Angus and Lisa

 Through the fall of 2019 and the summer of 2020, I went on a series of dates with men I shouldn't have been giving time to. I knew they were crummy and didn't love Jesus, and I was sinful and wanted attention. I finally had enough of it in September and repented. I felt close to God again, and made up my mind that my Hinge dating profile would convey me as a Jesus freak in order to weed out anyone who didn't love Jesus too. 

One day after work I came upon a profile on Hinge. There was nothing flashy or attention-getting about him, and we did have some similar interests. With my new resolve to only interact with guys who CLEARLY love Jesus, I clicked "like" only because his profile said he loved Jesus. 

That was a Thursday. After a quick conversation about our favorite bible verses, we planned a hike for Saturday, September 19th, 2020. The conversation on the hike went so well, as did subsequent dates and time spent together, that we got engaged at Tower Fall in Yellowstone National Park on February 6th, 2021, and married on May 8th, 2021! I am so glad I did not settle for a crummy guy; before meeting Angus, I thought men (my age) who loved Jesus were literally nonexistent. I didn't believe in "soul-mates" before, but now I know God can have a mate perfect for us. I treasure God's provision of Angus and our subsequent other blessings, such as our miracle housing, miracle dream job, financial blessings, and more (Cudjoe!😸). 

Our next adventure is taking us to Orange County, California, where Angus got his dream job as a roboticist, and this takes the place of graduate school. We are nervous, but excited to see God's fingerprints through this big transition. 

To be continued!

The Post-Roe Man

 WhOa! Hey there! I'm back, and it has been a WHILE! I'll get to a life update post, but first here is a rant I had to get out of my system. :D 

Post Roe, many abortion-supporting women are upset that so few men have voiced concern or taken action in response to the SCOTUS decision. Some men are also upset that they have been alone in the response. I have a theory why so few men are willing to get involved: Men have the innate pull to protect and provide for women and children. If a man is doing neither of these things, he feels like something is missing, whether he knows what it is or not. Healthy masculine men, who haven't been tainted by feminism, press into this desire and seek to marry and raise a family. Men with toxic masculinity, that is, masculinity poisoned by selfishness and beaten down by feminism, have difficulty seeing the perversity of abortion, that is, killing offspring. They are told it is empathetic to the woman; the woman who would be heavily burdened by a child. The woman or child who might have complications if the abortion option was off the table. What men, and women, need to jointly understand is that the "burden" of a child is meant to be carried by a mother and father- a family. And this turns out to be a blessing! Yes, raising a child (or an additional child) will be difficult for any number of reasons. Picking between difficulty and murder (sin) should be an obvious choice for anyone with an inkling of morality. But morality comes from God, found in the bible, and the influence of real Christians on culture seems to be waning in America. 

Another reason men may be hesitant to outwardly support abortion is that they view it as a female issue- the ball is never in their court. However, if more men (throughout all earth's history) strived for healthy masculinity (protecting and providing for their wife and children) fewer women would have been pressured to abort. But sin has corrupted masculinity, and toxic femininity has bashed it even further. Sin has also corrupted the term patriarchy. Male leadership is a good thing, and was set up by God as a good thing, but as men and women each sinfully desire power and control, and in light of the late surge of feminism, patriarchy now has a bad connotation. There is a misconception that men and women are not equal. Equal in usefulness, ability, sinfulness, etc.; yet equally loved by God, in Whose image they are made. God established man as the head or leader, providing and protecting, and woman as the helper, giving life and nurturing. These two sides of the coin of marriage and family work beautifully in tandem, for they are compliments. Disorder and destruction abound when each misuses power or is selfish, resulting in wrong priorities, divorce, abortion, and broken homes. 

What may sicken me the most is when a married couple aborts their child. It is unspeakable. Absolute perversity of manhood and womanhood. 

Thank God that He sent His son Jesus to save us from our iniquity! He is faithful to save all who call on Him.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16-17

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

Fitness

In February I received my Personal Training Certificate through ISSA. I have also discovered AthleanX on YouTube, and in the comments on a video found this gem:

By Blake Shoemaker

Swole Father, Who art in heaven, Vascular be thine veins. Thy gainz come, Thy sets be done, Overhead as it is on chest. Give us this day our daily macros, And forgive our cheat days, As we forgive those who curl in the squat rack. Lead us not into half reps, But deliver us from Crossfit. For thine is the Bro, the PR, the natty Forever, Wheymen.

