Mel's World

Say it ain't so!

2010-03-09T21:49:00.006-05:00

Not long now...

2010-03-08T20:04:00.003-05:00

Test footage

2010-02-27T07:40:00.005-05:00

Untitled from Melissa DiLernia on Vimeo.

Going thru the archives...

2010-02-07T15:48:00.003-05:00

Yellow...meet Red

2010-02-05T20:09:00.003-05:00

Sunshine...

2010-01-30T16:06:00.004-05:00

Oh, Sunshine...

Why do you deceive me?

9˚F full moon

2010-01-29T18:43:00.002-05:00

2010-01-08T20:47:00.004-05:00

2010-01-05T21:58:00.004-05:00

Just want to share some aspects of the first 5 chapters I appreciated...

One: This chapter really helps to answer a question that haunts most of our minds daily: "Why was sin permitted?". The beauty of it, is that in the midst of pain, suffering and death, we find God's everlasting love. Because of that love, He created beings with a free, moral

will---one that is able to choose to love God, or to not love God. He did not create us as robots, programmed to obey His every command. It amazes me just how much Lucifer gave up, just to satisfy himself...yet how often do we do just the same? I am thankful for the promise at the end of this chapter that one day, all inhabitants of the earth, both loyal and disloyal, will understand this great conflict fully.

Two: The story of "The Creation" is one of my favorites. I find God revealed in nature daily, and I love to reflect on how it must have been in a perfect world. The creation also points us right to the Sabbath. We cannot believe that God was tired after 6 days of creating, yet He rested on the seventh, as an example for us!

Three: "The Temptation and Fall" was something that could have been avoided. Adam and Eve had been warned of the danger that threatened them. Yet these warnings were disregarded, a lesson to us all. They were SO close to God, yet they made the same mistakes as we do!! "In the judgement men will not be condemned because they conscientiously believed a lie, but because they did not believe the truth, because they neglected the opportunity of learning what truth is." Eve believed the words of Satan over the words of God. It is hard to imagine what it must have been like after the fall, witnessing the first signs of decay; a drooping flower and falling leaves. At this, Adam and Eve mourned even more deeply than we do today over the dead.

Four: Much hope is brought by "The Plan of Redemption"! The theme repeats itself that GOD IS LOVE. The angels themselves offered to become sacrifices for men, but that was not possible! "Only He who created man had power to redeem him." In a world of sadness there is hope!

Five: The two classes of mankind are revealed in "Cain and Abel Tested". There are those that accept Christ as our sacrifice for sin, and yet there are those that depend on their own merits and works to save themselves. Cain knew what was to be expected of his sacrifice, but still chose to do it his way. After being rejected, and having been reasoned with by God and Abel, he KNEW Abel was right, but received no sympathy in his rebellion and then killed his brother. God's mercy is again shown, as he spares the first murderer, AND gave him the opportunity to repent. To this, Cain hardened his heart. My prayer is that we do not do the same!

365 days

2010-01-04T21:10:00.006-05:00

So...Happy New Year to all!! We're 4 days in and I'm really looking forward to 2010 and all it has in store. I am excited be starting out the year in a quest to get to know my Creator even more...so I've decided to start reading through the Conflict of the Ages. If you haven't heard, these are some amazing books that start right along with Genesis and lead you all the way to the 2nd coming of Jesus. They are perfect to read right along with the Bible. I want to encourage any of you that are doing the same to keep it up!! Though we may get discouraged, and time may slip by, keep it up. Not just to say you read through a book, but for all the closer you will be to Jesus by the time you are done!

Here is the link if you want to join....it's not too late!! It's just one chapter a day. Couldn't be any more simple!

This blog is going to serve a purpose for me:

1. It is my accountability partner. Look for my posts. Ask me why they are not there if you don't see recent updates!!

2. It will be a way for me to express what I have gained from my reading. Feel free to share your comments as well!!

and 3. To encourage others to do the same. Or to do whatever God has called you to do to further your relationship with Him!!

Tomorrow I'll post a short summary of the 1st 5 chapters, and from then on, daily post my thoughts about each chapter.

REMEMBER:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

It's hip to be square

2009-11-21T14:33:00.006-05:00

Abstraction

2009-10-28T23:17:00.001-04:00

Please remind me...

