review for me! No thank you! Hopefully, I'll be able to catch him right after first or second hour. Maybe during third. *sigh* Not that it's a big deal... it's just annoying.

And in other news! I've been feeling blah all week... the whole two days of it... Yesterday the room was spinning and I was feeling almost feverish... in a way. Today, I get slightly chilled, but my throat is sore and gunky from sinus drainage. Gotta love that. No spinning rooms... just potential allergic reactions to medication... that's all.

See, I woke up this morning feeling like my head was being bound to the point of cracking. No fun. So, I took some Ibu profien... but for some reason it was or had an NSAID in it. Which is fine. NSAID's like Naproxen are great pain killers... assuming you're not allergic. Wouldn't you know it, I am! And it doesn't work for me! That was no fun. I ended up spending a good deal of time on the phone with the nurse explaining everything to her and then having to trek over to the nurse's station for benedryl. By God's grace the Benedryl didn't knock me out! It usually does, but it didn't today. And... added blessings! It seems to have prevented me having a reaction. WHEE!!!

I really hate it when I do have a reaction. It stinks. The left side of my upper lip swells and gets red and itchy, then there is a spot on my left shoulder that gets swollen and red and itchy, and a spot on one of my shoulder blades (I can't recall which one at the moment). It lasts for two or three days, which is highly annoying, and on my arm and back it leaves a scar of sorts that looks like a bruise. It's always a fun one trying to explain to people.

"Oh, how did you bruise yourself?"
"It's not a bruise, actually, it's a scar left over from an allergic reaction to medication."
"Huh?"

So then I have to explain it all and it's no short story. Cuz it's usually people that kinda know me, so they want the whole history of it, and then they have questions, so I pull out my medical records... well... not quite. But it feels that way!

Okay, enough complaining.
And as for the Canadian Uncle Sam pic... completely random...

Surprising People

Today was a very productive day! I went to my high school's home soccer game today. Half of the people that saw me did a double take. It was amazing to see the looks on their faces!

First glance: Oh, Frank.
Look away: Wait a second...
Second glance: Frank's home from college!

That was most of the people at the soccer game. With my cousins, however, it was quite a different story!

My cousins had absolutely no idea I was home... so I had a little fun! I was IMing George (not her real name... but what I call her) and asking her when a good time to call her would be. Once I figured out she would be home all evening, I told her I had some stuff to do, but would call her once I got it done.

I logged off, got in my truck, and drove to her house. Once I got there, I called her from the truck as I carefully got out, and just started chatting like I was yet up at college. As I talked, I walked up to her door, rang the doorbell, and my other cousin (I call her Jimmy Beaureguard) answered the door. She looked at me as if I had returned from the dead. After a few seconds she stepped aside, and I walked into the door. George was standing in the door way that leads to the kitchen, and she stared at me absolutely dumb struck. With jaw agape she looked at me, looked at the phone, and once she realized that I was indeed really standing there, she rushed at me and gave me a bear hug.

It was wonderful being able to talk to them both! I was over there a little over two hours. It was great to have a chance to catch them up on everything.

The only thing that no one is caught up on is what all my college friends look like. All they have are my descriptions, which, are not as good as pictures. So consider this a warning... I shall take your picture in the not so distant future! Mwahahaha!

More shall come later on how my weekend went. And I'm sure verbal accounts shall be given too. But until then, I have a "written" record.

Ooh, note on the picture: That is a picture of part of my side yard. The brown building in the center of the pic is actually the garage. (the little building behind it being our mini-barn) My house is the green building on the left. That actually does look like a house... when you can see all of it. And it was taken last winter. Just so you know.

This and That

This is going to be completely random. More so than usual. So just bear with please! :o)

If you look away for four seconds, the whole world goes crazy and you think, "Surely the Lord shall be returning soon!"

Just look at a few of these headlines from drudgereport.com-
Young shoppers want to pay with chip in skin
North Korea Threatens War Against U.S.
Small Aircraft Hits Manhatten Building

The last story is developing and is the top story on drudgereport.com.

