"Seeking our Savior"

Heyo,

Tonight I watched the Book Thief with my family. I have read the book and they have not.

Kinda made everybody red-eyed and thoughtful.

I considered it a success. Thoughts are good, even if the story wasn't. Although I probably won't be allowed to pick out a movie again for awhile.

So before I have talked about innocence and my desire to be inoculated against it, like a shot. Somewhere thinking that if I am exposed to horrible things, I will be okay. That sheltering is not my friend.

But I think I was wrong. I think it was my friend. Or it tried to be.

I have chosen to be a nurse which means I learn about terrible things. and sometimes super boring ones. There is disease and there is death. I have to think about it and process it over and over again. Learn how to deal.

Someone wise told me this evening that I will be fine as long as I am seeking my Savior. That something I have to do, because he too saw the hard things and then helped others, healing. He had compassion on them, on us. If I can do a portion of that for others? Well, I am blessed with opportunities to simply try.

<3 Lissa

Little Friends And Food

Heyo all,

Yesterday and today have been filled with so much school. It has been really great, because for all six hours of class each day, I have felt present. Active in my own learning, focused, or whatever you want to call it. I felt like I was making the most of each day.

And then this afternoon, I came home and my brain was FRIED. Like eggs. I still had all this homework to do, but I did net feel like I could do it.

So I put down my stuff and did my chores. I really think that housework is just disguised therapy. 

About a hour later I left to babysit.  :D   Lets just do the highlights of that:

Me to three-year-old girl as she flips through a Frozen coloring book.

"Who is your favorite Disney Princess?" 

"Bacon."

Best. Answer. Ever.

Later she was in bed, seven-and five-year-old were grilling me.

"If you only eat candy or healthy food your whole life what would you eat?"

"Hmmmm, hard question. Would the candy still be bad for me?"

"No, but it would hurt you."

Okay then. "Healthy food, because that can be really good too."

Kids nod sagely. "Yeah healthy food is good."

"If you could only eat mud or trash what woul you eat?"

"Mud." I say hesitantly.

He shrugs, "I would choose trash, because I might find a rotten pizza or something."

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

What I am trying to say is these kids have their food priorities figured out and they made me laugh. Also the world is right when you get to hold a kid on you lap. Their trust, the innocence it just all awesome.

Hope you all are doing happy things.

<3 Lissa 

Things I Am Doing.

Heyo,

So lists, because lists help me understand my rambling thoughts.

Things I am doing:

• Working out at an insane hour of the morning Because it is winter and I don't want to freeze into solid fat.
• Deleting the Netflix app on my Ipad Five seasons, two weeks = Too much.
• Reading in my relaxation time (something I LOVE).
• Deciding to be excited about school (Which has lead to a lot of actual excitement about school).
• Getting outside at least once a day.  Because cold or not, I need fresh air.
• Baking/cooking FUN AND FOOD.
• Thinking about what I want to do this summer. And I don't have a blooming clue.

Things I am NOT doing

• Novel writing. Because I am choosing to blog and study instead. Yes, this is sad. Ahhh, hard choices. I think I would write more if I wasn't stuck on a plot point too. So yeah, I am engineering Nursing school as some grand procrastination technique. I think this backfired somewhere along the way.
• Friend time. Just isn't really happening right now...aaah. I. have. no. life.
• Quilting. Never have the energy/time to really get into this during the school semester.
• Building snowmen. I try to deal with cold weather. Building potential artificial intelligence bodies? That does not appeal to me. Thing that won't make sense without Doctor Who.
• Sleeping. Seriously I am so excited every single night to climb into bed and get some rest.

Things I am excited about:

• EMBASSY ROW book came out last week!
• Both EMBASSY ROW and Killer Instinct came in at the library and are now on my very own bookshelf. Not that I have too much time to read them...
• Babysitting tomorrow night; kids are AWESOME.
• Snow, without school cancelations.
• School. Mostly. Always awesome to be educated. Perfectly lovely opportunity to be smart, even if it takes work.
• Pretty notebooks, which help me study.
• Frozen meals. These make awesome lunches.
• White  boards. Keep me organized and happy. Or as organized as I ever get.
• Remembering happy things on my wonderful therapy blog.

 

<3 Lissa


P.S. I really like this shirt right now (YES WHALE) so if anyone has an extra twenty dollars plus shipping...just kidding. Kinda.

FRAUD.

Heyo,

Got a fun call from Wells Fargo today. There was suspected fraud on my account . No, I didn't buy anything in New Jersey. (Not even quite sure I have even been to NJ. Like ever) And nope, no purchases of one hundred dollars, recently.

Its official. I had  a hacker.

Now unlike most people, this made me kinda happy. I was excited to have something interesting happen to me and was ecstatic that I hadn't lost any money. My fair hacker had been declined at every stop. So cool. I had the adventure of being hacked. So because Taylor Swift was also hacked this week, does that mean I am like her?

Okay, so probably not. But that got me thinking about celebrities; why I want to be like a singer I have never met? It shouldn't make sense, but in our culture it does. I am a person she is a person; so what is the difference? Aside from money. Or in my case lack thereof.

