Death by Chocolate and Caramel

As I sit here, my shirt is covered in flour, my face covered in chocolate fudge, and I have sitting in front of me a creation deserving an award!

' Death by Chocolate and Caramel Brownies '

They basically are a layer of homemade brownies, a layer of Hersey chocolate bars, then melted caramel, then another layer of brownie, and then scattered Hersey chunks on top.

Whoa...overload!

Now let me tell you how I made a Brownie Sundae out of that...

Take your bowl...put a layer of ice cream down, let it melt. Then add the ooey-gooey brownie. Next add another layer of ice cream (in my case, Chocolate/Vanilla/Oreo). Then cover with whipped cream. And drizzle hot fudge all over that! And if you want presentation...go for the Coco Powder over that!

It is heaven in chocolate!

I am a happy person!

Stephie

Day One Report.

Why do I forget that I love school?


Right now I am sitting in my perfectly lit room, listening to Samantha Whitfield and thinking on what the year has in store for me.

The first day was great! I got to see all of my friends that i hadnt seen since the beginning of the summer!

Classes:

AP Environmental:

Solid class. Teacher...nice but wouldnt like it if i got on her bad side...ooo scary! Its gunna be a lot of work. I am going to have to get prepared! We are talking color tabbing and highlighters.

Twentieth Century Classics!!!:

First off...coolest teacher ever! I get to read great books, watch cool movies, have impeccable class discussions on text, read outside...or anywhere on campus, joke with a teacher, have fun in a class i adore already and it has only been the first day! The End...great class....probably more about it throughout the year.

Technical Theatre III:

This year is going to be a bit different since we are being grouped with the theatre class...budget is really all we hear about no-a-days...BUT we are doing My Fair Lady for our musical this year! Along with 41 other performances throughout the year. Including one that will be touring around the county to different school theatres! Crazy year! But hey...its theatre...i love it right?

AP English III:

Parrish!!!! My teacher happens to be my old creative writing teacher!!! How awesome is that...I walked into her classroom today and this was our conversation!

Me: (as i walk in the door) "MRS. PARRISH!! Did you miss me?!?"

Mrs. Parrish: "Of course!"

Me: "Cause you KNOW I missed you!"

Mrs. Parrish: "as you should have."

It was a great moment in my day! haha. Again, a lot of work but its going to be okay.



Now lets talk about how this year works...cause there are definite changes!!

The budget is literally all were hear about from ALL of our teachers! We can't do a TON of things now because of it! But its alright cause we will get through it.

Schedule Changes...

Well lets start with lunch... a one hour lunch period!!! Yipper Skipper! I get one hour to go off campus and go home if id like, go out to eat with friends...do anything! Yes!!!

Then we have the Wed. Early Release. Every wednesday we get 1 hour off! So we now end the school day at 1:28pm on wednesdays!! How exciting!

The only change to every other day is that we stay an extra ten minute...not bad at all!


Oooo I almost forgot! We can now have Cell Phones, Ipods, etc... out on school campus inbetween classes and during lunch!!! yay! I am a happy camper.

This year isnt gunna be so bad as i thought, Thank you Almighty God!
Stephie

Wake Up Call!!!!

6:30 is way too early!

Today is my first day of Junior year! Yipper Skipper! Sammy is coming up to high school too! How crazy is that? My little brother in high school! Weird! But I can only post a little one this morning since i do have to be at school in less than 20 mins. yay!

God give me a strong heart and a bright light for you!
Stephie

Goodbye My Summer, It Was Nice to See You!

Topics for today:

• Jessie Ray's Birthday
• Church
• Goodbye Summer
• Hello Junior Year
  

Topic 1: Jessie Ray.

Today is Jess Ray's birthday! Happy Birthday Jessie! Last night we stayed up until 12am tie dying t-shirts and watching movies. And just to let you know, I WAS the first to say happy birthday...compared to common belief. It was a most perfect night! I am so happy that was my last Saturday night of freedom! I love those girls. And I love Jess! Happy 21st Year of Existence Day!

Topic 2: Church.

Today in church...there was just something happening! The Holy Spirit was there; He was working in us. It was great to see my church come together as one to worship. Sometimes I feel like the church gets divided...well ours does. The two groups... The People That Like The Worship and The Ones That Dont. I mean, I am totally guilty of this. But it leads to people straying away from their purpose. Their purpose being, exalting the One that created them. Everyone gets caught up in..."Who chose this song?"..."Why are they leading?"..."I wouldn't have chosen that one!". But guys...Can we worry about that later? I mean if you dont feel the Spirit in that song...sit down and pray. Pray to Lord to bring The Spirit down to you. Pray that The Spirit would fill the church no matter the song, the person, the choice. Can we stop being arrogant and humble ourselves to the Lord? And I understand that the role of the worship leader is to lead us to The Spirit but can we stop...stop and praise....Because He is worthy of praise right? Do you believe that? Do you believe Jesus Christ, Lord on High, is better than the song, the person, the choice? Then praise...no matter if that is sitting down and bowing your head or singing along wholeheartedly! Stop standing around! Steph STOP STANDING AROUND! Body of Christ STOP STANDING AROUND! ...okay so that was my rant of the day.

