christ_and_country's Xanga

Fear Not...You are Mine

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 03:51:38 GMT

I'm sure it's happened to all of us before. We're searching our Bibles - for what, we're not even sure, but for something from the Lord. And He brings out the verse that's absolutely perfect for us. Written for us. Literally.

"But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel;

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

"For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.

"Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you...everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

Isaiah 43:1-7, ESV (Emphasis added)

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 01:58:48 GMT

I was reading through one of my old notebooks this morning. If you've ever worked with me before, you know that I use - always - a notebook, which I use for a myriad of different things. First, I always write out my to-do lists in these quintessential parts of my existence (). Second, I tend to write notes to people (whether or not they ever get sent/given is another matter). And third, and most tellingly, I tend to jot down my thoughts in these books - whatever happens to be foremost in my mind. Often, I find notes of absolutely and total confusion and annoyance in these notebooks - sometimes eloquent, sometimes just "Why the heck is this happening anyway?!" At any rate, it certainly tells a story when I look through these notebooks of mine...and this morning, one quote in particular, one that I wrote in my notebook a while after the primaries were over in May, and after the OC rally here was over... I remember thinking, "What now? The primaries are over...Ned is gone...the rally is over...So, what now, Lord?"

"I am going to miss it all so much! [I wrote, and later quoted in a protected post on my blog.] I woke up yesterday morning with a devastating thought. I had nothing to do…

"Of course, there are many things for me to do. Our campaign for Congress isn't over. GenJ’s Idaho Club has a very bright and promising future in Idaho politics. Jewels will be coming back to ID in August…and I’ll be going to GJ camp. And there are a lot of other things that I’ll be working on over the summer (that’s already begun!!!) Still…there won’t be any OC things to do – except pray for everybody. ......

"People have asked me if I’m relieved it’s all over. You know…I truly, truly thought I would be. I was on Wednesday night. Now, it’s just a satisfaction that I’ve done at least a small part of my part, and also a hankering for more to do, that’s left behind. I can’t help but feel there’s more for me – more for all of us – to do.

"Whatever God has in store, I think I'm ready, now, to hit it - head on. I want to tackle whatever task He would have me do. I feel nearly equipped...and it's most definitely NOT because of my own strength (for I haven't any). It's because I've learned that HE is faithful to equip us for whatever He sets us to. I could NOT have even come CLOSE to doing this without His guidance and strength."

This little excerpt from my notebook, that in many ways sums up my year, brought home to me something that I hadn't realized until now.....

On June 16th, 2006, I felt so confused as to what to do. God had brought me through what was at once a great struggle and a great triumph - namely, the primary elections and the coordination of one of OC's rallies. A couple weeks ago, I felt the same way. What would You have me do, Lord? I asked nearly hourly. It's not that I am not busy enough with school, work, and the like. It's just...a feeling of apathy can tend to overwhelm one when you've come out a period of time when you're poured your all into something.

The truth is - and I've come to this realization slowly, as is usual for me - where God has us, there we must work! Whether it's to do momentous tasks, or just to be the absolute best we can be at chemistry. Ned has said it...over, and over, and over, and over, it seems...and I'm finally starting to understand. Do the small things well.

I can just see God trying to get it through my head. Do the small things well, Emily...do the the small things well. Don't look down on the small things. Your sense of glory isn't like Mine. You may think that you have to be changing the future to be making an impact for Me...but you don't. Draw closer to me. Work hard. Use your time wisely. Touch other people. Love your family. Bless others.

So, here I am. I might be working at a bookstore this year, instead of paging for my representative. I might be working on chemistry, not working on campaign coordination. I might be doing dishes more than I'm doing literature drops. But...I'm going to do it, and do it well.

It's true. Whatever God has for me, with HIM, I'm ready to hit it. Head on.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

Happy Thanksgiving....

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 02:34:11 GMT

...in 3 hours and 38 minutes, of course. OR if you're one of those *coughcoughoddcoughcough* Easterners...1 hour and 38 minutes. Or if you're a West-coaster *coughmaybeevenacalifornianoranoregoniancough* you have to wait 4 hours and 38 minutes.

...37 minutes....

So, this is not very Thanksgivingesque, but I like it. Therefore, I shall post it.

Politics, n. [French, politique; Greek, politikh, See policy.]

The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity; comprehending the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals. Politics, as a science or an art, is a subject of vast extent and importance.

~Webster's 1828 Dictionary

...3 hours and 30 minutes...

I got a new Bible today! I've had the same Bible since my Mom and Dad gave me an NIV Rainbow Study Bible on my 7th birthday. And it's not for lack of other Bibles that I've had this one so long - I just like my Bible, if you know what I mean. But I think I'll like this new one. It's ESV - which I haven't used before, but I've been assured from several different trusted sources that I will like it. It's a journaling Bible - with these awesome wide margins! That exactly what I need...

Well...

Happy Thanksgiving! Remember Him to whom we all owe thanksgiving for our very breath!

...3 hours and 27 minutes...

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 17:07:20 GMT

I’ve been in a bit of a reminiscent mood lately. Looking back over the elections, my year, and my struggles. This year has been…well, amazing. And a huge growing experience for me.