I feel like a fraud. Scratch that. I KNOW I am a fraud. I act fine, when I am hurt. I act happy when I am jealous. I try to lead my heart and be nice to others, but sometime it is nothing more than an act.

So I ask God for help.

And I start with the fact that every person on this earth is screwed up royally.

Lets start from that.

Besides if we are all at the bottom there is no way, but up. Or down to hell fire. Your choice.

Sanctification is the goal. It is a big word, but basically, getting better. Closer to okay. To perfect. One slow step at a time, crawling our way toward the cross, with a loving father guiding us along.

<3 Lissa

This is CollegePlus (PART TWO)

Heyo crazies.

PSA for CPers: It is messed up that you like ME telling you about your own institution. Like, lets review, my credentials? None. Unless you count a really solid sarcasm streak as some secret accreditation. Melissa-making fun of Megan since 1996. Seriously, you should be telling people yourselves. If this is this important to you: Tell the world.

This is  CollegePlus

Is catching fire. Kindled by tired, trite, monopolies of education, it is growing off the old and finished. Also fueled by the chronic homeschool students.

It is connection. For student to employers. For students to knowledge. For students to themselves. For courtship. Sorry the previous word has been censored out.

It is affordable. For college student who don't want debt or handouts. It is a great deal unless you take like, ten years to finish,  then not-so-much.

It is late nights. If you are social. Or studying.

It is long distance. Because it is everywhere, there your friends will be also.

It is hard work. Still school. Something can't be changed.

It is satisfaction. Of saving money, of gaining life experience and a college degree at the same time.

It is distractingly simple concept. That is exceptionally difficult to explain. Especially if YOU ARE NOT A STUDENT.

It is terrifying. Am I the only one in my town doing this?

It killing families everywhere. One hangout at a time. Okay maybe not...yet.

It is excitement. Fifty-One is your new favorite number. And plane tickets are perfect presents.

It is exceeding already excessive data limits. The streaming educational videos did it, during school time, with the student in the basement.

It is innovative. Something that is new, right now. You better keep it that way. No pressure.

It is shortsighted. CPers your life is more than CP, don't use all your extra time, being a college student. Do what you planned to do and change the world.  

It is evolving. You are always changing, growing. At least I hope you are.

It is creative.  With so many diverse needs it flexes to fit them all. 

It is community. With the world, thanks to the intelligence of the internet at your fingertips. The hours though..

It is old. Dependable. Even when you aren't.

It is crazy. And yes, you are too. Because...

It is YOU.

It might be me. No. No. Never. Uh, uh. 

And this is CollegePlus

 

Because the students are what make it more than another school. They are what make it wonderful weird. 

<3 Lissa

P.S. Confession time. "Tell the world." I used this phrase at the beginning of this post to make a point, and although it did fit really well, that wasn't my only motivation. Recently I have been rereading Rose Under Fire (Sequel to Code Name Verity) by Elizabeth Wien and it tells the terrible true stories (in fiction form) of holocaust events. In related news today is International Holocaust Remembrance day. So remember and tell the world.

Person of Power

Heyo,

So I was listening to  TedTalks this may be nerdy, but whatever they are awesome as I was doing some school. And I thought about telling you all about fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base balances, but something tells me you would rather hear about epic power struggles. Also I may or may not be thoroughly confused and incapable of teaching anyone, anything. Who doesn't love epic fights like the American Revolution?

So here is to manipulation, power and change. Things that come so naturally in our society today? People all have a sphere of influence. The more honest, real and relatable, determines how many and the quality of listeners they have.

The TedTalk I was listening to earlier, was about the lack of interest in civics. STOP RIGHT THERE.

No. You can't leave. This won't be boring. Promise.

Because civics is your ticket to participate in the world. To make a small change in one town, one school, and watch it grow into a movement without borders.

I am NOT exaggerating.

Being actively involved in government ANYWHERE does not make you evil, it mostly means you are good. Good and smart. Learn about things if you don't know where to start. Simply start by listening to conversations happening around you. Then take time to think about solutions to problems. Keep it practical, keep it simple, but don't be afraid to be far-reaching. Be an educated person. And you will be powerful, because the vast mindless aren't interested.

My sphere of influence is small, but if I have any, think about watching Crash Course on YouTube to learn about government, or read books on it, or turn on CSPAN as a background soundtrack, or talk to people about politics. Start with making yourself literate and then work from there. Figure out what works for you. Then do it.

<3 Lissa

Postivity

Heyo,

If the snow holds off, tomorrow will be my first day of (Spring Semester) school. 

I will go and learn my lessons good :)

My one resolve is to be less whiney, and more enthusiastic. Like when I am excited about something I have passion for it and sometimes by calling it 'school' I forget all that. I love nursing, but can often be found complaining about the workload, or high standards, without taking into in account the gift it is to be able to learn. Not to mention that I choose this. College is optional and expensive, so I want to make the most of it.

So the out with the bad/old, and in with the new.

I am excited. Happiness is much nicer than discontentment. I am excited. Hoping if I say it enough, it will become true. I am preparing for rain.

I think it is working.

