Life is Good

why yes hello this is Krista Ann reporting from the mountains in Southern Idaho.
there are definetly a lot of wide open spaces here. it is very beautiful up here. the first weekend I was here and it snowed. I only brought one hoody. I have some long sleeve tees tho.
Ok first b4 I go on about Idaho I have to tell u what happened to me and Sheena on the last day of exams. it was Wednesday the 24th I think. So we had both taken our last exam and then went to our last day of working with the 3rd grade girls (cheerleading). We walked in and they had this huge cake with a squad picture of them on it and it said thankyou for your help. and they had a gift for us with 2 balloons attached to it. me and sheena we're so suprised. We didn't know they were going to do this for us. We went over the routine and the girls did so well. They are too cute. They are going to do so well when they perform. Anyway, We got to take some pictures with them and eat cake. acouple times Sheena said she couldn't find me b/c I blend in w/ the 3rd graders. (some are taller than me). They gave us a card that they all had signed, a cheer picture frame w/ their squad pic in it, 2 candles; one blue & one yellow (their school colors) and the offcial cheer shirt that they wear. It was so nice of them. Sheena and I were tickled. I['m really glad we got to help them out. We talked to the pricipal after and she extended her thanks and said that it made a big difference in the girls self-esteem. I was so happy to hear that. I hope I can so it again next yr. b/c they want to contiune the program. =)

Okay so on thrusday May 25th I flew out to Salt Lake city. I was beyond tired. we had training but I was too tired. We visited the Mormon Temple and that was educative. pretty much all I'm gonna say about that.
On friday we drove up to Idaho about a 5 hr drive. The scenery is beatuiful. My partner Becky is super cool and super nice. she is from Georgia. Missy is also a summer missonary but she is coming next week.
I am staying with the Pastor and his wife and kids for now. they are also super cool and nice. We are moving into a trailor that we are waitng to fix up when the lady moves out. Her new place isn't ready so we can't do anything until it is. It's going to be cool to have our own place.
I need direction from God as to what He wants me to do here. Where he wants me to focus. There are many opportunities. So far we have a VBS planned in July and a soccer outreach event next Saturday. There are many internationals living up here that are working at the Resort.
Okay so I'm gonna go but alls well in Idaho.
byeeeeeee
KisskisS

My Savior My God
Aaron Shust

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at his right hand
Stands one who is my savior

I take him at his word and deed
Christ died to save me this I read
And in my heart I find a need
For him to be my savior

That he would leave his place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my savior

My savior loves, my savior lives
My savior's always there for me
My God he was, my God he is
My God he's always gonna be

Yes, living, dying; let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring
That he who lives to be my king
Once died to be my savior

That he would leave his place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my savior

My savior loves, my savior lives
My savior's always there for me
My God he was, My God he is
My God he's always gonna be


Okay first let me just say that I love this song. Aaron Shust is amazing. This past weekend (5/6)I went to the Shane & Shane concert (Christian Singers) Bethany Dillion and Aaron Shust opened for them. It was at a Church near Towson. So I went and picked up Chieu to go to the concert. We get there late and miss Aaron Shust. The rest of the concert was A-mazing. Afterwards we hung out around the church b/c I had planned to spend the night at Chieu's dorm w/ her which was 8 mins away. SO we just hung out and got to meet and take a pic w/ Shane Bernard of Shane & Shane. Then Aaron Shust was still out so we decided to talk to him. We expressed how sad we were that we missed his performance so Chieu asked him if we could have a sample of his voice b/c she heard he was really good. (yea I know right she's crazy). so he tries to find his guitar but its put away so he plays the song above for us (just Chieu and I) on the piano. OMGoodness. I couldn't believe it. so VIPness. then we got his autograph. Man he just made me a fan for life! I'm totally going to follow his career now.

