Danielle's well...i dunno for sure

BRAZIL

2006-07-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

I guess all I have to say is:

Deixei meu coracao no Brasil.

(I left my heart in Brasil)

And that's it.

It was completely amazing and definitely a LIFE-changing experience.

God taught me sooo much!!!

-Danielle

2006-06-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

2 weeeks until BRAZIL...AHH!!!

ok so this past week was filled with busy-ness and loss of sleep..which has led to exhaustion.

The alpha and omega is an annual campout that my youth group has. It is for incoming 7th graders through outgoing seniors. The SMITE team also plans and runs it.

Emily and I stayed up until 4ish on tuesday night/wednesday morning making programs/schedules for the alpha and omega. We then proceeded to arise the next morning at 7:45 and go and have a work day at Bethany farms, the place where our campout was going to be. I got home at like 12:30 on wednesday and crashed...well outside in the pool that is. I then went to SMITE at 5:00 and then went to an evangelism class at 6:30 and then to an open gym at 7:30. We played volleyball and it was fun. There were a lot of skaters there playing too.

Then after working from 4-10 at igloo on thursday, I proceeded to the church for another work night with my fellow smiters. We were there until about 12:30 along with PW. As Brianna, Emily, and I were making our way out to my car, Brianna accidently dropped her glass plate right behind my car. Glass went everywere. So emily and I ran all the way around the building to knock on PW's window. He came outside and helped clean up the glass. As we were sweeping the parking lot at like 1 o'clock, a ranger/cop car pulled up and asked us what we were doing b/c I guess there were some drunk people on the other side of the parking lot....interesting. Sylvia, Rachelle, Brianna, Emily and I then went to Rachelle house for, yes, more planning.

Me and Emily stayed up until 5:30 am on thursday night/friday morning planning for the alpha and omega that was on friday. We decided that since we had to get up at 7:30 anyways that we would just go ahead and take a shower and spend an hour getting ready. We then went to MEijer and got a donut and some hodge-podge of coffe/hot chocolate/cappacino.

Friday was hectic. Hannah Rausch and I took on like 16 boys during a game of capture the flag. I went to bed about 2:00 am.

Saturday we got up at 6:00 am and it was raining i guess. So we went to Danny Little's house (which was on the property) and cooked breakfast.

I have like 3 blisters on my face from where grease splased up on me while we were making the french toast..

Oh man Brazil. It'll be a blast. Only 2 weeks and a butt load of more stuff to do.

But I can't lose sight of the REAL reason that I'm going on this trip:It's about God and HIs work.

2006-06-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

Stuff hurts. But sometimes you just have to step back and realize that God in all of His glory and holiness is the ONLY one for you. He never fails you, lets you down, or makes you cry.

Jesus IS my firm foundation.

-Dani

2006-06-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

HEY everyone... I haven't posted in like forever. I haven't really had that much time what with school. And now I am like overly obsessed with facebook. It's sort of addicting. Anywho... I'm still working at IGLOO. There is only 25 days left until I leave for Brazil. I'm super phsyched(I dunno if I spelled that right) about going. It's going to be a blast. We're staying with the Yoders, who are awesome. Regina is going to be there too. Mr. Yoder is such an awesome guy. They just had a youth fair for a church with 1 and a half families in it and over 200 youth ended up coming.. Yep that's COMPLETELY God. Just like last night... sort of got in a wreck... I wasn't driving, but we were fine.. the car wasn't. But someone we knew pulled up by us like a minute after it happened. God's pretty cool. He works in mysterious ways, but it's good to be surprised once in a while.

I'm so glad that summer is FINALLY here. I love swimming, swimming in the rain ...at night, synchronized swimming, and laying out... nothing beats that...nope nothin.