<3 Lissa

The Pain Gain

Heyo.

I have a paper cut on my thumb tonight. And I am typing this on my IPad....NOT a smart idea. 

Ow. Ow. Ow.

I switched to my index fingers. This said while my thumb throbs. And now my computer has loaded up so back to normal (pain free). I know. I know. I am such a whiner. From that process a thought just occurred to though. The saying "No pain, no gain," is true right? Things we want often take time, work, patience or literal pain. So this is making me wonder...

 

What is worth the pain?

I chose to work-out, because it makes me a healthier stronger person, but is that always worth it? Is that how God wants me to spend my time..

As I heard somewhere else there are only two things that are eternal. God's Word (which includes the Trinity) and souls. People and God are what matter in life.

But how often to I take care of eternal things versus worldly things.

I love to clean. And bake. And exercise.

Those things need to be done, but none of those things matter eternally. They are also simple. Work-out, eat right and you will have a relatively healthy body I mean we are all dying. It is hard to talk to people sometimes hard to put family first, harder to do that joyfully, and hardest to do it faithfully, consistently. This is the pain. We make choices all the time. Things don't just 'happen' to us. I don't believe that things are random. (If you disagree, let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts on it.)

And I want to choose my God and other people ahead of things.

Because that is what matters. That is where the gain is. Realer gain than I or you have ever known.

<3 Lissa

uPsIdE nOw; AlL aRoUnD

Heyo,

(My day today was awesome. So if this post sounds depressing. It is not. It is happy to be alive to ponder these things. It is grateful for the gift of bright days chock full of purpose and freedom.)

I know I am young. I know nothing. When I am old, these opinions I hold now will seem arrogant and wrong.

Yet when I look back a few years I realize that I envy my younger self. Because when faced with complexity, she simplified it. Now I try to reason it through. While this has grown my empathy, it hasn't helped me deal. I might understand, but that doesn't help me process.

Maybe I need more time or maybe I need to reconsider the strategy.

"Feeling the pain as innocence dies"

Because it doesn't just come back.

And discernment often dies with it.

<3Lissa

 



GYM Newbie Eddtion

Heyo,

So I have always loved physical activity. Sitting still is not for me. Mostly. I mean I love to sleep, but aside from that I learn, work, and think better whilst in motion.

Only recently however have I really tried working out in a gym. Here is a list on how through self-discovery I do it, newbie style:

1. Pack a bag the night before
2. Forget H2O, like a pro
3. Set an alarm an hour earlier than you plan to leave
4. Hit snooze
5. Hit it again
6. Once more
7. And once for kicks.
8. Be tired, and still on time
9. Say hi to family members who are up at this insanely early hour too
10. Drive ten minutes
11. Be the annoying person who holds up the 'regulars'
12. Get lost in the hallways
13. Be that person who doesn't want the TV monitor on, but can't figure out how to turn it off
14. Realize no one care, except you
15. Don't break a sweat
16. Feel like everyone around you is in a zombie state
17. Whatever keep going through the motions
18. You may be a zombie too
19. Stay for an hour
20. Start sweating only to realize you are late
21. Stop and skip stretching.
22. Get home exhausted

And now story time

Last night I was planning this routine for this morning. I really was, my workout clothes were in the bathroom and my alarm was set. Ready was my middle name. I talked to Megan and my mom and we were all three game to go.

Well something happened when we slept.

Next morning my phone vibrated like clockwork and I hit it off and thought. No. I am not doing this right now. I am tired, my bed is warm and comfy. This is my last week on break. No one is forcing me to be heroic and get up now. So, no.

I wasn't worried about Megan and Mom, because they could keep each other company in the strange new world.

Little did I know as I caught up on some shut eye.

Megan did the same thing.

And Mom wanted to, not just out of laziness, but because she was legitimately sore from previous workouts. Her body needed a rest, but no her girls were counting on her and she was not leaving them behind.

So she is determined. She gets up, reads her Bible and is ready and the appointed hour. No one else is.

She goes anyway. No use in going back to bed only to lie awake. As she starts her workout, she goes to reach for her earphones, which are not to be found. She left them at home.at home.


Moral of the story NEVER FORGET YOUR EARPHONES PEOPLE. Or flake out on your commitments. Or skip gym time.  Also where teenagers are there are also earphones.

<3Lissa

PS This is my 100th post!

Frozen Random Thoughts

HeyO.


*Tonight is pessimistic sarcasm time. So shut up and sit down. It is cold here and coldness, does not make me happy*

This is stupid. The life. The blog. These people. This me.

Everything is wrong with me. Because I have to decide everything about my life. It is too much responsibility. There is too much pressure, and there is no one to go to. I mean I ask God for wisdom all the time, and my parents are like a waterfall of wisdom, but you know what I mean. At the end of the day, I make the decision. The words that I type or speak are permanently chained to me.

                                                                  *Little sister enters room*

"What are you blogging about?"

"I don't KNOW. I can't blog. I got 155 page views today. Last month I got, like, forty, for the whole month. And half of them were me...My topic is boring."

