Choir Camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwURWd7QzwI

This summer while I was at bible thumper camp, I was able to be a part of the choir camp. It was so much fun to see and hear all the talent that some young youth have. It was a blessing to be here. I met so many cool kids. Whom I still in touch with a lot of them.
But anyway. When we at choir camp we sang this song. And it is taken from Song of Solomon. We were able to have the French horn and a flute as an accompaniment. And so I had to you tube it and see what I could find. This little you tube video was the only one that was even close to the arrangement that we sang.
At the time we sang it I didn’t realize that it was from Song of Solomon. But now after seeing the presentation in class it hit me where this song is derived from. It was one of my favorite songs that we sang there.
So got to ignore the Animae that is in the video and listen to the song. It is a very powerful and strong song.
I know that this is short. My mind is else where with other school work that I have to work on. But I promise my next blog will be better! =D
*The picture is of choir camp. Me and some of the campers that were there. They were all high schoolers. It was a great week!

ACT SCRIPT!

THE FINAL CUT

The Crew:

Lisette Langdorf
Jenna Theisen
Ben Miller
KellEn Zanto
Erin Mortenson
Karen Willson


Acts 1

Scene 1

-Luke (narrator): In the first Book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to Heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffer he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the father.”

Scene 2

-Jesus: This is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not may days from now.

-Apostles: Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom of Israel?

-Jesus: It is not for you to know the times or periods that the father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

(Jesus is lifted by a cloud, out of their sight)

Scene 3 - the apostles walking from Mount Olivet to the city and their room where they were staying. Apostles praying.

Scene 4 – Peter addressed a crowd –

-Peter: Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit revealed concerning Judas: he was a narc for those who arrested Jesus – for Judas was a member of our ministry with inside knowledge.
For it’s written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his homestead become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it, let another take his position of overseer.’

(Shot of Judas acquiring land for being a tattle-tale, then he falls headlong into his field and dies)

-Peter continues: We must choose another to become a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.




Acts 2

Scene 1 (Video of a crowd with the sound of the rush of violent wind, then fire tongues – some sort of force – touches people in the crowd who then start babbling in their native languages)

-One crowd member: Whose this speaking Galieans? How is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native tongues? In our own tongues we hear them speaking about the God’s deeds of power. What’s up with this?

-Another crowd member: They are filled with new wine….

-Peter, standing with the apostles, says: People of MSU and all who live in Bozeman, Listen. These folk are not drunk, for it’s only 9 in the morning. For the prophet Joel told us that God will pour out his spirit upon all flesh, causing chaos, visions, and dreams; the sun will turn dark and the moon to blood. Those who call on the lord will be saved.

(Some sort of chaotic shot here)

-Peter continues: God brought Jesus of Nazareth w/ deeds of power, wonders, and signs God did through him. And you Israelites, you crucified this man, this Jesus, and killed him by the hand of those outside the law. But God raised him up, because it was impossible for him to be held in death’s power.
We are all witnesses of this Jesus God raised up, this Jesus whom you Israelites crucified, and whom God made both Lord and Messiah.

-Crowd: But brothers what should we do?

-Peter: Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so your sins may be forgiven and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Save yourselves from this corrupt generation!!

(The people are baptized, awe overcomes everyone as wonders and signs are done by the apostles)

Act 3

Paul and Peter Walk into the Temple.
-A poor crippled beggar approaches and asks for money.

-Peter says, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I will give to you; in the name of Jesus you stand up and walk”

-The beggar stands up and does a little dance.

-Paul and Peter invite this happy beggar into the temple with them.

-People notice the beggar skipping into the temple side-by-side with Peter and Paul.


Acts 5

Scene 1 –Ananias and Sapphira

-Ananias: Honey, I’m going to sell some property, but try to keep a small portion of the proceeds, so that we may buy a bit of extra bread.

-Sapphira: Yes dear, you do what you must.

(Ananias takes his proceeds to the apostles)

-Peter: Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the profits? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to GOD!!

(Ananias falls down dead; His wife arrives three hours later)

-Peter: Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.

-Sapphira: Yes, that was the price, such and such.

-Peter: How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord tot the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door and they will carry you out too!!

(Immediately Sapphira falls down dead; the men drag her body out)

Scene 2 The Apostles Arrested

(Video of the apostles being led to jail and locked up; In the night and Angel comes and releases them)

-Angel: Go, stand in the temple and continue your teaching.

(Shot of High Priest in courtroom, trial room, office, somewhere)

-H.P.: Bring the apostles before me!

