Blessed

My boss always says Outblessed and highly favored. I like it. It's a good reminder that we aren't just people on earth living our lives with no rhyme or reason. We were created because Someone loves us and we are valuable. I forget that sometimes.

Anyway, I was just reading some old emails I received a couple years ago during some pretty crazy times in my life. I saved them because everytime I read them they bring tears to my eyes. They also remind me that I have so many people in my life who are such amazing, God-fearing, godly, loving people who encourage me everytime I talk to them. I have been blessed.

Thank you friends! You all have stuck around and put up with my sillyness and I love you for it!

Current Encouragments

So i just finished reading a blog and learned what NSV means (Non Scale Victory). I love it. And just this weekend I experienced my first! My friend begged me to go to the gym with her and i was hesitant b/c I just didn't feel like going. But in the end I went and ended up blowing my previous time out of the water.
I jogged for 24 minutes at 4.5 mph (which is both the longest and fastest I've ever jogged) and went 2.25 miles total (including a 6 min warmup and a 3 min cool down) for a total of about 33-34 min on the treadmil. It was amazing. I felt SO good. Two times I wanted to stop b/c i was in pain but I decided to keep going and both times it brought a smile to my face knowing I pushed my self.
Then this morning I woke up at 5:45 (2nd victory) and went for a 2 and a half mile jog/walk. There is a hill I have to go up which is killer but I actually jogged about 1/4 way up which I thought was IMPOSSIBLE. I started jogging, warmed up and finished jogging about .75 miles into it and that's when I started walking the rest of the way up the hill. Half way up the hill brought me to a mile. Then there was another little hill that I walked up and then jogged another half mile. I finished having gone a total of 2.70 miles.

VICTORY IS MINE! :D I never thought I'd be able to go that far and jog a good part of it. Next time (wednesday morning) I'm going to try to make it half way up the hill. I'll let you all know when I've jogged the whole way up. Not for awhile though :P

my weight goal status

Current Weight	182.0 pounds
Goal Weight	158 pounds
Goal Date	Sep 11, 2010
Rate of Change	1 lb/week

Today I had a banana,

half a grapefruit,

carrots and hummus

and some kettle corn. All of it tasted soooo good :)

My "New" Diet Plan

Ever since I was 13 I have struggled with my weight. I've tried diet after diet, and "exercise plan" after "exercise plan" and nothing has worked. By that I mean, I haven't committed to anything for more than a couple of weeks at a time. My plan for exercise was go one day, work as hard as I possible can (over do it), wake up the next morning feeling defeated and in pain. Stop until I feel better. Start a month later doing the same thing. This pattern of Yo Yo dieting has left me completely discouraged and disgusted with myself.

This time I decided is different. I now have a goal, a plan to reach that goal, and a buddy system all to help me reach my desired weight. I started monday at the gym running on the treadmill for a total of 35 minutes. Dinner that night wasn't too supportive of my new plan but I justified that at the gym. I warmed up for 5 min, ran for ten min at a speed of 4.5 and then walked for 5 at 3.0 then ran another 10 min at 4.5 and then cooled down for 4-5 min. I felt good.

Then I woke up the next morning.

I felt like an old lady, all day tues and today I've had trouble walking because my hips hurt so bad. I realized I'm already starting off on the wrong foot. I over did it at the gym and now i am less than excited about going back. Not only that but Monday and Tuesday I cheated a little by eating sugar and some other stuff I wasn't supposed to have.

My friend Ashley is on the same "diet" because of her health. It is absolutely mandatory that she stick to this strict way of eating. I'm just doing it because I can loose weight quickly without starving myself and without cutting out everything I love to eat.

It's the gluten, wheat, dairy, sugar-free diet. Ok, so I had to cut out a lot of stuff that I love but it's easier than counting calories, no carbs, and the Nutrisystem diet where you eat microwaved cardboard. I can still have fruits and veggies, rice (white or brown...brown is obviously better), corn (which includes chips and taco shells at a minimum), potatoes sometimes (hello sweet potato fries) and lots of other stuff. I just have to be careful with how much I eat which is true for any diet you're on. It really is a great way to eat and I feel SO good when I'm on it. I just have to remember that food isn't here for me to find pleasure in (although sometimes its ok as long as I'm being self-controlled) but its here to nourish me in order to live and serve God.

It's so good to have a friend who can encourage me and who I can encourage to reach goals and to live a healthy life. SO in order to keep a diary of what I've eaten I'll be keeping it here. This is help me because I'll have to remember that millions of people (or maybe just the one or two that actually read this....sometimes) can see what I've had to eat and can give me the "eye" or lecture when I've strayed from my diet.

