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2008-08-22T16:27:00.003-05:00

Moving over to wordpress.
So check out the new site

stefaniehowell.wordpress.com

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2008-08-22T16:27:00.001-05:00

Moving over to wordpress.
So check out the new site

stefaniehowell.wordpress.com

Sawubona Unjani...

2008-07-25T11:56:00.003-05:00

Are wondering about the whole deal with the title?? Well its SiSwazi. Yeah thats right I know alittle :) haha but seriously if yall havent checked the blog for the Swaziland team yet, go and take a peep to see how there doing over there. I already have and its incredible.

http://swazilandsummerteam2008.blogspot.com/

the world is right again

2008-07-20T15:06:00.003-05:00

My wonderfully amazing computer is now up and working successfully, thank you Jesus. But in the last post I told y'all about how god has been doing so much in me and guess i couldn't leave y'all just on that note now could I. Here's the explaining time. Something really amazing just kind of happened the other day. Lately I have been down the dumps. I mean the devil has been really working me for awhile. Things have just really been taking turn on my life and emotions but this lady i was talking to a couple days ago really taught me something important. If I hang out with you on a regular basis you might have realized that I have a few weird habits. One being, that when I have some spare pennies I like to leave them face up in random places. Well the other day I was having a really hard time but I ended up in a conversation with an older lady in the electronics department at the Walmart near my house. She ended up giving me incredible advice about my current problems and told me of how she was having a rough week as well but earlier that day she had found a penny and somehow it made her day alittle brighter. In awe, I just kind of smiled and we went are separate ways but for some reason that just keeps sticking out in my mind. How one little coin can in some way give a person hope just makes me wonder what could we really do to spread alittle hope because in the end that's what people are looking for. A Hope for the present and the future. A brighter tomorrow. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't be fooled by the little things because you don't know what they could do for someone.

Tear Tear

2008-07-09T13:40:00.002-05:00

Sadly to say still no computer for Stefanie but it is getting fixed at his very second so by the next time I post hopefully it would be from the library, although being here make me feel all smart :) ha ha. Anyway, So VBS. Pretty awesome must say. Forgot how much I love little kids. They're always so happy and just ready to have to fun. You can really be sad around them. Even though I didn't get threatened by a six year old-long and scary story- overall it is ridiculously awesome. Not much as really been going on but God has been dealing with me alot about some issue but Ill make sure to keep y'all in loop once I figure all of it out. Until then have a great day and keep on smiling.

Submerge 08' Baby

2008-07-02T14:14:00.003-05:00

Yes I know wha your about to say..Why no blogspot love?? But I have my reason, one being that my computer as been down for awhile. So as I sit and type this from our local library there are many thoughts racing through this head of mine. One being the main question:: Why does submerge have to be so awesome?? Because of the greatness of it all I have been craving the sandy beaches of panama city, the crazy out of this world services, and the randomness that seemed to take over eahc and every day. Every year I think that nothing can really top the year before but then somehow they achieve too...go figure. You know the feeling after a submerge, like your on top of the world. Well I dont want that feeling to go away I dont want to wake up tommorow or weeks or even months from now and realize that that fire is fading. But like Tyler said He WAS there and it WAS amazing. To think I almost wasnt able to go [shame that would be]. For all who didnt go I feel sorry for you because as far as I am concerned thats what you search for, to feel the closeness when you feel the presence of the almighty creator.

God I pray that you dont let me lose that feeling just because Im back in Baton Rouge, I pray that all of us dont lose it but continue to do your will each and every day of our lives.

Ps.

2008-06-16T12:50:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would tell you all that I have the best dad EVER. yeah you may think yours is better but you are sadly mistaken Im sorry to break it to you. Mine comes in first haha just kidding but seriously he really could rock your face off... Yes hes just that awesome. So Happy [late] Father's day to all the dads. :) Stay amazingly awesome.

Purdy!

2008-06-12T18:27:00.001-05:00

Back from Camp Barnabas and there is so much I want to say but cant in this post. Camp Barnabas is truely unexplainable because so much happens you cant even begen to express in words. But there is one story I can tell that I think will just show a glimpse of the outstanding love these camper's have.

