The Journey

On my bookshelf these days

2012-01-22T18:20:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading the classic Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre for the first time. I loved it. It's not my typical book of choice, but I've been wanting to read it for years (It's one of my mom's favorites). The thing that always stopped me was that it is a massive 552 page novel. And it's definitely "a journey" as my mom puts it... not a crazy page turner at first and not one you want to read in 3 days. But alas I made it through and enjoyed the journey. If you haven't read it, you should.

My reward for finishing Jane Eyre is moving on to my latest purchase, Patti LuPone A Memoir. If you're not familiar with Ms. LuPone's work, she's most known for her Tony Award winning performances in Evita (1979) and the revival of Gypsy as Rose (2008).

I've already read the first three chapters and I'm hooked. The very first quote at the beginning of the memoir got me:

"It's a curious thing. I suppose most people think of artists as impatient, but I don't know of any first-rate artist who hasn't manifested in his career an appalling patience, a willingness to wait, and to do his best now in the expectation that next year he will do it better."

-Mark Van Doren
(from The Dialogues of Archibald MacLeish and Mark Van Doren)

The very fact that Ms. LuPone chose this quote to start her book gives me a hint that this is going to be a good one. I'll tell you more as I keep reading! But so far, I can relate to a lot to her life... falling in love with music very early in life, being involved in school choirs, studying music in college and having a problem with judgement and not fitting the "mold" the school put on her. So far so good.

More to come :)

Performers and Competition

2012-01-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

It's weird. Sometimes I feel like I picked the wrong profession. Don't get me wrong - I love music. I can't help but want to sing all the time. (Seriously... all the time. It's probably annoying). But being in music means being around musicians (or those aspiring to be in the music business) all the time.

I have to tell you. I love performing. I would be holding a microphone, standing on a stage all the time if I could. But sometimes I really dislike performers. It's more the arrogance and pride that bothers me. This is not to say that all performers are arrogant and prideful. But so many times in my life I've been paired with other artists to put some sort of show on and there is this weird vibe between us because the other person feels like we're in competition. Whether they think they're a better singer, choreographer, teacher, organizer, whatever. And I'm not saying they are not better - but when you are teamed up, you are working towards the same goal - putting on a great show!

SO. Where was I going with this? I feel like there are so many amazing performers out there. We don't need to compete with everyone we meet in this business. I don't care if you can sing a High C. So can I. If you are a great singer, I will respect you for it. Let your skill win me over, not your talking yourself up (because that won't win my respect). Let's just be encouraged and inspired by great performers! Don't knock other people down and compare yourself to them. Learn from them and get excited about getting better yourself!

Okay, my rant is over. :)

If you want to hear some great music and see some awesome performances, check these videos out. I've been totally obsessed with watching the old Kennedy Center Honors tributes on youtube lately. The links are below. Enjoy! And be inspired!

A tribute to Jerry Herman

A tribute to Barbara Cook

And if you need a good laugh, no one can compare to the comedy of Victor Borge :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx4n9P4bLEo

Happy Tuesday!

Hello Kitty Cake Pops

2011-12-06T18:54:00.001-08:00

This weekend was Kamryn's 6th birthday so I made her Hello Kitty cake pops! They were yellow cake with white frosting. They're pretty cute, right?? :)

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Oreo Pops

2011-10-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

Last night Katie and I made oreo pops :) They are so easy and delicious!! We dipped mint and original oreos in dark chocolate mint and white chocolate candy melts. The dark chocolate mint/mint oreo pops were the best in my opinion. How can you go wrong with chocolate and mint?

Here is what you'll need to make these cuties:
A box of oreos
Lollipop sticks
A couple bags of Candy Melts
Sprinkles
Styrofoam blocks

The supply amounts will vary depending on how many cookies you decide to dip. The good thing about these are you can make as many or as few as you want! We wanted 2 different kinds so we dipped almost 2 boxes, and used about 3 bags of Candy Melts.

1. First melt your Candy Melts as directed on the bag (heat a cup full for about 25 seconds at a time until melted. And add shortening to thin it - this will make it easier to dip).

2. Dip your lollipop stick into the melted chocolate about 3/4 of an inch.

3. Stick your lollipop stick halfway into the cookie.
*One thing we noticed was that the mint oreos had more cream filling, so it was easier to insert the stick. For the original oreos: open the oreo, insert your stick in the middle of the cookie. Put a small dab of melted chocolate in the middle and seal with the other half of the oreo. Leave in the freezer for a few minutes to really seal the stick inside the before you dip*

4. Dip your pop into the Candy Melts and tap off any excess chocolate.

5. Pour on your sprinkles and place in a styrofoam block to dry.

6. Let dry and voila! Cute and easy treat or party favor!

What else can I put on a stick and dip in chocolate??

Photo Shoot Fun

2011-10-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

I few months back I posted this blog on Ballerina Inspiration. Yesterday I took 3 girls out and we did a similar shoot. Now this was just for fun and I'm not a professional, but I think we got some great shots! Here are just a few...

Pretty fun right? :)

Hallween Cake Pops

2011-09-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

It's just barely the weekend but I've already accomplished my goal of making these cute pops! I had some of the high school girls over and taught them how to make cake pops. We had a great time and they were quite a success!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Happy baking :)

Weekend baking

2011-09-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

I think I'm going to make these this weekend! The little Frankenstein is my fav :)

Halloween Planning

2011-09-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

October 31st is coming. It always sneaks up on me! Halloween has never been my favorite holiday (even though I love dressing up!)... but what holiday can top Christmas anyway? :)

When I was in grade school, I dressed up as a princess almost every year... any excuse to wear a pretty dress! But seriously. I was a princess probably 5 years in a row. But ever since I got too old to go trick-or-treating, Halloween has been a different experience. Basically I've been slacking. The end of October always catches me by surprise and I'm stuck wearing a pair of ears and a tail. Lame.

This year I'm a little ahead hehe. I'm pretty much obsessed with Sutton Foster these days and every show that she's been in on Broadway. Currently she is playing Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes. It's running in NYC until April 2012 and I am doing my best to get over there to see Sutton perform before she moves on to another awesome show. If you want to check out a clip of the show click here.

All that to say I am going to be Reno Sweeney for Halloween! Sounds fun, right? I'm going to do my best to get a little sailor outfit and a blonde wig. (Not something quite so "little" as in the poster, but hopefully something equally cute).

Well I went to Target this afternoon and found a blonde curly wig for $8. Score! Let's face it. I'm asian and it's going to be kind of funny. So we'll see if the wig makes the cut but at least I have it just in case... I also have some cute little white shorts and blue & white striped heels so far.

I've been searching online for possible costume ideas and here are some inspirational pieces I've found...

The red dress is my fav so far. So adorable... but way too pricey so it's working as inspiration!

What is everyone else dressing up as for Halloween?

Catching up...

2011-09-13T16:43:00.001-07:00

Wow. I'm behind. I've got to say, Albania hit and things have been a blur ever since! This coming weekend will be the first weekend I get to stay in town since before my trip! Whew.

So here is a quick update...

1. Albania was amazing! I'm still missing all of my new friends there and being in a different place, experiencing a new culture, etc. A few snapshots...

After that I went to Corona for a few days to see Jo before the wedding. We sat by the pool, had breakfast at Silver Dollar Pancakes, and had lunch with Laura and Nat :)
Then I got to be a part of the special day when Jo and Nolan tied the knot!

We also had a "T" party at youth group where everyone dresses up with something that starts with the letter "T." I was a turkey sandwhich and Tiffany was Tofu :)

I then headed to Pasadena for a fun girls weekend with some friends from CBU. We went out, made pizzookies, went to the pool, and had a grand ole time just being together.
And this past weekend I went down to Riverside for my friend Laura's bridal shower. She is going to be a beautiful bride! Below is a pic with Laura and me, and the bridesmaids with the bride!And in the midst of it all, I have moved! I'm finally living in AG and working working working! That's all for now. Hopefully things will start getting back to normal now... whatever that might be :)

Tomorrow...

2011-07-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well, the time is almost here! In less than 24 hours I'll be flying over the Atlantic Ocean along with my 7 teammates. I think we're ready. So much anticipation. So much preparation.

Our team memory verse is running over in my head...

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

- Colossians 3:1-17

Apple Sauce anyone?

2011-07-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

Apple Sauce. Classic.

The new addition to my MacBook Pro. I'm kind of obsessed with it.

Check out all of these other fun decals for your laptop/ipad! ...

So much goodness!

2011-06-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight at youth group and the last week at camp have reminded me of why I wanted to work with high school youth. The kids shared about their experiences this past week and what God has been doing in their lives. I can't explain the joy and excitement I feel when I hear of a student seeking after God with everything they have. A couple things we heard tonight...

"I opened my heart up to God a week from last Tuesday and now I'm like totally obsessed with my Bible."

"I didn't think I'd leave camp accepting Christ, but that last night, Rich said everything I had prayed for. I knew it was from God."

"I realized I had been letting other people fill up my cup... but now I can let God fill me up."

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26

God's word is full of so much goodness!!! Have you read this book?? It's amazing! I have definitely found a new love of God's word lately and I'm holding onto it as much as I can! The more I read, the better it gets! Oh yes.

Apart from you I have no good thing...

2011-06-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

One of the first days we were at Hume, I asked my girls "Why did you come to Hume?"

I got a couple different answers, but for many they shared that they always felt close to God at Hume. We went further and they said that they wanted to feel the closeness to God at home as well, but could never quite figure out how to accomplish it once they got down the mountain.

