Current Experiences

Good morning, readers!

It's been a few days since I last posted and that is because I have been sick in the last couple of days and the weekend before that was pretty busy. I'm hoping that this post will be worth the wait.

I thought I would make a post about things that have been happening recently called "Current Experiences."

Friday, March 22, 2013

This was a fun day. I didn't have any online classes that day, but Rocky Mountain had an event that reminded me of how profound American history can be. At 9am on Friday, President Lincoln came for a visit. (By this, I mean a presenter came dressed as Abraham Lincoln...) He talked about how he loved reading and learning throughout his entire life, and what it was like to live in a log cabin, his days at school, and other aspects of his life. I wish I had pictures from the event to post here, but unfortunately, students aren't allowed to bring cameras or use phones in school assemblies. However, I found a link to the website of the historian and presenter that came as President Lincoln: http://www.abelincolnalive.com/index.htm
As the afternoon rolled around, at 2:30, it was time for the annual RMCA Upper School Spring Talent Show. This is always a fun casual event where a few students sing a song or two, play an instrument, or do an act on stage. This year, I decided to pull out my clarinet and play a piece that I've been working on for about a month called "Concertino for Clarinet in E flat major by Carl Maria von Weber, Op. 26." I think a lot of people enjoyed it, (and yes, of course some students were bored by the fact that it's a classical piece) and some said that they were impressed by the difficulty of the piece as well.
Friday night, however, was the best part of the day. My family and a friend went to the school Parent/Teacher Organization Sock Hop Event. It was a lot of fun to dress up in rolled up jeans, a sweater set, and converse with a high ponytail for the night and do 50's dances. There was also stuff like a photo booth and hula hoop contests (which my brother completely dominated). Here are some pictures I took:

Picture of people in costumes at beginning of event

Scarves and hats for photo booth

  

Caleb hula hooping

Caleb after hula hooping for a very very very long time...

Sunday, March 24, 2013
My dad made an excellent sermon for Palm Sunday on the Day of Atonement called Passion for the Kingdom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6lfXl5cFAo
After church, our family attended our youth group leaders' baby shower. It was fun to see all the gifts that they were blessed with for their coming daughter. We also made pages that would be put into a scrapbook so that they could teach their daughter Bible stories and verses based on the pictures and writings on the pages we made.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Since my siblings and I had no homework last night, we decided to rent the new movie Lincoln, which was particularly exciting for me after watching the presentation on Friday. I strongly suggest it to people that enjoy American Civil War history and don't mind spending a few hours watching it. However, the movie is PG-13, so I would not suggest that very young people watch it, since it has intense themes of war and violence and some language. What I liked about it was that the actors seemed to know and respect their characters very well in order to play their parts excellently. The movie had a main focus on Lincoln's second term as president as he strived to pass the 13th amendment (the Emancipation Proclamation), and end the Civil War overall. Watching the presentation on Friday and then the movie on Tuesday night was eye-opening to me, to see how influential Lincoln was as a leader of the country, and how firmly he stood in his beliefs. Also, while the movie did not portray this at all, it was interesting to find how much he was influenced as well, and that the special revelations he had as president led him to become a Christian.

Today
In about half an hour from now, I will be going over to the other building at my school to dress up as Clifford, the Big Red Dog for young kids at the school Book Fair. My friend, Andrea will be playing Emily Elizabeth, and I get to take pictures with them and read a story (pictures hopefully to come). Then, this afternoon I will have jazz band rehearsal.

That's a taste of what has been happening recently in terms of fun events. I hope to post again very soon.

Question for Readers: What events have stood out to you lately? Were any events similar to each other that made you discover or remember something influential in big or small ways?

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!" --Psalm 111:10

The One About the Cookies

Here it is, folks! It's the post about the cookies that I promised. :D

Recently, I've discovered a new hobby of mine, and that is cooking and baking (especially baking). As an introvert, it's been nice getting to be at home alone on some days to get some work done and relax while everyone else is out at meetings or soccer practice. But after awhile, I feel like while it would be great to have some chores done when they get home, it would be even better to have homemade cookies ready for them in addition. I love being able to take simple pantry items and make them into warm baked goods that everyone appreciates. 

I've taken a recipe for flour-less peanut butter cookies and turned it into multiple variations: almond butter & peanut butter, peanut butter or almond butter chocolate (or peanut butter and almond butter chocolate), almond mocha, peanut butter mocha, and peanut butter chocolate chocolate chip (honestly, I have yet to try this one, but the recipe is foolproof). Now don't be fooled that just because they are gluten-free, they are destined to be disgusting. Actually, people outside of my family have tried them and said they look and taste delicious. I'm super excited to share them even more at a bake sale coming up!

