Just Found This Picture

I had no idea this picture even existed, but here it is now. This is me, Mary, and my cousin Raquel in Washington state in August at the Family Reunion.

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I designed these two banners using Adobe Photoshop for my school's website.

Falling For You

V1:
You seemed so perfect then
With the qualities of men
But now you've shown your other side
The side that comes out at night

Chorus
The you I thought I knew
It wasn't you at all
And now I'm trying to
Make sense of it all

I fell for
The sweeter side of you
I fell for
The little things you do
I fell for
the you I thought I knew

V2:
There's another girl now
The jealousy I feel now
Don't let that bottle go to waste
Drown your worries take a taste

Chorus
The you I thought I knew
It wasn't you at all
And now I'm trying to
Make sense of it all

I fell for
The sweeter side of you
I fell for
The little things you do
I fell for
the you I thought I knew


V3:
If I don't go with you
If you were drunk what would you do?
I want to hold you but would you
Want more from me than I do?

Chorus
The you I thought I knew
It wasn't you at all
And now I'm trying to
Make sense of it all

I fell for
The sweeter side of you
I fell for
The little things you do
I fell for
the you I thought I knew

Get Back Up

V1: I don't wanna give up
I wanna go on
Stepping further away
I know it feels wrong
But I'm moving forward
I won't hold on
I'm letting go and
I'm writing this song

Chorus
So let go of me
Let me be where I need to be
Let me see what I need to see
Just let go of me
I want to be who I need to be
I need to run when I fall to my knees
Please let go of me

V2: I will pull away
I'll find my own way
It isn't too late
And it wasn't a waste
You know I can't stay
So don't ask me to wait
Don't ever forget me
Please try to walk straight

Just let go of me
Let me be where I need to be
Let me see what I need to see
Just let go of me
I want to be who I need to be
I need to run when I fall to my knees
Please let go of me

V3: If only I'd said
If only you knew
But I never did
And you have no clue
Even now as I leave you
This still is true
I really loved you
I hope you did too

But let go of me
Let me be where I need to be
Let me see what I need to see
Just let go of me
I want to be who I need to be
I need to run when I fall to my knees
Please let go of me

Standing Still

V1: Why won't you look at me?
Why won't you look into my eyes?
Why can't you let me be?
Why do you make me bleed?

Chorus
And still I surrender
I can't look away
Still I remember
I don't know what to say

V2: Why do you pass me by?
Why do you think that I
Don't care, I tried to try
But you don't know what's right

And still I surrender
I can't look away
Still I remember
I don't know what to say

V3: I want to say this now
It's just I don't know how
I'm standing in a crowd
Underneath a thundercloud.

And still I surrender
I can't look away
Still I remember
I don't know what to say
I don't know what to say

When You Fall [8/07]

Chorus
When you fall I cry, I cry
When you fall I cry, I cry
With open arms I try
You turn your back, I cry.

V1: You're so beautiful, so strong
So arrogant, so wrong
You don't see me through the throng
I've been waiting all along

When you fall I cry, I cry
When you fall I cry, I cry
With open arms I try
You turn your back, I cry.

V2: You stand up straight and tall
Next to you I seem so small
When your sprint becomes a crawl
Will you see me at all?

When you fall I cry, I cry
When you fall I cry, I cry
With open arms I try
You turn your back, I cry.

V3: I'll always be right there
Waiting for you next nightmare
Run to me, I know you're scared
Right here my soul is bared.

Breaking Free

Chorus
I thought I was lost
I thought it was over
But I finally broke free
Of your hold over me
I'm breaking free
Of this shadow over me
I don't have to lie down and bleed
Anymore, I'm breaking free

V1: No longer in bondage
At last I'm free
Shackled to the ball
That was you and me

I thought I was lost
I thought it was over
But I finally broke free
Of your hold over me
I'm breaking free
Of this shadow over me
I don't have to lie down and bleed
Anymore, I'm breaking free

V2: Imprisoned by love
Stuck indefinitely
Locked to a broken dream
Till I found the key

I thought I was lost
I thought it was over
But I finally broke free
Of your hold over me
I'm breaking free
Of this shadow over me
I don't have to lie down and bleed
Anymore, I'm breaking free

V3: Thought I'd never be free
I was frozen in time
I let my heart bleed
Afraid to go on

I thought I was lost
I thought it was over
But I finally broke free
Of your hold over me
I'm breaking free
Of this shadow over me
I don't have to lie down and bleed
Anymore, I'm breaking free

Learn to Let Go

V1: I'll get by without you there
Is the pain too much to bear
You've hurt me this way
More than words will say

CHORUS
You don't even know
Your greatest sin
You have no clue
That I even miss you
First you were there
Then you were gone
Never a kiss
And never a song

V2: I'm outside of time
Watching you fly
You're fine without me
While I can't sleep

You don't even know
Your greatest sin
You have no clue
That I even miss you
First you were there
Then you were gone
Never a kiss
And never a song

V3: Just get out of my head
And stay out of her bed
I'm filled with regret
I've left things undone

You don't even know
Your greatest sin
You have no clue
That I even miss you
First you were there
Then you were gone
Never a kiss
And never a song

V4: The torture I'm put through
Each and every day
You don't understand
The price that I'm payin
For my mistakes

Someday I'll wake up
From this nightmare
And realize I messed up
this whole affair
I'll finally move on
I'll go on with my life
They call me a blonde
I'll stop crying at night.