2009-10-27T22:33:00.001-04:00

because I seem to forget.

Why wasn't I born a cat???

Welcome Fall...

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...with hooks and needles.

For you, Jess...

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...I haven't forgotten you :)

Full moon @ Tibbetts Point

2009-06-07T22:14:00.002-04:00

Shot this last night...

Pathfinder Fair

2009-05-11T21:33:00.006-04:00

Yesterday we spent the whole day in Lansing at the

Pathfinder Fair at The Summit.

We started out the day with the parade.

Seth prepares the drill team.

This one was a lot of fun...the BigFoot Race :)

Even us staff got a chance to race!

Getting ready for Knots

Chase works on his photo skills...

while Adrian gets dragged to the finish line.

We had 2 finalists in the PineWood Derby. Here's Sean's car.

Yes, it does go right side up...but just put the graphite in before this photo. :)

Autumn was our other finalist.

Table of trophies

The Holly Herons ended up with all three: 200 Club,

Pathfinder Fair and Pathfinder Camporee.

Great job Holly Herons!!!

And their heads were red...

2009-05-09T21:13:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Tabitha and Josh! Their twin girls,

Abbey and Addyson, were born May 1st and are SO cute!!

"So when are we gonna see some action???"

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...more to come

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The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

Caleb cuteness :)

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Also found this cool covered bridge on my way home. Built in 1879!!

Challege #3

2009-04-20T22:10:00.006-04:00

"City"

(click on the pano to make larger)

You know I can't post just one! :)

Photocation...

2009-04-13T19:45:00.010-04:00

So yesterday, we spent the day up north. Our so-called fishing trip turned into a great day of photo snapping!

It was beautiful and oh-so relaxing...a little mini vacation.

Fun Times...

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The many faces of Emma & Sharon...

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Challege #2

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"Night Vision"

Couldn't choose just one! :)

Love & Marriage...

2009-04-05T11:31:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I had the privilege to shoot some photos for the couples attending the Marriage Connections weekend at the Embassy Suites in Livonia. What a great group of people! Of course I had to get a few shots for myself...

Take me back...

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Challenge

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"Simplicity"

Portrait of a Goose...

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Fly

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Three of a kind...

The Red Wings Are Back!!!

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And no...I don't mean hockey :)

Spring has sprung...

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"Hello"

2009-03-15T00:14:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Leigh!!

2009-03-13T22:46:00.003-04:00

What a great time we had at Leigh's 12th birthday party tonight! :)

Sunday...

2009-02-15T12:56:00.000-05:00

This is how it typically looks.

Snowy Dog Days of Winter

2008-12-21T10:02:00.003-05:00

Here kitty kitty :)

2008-12-17T23:48:00.005-05:00

So, I got a new lens and I had to test it out on America's next top model,

my kitty!

She's an oldie, but goodie at 16 years old.

We got her a couple of months ago, but she still remains nameless.

I'm thinking something like Ethel...Betty...Maude.

Something sophisticated that shows her age :)

I love the way her whiskers look in this shot!

MSD Photography

2008-10-27T22:44:00.006-04:00

So...I have a new blog site for the business.

Check it out at:

www.msd-photography.com

Pine Ranch

2008-10-21T17:27:00.006-04:00

I spent this last weekend camping at Pine Ranch with 12 of our Pathfinders. We arrived Friday afternoon and began setting up camp. We have four AWESOME brand new Cabela's tents...sure to keep us dry! The rain fly goes almost all the way to the ground and there is a vestibule out front also. Our club is SO excited to have these! Thanks to all that donated! :)

After setting up, we heading over to the fire to make bread on a stick. We could make either cinnamon sugar or garlic bread. YUUUM! They both were great!

After that, we were taken on a walk around the property grounds.

Chase is all ready to get lost in the wood....he's got his compass, headlamp and plenty of water!

Daisy was an awesome host! The kids loved her and she had a great time with them all.

On our walk, we had a mock-broken leg situation. The Pathfinders learned to handle the emergency situation in the woods.

After dinner, we had vespers...and then some time fire time before we headed to bed for the first of our 2 chilly nights!

Sabbath morning, after a hot oatmeal breakfast, we headed out on a compass search. We were given the coordinates which directed us to letters all around the property that formed words such as "Commandments" and "Hope".

