Do Over

After my post on fear I kept reading fear passages so I thought it was necessary to expand a little:

Luke 12: 4-7 I tell you my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw ou into hell. Yes, I tell you fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Proverbs 14:16 A wise man fears the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

Proverbs 14:26, 27 He who fear the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refugee. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Psalm 60:4 But for those who fear you[God] you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.

I love how God is really using these questions!

Before I answer another question I have a little short story to share:

Every Thursday I go to outreach in Baker Park near where I live. I drive straight from work to the park. Normally I'm excited to get there but for some reason this past Thursday I wasn't.
I got out of my car and began walking around looking for some of the kids from the youth group when I spotted Anglo (the homeless man I talked about also in my fear post). I immediately cut across to lawn to avoid him. (Trust me, I'm not proud of that). As soon as I did that I thought, "Ok, that is not ok. Christ would not have done that. Yes this man is crazy and I don't feel like I'm getting anywhere with him because of that but that's just me putting God in a box. Who am I to say what Christ is capable of doing in that situation?"
I decided to sit down and read a chapter form the Bible. Praying for God to speak to me, to tell me what to do. (Go talk to someone who would actually listen, or talk to Anglo and listen to him).
Well I read from Luke 15. It wasn't until I got to the parable of the lost son that I felt God speaking to me.

Luke 15: 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods tht the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
(The last time I talked to Anglo he told me how hungry he was)

Luke 15:20 His father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
(This is how God reacts when we repent and come to Him. God's love is constant, patient and welcoming. He will search for us and give us opportunities to respond, but he will not force us to come to him.)

After reading I immediately walked over to my car, got in, and drove to sheets. I grabbed a sandwich, some water, and a few other snakes and drove back to the park. Anglo was still at the same bench. I walk over, said hello, gave him his bag of food, told him why I gave it to him, and than listened to him talk for 20 minutes about the construction around Downtown Frederick.

When Christ walked on earth he did not ignore needs. We must never ignore the fact that all of us have both physical and spiritual needs. It is impossible to minister effectively to one type of need with out considering the other.
While I do not know if I made even the slightest impact on Anglo, God does. He is clearly is using me and wants me to love on Anglo. So I will continue to obey and do just that.


4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.


I would scold myself. 
1.   Run with a purpose; To glorify God with the gift he has given you.
2. Be a leader and an example. Don’t shrink back and conform out of fear. 
3. Boys should not consume you life. Instead allow your creator to do just that.
4. Your birthday party will be pretty awesome. Thank your Mom and Dad and put Christina on your team (trust me you wont live it down).
5. Don’t allow the opinions of others to affect you but rather allow Gods opinion to triumph over all. His is the only one that matters in the end.
6. Be bold and share your faith in school.
7. Hang out with Erin and Kyle more. Soon you will be grown-ups!
8. Stop being so selfish. Educated yourself on what’s happening to children, teenagers, families, people around the world. Show God loves to His precious children. All of them, not just the ones you like.
9. Read the Bible more! It’s a beautiful gift God has written for you. Pray more! Just another gift and form of communication to your Father in Heaven. 

10. Pretty much your life is going to change dramatically in a couple years. You can prepare by walking hand in hand with God, trusting, obeying, loving, and honoring Him in everything you do. It wont be easy, but I promise it is so worth it.

 I don't look that much different do I? 

16th Birthday

1.

25 Years

Well hot dog, my parents have been married 25 years as of today! 

*The song they danced to at their wedding*


Can you guys believe it? 

25 years ago this picture was taken

Oh snap

My Grandpa and I tagged along on their dinner

(romantic eh?)

My Mom has an iPhone and I was looking through her pictures

There was one with my Dads face and part of hers

I told them they could click a button and the camera turns

So you no longer have to blindly take pictures

They took at least 5 after this news

I felt like I was sitting across from 16 year olds
It was reassuring 
That after 25 years of marriage you can still be a goober 

The final product

(I ended up taking it)  

Happy 25 years Mom and Dad! 

And a happy many more to come! 

New York Adventures

For two days and one night I was in New York City! 

Not counting Africa, New York City would be my ideal place to live. 

I have only been to New York once before (that I can actually remember)

The first time was with my Mom, her friend Davette, her daughter Haley and Christina. 

A girls weekend. 

It was awesome. 

This time I got to go with Christina and part of her family. 

(Brad(dad), Stacey(mom), Christina, Hayley(sister) and Jake(brother)

It was awesome. 

1. Began our journey at around 9 am

2. Arrived and tried to check in but we were too early

So what do we do? 

3.. Drove and checked out the sites 

4. Saw the 9/11 Memorial 

5. Ventured back to the hotel, checked in and relaxed 

6. Saw How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying

Great show, really funny. And the guy from Ugly Betty was in it! He made the show in my opinion. 