 *Melissa randomly starts typing about stupidity* *See first paragraph* 

"Talk about why it is stupid. Why are you feeling this way?"

*Melissa adds second paragraph*

 

And I finally get in a groove, because I have had a revelation. I need to talk to a real person to blog.  I have to get a live reaction to see if I make any sense or  if  this is stupid. Because my brain feeds off of the laughter, the banter, the combined creativity. So this post is brought to you by little sister. 

 

I am weak. I need others to help. OKAY?

 

Because I was temperamental For your enjoyment a brief quotation on spelling.

"Is this spelled right?" I ask

*Little sister squints*

"Yeah." She says

*Melissa stares at word*

"It just looks funny."

"Some words do." *Little sister shrugs* *Goes back to scrolling*

"Let it go." *cue gasp of collective annoyance*

 

This post had 'Frozen' in its title...what did you expect? Be thankful there wasn't more.



<3 Lissa

P.S. This blog post is may/may not be influenced by the magic white cold stuff, that has kept me inside today.  #cabinfever? #SnowInSummer #NowPlease

This Is CollegePlus (PART ONE)

Heyo,

Some one asked me what CollegePlus is. This happens occasionally; people assuming I am a student. I am not. (MY NAME IS NOT MEGAN.) Still I get asked it enough that it deserves an explanation. (I am not a twin. I just move too much to be known on my own.)

Really the whole question is wrongly put. Because CollegePlus has everything and nothing that is college plus, right in its name. Read people.

College - This is an institution of higher,  repetition of high school, learning life survival skills

Plus- Everything else that comes with it. It is what you want it to be. A little side thing, that gets you a piece of stupid paper? Or working through school to become an entrepreneur? Your choice. Only Plus does have some unusual college 'pluses'. There is no basketball team, but there is Steve, an unofficial chameleon friend.

Not enough for you? You want details? 

"What type of school?"

"The process begins by CLEPing BLOGGER THAT IS SO A VERB, ahem, testing out of classes."
  

"Wait it's not online?"

"Well it's both. Some online, but a lot off-line."

It's called distance learning and you better believe that people's eyes have glazed over by this point. No one is that interested in you unless...

They are parents.

"How much is tuition?"

When you name a price and tell them about accelerated distance learning. They are hooked. Two years? A quarter of the price?

The kids however, that is where the student life comes in. It doesn't matter if you are homeschooled introvert or crazy-excited extrovert. Everyone is concerned about "the college experience."

(Okay some homeschool kids aren't, but whatever. They still need help from student life, only in a different way. Therapy rehabilitation is so a thing. Miracles, don't be afraid of them.)

Still confused?

Imagine the indescribable. Something that is so complex and changing it cannot be fully grasped. It is made up of people and people are walking contradictions.

 

College Plus makes students unable to sit in a 'normal' classroom. That is okay because, while life is like a classroom, it is not one. Better to learn the real thing than the metaphor for it. They can't sit still. Life doesn't either.

If you try and talk about your new 'college', know that getting a degree without going to a brick and mortar school makes no sense to some people. Also some people just can't believe that you can get a REAL degree online.
 

If you are STILL CONFUSED:

Talk to my older sister (her blog is here) or talk to Aubry, she is everywhere. Or Jordan, she is working at headquarters.

<3 Lissa

P.S. This week's CP post is slightly less funny. My apologies. This is also a Part One. Next week's Part Two has more sarcasm. Promise.

Guesswork

Heyo. People.

I don't know what you're thinking. I try, really I do. If I have known you awhile sometimes I get pretty good at guessing. I might be right a lot. You might take this for granted that I 'understand' you.

But oh, this is when I get it wrong. The sun goes dark and I am so wrong. It is horrible. I don't 'understand'.

There are many people who are willing to listen. But you need to tell. Use your words and speak up. They can say no. This is true. Look at it this way; they already don't know.  So them saying no, is just neutral, not rejection. Neutral isn't bad. Try it. The worst part is thinking about it.

Yes, I am venting a bit, but help a girl out. Learn to communicate. Keep talking, keep writing until you can express yourself.

I am not a perfect writer as you might know, or a perfect speaker.  So I work. I keeping going, keep trying, because not doing anything doesn't improve my skills.

Thank you for all the opportunities to try on this blog and in real life and thank you for telling me when I get it wrong.

Because only when I am aware of the wrong, can I get it right.

<3Lissa

Creativity...

Heyo.

Recently thinking how creativity is impish. Inconveniently so.

Like when every Friday I clean the basement and pretty every time I am almost done, straight in the middle of vacuuming, song lyrics get stuck in my head. Never a whole song, maybe there is one good phrase (and I can't sing it), but I have some words. It feels like scheduled randomness.

Or the moment I think of the perfect plot point in my novel, I am without writing instruments on a walk or other such nonsense (like, in a pool)

Don't even get me started about school. How the second I am productively studying the creativity flows and the school stops. DAAAAAH. Seriously, I want to have a normal life, a steady job. I DO NOT WANT TO FAIL OUT OF SCHOOL.

Such an Imp.

Then there are the moments you are finally getting some long over-due sleep. It is late and ideas, inspiration hits and forces you to record the thoughts. At that point it is less imp and I am more slave.