You didn't know
Your greatest sin
You had no clue
That I ever missed you
Once you were there
Now finally you're gone
We never kissed
Never danced to this song.

Telling the Truth

It's read the latest songs Katy's written time. So here it goes.

Chorus
I want to hold you
I want you to be mine
But instead you choose them
And it kills me inside

V1: I'm standing right here
Begging you to see
That I love you
And I wish you'd love me

I want to hold you
I want you to be mine
But instead you choose them
And it kills me inside

V2: You thought you were in love
You thought she was faithful
It all fell through
She cheated on you

I want to hold you
I want you to be mine
But instead you choose them
And it kills me inside.

V3: Now you're picking up girls
As fast as the pieces
You drink to forget her
You're changing your faces

I want to hold you
I want you to be mine
But instead you choose them

V4: I sit watching you die
She broke your heart
The pain makes you cry
You're dying inside

Ch2: I want to hold you close
Want to dry the tears you cry
But instead you chose them
And it kills you inside.

Forgotten Heroes

I've been sending letters to a soldier in Iraq named David. Every month I send a packet of letters and every few months I send him a box of Rolling Stone Magazine. There's all these soldiers in Iraq, and to us they are faceless. I have no family members or loved ones over there fighting a war. But there are so many people who do. To them, these nameless soldiers are loved ones who are in dangerous situations 24/7. Just because we don't know who our heroes are doesn't mean we can't appreciate them. I can't go through a day without thinking about such trivial things as the guy I like or pair of jeans I want to buy. And I don't think that often of the men and women fighting in Iraq. They go on, unthanked, forgotten, fighting a war for a country that doesn't want them there, and then they come back to poor medical care and political messes.

If you'd like to help our soldiers in Iraq, let me know. Writing letters, saying thanks, and letting those men know they're appreciated can do so much. If you'd like to write a letter to David, please send it to

katyjoy_777@hotmail.com

Our soldiers are thousands of miles away from home, living in extreme conditions, trying to live through the days and nights. They deserve thank yous and support from us, and more. Help let a soldier know we support them and are praying for them.

The Dust Storm

Winds are still blowing at high speeds, and fires are still burning to the east and west of us. The wind picked up the loose dust and ash from the ground and swept it into town. If anyone saw the movie Hidalgo, you might remember the scene in which the cowboy runs away from a sand storm. Today's dust storm looked like that. Driving to drive through it was impossible, I couldn't even see the road, let alone other cars.
















The storm blows into town





















Ash, dust and dirt make a nasty combination
















Right before the storm actually hit.
















This was when the dust wasn't so thick. Everything but the taillights was pretty much invisible.

The Damage

This is a street near where I live. My house is behind that tree.














This is the sagebrush on the right side of the road.















This is the left side of the road.































The fire jumped street several times. We were unimaginably lucky that it didn't jump our street. If it had jumped from the left to the right side of the street (an ember blown by the high winds was all that it would have taken) our house would have gone up in flames.

Wildfires

I live in a high desert environment in northern Nevada. This means that sagebrush and other scrub bushes blanket the land for hundreds of miles in every direction. In the hot, dry summers, this brush turns to tinder, eager to be lit by the smallest ember. Our tiny town was the definition of a fire hazard. On Friday, a high wind began to blow, accompanying the thunderstorm that would begin the siege on Winnemucca.

Winnemucca lies between to parallel rows of mountains. The town has spread out; housing developments now dot the mountainsides. Thunderstorms bring lightning, and when lightning strikes the fire-hungry ground, blazes spring up. Friday evening, the mountains were dotted with fires, that were soon under control. Saturday morning dawned, bringing with it fresh winds, awakening the smoldering embers.

By Saturday afternoon, the devouring blazes were too large for Winnemucca's small fire-fighting force to control. A 12,000 acre fire was only two percent contained, and the blazes would soon begin to threaten houses. The call went out for backup from the surrounding areas. Being a resident of one of the many housing developments on the mountainsides, I was worried about the vast feast of sagebrush that was my backyard.

As the fires moved closer, evacuation procedures began. The drone of planes flying overhead could be heard, and the glow of fires was barely discernible through the thick, choking smoke that enveloped the town, blotting out the sun. Volunteers in pickup trucks and on foot told us to get out and get out fast. In order to save all of our cars, our family all drove separate cars. I took Mary with me and we headed for a friend's house, far away from danger. I sped away from the house and the fire, down the hill, smoke obscuring my vision, as my sister sobbed in fear of the flames closing in on us. I attempted to stay calm in order to drive straight, but I had to grip the steering wheel to stop my hands from shaking.

We watched our hill from afar for three hours as the cloud of smoke continued to thicken. The unbroken sirens were a constant reminder of the danger close at hand. As the time crawled by, I couldn't help remembering the things I'd left behind. My art, boxes of photos, letters, and other sentimental valuables that were irreplaceable. Rumors trickled down to us through a grapevine of sources until we were informed that we were allowed to return to our street. We drove cautiously back, prepared for the worst. It was nine-thirty at night, but the stars were veiled from sight by impenetrable clouds. Our house was all in one piece, although it was filled with noxious smoke. We aired out the house and lit scented candles to cover the pungent odor. From my front door I could still see huge tracts of land being consumed by flames, not too far from my house.

Sunday morning, the fire moved on to the east and west of us. Smoke can still be seen rising to meet its turbid brothers. So far the fire has burned around 250,000 acres. It is the middle of July in sunny Nevada, but clouds cover the sky. The scars of the blazes can be seen. While one side of the road is filled with sagebrush, the other looks like the surface of the moon. Charred telephone poles and the blackened remains of a shed are reminders of the destructive force of a fire.