I've definitely felt that way before... you go off to a retreat, a camp, a missions trip and feel God close the entire trip. Then you get home and things change. So I started trying to figure out, what makes being away so different? Why do we feel God's presence in a place like Hume and then struggle to spend time with him at home?

It's pretty simple once you think about it. When we go on these trips, we are taken away from the distractions of everyday life. We're not worried about texting, checking our emails/facebook. We are there to meet with God and for the purpose of worshiping him. But why aren't things always like that at home?

The fact is, those things don't have to be a distraction. We make them a distraction. We fill our lives with stuff, with junk that fills up our days and value things that don't matter in the end. This last week, I purchased a sweatshirt that says "Where you invest your love, you invest your life." I love that phrase. It's a great reminder to examine how we invest our time and our hearts.

When I'm away on a trip, I feel close to God because I invest time into my relationship with him, I want to worship him and experience who he is. When I'm at home, I can do the exact same thing. I just have to work harder to not be distracted by all the other junk. I can't live my days wishing I wasn't at work so that I could go spend time with God. I can spend my entire day with him, praising him and glorifying him through the work that I do and the conversations I have. I want to be intentional. I want to seek after God every single day and invest my heart in him and nothing else.

"I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'" - Psalm 16:2

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." - Psalm 73:25-28

Hume Lake Summer 2011

2011-06-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

This last week I had the amazing opportunity to be a camp counselor for our high school youth group. We were at Hume Lake Christian Camp. It was an incredibly encouraging week. God moved in our students lives and answered our prayers in more ways than one.

The theme for the week was ALL IN. We studied David and Saul and what it means to be a person "after God's own heart," no matter the circumstances. We learned that even though David had many failings, he was still a man seeking God's heart. We also saw how Saul lost God's blessing when he succumbed to his jealousy and pride. Our speaker, Danny Strange, talked about what it means to seek after God with everything we have, no matter our situation.

We had a great time of fellowship, recreation, etc. but the most important thing was that the students experienced God this week. I know that many of them walked away with life-altering experiences and stories to share with their friends and family about how God has changed their lives forever. One of the greatest joys in being a counselor is hearing the students share their stories of how God has changed their hearts and to hear that they are seeking after him with everything they have.

Are YOU seeking God's heart today? Do you not only know ABOUT what he's done, but actually EXPERIENCED him? Do you KNOW God or do you know ABOUT God? We might know the facts, but what difference does it make if we don't live our lives accordingly? It's not about us. Are you ALL IN?

"I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." - Psalm 40:8

Daddy's Day

2011-06-17T20:55:00.001-07:00

Dad,

Thank you so much for all that you do. You are truly a great example as to what a Godly man should be. I have not only grown in love but respect for you over the years. Seeing how you handle leadership positions in work and church have made me proud to call you my father. You have selflessly cared for our family and I always know you want what's best for me. I appreciate it more than you know. I love you very much.

:) Tamara

Ballerina Inspiration

2011-06-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

I just discovered these photos from Ballerina Project on their facebook page. A part of me has always wanted to be a photographer, and another part wanted to be a ballerina :) So these photos are making the artistic side of my brain go crazy! I am now dying to do a ballerina photo shoot...

Check out their facebook page to see more photos!

Quick update!

2011-06-13T11:49:00.001-07:00

So I have been incredibly busy with Albania prep, getting read for the CDMA Music Recital, Hume Lake is this next week and not to mention working my 2 jobs... I'm kind of tired haha. But just wanted to let you all know I'm still here!

I was able to attend my beautiful friend, Joanna's first bridal shower over Memorial Day weekend. I took pictures and made cake pops :) I think she summed the shower up really well in her blog, so check it out here!

The Coastal Dance and Music Academy Music Recital is this coming Saturday. Call for tickets or just come! (There will be plenty of seats). The show is at 6pm on Saturday at Grace Bible Church in AG! View the studio website here.

Albania prep is coming along! We had our first meeting with our whole Albania team last night and it was awesome. The countdown has begun...

We leave in 33 days!! Start praying now!

"Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold fast to him, and serve Him with all your heart & all your soul." - Joshua 22:5

Cupcake/Cake Pop Tower

2011-05-24T20:20:00.001-07:00

I just discovered something amazing! I am in love with these cupcake towers.

The Cupcake Tower is a website that makes these awesome custom towers. You can pick how many tiers you want and the layers are reversible so you can hold cake pops OR cupcakes!! Amazing.

I want one! :)

Writing your life story...

2011-05-22T15:24:00.001-07:00

As most of you know by now, I am preparing to go to Albania this summer to help at an English Camp for college students. One of the "assignments" we received (in order to prep for our trip) was to write out our "Life Story."

Where to begin... it's interesting thinking about your life. Where you've been, what's happened, who you've known, the experiences you've had. It's also interesting to see what experiences stand out the most to you. We're splitting them into Positive Experiences & Relationships and Negative Experiences& Relationships. It's good to think about, because these experiences really do shape who you are and who you're becoming.

Some of the questions they gave us to get the ball rolling include:

Who are the most memorable people from your past?
What have been the most difficult or painful experiences in your life?
What did you think about God in various chapters of your life?
What dreams have you had over your life?

I'm still working on it. But just thought I'd share so you can think about your own life story :) I'd love to hear some of your stories, too!

Love to all,

Tamara

Baking Day #1: Success :)

2011-05-21T18:16:00.001-07:00

I just finished my first "Baking Day"! I made red velvet cake pops!

For those of you who haven't heard, I'm starting a Baking Day where I will pick a baked good and people can order the cake pops, cupcakes, bars, etc. by the dozen. I did this first one to just experiment and see if anyone would order anything... and I sold all 4 dozen of my pops. Woot.

What shall I make next? Lemon bars, different kinds of cake pops... the possibilities are endless.

Suggestions please!

Oh and if you have a special event coming up (bridal shower, birthday party, baby shower, Father's day, other holidays, I am taking custom orders. Call/text or email me at poglovertcs@juno.com with questions/orders!

So many parties. So many pops to make!

2011-05-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

Okay are you all sick of my cake pops posts? I'm just having too much fun trying different things!

We celebrated my mom's bday on Saturday night and my brother-in-law's bday on Sunday. My mom wanted to have movie night so I made movie popcorn box cake pops (chocolate inside).

And we threw Mike a surprise Pirate Party! I made lemon pirate pops for his bash.

These were especially fun, because I painted different faces on each of the pirates :)

Arrrr... :)

Pie Pops?!?

2011-05-13T16:34:00.001-07:00

Oh. My. Goodness.

I'm obsessed...

Who knew you could do so many fun things with lollipop sticks??

Pie pops.

Genius.

I must try this ASAP.

What else can I put on sticks?? Ideas please!!

In case you want to try them for yourself: http://luxirare.com/float/

Albania Bound!

2011-05-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

So I don't have much time to blog this evening, but I just got home from my first Albania team meeting tonight and I'm super pumped! This July I have the amazing opportunity to travel to Albania to help with a week long English Camp. It will be made up of university age kids and we will be leading discussions in English and just spending time getting to know them.

I'm so excited about this opportunity and am praying for our hearts to be changed while we're over there.

Will you please be praying for our team as well?

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T16:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms out there.

But especially to my amazing mother :) It's hard to put into words how much you do, because you have done so much for our family over the years. I am blessed beyond belief to have you as my support and encouragement. I respect you so much as a woman of God and someone that I can go to, to ask questions and know you will pray for me even when I don't ask. You have cared for our family in such a selfless way and we really appreciate it! Thank you for all of the hugs, the wonderful meals, the encouragement, for coming to my 307245849 concerts, and for pointing me to Jesus every step of the way :)

I love you dearly,

Tamara

Chick Pops!

2011-05-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't love these adorable little chicks?? They're so cute AND lemon flavored! Amazing. :)

What do you think?

Cake Pop Tutorial

2011-04-26T22:04:00.001-07:00

Most of you know that I've been really into making Cake Pops lately :) They have been so fun, because the baking is mostly the same, you just get to have fun decorating them in different ways! My most recent adventure was making Cake Pop Easter Eggs. So the tutorial is how to make those, but if you want to make another kind, follow the baking instructions and then shape/decorate them however you like!

So first things first, you have to bake the cake. I often use a cake mix from the store, because the texture almost always comes out better (and it's super easy and quick!). Bake the cake according to the box instructions. Let it cool. This is very important, because if the cake is still warm, it will not crumble properly. I usually like to bake the cake the day before and then let it sit overnight.

Cut the cake into 4 equal sections. Take one section at a time, breaking it in half and rub the two pieces together. This will give you a nice crumble. Crumble the entire cake into a mixing bowl.

Then add your choice of frosting. For these cake pops I chose dark chocolate cake with dark chocolate frosting (Hm... I may be obsessed with dark chocolate). I usually use one 16 oz. frosting can per cake mix.

Mix small amounts at a time and test it. *Yes, taste it :)* You need enough frosting to hold all the cake together. Add the frosting until you like the texture and it tastes balanced. It will look something like this...

Next start to form your cake balls. I usually make the balls about the size of a golf ball... but amounts will differ depending on the shapes you are making. Since I was forming eggs, I did use a little more cake in order to get the right shape.

Form all of your balls and stick them in the freezer for about 15 minutes. If you can't dip them right away, let them chill in the refrigerator.

While your cake balls are chilling, melt your chocolate dipping candy. I like to use Candy Melts, because they are made for dipping and they come in all sorts of fun colors! Follow the melting directions on the bag. I usually use 2 bags of candy melts per cake. When your cake balls are firm (not frozen), take them out a couple at a time.