thats him and Chieu, looks like he is serenading her. lol in a Godly way. haha
it was so cool
Afterwards I got to see my HS friend Maria who was visiting from FL. that was cool. and I hung out with Chieu and her BF Alex. hes a chill guy, they are very cute together.
Sunday I got a new cell phone finally(same #). no more Nextel!! I got a Razor. <--- thats what the phone is called. b/c its so slim I guess. yea I'm spoiled. We out to eat with my Pops and Sis Katie.
Stayed home Sunday night. Monday morning left at 5:30 and dropped my Dad off at the hospital(NNMC) for a dr.s appt. and I picked up Emily Victoria in Annapolis. it was fun to drive the 2 hrs. back with her. we went to Starbucks to visit K'lynne and Sarah b/c they both work there. got our coffee and made it back just in time for our 9 am classes.
I spent the rest of Monday working on my paper which I don't think I did too well on but if u do it all in one day u can't expect it to be good. eh. oh well
Tuesday I got Aaron Shust's CD and Brian Littrell's new Christian Album. In his CD conver insert he wrote I want to thank Terry for sticking with me and allowing me the freedom to make the most important record of my career.    I mean this is Brian Littrell form the freaking Backstreet Boys and has had how many records go Platinum?!?  and has so much fame to go along with it, but this record is the most important one he has ever made!   I mean if that doesn't speak volumes I don't know what can.  It is so awesome that he is doing this.  God has allowed him the power to reach millions thru his music.  It makes me giggle. lol I just think its cool. 
yea so anyway visit www.myspace.com/aaronshust  and www.myspace.com/brianlittrell

Tonight was the last Breakaway of the semester.  We had a Tea Party, an authentic Asian tea party.  we shared our high-lows of the semester.  My high was of course going to Mississippi. = )
man I am going to miss those girls in the summer.

thought for the day:  "Faith is a Desperate dive out of the sinking boat of human effort"


KisskisS

From The Inside Out
by Hillsong United
album: United We Stand (2006)

A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out

Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out



umm I love this song. been singing it alot recently at church, CRU, etc. so its kinda like my anthem. lol
I'm getting more and more excited for Idaho each day. I just don't feel that I am well prepared.
My last day of exams is on May 24th, so I get to drive home and the next morning on the 25th I get to leave for Idaho @ 6:30am. Fun times! I wish I had a week or 2 in between but thats not the way God planned it. but I realized something in that song, I really like this line "the art of losing myself in bringing you praise"
Last night after CRU a bunch of peeps went to Assateague and made a small fire. Assateague is a small island that has wild ponies on it. Its about a 1/2 hr away. real close to Ocean City. So we got to walk on the beach and look at the stars. So amazing. I didn't go last week but I heard last week the sky was clearer than last night. We are going back next week after the last Crusade meeting.
tonite me and Josh are babysitting at Oakridge Baptist church to get some money for our Missions trip. so that should be fun. then we are going w/ Crusdae ppl out to a farm for another bonfire and games. On Saturday Josh and I have to leave here early to get to Columbia to attend the last missions meeting/debriefing. I am excited to see all the summer missions ppl. After I am going to see Maria(friend from HS) who came up from FLorida (b/c she is done w/ school lucky!) to stay w/ her grandparents for a week. Then it is time to party at the Shane and Shane concert. Bethany Dillon is opening for them. woo!!
and the best part is Chieu is coming to the concert aswell since it is close to Baltimore. a lot of Salisbury peeps are also going. so it will be fun times. I am going home Sunday to drop off some of my crap from college. Chesapeake the apartment style dorm building that I live in on campus is getting all NEW furnature for next year!! I am so psyched! and we get to keep our old crappy furnature from this year! alright!

ok but I gtg b/c
I am seriously procrastinating on my 7 page english paper due on Tues. that I had 2 weeks to do. eck. I don't know what to write about for that long.


TTFN


remember that you can never give another person what you have found, but you can cause him to have a desire for it

My service can't make God love me any more, and my sins can't make him love me ANY LESS


Last weekend Baptist Student Ministry retreat in Bel Air MD.  Had a real band lead worship from Nashville. called The Longing.  Met great new ppl and saw a girl that was there from my Highschool.  we got to catch up and talk about what God is doing in and thru our lives, just amazing!! : )   got to see most if not all the Spring Break Mississippi ppl at the retreat.
Tomorrow is cheerleading tryouts. returners don't have to re-tryout. so thats good. its going to be a long day but I am excited to see who is coming out.
On Campus we are having Spring Olympics and all the dorms compete against eachother. its tons of fun. we play games from board games to sports.  I played the "Let's go Fishing" game where u have a fishing rod and try and hook the fish that are turning and opening and closing their mouths.  I lost terribly.  I forgot how hard it was.  Then I played Kickball and out dorm lost by sudden death.  It was fun.  Tomorrow I can't be in any events b/c of tryouts. last year I played musical chairs, egg-spoon relay and Hungry hungry hippos.  Last yr. overall my dorm came in 2nd place.
Lets see what else... school is getting down to the nitty gritty here.  I had an english presentation on Tues.  it went alright.  I wasn't nervous or as bad as I thought I would be.  Usually when I speak publicly my voice shakes.  now I have to write a 7 page paper on the story I presented and I don't know what to write about.   I have a Patho test on monday and a Chem test aswell.  =(
So Every wednesday me and Sheena have been going to East Salisbury Elementary school to teach 3rd grade girls how to cheerlead.  It is the funniest thing.  They are so cute.  Sheen and I went to go see them perform in their school's talent show.  I forgot just how good those talent shows can be.  me and Sheens were rolling at some of the acts.  Others were really good!!  What is popular right now is a disney channel movie called "The High School Musical"  there were like 4 acts using a song from that movie. now I want to see it. 
Thursday Sheena and I went to visit Amanda and we watched Just Friends.  a Hilarious movie.  if you haven't seen it please do.
Well I'm gonna go to sleep now.
KisskisS