(The Temple Police men returns empty handed)

-Policeman: We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.

-Jester (someone, nobleman): Look, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple teaching the people!

(The apostles are brought before the High Priest)

-High Priest: We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet you continue to bring this man’s blood on us!

-Peter & the Apostles: We obey God, not humans. We are witnesses to these things, God’s resurrection of Jesus whom you had killed by hanging on a tree, and the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him, is a witness too.

(This enrages the High Priest who attempts to kill the apostles but Gamaliel stops him)

-Gamaliel: Fellow Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or undertaking is of human origin it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them, but may be found fighting against God!

(This convinces the High Priest not to kill the apostles, but he still flogs them and they’re sent away)

-Apostles: Think, fellowmen, we are considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name Jesus Christ!

(The apostles rejoice and pray)

Acts 7-8

Intro [narrator?]: Stephen gives a speech to some Jews in which he tells the story of Exodus. Stephen condemns the Jews, which angers them.

Scene 1

Stephen: [to Jews] You stiff-necked people! You have failed to live righteously!

[Jews run at Stephen, take him down]

Stephen: Look! I see Jesus! [points towards the sky]

[Jews drag him away, stone him. Saul appears at the stoning, Jews lay their coats at his feet (or some other submissive behavior)]

Stephen: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! [He dies.]

Saul: Well done, Jews! This man deserved to die.

Scene 2
[at a house of Christians]

Christian 1: Poor Stephen! Such a holy man he was!

Christian 2: How sorrowful! He died a martyr!

Christian 1: No, a saint!

[enter Saul]

Saul: You there! How dare you follow this new religion! Idolaters!

[He grabs them and drags them to prison]

Interlude

Narrator: Philip goes to Samaria to proclaim the coming of the Messiah. The people of Samaria had previously thought a magician named Simon was a holy man, but Philip proves him wrong by performing miraculous deeds and converts everybody, including Simon, to Christianity. Peter and John join him in Samaria to help baptize the new converts.

Scene 3 [involving a convert, Peter, John, and Simon]

[Peter splashes water over convert’s head and lays his hands on it while Simon watches intently]

Simon: I want to do that! [He pulls out a wad of cash] I’ll pay you all of this money if you give me the power to deliver the Holy Spirit through my hands, as you have done.

Peter: Fie on you! You and your money can go die! God’s gift cannot be bought! Repent! Repent! Pray for forgiveness, you wicked, wicked man!

Simon: Oh, woe is me! Please, pray for me so God will not hate me!

Peter: [to John] Our work here is done. Let us return to Jerusalem.

Acts 9
Scene 1

[Saul enters a synagogue to talk to the high priest]

Saul: Good father, can you help my cause? I ask of you letters to bear to the synagogues at Damascus, so I can capture any who have converted to this new devil religion and bring them back to Jerusalem for persecution.

High Priest: This is a good idea. I will help you in your efforts to preserve our most holy faith.

Saul: Thank you, good man! May the God of Abraham and Isaac bless you.

Scene 2

[Saul walks down a deserted path towards Damascus with two companions; suddenly, a light from heaven flashes down on him]

[Saul falls over dramatically]

Jesus: Saul…Saul! Why do you persecute me?

Saul: Who are you, Lord? I say Lord, yet I am confused.

Jesus: I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But now you see I exist in all my glory, so go enter the city, and you will receive further directions. Your mission now is to praise me, and praise me you will.

Saul: I’m blind! The glory of Jesus has blinded me! I’M BLIND!!!

[Saul’s companions look on, confused]

Companion 1: Did you see anything?

Companion 2: Not I. He must be one of God’s chosen people!

Companion 1: It’s a miracle!

Saul: Help me! I’m blind!

[Saul’s companions lead him away. Soundtrack: Party to Damascus by Missy Elliott. Musical interlude – play music as Saul is shown being laid on a bed, looking pale and confused – fade to Ananias laying in bed, sleeping]

Scene 3

[Ananias is sleeping]

Jesus: Ananias.

[Ananias looks startled, wakes up]

Ananias: Here I am, Lord.

Jesus: Get out of bed! God to Judas’ house—it’s on Straight street. Do you know where that is?

[Ananias nods, still half asleep]

Jesus: Good. At Judas’ house, you will find a man named Saul. He is currently in shock because I temporarily blinded him while proving my majesty. He will be expecting you to give him his sight back; I showed you to him in a vision.

Ananias: But Lord, I can’t go to him! I have heard how evil he is, and he has permission from the High Priest to persecute people like me!

