15 years

I cannot believe my little brother turned 15 today. OK, so Carl's not so little anymore (he's pushing 6' tall), but it doesn't seem that long since he first entered the world. Our friendship has gone from playmates as young kids, to fighting constantly as we each entered the teen years, to the point now where I can proudly say he is one of my best friends.

Here are a couple of pictures of him; one is of him in his varsity game shirt; the other is of the JV team in a huddle on offense. Carl's number 58.

Football, frustration, and fellowship

It was not a good weekend for our football teams. Carl's high school football team had their homecoming game on Saturday. It rained off and on throughout the game, making the field and players a muddy mess. They played the same team they had beaten in the State Championship last year, but you couldn't tell from the way they played. By the fourth quarter, the score was so pathetic the coaches decided to let the JV team play. So, even though we lost pretty badly, Carl got some more playing time. I had hoped to get some pictures of the game, but I didn't want to bring out any cameras in the rain.
NDSU also took a beating, losing to Wyoming yesterday. And we won't even mention the pro games.

On another note, most of you probably know I'm taking an online Sociology course this semester. With every passing week, I become even more convinced it should be called Socialism 101. It is frustrating to no end. I just don't understand how anyone can be so blind to the lies of the enemy. Every chapter tears apart the very values on which this country was founded. One thing that sort of shocked me-although it shouldn't have-is how feminism has been creeping into school textbooks. Even small things, like saying "women and men" instead of the other way around. I have nothing against people wanting women to have equal opportunity, but I do have a problem with those who are trying to feminize the United States. I know this might offend some people, but I offer no apologies. Read your Bibles. The man is to be the head of the household, nation, etc. Not the other way around. Period.
One aspect of this whole class ordeal that I've found rather interesting is the class discussion time. There have been some controversial topics, but I've found that I'm the only one who will openly disagree with anyone. I've tried to get some friendly debates going, but no one else will disagree with any of their classmates. This is kind of disappointing for me, because I like a good debate/argument (bet you didn't know that!).

With the frustrations of my Sociology class, I've found myself spending more and more time with my Jesus. Whether I'm reading His Word or just talking to Him, being in His presence has been what's kept me going, more so now than ever before. I'll leave you with some lyrics from Chris Sligh that have hit very close to home lately. This is my prayer, and I hope it encourages you in your walk today.

I've had just enough of the spotlight when it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood.
And I've tasted my share of the sweet life and the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough.
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change.

Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.

I've seen just enough of the quick buys of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away.
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change.

Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you, compared to you.
Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you so why surrender all?

~Empty Me by Chris Sligh

Quote of the day

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."
~John Piper

Football is here!

Fall is my favorite season, for pretty much no other reason than for the return of football. The past couple of weeks have kicked off another season on the high school, college, and pro levels. High school is, I think, the best football to watch. Carl is playing high school football this year, so that's been really fun. Being he's only a freshman, he plays on the JV team, but for the last varsity game, his team was up by so far that the coaches let some of the younger ones play-including Carl! He was so pumped. He played most of the fourth quarter, and did really well for going up against varsity players. We were so happy for him-it was really fun watching him. Then, yesterday, the JV team played, and Carl got to play every minute except special teams. He even got the game-winning sack on defense! Ok, so he had some help, but he initiated it.

Here's a picture of Carl in his JV game jersey. Not the greatest quality picture, but it's the best I could do for now.

On the college level, the NDSU Bison are off to a great start with two huge wins. We haven't been to any of their games yet, but I'm hoping to make it to at least one. They're a great team to watch.

And of course, the NFL kicked off another season this past weekend. It was a heart-breaking day yesterday as the Vikings extended their consecutive losses against the Packers to five (Hannah, don't you say a word!). Like I said, high school football is the game to watch. :)

That's all for now, but I'm hoping to get some pictures of Carl's football games soon.

55 years

My grandparents are celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary today. I can't begin to describe how grateful I am to have them as a part of my family. We don't see them nearly as often as we would like, so each moment spent together is precious. They have been there for us kids for our piano recitals, church plays, games of football, volleyball, baseball, and every other imaginable moment in our lives. It has been such a blessing to have them there, praying for us and cheering us on.

Happy anniversary, Grandpa and Grandma! We love you both so much!

A summer in review

Our summer proved to be as cram-packed and entertaining as ever this year. Looking back on it, I think this was one of the busiest summers we've had in a while. In June we went to two family reunions-one on each side. My dad's brother and his family came here to visit a few days before going to St. Cloud for the reunion on that side of the family. It was good having them here, but my cousin Ruth created some (unwanted) excitement when she accidentally slammed her finger in the side door of a van. After a very long wait at the emergency room (isn't that how it always is?!), she found out she had broken the knuckle nearest the tip of her finger and would be in a splint for a while. I can't imagine how much that must have hurt. I've broken bones before, but not that way.

We also drove out to Illinois for a reunion on my mom's side of the family. That one was a blast. We had all sorts of fun, ranging from playing volleyball in the backyard to almost losing a bocce ball in the long grass at a park. We don't see very many relatives on that side very often, so it's always good to catch up with them. Here's a picture of my brothers, me, and our cousins Tony and Michaela.

July brought on camping season-at least for our family. We went to Wisconsin with some friends for about 4 days. That was alright, but the campground was very crowded and didn't have any bike trails (our favorite camping activity). The only bad thing about that was that a few days later, I came down with West Nile Virus. Not fun, let me tell you. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. A couple of weeks later, our family went camping in a State Park. That was awesome, as always. I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. I may post pictures of our camping trips later, so stay tuned.

Anyway, summer is over and school is in session. It's a bittersweet time for me. On the one hand, it's my last year in high school, but on the other hand, it's my LAST YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL! Time has flown. Life has changed. Yet our purpose in life stays the same: To bring glory and honor to the One who created us.

So now I have a blog

There's not any particular reason I started this blog, other than the fact that I thought it would be a good way to keep in touch with family and friends.
I'm a 17 year-old trying to live totally sold out to my Savior and King. Some of my favorite things to do include playing the piano, reading, listening to music, reading, playing pretty much any sport, reading, and, of course, hanging out with my family. Oh, and we can't leave out harrasing my brothers! Stay tuned for updates and pictures of our family adventures!

P.S. For those of you reading this who have a blog, I would ask that you not add my name to your sidebars.