You look at the headlines and everything is chaotic, negative, frightening, sad, whatever... and then you look at Christ and suddenly all fears pass away. To realize that our Lord has complete control of everything takes away all worries, all doubts, and all cares. What a wonderful Lord we serve!

---Change!---
You know, I've often wondered, and one day I will find out why, someone invented Cheez-wiz. It is just such a random thing to think of! "Oh, I think I'll invent a way to have cheese come out of a can! Yeah!" Same question goes towards Redi-whip.

---Change!---
It never ceases to amaze me how one moment in time can change everything. Days, months, years will set the stage for one defining moment in time that causes the very world itself to change. The set up may take centuries, and the consequences may be felt for centuries, but the event that actually changes everything lasts not very long at all.

Simply look at any major world event and you'll see that often it is an action that took only minutes or seconds to execute is the one that changes the world.

It is almost scary to think about, and yet wonderfully thrilling to realize that your entire life could be changed in a moment. It could take a negative turn (or at least, what seems negative) or it could take a positive turn.

---Change!---
I wonder how much of Revelation is symbolic and how much is actual. I also wonder if God will let us see what's going on down here when we're in Heaven.

---Change!---
My second cousin Tony once told me "Spontenaity is the spice of life!" I'm not sure how true that is, or how far you want to take that idea... but my blog is sure living by it!

Alright, alright. Now that I've been completely random and I've left you all staring at my blog saying, "How much coffee did she drink?!" (none by the way!) I'm going to say fare well for now!

Fare well for now!
-Frank

Plotting and Planning

Plotting and planning what to do for Spirit Week can be quite the task! Particularly Comic Strip/Video Game Day and Space Day.

I think I've got Space Day down... Assuming I can get a hold of spirit gum or prosthetic ears... I have two ideas for Space Day. The one would be nigh unto impossible unless I could find a LOT of glitter and magically come into the possession of a toga. The other is do-able, especially since I have learned that my dear roomies have a silver shirt! YES! Now I just need a skirt to go along with it... hmm... It's more likely to happen.

Comic strip/Video Game day is presenting all sorts of problems. Princess Toadstool was a notion, but I'm not blond, nor do I have a tiara. Sorta got the dress. Then I thought Lucy from Peanuts, but I don't have a blue dress. Then I thought Peppermint Patty, but I don't have a green shirt, or short enough hair.

The thought of MJ crossed my mind, but I don't know if I could come across a red wig in time.

Alas... I'm no closer to figureing out who I should do. I'm getting a nice long list of stuff I shouldn't do though! Suggestions are welcome!

A word of explanation

The question will come up sooner or later, so I'm answering it before it does-
Why the names Peggy then Frank?

there was an 8th grade girl that created a comic strip. The comic strip was about a girl, an average girl just living her life and laughing at herself. What was this girl's name? Peggy Marshall. The comic strip was mine, and it was (in a way) about me and what was going on in my head and in my life. Why I named the girl Peggy is the result of watching Batman and Robin then shoping at Marshalls shortly there after.

If you're still missing the Peggy part, let me 'splain. No, too long. Let me sum up. In Batman and Robin the girl that eventually becomes Batgirl sees a picture of a lady on Uncle Alfred's desk (In the movie I guess she was his niece). Come to find out, it was her Aunt Peggy, but Alfred always called her Peg and the story goes on. But, I saw that name and thought, I kinda like that... in an unusual way. So that's that.

Now, what about Frank? That is the most recent addition to my nick-name collection, givin to me by a GA named Jon. Exactely why he called me that, I don't know, but there is some speculation it is due to the fact I am very straightforward and frank.

Why did I change it, ask you? Because someone suggested I do so. I was telling a friend here (Rae) about my blog and what my name was, and she said, "You should change it to Frank." I thought it was a good idea, so I went with it.

So, that's why I'm Frank. I think I'm going to change it a little though so people randomly wandering here realize I'm not a guy. :o)

And in other news

I decided it would be fun to post some news articles I had found.