-Dani

Happy Easter

2006-04-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

hmmm.... okay so last Monday I started at Igloo, and I have to say that I love it. I'm still learning how to make everything, but hopefully I'll get better. I worked Thursday and Friday too. Friday though...haha..... well there was a lot of storming going on. I was working the drive-thru and all of a sudden the tornado sirens went off. HOLY COW -- (ok i absolutely HATE storms and tornadoes are even worse) so I just went on as usual; although my heart was beating like so fast. We finished with the people going through the drive-thru. There was this one guy though who came through with his son and he asked me if I was scared. I told him that I hated storms and then he said that it's okay because they were storm chasers or w/e. He was obviously joking, but it calmed me down a little bit. We ended up closing early, but we still had to stay until 9:15. I had fun...haha....

SO anywho you should come and visit me at Igloo.

Oh yeah and Happy Easter to everyone... I'm so sad b/c I didn't get to have a easter egg hunt this year... and it's rainy outside... :(
BUT HE IS RISEN.... so of course I need to be thankful for Christ rising for the grave.

-Dani

TOUR

2006-04-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

Well... FMT tour is over, BUT it was AMAZING! God allowed me to meet a ton of cool new people. AND to everyone on FMT - I love you guys; you are so crazy and so much fun. The bus rides were a good time to get to know some people better that I've known for a long time. From "Catch Phrase" to musical chairs and even Joel crawling like a spider all the way up the bus(which mysteriously left a trail of stench..hmm), we definitely know how to have fun and keep ourselves occupied.

The first day was full of "good times". First thing was the first truck stop that we stopped at. All was going well until we see this fat guy(of which I thought was a pregnant woman in labor or something) on the ground with his belly hanging out. I guess he had stolen something and this guy had ran after him and tackled him. And then a police car pulled up. Second thing was that we had to change into our formal outfits at a GAS station. Just picture 13 girls with huge duffel bags in a bathroom with about 4 stalls. Let's just say that we got done getting dressed before the boys did! And then we got to the Lietdke's church(God once again blessed us with really be-a-utiful weather)ate supper and then sang there. Then Sonnie, Rebecca, and I went and stayed with this awesome girl, whose name was also Danielle. I'd have to say that "Danielle" is the coolest name ever! Anywhos that day was a lot of fun.

Thursday we was also really fun we got to meet Mrs. Lietdke's class. They were adorable. One of the little boys even started to cry when Joey left b/c he got so attatched to him. We then preceded to sing for their school's chapel. After that we ate a quick lunch and hurried on to a yellow school bus to get a 30 minute tour of the Benning military base. Abbie and I also met an army man(he was sorta grumpy or maybe he was just shy!?!?). Then we left for Shiloh hills. WE arrived and I got chased by a worm and then Joey ate the worm for $2. And then we witnessed their grand play. Needless to say it made me thankful for our play. And then we found out our residences for the night. Amy and I stayed with the Johnsons; they had 2 daughters(a freshman and a 7th grader)and a son(a senior). I was very happy b/c they took us out for ice cream and they were sports fanatics just like me. WEll that day was good.

Friday was our last day. Mrs. Johnson took Amy, her kids, and I to Dunkin Donuts to get some breakfast, which was really sweet of her. WE got to school and then we sang for their chapel. All of us were so tired when we got their. And we really needed to get the right focus on God and his power to work through us. I just pray that God not only worked in our hearts, but in theirs too. We then changed into jeans and left for Mammoth caves. This is where we took a guided tour and SANG IN THE CAVE, yes we sang in the cave at Joel's request. Then we left for home and arrived back at midnight.

IT was short, but sweet. I really do believe and pray that God worked through us. Furthermore, He taught me so much: To be thankful for my school, to not take people for granted, and that some people, as different as they may be, are worth getting to know.

-Dani

El Bano

2006-03-22T18:59:00.000-08:00

So on Saturday a bunch of girls decided that we would "hang out". It was fun. We sang on Ashley's karaoke thing and ate popsicles. And then we drank a lot of pop and ate a lot of popcorn. Oh and we also decided that we would watch Mean Girls. Well, then things got a little crazy and we decided to go drink our "wine" in the bathroom (Really it is just sparkling red grape juice). But of course we had our fun.... in the bathroom. Odd I know. And we toasted to...something...don't really know what. And then we started to take pictures.