Breakfast:
Rice chex with Almond milk (a cup maybe?)
Half a grapefruit.

Snack:
*Gulp* salt and vinegar potato chips (a handful)
Banana (great combo eh?)

Lunch:
Chipotle burrito bowl-Steak, rice, black beans, peppers and onions, salsa, lettuce, and guacamole ....and yes I got a bag of chips BUT I didn't all of them. I shared the rest with my coworkers :)

Snack:
Will be some kettle corn which I will share as well.

I'm not sure about what I'm going to eat for dinner but I am definitely encouraged and ready to stay true to this diet today :).

Shortcomings

Today my eyes were opened once more to my shortcomings as my attitude was much less than pleasant as I was getting ready to leave for work. My mom reminded me of the gift my job started out to be as it was only by God's provision that I was given this opportunity...and I responded in frustration because I know it is a gift, but I don't always (if ever) act as if it truly is.

I opened up The Valley of Vision this morning to the prayer on Shortcomings. I hope it encourages you as it did me.

O Living God,

I bless thee

That I see the worst of my heart as well as the best of it,

that I can sorrow for those sins that carry me from thee,

that it is thy deep and dear mercy to threaten punishment so that I may return, pray, live.

My sin is to look on my faults and be discouraged,

or to look on my good and be puffed up.

I fall short of thy glory every day by spending hours unprofitably,

by thinking that the things I do are good,

when they are not done to thy end,

nor spring from the rules of they Word.

My sin is to fear what never will be;

I forget to submit to thy will, and fail to be quiet there.

But Scripture teaches me that thy active will

reveals a steadfast purpose on my behalf,

and this quietens my soul, and makes me love thee.

Keep me always in the understanding

that saints mourn more for sin than other men,

for when they see how great is thy wrath against sin,

and how Christ's death alone pacifies that wrath,

that makes them mourn the more.

Help me to see that although I am in the wilderness (which i'm not really)

it is not all briars and barrenness.

I have bread from heaven, streams from the rock,

light by day, fire by night,

thy dwelling place and thy mercy seat.

I am sometimes discouraged by the way,

but though winding and trying it is safe and short;

Death dismays me, but my great high priest stands in its waters,

and will open me a passage,

and beyond is a better country.

While I live let my life be exemplary,

When I die may my end be peace.

This is my prayer for today

Another Year Draws to a Close: 2009

Another year has come to an end and so much has happened.

This year I:

• was in two weddings (Lindy & Shane and Charlie & Catie)

• Went to three other weddings (David & Tomo, my cousin Scott &Brooke , and Sara & Joshua)

• Passed Greek 1

• Passed the biggest test I've had (which I failed the first time) :) (Senior Comp)

• Graduated from The Master's College (BA in Biblical Studies emphasis: Biblical Counseling)

• Went to Hawaii, Arizona, Washington and Oregon

• Got a job (after a whole summer of filling out applications and praying for the perfect office job...which God provided!!!)

• Voted for a US President for the first time (not the one who won)

• Hurt my Knee (not too bad though....it was worth it)

I watched God's hand in one of my best friend's life as He not only completely changed her heart but also provided the means to bring her to a place where He has begun to show her His plan for her life. His good and perfect will.

I've been blessed with another best friend who is not afraid to show me where I am weak and who constantly pushes me toward God in order that I might please Him and follow only after His will and not my own. I have struggled so great this past "semester" (I don't know what else to call it...i'm still in college mode) as I watched the greatest season of my life as of yet come to a close and start a new chapter. I wasn't ready for how great that change would be. I didn't want to close that chapter yet because I was (and still am) afraid of what's around the next corner. But God has been so gracious to me and He has allowed me to struggle in order to show me that I can trust Him because He only has what's best for me. He didn't allow it to be easy because He wanted to show me that I really need Him and that I couldn't do anything without Him. He has given me a taste of what it's like to rest in His arms and simply enjoy Him for who He is and to delight in His word and in His presence. I am still yearning to be in a place where all I want is Him. I haven't reached that place yet but I am striving for it.

He has been convicting me of my complacency and apathy (thanks to Clara for that word). I have been going at a comfortable pace for too long. It's time to run and run hard for the goal. I don't want to be comfortable anymore. He promised me that life wouldn't be easy if I were truly following after Him but I have had the most comfortable life anyone could have as of yet. I don't want to settle for what the world has to offer. I want only what God has for me. I am done (hopefully) with comfort. I want heartache and sorrow that I might share in Christ's sufferings. I don't know the weight of what I'm asking for but I know that I want what Paul in Philippians 3 wanted "To know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death". I want to "count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus MY Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him...." I want to see sin the way God sees it. Not overlook it and be tolerant of it. Like the song, "Break my heart for what breaks Yours". That is my heart's cry. In the year 2010, I want to "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles [me], and run with endurance the race that is set before [me], fixing [my] eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." I have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in my striving against sin. (Hebrews 12- one theme chapter of 2010.

