My Two Cents

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

  • Less Than A Week Left!!

    Okay, so a number of you guys have been following my posts on my little sister. Here's some good news! She comes home in less than a week!! My mom is excited & nervous, while my dad is just more nervous. They don't know what to expect in full, and that's a scary thing, especially without having a good hospital nearby. So, yeah. Much nervousness to be had, and understandably so. You're bringing home a little kid without intestines & all of her colon... She's too young to fully understand what has happened to her, or why she won't be allowed treats or food. So, yeah. Scary stuff.

    However, as the Bible tells us & God assures us so often... We can truly do all things through Christ whom strengthens us! Never forget that, Mom & Dad. He never promised us our journey would be easy... Only that it would be worth it, and that He would transverse these plains with us, never leaving our side even when we choose to distance ourselves from Him. :) Thank the Lord for that!!

    So, yeah. Things will be different around my house in some regards. Trying to figure out how to celebrate occasions without focusing on food & such... But yet still having it, because the rest of us eat! haha :) But yeah. We're hoping we can keep her occupied with ice cream or liquid-based treats like that, that won't clog her system (for when she is demanding food... You know to expect that, I guess. Who doesn't like food?)... And not to mention helping to keep her pre-occupied with homework and learning activities during meal time so her focus won't be on what she can't have and such... So, yeah. They've got a long road ahead of them. But I've got faith. :)

    In regards to my Locks of Love donation... My appointment to get it cut will be this Saturday, 12:30PM! So, expect pictures. :) I believe I posted my first or second donation shots up here several years ago. I usually take a before shot, and after shot, and a donation (just of the hair that I am sending off, by itself) shot. So, yeah. Be expecting those! I'm super nervous!! I still have yet to find a hair style that I think will look good on me. I believe I only look good with long hair. LOL So, yeah. I hope whomever gets my hair knows that a lot of love went into these donations... I take good care of my hair, and I try to grow it beyond the minimum requirement. I like long hair, so I try to donate a little extra in the hopes of blessing someone else with semi-long hair... I would grow it longer, but my hair is so thick that about this time, it gets to where it gives me headaches almost daily. n_n; haha. Even in a braid, apparently. :p So, yeah. I'm ready t have lighter hair. I feel SO funny after each donation... I feel like I am walking around with my forehead bent forward due to no longer having the weight of my hair to weigh my head back. XD haha So, yeah. :) My sweetie is going with me because he wants to see me go through the change. I just hope he doesn't say anything that will unpurposefully make me self-concious. He has a way of opening his mouth sometimes without thinking of the effect of his words on people. haha :) So, yeah. Nervous! Still trying to find a hairstyle. I've formed a word file of styles that have aspects of them that I like, such as the way the bangs are done, or the shape of the hair in the back, or some such. Everyone's favorite seems to be my LEAST favorite picture! LOL. My wonderful sis-in-law decided to help me find some, and I am SO thankful! :) Her favorite seems to be everyone else's favorite for me... I think the lady's hair looks a bit too wild and greasy for me... But hey. What can I do? LOL. So, yeah. Wish me luck! I'm hoping that this hairstylist can work short hair well for me! I've never had this one cut my hair before. Whenever we first started coming to her, she had hair about the length I liked, though... So I figure if she can rock it, maybe she can help me rock it, eh? She's the stylist whom my husband has used for YEARS. I always enjoy getting to sit down and chat with her a little while she cuts his hair, or listening to the two of them chat. She seems pretty genuine, and I love that! So, hopefully, this lady can cut my hair in a fashion I like. All the pressures on her! ;D LOL At least hair grows out... That's how I usually comfort myself.

    I feel SO torn about cutting it. I ALWAYS get compliments on it and its length. All the old men come by complimenting me on it, telling me how rare it is to find a woman with such long and beautiful hair. n_n; I always try to remind them that I grow it out to bless others with hair. They still tell me not to cut it. But I'm hoping that I stay true to my goal... Blessing others with pretty hair as well, because they had to loose their own. So, hopefully... :) I'm hoping to find a cute style so I won't stand out too much. It may be weird, but I feel like my hair helps portray my personality. It's long and natural in every aspect, much like me.. So, hopefully it won't receive too much of a negative recoil. I know... I'm probably putting WAY too much thought in this... But yeah. I love my hair. :( hehe I get SO nervous each time I go to donate. But, it'll be about 2-3 years before it's almost this long again... Certainly I can make it those two to three years, eh? ;) Wish me luck!!

    Anywho. I also have dedicated my summer to getting involved in my hobbies. Needless to say, it's taken the back burner. I haven't actually finished a project in YEARS. So, I picked one and decided I MUST finish it before August. Wish me luck! The summer's flying by already, before it even gets here! LOL But yeah.. So, my first project is my Kindle cover. I have a design in mind. I have bought cloth and materials/tools to use to make a cover for my Kindle, like the cover I want and need. I plan to start working on the pattern today, right after I post this entry. I found a quilt pattern for the front of it! SO EXCITED! XD But yeah. It's a cover that will feature earth tones for the most part... It will have a big tree and a few little faerie lights around it. Got the idea from a Celtic quilting site. Wish me luck! NO clue how to do it. Then again, most of my projects I never know how to do... I discover as I go. :) That's part of the joy for me, figuring out how to bring it about. :) Wish me luck, yet again! Haha :)

    I love you guys, and I hope you are all doing well! I will try to post a picture of me & Harlie when I get to visit her either the end of this month, or the beginning of next. :) Let me know how you're doing, if you're reading my journal to this point! Even if I've never spoken with you before. Let me know how you are! :)

    With Love,

    ~*Akarui Mitsukai*~

    the Cheerful Angel

Friday, 11 May 2012

  • Harlie Is Doing Better!