When Squirrels Attack!

Interrogating Terrorists

Pray for Voters

In case you are wondering, the pic has absolutely nothing to do with anything. I just like it so I put it up.

I'm feeling a bit random tonight. So, to randomly throw out some more stuff -
God is very gracious. VERY VERY VERY gracious! He just keeps showing me how marvelously wonderful He is while making me realize how much I don't deserve it. Lessons in blessings.

Ever since I've gotten hear, I've seen God do more things in my life than I thought possible. For the first time I'm seeing God at every turn. It's absolutely amazing to me.

I'm starting to feel quite spoiled up here. Quite spoiled indeed! When I got here, I expected things to be less than what they are. I really didn't think I'd meet very many people at all, I really didn't think I'd like so many of my classes, I didn't expect so many of prayers to be answered about college... so many things I can't even begin to remember them all! Yet, I've met a lot of people (at least, many more than I expected), I love all of my classes, and God is answering prayers before I pray them! Well, so it seems.

I am watching myself grow and stretch and change spiritually in ways I didn't even think possible. Not that it's so extreme, but that, every moment He's working on me and so I'm growing quickly, but gently. I know sooner or later He might stretch me a little faster than I like, or in a direction I don't like, but I know I shall be able to bear it.

I'm also learning a lot about the personality of Jesus. Finally, after all these years, the things I was taught about Him in Sunday School are starting to become very real. I was reading in Matthew last night and this morning, and for the first time I was reading about Jesus and seeing Him as a person. With a personality and everything! This might sound rather funny or odd (maybe even sad) but until recently, I could never really see Jesus having a personality. It never really occured to me that He might laugh, smile, etc. I know... it sounds silly. But it didn't!

Learning a lot about His grace and mercy too. Funny thing about that too... The more I see how good God is, the more I see how bad I am. It is incredibly humbling. Inspires action too. The more He does for me, the more I want to do for Him.

I'd love to go on and on about what I'm learning, but the lessons are so "small" and so many that I couldn't if I wanted to! I'm definitly with the song writer here that penned, "moment by moment new mercies I see." Also learning that counting your blessings really will surprise you.

At times, I feel so dumb because I'm learning these really simple lessons just now. I remember being taught many of these things in elementary Sunday School. Also, things I learned once, I'm learning again, but on a deeper level. It's like social studies in elementary school. You learn the same thing year after year, but each time you go over it, you learn something more about it.

Alrighty, all for now!
-Frank

Pardon the dust!

I've been goofing around with my blog to get it customized so it's just how I want. Wouldn't you know it, I messed it up and I can't figure out how to fix it. :op As a result, I'm picking a new theme and am going to goof around with that.

So, if it doens't look the same twice, that's why.

As of today, Cloudy Headed is under construction!

Revived!

Praise God! Hallelujah! Let me do a little follow up on my last post. As usual, I dreaded and was fearful in vain. I'm learning not to- slowly. I'm learning a lot actually. Classes aside.

Moving on!

Up here at school we've been having revival meetings all week with evangelist Steve Pettit. The first night was a hard message to swallow, but very much needed. It was about how God takes us to the end of ourselves so we have to lean on Him wholly. It also covered how we cannot escape sin in this life and how we shouldn't be weighed and/or controlled by it.

That hit home.

How long had I been trying to walk in my own strength? How long had I been sinning and unconcerned? I'm not sure I could put a date on it, but I do know it's been longer than it should have been.

I don't even remember what the message was the second night, but I know that afterwards my heart was heavy. I needed to get some things straightened out. After the service was dismissed, I went outside and wandered around trying to think of someplace quiet to go. The Grind was obviously going to be too loud, the dorm room is usually too distracting, the Rec Hall was slowly filling up, so I headed towards the Dining Hall, praying it was vacant. It was, for the most part.

I wandered in and sat down at one of the round tables and cracked my black Bible open to the Psalms. I found myself reading David's psalms about how horrible and heartbroken he was over his sin. As I read, I found myself praying the same words that David did. As weird as this sounds, I connected with David that night. I really started understand why he wrote what he did.