Dip your lollipop tip into the melted chocolate (about a 1/2 an inch) and insert it into your cake ball. Make sure not to push the stick more than half way into the ball.

Then dip your cake pop into the chocolate and gently tap the lollipop stick against your hand in order to get rid of excess chocolate. Place your pop in a styrofoam block to dry and repeat until all of your pops are dipped!

After the candy coating dries use a paint brush and some Corn Syrup to paint lines, swirls, anything on your candy egg and immediately apply sprinkles. And decorate your eggs to your heart's content :)

Voila!

Have at it! And let me know how yours come out!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T00:36:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post to show you how my Easter Egg Cake Pops came out! They are super fun and tasty, too! I'll be posting a tutorial later!

He is Risen!!

Remembering Good Friday

2011-04-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

So I posted this same excerpt last year, but it's too good not to share again.

This is how the Apostles saw it. Herod and Pilate, Gentiles and Jews, they said, had together 'conspired against Jesus (Acts 4:27). More important still we ourselves are also guilty. If we were in their place, we would have done what they did. Indeed, we have done it. For whenever we turn away from Christ, we are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace' (Hebrew 6:6). We too sacrifice Jesus to our greed like Judas, to our envy like the priests, to our ambition like Pilate. 'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?' the old Negro spiritual asks. And we must answer, 'Yes, we were there.' Not as spectators only but as participants, guilty participants, plotting, scheming, betraying, bargaining, and handing him over to be crucified. We may try to wash our hands of responsibility like Pilate. But our attempt will be as futile as his. For there is blood on our hands. Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentance).

- The Cross of Christ by John Stott

Cupcake Cake Pops

2011-04-19T17:43:00.001-07:00

Hi all!

Just wanted you to see how the cupcake cake pops came out! So cute right?! :)

And tasty, too! I made them with chocolate cake and dark chocolate frosting this time! To view my original post on Cake Pops click here.

Easter ones to come!

Mexico Part 4 - Coming Home

2011-04-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Going down to Mexico (or any missions trip) is always great because I get away from the normal things that usually distract me. I don't have my phone, laptop, ipod, anything. All we have is each other, the activities we do, clothes, and our Bibles. It's great.

Being in Mexico can be surprising because the people live on so little. Dan told us that the average person makes $8.50 per day at work. They live off of this money for themselves and their families. That is one hour of work here in the U.S. Crazy! I can't get over it.

It just reminds me that all those things that I think are necessary in my daily life are not necessary at all. They mostly just distract me from listening to God's voice. I think that the people in Mexico have it right. We are always running around being busy and stressed. They live on so much less but their lives are so full. They work just as hard, if not harder than we do. And they are able to find fulfillment in God's love rather than "stuff." Makes me want to live more simply.

I hope the "Mexico buzz" doesn't wear off too fast :)

God, help me to remember all you taught me this week!

Mexico Part 3 - Making Tortillas!

2011-04-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday of the trip, the ladies in the kitchen taught us how to make fresh tortillas! It was so much fun. I can't wait to try making them again!

The dough was made of flour, oil, salt, and hot water. She then kneaded the dough into a ball and we made little balls of dough, later to be formed.

We dipped the dough balls into flour so they wouldn't stick and used rolling pins to roll the dough into super thin circles.

Then she put them on the stove top and cooked them! So fun and tasty! I think the true skill is getting your tortillas perfectly round! Way harder than it looks!

The one batch of dough made 200 tortillas! Yummy.

Mexico Part 2 - Stuck Truck

2011-04-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

One day on the way to VBS, Bradlee, Alex, Stevie, Shanen, and I were riding in the back of Andy's truck. He was driving crazy fast over all the bumps, making us fly in the air. At one point, Bradlee and I flew up, landing hard (and leaving bruises) - but we were having fun!

At one point, we went off the road and into the almost dried-up riverbed. We hit water and all screamed because we got wet. But then...

we got stuck.

The riverbed was like quicksand! The back of the truck was totally stuck in mud and water.

After jumping out of the truck bed, and Shanen falling in the mud (haha), we waited for the bus to come. It was carrying the rest of our students and leaders.

After the bus pulled over, all the boys got off and eventually got the truck out. Thank goodness!

It was crazy, but lots of fun. And a Mexico memory I'll never forget :)

Mexico Part 1 - Amazing!

2011-04-17T00:31:00.000-07:00

Last week, I went on a trip to Mexico with the GBC youth group. It was my first time as a leader and we had a great time! There were 36 people on the trip - 10 leaders and the rest students. We spent our time doing work projects around the remnant center (where we stayed), VBS with the local kids, and team time (including missions training).

*There were so many great things that happened on the trip that I am going to do multiple blogs for the trip*

One of my favorite parts of the trip was team time, whenever we just got to hang out and talk about God and life. We also had time to pray and worship together. Who could ask for more?

God really reminded me of how important our community of believers is. He showed me how much we need each other and how he has placed the right people in our lives for a reason. We did so many projects in a short amount of time that we really had to help each other out. The team really came together as a family. That's what I love most about these trips.

These are just a few snippets of all the fun we had on this trip :) We had an amazing team and God definitely blessed our time down in Mexico.

More to come...

Cake Pops!

2011-03-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

So a couple days ago I came across this cute blog by the Cake Pop Queen, Bakerella. If you haven't heard of her, she wrote the book Cake Pops, which is shown above. You can check out her website at http://www.bakerella.com/ I just bought this book yesterday with some birthday money I got from my grandpa :)

Well, I just had to try them out!...

Ta da!!! I made them this weekend and they were so fun to decorate. And what's more, it was so fun to take them to my students on Monday. They were amazed!... probably high off the sugar, but whatever :)

If you have never had cake pops, they are just like cake balls except on a stick. You make a cake, crumble it, mix in some frosting, form little round balls, put a stick in them, dip them in chocolate, and decorate to your heart's content. Sounds like a lot of steps, but it is so worth it.

These cuties are on my list to try next!!

Unicorns!!

2011-03-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite movies these days is "Despicable Me." One of the little orphan girls in the flick is obsessed with unicorns. She even sings this little song that she made up about how much she loves unicorns... Uni uni unicorns, I looooove them... And of course the famous "It's so fluffly!" line!

So since this movie came out, I have found a renewed love of unicorns :) I came across this new craft blog today, which had coincidentally just featured a unicorn themed birthday party! If only I had seen this earlier! :)

Can you tell what those cutely decorated little pink/blue/white hats are??

Unicorn horns!! So adorable!

The whole color pallet of this party is amazing. Click here to see the whole birthday post! Soooo adorable. I hope I get to throw someone a party like this someday!

New Addiction!!

2011-03-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! Have you guys visited the Martha Stewart website?? I'm obsessed. There are so many great crafts with free how-to's! For instance, I made these beauties tonight.

Disco Ball earrings? Can't get much better haha. All you do is wrap wooden beads with sequens and make them into earrings. You can also make them into rings and string them on necklaces.

Find the directions here :)

Have fun!

Bachelorette Party Coctail Ideas

2011-03-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

So I'm kind of in wedding/bachelorette party planning mode because of Joanna's up-coming wedding festivities. So the wedding and bachelorette fun aren't until August, but I got excited when looking at these Martha Stewart ideas...

The first one that you see above is the Starlight Royale Recipe. Looks yummy right?? A concoction of gin, lime juice, and champagne topped with a little grenadine for the pink tint. Also dipping the tip in lime juice and sugar adds a sparkle! Find the recipe here.

This next drinks seems more like a bridal shower idea, to go with cakes and other little desserts while watching the bride-to-be open presents. The Viennese Coffee Float. Is your mouth watering yet? Find the recipe here.

The Pear Melba Martini looks so cute and tasty, too! Chambord or black-raspberry-flavored liqueur, pear nectar, raspberries, and vodka. Mm... Find the recipe here.

And last but not least is the Grapefruit-and-Mint Mojito. I think I'm going to have to try this one! Find the recipe here.

All for now! :)

Party Planning!

2011-03-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

So as you all know, St. Patrick's Day is coming up in a couple of weeks. As a high school leader at GBC I will be throwing a St. Patty's Day party for the hs girls. I've been doing a little research, some shopping, and just looking for fun ideas for the partay. Here are some fun things I've found. I am contemplating making these little cuties...

Oh and then there's these little leprechaun hats for holding chips or other snacks.

Just a few ideas. Can't wait! I'll post pics after the event. If you all have other ideas for me, I'd love to hear :)

MADE

2010-11-09T22:21:00.001-08:00

This past summer, I signed on to be a youth leader for the Grace Bible Church High School group. It has been such an amazing time and I am loving getting to know all of the girls in the group. I recently got to attend an all girls conference with 9 high school students and two other leaders. We had a great time. The conference was called MADE and was held at Hume Lake Christian Camp.

The theme for the weekend was "Set Free." The speaker talked about how non-believers are slaves to sin, while we (as followers of Christ) have been set free from sin. They also offered seminars during the day on Saturday. The first was a Q & A with Rich Baker, who most of the girls know from Hume Lake summer camps. Rich shared about how he knew his wife was the one, what qualities he looked in for a wife, etc. The second was a seminar on pain/loss. Both seminars had an impact on the girls.

I think my favorite part of the weekend was having "cabin time" on Saturday night. We split into our two cabins (I had the 3 freshmen girls with me) and just had some time to reflect and talk about the things we were learning and the things God was teaching us. It was a blessing to hear the girls speak and share about what God was doing in their lives.