Tonight. I am working on editing and either I am ADD or I am lazy, because I can't keep my word doc open. The imp is gone, because I want it to be here. Now. With me. And it hates schedules. My goal is to get through one round of edits before school starts next Monday. I think this is good. I am just having trouble balancing staying on task and not scheduling creativity. In other words keeping off pinterest, but not stressing.

It does not always listen to my rules though. Hope that it lets me finish this time. I am counting on completed edits this week.

Come on, Imp.

<3 Lissa

P.S. Tomorrow I am getting up at five-thirty to work out a the YMCA. yaaaay. Glad to get that done early. So not ready to be up that early.

God's Not Dead

Heyo,

Tonight we are watching an classic, God's Not Dead. This is not going to be a review of it, because right now I am too inspired. I don't want to work through the pro's and cons. I just want to remember how I feel about it right now. Inspired.

Not just of the importance of Genesis Creation, but the importance of standing up for God. Of using words and actions to tell people, the world that I believe in him. That I am on his side.

I, people in general don't hesitate to identify with shows, bands, books and anything that we like. Because we like it. How much more should I stand up and identify with God.

It is hard. This is  what makes a challenge. It is the day where you wake up late and then forget your Bible reading.  Then there are issues. There are always issues. Things that make me mad or sad and that is usually when I miss the opportunity to stand up for God, because I am to stuck in me and my issues or even stuck in others' issues.

And I run out of steam. To defend, to be patient or something.  I keep my conscious my ignoring the opportunities.

Doing nothing isn't making anything go away...it just means I lose, God loses, because I am weak and didn't rely on his strength.

Luke 12: 47-48
"And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."

God has given me much. I am so thankful to have a Bible, Christian friends, family, and freedom to learn more. Therefore much is required.

And ignoring the standard doesn't make it go away.

Keep going,
<3 Lissa

List of Limits

Heyo all,


Amanda has just reminded me that I only have a week of freedom left. A week people. This is not a drill. The first year, second semester of nursing school is about to start. This semester I will working in a real hospital. And I am so excited and I am so terrified.

I know all you high schoolers are mocking me whining about how you had to go back weeks ago. Shut up. I may only be in classes for fifteen weeks, but those are the most intense weeks. Do not judge my panic.

Things that need to happen this week:

(BECAUSE AFTER THIS WEEK THERE IS NO MORE TIME. NONE. EVEN THE SECONDS ARE SUCKED AWAY.)

• READ (is three books a day too many??? I have to many books lined up)
• EDIT (two chapters a day in my novel. I need to finish and I just started...today)
• BLOG (Like schedule the next fifteen weeks worth of posts...or just remember to post once a day this week)
• LOTR MOVIES (marathon. seriously this needs to happen)
• CNA APPLICATION (because that should have already been done by now)
• BABYSIT (some super cute family friends)
• PLAN (how the next semester is going to be remotely feasible)
• And the rest of my school reading (Because lets face it, I am Type A enough to not want to get behind)

Anything I am missing? I ONLY HAVE A WEEK. I FEEL THE WALLS CLOSING IN. *Melissa breathes and regains control*

The other half of my brain is calm and cooperative. I promise. It is going to be a wonderful semester:) Even if it is a little scary.

<3 Lissa

Stealing Time

Heyo,

How to STEAL TIME

 

Cut Netflix, YouTube, the TV, practically anything that connects to the internet and is considered entertainment. This will be PAINFUL. And meaningful. And no, going through five seasons of TV shows in six days is not an accomplishment. It is NOT a good use of your time. The first step to fixing the problem is admitting you have one.

Focus, if you can't focus on what you are doing you won't get anything done. Find something that you can do and do it. Then do the thing you don't want to do. No excuses. Rewards excepted only AFTER both are done.

Capture dead time, waiting, driving, dishwashing. Boring brain time. Plan out your day, your novel, your life, but know how you are spending it. Use it for dreams, but use it. 

Get up early. I know that this is HARD. But you stay a step ahead of the day. Start early and keep going.

Don't stay up late. I am still learning this one, but really a good nights sleep is worth it.

Love the moments. Because that is the only way to make them stay.

<3 Lissa

*GUEST BLOG* Story Time Inspiration

Heyo,

Today I am reposting a story that inspired my "Story Time" last Wednesday. My younger sister showed me this and it really hit me. The beauty in this kind of story is how the Scripture is the measure used to understand the context. It is the backbone that holds us (and thus stories) together.

Rebecca's story:

“Yes, I keep the flower,” Kelsier said. “I’m not really sure why.
But . . . do you stop loving someone just because they betray you?

I don't think so.

(Love is patient)

That’s what makes the betrayal hurt so much—
pain, frustration, anger . . .
and I still loved her.
I still do.”
(love is kind)

“How?” Vin asked. “How can you?

(it does not envy, does not boast, is not proud)

And, how can you possibly trust people?
(it does not dishonors others)
Didn’t you learn from what she did to you?”