Anyway, as my reading progressed, I found myself confessing and asking for forgiveness. The more I did so, the more at peace my heart became. Soon, like David, I was praising God for His mercy, forgiveness, and perfectness.

Afterwards, I just wandered around outside and was silent. There was nothing to be said, to be sung, to be thought. The peace that flooded my soul brought such joy that I could do nothing but be silent.

Hmm... what more can I say about how God is working? Well, I'm learning something everyday about how to keep my focus on Him. And I'm learning that God is a God of details. He likes to take care of them. So do I. Which is probably why I make myself crazy and God keeps me from having time to even think about details. :o)

What else is there to say about this week? It's hard to remember when so much stuff happens in a day! Weeelll... I've managed to write a few good poems. It's amazing how God can take heart ache, sin, conviction, and release and turn it all into verse! I'd post them here, but I want to get everything copyrighted before I put it on the internet. So, if anyone wants to read it, hunt me down and ask to see it. I usually carry my notebook with me.

Okay, after staring at the screen for five minutes and finding myself completely unable of figuring out a an ending to this little post, I settled on a quote.

If you think of this world as a place simply intended for our happiness, you find it quiet intolerable: think of it as a place for training and correction and it's not so bad.

-C. S. Lewis

Live, drive, and survive

That title is completely random.

Moving on.

The last post was... yeeaaahh... ignore that. Heehee...

Life is improving! I joined the Spurgeon society today... not entirely sure why though. It was either God's leading or my mind playing games with me. In any event, what's done is done and there is nothing I can do about it. Not that I want to. I'm actually pretty apathetic towards the whole thing. Which isn't good, I've been told, but I've never been much of one for societies, clubs, and what not (UNTA aside).

I just really don't get them.

And I'm dreading initiation. Thus far, I have successfully avoided all forms of public humiliation involving pranks, initiations, etc. I can usually spot a trap a mile off. The problem with society's are that even if you do spot it, you will probably have to endure it any way.

Some spiritual, godly person would read that and think I'm proud and can't stand the humiliation, or that I'm too self concious or something. No... it's more like, I don't like to be decieved and mocked. Gladly will I do something silly or make a dork out of myself, but I really have a hard time with involuntary public humiliation staged by other people. Accidents don't even bother me, it's just knowing full well that someone set this up so I could be laughed at or with, or initiated, or whatever they say just doesn't sit well.

I can't imagine it will be anything too terrible, and I'm probably making a mountain out of a mole hill, but... I'm dreading it.

It probably won't be as bad as I'm thinking, but I'm still dreading it. And if the Freshman activity is any indication... yeah... We were told to stand in a circle while being pelted with water balloons and then later dodge balls.

It was... an interesting experience, and was enjoyable... in a weird, almost degrading, vulnerable way. I mean, I really did laugh and have fun... but it was... I can't describe it. I probably need more of it in my life.

Well anyway, I'm talking a lot, but not saying anything.

This is Peggy Marshall signing off!

School Daze

Yes, I meant to use "daze" not "days", because, frankly, I am in a daze. I'm at college (Northland Baptist Bible College) and I am ending the first 2 days of school. I have now gone to all of my classes at least once. Go me.

I don't think I've quite realized yet that all the homework I've been given is not due tomorrow. on the other hand, I haven't realized that some of it really is and the rest is due at the end of the week. Everything is moving so swiftly and and in so many directions that I'm having a hard time sorting it out in my head. I'm sure the serious lack of sleep over the last few days has contributed to the seriously cloudy thinking of late. Yes... seriously cloudy...

Just like my header, I'm cloudy headed... but I'm not so sure about the "starry eyed" thing anymore. More like glazed over. Lack of sleep, allergies, and general confusion have contributed for the under eye luggage and dark rings.

In an attempt to regain some thinking abilities, I am trying to find ways to calm myself down and relax. I'm met with limited success. I'm quite stressed and uptight. I shouldn't be. I've been trying to get into my Bible, but for some reason I can't seem to find the verse that can help me. I've been praying a bit, which has helped a tiny little bit, but has by no means resolved the tension. Oh me of little faith?