(My freshmen cabin: Kina, me, Bradlee, and Savana)

Another great part of the weekend was just being out in nature! Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a big nature girl. I don't generally enjoy hiking or camping, or anything remotely close to "roughing it" haha. But this trip was not like that at all. I do, however, LOVE seeing God's beautiful creations in nature. I can stare at a beautiful sunset or feel the breeze by the ocean, and feel God giving me a great big hug. We woke up on Saturday morning to a light blanket of snow on the ground... and on my car. We weren't exactly expecting snow, but it was a nice surprise :)

Somehow, my loving sister convinced me to do the High Adventure Ropes Course with 3 of the students. Weird that she talked me into it, seeing as she'd never do anything like that herself! But the highlight was "The Screamer." It's pretty much what it sounds like. Basically, you wear a harness and walk off a plank high up in the trees. Since I loved skydiving, the girls thought I'd like it. And it was so much fun! I wish it had been higher, but it was still exciting :)

We also just had a grand ole time being silly and laughing together! That's something that all great friendships require :)

A word to musicians...

2010-09-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine recently shared this article online and I thought it was something worth mulling over...

The Sensibility

By Bob Lefsetz

People connect with artists, not executives. We're drawn to those who speak their truth, from deep down inside. There is nothing more powerful than listening to a song and feeling that the artist is expressing your inner emotion. You bond. If the artist does this more than once, you become a fan. You want to go see the artist live to feel the utmost communion with them and their material.

A pop artist is something completely different. A pop artist creates a confection that titillates the listener. Oftentimes working in predetermined genres, a pop artist is not about testing limits so much as building a bank account. A real artist is on his own exploratory adventure. He may worry whether others will join him on his journey, but he does not sway, he does not turn back, he does not do what's expedient, he soldiers on.

Historically, in between the artist and the audience has been a businessman. As legendary as Ahmet and Mo might be to music business insiders, most people outside this sphere are unaware of them. And that's the way it should be. Artists come first. If the businessman could create the art, he would, that's what we've got in the movie business, but in music, there's no substitute for practicing, for paying your dues, you learn your skill and jump off from there. Furthermore, beyond skills there is conception. Anyone can tell you what to do, you can work for the man, but can you plot your own path and follow it? That's what was so amazing about the Beatles. They were not following a prescribed path. They truly went their own way.

In the nineties, the executive became bigger than the act. Tommy Mottola. Clive Davis. These are interesting people to speak to, hearing their back room stories, but they don't touch your soul. That's what artists do. But the executives needed to feel their power.

And the executives made boatloads of cash. And after Reagan made greed acceptable, the masses followed the rich. They too wanted to become wealthy. Why be an artist when you can become a banker and make tons of money?

And our entire culture changed. Dollars became first. "Artists" all talked about getting paid. They'd play music for a while, but if they weren't successful, they'd go to graduate school. The concept of needing to create music, needing to express yourself, was overshadowed by pop stars willing to light themselves on fire for momentary attention and bucks. The executives made the big money.

But now the executives make much less. And not having let anybody new in the ranks, the truly creative went into tech. Artists lost their champions. If nothing else, the label told you how and what to record, and said your album wasn't coming out until there was a hit.

What's a hit? Something with beats that gets airplay on a Top Forty station or something that touches hearts that will never be forgotten?

Careers are based on the latter. But suddenly very few performers had careers. They'd played the money game, did what they were told, and now not only does no one want their new music and nobody wants to see them live, no one even wants to listen to their hits. They were expendable items. Like dishrags or underwear. That served a purpose, were necessary for a time and then thrown away and forgotten.

But the public still hungers for honesty, people still want connection. Artists are more desirable than ever. And since mainstream pop pays fewer dividends, more people are practicing, following their own path and becoming artists. There are scores of players with burgeoning followings that you've never heard of. They've got fans. Fans do it for the love, not the money.

Will there ever be tons of money in being an artist once again?

I'm not sure. Presently, recorded music is free and it's hard to get everybody to listen to you. Then again, Apple makes tons of cash with less than ten percent PC market share. And being in business for so long, they came up with an accidental hit, the iPod, which was decried as being too expensive and undesirable upon launch, but ultimately grew into a phenomenon.

But as much as you might love your iPod, you love what's on it even more.

Now that we're in a recession, money-grubbing is no longer the focus. Now it's about experiences. Laughs, love and music. Provide this experience. People are clamoring for it.

Whoa whoa whoa

2010-08-23T01:00:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I just watched an episode of this new show called "The Spin Crowd" on E! Ummm... it is ridiculous beyond belief. And the funny thing is that it kind of reminded me of this school I used to go to haha... This show is about this PR celebrity marketing group. The episode introduced the boss, Jonathon Chabon, and his crew of 4 ladies and 1 man who work in his office. Basically, there is a new girl named Erika, who just moved from San Diego to Hollywood. First thing, Jonathon humiliates Erika by having all the other girls in the room stand up and show how she "should" be dressing (dresses, high heals, hair and make up done). Then he pulls her aside and says she looks "homely" and tells her she needs to have her lips done (yep, shoot em up with collagen!) Erika endures a tear filled appointment and decides not to go through with the permanent lip injections. She later says in her interview that she doesn't think the size of her lips should determine her place on the team.

And there is your recap for the first episode for The Spin Crowd. A couple other things happen, but seriously!

There's 30 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

Dressing professionally is one thing... but how will having larger lips help your client market their new tanning lotion to Mario Lopez? And how will curly hair and overdone make up bring people to know Christ? When you put it that way, doesn't it just seem a tad bit ridiculous?

Just a couple late night thoughts... :)

Time in Between

2010-08-18T00:04:00.001-07:00

You were there when your Father said
Let there be light
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mothers womb
Three days in a borrowed tomb

But it’s the time in between
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me
And all that I can't be
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between

Don't take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again

But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You'll bring
And the things that I can't see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I'll sing in the time in between

So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I'm grateful for them all

But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between

Good Friday

2010-04-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

"This is how the Apostles saw it. Herod and Pilate, Gentiles and Jews, they said, had together 'conspired against Jesus (Acts 4:27). More important still we ourselves are also guilty. If we were in their place, we would have done what they did. Indeed, we have done it. For whenever we turn away from Christ, we 'are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace' (Hebrew 6:6). We too sacrifice Jesus to our greed like Judas, to our envy like the priests, to our ambition like Pilate. 'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?' the old Negro spiritual asks. And we must answer, 'Yes, we were there.' Not as spectators only but as participants, guilty participants, plotting, scheming, betraying, bargaining, and handing him over to be crucified. We may try to wash our hands of responsibility like Pilate. But our attempt will be as futile as his. For there is blood on our hands. Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentance).

- The Cross of Christ by John Stott

Faithfulness

2010-03-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." - Psalm 91:14-16

I've always loved to journal. For one: it helps me get my thoughts sorted out and on paper. Two: I love to write. Three: I love looking back on old journal entries.

Most of my journal entries consist of written down prayers and scriptures I was reading at the time. I love looking back at old prayers and being reminded of God's faithfulness. I just read a prayer I wrote back in September and one in November. They both consisted of me pretty much crying out to God and asking him to rescue me (in one form or another)... I was pretty miserable down at school by that point... and it was neat to look back just a few months and see how he has totally answered my desperate prayers, and brought me to a completely new place in such a short amount of time.

He's just cool like that.

Another observation I made today... I'm in Riverside right now, visiting friends. I hadn't been back to CBU since moving my stuff out of the apartments. Driving onto campus yesterday felt surprisingly freeing. There was no longer stress and struggle associated with the school, because I don't go there anymore! It was a nice feeling. No worries about papers or presentations, just getting to be there to enjoy the amazing friends that God has blessed me with. That's what I call a good day.

Oh, Martha...

2010-03-24T00:20:00.001-07:00

Joanna came to visit last week, so we did a few of our favorite things, which include: eating, talking, shopping, baking, and eating some more :) We tried out a new Martha Stewart recipe for my sister's upcoming bridal shower. Let me tell you, Martha sure knows what she's doin' in the kitchen. They were delish! Lemon cupcakes with lemon curd all made from scratch!

Yum!!! :)

Fruit shaped sticky notes!

2010-03-17T00:52:00.001-07:00

So most of you know that I've started a website (TCS Designs) with my sister Tiffany. We feature all unique handmade items. It has been so much fun thinking up things to make and then showing them on the website and at our open houses. All of this work on my website has led me to browse different websites, looking for supplies, ideas, and inspiration. All of this to say, I found the coolest things tonight!

I would love to meet the person who came up with this creative invention... apple and pear shaped memo pads!!! They are so adorable and useful! And for those of us who love sticky notes, these are amazing! :)

Check them out at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/wiwicoco?section_id=6636965

Everybody loves a free giveaway! :)

2010-03-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

TCS Designs is giving away a free item from the Spring 2010 collection! Just become our fan on Facebook, post a link to our website on your facebook page, twitter, or tumblr. Or write a short blog about our website! Then comment on this post and tell us what you did, and we'll enter you into a drawing! Post a separate comment for each thing you post and you'll be entered multiple times!

You can find our website at: www.tcsdesigns.bigcartel.com :)

Here's a preview...

New discovery

2010-02-17T01:18:00.001-08:00

I just found this website that sells designer fabrics! They are all so cute! I need to restrain myself so I don't buy all their stuff :)

Check them out here.

It's about time...

2010-01-31T21:49:00.001-08:00

I've been meaning to post an update since I've been home, but am just now getting to it. I guess I've been waiting for things to calm down and for me to get "adjusted" first... but alas, I've been home for almost a month and things are still whirling around me. I think I should just get used to that, because life is always in this constant motion no matter what!