    Hey you guys!

    The past few days have been a little busier than planned, so I haven't had much time to blog. But here is a quick update on my little sister. :) And good news it is, for the most part! The ONLY bad news we've gotten recently is that they are expecting her to not be walking yet by the time she gets out of rehab. HOWEVER, the Lord has allowed a blessing there, even! The doctors and therapists all expect her to be able to walk again! She'll be having at home therapy to help her achieve to goal of walking again. She has started to use her legs more, and doesn't seem to be in as much pain, from what little I have heard about it. So, that's glorious news!! :D They say we can expect her to have boughts of vomiting until she gets the transplant in a few years... So, we're not expecting that to go away, though I'll never quit hoping for that miracle from the Lord. :) But yeah. :) So, good news! They're still expecting her to get to come home on the 21st of May! I'm off the weekend of the 2nd of June, I believe... So unless my sister up here has any plans for her birthday, I'm planning to trip home and visit with the family & welcome Harlie, Mom, & Dad home! :)

    Hopefully I'll have time to upload some more thoughts on other subjects tomorrow after work. Wish me luck in that! :)

    AND DON'T FORGET!! Mother's Day is this Sunday!!! Prepare for it, and let your mother know how much she means to you. If she has passed, you can still write her a note of things you wished you had said while she was here... Of things you want to update her on. It may help in your healing. If you've never really had a dependable Mom, check your life... You may be surprised to find you have a mother-like figure in it. Let whomever that special person is know how much they mean to you! If you don't have money, who cares? Make a home made card, or even simply just write down how much they mean to you via paper. I was listening to Delilah the other night, and the Christian radio station here... and one thing seemed to mean the most to mom's, across the board. It wasn't the gifts that meant a lot to them.. It was the words of affirmation... Their children letting them know how much they meant to them.

    Mom, if you happen to be reading this blog, know that I wouldn't trade you for the WORLD. I love you, and you are truly a best friend and a mother to me. I love the way you have been there as a gentle, guiding force, so full of love, in the lives of me and my siblings. You are a shining example of what it means to love, and I hope to be even just a tiny sliver of the mom to my kids one day that you have been to all of us. :) THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU! I LOVE YOU, MOM!

    Sincerely,

    ~*Akarui Mitsukai*~

    the Cheerful Angel

Tuesday, 08 May 2012

  • Leaving For Work in Half an Hour...

    But... Just wanted to throw in a quick update... Hopefully a more meaningful blog post will come tomorrow, as I don't have to be to work until 3PM, but since I have to leave for work in half an hour, here's a quick update for today!

    The new position at work is going better, I believe. Hopefully! I figured out why they didn't increase my pay to what it was before I worked a department... Because the cashier and the sales associate levels have been leveled to the same pay grade since my last switch. So, crap. I lost 20 cents for nothing. Oh well! Hopefully sooner or later, I'll get to move into a pharmacy technician position. That'd be about the only way I could get a pay grade increase now. However, I am just praising God for the more consistent hours, and the increase in hours. Even though it's the same pay grade, thank God for the larger number of hours!! I average about 30 a week currently. It's not much, but ANY and EVERY improvement helps! :)

    As for school, I'm still waiting on the waiting list. Discovered I only have to take the Medical Microbiology for the ASN. So, that means only ONE class next semester! Whew. That'll be easier to schedule work around than having to take the other class & lab too. Thank the Lord for that! So, now I'm just waiting and hoping and praying to be allowed into their program by NO LATER than next Fall. Wish me luck!! Thanks a ton. :)

    In the news regarding my little sister, I believe she is doing BETTER, all things considered. Keep those prayers coming! She had a period of almost 2 weeks without vomiting. However, now she's vomiting again. They tell us the vomiting will come in periods of time, due to her intestinal issues. I just don't see how that could be good for ANYONE... Throwing up, almost 3 years straight (until she can get the transplant we're hoping for and counting on)... :/ So, keep praying. Asking God for a miracle, that He would fix it to where she won't have to throw up anymore. Asking God to heal her... To be with her and comfort her and my family. Last update I got, she's still expecting to get to come home May 21st. So, hopefully!! I'm hoping I can visit the weekend I am off, either the end of may or beginning of June. Hopefully things will work out to where I can. Not sure yet if I can afford it, due to my car insurance coming due in June... But, we'll try! Wish me luck. :)

    If there's anything I can pray for you guys on, let me know! :) I'm trying to get back into my prayer journal. It's been so long, and it's hard to find adequate time for it these days. :) Oh well.

    Gotta go prepare my lunch for work, so I'll see you guys later!!

    Love ya'll,

    ~*Akarui Mitsukai*~

    the Cheerful Angel

Friday, 04 May 2012

  • What Is God's Meaning?

    Today's verse in the book I mentioned two days ago is this: 1 Corinthians 13:13. (If you ever wonder why I don't quote the scripture here, it's because I hope you will get into the Bible yourself, if for no other reason than to see how the verse correlates with what I'm blogging about today, just so ya know. :) )

    Today's little segment was to remind us of God's real purpose for marriage, or even just His purpose of us as Christians, when you look into the heart of it all. The real purpose, in summary, is love. It speaks about how our cultural has so diluted the word, few seem to rarely truly know the extent of the word as God had intended for it to be used. Simple sayings like "I love chocolate," or "I love that song!" type of thing... They don't truly communicate love as it was meant. So, to start us off, what do you think love means? Define it in your own words, and feel free to leave it in a reply, even if it goes against the grain. I love to see new ways of thinking of things, so please, feel free to share, even if it's a dark version. Just let me know! :) If you want it to be anonymous, feel free to send it to me in a message, and I shall quote it without your name. :) No worries! Anywho. So, what do you think the true meaning of the word love should be listed as, in how it pertains to your life?