Any non-godly means of stress relief aren't working either. Typically, making a banner or something helps, but I have no inspiration! So does ranting in my LiveJournal, to Berella, or to my journal, and it sorta does, but not much. Right now, I'm trying music. I've got "O Love Divine" by the Steve Pettit Evanelistic team playing. "Cleansing Wave" was sorta helpful... but now I've skipped to "O Love Divine" and it seems to be calming my nerves more.

Part of my problem is that I have a VERY hard time just letting go.

I just had an epiphany! Things I'm typically not good at physically, I'm not so great at spiritually! Yikes! I've never been good about letting go and letting myself drop onto the ground when climbing around on a jungle gym, I've never been good at letting myself lean on things I haven't tested or falling onto even the softest and sturdiest of objects I was sure of, and well... never mind... though phsycially I'm not much for stretching, I almost enjoy stretching in different directions in ministry.

Well... I've obviously got a few things to work on! Trusting in God, leaning on God, falling into His open arms and letting him catch me. That's my problem! I'm always trying to catch myself. Shall I ever learn to let God catch me?

To be a Bond villian

You will be famous for taking over a small country You always see opportunities to get what you want no matter what the cost. You are cut-throat and a capitalist at heart. Let’s hope the country is a tropical paradise and not Iceland. Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

This sounds suspiciously like something a Bond villain would do... hmm...

This raises an interesting question though - What would I do with my own private island? I've pondered this quite a bit, actually, so here's what I have come up with.

After conquering my tropical paridise, I shall send all the former inhabitants (if there were any) to go live in America. If any were dead set against going, I would turn them into my paid servents and let them live on the island if and only if they were loyal to me. I'd treat them well... very well. Pretty much, they'd just be doing all the stuff I don't want to do. This includes dishes, taking laundry out of the dryer and folding and seperating it, and picking up stuff off the floor. I'll dust, wax, polish, etc. I like that. I just don't like the picking up junk. To be nice though, I'll always throw my clothes on the bed instead of the floor. That way they don't have to bend over.

I would also set some of them to work in the garden. I would demand it be up to Martha Stewart standards at all times, but that's probably the worst thing. I would make sure to have a ridiculous amount of trees, that way, there is little grass to mow.

On this island, I would build a house. A great, big, huge house. It would be a multi leveled monstrosity with enough rooms to rival a castle. It would be made of stone, with polished stone floors, and rugs every so often to give it a home-like feel. Along with numerous tapestries and paintings. It would also have LARGE windows. We're talking floor to ceiling windows with enormous drapes to cover them at night. The stone covering the outside would be grey, but inside, it would be a light beige. The lay out would be very open, and give you a Rivendell feeling.
Of course, there would be secret passages, hidden stairs, secret rooms, even a secret prison! What house on an island taken over by cut-throat capitalist would be complete with out them?

Yes, I would have a marvelous island with a marvelous house on it. Celebrities and politicians across the globe would be willing to pay ridiculous amounts of money just to stay there for the weekend. Of course, I would let some of them come. I'd throw the best parties! But no one would ever see me. Or, if they did see me, it would be at a costume party, or I'd be wearing a veil over my face or something. Gotta keep the mysterious Dr. Lothril thing going. How mysterious are you if half of the world knows what you look like? The best part would be, NO MEDIA! Freedom of the press does not exist on my island. Any unauthorized cameras can and will be chucked off a cliff onto the jagged rocks poking out of the sea below.

The other thing, is that the island would be VERY well hidden. To get to it, you must board one of my private jets that have no windows on them, and be flown to my island. The pilot will make sure to take the long route there, I promise. This way, no one has a clue where it is! It could be forty miles off the coast of Mexico, or it could be five hundred miles from Austrailia. You'll never know, and I'll never tell.

I obviously have way too much time on my hands. But no worries! I'm heading off to college next week, and I'm certain I shall have no time to day dream there.