(I'm sure every teenage girl would disagree with me
but before ya'll go completely bonkers on me
see below)

7. Saw Nick Jonas (he was the lead)
He did a great job!
Second favorite over all.
(But if were judging on looks, lets be honest, he's adorable)   

He made eye contact with Hayley and I, no big deal.

And no I'm not delusional. We were on the other side of the street from all the crazies when he got in his car a looked over. Also notable, we were standing by ourselves.

The entire time Hayley and I were waiting to see him we made up different scenarios on how we would get his attention...

*Climb the tree from across the street and fall. He would rush over to make sure were ok (because he's just that kind of guy)
or
*Just hang out in the tree and he would be so impressed that he would just have to come over and see who these girls were (once again, he's just that kind of guy)

*Get hit by his car

*Be in a taxi nearby and follow his car to find out where he lives, where we could "run into him" 

*Sneak into the trunk of his car while he was signing autographs and surprise him after a couple of blocks

.....just to name a few 

8. Ate dinner at Planet Hollywood after midnight

(Nearly passed out at the table)

9. Slept in until almost 1 

(Did not mean to do that!)

((We had 20 minutes till check out))

10. Stopped by a neato coffee shop
(Oatmeal, yogurt and chia tea for me)

11. Took a carriage ride around Central Park 

(Bucklist accomplishment!)

12. Went to FAO Schwarz

(I got Bertie Bots Every Flavor Bean and a Chocolate Frog)

((I love Harry Potter. I've read the whole serious about 9 times. You can judge me))

13. Stepped into Tiffany & Co.
(Wowzer. It reminded me of the Gems and Mineral exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History) 

14.  Ate pizza and gelato in Little Italy 

15. Journeyed home

A great weekend with my second family! 

All pictures are from Christina's blog. Head over to her site and check out even more! 

 Nick Jonas.. 

..And there he goes

Ma and Pa

Describe your relationship with your parents.


Hmm..where do I even begin. 


Myra Ann Cooper(Holst) and Perry Ray Cooper are my parental units. 


I am really close with my Mom. I can talk to her about anything and love doing so. I always thought girls that said their Moms were their best friends were weird (and lying). I figured maybe when I'm 30 I'll get there. But at age 20 I have officially been categorized as "weird". My Mom is compassionate, caring and has the best laugh.


I think I have a good mixture of both my Mom and Dad but if I had to choose overall I am probably more like my Dad. I am better with written word than speaking and I like to think I get that from my Dad. Because of this we may not always have long deep talks but I know that if I wanted or needed to He would sit there and listen (which He has done plenty). He has the best dry sense of humor, is a great teacher and provider.  


My parents have always been there to support, encourage, discipline, advise and love me. They showed up to my dance classes, gymnastics, play (singular), soccer games and track meets. They "fill up my love cup", even when I resist. Family vacations are always an adventure planned down to the minute. Hiking trips were always a hoot if Erin is involved. We love to joke around with one anther, play games, and watch T.V. In my family we all think were hilarious comedians so we always have a pretty good time together. But most importantly my parents have raised me to know, obey, love and follow God. I have never had kids, so I can't be certain, but I would imagine it can be hard to fully relinquish your child to the will of God. Especially if His will is for your child to travel to another continent (one that you've never been to) and live with orphans for a year. But my parents have done just that. They have given me to my Father in Heaven and are trusting Him with my life. 


God has truly blessed me with amazing parents. I love them. I want to respect, obey and honor them. I want to make them proud of the woman I am. They mean the world to me and sometimes I can't help but think; "I am going to be loving and holding so many beautiful children but who's going to hold me?" 


It will be hard to be away from my family, from that constant comfort and support but I know that I can find comfort in Christ. He is holding me, he is supporting me and I can trust that He will continue to do so and I praise Him for that. I thank Him for giving me parents that taught me what it means to love, obey and trust God. I thank Him for giving me parents the recognize that I am not theirs but His and doing so with joy. I thank God for my parents and the relationship that we have with one another. 

 *Their trying to be funny here 

Courageously Trusting

 1. Have you heard this song before? 

*pause music at the bottom*

My favorite part: 

Where are you men of courage?

You were made for so much more.

And a little later: 

Let the men of God arise.

Last night I finally rented the movie Courageous from redbox. It was cheesy and predictable but I still managed to enjoy it. 

Than today I was thinking; how many men of God do I know? Men that serve the Lord with their whole heart? In that moment I couldn't think of too many but later today I went out to this outreach. 