-Dani

Relaxin

2006-03-20T11:01:00.000-08:00

HALF-DAYS .... They're amazing... and soo relaxing, especially when you have no hw. I went and got 2 applications afterschool (Igloo & Subway), I also got a sandwich from Subway... And then I went tanning... And now I'm home and i feel as if I have spent this day well.

-Dani

Hmm...

2006-03-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I think that I might have junioritis. I know, I know.... juniors aren't allowed; only seniors get senioritis, but i said JUNIORITIS. There's a difference. I just filled out my SAT letter thing that they send to like four colleges. AND i realized that I don't have ANY clue where I'm going and what i want to major in. SENIORS - I commend you... if I were in your shoes, I'd be completely spazzing out right now. So from now until the day I graduate, I am going to be praying.... alot. And just know that God DOES have a plan, even though he hasn't clued me in on what exactly that plan has to say! Anyway though, I'm ready for this year to be over with. Seriously, I feel like I completely slacking off. I mean yeah I'm still getting A's in my classes, but I'm not taking time to do my stuff the night before. AARRGGHH!

Oh yeah.... AND I got my hair cut (it's REAL short)...

-Dani

TWINS

2006-03-13T18:35:00.002-08:00

Mr. Lambeth and J.P. ... they're tweeeiins!

-Dani

2006-03-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

Yeah I got sick of all the greenness....So i changed it to polka-dots.... Baking cookies at this moment in time.... I had a craving!?! oh and studying for this stinkin huge literature test taht we have tomorrow.... well "trying".... -Dani

A Good Song

2006-03-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

Mercy Me - CRAZY

Why I would I spend my life longing for the day that it would end..
Why would I spend my time pointing to another man..
Isn't that crazy

How can I find hope in dying, with promises unseen..
How can I learn your way is better
In everything I'm taught to be..
Isn't that crazy

I have not been called to the wisdom of this world..
But to a God who's calling out to me..
And even though the world may think
I'm losing touch with reality
It would be crazy
To choose this world over eternity

And if I boast let me boast
Of filthy rags made clean
And if I glory let me glory
In my Savior's suffering
Isn't that crazy

And as I live this daily life
I trust you for everything
And I will only take a step
When I feel You leading me
Isn't that crazy

I have not been called to the wisdom of this world..
But to a God who is calling out to me..
And even though the world my think
I'm losing touch with reality
It would be crazy
To choose this world over eternity

Call me crazy
You can call me crazy
Call me crazy

I have not been called to the wisdom of this world..
But to a God who is calling out to me..
And even though the world may think that
I'm losing touch with reality
It would be crazy, It would be crazy, It would be crazy
To choose this world over eternity

Isn't That crazy..
Call me crazy
You can call me crazy
Call me crazy

This is an amazing song. The words are so meaningful. So many times I want to go in my direction. But really I should only take huge steps when I feel that it's something that would please God.

Oh and How many times do I fear what people think of me? umm...so many times, duh... God has so much more to offer me than the all the things of this world. Like sleep, I value so much and stuff like basketball, school, clothes, etc. But it would be so dumb to give up Christ for all that worldly stuff. So call me crazy if you want to, but I'm boasting in Jesus Christ.

-Dani

Snow

2006-03-05T12:42:00.000-08:00

It's snowing...yeah!!! It's coming down fast and it doesn't look like it's gonna stop soon. Well, actually not really, I just want it to be summer. So I can swim, tan, and wear shorts and tanktops. I mean I just bought a swimsuit!