If you would like any recipes, let me know! 

Here are some pics I took:

Result of first try on homemade 5-ingredient peanut butter cookies

Almond Butter Mocha Cookies I made this week. My dad says these are better than girl scout cookies, and my sister took these to school and her friends begged for them, even though they've been making fun of her being gluten-free. :)

So there you have it! I hope to have more updates on other hobbies soon! :D

Happy second day of Spring! Enjoy the weather. 

Question for readers: What are your hobbies? Do you like to cook or bake as well? Have you discovered any new interests lately?

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." --Philippians 4:8-9

March Resolutions: Even Though This is 19 Days Late

Good afternoon, readers!

I realized this week that even though I dreamed of posting monthly resolutions when I first created this blog, I have yet to post my resolutions for March! And I know what you're thinking: I'm a little late to the party. March is almost over But after giving it a lot of thought, with plenty of hesitation on whether or not I should just wait for April, I decided that I should be able to post this month's resolutions, even if there are only 12 days left. No judging. :)

Some of you may be wondering, "What are monthly resolutions?" Well, I'm glad you asked! "Monthly Resolutions" is a system that I picked up from the blog, She Learns As She Goes by Kelli Taylor. (Link to this blog is on the side of this page.) It's a way that I can hold myself publicly accountable for particular responsibilities and personal goals. Here's how it works. At the beginning of each month, I will post my resolutions and then at the end of the month, I will give myself a report card showing my progress and achievements (or sometimes lack thereof) for each resolution that I made. Now here comes the fun part! Each time that I make a resolution post (whether it's announcing my resolutions or grading myself), I will invite my readers to post their resolutions and grades as well! In the comment box, give me a link to your blog, your word doc, your google drive presentation, your Google+ post, (or just stick the whole thing right into the comment if you like!) etc. with your name and resolutions or end of the month grade. Whatever works! ;)

Without further ado, here are my resolutions for the month of March 2013. (Notice how they're all in different shades of green! You might have guessed that it's for St. Patrick's Day and the beginning of Spring. Cute, huh?)

March Resolutions

1. Learn ASL Project: Practice 10 signs this month.

2. Becoming A Well Rounded Classic Reader Project: Catch up on Omnibus reading!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Omnibus, it is a course that combines the subjects of Literature, History, and Theology. I am taking Omnibus IV, which focuses on Ancient Literature and History, and I also get credit for Theology IV. The way it works is that I read a book such as Antony and Cleopatra, Aesop's Fables, Selected Works of Cicero, or The Iliad, and then we study the literary theory behind it, the historical background, and we also discuss deep theological or philosophical aspects about the piece of literature. For example, a couple of weeks ago, we studied Antony and Cleopatra, and we studied the facts about the story and how it's an excellent play by Shakespeare, and we also discussed the history of the Roman Empire and the growth of the Triumvirate, but then, we discussed the theological aspect of how sin can often be justified by being "in love."

3. Diary Writing Project: Write in diary at least once a week.

I'm making this resolution because I'd like to eventually put a really cool 5-year journal on my Christmas list, but I'm worried that it would be a waste of time, effort, and money if I never take the time to write in my diary or journal anyway. Just thinking ahead...

4. Teach Youth Group: Schedule a time to teach either this month or next month.

I'm really really really excited for this one! One of the biggest things that gives me joy is to learn more about God's word and ask Him to speak through me to minister to my family of the church. I already know what topic I'm going to share!

5. Bible Reading Project: Read Judges and Proverbs according to guest speaker from youth group’s instructions.

A few weeks ago, my youth group had a guest speaker, who is a missionary from Japan that ministers to military kids, and he discussed a lot about his experiences that were really intriguing. I told him about some of my spiritual gifts that I had discovered recently, along with current struggles, and he recommended that I take the examples of particular judges and look for verses in Proverbs about fear and speaking to others, especially about God's word. I hope to finally accomplish this.

6. Gluten Free/Sugar Free Cooking Project: Find a gluten free meal to practice with, and try more variations on peanut butter cookie recipe.

Clarification: I am able to cook. I am just "expanding my horizons," or whatever that saying is... An update on my baking project will be coming soon. :D

7. Fitness Project: Keep eating healthy (Gluten-free!) and exercise outside of P.E. at least once a week.

This one should not be too difficult. I've been sticking with gluten-free for months now, especially since there is practically no trace of any gluten containing products in the house at all right now. Also, my parents make an effort to exercise every morning, I just need to get up early enough to join them more often.