Topic 3: Goodbye Summer.

This summer was filled with great memories. Beaufort being some of my favorites! From just waking up and walking out to the dock and watching as the sun as it crept along sky with some people i would call family in a heartbeat! A summer filled with a license, a job, a phone! Things are going to probably be changing next summer but i will always have these memories to hold onto!

Topic 4: Hello Junior Year.

So im a Junior guys! Whoa! I know! My junior year is going to be packed with...AP Classes, READING!, Theatre, YOUTH GROUP(i am so stoked about this new year! For a couple reasons!), friends, Tech for youth group!!!!!!!!!, Jess Ray and The Rag Tag Army, Lifted Events!...and Im sure so much more. Leaning on the shoulder of the Lord. He is how I am going to get through this. He is my strength and my stronghold. He is my fortress and refuge. He is my master and commander. He is my home and my father. He is my comfort and my hope. He is my breath and beat. He is laughter and my tears. He is fear and my respect. He is my freedom and redeemer. He is my feet and path. He is El. He is my God. He is the Creator. He is the Savior. He is Yahweh. He is Jehovah. He is the Almighty One. He is The One. He is I AM.

The evil one will try to tempt and scheme. My ears will not hear. My eyes will be blind. My mouth will be shut.


"He says it's impossible... but I know it's possible
He says it's improbable... but I know it's tangible
He says it's not grab able... but I know it's have able
Cause anythings possible... Cause anything is possible

You are my peace of mind... That old me is left behind
You are my peace of mind... You're my peace of mind
He's my peace of mind... He's my peace of mind
He's my peace of mind... What a joy it is to be alive
To get another chance, yeah... Every day's another chance
To get it right this time... every day's another chance

Oh what a merciful... merciful, merciful God
Oh what a wonderful... wonderful wonderful God (continue to end)
What a merciful... merciful, merciful, merciful God
What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, merciful
Merciful, merciful, wonderful
Merciful, wonderful... "

I was kinda rant-y on this post...but im okay with that.
Stephie.

Friday Morning Joys.

This morning i awoke to the slight whines of puppies at the foot of my bed.

As I lifted my eyelids I found two sets of brown eyes and a set of wagging tails. A groaned pushed through the smile on my face. 6:24am was way too early for me. But duty called...or should i say Indie and Cinder. My movement from bed to floor caused the excited frenzy of licks and jumps...again way too early for such play. But cute morning puppy faces were perfect remedies for such a annoyance of time. So after a quick potty time I plopped back into my luscious bed for another hour of shleep-shtate.

The Alarm.

My shleep-shtate was interrupted by a loud repetitive sound echoing from my small phone. I dont think my hand could have moved faster towards the STOP button. And then i laid there, trying to remember what sleeping felt like...the memory was just about as good as the real thing. Next step...shower time. The abnormally hot shower, along with my Morning Burst facial scrub awoke my mind enough to pick out a decent outfit for a day at the shop and apply my make-up in a smooth and proper manner.

Next...shoes, purse, and keys. These are no ordinary keys...these are the keys to the famous Truvy The Rocket Taxi. They have special powers...if you didnt know. A quick goodbye to the mother and to the puppies and I was out the door to an awaiting Truvy. As Truvy and I took to the road our destination was agreed...to Starbies it is. Ten minutes later I was holding two cups. One, Triple Grande White Mocha. Two, Triple Grande Vanilla Mocha. So with a good CD Mix in the player I was off to the apt to pick up the sis.

With our cups of smooth coffee in hand, Whit and I, drove the thirty minute distance to downtown Raleigh, where Stitch was awaiting unlocked doors.

Good Morning I'd say....you agree?
Stephie

Matt McGinn...My Fave Person of 2009

My experience of Coldplay.

Lets start at the beginning, shall we....

It was Wednesday afternoon. I was downstairs in the shop, at work. There was sort of a lull in the customer flow so I was doing to inventory type things. Then this guy walks in. Normal guy, well normal for downtown soo...use your imagination. But for the most point he was your average joe. Then he starts to buy a T-shirt and so i start to ring him up. At this point i realize he has a British accent. As I try to get his British credit card to work (which ultimately didnt) he hears that we have Coldplay playing in the shop (my pick because I wanted to get pumped up for their concert.) The rest of this story i am going to put in dialog form ( by the way his name is Matt but we didn't figure that out until later)

Matt: (in British accent) So do you like these guys?