Team Party

2006-03-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

Last night was our basketball team party. It was at Sonnie's house, and it was a lot of fun. I brought brownies, and I actually made them. Well anyway. We at Arni's pizza and I ate like 6 pieces. We watched basketball and then we started playing ping-pong. Have you ever played around the world Ping-pong? Well you should because it's fun and a little chaotic. Then Mrs. Vauters spoke about the 10 things that you will NOT ever hear coach brand say and the #1 thing was "It's okay to cry"! B/c one time he told a girl "Well, don't cry about it" - guys they're so insensitive! And then we talked some more. Oh and then Mr. Brand was like oh the phone. And he was like "here it's for you, someone named J.P.". I was like "ok", honestly I thought he was joking. So I picked it up and low and behold J.P. was on the phone. I about died. He was like "um when are you going to e-mail me the Spanish paper". I told him i would do it when I got home, but it was funny b/c i don't know how he found out that I was at Sonnie's. Then me and Juli went upstairs and talked with Jordan and spied on her firefighter...haha. Oh and I also did two squats with like 90 lbs. plus the weight of the bar. Everyone was watching and laughing at me. I also tried to bench press 90 lbs + weight of the bar -- yeah I couldn't really do that. Well it went on and ppl left. Oh and me and Brynn went outside and looked at Mr. Brand through the windows, that was funny. I stayed until 10:00 - watching the Duke/UNC game. Redick got shut down during the second half. That stunk for Duke. All and All it was fun.

Oh and going along with the phone call that I got - When I got home today from church and lunch w/ mi madre, their was a message on our answering machine. It was J.P. He said, "Hello this is J.P. Logan, I was calling to ask Danielle Faust why I do not have a message from Faith007gurl with an attachment of our project because I need to do my homework, um, if she could e-mail that to me as soon as possible to Johnpaullogan@yahoo.com, that would be greatly appreciated." Needless to say, it made me laugh.

-Dani

NOT ENOUGH

2006-03-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been thinking about how much time I spend with my family. And the answer that I found was "not enough". I live in the same house with them and I talk to them, but do I really care about them. Well, of course I do, but a lot of times I don't show it. People in our generation, especially us teenagers, are always sooo busy. I know with sports, practices, school, friends, and church, I don't have much time for family. BUT I need to make time for them because they're going to be with me forever. Last night I was watching my younger brother and his friend and I realized that I love him more than I put on. Even though he may make me late to school or argue with me, I still love him and I'm glad that HE is my brother. He's four years younger than me, so of course it is hard to be on the same page as him, but from now on I'm really going to start trying alot harder to be more involved in his life. And hey, who could make a better older sister than me?haha... I also have had a lot of time to miss my older brother, Jared, since he's gone to college. He goes to Purdue, but it seems a billion miles away because I only see him once a week at the most. I admire and look up to him soo much. He came home on thursday and had supper with us. He is such a great older brother and I need to be the same great older sister to my younger brother. I also love my parents so much. They are my biggest fans in everything I do. I was shopping with my mom last night and yes she me bought me clothes. BUT when I was in the changing room, I was listening to this other girl talk to her mom and I was appalled. She was being such a snot. I just don't understand how ppl can be like that and I am so glad and thankful that my mom is willing to go shopping with me. And my dad, he is so smart. He knows the most stuff about sports and history. When it comes to sports, I don't listen to him as much as I should. He's trying to mentor me, but for some reason I have such a hard time taking criticism from him. He's my father though and he loves me, he just wants to help me. Which brings me to my main point. My heavenly father loves me just as much. He loves me so much that He gave His life for me. Lately I haven't spent enought time with him. I do my devotions and pray. He should be my #1 priority, so many times though, HE's not. I was thinking about how many times do I think about God during a day and the answer was: NOT ENOUGH.

I was reading a book and it said that this guy didn't go 15 minutes in a day without thinking about God. That's how i want to be. I want to strive to make Jesus Christ my number 1 priority.

-Dani

It's been a long time

2006-03-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

Hey BOYS....I'm baaaacck! (-Independence Day)

It's been a long time, but after many plees, I've started it back up again. AND it's gonna be even bigger and better this time. So here's to all of you that covinced me to get my blogspot back on it's feet again - Robbie, Alec, Jenni - Thank you!!!