Quizzes!

Just a warning - I'm a quiz nut! I get bored, so I take quizzes. Therefore, you are going to start seeing ridiculous amounts of quizzes on here.

Like right now!

You Are 50% Left Brained, 50% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

Huh... I'm an even split... Good. Because I dislike odd numbers!

Congratulations, you are definitely quite emotionally mature. Although you have your moments of moodiness, you're usually stable and level headed. Congratulations, you are definitely quite emotionally mature. Although you have your moments of moodiness, you're usually stable and level headed.

How Emotionally Mature Are You?

Mom will never believe that one.

You Should Rule Saturn

Saturn is a mysterious planet that can rarely be seen with the naked eye. You are perfect to rule Saturn because like its rings, you don't always follow the rules of nature. And like Saturn, to really be able to understand you, someone delve beyond your appearance. You are not an easy person to befriend. However, once you enter a friendship, you'll be a friend for life. You think slowly but deeply. You only gain great understanding after a situation has past.

What Planet Should You Rule?

Well... I did have Saturn for a science project once. Hehehehe!

Well, I'll only bore you with 3 today.

Later!

Pictures!

I told you all I like pictures, so today, I post lots of pictures. Hehehehe! Enjoy!
Like the beautiful "many moods of..." ones. They are my captions on someone else's pictures. Yay!

When in doubt...

My mother always told me, when in doubt, write about something you know. The problem with that is, I know too little about too much. There are a few things, however, that I know a lot about. So, that's what I am going to talk about. Writing.

If you've never tried to write anything longer than a short story, then you don't have a clue what a writer goes through trying to come up with a tale. The text book at school told me a story was a plot line that consisted of a beginning, a climax, and a resolution. If it were that simple, everyone would be a writer.

What a story really is, is a complex web of characters, events, places, themes, and ideas somehow put together in a way that mimics real life.

Why do I say this? Because I am in the middle of writing a story and it refuses to turn out how I want.

You see, a good story will take on a life of its own. A writer waits impatiently for the paragraph in which the story itself takes over and begins telling itself to you. That's when it is almost impossible to have the characters act out of character and the plot just comes naturally. Sometimes a story starts that way then dies, sometimes it starts a bit forced and ends that way, and sometimes... everything is perfect, but just one small detail is wrong and it throws off everything else.

That's where I am right now. Everything is perfect but I'm missing something and the whole story is suffering because of it.

It is infuriating to no end!!! Writing a story when it's like that is like trying to kayak against current. You might get somewhere, but it is hardly worth the effort.

So, I am at a fork in the road, so to speak. Do I keep going with my great story idea that wont' take off, or do I abandon it?

I'll keep going... my idea was too good.

WARNING! Highly flamable!

Okay, anybody else in the country notice that gasoline is now over three dollars a gallon??? ANYONE??? I don't know about the rest of America, but frankly, ten dollars and some change for three gallons of gas is more than a little bit ridiculous!

I thought we were going to Iraq for free oil! I thought that's what this whole "War on Terror" was about! If so, I WANT MY FREE OIL!!!

I also thought that we have that niftly little Alaskan pipeline... which I happen to know isn't running at anything near full potential! Truth be told, we don't need Iraqi oil, we have enough of our own! Just sitting in the ground waiting for us! Maybe I'm just falling prey to the Alaskan pipe-dream.

We also have oil wells in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of California, and various other places. Our gasoline should be dirt cheap! We should be the world supplier of oil, but hey, let's not use what God gave us. It would only make sense, and good gracious, we can't make sense! Then we might have to rework the public school system!

But that's a rant for another time.

Here I am!

YAY! Here it is, at long last, my blog! I'm not exactely sure what I'm going to do with this just yet... but give me a week or two, and it will be something worth looking at.

Here's a few things you ought to be warned about - I mean, know before this goes much further.
-I LOVE to post pictures
-I am a HUGE fan of color
-I tend to be obsessive
-I tend to ramble.

You've been warned. Enjoy!