There have been so many people asking how I'm doing and wondering if I'm "okay" (being home and all). Yes, I am more than okay :) I know that God sent me to CBU for a time and I also know that God has brought me back to the central coast for a time. There are always challenges when it comes to change... but those challenges are usually beneficial. God has made it very clear that He was the one who brought me back here. Within 3 days of moving back, I was offered a teaching position at the Coastal Dance and Music Academy in Arroyo Grande. I have now been teaching private voice there for 3 weeks and love it! My students range from little 6 and 8 years olds to one of the moms at the academy.

It has also been nice reconnecting with a lot of people in the SLO/AG area who I haven't been around much for the last year and a half. It's always nice to reconnect with friends.

All of this to say that I am doing well. God is still stretching me and forcing me to trust in his plan for my life. There are still a lot of unanswered questions, but I know that he is in control of it all and will work things out for the best. Why do we ever expect our lives to take a certain course? an ordinary course? If we only expect ordinary things, we don't allow for the extraordinary!

That's all for now!

xoxo :)

Change and Trust

2009-12-24T00:15:00.001-08:00

There have been quite a few times in my life when I thought, “What is God thinking?” Life takes unexpected twists and turns and there are times when I’m not sure how I got where I am.

But then again, I wonder why I am surprised when God changes the course I am on. He leads me to places that I never pictured myself in. These unexpected turns are usually the most crucial in my growth as a person and as a woman of God.

Because these unexpected experiences have turned into blessings, I have learned to trust. God has always been able to give me a certain peace that I have not found anywhere else. I know that God is good all the time and he loves me. Therefore, I know that he has my best interest at heart.

Due to the fact that I will not be able to graduate in May, I will not be returning to CBU in the spring of 2010. My family and I have decided that I should move home in January and continue my education at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, California (my hometown). This is going to be a big change and a hard transition, but I truly believe God’s hand is in all of it.

Anticipation

2009-12-14T23:08:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days that you knew was a big deal? A moment was going to come (and soon) that would be a deciding factor in your future... I had that moment today.

Juries.

That word alone sends a hundred emotions through my body. For those of you who are not familiar with the term, let me enlighten you (and be glad you don't have to deal with them)... Juries are a big deal to music majors. It is the day at the end of the semester where your teachers and other music faculty sit together and decide your future. Okay, to be a little less dramatic... the teachers and music faculty judge whether you've improved, what you need to improve on, and whether you're ready to do your final recital.

I had been anticipating this moment for the last year and a half, waiting to hear if I'd get to do my senior recital. Well, I won't find out my results until tomorrow, but it's going to be a deciding factor on my course for next semester. Yes. Big. Deal. Very. Big. Deal.

Last night, after talking with my mom, sister, and praying a lot, I was overwhelmed with a certain peace. Yes, this was going to be a big moment, but all I could do was my best. And all I wanted to do was my best for God, the one who's opinion matters most to me. I knew that if all my efforts were for God, he would be pleased with the song I gave to him. And I think he was pleased. And now, no matter what happens, I know that I put my best efforts forward. I worked hard to improve the talents he's given me and tomorrow we'll see what doors he's opened and which doors he's closed...

Wedding Mania

2009-12-11T00:09:00.000-08:00

So for the last month or so, my life has consisted of two things:

1) School

2) WEDDINGS!!

Crazy, right? ... since I'm not even getting married! Haha It's been interesting. Within 24 hours my big sister and my close friend from school both got engaged. So all of a sudden I am constantly on the phone with my sister talking about wedding plans, photographers, bridesmaid dresses... and the list goes on and on. (I'm the Maid of Honor, by the way!) And then I go to meals in between classes with my friend Natalie, who is also planning her wedding. Here comes flowers, family, invitations, etc. etc.

I know so many couples who are engaged that I had to start a list... yes, I seriously have a sticky note on my laptop that has the names of all the couples I know getting married. It's impossible to keep track otherwise, believe me! It's kind of ridiculous... the list only consists of 10 couples at the moment, but it was up to 13 this last summer. And as summer gets closer, the list will grow!

So why am I telling you all this? I guess because it's been a fun, exhausting, interesting ride so far... and I just wanted to keep you all in the loop :)

I'm so happy for Tiff and Mike! They're getting married on May 22nd and I'll finally have a brother!! :)

A new adventure...

2009-11-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

A lot of you know that I come from a very creative family. My mom is a graphic designer and my sister... well she's all about the crafts haha (She worked at Beverly's Fabric Store for 3 years and hasn't stopped doing projects since!) And I love to make scarves and cards and such! My sister, Tiffany, and I have always wanted to start a little boutique filled with one-of-a-kind items that were all handmade... so this year we decided to put a website together and start a collection of our handmade, one-of-a-kind items! It's finally here and we're still adding products, but I think you should definitely check it out :) We wanted to have it done in time for Christmas shopping! I hope you enjoy it :)

If you see something you like that is sold out, just let us know and we'll try to make something similar to the original. Also, if you don't see something you'

re looking for, contact us because we will do custom orders as well!

Oh and if you're wondering where our store name came from, it is both of our initials... Tiffany Chew Shibata and Tamara Chew Shibata :) Click on the link below to see the site...

tcsdesigns.bigcartel.com

Here are a few products you'll see on our website:

I think we can all relate... especially students!! :)

2009-11-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

Procrastination

Click on the link above to watch! :)

Noticing the details...

2009-11-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

About a week ago, I was encouraged by an email from a professor and wanted to share the story he told...

There was once a sculptor in Greece named Phidias. Although he was a heathen, he had a great deal of integrity. In fact, he had self-respect. Phidias was commissioned around 440 B.C. to create the sculptures that stood upon the roof of the Parthenon in Athens.

When it came for the city fathers to pay Phidias for his work, they balked at the price. They felt that Phidias had done too much work on the statues, charging them for carving details on the backsides of the statues that could not be seen from below. Why should they pay for detail that no one would ever see?

Phidias' response to the city fathers was to tell them that they were wrong. For although humans could not see the exquisite details from the street below, "the gods could."

This was a good reminder for me, because I often wonder about details that no one really sees. Like why do I need to go to every class... other people miss all the time... what's the big deal? Why do I need A's in all my classes if I can pass and graduate? Why be the one person who's always on time and reliable? Etc. etc.

I loved the reminder that God sees the details. It's so easy to work and just get by, but God deserves more than that. Doesn't he deserve my best and not just what's left over? Like it or not, every decision I make builds on my character. Other people may not notice those details in my life, but God (the one who matters) sure does!

Once upon a time...

2009-10-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

there lived 3 college students named Tamara, Natalie, and Laura. All three girls were highly distraught over their ugly dresses they had to wear for choir. One weekend, they decided to take a road trip and be rid of the ugly dresses forever. They packed their bags (and dresses) and headed to Pismo Beach...

Upon arrival, they took in the nice scenery, played on the swings, and made sand angels...

The girls then moved to the water and continued to ruin their ugly dresses...

The girls were overjoyed that the dresses were finally destroyed.

And they all lived happily ever after.

Significant moments

2009-10-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Did you ever experience something and know afterwards that it was going to be a significant moment in your life? I had one of those moments on Thursday. I was in choir rehearsal when they announced to the group that one of our singers, one of my friends, was undergoing tests for cancer. Well, we spent some time praying for him, but things quickly switched back into rehearsal mode. The next two hours passed slowly and every song seemed to be dragging. Everyone seemed to be sick or totally exhausted. Doc obviously could see this and had us all sit down while the orchestra practiced the only song they play without the choir. I hadn’t heard it yet, but it was absolutely gorgeous. It was a song entitled “Song to the King.”

After Doc ran through it once, he said, “Nathan, have you ever conducted a song before?” Nathan said, “I wouldn’t even know where to start.” Doc then said, “Come here. I’ll teach you.” He led him through the normal conducting pattern and let him take the reigns. It was incredible. As soon as Nathan walked forward, I felt tears starting to form. As the music began, my heart was so full. (Not sure what it was full of, but it was definitely full – almost bursting). I cried through the whole song. And I was not the only one. As the song ended, the whole room gave Nathan a standing ovation as he walked back to his place in the choir… Wow.

I’m really not sure what this experience will mean to me in the future, but I do know I’ll never forget it.

I miss my family...

2009-09-27T01:59:00.000-07:00

my friends... my cat... knowing that I can drive 15 minutes and feel real sand under my toes... being in a place where I know people love me... feeling an overwhelming sense of support instead of an expectancy of failure...

Will you play?

2009-09-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

I started reading this new book by Max Lucado called When God Whispers Your Name a couple weeks ago. I was drawn in by the book's intro and ended up sharing it in a devotional with my youth ensemble, Resound, as a devotional before singing in church. So I thought I'd share it with all of you today :) The intro begins with Lucado telling a story of being in an antique store with his family. He sits down to read a book and starts to hear some beautiful piano music being played...

I turned to see who was playing, but couldn't see anyone. I stood and walked closer. A small group of listeners had gathered at the old upright piano. Between the furniture I could see the small back of the pianist. Why, it's only a child! With a few more steps I could see her hair. Short, blonde, and cute like... My heart, it's Andrea!

Our seven-year-old was at the piano, her hands racing up and down the keyboard. I was stunned. What gift of heaven is this that she can play in such a way? Must be a time-released gene she got from my side of the family. But as I drew closer, I saw the real reason. Andrea was "playing" a player piano. She wasn't making the music; she was following it. She wasn't commanding the keyboard; she was trying to keep up with it. Thought it appeared she was playing the song, in reality, she was only trying to keep up with one already written. When a key would dip, her hands would dash.

Oh, but if you could have seen her little face, delighted with laughter! Eyes dancing as would her feet had she been able to stand and play at the same time.