So I met this camper named James. James was about 25 years old but had the mind of a 7 year old. Theres one thing you have to know about James before anything else: He was probably one of the sweetest guys you would ever meet in your life. He would stand up to sing in front of the whole camp everynight and would leave me flowers at my table after every meal with cute little notes attached telling me to have a good day, That I looked realyl pretty, or that I was his favorite barnstormer. One day he asked me to be his date for the dance that night. Everynight they would have a party at camp barnabas just to pump up the campers and have alittle fun and that night was the feista themed dance. during the dance he leaned over and asked me if I wanted to know a secret. Of course being the curious person I am, I said sure. Then he said something I think I will never forget. He said he loved Camp Barnabis because of the way I, and everyone there, had been looking at him - like he was normal and no one ever looks at him like that.

I think that moment was the first time I really truely broke down in tears that week. After getting to know these amazing people you couldnt help but cry. They were so open and loving and its sad because I guess I have to wonder why I cant be like that. I can honestly say those campers toke a peice of my heart and I wouldnt have it any other way. Camp Barnabas is truely like a heaven on Earth, no where can come close to comparing to it.

Air conditioning---the best thing since sliced bread

2008-05-29T14:39:00.003-05:00

Back from Saturate and Navigate Boot Camp Hmm what to say, what to say. Beside doing horribly challenging obstacle courses and it being so hot its probably not healthy for any human, it was actually very very enjoyable. I got closer to some people I would have most likely never have met, some which I knew just not as well as I do now, and some I think will become friends in the near future. Also I had the most incredible roommates, which i will keep anonymous; - But if you're really curious; Claire Ferrara, Joelle Ferrara, Amy Phillips, and Zoe Graeser.. Overall I give it a two thumbs up, I would give it more but I don’t have any more thumbs so yeah two thumbs is the best i got. :)

On another note, In a few hours I will be leaving for a little place in the middle of no where named Purdy, Missouri. Yes its true tomorrow we will be headed out to Camp Barnabas tomorrow although it seems like it just snuck up behind us when none of us where looking. I’m so pumped about this trip although the ride up with be long and agonizing it will be worth it in the end. Now that I summed y'all up on the things currently happening in my life, I am tired as a mug and need a long [I mean extremely long] shower and then nap. So stay amazing. I love you all and Rock it out for Jesus.

Ps: the following picture is for my friend Claire, Dance little monkey dance!

Pass the cake and icecream..

2008-05-15T19:24:00.003-05:00

So take a wild guess at what today is. if you guessed my birthday then you are oh so very correct :) Today Stefanie is finally not a youngin. Well actually i still kinda am. I'm only fifteen now but hey its a year older. Sadly i had school on my birthday and i have study for four tests--ugh but I'm trying to stay in the positive mood anyway. My wonderful parents made my favorite foods for me, spaghetti and easy mac, plus the all six of us where home so that was great as usual. I know this will be kinda a short post but i have to get off so leave some love, stay awesome and hug someone today :D

Cheese!

2008-05-09T06:45:00.004-05:00

Like the random title?? :) Just something that was in my head at the moment.

well its like six-thirty o'clock in the morning but i had some time before school and i felt a sudden urge to post so yeah these past couple weeks have been pretty busy ones. To start it off I have finals for school next week and i have been studying like a crazy person. Also, all the Barnabis stuff as been due around this time since we will be leaving in exactly twenty-two days....I have been counting down! I'm seriously pumped about it though. Anyways another exciting thing is my birthday next thrursday i want to say which should be pretty great although i don't think we are doing anything really special but i don't mind just spending time with the family. That's all on this side but I'm catching up on things so i promise i will post more often now. Stay incredible and I love you all.

Things that make me smile

2008-04-26T12:16:00.002-05:00

the cutest Korean baby singing and playing a song.
if you can believe it this kid is only four years old. crazy i know.
just watch this video but ignore the random Korean talk at the front.
This kid just makes me smile

hey jude baby

2008-04-24T16:31:00.002-05:00

so i came across this picture we took back in the end of July and beginning of August when we went to Victory City, Mexico with the church. It just kinda reminded me of that trip and how great it was, how may lives were touched including ours. I got to meet so many great people from Global Youth Net and from a small church in Texas. It just made me remember that unbelievable mission trip and made me look forward the the mission trip i will going with at the end of next month. gosh i cant wait to get to Camp Barnabis, if you didn't know i absolutely love disabled children and people in general so this is a big deal to me. I just wanted to thank everyone who helped me get the money to go on this trip and i only have a few more dollars left to pay but i know god can handle that little bit, i mean what can he not handle.