I Helped my brother and sister-in-law pack up their house and move to Colorado to start their own adventure. (God has been working in them and they have grown closer to Him as a result of their move)

I waited for a new member of the Robison family (Aquila Jo Robison) who was born on December 6th (US time) after having a long time of discomfort for Maki as she waited over a month for her baby to be born a healthy new born.

I Read some good books which gave me refreshment and reminded me who I was (a precious and beloved child of the Most High God, Creator of the Universe and Savior of my soul, who loved me with the greatest love and Who sent His ONLY Son to die the most excruciating death in order to spend eternity with a sinner) and Who God is (The Everlasting Father :)

I spent months praying for an 11 year old sister in Christ who was diagnosed with cancer (whose faith in and love for her Heavenly Father encouraged me more than words could ever express) and for a 17 year old boy who at the very beginning of his new life in Christ (his whole family accepted Christ at the end of this summer) went through multiple surgeries unexpectedly. Both of them were healed :) It was so amazing to see God's hand in all of it.

Countless other miracles and blessings have been bestowed on us this past year and I thank God for all of them. I pray that you would seriously consider what God is calling you to do and press on! We need to be a generation who seeks the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and live for His glory. Fight the good fight and glorify your Father in heaven

Thanks for reading!

Psalm 16

2010 New Year's Resolutions

...Yeah I know its only Nov in 2009 but I figured I should start my list now so I know what to aim for :)

Spiritual Resolutions

• Read the whole Bible this year- Unfortunately, I have never done this straight through before. I've tried many times but I always did it the wrong way with the wrong reasons. I started at Genesis 1 and got to about chapter 30 and got REALLY bored so I quit. This time I want to do it right. I have a reading plan (from logos.com)
  
• Start a Discipleship relationship: I've started a couple groups but we never really got anywhere. This time I am going to PRAYERFULLY start a group and commit to praying for whoever it is I am with and do it for the whole year. Jan 1 2010 - Jan 1 2011. That's a big one.
• Pray EVERYDAY. I am not a woman of prayer as God calls His children to be. I lack that desire and I know it isn't about what I feel like doing. I need to pray and I need to be faithful.

I will be adding to this list as I think of things :)

Proverbs 1:1-6

Insights from Matthew Henry on Proverbs 1:1-6 (emphasis added) :)

Solomon: Son of David, author of Proverbs.

All the earth sought to Solomon to hear his wisdom, which excelled all men's. Every word he said had weight in it.

I wish I could say this about myself. Instead I constantly find myself speaking only to say something completely ignorant or beside the point. "Silence is wisdom" or "Poor Caitlin" are commonly heard phrases after I have spoken. I hope to learn from our friend Solomon and apply the principles found in Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment that it may give grace to those who hear"

In these he was divinely inspired.
For what end they were written (v. 2-4),

not to gain a reputation to the author, or strengthen his interest among his subjects,

He didn't speak so that people would like him-- guilty
but for the use and benefit of all that in every age and place will govern themselves by these dictates and study them closely.
To form right notions of things, and to possess our minds with clear and distinct ideas of them, that we may know wisdom and instruction, that wisdom which is got by instruction, by divine revelation,

may know both how to speak and act wisely ourselves and to give instruction to others.

Not only do we have the tools (Scripture) to know how to live ourselves but we are also competent to teach others how to live! You don't have to be of a certain age or status, or grade, or gender to teach others the Bible. God has given us His Spirit and ANYONE who possesses Him has the knowledge and ability to counsel and teach.

"That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument...See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ" Col 2:2, 8

To distinguish, between truth and falsehood, good and evil.^ They are of use to all, but are designed especially for the simple, to give subtlety to them; for the young people, to give them knowledge and discretion.
Here is not only milk for babes, but strong meat for strong men.
Even wise men must hear, and not think themselves too wise to learn.
A wise man is sensible of his own defects. As long as we live we should strive to increase in all useful learning.
It is a credit to religion when men of honesty are men of sense; all good people therefore should aim to be intelligent, and run to and fro, take pains in the use of means, that their knowledge may be increased.

