airplanes

this is SO legit. even the flight attendant is enjoying it (4:00)!

http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2011/10/25/mat-kearney-plays-in-flight-concert-for-southwest-airlines/

happiest day of my life!

So on the happiest day of my life (two days ago) I stumbled upon the best blog known to mankind belonging to the one, the only, THE DAVE BARNES. As you can imagine, I jumped for joy (and dave) when I saw this and immediately proceeded to bookmark it :) I have found, today especially, that dave barnes is the best remedy for a bad day (or any day really). If you don't know dave (heaven forbid!), you will certainly understand why I love him so much after reading his blog.

http://davebarnesmusic.tumblr.com/post/903220990/ifun-part-deux

woo woo!

(photo is a little sketchy...but I DID IT!:)

this is awesome.

this is awesome. GOD is awesome. please watch!

President Obama Targets LRA

by INVISIBLE CHILDREN 

http://vimeo.com/30575828

The Wise Words of Mr. C.S. Lewis

"...isn't it better to stop when people are still asking for more than to go on till they are tired?"


"The first beginning of the winter always excites me; it makes me want adventures."

stay posted. there will be more up soon :)

breath

"So breath, life will surprise you. 'Just be' is what the world denies you." --Brandon Heath (Beauty Divine)

let that be enough

"I don't know how You swallow all I am, when I can't stand my taste " --Matt Wertz (All I Know)

happy feet!

This is crazy. I am blogging again. Twice in one day haha! Anyway I wanted to share that I just got a fantastic pair of new shoes--vibrams to be exact. And I LOVE THEM. To be honest, when I first laid eyes on a pair I felt completely indifferent. I didn't love them, but I didn't think they were heinous. Frankly, my preference didn't even matter since I had no need for them in my life. However, within the last year or so (probably way longer haha) I migrated into the barefoot lifestyle. In short, if I didn't need shoes I didn't wear them. It's not so much that I didn't like shoes, its more that I just would have rather been barefoot (and maybe I was a little lazy, but that's besides the point :). This preference quickly changed into a habit that occurred in shoe necessary settings (i.e. running, hiking, rock jumping, you-name-the-rough-surface). Although bare feet were most desirable, infected cuts, large blisters, and strange bug bites were not. So! as a solution to my barefoot issue I purchased a pair of vibram five fingers. Besides providing a natural barefoot feel, vibrams are known to help remove knee pain! Double win, I'd say!

happy feet :D

spoken from the heart

Like An Avalanche

Hillsong

Beautiful God
Laying Your majesty aside
You reached out in love to show me life
Lifted from darkness into light
Oh

King for a slave
Trading Your righteousness for shame
Despite all my pride and foolish ways
Caught in Your infinite embrace
Oh

And I find myself here on my knees again
Caught up in grace like an avalanche
Nothing compares to this love love love
Burning in my heart

Saviour and Friend
Breathing Your life into my heart
Your word is the lamp unto my path
Forever I'm humbled by Your love
Oh

Take my life
Take all that I am
With all that I am I will love You
Take my heart
Take all that I have
Jesus how I adore You

And I find myself here on my knees again
Caught up in grace like an avalanche
Nothing compare to this love love love

super seasons

Sooooooooo I promised my friends long ago that I would post pics and I haven't yet. BUT, I will now :D Here are some pics from this year for your viewing (ps. photo credit to Brad Elliott, Kierstin Brown, and myself for the pics):

first winter in Tahoe!!! 

new camera :)

entire city of Tilaran, Costa Rica

different views from hike above Tilaran

SO MUCH SNOW in Tahoe (not Costa Rica haha)

my beautiful bestie, Emma and I at sm graduation

overlook in hope ranch at sunset. recommended visit :)

my other beautiful bestie, Lauren and I at our favorite spot 

Alyssa balloons!!!!!!! 

feast of a champion, Alyssa Smelley :D

Free Methodist Church in Tilaran

rancho in Esterillos, Costa Rica

spectacular Nacho Libre moment. one of a kind

fourth of july!

overlook. too good.

this is what happens to a bunch of high schoolers in the airport late at night :D

hot springs!

helping out in Tilaran

hike to the cross!

hanging out in Tilaran

new friends!

saying hello to our new friends :D

new friends, for real this time :)

so much joy seeing kids stoked to get bibles

Selah joining in on our team meeting

one of the girls' room in Esterillos. crazy beautiful view!

last day in Costa Rica :(

hendry's

Drifting

I'm not really sure where I should begin. These last few months have been crazy full of new things all of which ended too soon. They were fun at the time and I was content. But not spiritually. I put my faith in things that would not last and pretended they would. After distancing myself so far away from God, I found myself wandering in loneliness and despair. God had never left me, but I had left Him. I chose to walk away, I chose to throw myself to the bottom. I don't regret anything that happened, but I am certainly not proud of my spiritual decisions. I'm still far from the top, but I have hope that I'll get there eventually.