During all this reminiscing, a verse came to mind last night. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And, of a sudden, I remembered a time, oh, so long ago, when that verse had given me strength. A time I really hadn’t thought about for a long, long while.

A time when things were so, so much simpler…

I was nearly eight. Katie, my bestest, dearest friend who was 10 whole years old, Gracie, her sweet, fellow-book-loving sister, my little sister Sarah and I had all decided we were to perform a play for our parents. Consequently, using one of my storybooks, I crafted a play from one of my favorite stories that had just the right amount of characters for our rather small but illustrious troupe. Each of us had a copy of our lovely, handwritten script, over which I had slaved for a good many hours. Each script, naturally, was properly worn to speak of constant use and love when the day of our play finally arrived.

We held the opening night performance in front of a vast and enthusiastic audience that consisted of Mr. and Mrs. H, Mom and Dad, my aunt and uncle, and my two older sisters. The Play House – a lovely outside building with an open front that my sister’s (ahem) friend Max* had built for us – served as a perfect stage. As Gracie and I peered around the corner of the Play House walls, watching our audience grow in size, we looked at each other nervously.

I remember all this quite clearly and vividly. Gracie looked at me, eyes wide, and said “We still need to set the table for the first scene.”

I was so, so terribly nervous. “Okay,” I said, following her up to the stage.

My heart started beating harder and harder as we set out our play teacups and plates, which bounty Sarah had recently received for her 7^th birthday. As we were setting these out, I remember – even to the tone of voice she used – Gracie reciting I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. She said it about twice, when I took it up with her. Katie joined in. Then Sarah. And within minutes, we were smiling peacefully at each other. No matter what the daunting task that lay ahead of us might entail, no matter how hard our many, many lines for the play were, we would be fine. Because we could do all things through Christ who strengthened us.

The grand opening night of our performance was an instantaneous hit with our adoring audience. Though Betty (Gracie clad in a lovely pink dress-up gown) did slip and fall when Mother-Dear (an obligingly taller, and therefore Motherly-looking Kate) called her to the kitchen, the audience cheered. Though while said Mother Darling gravely told the Betty and Alice (a pretty little Sarah in pig-tails and a prairie dress) their responsibilities in her absence, the cat that Mother held on her lap began to demurely sip the “tea” from her cup, our fans called “Bravo!” And when the Narr-a-tor, barefooted little Emily Anna in blue, delivered the last, climactic line – “For a trust, when broken, is not easily put back together!” – the audience went wild with enthusiasm.

It was a night to be remembered. A night of splendor and color and lights and beauty.

I hadn’t thought of it until just recently.

Today, I don’t face those sorts of problems. Today, my life isn’t even close to being that simple. But the same peace can be given to me. The same feeling of triumph, the same knowledge of Who is on my side can still be mine. With the faith of a child I surmounted obstacles that do not seem like mountains to me today. And yet today, with the faith of a child, I can look up to much, much higher peaks, and send them crashing into the sea. Because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

*Max is currently my brother-in-law of 5 ½ years.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 03:11:39 GMT

Wow. Think about this quote in light of the elections.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of achievement, and at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

- Theodore Roosevelt

Now I remember why I campaign, even when it can hurt.......

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 17:53:12 GMT

I’m so excited that we won….

And so sad that we lost….

All I can say is (quoting a certain awesome somebody), to God be the glory.

…and it was a good night to be an Idahoan.

50% to 45%, people. It was close. Too close for comfort. But we won. So I’m not griping.

My county voted as follows:

US REPRESENTATIVE, District 1
	DEM	Larry Grant	2,375	41%
	UNI	Andy Hedden-Nicely	62	1%
	IND	Dave Olson	151	3%
	REP	Bill Sali	3,150	54%
	CON	Paul Smith	55	1%

My county is where Larry Grant was born and raised.

Observe:

(THESE ARE *UNOFFICIAL* RESULTS FROM http://www.sos.idaho.gov)

2006 - General Election

Statewide Totals
With statewide 952 of 955 precincts reporting (includes absentee precincts where applicable).

US REPRESENTATIVE, District 1
	DEM	Larry Grant	102,511	45%
	UNI	Andy Hedden-Nicely	2,859	1%
	IND	Dave Olson	6,769	3%
	REP	Bill Sali	114,571	50%
	CON	Paul Smith	2,431	1%

US REPRESENTATIVE, District 2
	IND	Cameron Forth	5,091	2%
	DEM	Jim Hansen	72,885	34%
	CON	Travis J Hedrick	2,524	1%
	REP	Mike Simpson	131,504	62%

GOVERNOR
	DEM	Jerry M. Brady	196,717	44%
	LIB	Ted Dunlap	7,178	2%
	REP	C.L. "Butch" Otter	235,340	53%
	CON	Marvin Richardson	7,225	2%

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
	DEM	Larry LaRocco	173,547	39%
	REP	Jim Risch	257,317	58%
	CON	William Charles Wellisch	10,371	2%

SECRETARY OF STATE
	REP	Ben Ysursa	361,542	100%

STATE CONTROLLER
	REP	Donna M. Jones	251,646	59%
	DEM	Jackie Groves Twilegar	177,874	41%

STATE TREASURER
	REP	Ron G. Crane	274,413	64%
	DEM	Howard C. Faux	151,217	36%

ATTORNEY GENERAL
	DEM	Robert A. "Bob" Wallace	163,928	38%
	REP	Lawrence G. Wasden	265,582	62%

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
	DEM	Jana L. Jones	213,841	49%
	REP	Tom Luna	224,987	51%

Reps won every important seat. We lost some state rep seats in the Boise area, and the broken polling machines last night kept us up rather late…but all-in-all, it turned out quite well for Idahoans.