If you want to read the whole thing go to http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc3.xx.ii.html

Countdown to Graduation

So as of now, I have 53 school days left until I am done with my undergrad at Master's... Kinda crazy.

Shabbat, SNL, and City of David Excavations!

We've had a pretty busy weekend! We went to a Baptist church on Shabbat which had a very interesting message and a different way of doing things but it was ok over all. After that Bill took us to lunch and most of us had NON KOSHER pizza...bacon, pepperoni....and Cheese! Sooo good :) We were all very relieved.


After that we all split up into groups and walked around the city and did our own thing until 4. At 8 we had "Battle of the Sexes" IBEX style in the Miklat and of course, the girls won :)


Then yesterday and today we went into the City of David and excavated with a bunch of archaeologists. Hard but very fun work! We all carried buckets, dug, cleaned pottery and enjoyed the day in the PERFECT weather. Tonight, there's talk of snow. That'd be fun. The weather changes so quickly here.


That's pretty much all that has happened this weekend. Now it's dinner time and then its homework time. I hope you all have a wonderful week!


Shalom

A Look at the Past 5 weeks

We have now been in Israel for almost 5 weeks! Sunday will be the mark of the beginning of the 5th. So far we have been into Jerusalem more times than I can count. We have seen all the gates of the city, the Temple Mount, the Mt. of Olives, Pool of Siloam, Western Wall (or Wailing wall), Hezekiah's Tunnel, David and Solomon's tombs and so many other things!

We live on a Moshav which is sort of like a Kibbutz. It's basically a community that works as a whole in one field. This moshav, called Yad-HaShmona (Yad meaning memorial, HaShmona meaning 8). This is in memory of 8 Jews that were given up in Finland to the Nazi's. Once they did this, they realized that what they did was wrong so they stopped. It's a beatiful area surrounded by trees. On a clear day you can see all the way to Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean Sea and at night you can see the lights of the city. It's amazing!

Strong relationships have already been formed and we are like a family. We spend most of our nights hanging out in the Miklat (it's a bomb shelter) playing games, having surprisingly very deep conversations, some are Theological, some are just to get to know each other and others are silly and fun. There have been Jenga bets won and lost and lots of studying done for Land and Bible quizzes. We all love each other! This group is amazing.

Here's what a normal day at the moshav looks like:
Breakfast at the restaurant
Class (8-10)
Class (10:30-12:30)
Lunch (12:30-1:15)
Class (1:15-315)
Class (3:30-5:30)
Dinner (530-6:30)
Free time

We have our field trips on wednesday:
Old Testament Jerusalem
New Testament Jerusalem
Jerusalem Approaches
Benjamin (including Newe Samweli, Bethlehem, Jericho, West Bank)

Tonight is Shabbat (Start of Sabbath at sun down)
We will have a little service to remember God's rest on the seventh day.
We have wine (actually it's grape juice) and two loaves of bread because the Israelites had to rely on God's provision of the manna and collected two loaves on sabbath. If they collected more than that the manna rotted.
Then we will have our chapel service led by Praus, John, Janessa, Savannah and Noel. They are all very talented and it's such a blessing to be led by them.

This weekend we will (hopefully, depending on the whether) be excavating the City of David. We are all excited about that!

Whether here has been warm on and off but there's a rumor about possible snow AGAIN. It's cold and rainy right now but the sun is just barely peeking through the clouds. Israel needs the rain though so it's so cool to see God's provision in that way.

Well, I should go do some homework!
Thanks for reading!
Shalom!

I will post pictures soon. I know I keep saying that but the internet has been funky so I have to do it at the right time.

Love Never Fails

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not keep a record of wrongs suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

As I was memorizng this verse earlier today, I was thinking about what it really means. In the context of marriage, this means that no matter what happens in that marriage, whether it be adultry, lies, deceit, even the wost thing you could possibly think of (which for me is adultry), if you truly love that person, your marriage will last.

In the context of my walk with Christ, I was thinking of all the times I committed spritual adultry when I idolized something, chose to do things other than worship Christ, chose to sin rather than obey or whatever else I may have done contrary to the Christian life, God never left me. He kept no record of wrongs, He was (and is) extremely patient. I need to have perfect love like that. It is impossible this side of heaven but I need to love as best I can. I can go as far as to keep no record of wrongs, not be provoked (or in another translation, "easily angered") and I can endure all things because of Christ living in me.

I have failed so many times to love those who frustrate me and who I just don't get along with but Christ has called me to love with unconditional love as He has first loved me.