Me: "Yes, yes i do! I am actually going to their show on thursday."

Matt: "So tomorrow?"

Me: "Oh yes sorry...its been a long day."

Matt: " Well, you will see me there. I am the guitar tech for Jonny Buckland.

PAUSE!!

Did he just say guitar TECH for Jonny Buckland, the Jonny Buckland? One of the best guitar players ever! Jonny Buckland from Coldplay? Well let me answer that for you...YES!!! At this point in our conversation my breathing starts to fail!

Un-PAUSE

Me: "Really?!?"

Matt: "Yes. So do you have lawn tickets?"

Me: "Yeah."

Matt: "Would you like seat tickets?"

Me: (Breathing is no longer an option at this point) "Y-y-yes!! Could you do that?" ( "could you do that"...really Steph...he is Jonny Buckland's guitar tech...OF COURSE he can!)

Matt: "Yeah...just put your name here on this card and if there are available tickets then i can get you in, easy." (by the way...he is soo cool and calm...and then you look at me...Freaking out calmly.) "So are you going alone?"

Me: (stuttering)"N-n-no, im going with my friend Catherine." (At this point I have told Whit and Holly who is in our shop and Whit is helping to get his British card to work and sell him the Raleigh t-shirt)

Matt: (we have finished his purchase and now he is about to leave) Alright, Stephanie Drummond plus one. I'll call you before you close. When do you close?"

Me: (still stuttering) "S-six."

Matt: "Alright Stephanie, Ill talk to you later."

(exit Matt, Holly and Whit come over and look at me.)

Whit: "Do you need to sit down?"

Me: (Laughter)...I just met the guitar tech for Coldplay! He is getting me tickets...I need to sit down!

So after two phone calls to certain people that HAD to be informed...i waited. Then it came, the phone call.

Whit anwered:

Whit:"Hello...mmm Yeah, hold on." (hands the phone slowly to me as we smile at each other)

Me: "Hello, this is Stephanie"

Matt: "Hello Stephanie! Its Matt from earlier."

Me: "Oh, oh yeah." (listen to me...trying to sound all cool like I wasnt just waiting by the phone for his call! HA)

Matt:"You got a ticket, plus one!"

After that he went on a rant about how to get the tickets and what not! Then I got off the phone and again had to sit down! And then I called Cat!! this was our conversation...

Cat: "Hello."

Me: "Cat, we got the tickets!!!"

Cat: "OH MY GOSH!!...OHH MY GOSH!!!....OH MY GOSH.."

The "Oh my goshes" continued for the rest of the conversation!

Alright now speed up a day...

Setting: At the front gate of the Walnut Creek Amphitheater, walking towards Will Call.

So as I walk up to Will Call there is a separate window for The Band Tickets. So I, as calmly as possible, walk up to the window and give the great man my ID. The next account is our conversation.

The Man: "Alright so did you buy your tickets with .... (I dont remember what he said there) or are you with the band?"

Me: "The band." (in my head...im freaking out)

The Man: "Okay so which band, cause you know we have three tonight?"

Me: "Coldplay." (Still trying to be calm...but again inside I am freaking out)

The Man: "Great, here is your tickets...enjoy." (HAHA like we wont enjoy our show! HA)

So as we walk away to get our tickets scanned Catherine and I look down at our tickets and they say on the top right corner... Artist Comp $0.00 !!! I got comped by the artist! hahahaha oh my gosh! haha

Next we got into the theatre and continue down the lawn to see our friends and get the ones we came with down to where they were on the lawn...which by the way Kellie and Micah did a fantastic job to get them all the way in the front!

After saying our hellos Catherine and I went to go check out our seats...So we go up to the seats and then look down again at our tickets...Section 1!!!! So we walk all the way around to the other separate entrance for the Section 1 ticket holders (thats us!!). So we go find out that our tickets are Section 1...to the rightish...about 9 rows back! ahhh!!

Now when we were down there we saw that the tech crew was setting up for Coldplay...and there was Matt!!! So Catherine and I, for the next id say 5 minutes, called "MATT!!!", we even got some other people to do it with us! haha. Then he saw us!! We waved...I lipped "Thank You!" ...He waved, smiled, and continued tuning Jonny Buckland's guitar!!! hahaha.

The show begins...and that is another story...let me just say it was probably the most unbelievable concert I have ever been to and will ever go to! It was insanely perfect!

