Noelle's looking for a new home church...again. I do not want to go back to VCC. That would be like taking 10 steps backward.

What happened with Faith Church, you ask?

Faith Church- I love the pastor and the worship. But that "lock-in" I went to with Korissa was terrible! The people were rude, the youth pastors were rude, the mentioned God one time, in opening prayer and that was it. Plus the drive was just way too long. With gas prices it's almost ridiculous to go there. So, I guess I'm going to try something new tommorow. Right now I'm praying about where. '

Edit:

One thing that Victory had that Faith didn't- Faith Church was very time oriented, well they had to be! They had three sevices! Victory was never set on a time table.

Ugh...I don't know what to do.

Wisconsin Sunrise

Barnes, WI

Last year in early July I went to Barnes, Wisconsin with Marilyn and Rhonda. It' so hard to explain the experience I had there. So here's a few little memories.

1.) The Parade- Meeting Chris and Debbie's friends at the parade. Finding out just how small of a town Barnes is. Feeling very much at home. Awed by the strange ritual of spraying the parade people with water guns.

2.) Fireworks- That same night Marilyn, Chris, and I watched the fireworks by the church. It was probably the best fireworks show I've been to, and that's saying a lot for a small town.

3.) Hanging out at the pier reading the book Wisconsin. Sometimes I'd swim out to the "island" and just relax there. I got so sun burned but it was so perfect. And the funny thing about the book Wisconsin is there was a character called "Big Al" and Barnes there's a guy named big Al. Only the character Big Al is mean and an alcoholic...I don't think town Big Al is mean...or an alcoholic.

4.) Hanging out at the beautiful house for an evening by myself and the three dogs. I just watched TV and relaxed on the couch.

5.) Eating venison for the first time...ew.

6.) Going to Hayward...this wasn't that great of a day because I had a terrible stomach ache. But I still enjoyed it.

7.) Fish fry...I don't really like fish but it was alright.

8.) Bony Lake- Riding around on the jet ski....watching sunsets from the boat...Swimming...etc. It was wonderful.

9.) My favorite memory, the last night the stars were spectacular. It was such a clear night. Beautiful and refreshing. Marilyn and I just sat on the porch talking about how that was how life was meant to be. Not pollution or huge skyscrapers...simple life.

I don't think I'll be able to make it back this summer...and I must admit, that really depresses me. But I know I'll make it back there soon. In fact, I will be only 3 hours away when I move to Bloomington, MN for Honor Academy.

Maybe there'll be some way to get there....

Changes

I've been looking at old pictures...from around 2005. Alive Fest, Six Flags, all kinds of stuff. Looking at the pictures bring back good and bad memories. It almost makes me want to cry because I miss how some things used to be.& How much close groups of friends have grown apart so easily. But on the other hand, I really don't want to go back. I will treasure the memories in my heart, and mind forever but I really don't want to go back.

I am going to Faith Church now. I enjoy the pastors. I get something out of it every time I go. It's anointed. I go to Campus Life. Adair's my best friend...I dont think I really had a best friend until her. I have realized that neither of my parents are perfect. I have learned to accept that even though they arent together that's not how God wanted it to be. I will learn to get a long with both of them eventually but wont hurt myself by trying to please them.

I feel closer to God so much more than ever. I have realized that his standards are not matched up to the standards of this world. I have let him be my father. I have let him comfort me, rather than relying on people all the time. He is in my heart.

Just a thought.