(it is not self-seeking, is not easily angered)Kelsier shrugged. “I think . . .
I think given the choice between loving Mare—betrayal included—
(it keeps not record of wrong)
and never knowing her, I’d choose love.I risked, and I lost, but the risk was still worth it.
It’s the same with my friends.
(it always protects)
Suspicion is healthy in our profession—but only to an extent.
I’d rather trust my men than worry about what will happen if they turn on me.”(always trusts)

“That sounds foolish,” Vin said.“Is happiness foolish?” Kelsier asked, turning toward her.

(always hopes)
“Where have you been happier, Vin?
On my crew, or back with Camon?”

Vin paused.

Kelsier shook his head. “I decided that I’d see her dream fulfilled.I’d make a world where flowers returned, a world with green plants,
a world where no soot fell from the sky . . .”(always preservers)
He trailed off, then sighed.
“I know. I’m insane.”“Actually,” Vin said quietly, “it kind of makes sense. Finally.”Kelsier smiled.

(love never fails)

 

Hope you enjoyed! I sure did, be sure to check out Rebecca's blog: https://rebekahelle.wordpress.com/

 

<3 Lissa

 

P.S. The test went well :)

Hazards of Hangouts

Heyo,

A list (because it seems to be a list week) for your College Plus enjoyment:

1. If you are a College Plus student you will update your Gmail chat to hangouts 
2. Add all your new friends (you've never had friends before)
3. Schedule a hangout by posting it somewhere or randomly inviting people you don't know
4. Understand people can only come late at night
5. Be prepared for no sleep (add caffeine to your life)
6. Start the call
7. Close your bedroom door (because who needs family)
8. Check out special affects
9. Add bowties, fire hats, and glasses -all in shades of red- to people if conversation cuts out
10. Or simply play crickets
11. If you leave early (because sleep or family)  you are pranked
12. People wonder why you are being "congratulated" on Facebook
13. This leads to awkwardness
14. You become addicted anyway, because you are so desperate for friends
15. Schedule another five hangouts while 'planning' at least five other 'random' ones
16. Random ones are the best
17. Mostly because they confuse your family
18. "Is she talking to herself?"
19. "Okay laughing at nothing, is not normal."
20. "Wrong. It is the screaming that makes our child especially crazy."
21. The next morning when you wake up with that hangout hangover, your family will be the first ones to ask "How was the hangout?" "How late were you up?"
22. You yawn, beginning to rethink that last hour
23. No, that last hour was the best
24. You can't decide if you were up really late, or far to early...
25. So you just make yourself a cup of coffee
26. Only to fall asleep trying to do actual school
27. Wake up only to eat and join another call with people across state and sometimes cross-country barriers
28. Who cares about school? *The B never bothered me anyway*
29. Oh wait, you only have to pass this College Plus stuff, there never was an A
30. YAY
31. That excitement pales in comparison to the joy of hangouts
32. Because for the first time in your sheltered life, you have friends
33. This results in having a home everywhere
34. So much so that you hardly are known in your own home.
35. Still you make The Call

<3 Lissa

P.S. Because I go to a NORMAL school, I have a math test tomorrow that requires I get at least a 95% or preferably 100% . Prayers are appreciated.

Night Notes.

Heyo,

This weird thing happens at night. I get sleepy.

I know. I know. This is a novel concept for night owls. like my older sister...more on that tomorrow but about eight pm I am tired, by nine I am in bed and my ten I am asleep. As in out cold.

And yet. There is this special thing that happens when inspiration hits. A thought, a lyric, comes to my head, and I am still tired, but I can't go to sleep. When I have an idea I have to write it down, record the melody or do something, anything to create. It doesn't last forever and if I don't obey at once it flits away and leaves me to rest.

This was my first experience ignoring sleep. Like anything it grew into other things. Work would keep me up late, school or other responsibilities press into my life.

Recently I have discovered something that will keep me up and awake. It is people, because I am extroverted I get a transfusion of energy (this is how my first all-nighter happened) when I interact with other humans.

I started thinking more about the night as I began to disrespect my sleep schedule more. The night felt arbitrary like why wasn't it the day? Day-night felt more connected than usually did. The night can be as diverse as the day. There is seems to be no reason that we differentiate them so much.

Then it hit me, that different people experience each. Night people don't always get the beauty of an early morning and on the other side morning people can't understand the appeal of midnight wonder.

These classifications are soft and can be molded. Could always be changing. This fascinates me.

Some sleep, some do not. This one thing is important to me that everything is done for God's glory.

So I use this phrase to wish someone well on their adventure during the darkness. It is common, but effectively generic:

Goodnight.


<3 Lissa

P.S. Tomorrow is another CP inspired post. Those of you who are not students probably want to stay away...

No Fun

Heyo

I have come to the recent realization that I am no fun. Like, seriously when did that happen? I mean I like smart things and sometimes these things turn serious, but why no fun?

Because right now I am the girl reading textbook BEFORE my spring classes have started. And I am applying for jobs. And I am studying math for a test on Wednesday.

And these are all fine things, but  no fun. Or I am not making them fun.

Something about turning adult and being responsible, right? Well my thirteen-year-old self is protesting in my brain. Telling me there is a way to be responsible and have fun. And there is sometimes. But the problem is that fun passes by way more often than the serious things. Serious, sticks. Fun goes fast.