I'm a youth staff volunteer for the youth group of my church. Two junior boys organized an outreach every Thursday. I have only been to around 4 but each time I have had the opportunity and privilege to talk and pray for people.  Each time has been a little different. The first time I was with a large group and we just prayed with a few people. The second time I got to talk one on one to an older woman name Phyllis. Our conversation allowed me to dig deeper into the word and learn new things (specifically on the subject of tongues). Last week I talked with a homeless man and two others joined me. Finally today. Today it was just Daniel (one of the boys who organized the whole thing) and I. We got to talk to the same homeless man as last week but not very long. We continued walking around looking for someone to talk to when we met Christian. He was sitting on the bench eating when Daniel asked if there was anything we could pray with him about. He was really surprised but thankful that we wanted to do that. He told us a few things we could pray for him about and so we did. After we prayed we began to talk a little more. Christian told us a some more of his story and Daniel shared the gospel with him. 

I really didn't talk much but instead listened and was so encouraged by Daniel's passion, wisdom, knowledge, and love for God. Daniel was courageous. 

I know there are so many more men that have that same passion and love for Christ. The song, the movie and today just reminded me how much I need to pray for these men daily. I have a Dad, a Brother, Grandfathers, Pastors, and friends that need encouragement and prayer to be/continue being men of God. I want to encourage you to do the same, prayer for the men in your life. 

*The resolution was my favorite part 

"I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children. I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home. I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me. I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength. I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly. I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy. I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion. I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family. I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged. I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God. I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will. I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory."

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. —Joshua 24:15

2. I was playing at the park today with Gigi and Natalie. Natalie was on top of the playground I was on the ground watching. She would precede to run full speed and jump into my arms. I noticed that she never once hesitated to jump. Even if my arms were by my side she knew that I would catch, that I wouldn't let her fall. Why? Because she trusts me. She knows I love her and wouldn't let anything bad happen to her. That is faith! 

Do I run and leap into God's arms without hesitating? Or do I sit back calculate and ask Him repeatedly, "You're going to catch me right? You wont let me fall? Promise? I'm just not sure. I don't know if I can trust you to catch me. I mean, what if you drop me? It will hurt." 

Who's arms better to fall into than Gods? 

Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. 1 Peter 5:7 

I waited patiently for God to help me; then He listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things He did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in Him. Psalm 40:1-3

Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to Him for help, and saves him out of all his troubles. The Lord is close to those whose heart is breaking; He rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. The good man does not escape all troubles - he has them, too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one. Psalm 34:17-19

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in Me. There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so you can always be with Me where I am. If this weren't so, I would tell you plainly. John 14:1-3

Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Trust in the Lord always, for in the Lord, Jehovah, is your everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3-4

What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son for us but gave Him up for us all, won't He also surely give us everything else? Romans 8:31-32

I am holding you by your right hand - I, the Lord your God - and I say to you, don't be afraid; I am here to help you. Despised though you are, fear not, Oh Israel; for I will help you. I am the Lord, your Redeemer; I am the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 41:13-14

Trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Proverbs 3:5-6

And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans. Romans 8:28

We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don't yet have - for a man who already has something doesn't need to hope and trust that he will get it. But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn't happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently. Romans 8:24-25

3. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

If you asked me this questions about a year ago I would have said:

1. The scream mask. Read 20 questions in previous post to understand.

2. Centipedes. When I was younger I was out hiking when I overheard someone say "If one bites you you'll die in 15 seconds so stay away!" 

3. The ocean. You can't see anything clearly so who knows what's swimming near by. 

Isn't it funny how God work out todays question with all my thoughts? I can honestly say that I'm really not afraid of those things anymore. I'm not trying to give you the Sunday School answer, but I could not think of anything that I'm afraid of. Not because I'm incredibly brave, because I'm not in the slightest, but because I am trusting God, I have faith, so I have nothing to fear! 

A Little Bit Of Fun With A Little Bit Of Serious

So in todays post we get a little mix of serious and little mix of fun. The problem; which one do I start with? On one hand starting with fun could just get you all riled up and unable to focus on the serious aspect of this post. On the other hand if I start with serious you could potentially miss what I was trying to get across because you were having to much fun. Decisions decisions....


 I have decided.


 I am going to trust that you will control your excitement and be able to focus at the end. So fun...

I enjoy pinterest. There is no denying that I could spend hours on there pining things that, lets be honest, I will probably never do, but does that stop me? Of course not. I'm a glass half full kind of gal. 

Recently while perusing through pinterest I stumbled upon a little blogging gem (*props to Christina for pinning it). A list of 30 questions. I have been hearing from a lot of people say that "I am always serious now" on this blog. I know, I was just as taken aback as you, because we all know, thats not true. Despite the facts I was having a hard time coming up with how to corporate being serious and not so serious into my blog. This was the best that I could come up with, for now anyway. 