I could see why she was so happy. She sat down to attempt "Chopsticks" but instead played "The Sound of Music." What's more, she couldn't fail. One greater than she was dictating the sound. Andrea was free to play as much as she wanted, knowing the music would never suffer.

It's no wonder she rejoiced. She had every reason to. And so do we.

Hasn't God promised the same to us? We sit at the keyboard, willing to play the only song we know, only to discover a new song. A sublime song. And nobody is more surprised than we are when our meager efforts are converted into melodious moments.

You have one, you know, a song all your own. Each of us does. The only question is, will you play it?

By the way, as I watched Andrea "play" that day in the antique store I observed a couple things.

I noticed the piano got all the credit. The gathered crowd appreciated Andrea's efforts, but they knew the real source of the music. When God works, the same is true. We may applaud the disciple, but no one knows better than the disciple who really deserves the praise.

But that doesn't keep the disciple from sitting at the bench. It sure didn't keep Andrea from sitting at the bench. Why? Because she knew she couldn't fail. Even though she didn't understand how it worked, she knew it did. Even though you may not understand how God works, you know he does. So go ahead. Pull up a bench, take your seat at the piano, and play.

Highlights from a great weekend in San Diego

2009-09-08T01:42:00.000-07:00

I love long weekends. This past weekend involved my sister (Tiffany), her boyfriend (Mike), my cousin (Brooke), Auntie Susan, and me visiting my cousin (Jessica) and her husband (Steve) down in San Diego. We went last fall to visit Jessica, minus Tiff, M

ike, and Steve. We arrived on Friday afternoon, went out to dinner and my sis, Jess, and I went to a free Pete Yorn concert. I admit, I had never heard of Pete Yorn, but he was good and the concert was really fun.

The next day consisted of sitting by the pool and relaxing

while the boys barbecued steaks and other yummy foods.

We also went to a bunch of craft/bead stores. The next

morning we went to service at Steve and Jessica's church, which was awesome. We then spent the rest of the day at the beach in Oceanside - reading, going in the water, napping, eating, all those good things. That night we went to Benihana's for Jessica's bday dinner - yummy!

The next morning (Monday), Tiff and Mike left to go home, and the rest of us went to the San Diego Zoo. I hadn't been there since I was little and it was so much fun! We saw every animal you could imagine, plus some that I could never

name! I even got to feed a camel :) So fun! That pretty much sums up my weekend! Doesn't get much better than that!

School starts on Thursday... Eeeeeek!!

Well, I'm back in Riverside...

2009-09-01T22:22:00.001-07:00

I've been here since Sunday afternoon and I am already exhausted. It's Tuesday night and we just finished our second day of rehearsal camp... meaning two days of 12 hour rehearsals (minus lunch/dinner breaks). Even though classes haven't started yet, rehearsal camp signifies the beginning of the school year and end of the summer for me. And I'm already missing summer! Please come back!

I didn't have any specific purpose for this blog, but just wanted to post a little update :) There sure are a lot of things going on my head right now... thinking about this year, my classes, lessons, graduation, everything. Scary to think about, but I'm just trying to take everything one day at a time.

If you want to write to me, I love snail mail and care packages! ;) My address is still the same at school... love and miss you all!

A day in Avila...

2009-07-02T01:10:00.000-07:00

A bunch of us went to Avila Valley Barn to pick ollaliberries the other day. We were pumped!

But alas, they were not ripe and we all picked 1/2 of a basket combined... not good.

But we had fun walking through the peach and apricot trees...

... feeding the animals, and buying some delicious fresh fruit! (Oh and a ginormous onion!!) It was a fun adventure :)

That evening, we took the monstrous onion...

... and made about 50 delicious onion rings! (from that single onion about the size of Tiffany's head)

It was a good day :)

Cupcakes and champagne...

2009-06-30T00:21:00.000-07:00

So this summer I have found a new love for baking! Joanna and I decided to make cupcakes on Thursday... the devil's food cupcakes (with our own mix of chopped up Reese's peanut butter cups and chocolate chips) followed by champagne was an exquisite combination!

They were delicious!!!

Suuuuuuuummer fun :)

2009-06-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here and it's so good to be home!!! I'm feeling spoiled because of all the fun stuff I've been doing. Here are some highlights :)

Hanging at the beach...

Making strawberry freezer jam...

Plum jam...

Strawberry fruit leather...

Canoeing in Laguna Lake...

Directing Resound (youth ensemble) and Simple Offering (quartet)...

And spending some quality time with my girls!

It's been an awesome summer so far! More to come... :)

Thoughts...

2009-01-25T00:45:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I blogged my thoughts. I guess I just feel like I have to have something amazing to say - I can't just write to write. And then months go by and there's nothing written down. Sometimes it feels like life moves so fast and there's so much going on that there's no time to just stop and think about all the things I'm learning. Like sometimes I'm thinking so much about the next thing I'm going to experience that I forget to stop and reflect on what's actually happening now. Like there are so many things that go on that I can't just pick one thing to learn - it's all melting together - like all these experiences are simply forming... me.

I guess I usually feel like I have to have something to say or share - but this is just me. I am who I am. I'm figuring out who that is. I think I'm becoming the woman God intended me to be (I hope!) And I may not know exactly what God is teaching me every day of my life, but I do know that he is forming me... shaping me... into... what? I guess I'm not exactly sure who that is yet. I do know some of what it is. I know that I'm a person who...

loves sitting in Starbucks with a friend (old or new) talking for hours about anything and everything - pleasant and unpleasant.

I love to have serious, hard, thought-provoking conversations.

I love to laugh until my stomach hurts.

I love people who hug me and don't pull away right away.

I love when a friend walks into the room and brightens my day without speaking.

I love watching sappy chick flicks with girlfriends.

I love little kids and the way they love unconditionally and without fear of being hurt.

I love the way music can connect strangers.

I love getting letters in the mail.

I love seeing someone's face after they've received an unexpected gift.

I love cuddling.

I love to see people worshiping God and being washed over by his wonderful presence.

I love snuggling up in a warm blanket and reading a good book.

I love getting dressed up and pretty.

I love dancing when it's with someone special.

I love taking goofy pictures with friends.

I love bonfires and Reese's s'mores.

I love people who challenge me because they love me.

I love God and the fact that he's given me so many wonderful things to be thankful for.

Thank you, Jesus!

I'm exhausted...

2009-01-23T01:36:00.000-08:00

and ready for a break... and sleep.

:( Evil music history exams.

Christmas break...

2009-01-05T00:40:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened since I last posted something... finals, Laurel's wedding, Christmas travels, being at home...

So first off - my first semester at CBU is over and it was an interesting one. It has been very difficult (in ways I did not expect) but I do not regret transferring because I know that this is where God has led me. He has stretched me through this experience and will continue to do so as I have only 3 semesters to go. It's weird to think that I am already 1/4 of the way through my CBU career! Just a reminder that I need to work really hard. But I was very happy with my grades at the end of the semester :) *The above picture is from a Christmas dinner we did with some of the girls in our apartment building before going home for the holiday.

Laurel and Daniel got married (again hehe) on December 20th and I was honored enough to celebrate it with them! Laurel looked absolutely beautiful and was so happy!

After Laurel and Daniel's wedding, I returned home for Christmas with my family. We traveled to Indio, Pasadena, and Valencia this year to visit different parts of our family. It was a great time to just relax and catch up with everyone.

After Christmas, I was able to be at home for a week before heading back to school. My schedule was pretty much booked solid for the whole week, but I got to spend time with lots of people. Everyone at home is so wonderful that it makes it very difficult going back to school! But I think this semester will fly by and then I'll be home for summer :)

*Some of my former high school students/choir members (Leanne, me, Augusta, Lynne) - I love those girls so much!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2008-12-15T13:57:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the Christmas decorations in my apartment...

Some of the girls before the Christmas concerts :) (Natalie, Laura, and Stephanie - they are awesome)

Someday, I will have time to write!

2008-12-08T12:03:00.001-08:00

Ahhhhh I am one of the worst bloggers in the world lol. I'm sorry it's been forever... Update to come soon!!! :)

hosanna

2008-11-06T00:19:00.000-08:00

i see the king of glory

coming on the clouds with fire

the whole earth shakes

i see a generation

rising up to take the place

with selfless faith

i see a near revival

stirring as we pray and seek

we're on our knees

hosanna, hosanna

hosanna in the highest

hosanna, hosanna

hosanna in the highest

heal my heart and make it clean

open up my eyes to the things unseen

show me how to love like you have loved me

break my heart for what breaks yours

everything I am for your kingdom's cause

as I walk from earth into eternity

hosanna, hosanna

hosanna in the highest

hosanna, hosanna

hosanna in the highest

Beautiful...

2008-10-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

I was so unique

Now I feel skin deep

I count on the make-up to cover it all

Crying myself to sleep cause I cannot keep their attention

I thought I could be strong

But it's killing me

Does someone hear my cry?

I'm dying for new life

I want to be beautiful

Make you stand in awe

Look inside my heart,

and be amazed

I want to hear you say

Who I am is quite enough

Just want to be worthy of love

And beautiful

Sometimes I wish I was someone other than me

Fighting to make the mirror happy

Trying to find whatever is missing

Won't you help me back to glory

You make me beautiful

You make me stand in awe

You step inside my heart,

and I am amazed

I love to hear to You say

Who I am is quite enough

You make me worthy of love

and beautiful.

Thoughts...

2008-10-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

I've been contemplating a lot of things lately... being here does that to me... things are different than I thought they'd be.