My Story of The Viva La Vida Tour,
Stephie

Redeemed to be in His Holy Presence

I dont want to write anymore.

...anymore about things that are unimportant. haha. Sorry I just needed to scare you a bit.

But I dont want this to be a joking blog. I want this to be truth. I want my words to be truth. And by truth I mean I want the great and powerful, almighty and all-knowing Lord to come and speak through my unclean and wretchedly dirty lips.

I am listening to a new Hillsong song called We The Redeemed.

Just think about the word "Redeemed." To be redeemed from something. Cleared by payment. To discharge in FULL. To restore freedom to those restrained by paying a ransom. to be Rescued. To set free.

We have been cleared by payment. We have been discharged in full. We have been restored to freedom from our bondage of our sinful nature. We have been Rescued. We have been set free!

I cant seem to grasp it even as i write about it and listen to it in the words of this song! God, the almighty one, the creator of all, the impeccable Perfection, the reigning King, the gracious Savior, the faithful One...He redeemed us! He set us free from our imperfect human natures. An eternity of forgiveness for the ultimate sacrifice of His Son the glorious Christ Jesus!

Think about John 3:16 with me for a second!

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall never parish and have everlasting life."

And I know we have heard this verse so many times and can recite it in our sleep. It is even written on the bottom of a Forever 21 shopping bag (its true...if you ever buy something from there check it out next time). But this time, look at it again. And I mean really look at it. Let's look at is little by little together...

"For God so loved the world..." His love is endless and incomparable! Read Ephesians! It is packed full of God's unfathomable love for His creation!

"that He gave..." He GAVE!! He provides for us everyday but at this particular moment He GAVE His son! He gave Jesus as a sacrifice! A SACRIFICE! FOR YOU AND I!!! How are we worthy of that!?!?!? We arent...let me tell you, I am definitely not! But He is an awesome God, an awesome Creator!

"His one and only Son..." Guys...did you just read what I read?!?!?! His one and ONLY Son! This isnt just a verse guys!! Your God just gave His one and ONLY Son and then we go around thinking that we are so high and mighty! We think we can survive on our own cause we were forgiven so now we can live out a life that suits us! WHAT?!?!?! How in the world does that make sense?!?! IT DOESNT! We were bought by our God's Son's precious blood! A sacrifice that binds us to God. We are His and He deserves all of our praise!

"so whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life." Our first reaction to this line most of the time, or at least mine, is that we hear the phrase "everlasting life" and our ears perk up. "Oo everlasting life sounds cool. I want to be immortal." But seriously, you are going to have an everlasting life its just the matter of if you choose to sit at the foot of the Lord and praise and worship Him for the rest of your days [WHOA AHH HOW AWESOME DOES THAT SOUND?!?!] or if you decide to live in a pit of torture and despair and being separated by the One who You are made for?

He gave us the chance to be with Him because that is what He wants. He wants His creation to be with Him! He calls out to us, by name, every day. So...Stephanie, Sarah, Katie, Quinn, Nancy, Sam, Catherine, Whitney...Are you going to be listening? You are redeemed by God. You are His Chosen. As a chosen child...what are you going to do about it? Live your days like the world or live your days as a creation made in the likeness of God?

"This is the sound of the redeemed rising up to praise the king!"

"We the redeemed, hear us singing, You are holy. You are holy!"

Listening,

Stephanie

New Websites for Everyone!!!

Jess Ray and The Rag Tag Army!

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That link above me is to my favorite band of all time...and I am being completely honest. But I am kinda biased. haha. But anywho...they got a new website to match their new CD coming out on Sept. 12th...Mark your calenders people! Let me say it again...Sept. 12, 2009 at North Ridge Church in Raleigh NC! Please Check out the website...soon you will be able to check out their music. But since you can really yet...just take my word for it! They are amazing! Jess Ray has an impeccable voice and insane musical abilities! And The Rag Tag Army is what the rest of Jess's band is called! They consist of Daniel Faucette, Dustin Miller, and John Ray! [But The Rag Tag Army doesnt just end there but we will get on that subject sometime later. :) ] Anywho, all three of those boys are extremely gifted people. But this band is not only about playing good music...it is also and mainly about "clearly presenting the gospel through their actions and their music"...which is part of their mission statement.

So everyone check them out...NOW!

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And one more....

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Lifted Events

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Really there is a lot to explain about Lifed Events and for me not that much time to write. Lifted Events is a cooperation with the organiztion Remember Nhu. Lifted Events are events held at different venues around North Carolina and now Ohio to raise awarness and support for the prevention of global sex-trafficking. Now for more information go to the link provided above.

Go to these sites...NOW!
Stephie