Next was worship by Chad Bernard where we were reminded how it will be in Heaven. He explained that when we get to Heaven, being first or the best will no longer be an issue. Self will come last. This led the Pathfinders to all want to go LAST through the lunch line after! :) Very inspiring!!

Here I am trying to warm up and catch some missed ZZZ's after lunch. :)

We drank a lot of HOT drinks to try to keep warm through the day...

After working on their camping skills, the Pathfinders had a soup cook-off.

Each club prepared a soup from of a table full of ingredients and which was later judged.

Using reflector ovens to bake the biscuits.

Everyone awaits the results from the Soup Judge :)

After evening worship, we were surprised by a SUPER bonfire!! It was gigantic!! And kept us all warm while the Pathfinders played their annual game of Capture the Flag.

Saturday night was exceptionally coooooold. I could not wait for morning when the sun would come out again to warm us!! We woke up to frost on our tents. Even our mugs that we left out on the table were frosty!!

The Reds :)

Sunday morning, we finished up our camping skills and received honors. Then it was time to pack up and head home.

One last shot of Daisy :)

It was an awesome campout for all!

There was friendship, camping skills and most of all spiritual encouragement.

The Holly Herons!!!

The whole group @ Pine Ranch

After such a busy weekend...

we hardly can stay awake to unload the trailer!

Applesaucin...08

2008-09-29T20:52:00.003-04:00

Camporeeeeee!!

2008-09-23T21:11:00.010-04:00

Well, just about 10 days ago I was packing my stuff for my FIRST annual Pathfinder Camporee. It was an awesome experience! Here are a few photos...

This was our entertainment for the 2+ hour ride to Camp Au Sable...

Ready to set up those tents!!

The boys' new tent-mate for the weekend :)

By Saturday night,

these guys were wondering why they even spent the

time to set these tents up!!

Of course we had the daily hair washing...

this is how to blowdry :)

Feeling refreshed!

On our way to the NEW Pavillion!!

Terry Dodge being recognized...

Warming up for their special music...

Just the beginning of a whole lot of rain...

Not sure what these guys are up to, but sure looks fun!!

Two words:

HOBO PIES!!!

This was her first one ever!

The kids all got glow sticks Saturday night...

Oooooh lots of fun!!

Sunday morning events...

GO HOLLY HERONS!!

Yesterday...

2008-09-07T21:38:00.014-04:00

It seems like EVERYONE is pregnant! So...with the recent BabyBoom, I decided to start a little program of my own. I am now a proud member of the "Rent-A-Kid" Society. Actually the president as well. Well, truth is...I am the whole club. It's great, you get a kid, have a blast with them, and then back they go to mom and dad! What more could you want. I never had to change a diaper, punish, spank, or lose any sleep at night.

It's perfect!!

All kidding aside...I did have a blast with Adrian yesterday. He has been PLEADING to go kayaking all summer, so finally we got out to the lake. And we really did have to watch for snakes! His brother Seth found one in the water and was trying to catch it with his bare hands! Crrrrazy!

Adrian was proud to show me the shirt he wore for

school registration. :)

Looks like such an innocent face...
wait to you try to play a game of Battleship!
He'll sink them all on you!!

On the way home from the park, we caught the launching of

3 hot air balloons...always exciting!!

And of COURSE we had to do some bouncin' and flips on the tramp! Well, I did more photography than bouncing, but we still had fun.

We had a great time...I was once again reminded why God says we must become like children. It was a Sabbath of wonder and awe, excitement and simplicity, refreshing and carefree...Matthew 18:3

The Deceptive Shiawassee...

2008-08-16T01:02:00.004-04:00

Well, I can honestly say I had my WORST

kayaking experience tonight!

OK, well worst makes it sound bad, but it was definitely

the most adventurous!

And to think, I never even left Fenton....

The evening started out nice....

Sun was beginning to set...

Pretty trees...

Calm waters...

I even look happy!

This was the first of many down logs we had to cross.

One of the several bridges we went under...

You can see the water level is very low, made it tough...

Even in our "flat-bottom boats"! HA :)

Unfortunately there is no footage to prove our adventure, but just ask...

We'll tell you the story!!

A couple hours past and the sun was gone. We had climbed over more logs, been tipped out of our kayaks, wadded in hip deep water, scraped bottom over low water levels,

nearly lost flip-flops in the muck...

all the while, escaping that mysterious noise in the brush...