Work, will always be there and I know that it is God-given, but I want to keep the joy and well the spark in life.

So here is to fun this week. Wherever I can find it...and yes, that probably means another sarcastic College Plus post.

What?

<3 Lissa

"Daydream Believer"

Heyo,

My mantra since I was little: Aim for the sky; hit the ceiling. This was my theory that dreams-no matter the crazy- are important. I did plenty of dreaming. Of the future hour, week, year, decade.

The dreams like, I am going to plan a girl road trip. Or to decorate my room a certain way. Anyway I have learned a few things about dreaming

There are two kinds of dreams ones for fantasy fun and the ones for sanity. The one that keeps you putting one foot in front of another. That gives you hope. They are desperate.

Sometimes my dreams scare me, because instead of pretty daydreams, they feel like lies I tell myself. Because maybe I make my plans an idol and it is the Holy Spirit telling me that. That I should dream of better things than I can even imagine.

And that is the problem I can't imagine or picture them. I need to take them on faith. (Substance of things hoped for and evidence of things no seen.) So I guess there is one other dream type. The dreams you can only dream of and don't really understand.

Keep dreaming (?).

<3 Lissa

Focus Fire

Heyo all,

Finding Focus. I have been trying to do my school reading recently, not that PINTEREST is helping...but on these cold winter days it has me thinking.

Focus is a lot like a fire.

I start the day knowing I have work to do. I get ready with my supplies: wood, kindling, lighter pencils, textbook, notebook. I even leave the humidity tablet behind because today this work will get done. I will focus. I start.

Nothing sparks.

I stare at lighter flickering an open textbook, highlighted alone, willing something to burn, but nothing. Nada. Why? I wait for minutes hours doing nothing it feels like. Then I remember oxygen. It needs are air. I start blowing moving, pacing, doing push-ups.

Tentative flames poke forth.

It is working. Diligently, I keep at it, poking taking practice quizzes, prodding goals, and adding more fuel music as necessary. I don't give up, I don't leave its side.

It catches. The whole structure is alive in golden-purple heat. It is marvelous, even if it took dedication to get there. It came.

And it is beautiful.

<3 Lissa

Cover Letters, Comedic Frustrations

Heyo,

I just spent two hours writing an utterly perfect letter that shows my excitement, personality and qualifications for a job.

It started as most cover letters start, from the draft of the last one. Then morphed into a brilliant chaos of ideas and plans. In that page were things I had accomplished and Mount Everest I still want to climb. Then I get lost, there is no flow. Something I can't pinpoint is off. I trying adding more words, while subtly seeing if my little (genius) sister next to me will help proof-read. No go. I glance around acting frustrated making comments about the difficulty employers have placed upon me. Nothing.

Apparently I am abandoned to work whatever havoc I can on my future. No one here cares.

Then along came my oldest sister (the OCD, cabinet member, I formerly discussed). She came to say 'goodnight' and then caught a glimpse of chaos. She couldn't resist and started cutting. She took my best thoughts and deleted them. Told me they wouldn't want to hear about my babysitting experience. Seriously you spend hours with kids (all ages) at odd hours on your own and can't even put that in a cover letter? I deserve medal and I don't even get to mention it to my future employers?

We settled on, "Additionally, I have provided childcare and domestic support for many families."

So that was nice.

Next my Mom sat next to me. She was tired, but she was being kind and supportive -thank you Mom. We tackled topicality and word choice. Apparently I overuse 'experience', 'variety' and 'learning'. The issue really came up when we got to the word 'Social-cultural'

"What are you trying to say here? Use conversational words to help me understand." She asks me. Great, Mom can almost read my mind, but even she is confused.

"I mean all kinds of people. Anyone, everyone, no matter who you are you will end up in a hospital." (I was being all kinds of positive)

"Hmmm, is that the right word?"

"Sure, it is a term from class. Psychology, I think."

Next thing I know I am Googling it. Turns out the word I am looking for is 'sociocultural'. Oops. That burns out another proof-reader. She goes to bed.

My whole family except dad has read it. I glace toward him. My Dad he just kept reading. I finally get up the courage and asked, "Would you read it?"

"I will be fresher in the morning."

"I want to submit it tonight, because there are these other, harder, questions they ask after this...so tonight."
"You'll be fresher in the morning too, Liss," Mom has returned.

"But Amanda already got a call back about this position, what if they close it?" I persist. I have not worked late to be thwarted, no I wanted to FINISH it. I didn't know if I could stand seeing one more time in the morning.

"On a Thursday night? Oh yeah, they are flooded with applications right now." Dad the skeptic said.

"Fine, okay. Read it tomorrow."

*Melissa gets up blogger* *FACEPALM* *She has no words. No inspiration* *All she has is work experience and twisted school terms*

"Dad I have nothing to say. Nothing is funny."

"What do you mean? You just spent the last two hours re-working a cover letter. You are going to wake up and work on it more. Then you are going to submit it and the hiring manager will go straight to your resume. Won't even skim your letter. There is nothing sarcastic about that."