8. Music Goals: Practice outside of rehearsals at least 45 minutes per week.

I seriously need to make this a habit. I think I'm hurting myself by not practicing, and I'm definitely not benefiting the rest of my orchestra and bands by not making an effort to work hard outside of rehearsals and performances. I'm not beating myself up too much about it, but it doesn't feel right to not be working on reforming this habit. Hopefully, making myself solely accountable in public will give me the proper motivation that I need.

My resolutions are now complete and carved in stone. Now, it's your turn! What are your resolutions for this month? Has God revealed His plans for this month in your life?

Don't forget to send me a link or comment! :)

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" --Jeremiah 29:11

Current Enjoyments

Good afternoon dear blog readers!

Today, I decided to update my blog with a post on things that I have been currently enjoying within the last few days or weeks. So here goes...

1. Blogs (no shocker there!)
Here's a list of some blogs that I have been almost religiously following and have encouraged me to start my own in the first place:

• She Learns As She Goes by Kelli Taylor

Kelli Taylor is an incredible woman living in the state of Tennessee, making awesome videos by the title of "Blimey Cow" with her husband, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and friends. She writes awesome blog posts about her experiences taking life day-by-day, and I'll be honest, I get a lot of ideas in spending my free time from her "Currently Digging" posts and "Monthly Resolutions." If you get around to reading her blog and compare hers with mine, yes, I am imitating. 

Link: http://www.shelearnsasshegoes.com/

• Rejoice Always by Sarah Berry (aka Strawberry)

This is the blog of one of my best friends from my school. She writes about her spiritual journey, life experiences, and verses that remind her that God gets her through life day-by-day. Strawberry is a great inspiration to me to love others unconditionally and constantly grow in God throughout each day of life. P.S. Today's her birthday! (Love ya, Strawberry!)

Link: http://rejoicealwaysblog.blogspot.com/

• Country Girl Cinderella by Ryan Kelly Murphy

Ryan is another friend from my online school, Veritas Press Scholars Online Academy. It's a blog about her life as a debater, student, golfer, country girl, and her identity as God's Cinderella. 

Link: http://countrygirlcinderella.blogspot.com/

• White Fields Community Church Blog

This is simply the blog of my church in Longmont, Colorado. It has some great posts that talks about the sermons by our pastors and also some perspectives on how God works in the church and in each of our lives individually. Please note some of the posts by my dad, Pastor Jeff Robinson as well!

Link: http://www.whitefieldschurch.com/white-fields-blog/

• Chocolate-Covered Katie: The Healthy Dessert Blog

Oh wow. I mean, where do I begin? This is the latest source of my baking discoveries, and let me say that this blog is incredibly awesome! Since our family has become gluten-free within the last year, baking had slowly become rarer and rarer. But no more! About 4 days ago was the ever-popular mathematical holiday "Pi Day" and my math teacher recommended this blog for people of all diets. :) So if you're ready for the ultimate dessert journey of your entire life, click the link. (Click it now!)

Link: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/

2. The New Les Miserables movie
My friend from my brick-and-mortar school, +Andrea Bulthuis, recommended that I listen to some music from the new Les Miserables movie that just came out and she was right. It's really neat how beautiful all those voices are. My favorites are Anne Hathaway's "I Dreamed a Dream" and Samantha Bark's "On My Own." Look them up on Youtube, they're incredible! I haven't seen the movie yet, but it's coming out on DVD and Blu-ray on March 22nd, so check your local Redbox! :)

3. Chocolate Banana Smoothies, Gluten-Free Pizza, and Gluten-Free Grilled Cheese: The Classic and Italian
Of course, I'll give you some recipes! Stop begging, sheesh...

Super Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
1 tbsp. of cacao powder (You could probably use cocoa, but cacao's probably better.)
1/2 cup of almond milk (You could use regular milk, as well if you're feeling rebellious.)
1/2 tsp. of instant coffee (Just trust me on this.)
1/4 tsp. of vanilla

Blend all ingredients to the consistency of your pleasing, and voila! Enjoy.

Gluten-Free Pizza
Ingredients: 
Udi's gluten free pizza crust
Marinara Sauce
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
(If you like simple cheese pizza, this is all you need, but if you're a supreme fan, like me, or just sausage, just pepperoni, Hawaiian, whatever, find the ingredients you need at the grocery store and prepare them for pizza topping!)

Follow the instructions on the pizza crust bag, add toppings, and bake until hot and ready!