WHAT WAS THAT?

We were going delerious, so we decided to yank out our boats at Georgetown Apartment complex, where my mother came to our rescue.

Thanks Mom! We owe ya :)

Well, we never made it to our destination...

but there's always next time!!

Or maybe we'll just head for that peaceful lake instead....

The thought of the Shiawassee will definitely come back to haunt me!! HA ;)

Senior Sneak-Peak...

2008-08-13T23:29:00.005-04:00

Here's a few images from some 2009 SENIORS!! Plenty more to follow... :)

Chippy

2008-08-05T06:41:00.004-04:00

I spent last week camping at the 1000 Islands in NY.

It was so awesome!

This is the visitor we had at our site every morning....

I wanted to take him home SO badly! ;)

Weddings...

2008-07-18T20:25:00.003-04:00

Just a few images from past weddings...

Summer in the Woods...

2008-07-12T20:38:00.002-04:00

It's so cool to live out where the wild things are. :)

These are some sightings from my backyard today...

Lots of babies!!

Porcupine Mountains!!

2008-07-12T19:14:00.013-04:00

This has got to be the biggest blog yet!!

A few weeks ago I went on a backpacking trip to

the UP (Upper Penninsula).

It was the best trip! I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

The Porcupine Mts are awesome!! The pictures speak for themselves.

I am SO proud to be a Michigander!! :)

Brad & Cara

2008-06-16T22:13:00.003-04:00

Tonight I had a blast doing an engagement session with some friends, Brad and Cara. They will be getting married in October. WOW! It's coming so quickly!!

You guys have great energy together!

May God continue to bless you both as you prepare for marriage!

Seth's Baptism

2008-06-08T20:51:00.009-04:00

Yesterday I had the priveledge of attending the baptism of Seth Campbell! It was great to be a part of his special day. Seth is one of the students in my Sabbath School class. He and his brothers are some of my good pals :)

There were lots of family and friends present to encourage Seth in his decision for Christ.

Last but not least, who could forget Mrs. Killdeer and her precious eggs??? Her nest was just outside the pool gate, so every time someone came in or out she would start her shrieking. Remember next time you build a nest...Location, location, location!!

Congratulations Seth!

"Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth,

before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say,

'I have no delight in them.'"

Ecclesiastes 12:1

Silly Lilly :)

2008-06-08T12:32:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend Fun

2008-05-26T14:31:00.009-04:00

This weekend I got to do lots of fun stuff!! What a packed 4 days! Sabbath afternoon we went kayaking at the park and ran into a bunch of friends who happily tested out the water for us! :)

Dog sitting Baxter is a lot of fun too. He is a great pal to have around...likes doing anything I do outside right along with me. He even camped out with us Sunday night! He's a trooper :)

I even got to see CALEB! That was great, he's getting even bigger and CUTER...as if that's possible. The whole gang went out for ice cream but Caleb was the star for me :)

I also got to add another bird to my list this weekend...a Horned Lark. The image I took was not very good but this is what one looks like...

Hiking "Baker" Trail...

2008-05-20T21:35:00.004-04:00

Well...in a few short weeks, I'll be taking a backpacking trip with some friends to the Porcupine Mts. So we decided we better start preparing ourselves for the hike :)

These are some images from our excursion...

I can't wait to go!!

2008 8th Graders!!

2008-05-15T23:09:00.006-04:00

Last Friday I had the privilege to work with some awesome kids from

Adelphian Junior Academy.

8th Grade 2008

Ashley

Celeste

Julie

Emily

Carr

Michael

Seth

The weather was awesome and had a blast at the park downtown Fenton!

What a great looking group!! May God bless each and everyone of you as you continue your education. Counting the days til gradutation...

At the end, they surprised me with a homemade cookie and great

stuff from Bath & Body! WooHoo!

THANK YOU all for being such a blast to work with!! ;)

Blackburnian Warbler

2008-05-14T20:41:00.009-04:00

Wow! Was I excited to find a NEW bird species in my yard today!! Sadly, it had hit the front window in our house and was laying on the ground for about 1/2 hr and then I went outside to check it out. It took off and flew a little up into a pine tree where it sat patiently for a photo shoot :) This shot led me to identify it as a male Blackburnian Warbler. It winters all the way from Costa Rica to Peru. Whew! That's a long flight! Such a cute little bird :)

Grand Blanc Youth Rally...