Some funs statistics

1. A total of 4000 cans are opened around the world every second
2. Ten babies are conceived around the world every second
3. Each time you open a can, you stand a 1 in 400 chance of becoming pregnant

1. Ten percent of all car thieves are left-handed
2. All polar bears are left-handed
3. If your car is stolen, there's a 10 percent chance it was taken by a Polar bear

According to a recent survey, 33 of the people say they participate in surveys.

Spring Break!

YAY! Spring break starts this friday! I'm so excited! Malibu for three days with awesome friends! Then home for a week of "relaxing" (actually i've got some exams to study for, two papers, a powerpoint project and some other stuff that has to get done)...but it'll still be amazing!

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

"Jesus draw me ever nearerAs I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,and I'll follow, though I'm worn.
May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.
Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go -
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne."

"Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds;
Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time
That will echo down through eternity.
And by grace we'll stand on Your promises,
And by faith we'll walk as You walk with us.
Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built
And the earth is filled with Your glory."
http://www.gettydirect.com

This year's Truth and Life Conference was amazing. The theme was the Glory of the Cross. I've never really understood the true power or even the importance of it until now. I mean yes, I knew that the cross was the foundation of our faith but I had never come to truly grasp its true importance until now. Every night before the worship began they would play a little video thing with quotes from famous people of long ago and one thing that hit me said the way in which the world saw Jesus on the Cross is the same way we are see the world (or something to that effect). It was so good to be reminded that I must keep my eyes on the Cross instead of on anything or anyone else. Christ is the One who I am to put my trust and faith in. Another thing that was said is that once we know our position in Christ and what He did on the Cross for us, its easier not to sin because we don't have to sin.

Anyway,
Just thought I'd share some things I learned. Hope everything is going well!
My classes are in full swing and everything is crazy as usual but this semester is going to be awesome!!

Please Keep Amal in your prayers

Please keep my friend Amal in your prayers as she is going through an extremely hard time right now. She's going back to Tunisia, Africa tomorrow to be with her family because her mom is in a coma. There is a possibility that she will not be coming back to Masters because she may have the responsibilty of taking care of her siblings, but also because her life is being threatened. This is so hard to even imagine, but God is in control. I'd share with you the whole story but its not mine to tell. Basically she's had an extremely hard year but she is an amazing girl and has grown so much! I have come to really admire her even though I don't know her extremely well. She is the one who said God is God and God is Good and that's SO true.

EDIT: she went but I wanted to make this a separate post because its important and it deserves attention

Christimas Concerts are here!

So we are in our second night of the annual Christmas Concerts. Last night went really well but we still have about 7 more concerts to do. Please keep everyone who's sick right now in your prayers as there are many! Amazingly (by God's amazing grace) I have not been sick since the beginning of the semester which is a really big thing considering last year I wasn't sick about 1 week out of the whole entire school year... :) I love Masters....just thought I'd share that! "God is God and God is Good".

*~miss you~*

Put down your paper plate
Come to the table made
Deep blue china
Found on the table by the wine
So fineWell it brings out flavor
Like You bring out color in life
Oh, I miss You soThe feel of forever
Oh, that taste I knowIt hurts to remember

Unfortunately high
Ironically dissatisfied

I miss you
I miss you
I miss you

Oh, I miss you so
The feel of forever Oh, that taste I know
It hurts to rememberI had a fleeting thought this morning
And I mentioned You today
It breaks my heart just to know You in part
And not to be with You where You are

Oh, I miss you so The feel of forever
Oh, that taste I know It hurts to remember
Oh, I miss you soThe feel of forever
Oh, that taste I know

HOME!

I'm HOME!!

It was so good to see everyone last night! Its so good to be home but I miss my new friends in Japan! It was so good to see all that God did over there. I recommend everyone going on at least one over seas trip to get out of America for awhile.

I'll post more later....so much to do!

FIREWORKS!

Yesterday was the big fireworks show at Showa Park. Let me tell you....it was the best fireworks show I've ever seen! It was an hour or so long! The only problem was there was a huge tree that covered like half of the fireworks so we only saw the really tall ones but it was still pretty sweet!
I got to wear my Yukata which was a pain because it kept coming undone in certain areas and Hitomi kept having to adjust it. I was probably thought scandalous compared to the other Japanese girls. (Don't worry, nothing showed but still....uggh!) So here are some pics!


OOOOOOOOOOOO
AHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Us sporting our Yukatas! Mrs. Hosokawa, Hitomi and Yuri

Yukiko!

Ayumi and I

Sweet!

Yuri!!

We had an awesome time! Showa park is gorgeous! I can't wait to go back....I saw pictures of it in December and it was amazing!

I'll be home soon and then you can see the rest of my pics!