    The book has it as though God is writing directly to you, the person reading. In His little message he informs you that his meaning to love is deeper. He's "not speaking of a slight preference or a sentimental feeling." Instead, when He mentions love, he is referring to "a commitment, a choice to live in a top-priority relationship with another." So, what does that mean for you? The Bible often correlates how marital love is to be representative of Christ's love for the church (people whom love him). The book goes on to state that "it is a decision to serve and encourage and bless the one you love, helping your mate reach his or her full potential and attain his or her highest aspiration." An aspiration is defined as a strong longing. It goes on to say that "love means loyalty, sacrifice, and endurance. But it also means shared laughter and deep joy." We promised to be there for each other in the good times and the bad. It mentions that although love is strong, it is also extremely vulnerable. People all too often seem to forget that when someone says they truly love another, they are being incredibly vulnerable. The book describes it as being "vulnerable enough to show weakness, to confess sin, and to ask for help." It closes out it's perception of God's statement by saying "Without love the world can be a bleak and lonely planet. But with love, there is meaning, purpose, and great beauty. Love requires the best of everything I've (God) put in you. And love fulfills the highest purpose for which you were created."

    So, my friend... Go out and show love today. To your spouse, to a friend, or to a stranger you run into. Be kind. Be Christ in a dying world. Be a glimmer of hope when there is little to be found for so many. You never know the miles people have walked in their own shoes. Always show kindness first. If they are stupid enough not to accept it, let it fall on their heads. Don't you ever dare to live below the road, and sacrifice kindness for something else. I challenge this to you.

    In my life, this spoke volumes to me. Which struck me as SO odd, because it's barely two paragraphs worth of stuff I read. But anywho... It showed me that I need to be more encouraging and less judgmental. When my spouse is sharing something with me, regardless to how I'm feeling, even if he just ignored something I said to him, I need to be more Christly, and listen. And LOVE. I need to encourage him to do whatever it is he aspires to do. I need to help him along his path, regardless to whether or not he ever helps me towards my aspirations. Love should be unconditional. I will always hope that he may love me as Christ loves the church. But regardless to how he loves, I need to love as Christ loves the church. Not just him, but humanity as a whole.

    Lord, break me and mold me into a willing vessel; use me to direct & guide others closer to You!

    Will You Travel With Me?,

    ~*Akarui Mitsukai*~

  • Uh oh...

    Mom updated her facebook the other day to let everyone know that Harlie, in good news, was finally beginning to sit up on her own! Thank the Lord for that. However, she also let us in on the fact that a few days ago, she had started vomiting again 3-4 times a day. :( Please, people, keep this in prayer... For my baby sister's recovery. Thank you each SO much! Mom only asked for prayers that there'd be not set backs & they could still go home on time. I'm going to stretch out that plea a little bit and also ask for people to pray for my parents, as they are preparing to care for her on their own, with no one around to really help (but God alone), and that He would heal her up, sooner rather than later.

    When she gets to come home, it won't all be over then. It will still take about 3 years for her to get the important transplant she needs. Until then, she'll be living off of TPN IV feedings, and things along those lines. So, pray, please! Ask God to bless my family, regardless to whether or not they deserve the blessing. Ask Him to heal whatever in Harlie is causing her to vomit. Vomiting isn't good for ANYONE. Much less 3-4 times a day, even when you have no food to vomit up. If it has something to do with the strokes, and the nerves, ask for God to heal them. He can. I believe it, even if your faith falters. :) So, pray for my sake! haha :) Ask God to heal her, to help her to become good as new, as good as she can, all things considered. Ask him to heal her so she won't continue to vomit. To fix whatever issue is involved. Things were FINALLY beginning to look up.. Don't let this knock us flat, Lord. Heal her. Reveal to the doctors and therapists what the real issue is, and help them to address it. Or, if you'd prefer, handle the healing all on your own. You're a God who can bring the dead back to life. I believe you can heal her, Lord. Please... Bless my family by restoring my sister. I plead for everyone involved. My poor baby sister can't understand all that's happening to her. Help to keep her spirits up. Heal her, Lord! Please!!

    Everyone, please join me in this prayer... Or with a prayer of your own. Lift her up with me, please. Thank you!

    Dear Lord,

    I come before you today... Making my prayer life public for a brief moment, because I want to help people know the specifics that need attention. And what better way that from sharing from the heart? And what better way to pray than straight from the heart? The heart has no cunning like the mind. No tricks, etc. It simply feels. And Lord, this is what I'm feeling... A lack of understanding. A wanting to ask "Why, Lord?" because I don't understand what you're doing here. I may not ever know. I don't need to, though, is the truth. I just want to see your powerful hand come down and gently heal my wounded family.

    Lord, I know that this has got to be difficult for my parents. With my mom being out of work, they only have my dad's income. And my dad is proving to be a real dad. Putting family first, his job has taken a back seat. I don't believe he's been to work since Harlie entered the hospital.. And that was over 3 months ago today. Lord, I ask for you to give him a calm peace and assurance that you will take care of him and his family. That he simply needs to let go and trust you, and not waste a single minute on worry. Allow him the peace and patience that only you can grant a man. Be with him as he is making decisions, and firmly tell him what he is to do. He's not 65 yet, so he doesn't want to retire just yet because that will mean a cut into the health benefits that my family so desperately needs now. However, he doesn't want to leave my mom alone to fend with Harlie through this long recovery process. I'd be torn, so I can imagine he is too. That is one thing I genuinely know about my Dad, Lord... That he loves us unconditional, and would give anything for us. Lord, help him know what he is supposed to do. And be with my mother, too. Lord, I ask for you to hug her, and let her feel your peace, patience, and gentleness. Help her find friends who can help her through these next several years. Use her a blessing to others, and allow others to bless her. Lord, I thank you so much for all the little provisions you have given my family up to this point. Please, keep them coming. Be with Harlie, Lord, and help her to keep her spirit alive, to fight to go home. Never let her loose her happy attitude and demeanor, Lord. Bless her and my family. Bless those whom have sought to bless my family. I thank each and everyone whom has helped in one way or another, no matter how great or small the help was. Thank you for blessing their lives with all the caring people you have so far, Lord!