2008-05-03T22:21:00.003-04:00

Spring Pix...

2008-05-02T22:52:00.007-04:00

Well...it's been a little while since I've posted, but here are some images from our first "spring's-on-the-way" trip to Kennsington Park on Sabbath April 5. I'm sure you've noticed that this is one of my favorite places to take photos. :)

Of course we got to see lots of birds,
but no Turdus migratorius quite yet... ;)

Hanging out with the Campbell guys is always an adventure!

Jumpin' jack rabbit --- Adrian...

The amazing woodpecker-catcher---Seth...
Good thing I got this shot or you
would have thought I made it up, eh???

Always looking for adventure---Nathan...
What will he think of next??!!

The littlest buddy...

We got up close and personal with the Sandhill Cranes...that was a pretty cool sight. The sound was amazing! They were calling to each other out over the swamp. These hooligans thought they could sneak up on one...

Hand feeding the chickadees, one of my favorite birds...

And once again I am amazed at the fun and adventure God has created for us right outside our own backdoors. What a refreshing way to spend Sabbath afternoon, in nature and with growing, little people. I learn so much from both, all the wonder and awe if we just stop to take a look...

Cress-filled Weekend!!

2008-03-30T20:39:00.009-04:00

This weekend I had a BLAST hanging out with my youngest friend...CALEB!!

Oh yeah, and his parents were there too ;)

We had lots of laughs and smiles. He is talking already, I just need a translator to understand his babbles. :)

Jessica and I had a great time catching up and reminiscing, at the same time...we even got some girl time for Sunday brunch. Thanks Barry ;)

What a cool thing to see this guy change so much in 15 months...to think he started with one little cell. God's hand is definately evident in seeing him grow.

I love my new buddy! Can't wait til we can do it again!!

RED SQUIRRELS!

2008-03-10T19:47:00.011-04:00

After a conversation about red squirrels this past Sabbath and how I thought we didn't get them at my house...I woke up to see them having brunch on the deck Sunday morning!! How cool is that! :) There were two of them, among the other fox squirrels...at a low of only 6 present at the time.

Just to show you how "Squirrel Smart" I am, I have actually seen these guys here before, but just called them cute, baby squirrels...all along I thought they were just youngin's of the other ones! HAHA

A cardinal shows up for the fun...

while the woodpecker plays hide and seek with me.
"Now you see me...

...now you don't!"

Mmmmm...sunflower seeds are sure a favorite for me!!

Happy Sabbath from the long lost world of blog...

2008-03-01T15:02:00.003-05:00

Today is a beautiful sunny Michigan day...the first day of MARCH. I think this will be a new month's resolution to keep my blog updated!! HA HA we'll see how long that one lasts.

Here's some fun pix from Katie's new laptop...

So...keep checking back for updates!!

Applesaucin'

2007-11-04T16:57:00.001-05:00

Today we made FRESH applesauce...YUUM :) Being the hi-tech Martha Stewarts we are, we searched the net for ideas and recipes...

My job was sure apeelin'!!!

Sizzlin and simmerin...

OH NO! It's the apple stealin' bandit!!

Aunt Jamima and her twin HAHAH these are a MUST for applesauce makin, right Mel???

All the leftovers...

M&M Applesauce...

Get yourself a jar today!!

Kensington Revisited...

2007-11-03T23:05:00.000-04:00

Today was a beautiful fall Sabbath day, the perfect afternoon to spend out in nature. The colors are awesome right now...

Looks like some fishy business going on here...

Here we go to hand feed the birds once again...

This shot is one of my favs...

Some interesting milkweed facts...

Milkweed is a common folk remedy used for removing warts. Milkweed sap is applied directly to the wart several times daily until the wart falls off.

Milkweed filaments or floss are coated with wax, and have good insulation qualities. Tests have shown them to be superior to down feathers for insulation. During World War II, over 11 million pounds (5000 t) of milkweed floss were collected in the United States as a substitute for kapok.

In the past, the high dextrose content of the nectar led to milkweed's use as a source of sweetener for Native Americans and voyageurs.

We got to see swans...

And even got up close with the Sandhill Cranes!!!