-Dani

Back in the Days of.....

2004-10-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

Back in the Days of...
Hmmm... back in the days of kindergarten, no homework, recess, and playing outside with my brothers are the days that I miss the most. It was stress free and no worries. I would go to school for half a day and then go home and play outside. My brothers and I would go run through our fields, play basketball, or play in the sandbox. I didn't care what people thought of me. I also would go to bed before 9 p.m., and I wasn't really tired. Now I'm lucky if I get to bed before midnight on shcool nights. Those days were loads of fun and they were a lot less complicated, but I love what's going on in my life now and how I'm growing. I love how I've grown closer to my brother, and how I've developed some really close friendships.

On a Lonely Hillside

2004-09-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

On a lonely Hillside
On a lonely hillside, all covered with snow, a few children decided this was the perfect place to go sledding on this Christmas Day. Growing up, my brother was involved in boy scouts. Well, while at boyscout camp, he discovered a huge hill. The kind of hill htat is perfect for sledding down. So when Christmas or the day after Christmas came, my brothers, my mom, our neighbors, and I decided to go sledding down this huge hillside. We arrived and got out our sleds. We all trudged over to the hidden hillside. As soon as we got there, we all jumped on our sleds, and we were off. Speeding down the hill, I lost control of the sled; I just let it take me where it wanted to. I came to a slow-moving stop. I got up off the sled. With raw cheeks and frozen snot stuck my face, I looked up at the gigantic task that was before me. I had forgotten that you had to climb bak up the hill. I began that slow, agonizing task, one step at a time. It took a while, but at last I had done it, I had reached the top. I looked longingly at the hillside, but concluded it wasn't worth it. So for the next 20 minutes, there I sat on that lonely hillside, all covered with snow.

My Biggest Life-Changing Experience

2004-09-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

My Biggest Life-Changing Experience
I would definitely have to say that my biggest life-changing experience would have to be when I came to Faith Christian School in 7th grade. The year before I decided to trust God as my Lord and Savior(I got saved). I had gone to a public school all my life so I didn't really know what it was like to go to a Christian school. I never really had a Bible class, or chapel, or even got to pray during school. I guess before this I pretty much kept my church life at church and that's all. I love Faith so much. Even though we have a dresscode and somewhat strict rules, I love it. I've learned and grown so much. I've learned of all God's AWESOME attributes. For example, I've learned to trust Him. He has a perfect plan for my life. I used to be concerned so much about outward appearances, but now I've become so aware that some people are soo cool, you just have to give them a chance. I've also learned that serving can be fun; sticking out can be fun. Coming to Faith taught me what REAL friends are. I love the friends that God has blessed me with. They are awesome, they encourage me so much when I think that I can't go on. I love being able to pray at school. I never realized how much I love it until I remember when I went to public school and you didn't pray before each class. Another thing was that this past summer I played on a softball summer rec league and it wasn't a Christian team. It was so wierd because after every game I would be like "oh we need to pray....oh wait...We don't do that...this isn't Faith Christian School". In all this is definitely the biggest and best thing that ever happened to me. It has been such a blessing to me and I'm so thankful that my parents have payed and allowed me to here. It definitely was and is and is to come my biggest life-changing experience.