I got accepted to the nursing program!!! wooo!! God is awesome! they accept 60 ppl out of like 130 applicants. I hope I can do well next fall. I heard nursing is sooo hard. But I know God will help me out. he always does.
So my clinical for next fall is on Tuesday from 7 am to 3 pm. Care of Adults. yep thats gonna be a blast!!
This past weekend I went home for Easter. My Dad got a new car, 2007 Camery. Pretty nifty. I didn't know he got it so he suprised me. Saw my Dad and Karen(Kt was visitng Mom in Cali for SB) saw the Milfords and some good friends.
My Sister and Mom Drove to San Diego, not fair I love San Diego!! they went to Sea World and the Zoo. The San Diego Zoo is my Favorite zoo.
Hopefully I will get to go out there after Idaho which will be the 2nd week in August.
When telling one of my friends about my summmer plans for Idaho this is what he said: "They are gonna make you work in a sweat shop peeling potatoes!"
Lol that was funny. I don't think I will be doing that.
gtg to Chem Lab. I always fail the pre-lab quizes... ugg









What makes a Christian a Christian is not perfection but forgiveness.

thoughts for the week: don't just sit there and wait for the worse to happen
go and make the best happen

have no expectations, only suprises



last weekend my friend Chieu came and visited me from Towson.  Her rm Anna also came down.  It was great to hang out with them.  I was glad Chieu finally got to most of my friends here at school. so she can put a face with all the names.  We went to the beach on Saturday.  It started to sprinkle, then rain, then downpour b/c it started to thunder storm.  We were in Ocean City but hadn't actaully gotten to the beach we went to some stores and got a doughnut from the Fractured Prune.  We decided to go on the beach anyway.  we praked and ran to the water. no one was on the beach.  we got soaked.  it was so amazing to be on the beach in a thunderstorm.  what can I say we like to live dangerously.  it was awesome.

tonight I'm going to the Crusade Spring retreat in Ocean City, should be a grand time.

Seems like I only write about my weekends on here. like nothing happens during the week or something. thats not true. But I am going to tell u what I did this weekend. 3-10 / 3-12
I drove back with Jess and Thomas Kirker and thats fun as always. On friday I got to see Katie Milford and her family including Andy b/c he was on SB too. I went out to eat at Outback with Dad and my sister Katie. Outback is so good.
Chilled w/ Milf and then in the morning got up early to go see her lil Bro Ryan's SV(hs) Lax scrimmage. The weather was beautiful. I got a little sun burnt on my face. After I got home I went for a walk around the lake by my house. I miss doing that and being able to do that. I then ate Chic-fil-a with Milford and after I drove to Towson to see Chieu(friend for hs) and her rm Anna. We didn't do anything but chill and talk which was really nice to do. In the morning we went to church and that was the hot spot as usual. After chuch I went and surprised my other 2 good friends from hs Ali, and Jaimie. I snuck into their dorm and into their rooms and attacked them while they were still in bed. They liked the surprise. =) we went and ate lunch at the dining place there. I then called Chieu and said bye to her and left. I went and picked up Jane(last yr roomie) b/c she was in Towson visiting every1 who had come down for the frisbee tournament that weekend. It was so good to see Jane, I miss her. Her plane back to Boston didn't leave until Monday morning. So we went back to my house and went to eat with my Dad at Baja Fresh. also yummy. Jane passed out at like 9 and I went to bed at 10 since we decided to wake up at 4 the next morning. So we did that left my house at 4:30 and I dropped her off at BWI. Then I drove to school and made it back at like 7:15ish and went to Starbucks. ahh it was so great. I went the speed limit the whole way home. Sometimes it was so hard not to. but then I would just tell myself relax enjoy the ride and thats just what I did. put on my cruise control and flowed.

p.s. so I have my car b/c my sister got a Honda Civic. she got it on friday as I was driving home. so everything worked out, Praise God. :)

Last night I ate at the Japanesse Steakhouse with Halston, Nick and Mandy for Halston's birthday which is today. It was fun. the chef is the best his name is Sono. you know the place where they cook in front of u and do all the tricks and they fling the shrimp in your mouth, yea good times.