Jesus: Don’t make me look bad. Do you think yourself to be better than me? Do as I say! I need you to help prove my majesty to Saul. He is my instrument now. I will show him what real suffering is, and all people will bow down before me when they witness Saul’s plight!

Scene 4

[Ananias is standing over Saul in bed. He lays his hands on Saul.]

Ananias: Brother Saul, it is with the power of the Lord Jesus that I give you your sight back.

[Scale-like things fall from Saul’s eyes]

Ananias: Now be baptized.

[He splashes water on Saul’s head]

Saul: [Blinking, looking amazed] Praise Jesus! I feel better already.

Narraror: And Saul went on to proclaim the word of the Lord to all who would listen.



ACT 10

-Cornelius has an angel come to him one night.

-Angel says, “your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before god. Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter.”

-Cornelius does as the angel demands.

-Peter saw the Gentiles at the door and invited them in.

-The Gentiles told Peter that Cornelius was overcome by a holy spirit and asked to speak with him right away.

-Peter did not waste any time. He packed his clothes and left the very next day.

Acts 21-22 [prologue to 23]

Paul returns to Jerusalem from a crusade. He speaks with the elders there, who warn him that the Jews of Jerusalem hate him with a passion. They suggests he perform some rituals important to the Jews to improve his image. He performs the purification ritual, but the Jews try to kill him anyway. Soldiers come to Paul’s rescue, and Paul takes this opportunity to give a speech to the Jews. He announces he has been a Jew since he was born and tells the story of his encounter with Jesus. This does not impress the Jews, who get more angry with Paul. The soldiers try to beat Paul, but he uses his Roman citizenship to get out of it. The next day, Paul is sent to speak with the chief priests and town council.

Acts 23

Scene 1
[Paul stands before the council, looking at them intently. Soldiers stand next to him.]

Paul: Brothers, up to this day I have lived my life with a clear conscience before God.

High Priest Ananias: [to soldiers] Strike him on the mouth!

Paul: God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You call me a criminal, but you’re breaking the law!

Soldiers: Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?

Paul: Oh, I didn’t know he was the high priest! Had I known I would not have spoken, for I know the law that says “You shall not speak evil of a leader of your people.”

[Paul’s thought bubble: Aha! Some of these men are Pharisees and some are Sadducees. I will use their conflicting beliefs to my advantage.]

Paul: Brothers, I am a Pharisee. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.

[The men start to bicker among themselves—Sadducees do not believe in resurrection/angel/spirit, but Pharisees do.]

A Pharisee: We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?

[The men become violent.]

Head Soldier: [talking about Paul] Take this man to the barracks! Use force if you must.

That evening the Lord spoke to Paul, saying “Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.”

Scene 2
[at a gathering of Jews]

Jew 1: We must kill Paul!

Jew 2: We must! Let us agree to not eat of drink until we complete this task.

Jew 1: Good idea! Let’s go tell the chief priest and the elders.

Scene 3
[Jews stand before the elders]

Jew 1: We have vowed not to eat or drink until we kill Paul.

Jew 2: So, you should have the soldiers bring him here tomorrow.

Elder: But what will we say we need him for?

Jew 1: Say you need to question him more thoroughly.

Elder: Very well. We will do as you ask.

Paul’s sister’s son hears of this plot, and tells Paul. He then tells the head soldier (aka tribune) of the plot, who agrees not to bring Paul to the elders. The tribune then arranges for Paul to be brought to Caesarea, and writes a letter to the governor of Caesarea telling of Paul’s circumstances. Paul is brought to Caesarea and held captive there.

ACTS 25-26

[Paul is brought before King Agrippa to defend himself]

Paul: I belonged to the strictest sect of our religion as a Pharisee! We earnestly worshiped day and night when we could have been at the Club!

King Agrippa: (thinks a moment). Yes, a valid point. The Club is a tight spot…


Paul: Sure, I condemned some people to death, but isn’t that what it’s all about? Plus, is it so hard to believe God raises the dead? I was just hoping we’d be on the same wave-length …

[dead man off to the side nonchalantly revives and exits]


King Agrippa: Entertain me further with your plea, I love being the King!


Paul: So anyway I was traveling to Damascus, and God shined this huge light on me saying hey, stop condemning me, but tell other people about me -- I don’t know, he went on and on but truthfully his voice was a little overpowering and his Hebrew was rough…


[Flashback to Paul underneath a bright light. God’s voice is overly loud]


God: PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUL
PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUL

Paul: Yes?