I will never forget the fear I felt the night of July 7th, 2007. I will never forget the love of friends and family, who gathered with us and called us and prayed with us. I will never forget how it felt to not know if I would have a home in a few hours or not. If you prayed for me, or supported me during that time of fear, thank you so much.

Much love,

Katy



PS: Pictures will be coming soon.

Dear People of the World:

At this very moment, I am being asked to evacuate from my home. The fires aren't too close, but they are close enough that the neighborhood is shrouded in fog. Some people are leaving right away, others are staying around long enough to turn on their sprinklers on and wet down their timber-dry land. We have about half and acre of land behind our house that is pure tinder, just waiting for a spark. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared, a little freaked. But my adrenaline is going crazy. One of our neighbors, Tom, is staying behind. Apparently, he used to be a fire fighter and he has a fire hose in his garage. He plans to defend his block from any fires. He's pretty BA. I don't know how much land is on fire, but I know it's more than 10,000 acres. The planes are going by overhead. The police have set up a roadblock on our street. There are rumors of fires everywhere. The wind is blowing and who knows what might happen. Pray for me, for my friends, many of whom have already evacuated, and for my house. I love you guys.

Washington

Hi people! I'm actually writing this from the Arlington library in Washington State! I'm visiting Washington until next Tuesday and then I'll be heading back home. But Mary and I will be bringing my friend Lacey back with us to visit Nevada.

Early Sunday morning around 5 or 6, Peter, Mary, and I headed off on a 12-hour adventure driving up to the state of Washington. We stopped twice and- yes, I said TWICE in TWELVE flipping hourse- then we finally arrived in our onld neighborhood in Lake Stevens. Peter met up with Sam, Ty, and Theron and they hung out. Mary and I saw Amy again and that was cool.

Then we met up with my aunt who lives only a few blocks away from our old house. We hung out with Laurie, Greg, and my cousin, John, and spent the night at their house. Monday morning, John, Mary, and I said hello to all of our old friends from Lake Stevens. (Hello to Andrew, Adam, Aaron, and Kaylee!) We walked around Lake Stevens and visited our old haunts, HomeLink, the Library, the Lake, and the little coffee shop. (Which I highly recommend by the way. Get a triple chocolate chip mocha blended coffee. They're excellent.) Also, I checked out my old house and noticed that our old treehouse in the back has been completely demolished along with our porch. But they built a new one. And the apple tree, which was planted for my grandpa, is getting really big! I'm expecting to be able to climb it in a couple more years.

Monday night we all attended the HomeLink graduation at the LSHS. It was awesome. We saw old friends and old teachers, and met a lot of new people too. Peter and Sam were reunited and played onstage as music. It was pretty much AMAZING. I cried when Sam graduated, actually his graduation slideshow had pictures of my brothers and the boys back together and I was sad. But anyway. Afterward, I went up to Sam and I said, "Sam, congratulations! I'm so proud of you!" and to my surprise, he responded, "Don't say that, don't say you're proud of me." Taken aback, I asked why not. He promptly told me that he doesn't consider graduating from High School to be that big of an accomplishment. It sort of hit me then that he was right. We make such a big deal out of making it through high school and "overcoming all the obstacles", but really it's not all that difficult to read a few books and take a few tests.

The real challenge is yet to come. We're young and we have so much ahead of us, you guys. We have college, relationships, break-ups, marriages, and so much more that's so much more important than those four years of high school that will be left far behind us. High School doesn't make us who we are. We do that.

Remember that, guys. I'll see you in a few weeks, Winnemuccites.

It Doesn't Need Much Explaining

The New School Prayer

Author Unknown

Now I sit me down in school
where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
finds mention of Him very odd.

If scripture now the class recites
it violates the Bill of Rights.
And any time my head I bow
becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange, or green,
that's no offense, it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks
And pierce our noses, tongues, and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns but first the Bible
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We'll elect a pregnant Senior Queen
and the unwed daddy our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong
We're taught that such "judgments" don't belong.

We can get our condoms and birth control,
study witchcraft, vampires, and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed
no word of God may reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess.
When chaos rules the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot, my soul please take.

Amen.

Thank You

It is certainly strange to see how far I've come this past year. I've grown so much as a person, as a student, and as a friend and confidant. Last year I was a frightened freshmen, entering high school, entering the public school system, for the first time. I didn't know the routine, the students, the campus, or the teachers. I was scared, timid, and shy. Now, I would be virtually unrecognizable to some who once knew me. I have become bold in speaking what I think. I don't hesitate before making the right decision. My self-esteem is high to the point of vanity and egotism. And I am confident. Confident to speak in front of large groups of people. Confident enough to be able to laugh at myself along with everyone else instead of standing in embarrassed silence. Confident enough to live life and not let it pass me by. Confident enough to take opportunities that I would have been too afraid of last year.

I've learned important lessons about procrastination, hard work, and all-nighters. I can survive a full day of high school and enjoy it. I'm able to juggle school activities, church activities, and my homework. I've learned a lot in all of my classes this year, and I've had some of the best teachers to learn from. I've been challenged, stretched, and pushed to my limits and beyond, causing me to step up to the plate. I can be a leader and make my voice heard. Throughout a year of impossible homework loads, crazy schedules, and drama in and out of school, I've been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA.