Go-go gadget SuperDave arm!!

Tom and Dave practice their bird catching stance...

Of course, we ended the Sabbath with a beautiful sunset...

What a blessing to spend time in God's second book!

DInner Guests...

2007-11-03T21:59:00.000-04:00

Last night I had the priviledge of having some visitors for dinner. Well, we didn't actually get to dine together...but we did have some fun :)

Here's a shot of the family. Little buster over there wouldn't get his head out of the corn long enough to look up with the rest of the bunch...

But he did pose in this fashion shot. Here he is sporting the new winter coat for the season, shown here in dark brown...

"Got any dessert for us??"

Well, if you had come over this afternoon, you could have enjoyed some yummy Pumpkin Dump Cake with the rest of us!!

And boy was it yummy :)

Pomegrantes...

2007-11-02T22:21:00.000-04:00

Tonight I got to eat my 1st pomegranate of the season! YUM! I love the rich vibrant red color of this fruit :) Here's some little known facts about one of my favorite fruits...

The name "pomegranate" derives from Latin pomum ("apple") and granatus ("seeded").

Pomegranate juice stains clothing permanently unless it is washed out immediately with water — only bleach can remove stains.

Grenadine syrup, used in mixed drinks, was originally made from pomegranates, however most grenadine no longer contains any fruit, only corn syrup and food colouring

Pomegranate juice will turn blue when subjected to basic (ie alkaline) conditions (similar to litmus paper).

Even though this fruit does not originate from China, one common nickname is "Chinese apple."

Exodus 28:33–34 directed that images of pomegranates be woven onto the borders of Hebrew priestly robes.
1 Kings 7:13–22 describes pomegranates depicted in the temple King Solomon built in Jerusalem.

Night sky

2007-10-29T22:26:00.000-04:00

I took these images tonight after coming home from volleyball. I saw a beautiful orange moon so I grabbed my camera and headed back outside.

At first glance, this one looks like sunrise to me...

Starry, starry night...

This one proves that the first image really is the moon :)

It was like a fall harvest moon, crisp quiet air, the perfect autumn night!

Youth Rally & Sweet Lorraines

2007-10-28T18:38:00.000-04:00

Well, yesterday I attended my 6th bi-annual AYNet youth rally. We had about 60 youth attending, toughing it out on a rainy, chilly October Sabbath. The day began with registration and then they broke into small groups for Sabbath school study...

We actually had the privilege to have THREE guest speakers! And the best part was they were all youth. 2 of them were from the Warren church and the other from ARISE in Troy. They all spoke about identity and who we are in Christ...

Then after a yummy lunch of haystacks...we headed out for outreach. There were some that wrote letters to service men, some doing door-to-door and then some visiting shut-ins, which is what my group did. We had an awesome group of about 13 people visit a member of the Livingston church and I think we sang possibly ALL the songs from "He is our song"!! We sang so many songs...but they loved hearing us. You could tell we really made their day, just by having a group of young people visiting. We also sang Happy Birthday to a lady turning 93 in the nursing home :) She was so sweet. Here's a picture of Brianna driving us back to the church...JUST KIDDING :)

After the evening program and dinner, we had gym night...
Volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and of course, Bible Twister :) hahah "Right foot, Red sea"....

It was an awesome day for all...God blessed and I believe we were all encouraged to find our identity in CHRIST.

After a short night of sleep, we work up early this morning to attend a special women's ministry breakfast with the ladies from the South Lyon church. We went to Sweet Lorraine's in Livonia and boy was it yummy!!! Fresh made waffles and omletts and all the rest...

Mary and I could hardly climb out of bed this morning to make it there. We almost skipped out, but we sure would have missed out!!

After that breakfast, I'm wondering if this saying is true. Hahahha

After a great weekend, I am EXHAUSTED!! Here it is, 7:15 and I'm ready for bed!! So, goodnight to all!

It was a dark and stormy night...ok well rainy...

2007-10-26T22:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Sabbath all!! So here we are again...time for the daily blog. Today I went to work and then dinner at the Cischke's where we had the FUN experience of making POP POP POP POPCORN!!!

We used only quality ingredients...

Mmmm black jewell popcorn, fresh from Spicers Orchard...

And pure "Salt of the Earth" Celtic Sea Salt, straight from France...