If you have trouble exercising, take a gander at my board and find something that makes you laugh or motivates you during your workout. Happy gainz!

Revised Creationism vs Evolution Rant

This is inspired by a friend's post of a photo depicting an elaborate sand castle, and the caption sarcastically says that erosion over time created the castle.The post reminded me of a worksheet that I was made to do in my public high school (religion of atheism thrust upon a 'secular' system...I digress). And I was appalled to see the sheet again, being used by a professor for his students (masters, PhD), who were my colleagues at work. The sheet depicts about 20-25 black and white simplistic drawings of "animals". The kind of hamster-shaped animals that you may expect to see in a cheesy space movie, crawling out of a lunar scum puddle. Exactly. Each of these drawings is a bit like the other, but no two are quite alike; there are variations. The student is to cut each out and paste them, making cladograms depicting lineage.

Evolutionists are entertaining for me. It's never a dull moment when "studying" evolution, because if you have conflicting evidence, you make something up to fill the gap. Or you just ignore the way genes work... Back to the worksheet. The evolutionist(s) who made this worksheet were so desperate to 'show' evolution to students that they had to recruit make-believe critters because out of all the 7.77 million species of animals and almost 300,000 species of plants to ever exist on Earth (I googled "how many species of animals ever existed"), they couldn't find ONE to showcase macro evolution. Yes, the famed Galapagos finches had beaks that changed. Isolated populations of Brazilian geckos developed larger mouths. Anolis in North America became cold-tolerant during a long cold spell. Anolis on Floridian islands altered their niche as well as their toe pads when another Anolis species invaded. Snowshoe hare in Montana can time their seasonal molt perfectly with coinciding weather fluctuations. These are designs in the genetic code for fast adaptation (aka micro evolution), put there by Someone who wanted His creation to thrive.

I've learned what evolutionists teach. I've learned what creationists teach. I know that many a time, the evidence simply is interpreted in different ways, depending on one's own bias. Attempting to set down the bias and consider all known hard facts (no theories, no assumptions, etc.), what makes sense to you? Does it make sense that vertical standing petrified trees would be buried far in ground layers? Does it make sense that discoveries of dinosaur and ice age animal flesh are still found fresh (soft material not completely mineralized or fossilized) and of DNA quality? Does it make sense that just as all cars have a chassis as part of the structural base, many animals share bone structures that are similar in order to have similar connectivity and function? Evolutionists used to study vertebrate embryos of many different species to "show" evolutionary links or similarities. But now they don't because that proved to be a dead end. Whenever I think of how life could begin (assuming all elements, some molecules, a habitable planet: gravity, habitable atmospheric pressure, a source of sustenance, etc. are provided), I then think how the first cell (wow! that was a quick jump from molecules to an organism!!) was so lucky that it could respirate, expel waste, repair damage/sustain itself, become mobile, feed, and reproduce (asexually, I would think) before the helpless thing could better itself (mutations! ooh la la) and populate a world. I dunno. It just seems a bit far fetched. Everyone's opinion is their own, but to me, a human comprehension can not fully comprehend God (the Yaweh, of the Bible) and His will and His understanding. So we can't fully understand the workings of the universe in its full. To think we could do so would be attempting to elevate ourselves with God; the blasphemy! Not all evidence for creationism is easy-peasy to explain; of course there are conundrums. But to me, as a whole, it makes more sense than the assumptions and randomness of macro evolution "theories". In the right heart attitude, studying His handiwork is worship.

Sources: The entire book "Undeniable" by Douglas Axe,

"Fast Adaptation Confirms Design-Based Model" from Acts&Facts Vol 47. no 9. Sept 2018,

https://answersingenesis.org/theory-of-evolution/evolution-theory-fact-or-law/?utm_source=facebook-aig&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebook-aig

It all makes sense now

In high school I liked most everything. I liked Math, English, Music, Biology, Chemistry (was interesting but tough to understand), and even Gym/PE. The only thing I didn't like was Government (I don't recommend taking the online course). So when I was asked what I would like to study in college or have for a career, at first I thought Paleontology (first grade), then Ichtheology (because we had to choose something for a freshman class) and then I settled on Music and Entomology. I got my Bachelors of Arts in Music with a minor in Entomology in December, 2015. I am very glad I did, as now I am at the playing level for local symphonies and other ensembles. Knowing about the classifying, curating, and capturing insects is also great knowledge, as it helps to understand other Latin-based areas as well as biology.