    God, I ask for a miracle. They say she is beginning to throw up again. Lord, who could know the human body better than you, the Creator of every single cell? They one whom put it all in place and gave each part it's purpose. Lord, I ask for you to heal Harlie. For you to, please, fix whatever is wrong. Help her to stop vomiting for good. Whatever the problem is, help them to identify it and fix it. Help her to get better, and provide a transplant in time. Lord, if it were a part I could transplant from myself for her, you know I would. However, I can't. But Lord, you can. Please, heavenly Father... I'm begging for a miracle. Boggle minds, if you have to! Just heal her, Lord, please.

    Help me and my family be strong for each other, but weak when we need to be. Help us to know that we have each other, no matter what. Help us to be there for each other, and protect each individual person.

    And lastly, Lord, I have made my will known before you. God, I ask for her special healing. Would you please? But, at last... Not my will, but your's be done. Grant us the serenity to understand that, and to always hope for the best. Lord, I know your will is often different from our own... But God, I ask that in this case, they would be the same. That you would bring about Harlie's healing. Please, sweet Jesus! I beg you. Let me know how I can be of service. Help my mom & dad through this, and make Harlie stronger. Don't let her succumb.

    In Jesus' Sweet Name,

    ~*Amen*~

Wednesday, 02 May 2012

  • In Other News...

    Okay, so I just posted a serious, deep post. Now, for the more normal stuff. Updates in my life! :D

    Just so you all know, my little sister has been moved to rehab! Her tentative release date will be May 21st, if I recall correctly. So, keep praying. She's still on the waiting list for the transplant. However, praise the Lord! She is FINALLY starting to do better. They think they figured out the causes for her vomiting, and altered her medications accordingly, and she hasn't thrown up in... I believe this Thursday will mark a week! That's praise to God! Thank you Lord for helping the doctors to figure something out to help her. Mom says her spirits are getting better now that she is out of the hospital. A change of scenery can do that for a person. :) The therapist said that they really only need to get her walking again! The speech therapist say they don't have too much more work left to do with her for her speech, than the Lord. And the hand-eye coordination people say that she had improved enough there to not need to focus on that in rehab. So, really... It's all up to her legs. :) Ask the Lord for a blessing! And be praying for mom and dad as they are preparing to bring her home. We don't have a good hospital close to us, so they're kind of nervous about all the what-ifs. Mom's gone to a group or two of families in situations similar to our's, with stomach issues for children. She's gotten some advice and tips about what to expect. So, I thank the Lord for that! Blessing her with contacts who can help her through the next several years. :) Thank you, sweet Jesus!

    Jeremy has been reminding us to get into God's word more lately. I am SO appreciative of that. Out of the past week, he has recalled to remind us before he got tired to read the Bible, and he seems to be a willing listener. My heart is SO happy about that! It has overjoyed me SO much!! Without me even asking or beating him up over it... He just randomly one day decided we needed to start reading together again. That overjoyed my heart SO much!! n_n

    I finished this semester! I managed a B in Medical Terminology, by the sheer grace of God! I can't STAND online classes. I hope to never have to take one again!! But yeah. I passed. Thank you, Jesus! :) And in A&PII, I brought my grade up from a low C last semester, to a B this semester! I'm not sure about my grade average yet, as she hadn't posted them yet by last night. But hopefully I will find out soon! Hoping for a high B! And hoping it will help me get into the Nursing program!! Wish me luck. I've been wait listed for this semester. I don't know what I'm going to do if I don't get in by next fall. If I get in next fall, I'll be 30 before I can even look for a job in it. :( Not looking forward to that... In the meantime, though, I am starting to work towards becoming a Pharmacy Technician at Wal-mart. Thank the Lord! So, hopefully that all goes smoothly!! Wish me luck. :) Oh, and I FINALLY figured out why my pay didn't go back up. Because after they switched me from a cashier to a sales associate, they made the two positions the same pay grade. So, that SUCKS. But oh well. I'll get another raise in October. Still won't be making at all what I deserve, but hey... At least it's going up, and my job seems fairly secure. Everyone seems to love me at wally world. I've had 2 people offer to take me if the pharmacy doesn't work out. XD haha. Hopefully, the pharmacy will work out GREAT, though. :) Wish me luck!!

    My birthday is in 28 more days! I have NO idea what to do for my birthday this year. Then again, do I ever? But yeah... So... Anywho. 30's coming up fast! LOL My cut-off range for having children of my own has moved from 30 to about 35, though. Preferably no later. We'll be lucky to be in a house of our own by the time I'm 30! >.< Really. Drives me up the wall. :( Oh well. What can you do? Be thankful for a roof over our heads and not as many bills as the average married couple our age! Yep! :)

    And in another week or two, I plan to get my hair cut for locks for love. I'm trying to decide if I want to wait until after I visit my little sis again. I dunno. Beats me. That, and I still have yet to find a hairstyle I think would look good on me! Haha. Still wide open for suggestions. :)

    Love you guys! Update me on yourself when you get a chance to reply!! n_n

    *HUGS*,

    ~*Akarui Mitsukai*~

  • The Beginning of Summer...