Anyways gtg to my last classes b4 spring break. had some tests this week, wasn't good.
Leaving for Mississippi tonight at 7 PM. soooooooooooooooo so so freaking excited!!
altogether there is going to be 70 of us (b/c other colleges for MD are meeting us down there). we are gonna do big things! I'm gonna meet lots of cool new ppl.

Have a relaxing spring Break everyone!!!

This past weekend I went to Campus Crusdade's womens retreat. It was just for Salisbury and there was about 50 girls there!!! man, we are so hot. the mens retreat was the weekend b4 and there were only like 20 guys are there. I mean come on guys you are slacking! I mean really. The retreat was so good. I got to meet some new girls and hang out with some cool chicks. On friday night we played sardines. It was so funny 49 girls running around a church trying to find one girl. We watched a music video that the BOB boys made for us. BOB stands for brotherhood of Believers and its a bible study for boys; the girls bible study is Called Breakaway. There is a breakaway for each grade. So they put new words to Kelly Clarkson's song Breakaway and made a music video for us. It is histerical!! I was crying b/c I was laughing so much. the chorus was: we read a verse, and discuss, High Low at breakaway. they went to the beach and filmed some scenes there.
After we laughed so much from the video we learned about humility. and serving others. It was a great weekend!!
On Monday I failed my abnormal psych test. that was a bummer. on Thursday I went home to get my crown on my tooth. I stopped and saw Jared at his work and brought him taco bell. Then I ate at Carrabbas w/ my Dad and sister. I love Carrabbas best italian food ever. I did some laundry and then went over to Court's b/c she was home visiting her G-parents. It was great to see her.
But on the way over to MoCO I got pulled over and got a $145 speeding ticket. This is like my 3rd one in less than 6 months. ugh!! I was going 79 in a 55. the speed limit should be 65 in the first place. dang it just sucks.
I have a problem with speeding, esp. when I am by myslef b/c I don't want to be in the car by myslef and so I'll go faster to get to my destination. My old car (purple rain) the purple saturn from my HS days is gone for good. My sister got in an accidnet and totaled it. oh man that car has so many memories. I'm gonna miss it. Well now my Dad is taking my car from me and letting my sister use it. I don't have a problem w/ her using my car. Its just gonna be harder for me to go home on the weekends that I want to.
So this one morning last semester I went to Assategue to watch the sunrise with some of my roommates. I had class at 8. we go there and watched the sunrise and it was so beautiful. On my way back there were all these kids outside and I'm speeding along and thinking gosh what are they doing outside. and I realize it is a bus stop and b4 I know it there is this cop behind me. and I'm like crap she's gonna pull me over and she did but gave me a warning. So I was all happy and drove back on rt. 50 going the speed limit. but when we got into the town of Salisbury it was like 7:55 and I'm like crap I'm almost there. so I start to speed again. but it is a school zone and there was another cop waiting for me. and he pulled me over. and I was freaking out b/c I thought he was gonna see that I was just pulled over adn like arrest me or somthing. well that didn't happen but I still got a hefty fine.
Today Erika and Daivd came and visited Salisbury b/c they both got accepted here for the fall. So it looks like they will be coming here along with Craig, Ricky and Chris Russo and proabaly Cody. A big old Seneca Valley reunion. they might as well call it Seneca Valley University. lol