The Classic Gluten-Free Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
About 1/2 a stick of butter
Slices of cheddar cheese (BUT PLEASE DO NOT USE THE SLICED PLASTIC-BAGGIE KIND THAT YOU FEED TO PRESCHOOLERS! For crying out loud, you're going to eat this! Invest into the nice Kroger block of Sharp Cheddar Cheese that's really not so expensive and slice it. Good grief, man. Live a little.) Yes, of course you can substitute for any cheese you want. :)
2 slices of Udi's Gluten-Free Bread

This is very simple, guys. Heat up the pan with a square of butter. While it heats up, put the slices of cheese between two slices of bread, then put it in the pan until it gets golden brown and delicious on one side. You will periodically need to keep adding butter to the pan. Then flip it. Repeat. Make sure the cheese is melted and the bread is to your liking. Remove from pan, and eat!

Italian Gluten-Free Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
2 slices of Udi's Gluten-Free Bread
Sliced Mozarella cheese
A block of Parmesean Cheese
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
Butter

Ok, guys, here it is: the recipe to one of the best grilled cheeses of all time. Take a small pan and cover the face of it with aluminum foil. Place the two slices of bread about 1/2 an inch apart from each other and grate some parmesean cheese on top.   Sprinkle some italian seasoning and garlic powder on top and bake in the oven until the bread is slightly toasted, and cheese is melted. Here comes the grilling part. Heat up the pan with a square of butter. Put a couple of slices of mozzarella cheese between the two pieces of the garlic parmesean bread. Place the sandwich into the heated pan and grill. Periodically add squares of butter, and flip the sandwich as the cheese melts and the bread toasts. When the sandwich is to your liking, remove from the pan and enjoy!

4. YouTube Videos
I have particularly been watching some videos from Blimey Cow, Blimey Cow Vlog Channel, Kirby everyday, Lizzie Bennet Diaries, The Skit Guys, and HISHE (How It Should Have Ended). 

5. Baking
Currently, I've been working on a cookie project, trying to find multiple recipes for gluten-free cookies. So far, I've done several peanut butter cookie variations...details to come. A lot of it is all thanks to the "Chocolate-Covered Katie" blog. :)

6. Teaching!
I absolutely love to teach. It's a way that I can share what's on my mind, and spread the truth to others. Last month, I led youth group and talked about God's transformation of the heart. I'm hoping to lead again soon, but in fear that any of my fellow youth group buddies will read this, I won't post the topic yet...but I will eventually. :) Also, I'm co-directing a middle school production of Beauty and the Beast, that will hopefully come out in April. 

7. Reading
I finally got around to starting Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games series) but I'm on a break for reading it right now so that I can catch up on school reading. So NO SPOILERS! Also, coming soon, I'll be posting my complete summer reading list. If you're interested, I'm trying to read a lot of the classics, especially Jane Austen's novels. I hope to have read all of her novels by high school graduation. I'm not off to a good start, considering that I've only read Pride and Prejudice (and it's my favorite book after the Bible, for the record). 

8. Writing Scripts
Inspired by directing plays, I got on a script writing frenzy once again. I just finished my first draft of Pride and Prejudice, and I'll probably get around to eventually writing more scripts based on classics. 

9. Clarinet!!!
I started clarinet in the fifth grade, but I've been picking it up more recently, and I've fallen in love with it again. I'm currently working on Carl Maria Von Weber's "Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra in E-flat major." I was going to play it tonight at Veritas's Student Connections Music Night, but since I only have a minute to play, I'll probably play Mozart's Sonata. 

10. Alto Sax: Charlie Parker
I'm working on a bunch of Charlie Parker music in my private lessons right now, and it's certainly not easy! But it's definitely a lot of fun. If you're a jazz maniac, I strongly suggest finding some of his recordings. Some of the tunes I've been playing recently have been "Moose the Mooche," "Yardbird Suite," "Anthropology," and "Dewey Square."

Phew! So, there's a window of what's been going on in my free time lately. I'm hoping that you guys like some of my recommendations and try out the recipes! 

Don't forget to leave me a comment or some feedback. :) I'm also always looking for new blogs to read, so if you'd like to share yours, send me a link! It would be great to share verses or prayer requests as well. :)

Here's a question for you: What's going on in your life currently? Any spiritual growth or general updates?

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." --Philippians 1:6

A Beginning

I am very excited to start my very first blog as of this very day. :) (My composition teacher would probably not approve of that sentence...) 

In this blog, I hope to accomplish sharing multiple aspects of my life and daily walk with God, and to develop a skill in communicating to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ through the art of writing. :D

This is a beautiful beginning for me and I hope my readers will enjoy what I blog about as well. I am very excited to share and observe how God is working throughout my life and the lives of others!

So, without further ado, stay tuned for more posts, pictures, verses, perspectives, updates, and goals, etc.

Enjoy this glorious day that the Lord has made!

P.S. Here's a verse that has stood out to me this week: 

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." --Matthew 11:28-30