Beautiful Redemption 
Joy Williams

I've had my forty days and forty nights at sea
I've had forty years in the wilderness, or so to speak
I've walked with sand from the ocean floor on my feet
To turn and say you left me

I'm a doubting Thomas in needing to believe
I'm a perfumed sinner just like Magdalene
I'm Judas kissing on your cheek eager to decieve
I am all of these

Chorus

I cry, Father, Father, forgive me
You say, Child, I already have
You are beautiful
Beautiful Redemption
You are Beautiful
Beautiful Redemption

I'm the guilty thief that's hanging by your side
and my shame is dying with your sacrifice
And all my fears come crashing down as I look in your eyes
I see paradise

Hallelujah (we all, we all, we all fall down)
Hallelujah (we all, we all, we all fall down)
Hallelujah (we all, we all, we all fall down)
Hallelujah (we all, we all, we all fall down)

You are beautiful
Beautiful Redemption
You are Beautiful
Beautiful Redemption 

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16

These past few weeks have been crazy ridiculous and I'm so glad, for once in my life, that I have not gotten any sleep! Last wednesday my awesome siblings, Kelly and Landon, surprised me by singing Happy Birthday at my window at 11 o'clock at night. I was so excited to see them that I threw my pillows and covers all across my room; I didn't even bother to be quiet as I ran down stairs and screamed at their presence. Luckily my parents didn't hear so we were still able to surprise them afterwords. It was definitely one of the best weekends I've had in awhile--full of birthday celebrations, graduation happiness, me and my girl chaos, and total joy. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family.

A Spoonful

Here's just a taste of my spring break :)

                                                    gorgeous sunset at point loma 

                                                                   The Silver Chair 
                                (secret waterfall discovered and named by Jake and me)

                                           Emma being anti-social on the train (HAH!)

                                                 Jake en route to waterfall discovery!

                                                            beautiful trees on hike

                                                 first signs of spring in Santa Barbara!

                                            another awe-striking sunset in san diego!

Happiness

I'm kind of on a blogging spree at the moment haha (partially due to my sister who apparently checks my blog often and is disappointed when nothing new has been posted! Sorry Kelly!). BUT I just got really excited because I found a chocolate protest-type letter on a site regarding Cadbury Creme Eggs!!!!!! Once a year on Easter my family gets Cadbury Creme Eggs. This has been a family tradition since I can remember. Unfortunately, in a recent conversation with my friend, Austin, I was informed that Cadbury in the United States has not yet converted to Fair Trade. This was heart-breaking considering the fact I have been eating Cadbury products all of my life. However, I did some research today regarding this issue and I stumbled upon a site with a sample letter to the CEO of Cadbury available to be sent by any Free Trade supporter (really just anyone who visits the site :)). Whether or not you agree with the idea, I THINK IT'S AWESOME! And it would be even more awesome if everyone everywhere (particularly the U.S.) sent this letter! The best part about it is that the letter is pre-written and waiting for people like me and you to send it via click of the mouse (of course you can edit the letter if you don't agree with certain parts of it--or all of it I suppose). All you have to do is type in your name and address, etc. Do it! 


http://www.greenamerica.org/takeaction/cadbury/


spread the word!

Juan and Only

If you know me, then you know I LOVE Dave Barnes. If you don't know me, well now you know. I also have a new found love for Andrew Ripp. And this video just shows how fantastic they are (along with some other awesome people)! AND if you don't know who either of those guys are then you really need to check them out! Really.

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

Ps. This is my dream to have a backyard concert that includes Dave Barnes!

Freedom Sunday!

As some of you know I recently had to give a persuasive speech in my English class. My teacher gave us the opportunity to choose whatever topic, so I argued against child trafficking, specifically supporting chocolate companies that participate in child trafficking. As far as I was concerned this speech was just going to be another one of those hurry-up-and-get-it-over-with type of things. But as it turned out, I became  very interested in my subject and have since continued to pursue researching child trafficking.