    For me, it usually symbolizes so much. Fresh starts, new ideas, new inspirations. And today, I wanted to blog, only I wasn't sure about what exactly. I've had SO much going on recently, that it's getting really hard to summarize everything in a fashion that won't bore readers by becoming too long winded -- because, let's face it, anyone who has read me at all knows I can be very verbose, and sometimes boringly so. Most of the time, actually, I fear. But anyways! So, I decided today I would start reading a book I have had for forever. And while I was downstairs looking for it, I stumbled across another book I bought shortly after my engagement to my husband. :) It's called "Postcards For People In Love," by Claire Cloninger. I don't remember a thing about it besides I didn't get very far in it before it bored me and I decided it wasn't what I thought it was. However, this afternoon as I was downstairs, I re-read the introduction to it, and I was inspired to pick it up again. So, what all does this mean?

    For starters, it has inspired me, in all it's briefness, to simply trust God and work towards becoming the most loving, God-honoring wife my man has ever known, and could ever hope to know. And I hope this book will help me along that path. That it would remind me of the simple joys when things get rough, and help encourage me to get through them, and that it would help me emphasize the good times, and build up my husband more naturally. For me, verbally building people up is difficult, especially when I don't see them and get to do things with them. Especially when I feel like at the heart of everything, I don't even really know the person anymore. It's difficult enough for me to compliment people on more than just the basics ("Cute outfit!", "Thank you for being so polite," etc.). So, I'm wanting to improve on that. I want to try and stop tearing down my husband, and start letting my words build him up. Wish me luck! It's hard for me to find the balance between being honest, and being only encouraging, it would seem.

    So, for starters, today's title is "Your Marriage Is a Gift." How long had it been since I thought of it like that? In all honesty, I don't think I've ever truly thought of it as a gift before. At least how I define gifts. Something worked on with time, made perfect, and held endearingly in the heart of the receiver. I would like to apologize for any of the negative things I may have harped on over the past few years regarding my husband. We each have our areas we need to improve. We simply need to move on, focus on improving ourselves for each other and for the Lord, and grow from each experience, with the aim of growing closer together so that we can truly enjoy our lives together. :) So, today's focus for me will be learning to view my marriage as a gift from the Lord. :)

    The scripture focus for today's message were these passages: Genesis 2:21-25 & Genesis 1:27, 31a. In my mind, I add a lot of symbolizim to the first set of scriptures. Where did God remove the piece of Adam from to create Eve? He could have simply created her from the dirt, as he did the first man, Adam. But He didn't. Why? I can't state God's mind, but here is my route of thinking. God took one of Adam's ribs to form woman. What is the ribs function? It's main function is to protect the heart. To help man live. Much as our function as a wife is meant to be. God could have made us from ANYTHING, but he chose to make us out of man, to truly make us more like equals, in my eyes. To show us that as husband and wife, we are to truly function as one. You know? But that's just how I see it. But yeah. In the second verse set they used, it says that we were created in the image of God. That's a beautiful thing. We were the only part of creation where it states that we were created in the image of our Maker -- God. I don't know exactly fully what that means yet... But I am trying to figure it out and understand. But just, WOW. That God would create US in HIS own image! Wow. Thank you, God, for adding that specialness to us. I appreciate the thought you gave into making us. Thank you!

    Anyways, so... Here is the message the author pulled from these scriptures, placing the emphasis on how God gave us to each other as a gift:

    "My dear children,

    Your marriage is a gift, and each of you is a gift to the other. Do not treat this matter lightly, for I deem it highly important. When I made human beings, male and female, they were the pride and joy of my creation. When I looked at what I had made, how proud I was! I knew right then that what I had created was very good. The two of you were joined in my sight to be companions on your journey through life. To comfort and to love one another. To leave behind your family of origin and become a whole new entity -- one, that once existed as two. Continue to give yourselves to one another as a sacred gift. There is to be no shame between you, my precious children. Your bodies are amazing. They were designed so that you could think and create and share intimate moments of communication with one another. Your spirits are unique. They were designed to know me and give me glory. So enter in with gladness. Every day bring fresh hope and high expectations to this adventure known as love!

    Your Creator,

    God"

    (book & author mentioned above)

    The bold text I have made bold, to show emphasis. But I hope this will be a reminder for me to view my husband as a gift, and to focus on the good things. And that I may use this to encourage me on the path to becoming a better wife. My aim is to blog about once a day as I work my way through this book. I hope to, by the close of the book, be a much more loving and endearing wife, who can inspire her husband to love her and God more. :)

    I'm laying down all of my expectations daily, God. You know I will pick them up each day when I wake up. Help me to remember to lay down my worries and trials at your feet each day, and simply move forward in faith, hope, and love. The three of these can't truly work without each other. May I always rely on the three together. And may I start being a blessing to my husband, Lord. Help me to do this!

    Thank you, Jesus. Amen!

    <3, ~*Akarui Mitsukai*~

     

    P.S. Is Summer symbolic of anything for you? :)

  • What Are Your Sleep Habits?

    And numerous other questions. Got this from another's Xanga, and decided to fill it out, as it's been SO long since I've done one. You guys remember back in the day when it was a thing you'd do at least once a week? XD Well, here ya go! Find out little facts about me. :)

    <3, ~*Akarui Mitsukai*~

    1:Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
    I've never really had a true closet until I moved here, and the closet here is through the bathroom. I normally keep all doors to my bedroom closed at night, though. Just a habit. Again, I haven't really had a closet with a door until I lived here, so beats me. It doesn't bother me to be open, but the bathroom door to it we usually close so the light doesn't assault us in the morning. :)

    2:Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
    If they have them, yep. They were technically paid for by me when I paid for the room, so I figure why pay extra for travel sizes from stores? I just grab their's. n_n

    3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
    My sheets are tucked, at the very bottom of the bed. :) Everywhere else, I prefer freeness, but I like to keep them tucked there, because it helps keep it nice looking and easier to make up in the morning because the covers don't get all yanked around, normally. :)

    4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
    Nope. Why would I want a street sign?