God: PAUL. YOU ARE CONDEMNING ME MAN WHAT IS YOUR SACRIFICIAL BEEF? YOU HAVE KICKED SWIFT AT MY GOADS.

Paul: I’m sorry? (confused)

God: LISTEN TO MY LOUD OVERPOWERING VOICE, PAUL. GO TO THE GENTILES AND TELL THEM I AM AWESOME. I WILL PROTECT YOU FROM OTHER JEWS.

[back in the court of King Agrippa]


Paul: So basically I did what he said – because he’s fairly intimidating, bright lights – the voice, you know…


King Agrippa: He said that you should say we should serve him because Jesus knew you and the Jews were going to condemn him?


Paul: They’re fairly coordinated with everything…



[scene of Jesus talking on cell-phone speakerphone to God]

Jesus: Where you at!?

God: Chill.


[back in the court of King Agrippa]


King Agrippa: Paul, if you wouldn’t have pleaded to the Emperor you’d be free.
You’re really a pretty nice guy …

Paul: Awesome! Was really worried for a minute that you’d kill me…


King Agrippa: Naaahhhh….Maybe we could hang out at some arena battles sometime – couple your friends, couple of-


Paul: Ehh, not really my thing man – the whole earnest day and night worshipping, ehhh…it just wouldn’t work out…

King Agrippa: Reciting some lines in the Club too then, no doubt?


Paul: (flushed) Come on now…anyone who is anyone is in that Club and I know that you know it.

King Agrippa: [flashback/re-used old line ala cocaine is a helluva drug] Yes, a valid point. The Club is a tight spot….

[cut to a disco ball/bright lights and 20 secs worth of folk music. Scene is not necessary though]

*brief silence/zoom between Paul/King*

King Agrippa: [spins a globe beside him, randomly stops it] Very well then, I shall send you to Rome to do other things.

[everyone exits]

Pillar of Stone

I’ve been a little behind on this blogging thing. I guess I should get back on the wagon. But my life has been kind of crazy dealing with things and all. But I have the best topic to blog on, I’m very excited to share this story.

So I am from Helena. And I am studying to be an English teacher. My dream is to go back to the high school that I went to school at. And be an English teacher there. I still bleed the school colors, and my heart is still and will always be at that school. There is where I really realized that I wanted to be an English teacher. And I want to be a part of Capital High School again.
Well I love watching the boys play football. I had the head coach as a math teacher, so I know him well. and when I was a senior there, they football team made it all the way to state championships. In the end they ended up winning the championships. Since then, the Capital has won 33 games straight. So this year my brother is a senior there, so I know most of the football team because they are friends with my brother. It is so much fun going to the games with my mom, and bundling up in our warmest clothes to sit outside and watch them play. So far this season they have done so good. They have won every game by so far. There were always at least 30 points in between them and the opposing team. So they have really gave the other teams a run for their money.

Well this past weekend was the Big game. The one that all of the boys wanted to play. The one that will determine the state champs. We were playing C.M.R high school in Greatfalls. We had beat them so bad in the regular games that they had come back with revenge. Well my mom likes to think that she knows what is going on. But really she doesn’t, but that’s ok. She likes to mostly go and socialize. Well this boy from our team was running the ball. And he was going to get a touch down. But then what does he do? He looks back!! And he tripped and fell down. We all know that you can’t look back because you will turn into a pillar of stone. And my mom said “Oh boy, that boy should not of looked back.” And I’m like oh snap! We so learned about looking back in Bible as Lit class. And so I told her. I was like “mom do you know about Lots Daughters?” and she looks at me and was like of course… I think I do. Well the guys who sat in front of us heard us talking. And this one guy turns around and was like yea, I know about that story. And I was like ok, tell it to me. To see if he really knew the story. Well it turns out that he knew the whole story. From beginning to end. And he was like “you know you made a good point by not looking back. Because look at what happened. He fell down, and lost the ball.” I was very excited to hear about this, that this man whom I did not know, knew about Lots Daughters. What a small world I thought.

Unfortunately we did not win the state championships. The football team did not play a very good game. And it was a little bit sad. But we will get em’ next year. But it was very cool to see that what I’m learning in this class, other people know too. Its not just something that I’ll forget once the class is over kind of things.

*in the picture- my momma and I at the championship football game

The Slave--Day by Day

Upon finishing The Slave, it really gave me something to think about. Through out the book I would take a little sticky note and write the page number and the topic I wanted to blog about. When I got done with the book I found that I had about 20 little sticky notes all over my book. I guess that was a good sign meaning I read the book, and enjoyed it but then it came to the decision on what topic I wanted to blog about. Then the perfect topic hit me. And I’m going to share this with the class because I feel that it went along with the book, and what we have been talking about in class.