At the back of my mind for a while now I had been thinking about becoming a personal trainer. I loved to be active when I was little, and in high school I was that only girl who enjoyed gym class. I took the optional gym classes in my junior and senior years, when there were only about 5 girls and almost 20 boys who chose to take those courses. I learned a lot about myself and the world of fitness. So recently I decided to start studying for my personal training certificate.

Some of the things I've learned, such as technique precision, discipline, endurance, commitment, and dedication, directly cross over into the world of music from fitness. I don't exactly know what my point in stating that is, except that those things have clearly found importance in my life. I am also interested in jewelry making, outdoor activities, fixing mechanical things; nearly everything (not so much politics, but a little bit).

So as I was exercising this morning (in the backyard because I am too cheap to currently have a gym pass until cold weather) I realized something. It is a really really really good and eye-opening thing to be interested in a multitude of subjects. Because since I am made in the Image of God (as all humans are) we should by design be, in part, like Him. God made everything, every "subject"; it is all hand-crafted by Him from His design. His creation. He infused bits of Himself into us, since we have each a spirit (unlike animals) and the rest of creation is likewise His masterpiece. But humans are special, obviously. We study the creation around us. We make art and music and put into words and descriptions the things that God designed. My revelation this morning is that my interest in everything is very good. It leads me to learn more. Even though it may make "choosing one career" near impossible for me. Whenever I inform someone of the two (seemingly) diametrically opposed subjects I studied in college (entomology and music), they ALWAYS respond with "wow, how different!" And I think it is a bit sad that people a lot of times only become good/experts at one thing, and often times nothing. Of course, I'm not advocating for being in college for years longer than you should be for your degree/certificate. Use your degree/knowledge. Experience is a good teacher.

I have been reading a book called "Men of Science Men of God: Great Scientists Who Believed the Bible" by Henry M. Morris. I love how hundreds of pioneers of the scientific branches loved God. Many of their contemporaries were evolutionists or some other strain of God-denying people who likewise were fascinated by God's creation (oh the irony). Out of many examples, the most relevant name to you is probably the artist/scientist/inventor, Leonardo da Vinci. "The founder of modern science...engineer and architect...dynamics, hydraulics, and even aeronautics..." He also loved Jesus Christ, even though he did not produce as many "religious" writings as other scientists (page 9-11).

It is so good to worship God through our admiration of His creation, and the use and application of what He has given to us!

Firsts!

Grittins! Calvin and Hobbs reference. So I had my first date of my life in September! Fun times, fun times. And now, I've made my first rant! Well, I don't know if that's the best description but it turned into a couple paragraphs... here ya go. Penny for your thoughts. It was inspired by a friend's post of a photo depicting an elaborate sand castle, and the caption sarcastically says that erosion over time created the castle.

"This post reminded me of a worksheet that I was made to do in my public high school (religion of atheism thrust upon a 'secular' system...I digress). And I was appalled to see the sheet again recently, being used by a professor for his students (masters, PhD), who are my colleagues at work. Unfortunately I can't find this worksheet online, but I'll explain it. Picture about 20-25 black and white simplistic computer drawings of "animals". The kind of hamster-size animals that you may expect to see in a cheesy space movie, crawling out of a lunar scum puddle. Exactly. Each of these drawings is a bit like the other, but no two are quite alike; there are variations. The student is to cut each out and paste them, making cladograms depicting lineage. Evolutionists are entertaining for me. It's never a dull moment when "studying" evolution, because if you have conflicting evidence, you make something up to fill the gap. Or you just ignore the way genes work... Back to the worksheet. The evolutionist(s) who made this worksheet were so desperate to 'show' evolution to students that they had to recruit make-believe critters because out of all the 7.77 million species of animals and almost 300,000 species of plants to ever exist on Earth (I googled "how many species of animals ever existed), they couldn't fine ONE to showcase macro evolution. Yes, the famed Galapagos finches had beaks that changed. That's a design in the genetic code for adaptation (aka micro evolution), put there by Someone who wanted His creation to thrive.