    5:Do you like to use post-it notes?
    My MIL seems to have a great system with post-it notes. My experience though is that post-its get lost. LOL So, while I may use them, I rarely find them. Oh well. :)

    6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
    Yep. More so because of my lack of funding, but hopes that I can afford it before the coupon expires. ;) hehehe

    7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
    I would say a big bear... I'd have a better chance of escape without harm, I'd like to think. If the bees are after ya, they're going to get you, regardless. :p

    8:Do you have freckles?
    Yep, all over!

    9:Do you always smile for pictures?
    When someone asks me to, sure. :)

    10:What is your biggest pet peeve?
    I have a lot of them. Any certain thing or area you want to touch on? Help me narrow it down a bit. LOL

    11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
    Yep, sometimes. Boredom can do that to ya. ;)

    12:Have you ever peed in the woods?
    No, but I know those who have.

    13:What about pooped in the woods?
    Nope. I'm thankful for my bowel movements not occuring too often. :) I can go camping for an entire weekend and normally be okay. So long as I have a place on the trail to pee in private, I'm good to go! Poo can wait for home, normally. LOL

    14:Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
    Not normally. I'm more of a "need the music" type. :)

    15:Do you chew your pens and pencils?
    No, and I can't stand it when people do. GROSS. :/

    16:How many people have you slept with this week?
    I sleep beside my husband every night. :)

    17:What size is your bed?
    I dunno. A king, if I recall correctly.

    18:What is your song of the week?
    Don't normally have one of those. Haha. Trying to find a new upbeat song to listen to. Any suggestions? :)

    19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
    Yeah, so long as they're man enough to handle what others would think of them for it. I, personally, am fine with the fact that my guy doesn't. :)

    20:Do you still watch cartoons?
    Totally. MLP: FIM for the WIN!!! :D

    21:Whats your least favorite movie?
    Anything my husband picks for us to watch late at night before bed... He seems to have the WORST luck picking out movies when he's tired. LOL "Oh, this looks alright for it's rating." Que ax murder scene... o.O; LOL

    22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
    In my heart. The things I treasure are hidden away in there already. :)

    23:What do you drink with dinner?
    Whatever my mood fancies. Sweet tea when we have it.

    24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
    The BBQ sauce, or the new Sweet-n-sour sauce. It's pretty good.

    25:What is your favorite food?
    I dunno. I have so many. :) I like food! Pizza's up there. :)

    26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
    Ummm. Beats me. Just about any that I own. haha :) I'm not one of those "Only watch it once, but still own it" types. :)

    27:Last person you kissed/kissed you?
    My hubby. :) Kiss him bye on the cheek nearly every morning, and goodnight before bed every night. :)


    28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
    Yep. For a few years. My Mom was my leader. :) Hehe. Love her!

    29:Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
    Nope, never. I try to stick with the God-honoring thing, and I just don't think that meets the mark. ;P

    30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
    Just the other day. Mailed a card to my little sister. :) I LOVE paper mail!! :D

    31:Can you change the oil on a car?
    Yeah. I prefer to pay someone else to do it, because they're more skilled than I, and I'm afraid I'd mess something up! haha :)

    32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
    Once, yes. :( It's in a spot where the speeding limit drops suddenly from 65 to 45 or 50 with no warning. :(

    33:Ever ran out of gas?
    Nope. :) Thankfully!

    34:Favorite kind of sandwich?
    Ummm... Depends on the day. For foods, it's more of a what am I in the mood for today than a favorite. I really like PB&J's, and just a regular old ham or turkey sandwhich, with no extras on it. :)

    35:Best thing to eat for breakfast?
    Cereal or waffle. :) Sometimes a grilled cheese. Wish I had the time for more grilled cheeses. :)

    36:What is your usual bedtime?
    :( Wish we had one we could stick by. It SHOULD be 10, so I can get about 8 hours. However, we usually don't get to sleep, normally, until sometime between 11 and 12 on most nights. :(

    37:Are you lazy?
    Not really, no. I'm more so everyone else's run to chick. :p

    38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
    Oh wow. Beats me. Whatever cheap costume I found and liked. LOL I was mainly witches, 'cause I liked their style of dresses and hats. I think I was a black cat one year. That's about all I remember. Haha.

    39:What is your Chinese astrological sign?
    The Ox, if I remember correctly.

    40:How many languages can you speak?
    I can plainly speak English. I can speak a couple of words of Russian, and a few more of Spanish, but not really enough to form complete sentences. I also know a little sign language. However, on the last three, I definitely need help brushing up! :)

    41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
    RealSimple, the magazine. :) They have a lot of good articles for a person like me. :)

    42:Which are better Lego or Lincoln Logs?
    Lincoln Logs. :) I like the more earthy appeal of them. :)

    43:Are you stubborn?
    I can be.