Too much focus is put on things that are unimportant. All of my energy seems to go into not getting caught up in pointless drama, being in a relationship, getting married, competition, cliques, and the way you look (hair, makeup, clothes). When I'm worshipping God, does he really care if my hair is curled? Why does the shade of my lipstick matter more than the condition of my heart? Simple answer? It doesn't. I have had to make strong decisions on who/what I'm going to focus on. I can walk toward idols and superficial things, or I can follow Jesus, my Savior. Even though, I'm struck by this opposition every day, there are a few things I'm sure of...

I want to know God.

I want to know who I am in him.

I want to see things the way God intended me to see them,

not the way other people try to portray them.

I want to trust him with my life.

and know that he has an amazing journey set out for me.

I want to laugh often,

dance freely,

and hug longer.

I want him to be my best friend,

my all,

my everything.

Dishes...

2008-10-18T23:03:00.001-07:00

We've had a little problem with some of the roommates not cleaning up after themselves, so Ebony and I decided to make a couple signs.

Here's the one I made and put above the kitchen sink... :)

The new roomies :) ... minus one.

2008-10-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

(From Left to Right): Ebony, me, Amy, Kendall

Come raggio di sol

2008-10-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

Come raggio di sol mite e sereno

Sovra placidi flutti si riposa,

Mentre del mare nel profondo seno

Sta la tempesta ascosa:

Cosi riso talor gaio e pacato

Di contento, di gioia un labbro infiora,

Mentre nel suo segreto il cor piagato

S'angoscia e si martora.

As a ray of sun mild and serene,

upon placid waves itself rests,

while of the sea in the profound bosom

remains the tempest hidden,

so laughter, sometimes gay and peaceful

with contentment, with joy a lip touches,

while in its secret depths the heart wounded

anguishes and itself tortures.

it's gonna be alright, child...

2008-10-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

it's gonna be alright, child

even through the darkest night, child

i'll even use the darkness to teach you how to hear me

it's gonna be alright now

even if you don't see how

i'll even use your failure to help you to draw near me

so hear me

i am calling

child, come falling deeper in love with me

trust me

you must let go

or you will never know any deeper love in me

it's gonna be alright here

if you will let me hold your heart near

i'll even use your sorrow

to teach you how to love me

it's gonna be alright, child

i'll hold you really close and tight, child

i'll even use your woundings

to help you know more of me

so hear me

i am calling

child, come falling deeper in love with me

just trust me

you must let go

or you will never know any deeper love in me

why do you hold onto the things of your past?

let go and cling to me and love that will last

how can you know me if you do not trust my love?

let go, you'll find my love is more than enough

oh, hear me

i am calling

child, come falling deeper in love with me

oh, trust me

you must let go

or you will never know any deeper love in me

letting go will set you free

it's gonna be alright, now

even if you can't see how

i'll even use your failure to help you to draw near me.

Dennis Jernigan came and spoke/led worship at chapel yesterday. (If you don't know him, he wrote "You are my all in all"). It was an amazing time of worship. He sang the song that you see above... this song really touched me and I could tell it had the same effect on the other people in the room. God knew that it was just the thing I (and many other people) needed to hear. The song is beautiful and I hope it will touch you as much as it touched me.

It's 2am...

2008-10-03T01:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am still awake - well, just barely. I'm basically just writing this post to attempt to wake myself up... I have a "Jesus and the Gospels" exam in 6 hours and I am attempting to study, even though my mind is kind of like mush at the moment. It's not really working. Oh, well... back to work.

Sorry I haven't written an update in awhile. It's been on my list of things to do for the last week or so and things have been insanely busy. I'll try to fit it in this weekend... love to all :)

Who knew?

2008-09-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

So it's been a couple weeks since I last wrote. Classes have now begun... dun dun dun ;)

So far so good. I've been crazy busy with classes and study/practice time. Pretty much, I've fallen asleep studying every night for the last week and a half. I did get to go home this weekend, which was wonderful - got to spend some much needed time with my friends and family.

God has been stretching me so much over this first month. It's amazing how much can happen in that short amount of time. This past week, I was able to start my private voice lessons. My new teacher and I sat and talked for the first chunk of my lesson to get to know each other and when I told her I would be graduating in Spring 2010, she said, "Oh, well we better start working on your Senior recital repertoire." Whoa. Step back. It just kind of blew my mind as I was leaving my lesson thinking... who knew that I would be here one day? ... getting ready for a senior recital... working on "O mio babbino caro"??? (If you don't know of this opera piece, look it up on itunes... you'll recognize it) Crazy... yet God is awesome in that way. He will take you places and teach you things you never thought you'd learn. I'm learning so much by being here. Even though it's been quite challenging at times, I know God is going to do a ton in my heart while I am here... even if it is through the struggles and drudgery (that's a word they really like to use here in the CBU music department!)

Things have been pretty overwhelming the last week and a half, but there are a couple songs we sing in choir that make me cry every time. I really feel God surrounding me every time I sing them and it's an amazing, overwhelming feeling. Here are some of the lyrics...

All to Jesus I surrender,

All to Him I freely give,

and I will ever love and trust Him,

In His presence daily live.

All to Jesus I surrender;

Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;

Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit

Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,

Lord, I give myself to Thee;

Fill me with Thy love and Thy power,

Let Thy blessing fall on me.

Jesus, I can trust in You,

How I want to do Your will;

Come and take complete control,

Come and heal my wounded soul

Oh, when I am alone, give me Jesus.

You may have all the rest, give me Jesus.

And when I want to sing, give me Jesus.

And when I am alone, give me Jesus...

I hope you all are well and I pray that you would all keep your eyes on Jesus, no matter who or what tries to get in the way. He is so much greater than everything else in this world...

My new apartment...

2008-09-03T23:50:00.000-07:00

Since most of you won't be coming to visit me at my new apartment, here is a little tour of my new place! :) 1. my bedroom 2. my bed and desk 3. living room and one of my roommates, Amy 4. living room 5. kitchen/dining area

2.
3.

4. 5.

And my favorite part... we have 3 closets! (2 of them are walk-ins) Can you guess which sections are mine? If you can't tell, you don't know me at all! ;)

Yes the 2nd two pics are mine... my roommate and I have some differences when it comes to clothes :)

P.S. Click on the pics to magnify them... and now you've seen my place!! :)

Lots of change...

2008-09-03T23:46:00.001-07:00

For the past couple weeks, I've felt like I've been on vacation and am going to go back home soon. I'm on such new territory that it just won't settle. Well, tonight it started to set in! I was talking to my mom and she was telling me about choir practice and it hit me that so much has changed - not just in my life but all around. Not only have I moved away from the familiar, but things are never going to be the same again. That statement seems so depressing, but it's just the honest truth. Change is good, but so hard... never gets easier!

... just my thoughts at the moment.

For those of you who are computer illiterate :)

2008-09-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I stole this from my friend, Linda :) ...

Since some of you have notified me that you read my blogs habitually and want to comment but don't know how...

Step 1: Click at the bottom of the post where it says "0" Comments

Step 2a: If you want to make an account, go to "Choose an identity" and click "Sign up here." It will walk you through entering email and making a password. Or...

Step 2b: If you don't want to make an account, just click the dot on anonymous instead.

Step 3: Next, just type your comment in the box, type the word verification in the other box, and click "Publish Your Comment"

Note: If you post anonymously, sign your name at the bottom of the comment section so I know it's you!

And you're done! :) So comment away...

At the beach in Oceanside...

2008-09-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?

Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.

Come and make my heart your home.

Come and be everything I am and all I know.

Search me through and through

'til my heart becomes a home for you...

...nice day at the beach. Time to relax, read, listen to music, journal, pray? GOOD. Sunburns? BAD... very bad :(

Great weekend so far!

2008-08-31T23:24:00.000-07:00

My sister, Tiffany, came down south this last Friday and Saturday to celebrate our friend, Katherine's 21st birthday. Friday night we had a great girls night and then Saturday we went to the Hollywood Bowl and saw John Williams live in concert!!!!!!!! He was conducting his own music and it was absolutely AMAZING. It was just incredible sitting through a concert hearing all of the beautiful music he's written. For those of you who don't know who John Williams is, he has written the music from:

Star Wars

E.T.

Jaws

Indiana Jones

Superman

Harry Potter

The Olympics

Sabrina (the remake)

Jurassic Park

Hook

... and many many more greats. If you're interested, here's a link to his many compositions:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002354/

Sitting through the concert, I was in awe of all of the beautiful music he's composed. It just makes me wonder what goes through a person's mind who writes such awesome music! Really... how do you do that?? How do you hear the melodies and arrangements? Orchestrations? AMAZING.

That was a great start to the long weekend. Tiff had to go home Saturday night, but this morning (Sun), my Auntie Susan and cousin Brooke picked me up and brought me to San Diego. We're now staying with and visiting with my cousin Jessica... it's the first time I've gotten to visit her at her house and it's just been really relaxing and nice to laugh and let your guard down with people who know and love you. We also went to BJ's and had pizzookies tonight... mmmmmm :)

A couple more days of fun and school starts on Thursday! Eek! :)

Happy 21st Birthday, Katherine!!

2008-08-30T18:12:00.001-07:00

Today I miss...

2008-08-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Burrito Loco tacoooooooooos!!! Mm...

I miss...

2008-08-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

people who love me and give me big hugs.

Tired...

2008-08-25T21:01:00.001-07:00

Music rehearsal camp is finally over... 27 total hours of singing in the last 3 days. Enough said.