Even more important than school, I've come to know so many people so much better. I'm learning that sometimes it's better to listen than to speak. And when to keep my mouth shut when I really want to scream. How to deal with rumors and haters, what to do in difficult situations, and that making the right decision and be the hardest thing I'll ever have to do. I've learned that grudges never helped anybody, they only hurt. I know that a smile is the best way to tell people you're there for them. I've learned how far a hug can go. I understand that being a friend is the greatest joy and sometimes the greatest tragedy. I know how important it is to keep a secret; what a privilege it is to be trusted and what betrayal can do to a relationship. I've seen break ups, get-back-togethers, fist fights, broken hearts, broken homes, hurt feelings, and rocky friendships, and I've been there when people need me.

I never could be the person I am today without the help of my friends. I would never be so bold, so confident, or so strong for my friends without my friends. You guys have been there for me. You taught me lessons and let me be a part of your lives. And that's my privilege. Thanks for allthe great times, guys. Thanks for all the laughter, the smiles, the looks, the fun. Thanks for the tears; thanks for the lessons, and thanks for your shoulders, your helping hands. Thanks for being the journal I pour my life story into. Thanks for listening, for caring, for the hugs and the encouragement. Know that I love all of you. You know who you are. Know that you can say anything to me and I'll understand. I would never have made it to this place without you. So once again...

Thanks.


Lacey Mary Brett Jayme Keshia Austin Katie Zach Brad Pete Chase Su Kirstie Tay Daniel Brad Kristen Teasha Kristen Shayla Lindsey Tim Hayley Sophie Kole Lindsay Michael Karl Eren Courtney Cassaundra Joey Freddy Dawson Anderson Beck Doyle Connor Grady Christy Sarah EC Kendra Ashley Angela Marcus Shane Early Kaitlin Vance Stephan Chris David

One of Those Inspiration Things...

Wrath

I was outside the marketplace when I felt the first tremor. Everyone around me froze, but at the next tremor, which rocked the merchant's stalls, the square erupted into chaos. Women screamed, children wailed, men ran, fleeing for their lives as the buildings around them began to topple to the ground. As we were inside the city, at the very heart of it, there wasn't any place to go that wasn't filled with tall, stone structures. The very places we had called our homes, our refuges, had been transformed into our deadliest enemies. With each new rumble from deep withing the earth's belly, cracks shot up buildings and, groaning and complaining, the stones would collapse, crushing those unfortunates taking refuge in its doorway.

I let the crowd sweep me down the street, through the gates, and out of the city. I kept my head though as men, women, and children on either side of me slowed or faltered and were sucked under the crowd and crushed by the merciless feet of those who fled the horrors behind. I, and perhaps fifteen others, quickly jumped down into the would-be cellar of a house yet to be built. The earth beneath our feet shuddered and raged angrily. The shrieks of those on whom the crumbling towers fell were terrible. But even more so were the piteous moans and cries of those who were in so much agony, but still alive. We, in our fortress of dirt, sat huddled with our heads upon our knees, sometimes thrusting our heads over the top of the cellar to call to someone sprinting away, calling them to safety. Terrified, some could do nothing but babble nonsense to their gods. Other crushed their knees to their bosoms, tears falling from tightly shut eyes, frozen with fear.

It was really only a few minutes later that the ground finally stopped shifting about. It felt strange. That is the only way to describe it. Imagine you are bobbing in a boat in the middle of the sea, when suddenly the sea stops its motion. To have the ground no longer move, the momentary silence; the absence of the screams of those trapped underneath beams or blocks; that relief was strange and welcome. We, the group of people crouched in the open cellar, whose number had grown to twenty or so, began to stand up and several even smiled.

As soon as we began lifting each other out of the hole, the smiles vanished, replaced with shock and horror. Mothers pressed their children's faces to their shoulders to hide from the the horrific sight that met our eyes. The city was gone, leveled. All that remained was a section of the east outer wall. All else was merely rubble. The destruction, the desolation; it was just so great, so widespread. It took your breath away to see it. As we began the search for survivors, it became apparent that it was only our group and a few other clusters of people who remained relatively uninjured. The silence had long ago again been filled with the groans of the dying, the yells of those crying for rescue, the wailing of the women who had discovered their husbands' bodies. What was this wrath so terrible, so divine that the earth itself quaked in fear?

Based on the Battle of Bear Paw

Yesterday on October 5, 1877, at 2 pm, the Nimiipu chief, Joseph, surrendered to General Nelson A. Miles. Ordered to remove themselves from American lands onto a reservation, Chief Joseph greed, and while en route to gather up their stock, they were attacked and forced to flee. Chief Joseph then strove to lead 800 of his Nimiipu people across the border from Oregon into Canada. Thinking they were safe, though only for a short while, the Nimiipu people stopped to regroup before making the final trek into Canada. As they bathed their bloodied feet in melted snow, they quickly erected several temporary shelters for the women and children. The rags they wore could hardly be called clothes. The babies cried for food, but there was none to give them. Children huddled together, shivering in the bitter wind. Sentries stood guard over the camp.

Unfortunately, however, unbeknownst to the Nimiipu, General Miles had been dispatched to intercept them. I had been following the Nimiipu for several days, hoping to talk with Chief Joseph. From where I was hiding on the hill, I could see the entire camp. Suddenly, three natives on horseback burst over the crest of the hill, screaming warnings to the others. Apparently deciding General Miles was too close to try to run, they quickly went about digging shallow trenches. Then, without warning, General Miles attacked.