Combined with some EVOO, creates this masterpiece...

How did we get such a good looking pot of POPcorn???

First Dave...Cischke-shakes the corn and oil to make a little pop action...

Then Michelle...Cischke-shakes the salt...

Then I...DiLernia-devour the yummy end result!!

You want some too???

Extra edition:

These photos are especially for JessCress...these are the new shoes, times 4 of course!!! Charcoal and pink they are...

One more thing...we will be having our Youth Rally tomorrow at the Livingston Church, so if you can, keep that in your prayers...hope you all have a good weekend!!! Until next time...This is MSD signing off. Goodnight :)

A no photo day for Melissa...

2007-10-25T22:35:00.000-04:00

Well, today started out sad for me. As I ran out of the house, LATE as always, 1/2 way down my road, i realized i forgot my celly phone, AND my camera. i was thinking of my blog for the day already hahah :) So, now i will just have to give you "word pictures" i started out at work as normal. then i had a chance to go to lunch with some frineds. Sarah, Michelle and i have a running lunch date on thursdays. so today we met at Garnish. now to the uneducated, you might pronounce that as it appears. but to the educated Garnish-goer...you would know it is properly pronounced "Gar-nEEsh". Thanks to Amanda, i learned that one ;) now, take Michelle, she was unaware of this fact. so unaware, that she sits besides me and laughs as i type this. if you all only knew how funny it is right now. OH WAIT!!! Since I am with her, I can use HER camera!!! my day started out sad, but it's ending up glad! check out this footage....

Anyways, back to my story, so Sarah didn't make it, so we took Dave in her place. We enjoyed some AWESOME greens and soup and sandwiches. MMMMMmmmm! Deeelish! then i went back to work for the rest of my looooooong afternoon which seemed to go on forever and a day and a year long afternoon that never ending dragged out for such a long time... well i guess you get the point of that one :) then we headed for the STORES! oh yeah, some thurs night shopping for the girls. actually just picking up last minute stuff for the youth rally this Sabbath. So now we sit and unwind...i check out what everyone else has done with their blogs...i love that we can all check up on each other like this :) Unfortunately i am far away from alot of friends, so I am thankful for the ones close by :) God has defintely blessed me with the best friends in the world!

TOXIC!!

2007-10-24T22:03:00.000-04:00

I got to experience something new and cool today at work. We got a new "toy" at the office...an ionic foot detox bath. We all got the chance to try it out. It was CRAZY to see what kind junk came out. :)

The girls prepare me for my relaxing "DHS Spa" experience :)

I sit back and relax with my Nat Geo...
Actually I wasn't doing too much relaxing. The whole thing was kind of freaky for me. It's kind of a tingly feeling on your feet that turns to dull itching. I thought there was that "no hair dryers in the bathtub" rule for a reason. This was definitely breaking that rule :)

15 mins into it (1/2 way through)...

The chart of results...

My water at completion...DISGUSTING!!! (after a 30 min soak)

We are all saving samples of our "toxins" in vials...Which DHS employee belongs to this one??? HAHAHA

I actually didn't get a picture of my vial...my cam battery was going dead so I had to take as few shots a possible. But it was a pretty cool experience, even though I'm not sure what it really all means yet. I just couldn't believe how the water started out so clear and then became SO filthy. I would NEVER stick my feet in a bucket that looked like the final product!!!

Sin really works the same way. It changes us so gradually we don't even realize it until we find our feet in a tub of muck. If we saw the end product and how gross it really is, we would never step in. But it happens slowly...so we must stay on guard. Last night Mary spoke about our Master Physician and how we need to do more than just schedule an appt with Him when we are sick. We are all in need of a spiritual detoxification...DAILY! And He promises to do just that. Today's experience was definitely a reminder of that!!

Proof of the blueberry's six pack :)

2007-10-23T21:46:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Maria, we got a shot to prove the blueberry's spacious cabin.

Comfortable enough for 6....unfortunately that's only for about a 1/10 mile drive and also requires 2 passengers to operate the vehichle! HAHAHA Thanks again Maria for being on the ball to get that great action shot! :)

And about the new computer, for those techies out there, check this out...

http://www.apple.com/imac

I'll give you the specs. It's a 24 inch widescreen iMac, 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme processor, 2GB of 668MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 500GB hard drive, built in iSight video camera, built in AirPort Extreme wireless networking, Apple remote, keyboard and "MIGHTY" mouse ;) and lots more other stuff. By the way, I really only know what about 1/2 of that really means, I just copied it off the box! Hahahah But it is really an awesome machine.