I've learned what evolutionists teach. I've learned what creationists teach. I know that many a time, the evidence simply is interpreted in different ways, depending on one's own bias. Attempting to set down the bias and consider all known hard facts (no theories, no assumptions, etc.), what makes sense to you? Does it make sense that vertical standing petrified trees would be buried far in the ground? Does it make sense that discoveries of dinosaur and ice age animal flesh is still found fresh (soft material not completely mineralized or fossilized) and DNA quality? Does it make sense that just as all cars have a chassis as part of the structural base, many animals share bone structures that are similar in order to have similar connectivity and function? Evolutionists used to study vertebrate embryos of many different species to show evolutionary links or similarities. But now they don't because that proved to be a dead end. Whenever I think of how life could begin (assuming all elements, some molecules, a habitable planet: gravity, habitable atmospheric pressure, a source of sustenance, etc. are provided), I then think how the first cell (wow! that was a quick jump from molecules to an organism!!) was so lucky that it could respirate, expel waste, repair damage/sustain itself, become mobile (?), feed, and reproduce (asexually, I would think) before the helpless thing could better itself (mutations! ooh la la) and populate a world. I dunno. It just seems a bit far fetched. Everyone's opinion is their own, but to me, a human comprehension can not fully comprehend God (the Yaweh, of the Bible) and His will and His understanding. So we can't fully understand the workings of the universe in its full. To think we could do so would be attempting to elevate ourselves with God; the blasphemy! Not all evidence for creationism is easy-peasy to explain; of course there are conundrums. But to me, as a whole, it makes a bit more sense than the assumptions and randomness of macro evolution theories. In the right attitude, studying His handiwork is worship."

Well I didn't mean to write an essay but it seems I have! Foods for thoughts 🍕

Penny for YOUR thoughts? 💰


The Professor saw my post and was kind enough to willingly give me my evidence XD

Resources: "Undeniable" by Douglas Axe, https://answersingenesis.org/theory-of-evolution/evolution-theory-fact-or-law/?utm_source=facebook-aig&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebook-aig

I'm still here!

Well, hello again! It's been some time since last post...December 2015...yep. Stuff has happened! After graduating, I started full-time in the lab. I learned how to set up the Lindgren funnels, vane traps, and yellow bee buckets, finished IDing the Odonates in June, mounted/pinned an insect here and there (ok, maybe a few thousand of 'em), IDed beetles for a panthera graduate student, and met over a dozen entomologists. Most notably, I got to go to Saint Kitts and Nevis where I learned to set malaise traps, FITs, Berlese material, as well as train rangers in all of the collection techniques. Oh! And the canopy fogger :) Which I never actually saw in action, but we dry tested it. Dos D'ane Pond, Nevis Peak, and swimming in the Caribbean were exciting times. Summer of 2017 I am doing the MT field work all by myself! So far, I put 1,100 miles on a rental truck, and 600 on a rental Jeep. Fun times.

So that sums up my entomology to-date, but I have had some adventures elsewhere, also! September 2016 I got to fly to Denver to meet my penpal. We have been writing to each other since early high school, so roughly 9 years. This was the first time I've flown since I was 5 years old, which doesn't count. I really like flying! In March 2017, I got to got to DC with the MSU Wind Symphony, which I was still playing with at that time (they needed experienced clarinetists for this trip). I got to play in the Kennedy Center for the Sousa Band Festival. What a place. We toured most if not all of the monuments, and a few hours worth at the Smithsonian. My boss, Dr. Mike Ivie, set me up with Smithsonian curator Floyd Shockley and I got a tour of the restricted access entomology floors!!! Whoa.

In May 2016 I bought a car! Went from my parent's 1992 green Honda Accord EX to my own 2005 gold Honda Accord LX. Quite the update, and quite the bargain! Only $4,800 and 97K miles. Cleanest car in existance; I went to vacuum under the floor mats and there was NOTHING there! :O Since fall of 2015 I've been teaching a clarinet student; as of summer 2017 she is about to enter 7th grade. She and her younger brother (trumpet) are really enjoying playing music. :) Two weeks ago I finished teaching a friend to drive, and he took his written and driving tests and passed both!! I've never felt like such a mom, even with all the childcare I've done hahaha. Here's the view on Sacajawea Peak:

Current interests/activities: swimming, traveling, fishing, weightlifting,
rollerblading, hiking, insects, new music (Spotify), Instagram (Bitterroot2121), Tim Hawkins "Poddy Break" podcast, Wally Show Podcast, everything Rhett and Link/Good Mythical Morning, and the usual conglomeration of all my other likes and hobbies haha.

Ttfn.