I was horrified to see the gleeful ferocity with which the soldiers hacked down the Nimiipu. I watched, over five grisly days, as small bands of Nimiipu broke cover and ran for the foothills of the Bear Paw Mountains. Yells and screams of agony from the battlefield carried over to my hiding spot, and sleep proved impossible as both sides vied for the upper hand through the night. I saw a toddler, no more than twwo, hewn and trampled as the soldiers advanced on the natives' camp. On the third day, a frigid north wind moved in and the snow began to come down in earnest, rendering both the Nimiipu and the General's men totally incapacitated.

At last, on the fifth day, General Miles petitioned Chieg Joseph to lay down his arms, and in return the Nimiipu would be allowed to return to their ancestral home. Exhausted and disheartened, and knowing that the annihilation of his people would be upon his head, Chief Joseph finally surrendered and the fighting ceased. Despite many escaping, only about half of the original Nimiipu survived the battle, not to mention the extreme cold. I could hear women howling and shrieking their anguish into the frost air, grieving for their dead husbands and sons. It was then, standing in the red snow that Chief Joseph gave and eloquent, heartbreaking speech to his people.

"I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say no and yes. He Who Led the Men is dead. It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them have run away to the hills and have no blankets- no food. No one knows where they are- perhaps they are freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children and see how many of them I can find. Maye I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired, my heart is sad and sick. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."

General Miles led the Nimiipu people away. The last I saw of them, they were stumbling through the snow, back the way they had come, their flight to freedom brutally cut short. As they dragged their bloody feet through the snow, they left a trail of crimson behind, staining the pure snow. I fear their ordeal is far from over, and I wonder what will become of the Nimiipu; and how many will die of broken hearts.



The Battle of Bear Paw is a true, historical event. That took place in 1877. Chief Joseph and the Nimiipu were not given their ancestral homes back. Instead they were kept on increasingly smaller reservations like animals. Although Chief Joseph continued to petition the U.S. government for his people, he was ignored.

Some say history is doomed to repeat itself. Sadly, America seems doomed to repeat its past mistakes. During World War II, all Asians, no matter their nationality were sent to prison camps because we were paranoid about the Japanese sabotaging our factories. American Communists have been hunted down and tried in a manner like that of the Salem Witch Trials. Can we be sure that nothing like these atrocities is ever committed again? No, of course not. America is not the world police. But can we do our best to try to keep such paranoia out of the U.S.? Yes. Through education and by fighting against ignorance, absolutely. And by speaking out for those who do not have a voice, we may stop such things as the genocide in Darfur from continuing or from happening at all.

But it is up to us, the generation of today, of Now. This is our time. Our time to speak up for what's right and to bring to light what is wrong. It's up to us to solve the problems of the world. Because we ARE the world. And they're our problems.

Les Miserables

Preface

"So long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom, a social condemnation, which, in the face of civilization, artificially creates hells on earth, and complicates a destiny that is divine, with human fatality; so long as the three problems of the age- the degradation of man by poverty, the ruin of woman by starvation, and the dwarfing of childhood by physical and spiritual night- are not solved; so long as, in certain regions, social asphyxia shall be possible; in other words, and from a yet more extended point of view, so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless."

-Victor Hugo, 1862

Read this preface again and again. Try to understand the message it conveys. Our society has a problem. We are creating Miserables. What can we do to amend our wrongs and provide restitution? Read Les Miserables for yourself to find out what "The Miserables" of our world go through everyday. The abridged version may be better for most readers. At 520 pages, it has cut the full version in half.

A Prayer we Need to Hear

Although sometimes we don't want to admit that America can do wrong, it's important we look at our country's flaws in order to amend them. Some of the things that seem good and healthy for America are really hurting our country.

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.

Amen."

-Bob Russell


Sometimes things can really get twisted and distorted from their original purpose. Free choice doesn't justify murder. But murder doesn't justify murder either. Self-esteem is important, but so is discipline. Politics was once a way to change the world by using your power for good. Nowadays it is often simply a way to exploit. Ambition, freedom of expression, "enlightenment", how far can we take these things before they turn into something else entirely?




Learn the full story behind this prayer at http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/k/kansasprayer.htm

I Was Inspired

This is a song I wrote last week. Tell me what you think...

You'll Never Know

V1: I never thought you'd really leave
You've no idea how much you've meant to me
As you go out that door let me just say
That I love you and I hope you see that one day

CHORUS
I love you, I miss you already
I love you, I miss you
You're leaving and I'm crying
but you won't ever know

V2: You're going to be gone soon, never to return
It hurts right now but soon it's my turn
Embrace your future, love your life
Don't give up you'll get through this time

CHORUS

V3: I'm crying for you, crying for me
I wish we'd had more time I wish I could've see
What was coming and how it would end
As you're leaving, know I'll always be your friend.

CHORUS

You'll never know
how much I cared
or how I'd wish I'd dared
to kiss you

You'll never know
how much I miss you
How much I wish you
were here

You'll never know

You'll never know



You'll never know.

Great America Concerts

I forgot to tell you guys about the amazing concerts I got to see at Great America. Around three we got in line to enter into the Redwood Amphitheater, which is pretty cool. There were tons of booths selling t-shirts and band paraphernalia. But the concerts were awesome. If you think Christians can't rock out, you are so wrong. Six bands, The Send, Run Kid Run, Falling Up, Hawk Nelson, David Crowder, and Jeremy Camp. Yes THE Hawk Nelson. And THE David Crowder. and THE Jeremy Camp. It was incredible.