    44:Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
    I have no opinion on either. Haven't seen enough of either to know anything about them. :)

    45:Ever watch soap operas?
    Not really. I couldn't even tell you what stations they come on. Then again, I don't watch much TV at all, period... so... Haha :)

    46:Are you afraid of heights?
    Nope, not really. I love them. :) Don't like the idea of falling from them, but the height itself doesn't bother me at all. I like the feeling of being high up, overlooking everything. :)

    47:Do you sing in the car?
    Yeah. :) One of the reasons I love driving by myself. Sometimes, I even sing out at red lights, just for the fun of it. Bob my head and get into the tune. You know me! n_n

    48:Do you sing in the shower?
    I used to. Not so much any more. Sometimes, though, it just can't be helped. :)

    49:Do you dance in the car?
    Not really. I try to stay fairly focused on driving. If I'm stopped, though... ;)

    50:Ever used a gun?
    Nope. Not really, at least. Fired one or two in my day, but I wouldn't count on me in a gun fight. :p

    51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
    Oh gosh. Don't even remember! Well, besides the wedding... But I wouldn't really classify that person as a photographer. -_-;

    52:Do you think musicals are cheesy?
    Not really. I think they can be well done. Not saying all of them aren't, but most of them. :) I would LOVE to have people just randomly burst out in song with me randomly one day, and dance, even! Maybe at one of my red light serenades, one day. ;) LOL

    53:Is Christmas stressful?
    Hm, not really for me... But I start shopping at the beginning of the year, so... Yeah. It's only stressful if I don't get to stick to my wrapping game plan and space it out. I don't think Christmas was meant to be stressful, so I try my hardest to keep it stress free, personal wise, as well as monetarily speaking. :)

    54:Ever eat a pierogi?
    I don't even know what one is, so my guess is no?

    55:Favorite type of fruit pie?
    Apple. :) One day, I will bake a WORLD-FAMOUS apple pie. You just wait! ;)

    56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
    A veterinarian, because I LOVED animals. They never changed their friends out. However, when I learned about having to put them to sleep, I shied away... and then I thought about become and astronaut, and just about anything but what I actually went to school for and am going to school for now. Haha. God has a way of throwing kinks in my plans. ;P

    57:Do you believe in ghosts?
    Not necessarily. I believe in spirits, angelic & demonic. And since God allowed people to show from the dead in the Old Testament, I believe he could to this day. However, I don't think that happens often enough to worry with. :)

    58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
    Often, yes. It's usually because of dreams I have. Really weird.

    59:Take a vitamin daily?
    Nope. I wish I knew of one to try, though. Any suggestions for a woman, age 27 this May? :)

    60:Wear slippers?
    Nope. Would if I had a pair I liked. However, they make my feet hot, so I usually wander around in flip-flops instead.

    61:Wear a bath robe?
    Not really. In the Winter, sometimes. Otherwise, I usually get too hot. :/

    62:What do you wear to bed?
    Wouldn't you like to know? ;P Depends on the temperature, and what I have out.

    63:First concert?
    Petra is the only group I remember the name of from my first concert. Went with my youth group. :)

    64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
    Depends on what I'm looking for. Best deals, Wal-mart, especially since I have a discount card because I work there. Makes school supplies and almost everything else cheaper! Cutest clothes for good deals, Target. I haven't been to a Kmart in forever, so I don't know a thing about them anymore. :/ Guess I should check them out soon and see what they have to offer. :)

    65:Nike or Adidas?
    I liked my Adidas' back in the day. Now I'm more of a New Balance girl when going for comfort and supporting our economy. They're completely American made. :)

    66:Cheetos Or Fritos?
    Don't care much for either, but cheetos to eat on the fly, and fritos for recipes.

    67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
    Sunflower seeds. :)

    68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
    Nope. Good three? Who are they?

    69:Ever take dance lessons?
    Yep. :) For a while. Until I couldn't handle being made fun of and singled out anymore as a young kid. I ended up quitting after one of the girls tried to lock me in a dark room by myself and no one stepped up to help or told on her. -_-; Some people.

    70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
    Not really. He's doing what I pictured him doing now. Except, I think if he were crazy enough, he might branch out and do his own thing, which he really wants to do. Create some things he thinks would benefit the world and humanity. I've heard some of his ideas before, and they're pretty nifty. I don't see them ever happening in this world, but if he wanted to try, he'll always have my support. :)

    71:Can you curl your tongue?
    Not really curl it. I can roll it a bit, but that's about it.

    72:Ever won a spelling bee?
    I don't remember. I know I participated in one or two. Came close once, but I don't remember if I won or not. I think I got second place. I'd have to look through my awards at home to figure that out. haha :)

    73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
    Probably. Not that I remember, but I wouldn't put it beyond me.

    74:Own any record albums?
    Nope. :/ My brother does, but I don't. No use. No record player. :(

    75:Own a record player?
    I wish. :) I like the old school stuff!

    76:Regularly burn incense?
    Nope. If I could ever find a scent I liked enough, I'd burn it sometimes. Have yet to find one though.

    77:Ever been in love?
    Yep. :)

    78:Who would you like to see in concert?
    FFH, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brad Paisley, & numerous others. :)

    79:What was the last concert you saw?
    Gosh. Beats me. I don't remember, it was SO long ago. :/ Haha

    80:Hot tea or cold tea?
    Ohhh. Russia turned me on to hot tea and coffee. I like hot tea on cold days, or if I'm in the need to feel comforted. Otherwise, I like sweet cold tea, Southern style. :)

    81:Tea or coffee?
    Depends. Tea, normally, but if I'm in the mood for creamy with a bit of bite, coffee. My drinks are about like my food... Dependent on my mood. :) I'm picky about my tea & coffee, though. :/

    82:Sugar cookies or snickerdoodles?
    Not a big fan of sugar cookies. :/ And I don't even know what a snickerdoodle tastes like. haha :p

    83:Can you swim well?
    As well as I need to. :)

    84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
    Yep. Makes swimming under water much easier. :)

    85:Are you patient?
    For the most part. Usually the only time I get called impatient is by my husband, at the end of an already long day when he won't back off and/or leave me alone. :p Everyone else says I am extremely patient. :) Thankfully, those days aren't too often with my husband, even though he makes it sound like it's every night when they happen. XD

    86:DJ or band at a wedding?
    I wanted a band, with a violinst... However, I got nothing but a CD... n_n; haha. Oh well. Gotta love having a wedding on a budget.