Hysterical. I have a masterpiece that no one is going to read??? The world is cruel and unusual. Who came up with this torture?

I am going to bed.

<3Lissa

Christian Living

Heyo,

Story time with Scripture:

 

 

"Mom, let it go. I love this dress, it fits. It is comfortable. The neckline is practically choking me. Stop worry what your friends think."

(Let love be without hypocrisy.)
"Your skirt is too short. It would be wrong for me to let you wear it."

(Abhor what is evil.)

"Honey, forget the hemline a minute. You need to honor God, who wants to protect you from the shame of nakedness and at the same time not cause a stumbling block to boys."

(Cling to what is good..)

"Mom. This skirt does that. Gosh, I already look like the Amish."

"Thus noted, please wear something different. You are a beautiful girl, let me protect you."

(Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,)

"Okay, fine."

(in honor giving preference to one another.)

"That looks great Julie, now give me the other skirt and I will see if I can alter it for you."

(not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;)

*skirt is handed over*

"Thank you, by the-way-that new color, looks stunning on you."

"You think? That is why I choose it. Can you really fix it?"

(rejoicing in hope)

"Hmmm, I don't think so."

"Ah, of course."

(patient in tribulation)

Silently the mom says, "Lord-"

(continuing steadfastly in prayer)

"Why don't you give it to Claire? She is shorter than I am, so even you would approve."

(distributing to the needs of the saints)

*doorbell rings*

"And it looks like the guests are here now."

(given to hospitality.)

"Good."

 

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God." 

 

The above is taken from Romans 12:1-2, 9-13

 

<3 Lissa

 

 

 



College Plus National Student Cabinet

 

Heyo College Plus Community,

 

DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING POST CONTAINS TRUTH DISGUISED WITH A HEAVY DOSE OF SARCASM

 

 

The College Plus National Student Cabinet is LITERALLY insane and must be fired. Replacements must be found. This is not rash; listen to the evidence and decide for yourselves.

 

Three Cabinet members show rare, but devastating forms of OCD, these are three were also homeschooled. Another three are loud and actually understand contemporary culture. All six of these young adults exhibit Addictive Personality Disorder. The only two that were somewhat sane, got married and now forever hold their peace. With them the Cabinet barely survived and without them they are doomed to dysfunction. The President, left for a brick and motor school. No one knows why the he would do that when he wasn't THAT in charge, but these are strange people. I spent a weekend with them. I know.

 

Unfortunately after observation I noticed the two groups isolated from each other. Only after being given pizza were the open to talking. And talking. And talking. Then they fought. And finally best friends emerged. Not to mention that they were annoyingly productive and efficient at EVERYTHING.

 

If this is a lot to take in, I understand this has affected me personally.

 

One of them is my sister.

 

This all started out as a healthy volunteer opportunity and has ended with a lifetime of what? College? Isn't that what they were trying to avoid? People are becoming as attached to CP as babies are to a womb. This needs to end.

 

The First College Plus National Student Cabinet should be released from obligations, so as to attend rehab session or first dates as need be.  

 

If you or someone you know has been affected by this disastrous group, please let College Plus know, at their FACEBOOK, TWITTER, BLOG, PINTEREST, GOOGLE+ or YOUTUBE CHANNEL. Your voice could make a difference.

 

And one final note: Never mention the 2015 budget to a Cabinet member. Seriously, just don't poke the bear. Source reveal that one Student Life staff member in particular has been over-run with emails and calls from anxious Cabinet members.

 

<3 Lissa

 

ps *hope you enjoyed this different style of post*

Writing With Inspiration

Heyo,

So today was a normal day, nothing crazy like the past weekend schedule. This Monday actually made me very happy, because I could simply do what I needed to do. So way-to-go first Monday of 2015 you are cool, guess this year is hip enough to stay.

I even started editing my novel today *cue Melissa rashly reading and shaking her head in horror* I will be honest it is pretty bad. Not even sure that it can be called a novel or real a book yet. Still in the words-on-a-page stage. Still I am super happy to be working on it, because even baby steps are good as long as it is forward...So specifically I am pulling two Nanowrimo projects into one and this is tough. Mostly because it is written from two perspectives and I am screwing with the timeline. Here are a few things that have helped me create enough order to work midst chaos.

Characters

Get those pesky people to stay on plot and still have personality. I interview on paper, I give a full work-up in notebooks and then have my sister 'talk' to them. It helps. Each person is complex and I want that to come across on a page.

Time

It is okay to mess with time. I was afraid of it for awhile because the books I read had done it so well. Ultimately I decided to do it because it so much fun to read even if it is a pain to write. Adding the interest and complexity was worth it.

Outlines

Are a perfect life saver. Seriously outline the soul out of your story, what doesn't kills it makes it stronger.

NO-THINKING

Stop thinking about it, no words are perfect let something go, until you can rewrite it or simply be content. No body's perfect this is only a (my) second draft. There will be many more. Don't. You. Worry.


Back to writing feels so good, what have you been doing? Hopefully happy Monday things.

I can not believe I wrote that sentence.

<3 Lissa