The Send
The Send were pretty good, just out of the garage, no cd or anything. Not bad for a band that's opening for Jeremy Camp.

Run Kid Run
These people were pretty much amazing. Their lead singer interacted with the audience and they got a pretty good response.


Falling Up
Falling Up was very cool. Good performance and good songs. Two words: Synchronized. Headbanging.



Hawk Nelson
Wow. These dudes were awesome. Just incredible. Amazing songs, I loved the performance, and plus they had a huge following, which means audience participation. Imagine Green Day singing about God and you might have a tiny idea of what Hawk Nelson is like.



David Crowder
The David Crowder band was even more awesome than Hawk Nelson. They were amazing. David Crowder is the dude who wrote Undignified, I Will Not be Silent, O Praise Him, and a ton of other praise songs.



Jeremy Camp
The best show of the night, Jeremy Camp lit up the night with his phenomenal guitariness and singing. I really liked his songs, and he put on a great show plus told some funny stories.

The Unmissables Vol. IV

Prepare yourself for movies 31 through 40 of the Unmissables List.

1.
The Matrix
The world is under the control of robots called Machines. Humans are slaves of the Machines, living in virtual reality created by the Machines. A computer hacker named Neo finds out the truth of his existence and joins a group of rebels in order to fight back against the Machine's regime.
Starring
Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Laurence Fishburne.

2.
Fight Club
A lonely insomniac is living his miserable existence, when he meets a soap salesman named Tyler Durden, and man with revolutionary ideas and a unique outlook on life. Together, they start a fight club, a way for men like them to vent their aggression. But something strange is at work and Tyler Durden may not be who he seems.
Starring
Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter

3.
Kill Bill Vol. I and II
When one woman breaks away from the group of assassins she belongs to, The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, to settle down with the child still in her womb, she is marked for death. The rest of the squad and their leader, Bill, massacre the entire wedding party, killing everyone. Or so they thought. The bride lives on, and she's out for revenge. One of Quentin Taratino's best works, Kill Bill is a tribute to the karate movies of old and the suspense builds to the climax, until there's only one person left to kill-Bill.
Starring
Uma Thurman

4.
Star Wars, the original trilogy
A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...lives Luke Skywalker, a young farmer boy who soon discovers he is one of the last remaining jedis. He must receive training from Jedi Masters, Obi Wan Kenobi, and Yoda, and he must face his nemesis- Darth Vader, the evil sith lord who wants to rule the galaxy- in order to fulfill his destiny and help the Rebel Alliance bring peace to the galaxy once more. On his adventures, Luke teams up with Han Solo, rugged pilot and scoundrel extraordinaire, and Princess Leia, leader of the resistance.
Starring
Mark Hammill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fischer

5.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
King Arthur sets off with the Knights of the Round Table to find the Holy Grail, the chalice that Christ drank out of during the Last Supper. They will face much danger, including a Black Knight who refuses to die, a killer rabbit, and some very unfriendly Frenchmen. Join King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table on this hilarious adventure of British humour.
Starring
John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin

6.
Ferris Beuller's Day Off
Ferris Beuller is the guy everybody likes. But for once he's determined to have a day off from school. So he and his two friends skip school to have the time of their lives, despite the principal's threats and Beuller's sister's jealousy. Ferris Beuller's Day Off is a classic that no one should miss.
Starring
Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, and Jeffrey Jones.

7.
Princess Bride
Once Upon a Time there lived a farm girl named Buttercup whose servant boy, Wesley, fell in love with her and she with him. But he was forced to leave her and in his absence, Prince Humperdink took Buttercup to be his fiance. Wesley must face all dangers to find her again and win her back from the cruel Prince Humperdink. But he'll need a little help from his friends. Funny, and gallantly sweet.
Starring
Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Andre the Giant and Robin Wright.

8.
Ace Ventura
Ace Ventura, pet detective, is on the job, whether the case is missing dolphins or missing bats, no case is to small or too large for Ace Ventrura. Jim Carrey at his best, no doubt about it, as Ace Ventura must face all odds to rescue those he loves-the animals.
Starring
Jim Carrey.


9.
Babel
Four stories from four corners of the earth are mysteriously intertwined. Each story is told, each story is ordinary and epic. Ordinary lives, extraordinary people, inexplicable circumstances. In this large world we live in, if only we would listen more and try to understand the people around us. Babel is about this message.
Starring
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.


10.
Memento
Ever since he was hit over the head trying to save his wife as she was being raped and killed, Leonard has had one mission in life: to track down and kill the man who did it. The trouble is, Leonard is incapable of making new memories and everything he does he must remember by taking photos or making notes. It is impossible to tell who is good and who is evil in this twisting tale of revenge. You'll never see it coming.
Starring
Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss

Great America

I visited the Paramount's theme park in Santa Clara, California, called Great America, this past weekend with my youth group. It was amazing. Let me tell you about the rides I rode.


This particular roller coaster is called Top Gun. According to the sign posted every twenty feet in the line, it is a "Level 5 aggressive thrill ride." Our group got into line around ten in the morning, and we actually entered the cars around 11: 15. We were lucky. When we got off the ride, the line was exponentially longer.

Top Gun is a suspended roller coaster, meaning that when you do loops, the car is on top of the track and the screaming riders upside-down.

Absolutely fabulous. If you can keep your lunch, Top Gun is a must for all roller coaster lovers.