But good news! I finally got my new laptop... Macbook Pro! :) It's so pretty... and now I can finally reconnect with all of you. For those of you who didn't get one of my contact cards, my new address is:

Tamara Shibata

8432 Magnolia Ave. Box 1216

Riverside, CA 2504

(My cell is still the same... and so is my email address... poglovertcs@juno.com)

I have school email, but I'll mainly be using the juno address. Just in case you didn't know, I LOVE snail mail :) But who doesn't?

It's only been 3 days, but I can already tell God is going to be teaching me a ton here. It doesn't quite feel like home yet, but I'm getting settled. It still feels like I'm on a trip and will be home soon. I've met a ton of random people so far. No lifetime friends yet :) but I'll get there.

Love to all :)

I made it...

2008-08-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

I'm finally at CBU - moved into my apartment yesterday and have already unpacked all my stuff. Finding a way to store all of my shoes was a task, but I found a way :) I'll post pics of my new place once I get my new laptop on Monday (my roommate is letting me use her comp)...

So yesterday was move-in/check-in. My family came down and helped me move my stuff in, took me to Target to get a few essentials and went on their way. I unpacked a little and then went to a music student meeting for announcements, then dinner in the Alumni Dining Commons and music registration (picking up music, pictures, and signing up for private instruction). Then I went over to an ice cream social in the ADC and met my Focus Team leaders (that's the group I'll be doing activities with during orientation). They were very nice and we had fun just visiting. Then back to the apartment to unpack more and sleep...

Today was a LONG day. Singing from 9am to 9pm. TWELVE HOURS... in case you didn't add it up :) I'm exhausted, yet refreshed at the same time. Lots of good music, sight reading, and tons of amazingly talented musicians. It's pretty overwhelming. I've never really been in an environment like this. Doc put me on the spot to sing in front of everybody already - geez, I thought I'd be okay on the first day! :) He played this game where he picked a song with a long solo and he'd just pick different people to sing the solo for awhile and then pick another person. When he explained it, I was dreading it, then thought he'd only pick veterans, but no. I was wrong. I didn't have much time to think... as I was avoiding eye contact, I heard "Shibata!" and looked up to see him point at me and start the music... eek! It went well, but it's just really intimidating cause there's just so much talent here! So pray for me if you think of it! :)

Okay, I need to sleep now.

I miss you all and hope all is well. Please keep me updated with your lives. Shoot me an email or give me a call...

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

2008-08-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

Taco night has been conquered... Tonight, Tamara Shibata finished a full plate of tacos (One plate = 6 tacos). It may not seem amazing, but you can't judge until you've tried it.

TRY IT.

Record:
Date: Monday, August 28th, 2008
Start time: 5:21pm
Finish time: 6:06pm
Tacos consumed: 6
Pain? Yes.
Vomit? No.
Again? Sure...

Dare to try? :)

More than you'll ever know...

2008-08-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Shelanie, introduced me to a new song this past week and it's been in my head ever since. It's called "More Than You'll Ever Know" by Watermark. The more I listen to it, the more I can relate to it. It pretty much sums up my relationship with my friends and church family over the past few years... God is good and has blessed me with people in my life that I can truly thank him for everyday. I think I'll be sharing this song in church next Sunday (Aug 17th) - so when you hear it, please know that I am singing it to you...

Somethin' brought you to my mind today
I thought about the funny ways you make me laugh
And yet I feel like it's okay to cry with you
Somethin' about just bein' with you
When I leave I feel like I've been near God
And that's the way it ought to be
Yeah

'Cause you've been more than a friend to me
You fight off my enemies
'Cause you've spoken the truth over my life
And you'll never know what it means to me
Just to know you've been on your knees for me
Oh you have blessed my life
More than you'll ever know

You had faith when I had none
You prayed God would bring me a brand new song
When I didn't think I could find the strength to sing
And all the while I'm hoping that I'll
Do the kind of praying for you that you've done for me
And that's the way it ought to be
Yeah

You've carried me
You've taken upon a burden
That wasn't your own
And may the blessing return to you
A hundred fold

Cause you've been more than a friend to me
You fight off my enemies
Cause you've spoken the truth over my life
And you'll never know what it means to me
Just to know you've on your knees for me
Oh you have blessed my life
More than you'll ever know
Yeah yeah yeah

More than you'll ever know...

Offering

2008-08-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

The sun cannot compare to the glory of your love
There is no shadow in your presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before your throne
Before the holy one of Heaven

And it's only by your blood
And it's only through your mercy
Lord, I come.

I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus may you receive the honor that you're due
Oh Lord I bring an offering to you

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated Lord to thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of thy love

Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for thee
Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from thee

Take my will and make it thine
It shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is thine own
It shall be thy royal throne
Take myself and I will be
Ever only all for thee
Ever only all for thee

3 weeks...

2008-07-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

And so the countdown continues... 3 weeks from today, I will be packing up and moving down to Riverside, CA. I officially started packing last night, and let me tell you - my room is a mess (and will be a mess until I leave). I just can't believe it's actually happening. I've been trying to go to CBU for 4 years now... how did this happen?

Pictures from Europe and Mammoth...

2008-07-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
In case you didn't notice, I posted pictures to go along with all of my Europe and Mammoth entries... check em out :-)!

Love,
T

For those of you who are sad and don't know about COACH...

2008-07-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

Go to this website...

coach.com

I love Mammoth...

2008-07-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I love being here. It's so relaxing and I love getting to see my family - especially my cousins that I only see a few times a year. What a funny group - lots of laughs and crazy stories. Plus... drum roll please...

I got a new COACH purse today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I am so happy.

Since no one seems to remember when I'm coming home... I will be back this Saturday (July 19th) and will be in and out until I move down to Riverside August 21st... So make some time and give me a call so we can have coffee! :)

Back in the states...

2008-07-15T08:21:00.001-07:00

Hi all!
Tiff and I made it back safely last night. It was a long day of traveling... in total, I think it was 22 hours of travel time - phew! We flew out of Rome at 10am (9 1/2 hour flight) and had a 3 hour lay over in NY. Going through customs wasn't too bad, and then back on a plane for 6 hours. We got into LAX by 8:30pm where our parents picked us up and we stayed the night at my uncle and aunt's house. So it's 8:30am but it really feels like 5:30pm for me. It was a long travel day but I'm glad to be back. In about a half an hour, our family will meet the rest of the Shibatas in Mammoth. Woo hoo!

Til next time,
Tamara

Almost home...

2008-07-13T01:46:00.001-07:00

So our trip is finally coming to a close. It's gone by so fast, yet Paris seems like ages ago. I am happy to be going home and seeing everyone again... now reality will start to set in. The anticipation of coming back hit me last night while I was trying to sleep - just thinking about all that we've seen, the people we've met, the cultures experienced. God has blessed us with this amazing experience and I'll treasure it for years to come.

I can't wait to see my family in Mammoth, though. For those of you who don't know, the whole Shibata family gets together for one week each summer to relax, fish, and just catch up. I'm looking forward to seeing my little cousins and taking a breath before I go back to the rush of SLO life :) Once I get home, things are going to get crazy. I'll only have a month back in SLO/AG before moving down to Riverside. The list of things to do before then seem endless... yet I'm still looking forward to it.

Tiff and I start our long journey home tomorrow morning, so please be praying that we get back safely...

Love to all,
Tamara

PS Brooke - check your facebook RIGHT NOW haha.

Roman ruins...

2008-07-13T01:43:00.000-07:00

Walking around the Roman ruins yesterday, I couldn't help but stand in awe of their beauty. It's really the history behind them that make them so amazing. These walls have been through so much and now all that's left are pieces. Pieces of countless stories and events...

Who knew that something "ruined" could be so beautiful.

When in Rome...

2008-07-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

So we made it to Rome. Pretty tired, but in one piece :) Yesterday, we wandered around the city and saw the Trevi Fountain (gorgeous!) and the Pantheon... both amazing. Today we spent the day in Vatican city... no we didn't see the pope. I had my heart set on a good pope story, but alas he is at his summer house. We spent the day in the Vatican Museum (The Sistine Chapel - oh man, you have no idea) and also in St. Peter's Church... that one pretty much topped all of the churches we've seen so far. I can't wait to share all of my pics with you! Tomorrow we will see the Colosseum and ruins - really excited about that one. Then we have one day to relax before our 18 hour travel day back to the states. We'll then go to Mammoth for a week with our fam... please keep praying for us as we finish our trip and travel back home!

I hope all is well with everyone. I feel so cut off from the world when I'm in a different country - weird. Well, more cut off from my friends :) I can't wait to see you all and swap some stories. If you've never traveled Europe... be careful! The travel bug will get ya bad!

Brooke (before I forget) - will you PLEASE save me a chile rilleno (sp?) since I'm missing that meal?? I will love you forever if you do... and also if you don't hehe. You're such a good cousin. And don't forget pics to update me on your life.

Venice

2008-07-09T02:51:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
We've made it safely to Italy once again. Venice is much better than Milan - the canals and city are beautiful. You just can't take a bad picture! Yesterday we spent our time wandering around the city and getting lost... lots of good shopping here (be excited dad).

Being here is wonderful, but reminding me to appreciate the small things like:

ice
using the restroom for free
having clean clothes
using the telephone
doing our hair
grid maps from America
free internet
friends

There are some good things about traveling, though... other than seeing great new places. We've been making some good friends. Room 206 forever! :) We have found making friends with other travelers to be fun. We met a couple from England, two cousins from Kansas City, Martin from France, a family from Ireland, and girls from Chicago.

Tomorrow morning we will fly to Rome and enjoy 4 relaxing days there... then home again! We miss you all!! I'm eating enough Gelato for all of you :)

Love,
T