Recently my boyfriend of three years died in a car wreck. He passed away on Tuesday November 10th 2009 at 11:53 in the night. He decided that he wanted to play a “fun” game and race his friend late at night on the streets, to prove that his car was better and faster, even though he knew it was. He does this all the time so he felt that there was no way that he could get hurt. I had talk to him like ten minutes before he raced. I told him not to do it, because I didn’t like him doing it. but he assured me that he does this all the time and he will be safe and for me not worry. But being the girlfriend it is my duty to worry about him. when I didn’t hear from him and I didn’t hear from and I didn’t hear from I really started to get worried.
I went to bed thinking nothing of the topic that I would see him in the morning and things will be just fine. I am woken up in the middle of the night by a phone call from his friend. He had told me that Johnny was racing and something had gone wrong and he had flipped and rolled his car numerous of times. And that he didn’t make it through the wreck. In those two moments of his friend telling me that he didn’t make it and me realizing that he was really gone my heart dropped so hard in my chest. I couldn’t believe that Johnny, my boyfriend whom I shared so much with was really gone. There are still times where I will go to text him, and then remember that he isn’t here anymore.

I guess I felt kind of like how Jacob felt when his wife Sarah had died. Jacob prayed and prayed, as did I. but then Jacob did something that I really admired. He got up, and did what he had to do to keep him and his baby safe. Yes I mean Sarah is gone now, but that doesn’t mean that he could just instantly stop his life for it. He had to keep moving in order to keep him and his son safe. I can relate to Jacob with the death of a signifant other. Even though Johnny and I were still in college I knew that I was going to marry this man.

But I can’t just quit my life because he is gone now. I know that I’m not in a life dangering situation. But I have school that I have to focus on; I have my family that cares about me. I can’t let go of my dream because my boyfriend is no longer here. Jacob showed that he was really strong in losing Sarah. I need to be strong also. Jacob didn’t quit. And neither should I.

I know that my boyfriend is up in Heaven with God and that he is looking down on me. Even though he isn’t physically with me, he is spiritually. Just like Sarah was with Jacob. Johnny will always be with me. I can’t do anything to bring him back. I can say what if, what if, what if, but what will that do me? There is nothing that I can do to bring him back, so I just have to take this day by day. Just like Jacob did. Day by day.

Prince of Peace, John 20

Lately I have been really excited to blog. I guess something about the class has got me really excited to share my stories with everybody. And today when we read in John chapter 20 I’m like to myself wow this story is really familiar to me. And yes you guessed it. Camp. That is why it seems familiar to me.

Every week at camp on Thursday night the counselors would re enact the death of Jesus, where we get to see the last supper, Judas deny Jesus, him being beaten up, and then finally the crucification. It gives the campers a real life narration of why we believe what we believe. And it shows them what really went on. We have a script that we memorize our lines from. There is also a narrator who reads and summarizes some things. And then we act this reenactment out in front of the campers. I remember when I first saw this I cried like a baby. It is just so powerful to be able to see this in person and around us. we have someone play Jesus, and the disciples and everyone who took part in this part of his life. We even have read torches that we use. So its kind of cool. and we even dress the part. With our “Jesus sandals.” Which are Chacos. But anyway so Thursday night is the night where we see him die. And everyone knows that he rises, but we save that part to Friday morning. And then after we see the play we take our campers and go back to our cabins and talk about what they thought about that. And there were only two times that I wasn’t in the play. And I can tell you it’s a whole new perspective when I’m watching it, and when I’m in it. even though I didn’t play all the parts I know the whole script by heart. and so after we get done discussing with our campers what happened, we go to bed, and then we get up Friday morning for the other part of the story.