This is Demon, a coaster full of loops, twists, corkscrews, and tunnels. One tunnel's ceiling was so low, I thought my decapitation and death were at hand.









This ride was my favorite. Each car has four people in it, two on each end, facing each other. This way, when the cars move up the left track, two riders of the car are going backward, and the other two are forwards. The coaster speeds down the track, loops, corkscrews, loops again, and the riders have switched. If you were facing forward, now you're backward, and vice-versa. Scary because you don't know what's coming, exciting because the second time is best, and fast.

Art History

He was, and still is, considered one of the greatest late Renaissance painters of Spain. His style was colorful and imaginative, his work inspirational and easily recognizable. Famous during his own lifetime, he painted biblical scenes and religious themes. Although Domenikos Theotokopoulos, better known as “El Greco,” was one of Spain’s most beloved artists, he was not even Spanish.

Born in 1541 on the island of Crete, El Greco’s talent was recognized early on. At twenty-five Cretan records call him a master painter (WebMuseum). El Greco moved to Venice and then to Rome. Six years later he again relocated, this time to Spain. Finally, in 1577, El Greco settled permanently in Toledo, Spain.

During the sixteenth century, Toledo was a hub of the Renaissance. El Greco lived in this vibrant center of art and religion for the rest of his life. After his death, El Greco was largely forgotten. However, his unparalleled genius was rediscovered in the early 1900s.

The people of Toledo claimed Domenikos as their own, calling him “El Greco,” or “The Greek.” El Greco always signed his real Greek name on his paintings, however. Even still, the painter also married a young Spanish noblewoman by the name of Jeronima de las Cuevas. She gave birth to his illegitimate son, Jorje Manuel, who would later become a renowned Spanish architect.

El Greco’s distinctive paintings are prime examples of what is called European Mannerism. Ackland.org describes this art movement as “A style that developed in the sixteenth century as a reaction to the classical rationality and balanced harmony of the High Renaissance; characterized by the dramatic use of space and light, exaggerated color, elongation of figures, and distortions of perspective, scale, and proportion. Sister Wendy, an acclaimed art critic has said of the Mannerism master, “El Greco’s elongated figures, ever straining upward, his intense and unusual colors, his passionate involvement in his subject, his ardor and his energy, all combine to create a style that is wholly distinct and individual (Story of Painting).” One art critic compares El Greco’s distorted figures to leaping flames that “express intense religious feeling (ibiblio.org).”

Indeed, as we can see in Christ Driving the Traders From the Temple (1570), Christ seems to be the heart of a flame radiating outwards. His position, frozen in time, echoes that of the angel driving Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, seen in the stone carving behind Christ.

In The Holy Trinity (1577), El Greco shows a recently crucified Jesus in the arms of the Father, as the dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit hovers above. From El Greco’s use of color we see that Jesus has left the darkness of the world behind for the beauty and light of Heaven.

It is in Baptism of Christ (1596), however, that we see a very classic El Greco. The long, distorted bodies are nearly ghastly, but they point upward, to the Holy Spirit in the form of the dove, and further up to the Father in the heavens. We see the red cloak over Jesus as being symbolic of his separation from God. We also see the fire descending from the Father, engulfing the dove, coming down to the Christ. This imagery is a very obvious reference to Luke 3:16m when John the Baptist (whom we see here baptizing Jesus) says, “’I baptize you with water. But One more powerful than I will come…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’” And this is what we see here.

Undoubtedly, El Greco was one of the most imaginative, most influential painters of the 1500s. He died in 1614 and was laid to rest in the Church of St. Thome. El Greco has been called eccentric, determined, respected, and devout; surely we must add enigmatic and fantastical to this list.

The Iraq War

Much of the American public, myself included, believe that America's involvement has to do with ulterior motives, not the interest of the Iraqi people. However, no matter what you believe, it's important to remember that our boys are over there fighting in Iraq. It is our responsibility, our privilege to be the ones to support them, to believe in them, to let them know we care. In a recent issue of Newsweek magazine (that I would not recommend to those emotionally connected to Iraq), letters and notes left by fallen soldiers were published. Some of them express love, others gratitude, all miss their families. But all the same they're going through hell. One soldier says, "I don't even recognize myself anymore." Another, "I don't want medals or to be a hero. I just want to come home and be a husband and daddy again." Still another says, "Sometimes I don't know what to think about all of this. It seems so senseless..."

Most of these soldiers were close to returning home before they were killed in action.

This letter particularly struck me.



"Well if your reading this I guess this deployment was a one way trip. I just have a few things to ask. Please don't be mad at the Marine Corps. It was my choice to join and come here. I honestly belive this is what I was meant to do. I don't care what the media says we are making a difference here. Know that I did not die in vain for some worthless cause. I died in memory of all those who gave their lives before me. We are fighting for those who can't fight for themselvs. And I think that is the right thing to do. Not all the people here are bad, so please don't fill your hearts with anger and hate. When I was a kid my dad gave me a Louis Lamour book, in the bak of this book was quotes from all his books. One that really stuck in head and I tried to live by since the day I read it was on courage. 'When ever there was trouble you never had to look back to see if he was there, you knew damn well he was.' I hope I lived up to that.