    87:Ever won a contest?
    Ummm... Not that I remember. Probably back in college, but right now, I'm not recalling any. :)

    88:Ever have plastic surgery?
    Nope. Hope to never have need for any.

    89:Which are better black or green olives?
    Not a fan of olives, period. I only eat them in recipes, and only because I don't want to offend the cook. They're not something I plan to include in my recipes. haha :)

    90:Can you knit or crochet?
    A little of both, so far. Currently teaching myself. :)

    91:Best room for a fireplace?
    There are TWO. Living room & bedroom. Bedroom for when you want just you and your spouse time... Living room for the warm feeling they bring for the company. :) Who doesn't like a good fireplace? n_n

    92:Do you want to get married?
    I wanted it so much, that this October will mark TWO years of having been married. ;)

    93:If married, how long have you been married?
    1 year, and almost 7 months, I believe. :) The 9th of this month will mark 7 months. :)

    94:Who was your high school crush?
    I had several over the years.

    95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
    Nope.

    96:Do you have kids?
    Nope. Maybe one day, but right now, given our current situation, I don't think it'd be a good idea. :/

    97:Do you want kids?
    Some days. :)

    98:Whats your favorite color?
    GREEN. No doubt!

    99:Do you miss anyone right now?
    Tons of people. I hate living so far from EVERYONE. :/

    100: How tall are you?
    Somewhere around 5'5, depending on what's measuring me. (Some say I'm 5'4, most say I'm 5'5, all my records display 5'5, so I'm going with that.) However, I honestly believe I am starting to shrink already. :/ Silly discs between my vertebrae. haha :)

Thursday, 19 April 2012

  • Update of sorts!

    Okay, so here is a little update for you guys! I have some good news concerning my little sister, hopefully! The doctors think that the throwing up may have to deal with the nerve damage from the strokes she suffered, as is with the pain in one of her legs. So... One of her doctors altered her medications a bit to incorporate the possible new information and ideas, and she hasn't thrown up since Friday evening (they switched her meds on Thursday). So, hopefully this is a great sign! Today, they were going to be transporting her to the rehabilitation center, so, yay for that! :D Waiting for Mom to call to let me know how the transition went. So, def. keep praying, but things are looking up here recently! Thank the Lord for it!

    Prayer request update: Please start praying for Mom & Dad as well. They are getting nervous about being a few weeks from getting to take Harlie home. Up until now, they've had nurses there to walk with them through this journey God has allowed them to take. The realization of how they're about to be miles away from help and having to take care of her all on their own is beginning to set in, and they're a little nervous about it all. Understandable so. I would be! Wouldn't you? But, yeah. So, please start including them in your prayers. I will keep you as updated as I can. Hopefully I'll have an update soon!

    I took my first final exam this week. 2 quizzes & 2 exams left to take! Wish me luck! I'm doing my best, and so far, God has honored that this semester. So, keep those prayers coming! And thank you each SO much for the prayers you have offered up for my family so far! *HUGS* I find out tomorrow how I scored on my Lab Exam. :)

    All My Love, My Friends,

    ~*Akarui Mitsukai*~

Thursday, 12 April 2012

  • Hey Guys!!

    It's me again. Sorry. I'm a horrible updater. Haha. But yeah. Update on Harlie: keep those prayers coming! Today marks TEN weeks that she has been in the hospital. She is still vomiting, and the doctors can't seem to figure out why. So, yeah. Pray, and ask God to heal her, either miraculously by His own healing hand, or by giving the doctors the knowledge of how to fix her up. She can't start rehabilitation until they get it under control. Not to mention, it's not healthy for a person to throw up every day of their life. But yeah... In positive news, her therapist got her to finally stand for the first time since she's been in the hospital yesterday! PRAISE GOD! Thanks to each of you who have been praying. Please, keep them coming!! I'm going to include the video if I can figure out how to download it and put it on here from my mom's facebook. :) Wish me luck! I'll have to post it after work tonight, though. I'm about to have to run off to school. :) But yeah.

    New job position is going alright. I'm getting more hours. While it makes school much more stressful, at least the bills are easing up a bit. :) Thank the Lord! I only have 2 weeks left of school this semester... And then I won't have classes again until August! So, I'm looking forward to having a little free time, hopefully, to get started on a few projects I have been wanting to start recently and haven't had time for. :) And hopefully have some extra money to put towards visiting Harlie! :) Can't wait to see her, mom, and dad again. :) So, hopefully I can get all my studying done and do well on the finals! My lab final is going to be this Wednesday. My lecture final will be the last Saturday in April. And my Med. Term. final will be sometime the last week of April. Have to wait to see when I'm working that week, so I can schedule a time to go in for it with the teacher. :) Wish me luck! n_n The Lord has been good to me all semester. With everything going on, I believe I still hold an A in my Anatomy & Physiology class, and a B in my Med. Term. class. My grade in there should increase a little when the teacher re-grades all the computer tests. The test counts it wrong, even if you use just the plural tense of a word instead of the singular, when either could be used, because it doesn't 100% match the text it was given as the answer. Haha. So, she said she looks them over to correct any errors like that. I have been saving all my tests so I can make sure I get credit where I should when she's done. :) Anywho.

    Have to run to class! Love you guys! Hope to see you soon,

    ~*Akarui Mitsukai*~

akarui_mitsukai

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    • Name: akarui_mitsukai
    • Location: Georgia, United States
    • Gender: Female
    • Member Since: 9/13/2004
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