My Favorite Meal

2004-09-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Favorite Meal

My all time favorite meal would have to be: fried chicken, mashed potatoes with homemade gravy, and green beans(picked from our garden). My mom always makes this meal for my birthday and everyonce in awhile we'll find it for supper. I love fried chicked because it is soo crispy and moist, especially the way my mom makes it...yumm. And you cannot have fried chicken without mashed potatoes -- they make it all worth while. Now these potatoes -- they aren't just any potatoes. They are creamy, mashed and ooooh so good, even though theyt are from a box (but don't tell my mom I let out her little secret!). Mashed potatoes aren't the same without their soul mate -- GRAVY. When you say "Oh yeah I'm having mashed potatoes," you just can't leave out that gravy -- it's like nachos and cheese, Mickey and Minnie...well you know what I mean. Well...gravy, how do I describe my gravy -- I don't like they white kind...well....I don't know, but I know I don't like it spicy. Lastly for our vegetable. There is no other vegetable that goes better with fried chicken, mashed potatoes AND gravy, then GREEN BEANS. Green beans just make the meal complete. Every other summer or something like that we plant green beans...and then we can them. Well..let me tell you -- they are GOOD. I'm normally not a person that likes vegetables(even though I have to eat them -- like brussel sprouts--ugh!)BUT when it comes to THESE green beans -- I love 'em, they are just soo ..... good. They have a really good flavor to them...yummm.
Well, I guess that concludes my favorite meal -- in detail -- come to think of it, I haven't had that meal in awhilie. My mouth was watering, well maybe not watering, but i was thinking of how good it is. Maybe I'll help my mom cook it sometime!

3 Things I Would Need On A Deserted Island

2004-08-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

3 Things I Would Need On A Deserted Island

Hmm. That one is a toughy. I think the first thing I would need on a desert island would be my Bible. I love my Bible. It keeps me alive with God. It restores my soul. I'd need my Bible to do my devotions. I also would be going through trials(even though if I'm on a deserted island there wouldn't be anybody there, anyways) so I would need something to encourage me. The second thing I would probably need would be food. I cannot live without food. I absolutely LOVE food. It keeps me alive. It restores my energy. Once again I love food. Now for the third and last thing that I would need. I think it would have to be my bed. Once again I love food, and when you are full, you get tired. So it would definitely have to be my bed(with everything on it, too). I love my bed. It helps me get enough rest. It restores my body; so I'm ready to go the next day. I love to sleep; I'm always tired because school and practice takes all the energy out of me. So I got my Bible, my food, and my bed, nothing can beat that. I think if I ever had to go to a deserted island and only take three things, I would be set.

Betsy Joy Mandeville

2004-08-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Betsy Joy Mandeville
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I dedicate this day to my dear friend Betsy Joy Mandeville -- her sweet sixteen -- Yeah Betsy!! I love you to death girl! I hope you had a great time yesterday. You are one my best friends and I'm so glad you came to faith or else I would never have gotten this close to You. You're AWESOME!!!!

First Week

2004-08-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

First Week

WOW -- that's all I can say about the first week of school. I didn't know God could teach one person soo much in just one week. He put me through trials and I'm soo thankful for that because even though it was stressful.. I've grown from it. He taught me to completely rely on Him. Because He is all knowing and will always be there for. He never will fail me...even if people do. I love that character trait about Him. I also love His Word; I don't know if I could get through some stuff without it. God taught me to love people this week. Ephesian 4:30-32 helped me with this. "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." My goal is to be like Christ... I want to be pushing toward that goal and so this year I'm going to do my absolute BEST to glorify God!

Blogger

2004-08-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

BLOGGER
I am now an official blogger with Juli's help. I'd always heard about people and their blogs...especially Mr. Harmless...he talked about his all the time, BUT i never really wanted to take the time to actually make one. I thought they were cool...but just not for me. WELL, NOW I HAVE ONE!!!!..lol I've spent like 3 hours on here just trying to figure things out. -Mwah

Grass is Always Greener....

2004-08-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

Grass Is Always Greener....

The grass is always greener when it gets nourishment. This may include water, sunshine (not a whole lot, but enough), and fertilizer. You see my dogs do their "duty" in my yard. Well, to put it bluntly they fertilize the yard with their poop, and it makes it greener.
In another sense the grass is always greener in life, when you have the right perspective on things. Like, if you are always being negative about things and never thank God for what he was done for you, his creation, then you are probably not going to have very "green grass" or life style. On the other hand, if you are thinking positive and really trying to glorify god in all that you do, then you probably will have a great perspective on things and have very, very "green grass".