Another thing I ask is that at my funeral the Marine Corps Hymn and Amazing Grace is played with bag pipes. Nothing sounds better than the bag pipes playing Amazing Grace. I know that I haven't been the best son, brother, friend or boyfriend and I'm sorry. I f you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Ashley can keep my H5 if he wants. Another thing I ask is at least one of you travel to see the world and do the things I never got to do. This is really hard writing ths. There's so much I want to say and I'm at a loss of words. Just know that I have God in my life and I'm ina better place and Marines guard the streets in Heaven. Who else would God trust? Tell Ashley, Nathan, Kevin, Jason, David, Denis that I could not have had better friends. Tell Ashlea that I was sorry and I'm stupid and I really did love her.

To my family I love you all.

Semper Fi

Love Lance






This letter was written by Cpl. Lance Graham of San Antonio. He was 26. On May 9, 2005, near Haditha Dam, he was killed when a pair of suicide bombers hit his convoy.

Film Fancy

Check out my new blog called Film Fancy. It's all about movies. I'll post the rest of the Unmissables here and there, but from then on, I'll post movie stuff only there.

Go to www.filmfancy.blogspot.com

Thanks!

"Thou Shalt Not"

Want to know how to live life?

How to succeed?

How to stand out?

How to make something of yourself?

Check out this video from YouTube and you'll finally know the secrets to life, the universe, and everything.

The Unmissables Vol. III

These are Unmissables numbers 21 through 30. Enjoy!



21.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
When the earth is destroyed, one man embarks on a journey that will take
him far beyond his wildest dreams, not to mention his galaxy. He meets the
president of the universe, an depressed robot, and the love of his life along
the way. If you like and understand British humor (ie. Monty Python),
Hitchhiker's Guide is a must.
Starring
Martin Freeman, Zooey Deschanel, Mos Def, and Sam Rockwell
Tagline
Don't Panic

22.
Rat Race
Nine people are chosen at random to race across the country where two
million dollars awaits the first to cross the finish line. Rat Race is hands down
one of the funniest movies you will ever see as the incidents that occur along
the way become more and more full of unbelievable hilarity.
Starring
John Cleese, Whoopie Goldburg, Seth Green, Rowan Atkinson, Amy Smart,
Brekin Meyer, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Jon Lovitz
Tagline
563 miles. 9 people. $2 million. 1001 problems!


23.
The Sixth Sense
In M. Night Shyalmalan's masterpiece thriller, a psychologist must help a little
boy, Cole, who believes he can see dead people. The ghosts don't know
they're dead, but Cole must find out why they haunt him. Excellent, filled with
suspense and intrigue.
Starring
Haley Joel Osment, Bruce Willis, and Toni Collette
Tagline
Not every gift is a blessing


24.
Airplane!
At 41,000 feet, the two pilots and the navigator are dead, and the
passengers are falling ill as well. It seems as though the only ones who can
save the dayare an ex-pilot who hasn't flown since the war, a stewardess,
and a wacky doctor. Despite its apparent seriousness, Airplane! is a
comedy that willleave you rolling on the floor laughing.
Starring
Robert Hays, Leslie Nielson, and Julie Hagerty
Tagline
What's slower than a speeding bullet, and able to hit tall buildings at a single bound?


25.
Blades of Glory
After being banned from Men's Singles Ice Skating for life, Chazz Michael
Michaels and Jimmy MacElroy must work together to be the first mens team
in the history of Pairs Ice Skating. It won't be easy, since Chazz and Jimmy
are polar opposites. This is Napolean Dynamite meets Talladega Nights. On
ice.
Starring
Will Ferrell and Jon Heder
Tagline
Kick some ice


26.
300
The Persians are hell-bent on ruling all of Greece, only Sparta stands in their
way of complete domination. King Leonides and only 300 faithful soldiers
stand up to the Persian army, numbering more than one million. Based on
Frank Miller's graphic novel, 300 is a gory, stunning, and stylized
Unmissable.
Starring
Gerard Butler and Lena Heady
Tagline
Prepare for glory


27.
Sin City
In the city of sin, trouble is brewing. A serial killer is on the loose, the fragile
peace between the prostitutes and the police is about to be broken, and the
only heroes are the worst of criminals. Sin City is based on Frank Miller's
graphic novel and is a stylized portrayal of true justice, honor, and loyalty.
Starring
Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Elijah Wood, Anthony Hopkins, Alexis Bledel, Rosario Dawson,
Benicio Del Toro, Brittany Murphy, and Mickey Rourke
Tagline
There is no justice without sin.


28.
Sleepy Hollow
In the town of Sleepy Hollow, a monster has awoken: The Headless
Horseman rides again, claiming the heads of those involved in a secret
conspiracy. Inspector Ichabod Crane is sent to investigate, but he must
uncover the truth before the Horseman comes for him. One the best Tim
Burton/Johnny Depp collaborations, full of thrills, chills, and plenty of morbid
humor.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, and Christopher Walken
Tagline
Heads will roll.

29.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
In the sleepy town of Endora, nothing much happens, especially for Gilbert
Grape, who must care for his obese mother and handicapped brother after
his father's death. When he meets Becky, everything changes and he begins
to see that life can be beautiful.
Starring
Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Juliette Lewis
Tagline
Living in Endora is like dancing to no music.


30.
Top Gun
Maverick is a student at Top Gun, the best flight school in the nation. He is
determined to live down his father's reputation and make a name for himself
as the best pilot in Top Gun history. But he won't get there without a little
help from his friends.Dramatic and funny.
Starring
Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis
Tagline
I feel the need, the need for speed.

Out of these last ten, I would especially recommend Sin City or Rat Race- completely opposite films, but superbly done. Second choices would be Sleepy Hollow and The Sixth Sense. (Or 300 if you like gore.)