SO. Currently, I'm in between ecstacy for Idaho, and tears for America. :)

Hope is dawning across our land...

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 01:03:28 GMT

So, y'all, I have the Sali jingle stuck in my head.

It's heating up. Competition is fierce. The debates rage. The pundit rants. The media misleads. The voter ponders *hopefully*.

The VIP preaches. The candidate speaks. The Speaker donates. And the voter listens *hopefully*.

All this goes on, and the volunteer drinks lots and lots of Mountain Dew and stuffs as many bags of lit as is humanly possible. Walks as many precincts as one can while still keeping a few pairs of shoes in tact. Does as many phone banks, drops as many signs, and coordinates as many events as possible.

All to one end - that the voter listens, and ponders. And VOTES!

It's a good time of year, friends. A good time of year.

(And this concludes our posting day.)

A 6,000+ Word Update

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 19:55:29 GMT

EDIT: Wow. The Girls seem to be getting blogs in a flurry. Three of my sisters now have blogs - only one remains. So, without further ado, do thou all visit my next oldest sister's new site: http://www.xanga.com/Lizzys_pink_world. ( m y s i s t e r s r o c k )

HMMMM…you ever know what you want to say, but not know how to say it? Fine. I just won’t say it. I talk too much anyway. They say a picture’s worth a thousand words. Therefore, I’ll post pictures from the Harvest the Votes bus tour, which kicked off on Wednesday. I followed the tour around a bit of the state for the day with Vince, helping with Sali signs/lit, and then we put up signs on the way back down to my house.

Sarah at the restaurant where the candidates stopped for lunch. Vince, Sarah and I all held out until the next town to go to a barbeque that Mr. Sali had advised was wonderful. To our utter consternation, when we actually got there, the restaurant was closed. Ah, well. Our lunch at A&W was interrupted, anyway...

Me & Senator Craig. It was fun talking with all the candidates there...

Me & Tina - Official Photographers of the day. As you can tell, after a day on the campaign trail or at any event, you become very quickly a walking billboard. Campaign stickers - you gotta love 'em.

Vince (aka Superman) & Christina...

Isn't it beautiful? *sighs* That sign very well could have come to a bad end, and caused Sarah, Vince, and me some difficulty.....email me for the whole story on that. But doesn't it look just so sharp and cool? I think we've got the best signs in the state.

Mr. & Mrs. Sali

And like I said, we put up signs all the back down to my house. Unfortunately, I was too busy to take pics through all that.

There now - that's 6 pics, which makes 6,000 words. Hmm...there's a thought. You think that Mom would take 5 pictures instead of a 5,000 word essay for my history?

Oh, AND - officially, as of Tuesday, I started working for the Blackwell for Governor campaign. *nods* I approximate that I live about 2,000 miles from his campaign HQ. Go figure.

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches..."

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 01:48:31 GMT

Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,

Is the immediate jewel of their souls.

Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing;

'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands.

But he that filches from me my good name,

Robs me of that which not enriches him,

And makes me poor indeed.

EDIT Now I feel quite...silly. I forgot to say that the quote is by Shakespeare. It almost looks like I'm trying to jock his quote, if that's possible. Moral of the story, and lesson learned: Don't think you're safe posting, even a quote, when you're tired and brain-dead. END EDIT

'Tis the Season of campaigning...

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 15:52:32 GMT

Quotes:

“Politics is a contact sport.” – Rep. William T. “Bill” Sali

“You’re lost. You need help.” – Volunteer worker for Larry Grant (to, hem, me.)

“Give ‘em heck, girls!” – Sen. Monty Pearce

“Hey, don’t you mess with my GenJ girls!” – Rep. William T. “Bill” Sali

“Them’s fightin’ words.” – Sen. Monty Pearce

“GenJ is way more funner.” – Mr. Ned Ryun (duh)

Heheh…you’ll all like this one. I went to the optometrist today. Mom and I asked if we could put some Gem State Voter Guides with the magazines they had out. After putting out the Guides and sitting down to peruse what reading material was available to me on the coffee table, I saw a rather battered copy of a TIMES magazine. There was a large, full-face picture on the cover of Hillary Clinton. Under this picture, you had two options:

“1 LOVE HER 1 HATE HER {Check One}”

The second choice was checked emphatically with pen. And NO I didn’t check it. Somebody else did… Then again, liberals are “chronically unhappy people.”

The optometrist also promised to vote for me when I ran for office.