I can not even write down everything that has happened to me in the past week.
So Tuesday was Valentines day. I def. felt the love from all my friends and family. and I would like to take the time to tell all of you that I love you. I love all my friends no strings attached. plain and simple. I don't care where you have been or where you are now. I love you. Most importantly is to remember that "we love beacuse He first loved us." 1 John 4:19. It's sad that we have only dedicated one day to loving others, b/c it shouldnt be confined to one day, it should be EVERYDAY. I know it is hard to show your love everyday or to express it but we should at least try. anyways I went home on the 14th and ate chinese food with my Dad and sis. I went home for a dentist appt. but I have to go back next thursday and I will be missing CRU. oh well. I took sheena w/ me so she could see her Valentine (she doesnt have classes Tues.) It was good to have company for the ride. next week I won't have any1 so I'll be lonely but I do like driving by myself sometimes to clear my head and jam to some music however I do that w/ or w/o ppl in the car.
I sent E-cards to my roommates and some other friends but only 1/2 of them said they got it. It made me look really bad when only Nick got his and Jer and Halst didn't.
So then on Wed. I went to BSM and K'Lynne the leader was talking about summer missions and how the application deadline is still open and stuff. anyways she encouraged me to do it. so I did and she told me I had to go to an interactive interview weekend in Baltimore. I just feel this whole process happened so fast. I mean I know I want to serve God this summer. I just didn't know by what means, missions trip, summer camp, etc. this is an awesome opportunity b/c I don't have to raise support to go on the missions trip. also i get a stipend of $50 a week. So basically I went to Baltimore city this weekend and it was so cold in the church and the house we stayed in. We picked up trash on the streets of Baltimore. We did a talent show where I put an old Cheerleading dance to the first min. of Mighty Good Leader by Audio Adrenaline. I worked on it for a long time and the only other 2 ppl from Salisbury that went put together there act in like 5 mins. I got to meet so many awesome brothers and sisters in Christ. This one boy is really good worship leader. On Sat. night when the leaders were figuring out where they wanted to offer us to go this summer we just sung our hearts out for like 4 hours. We didnt go to bed until 3:30. One of the most awesome worship experiences that I want to remember for the rest of my life. We sang the BEST ever "prince of peace" you know the one: you are holy, you are mighty and you repeat it. yea that song. when u have an experience like that its never going to be the same again. Its like when I heard Chris Tomlin live in concert sing How great is our God. its just nothing can ever compare.
in the morning at church the preacher was so cool! he was one of those types that wanted a response like an Amen or w/e at certain times. and honnestly I was so into it but at the same time so tired. I really liked his message. he was encouraging us to go on our missions even tho the enemy is lining up behind us. He told us when we get a letter from the enemy we should read it, spread it, and leave it. He realated it to the passage in 2 Kings 19:8-14. where King Hezekiah had already decided to do the Lord's will and then got this discoraging letter from his enemy but Hezekiah "took the letter read it, then went to the temple, placed the letter there in the presence of the Lord, and prayed." The letter is never mentioned again. oh man it is just so cool.
okay so I was offered to go to Idaho. and I know u are like what??? who goes to Idaho on a missions trip. arent they usually out of the country? well no they aren't always to foreign countries. Christ is needed here in America too. I guess I will be helping to plant a church over there and do bible studies, VBS and the like. I know it is going to be a life changing experience b/c I am going there alone. well there is going to be a team there but I will be really taken out of my comfort zone. I can't believe I am doing this.
there are just so many thoughts I can't write them all down. I'm scared and yet excited.
Also one more thing about this weekend, I felt like God was trying to tell me something. something that makes me ask him "are you for real?" and also makes me want to tell him "no way" but if he is gonna do this thing that I'm thinking he's gonna do then I am excited and scared at the same time. but the funny thing is God just laughs at us when we think we have Him figured out as in what we think he is gonna have for us in the future. more than likely it is something completely different then we think. I'm sure this isn't making any sense to anyone so sorry.
Okay so I am going to Idaho this summer end of may to beginning of August. I will be missing my Sisters graduation but I talked to her and shes cool w/ it. I'm thinking after its over I will go to Cali to visit my mom since I'll already be on the West side.
Please pray for me that God will prepare me to do His will.
On sunday I went and talked to Nick and Halston and had a really good deep convo and apparently according to Halston thats all I like to do now is try and have deep convos w/ them. which I don't think is totally true. I also don't think theres anything wrong w. that either but I know not every1 likes to have deep convos.
one more side note on Thursday mark Bunting spoke and God was def. speaking thru him. All I'm saying is God is alive and moving. Mighty is the power of the Cross. I can only stand in awe.
right now I have to go study b/c if I don't pass my classes I won't get to go on the missions trip! yikes
ttyl!!!

I forgot to mention that today is the birthday of one of the greatest men that ever lived. None other than Abraham Lincoln. He was the 16th President of the United States and was born 197 yrs ago. He was one of the best things that ever happened to America. He is just totally awesome, one of the best President's by far.
"Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his vital role as the leader in preserving the Union during the Civil War and beginning the process that led to the end of slavery in the United States. He is also remembered for his character, his speeches and letters, and as a man of humble origins whose determination and perseverance led him to the nation's highest office."
If u are ever in DC the Lincoln memorial is a must see along w/ the Ford Theatre where he was assassinated at the age of 56. The house across the street from the theatre is also open for you to walk through. This is where they took him after he got shot, and where he took his last breath on earth.
Thanks Abe!