Changing Reality

2008-04-09T21:34:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had a dream that seemed so real?? Every detail, every action seemed like you were right in the moment. Well lately that has been going on alot in my mind. Lately i have been having mirages or dreams of the most random things. Mostly of the future and what is to come. Dreams of graduating, helping bring others to Christ, missions trips and my wedding day. I don't know what brings they images but i am grateful. For when ever i see these thoughts flash through my head almost like a movie, it gives me hope. Hope for what i don't know and what only god knows and all i cant say is whether they happen or not i cant wait for the future although now i am pretty content with my ever changing present and the amazing people in it. So if your one of those people thanks you for influencing my life. you have no idea how grateful i am for you pouring into me. Thank you and I love you all more then you will ever know

Pass the plate

2008-04-06T16:57:00.002-05:00

So not much has really been happening in my life lately. I mean with our current lack of money we are trying to save up to go on missions so movies and anything that cost the smallest amount of cash is off limits but i cant complain because i know things could be much worse; and do free things is pretty fun actually try it, you might be surprised.
Today we are having a cookout with the family. My mom as been sick lately, even though she might not show it, so all of us decided to make dinner for her. Which is not at all the slight bit easy because they're six of us. plus the two people currently sharing a house with us at the moment, plus the two boyfriends so you do that math. Although it is challenging it pretty fun. We are no chefs that's for sure, i love to cook I'm just not the best at it so the meals consists of left over jambalaya, hamburgers, microwaved french fries, and my personal favorite, easy mac. Gotta love the easy mac :) Overall my life has been kind of content and its not so bad after all.

Shout Outs

2008-03-31T18:14:00.002-05:00

If y'all haven't already noticed --- which if you didn't shame on you ha ha ---- i have recently added two new people to the blog roll. And those two people would be Nikki, my little sister, and my awesome momma. I think you should go check out their blogs right now because i said so :D kidding but they have some really awesome stuff so stop by and show them do love. as for you faithful blog people here's a picture for your entertainment

see even the dogs cant wait till summer.

Comptuer "issues"

2008-03-25T17:15:00.004-05:00

Yes i know what y'all want to say whats up with the lack of posting well it turns out the devil does not like my computer so much for it has been broken since what seems like forever. To my surprise i woke up this morning to a new and oddly fast computer. Lets just hope it doesn't go down again for who knows what we might do.
Life Lesson of the Day: Cherish the computer for your life changes greatly without it and you tend to get some sort of withdrawals. Yes, computer withdrawals, its a serious problem these day they should have some sort of therapy :)

PS: Laser tag last night was awesome although we got creamed most of the rounds.

The crazy world I call life

2008-03-06T18:06:00.003-06:00

Lately things have been ok. Not much has really been happening in my life, well i mean beside my crazy family, but that would take years to explain. Saturday we went to the outreach with church to the CEO disability center. I loved those kids. They are always so sweet that's why i think i really want to be special education teacher. Of all people you except them to be sad but all you see is hope. On Friday my moms parents came into town and if you thought my family was already psycho just wait until you meet them. Also If i haven't already told you my older sister Dee, is pregnant so shes very emotional. Although it was kinda interesting seeing her try to tell my grandparents the news. To top it all off we have midterms this week and the ileap next week .So to say the least i will be fairly. Well i guess entertainment was what i wanted so note to all be careful what you wish for because it might turn out much different then you planned.

Post Amplified....

2008-02-24T20:17:00.003-06:00

So as excepted Amplified was absolutely amazing in every way. The services and outreach couldn't be better, i couldn't ask for better people to share the weekend with and the worship was out of this world. It was like a holy smack down just happened and god almighty defiantly won this battle. My leaders and roommates were just awesome ...you should be very jealous :) and it just erupted with the holy spirit. People were broken before god and it was incredible to see everything go down. If you didn't attend you defiantly missed out on something great. Overall this weekend was a refreshing one. One to get me back on track and remind why i want to live for him through everything and for everyday the rest of my life.