I have decided that I will not purchase any chocolate as well as support any other companies (clothes, coffee, toys, etc.) that are participating in child trafficking. This is WAY easier said than done. I love chocolate!!!...clothes and coffee are pretty great too. But these are all material objects that will not be with me in heaven. They most certainly do not define me and are therefore unnecessary. Is not a child's life more important than a chocolate bar?

I know being an abolitionist in as simple a way as this will make a  HUGE difference.
2 Chronicles 15:7

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

If you are interested in learning more about child trafficking feel free to talk to me or check out these websites:
http://vimeo.com/10908340
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
http://www.transfairusa.org/

Just one of those days

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Matthew 11:28-29

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVa7nheT56Y

Dear Elise

At the end of 8th grade my english teacher had our class write a letter to ourselves about our goals and expectations for high school (that she would send to us sometime during our high school career). Mine was sent to me last year, but I just discovered it again the other day. As I was reading it I found every bit of it almost exactly relevant to my life.


Dear Elise,
I hope you enjoy high school and not dread the wait the entire summer (not sure what I was trying to say...?). I hope you do what you most want to do but also what's best and what's right. I hope you learn from whatever wrong turns you take and have the courage to do the right thing no matter what. I hope you won't be too stressed throughout the homework loads (APUSH hasn't killed me yet :)) or worry about what bad things could happen. Instead trust that everything will be alright. Finally have faith that God created this whole experience for a purpose. If life gets tough, know that God has a plan for you.
I expect you to keep up your good grades so that you may get into a great college. I expect you to follow your goals and dreams--no matter how impossible they might seem; always stick to it. I also expect you to have perseverance in every activity--whether it be soccer, homework, track, etc. 
I have no fears for you (very bold elise!.. haha), just be careful in your choices and pick the right crowd to hang out with. 


always, 
Elise Ranck

The Opposite Way

Today I was listening to some Leeland and I stumbled upon a song called The Opposite Way. It's relevant to my last post, so I thought you should listen to it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzYFbn-wVq4&feature=related

the power of God's will

Recently I have been wrestling of the idea of God's will vs. my own will. At my high school there are some teachers that most kids don't want to have, in particular, one of the AP US History (APUSH) teachers (who gives A LOT of homework). I was so excited to see that my schedule did not include this difficult teacher. The teacher listed on my schedule was, supposedly, one of the easier APUSH teachers, a Christian, and does not give as much homework. Those are three very great things (especially the Christian aspect!). A few months ago I found out that the awesome teacher I was supposed to have third period was going to take over the yearbook class third period. This as you can imagine was a little upsetting. At this point I did not know what teacher was going to replace her, but I was so bummed about not having the chance to experience her class. Soon following this announcement, I found out that my future APUSH teacher was going to be the most difficult APUSH teacher (the one I mentioned earlier). I was very stressed for a week or so and I did everything I could to try to get out of it. I talked to my counselor multiple times and even went as far as to talking to the vice principal. Every answer was no, which was not an answer I could accept. I prayed about it every night, but it wasn't until Thursday bible study in the Jesus Utility Vehicle (JUV) that I finally saw that I was fighting for what I wanted and not what God had willed for me. Austin, one of my good friends (who is also in the JUV bible study), talked about how sometimes what we want is not what God has in mind. He said how sometimes we are stuck in situations that suck at the time but that we are stuck in those situations for a purpose (a purpose much greater than our own!). These words hit home. I knew that God was speaking to me through Austin and I knew that he was right. With God's will in mind I began preparing myself mentally and emotionally for this upcoming challenge. Strangely enough, today, during second period I got a note from the office to go see my counselor. I was very surprised to see a note from counselor as I had not requested to see her. As I walked into her office she immediately said, without any context, "A new department has opened up." Totally confused (although I thought it might have something to do with APUSH), I asked her to clarify and she simply said I had been put into a regular US history class. I told her thank you, but it was not very meaningful. I didn't feel at all excited or happy that I had escaped from the hard APUSH teacher, as many would think (including me). I felt nervous as if I had just made the worst decision of my life. After talking to my friends about it, I came to the conclusion that I had already committed myself to APUSH and that I must follow through with it. So I went back to my counselor, hoping she wouldn't give me grief and told her I wanted to stay in APUSH. She didn't give me grief, in fact, she encouraged the idea and gave me the option to switch into regular history if APUSH didn't work out. Although I am not yet completely stress free, I can rest in the fact that I am serving God's will.
Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.