I will be answering the 30 questions over the course of however long it takes me. I will neglect it occasionally, but I will finish it, I'm determined! 

THE LIST:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

So 20 random facts about myself here we go:

1. Since I was born I've lived in Florida, New York, Texas, Maryland, Japan, and Maryland once again. (Soon Africa!)

2. I lived in a hotel for several months while my parents searched for a house.(Like Eloise, except not quite as extravagant.) 

3.I love Girl Scout cookies. I'm not sure if it’s the fact that they actually taste amazing or that they only come out once a year for a short period of time and I want them just for that reason alone. But I’m not too concerned with the reasoning behind my love. (Thin Mints are number 1 in my book) 

4. My soccer career ended when I received mono sophomore year, though it should've ended a lot sooner. ( I could run and was occasionally aggressive, thats about all I had going for me) 

5. I climbed Mount Fuji while living in Japan. I was almost to the top when by brother sat down and began complaining about not being able to breath (in hindsight I probably should have been more compassionate) I asked my dad if I could walk up to the top and just meet them later, of course he said no. I would really like to return to Japan and reach the top some day. 

6.  I also wish to return to Japan and find these amazing chips and jump on the giant marshmallow once again. 

7. I had to get stitches when I was around seven right below my eyebrow. I was screaming and spazzing out so much two guys had to be called in to hold me while another guy stitched me up. I'm pretty tough. 

8. I make up my own personal 25 days of Christmas. Everyday I have a movie and a Christmas related task that I get to do. 

9.My sleep record is 18 hours (rounding up). "I have a unique skill, one that most people don’t possess. It took years to acquire and craft. What is this skill you ask? Sleeping for an excessive amount of time. My records consist of a consistent 17.3 hours of sleep and a total of 3 naps in a 24-hour period. I don’t take this skill lightly. It requires rigorous training and dedication. My social life occasionally suffers but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. Now I have to give credit where credit is due. I couldn’t have done it with out my Temperpedic pillow and mattress as well as my bolted door securing me from unwanted visitors. I don’t take the talents I have been blessed with lightly. I will continue to train and work hard for the ultimate goal, 24-hours of undisturbed sleep. I will only rest until my goal is met." (I wrote this in a paper my freshmen year at Grace College)

10. I have an AV malformation which has allowed me to take part in 3 MRI's and the opportunity to snort something numbing so the doctor could stick a camera up through my nose into my brain. Fun times.

11. I have never broken a single bone, except maybe a toe, but that can never be proven. 

12. I really dislike school. My college years: FCC (took 2 classes for a semester my senior year, so it counts), Grace College, Liberty University, Liberty University Online and now I may be taking a break. Will I ever finish? Who knows

13. I have changed schools but never changed majors. That is until now. Nothing has been officially changed but its the first time I'm considering it. My major is criminal justice and psychology. I would want to change it to something dealing with missions. 

14. The first job I can ever recall wanting: A taxi driver

15. I was terrified of roller coasters, but not just any, the ones while the loops. I refused to go near them. I told everyone it was because I didn't want to get sick, truth was I didn't want to fall out. It wasn't until 8th grade and many trips to different amusement parks that I went on my first one. Death grip the whole time. I'm OK with them now, but I still, and always will have that death grip, you know just incase my buckle breaks. Safety first! 

16. I love scary movies but until recently I refused to watch Scream. Why? When I was younger, I'm talking 2nd grade, I saw glimpse of it on the T.V. Terrifying. Despite finally seeing the movie that scream mask still freaks me out. I will not answer the door on Halloween if he's there. 

17. I have a bucket list. I have managed to cross somethings off but have neglected it recently. 

18. I had my wisdom teeth taken out, while awake. Not the most pleasant sounds but didn't hurt. 

19. I got my ears pierced way back when (around 7?) I never wear earrings but somehow the holes are still there. My ears are special. 

20. I am pidgin toed, bowlegged (like woah), and flat footed. Somehow I am still a runner. I will admit its been awhile but it's my goal to do one last race before I leave in May. Will that actually happen? Time  will only tell. 

Ok now serious. 

Today in my devotions I read from Luke 10. Verses 38-42 are what got me. 

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

There is a lot of preparations that need to happen before I leave for Africa, a lot of which are stressful to the point I loose sight of why I am doing this. I find Jesus calling to me "Elise, Elise, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." 


How many of us have gotten so caught up in what were doing that we neglect the purpose behind it all. 


I have forgotten to be still and sit at the Lords feet. Martha was not doing anything "bad", but Mary was doing something "better". Preparing for Africa isn't bad, it's something that I need to do, but I should be doing it with my focus always on Jesus; setting my priorities straight and my eyes on Him at all times, no matter the preparations that need to be made.

God certainly knows what I need and when I need it!  

Until next time lovely readers!