Date Night

2008-02-17T17:01:00.006-06:00

Well this past friday was the date night at the highland campus. My parents attended with about 150 other couples. As for me and nicole we got to be the waitresses and helped out with the whole shindig. After praying to god i wouldnt drop the food eveything went pretty well. We got to ahng out with some friends like austin wright and chase cole. The food was great and the people were super sweet. We got tons of thank yous. It was just a really fun night and im glad i decided to help. So happy late valentines day people :)

The Randomness of life

2008-02-09T22:36:00.000-06:00

Do you ever wonder why things happen like they do? I have to admit I do alot. I often plan how things should go in my head befoer hand and then when it rolls around it turns out totally opposite of the plan and I wonder does god do it differently for a reason? Does he want to surprise us? or simply just remind us that he does the planning not us? I so often want to steer my life in my own direction but I just need to remember that I'm not the driver I'm simply the passenger. It takes time to move past that stage but gladly I have nothing but time. So I can't wait to figure out where it goes and what he does. Our God is an amazing god..I know that sounds cheesy and people here it all the time but its true. And although it may be cheesy its still a fact. So we have to be reminded that life is random but with it, it just wouldnt be the same or quite as interesting :)

Sickness has a mind of its own

2008-01-29T17:47:00.000-06:00

so after refuge on Thursday i was feeling horrible and then i noticed a big red spot on my back. Well after a few days i noticed it wasn't going away. I told my mom to book me a doctor's appointed and after waking up practically crying in pain and we went to see what was the matter. It turns out that i have this thing called shingles. It burns for a few weeks but eventually it will go away. apparently i am pretty young to get shingles because they have like 12 pills people can take to ease the pain but because of my age i can only take 2 of them. Basically i just have to deal with the pain until they go away. Not the greatest experience especially with school and everything. So pray it will go away soon and ill keep ya ll in my prays also.

lastest realization

2008-01-16T22:21:00.000-06:00

There are times in your life, like at this very moment in time, when you have a truly intense realization of your life. You realize what your purpose is, what mistakes you've made, what your future will be, and so many more things that were unclear before. In some sort of world that apparently was being harvested in the back of my mind, I knew it all along. The real reason why it had never revealed itself until this very moment was that of fear; fear of truth. Truth is unbelievably imperative throughout your entire life, and if one cannot find truth, then one cannot find countless instances of everything vital in our existance.
I cannot help but ask myself what I did wrong or where, in this series of fortunate and unfortunate events that I call my life, I missed something. Maybe...there are certain occurences in your life that affect everything to come. Maybe, in some kind of way, things as insignificant as plucking my eyebrows affect my future. I know that I have made mistakes; that is one thing that I am positive about. But I also know that the mistakes I've made and the paths that I've chosen to follow make me who I am. I have finally come to a realization that it is not fear of death that has haunted me in this world that has finally grown to a full bloom in my mind. It is fear of life. Fear of doing everything wrong, fear of not being enough in the eyes of those who have seen more than I could ever imagine. But why live in fear? Why waste those moments in life that could be cherished through my entire being with fear of making a mistake? Why be afraid of life if I am not going to live it?
I have found truth. Truth of everything that has occured in my life. Truth of the lies that were once spoken. Truth of what could have been and what is. I have found truth, and it is the source of every ounce of faith, love, hate, and desire throuhgout my life from now on. Theres someting deep for ya Emma haha :D

Fenders make me happy :)

2008-01-14T20:21:00.000-06:00

From the title of this post you probably already know what my post will be about. Well for Christmas this year my parents got me beautiful black and white fender squier bass guitar. It was actually like my only gift for christmas from them but im so happy i got it and it was definatly worht it. It rocks. Although I really wanted a precision one, i aint complaing because i feel in love with this guitar. ...You should be very jealous because i have a rockin guitar and you dont haha i kidd :))
Anway as soon as i get some pictures i will post them up so yall get see it but be warned some drooling may occur from its altra sexiness :D

Learing Lesson of the Day...

2008-01-08T16:52:00.000-06:00

sorry for the lack of posts. I don't really have a good excuse because my life right now is kind of on the boring so to tell truth i just hadn't gotten around to it. Nothing really interesting has happened lately because New Years of course. but well today we started the new semester at St. Amant High. ; which means new classes, new teachers, and new people. I have gotten to meet some really nice people lately. One i girl i was talking to in my geometry was telling me about her story. It must be a family thing or something because everyone loves to tell us their life stories all the time . Anywhoo she telling me about how she moved in with her grandparents because her mom died and her dad was abusive so her grandparents were the next in line. As i sat there and listened to her story i was so grateful for having such a great family. Although we might fight often I'm really lucky to have a mom and dad i can come to for help and three amazing sisters i can go to for advice when i need it. I don't know what i would without my family. So basically the learning lesson of the day: Be grateful for what you have although sometimes you may think otherwise..