Friday morning is all John 20. This is how Friday morning went.
The foot race to the tomb, and then the look in the tomb. Only to see that it is empty.
Mary Magdalene and the disciples run away afraid.
Then Mary the mother of Jesus walk to the tomb, cries infront of it for a little while.
Then she enters to see that Jesus isn’t there. Then two angels come out from behind a rock.
And they have to decide what they are going to say. Because if one of them says crying and the other says weeping.. it sounds like “woman why are you creeping?” crying and weeping in one.
“they have taken my Lord and I do not know where they have placed him.”
Then Jesus appears and says “woman why are you crying?”
She doesn’t know its Jesus and says “because they have taken my Lord and I don’t know where they have placed him. Please if you know where he is, tell me and I will go remove his body.”
Then Jesus says “Mary.” She gets all excited and cries “Teacher!”
They hug for a minute. Then Jesus pushes her away and says “do not hold on to me, because I have not yet returned to my kingdom… and then he goes on a little bit more…. Go tell everyone that I have and will return.” Mary runs up to the crowd and yells “I HAVE SEEN THE LORD.”
Then we get to sing this really great song called Prince of Peace. And all the campers love it. And it is a sad day cause it’s the day that the campers leave, but its also a good day. Because they get to see that Jesus is risen.

So when Dr. Sexson was reading this passage Fridays reenactment was playing in my head. And I was Mary one week and I remember crying teacher and then saying that I have seen the Lord. It was kind of cool reading this is class and knowing that I had reenacted it this summer.

Baptism=This Summa

The subject of baptizing came up in class. And now I know I was baptized. But I don’t remember it because it was a really long time ago. 20 years to be exact, I do have pictures and what my parents have told me. And I have this little shell thing with drops of water on it, and a candle to signify my baptism. But to me it’s not just the tangible things that remind me of my baptism. There is always that consistent reminder that I was baptized therefore my sins are forgiven. And that God loves me no matter what and I am a child of his.

Whenever I’m reminded of a baptism I always have to close my eyes and think back to this summer. As I do that a smile comes across my face. And I am instantly back at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. Every night we would have worship. You know praising Jesus for a wonderful day. And a closing of that day. Well at least once a week the people who were leading the worship they would have us a confess our sins of the day, then we would get up from our seats walk down to the shore line. The people who were leading that days worship would stand in the water. (only to about their ankles, we didn’t do the whole “dunk tank” thing.) and one by one we would go up to a person who was standing in the water. And we would get the sign of the cross on our forehead with the water. And as we do this we sing the song “As I went down to the river to Pray.”

A fellow counselor who was there with me, we became really great friends. She is such an inspirational person to me. Her name is Annika. She is the best singer I have ever head in my life. And I’m not just saying that. But as we would sing this song, I wouldn’t sing at all. I would just listen to her sing this song, belting it out. I would close my eyes and let the silent tears run down my face, because all I can hear is this powerful beautiful voice. (they were good tears by the way) Along with this voice I hear the children singing. And they are the core of my existence that is why I want to become a teacher. But anyway. I hear Annika, the children, and the water splashing up on the rocks.

Then I would be my time to get up with my campers and holding their hands we would walk down to the water. And I would wait for my turn to hear the reminder that I am a child of God, and therefore my sins have been forgiven. It was a great bond that I would share with my campers. They got to see what really hit my heart hard, and I got to tell them why I felt this way.

Each week when this would happen with our new set of campers the feeling that came over me never got old. I always cried and felt the same way. because to me this is something so powerful that I have of God. And its almost a tangible reminder that God loves me. The water. I can feel it warm, on my forehead and my fellow counselor telling me that God loves me and so my sins forgiven.

I will always know that I was baptized in front of my family when I was little. But when I was little I didn’t understand the meaning of baptism. Now I do. This summer when I was at camp I feel was a whole new baptism for me. Yes I was in front of my “camp family” but I got to do something that I didn’t when I was younger. I got to declare my love for God. To this day I have no problem closing my eyes and my memory will take me back to camp. Where I can hear Annika singing, the kids singing, the water on the rocks, a sun set to die for, and that reminder that I, Lisette am a child of God. That is what my baptism consisted of.

HAHA THIS IS FANTASTIC! WHY!?!

> Why , Why, Why,
> > Why do we press harder on a remote control when we
> > know the batteries are almost dead?
> >
> > --------------- -----------------------------------
> >
> > Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds'
> > when they already know there is not enough money?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Why does someone
> > believe you when you say there are four billion
> > stars; but have to check when you say the paint is
> > still wet?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but
> > ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word
> > 'lisp'?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath
> > you use the bubbles are always white?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Is there ever a day that mattresses
> > are not on sale?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Why do people constantly return to the & nbsp;
> > refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat
> > will have materialized?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Why do people keep running over a string a dozen
> > times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down,
> > pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give
> > the vacuum one more chance?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the
> > end on your first try?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed
> > light fixtures?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch
> > something that's falling off the table you always
> > manage to knock something else over?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm
> > as it was in summer when we complained about the
> > heat?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------
> >
> > How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------