And to think that a mere creation created that machine...makes me wonder about our Creator and how AWESOMELY He designed us! How much I don't understand about the human body and it's systems and organs and mitochondria and cytoplasm and all that awesome stuff :) All the different processes and chemical reactions that take place...CONSTANTLY. it really is cool. just the fact that my brain is able to tell which fingers to type where on this keyboard is a miracle in itself! And the best part of all? We are created in HIS image. :)

Michelle meets the iMac

2007-10-22T20:39:00.000-04:00

The effects of living with a PC for too long....

Oooooooh! Scary!! Glad i went Mac! ;) hahhaha

I laugh at the PC user...

MY NEW IMAC!!!

2007-10-22T18:21:00.001-04:00

Woohoo! So I am excited to have a BRAND NEW computer, after my old imac has been slowly dying on me...not keeping up to my speed. It is a huge screen and lots of fun xtras i never knew existed :) here's some fun pix from the complimentary web cam!

Autumn is finally here...

2007-10-20T15:58:00.000-04:00

After months of warm weather, I am excited that fall is here. I love this time of year when the leaves change colors...apples and pumpkins...sweaters and cider.

Alumni 2007

2007-10-18T21:20:00.000-04:00

Here's some pix from Alumni Weekend up at GLAA this past weekend. It was great to see friends that I haven't seen in a long time.

Here we are on the cabin porch, ready to head out to church...

10 years went so fast!!

How many people can fit in and on the blueberry??? Actually 6 fit inside, that is with two people driving the stick shift!! Woohooo...

Donn LaTonn...man it's been YEARS since I've seen this guy!!!

Sweet baby Isaac...

Fun times with friends...

Class clowns :)

Nature

2007-10-17T21:03:00.000-04:00

Here are some images from a few Sabbaths ago. We spent the afternoon at Kensington park and saw many creatures that reminded us of God's creation! It was awesome...

Mom gets a chance to hand feed a Black Capped Chickadee, one of the cutest birds ever!

Female Red-winged Blackbird in the cat-tails

King of the forest...

Is that Alvin, Simon or Theodore? hahaha

Deep sea diving...

Toronto continued....

2007-10-17T20:03:00.001-04:00

I wanted to add more pix from the Toronto trip :)

CN Tower foggy night vision...

Downtown...

Group shot by the lake...

Nightlife...

We take the trip up the CN tower...

Mary takes a dare sitting on the glass floor high in the CN tower. Oooooh..scary!!!

Michelle and I on top of the world :)

Jason and I battle over the best footage for our Toronto Video Oscars, coming soon...

Guys at Niagra...

and the gals...

Saturday night after the falls...

Casa Loma...

Michelle striking it up for the photographer :)

The Austria's, our wonderful hosts for the weekend...

Super Dave drives us home...

We all had such an awesome time on this trip...we can't wait to do it again! God blessed us with safe travels and fellowship with friends like none other! Thanks Jen and Angelo!! You're the best :)

TORONTO

2007-10-15T22:18:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we got to spend in Toronto, visiting the newlyweds, Jennifer and Angelo. We had a blast going around downtown, going up the CN Tower, leading out in the worship service on Sabbath, walking around at Niagra Falls and going to Casa Loma. The weather was awesome for an October weekend.

Saugatuck weekend...

2006-02-16T21:29:00.000-05:00

I got to go to Saugatuck a few weeks ago with a couple of the best girls in the world!
We had a blast having a girls weekend...shopping, going to the beach and laying around watching ER. It was such a relaxing weekend. Here are some fun pics...

#2

2006-02-12T19:58:00.000-05:00

Here's my second blog. I'm watching snowboarding olympics. Boy that looks scary! Flippin' all around on those hills. That's some crazy stuff. I went to a Party Light candle party today. Boy was that fun! I spent $10.55 for a dozen tealights. Hmm...I think I may have gotten ripped off. That's ok. They are some yummy passion fruit flavor that smells real good. I think I'll enjoy them. Burn 'em right up!

#1

2006-02-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

Here is my first blog.