SkyGirl Posted December 28, 2017 Report Share Posted December 28, 2017 THE SKY VOYAGER Part I: Strange New Worlds I was writing the concluding paragraph of my weekly report when my comm badge buzzed and interrupted my thoughts. "Ensign Elvenword to the bridge, please." To the bridge? I froze and stared at my screen, my fingers motionless over the keys. That sounded like Lieutenant Tuvok, the chief of security! Me to the bridge? What for? I was only a junior-grade ensign on my first mission - what was I needed for on the bridge? "Ensign Elvenword, please respond." I jumped and slapped my badge. "Yes sir - on my way, sir!" My heart raced as I fumbled into my uniform jacket and paused at the mirror to adjust my tightly braided hair with trembling fingers. I had been stuck with the rest of the crew on Voyager for almost a year after we were flung into the Delta Quadrant by the Caretaker, but my position as a communications intern - later upgraded to "assistant science communications officer," which meant I was responsible for proofreading and compiling the science officers' weekly reports into an archived brief - never brought me into direct contact with the bridge crew. During the last six months, I had been independently studying Starfleet Academy language materials from the computer database and practicing speaking in the holodeck, in hopes of being allowed to go on an away mission someday; but I had not told anyone besides my roommates about my work - had one of them mentioned it to a bridge officer? The ride up to the bridge felt exceptionally long - until the turbolift glided to a stop and the doors opened up into the brightly lit space. There was Lieutenant Tuvok at the security station, silhouetted by dozens of brightly colored lights and buttons, and Ensign Kim at Operations; and down in front, I could see the backs of Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay's heads as they looked at a small star system out the massive viewscreen - so much larger than I imagined it! Everything smelled like heat and metal, but it was not hot, only very bright; and every officer's face was composed, focused, and occupied. Lieutenant Tuvok glanced up as I hesitated at the open doors, his fingers never stopping their graceful, efficient movements over the touchscreen. "Ensign, it does not take fifteen minutes to make your way from your quarters to the bridge," he stated, more of a factual observation than a rebuke. I hesitated, uncertain how to respond. "Yes, sir," I finally said lamely. "Did you wish to see me?" "Yes." He moved aside from his station and gestured for me to join him. I squared my shoulders and tried to look confident as I strode across the open space (feeling very small) and climbed the small step up to the security station. "Ensign, the next part of our journey will bring us into contact with several diverse alien cultures," Tuvok said, his voice measured and matter-of-fact. "The captain has asked me to select an additional crew member to function as an assistant on our diplomatic missions, preferably someone with exceptional interpersonal communication skills and combat experience. I have reviewed your performance during the rescue mission aboard the U.S.S. Ranger as a Starfleet cadet, and found it exemplary. I have also reviewed your progress studying the Academy language curriculum on your own, which indicates that you have initiative and a desire to expand your current role, which you have performed punctually and accurately for the past eleven months. Although you lack the Starfleet experience that some of your older crewmates possess, I believe you have promise, and that the training and experience you will receive as a diplomatic adjutant would enhance your career significantly once we return to the Alpha Quadrant." He raised an eyebrow. "Does this opportunity interest you?" I fought to keep my face from betraying the scream of joy that was bubbling up in my stomach. "Yes sir, it interests me greatly. What would I have to do to get started?" Tuvok reached under the console and handed me a PADD. "I have constructed a plan of study for you to continue your language studies, using additional data on Delta Quadrant species that you do not have access to in the Academy database. These lessons include language, culture, and protocol components. Additionally, I have arranged weekly meetings with five senior officers, to familiarize you with bridge and away mission protocol. Each of them will likely have additional training assignments for you to complete. You will continue your weekly duties as science communications assistant, but you will also be assigned a duty station on the bridge, which you will be expected to man whenever you are summoned, day or night." "Yes sir. Will I be further instructed on my duties at my new station?" "Yes. After one month, you will meet with the captain, and she will assess your readiness to assume your new duties. At that time, you will be officially designated a Diplomatic Adjutant and instructed in the duties of your new station." I took the PADD and stood as tall as I could. "I understand. I will begin my studies as soon as I complete my weekly report." Tuvok nodded gracefully and turned back to his station. "Very good. The five officers assigned to be your mentors will contact you to schedule your weekly meetings - their names are listed in your first lesson. Please see me or one of them if you have additional questions. You are dismissed." "Yes sir." As I stepped off the station platform and walked back toward the turbolift, I snuck a small peek over my shoulder at the captain's chair - and my heart missed a beat when I met Captain Janeway's eyes, already turned in my direction. Her stern face cracked into a slight smile and she nodded briefly. "We look forward to seeing you on the bridge, Ensign," she called across the room, her voice businesslike but pleasant. "Study hard and I'll see you in a few weeks." Dear Dad and Mom, I wrote in my letter that evening. Today was quite possibly the biggest day of my life - I have been chosen for promotion! After only a year out of the Academy! Can you believe it? I was summoned to the bridge this afternoon by Lieutenant Tuvok - yes, I finally got to see the bridge and the bridge crew! It was amazing! - and he said that the officers were looking for an assistant to specialize in diplomacy and language, to accompany them on away missions as a Diplomatic Adjutant. Because I've been studying languages on my own for the last few months, and because he read about my work on the USS Ranger, I was chosen! Over more than a hundred other people! What it means is that I will be given extra homework by five of the senior officers, in order to get ready - my weekly mentors will be Neelix, Lieutenant Tuvok, the Doctor and Kes, and Commander Chakotay; and once a month, I will also meet with Captain Janeway, to keep her informed on my progress. I don't know any of the bridge officers personally, but one of my roommates spent a couple of months as a navigational assistant on the bridge, and she has told me lots of stories about all of them, so I think I have an idea what to expect. When I was on the bridge, I tried to sense their emotions, but I'm not as good at that as you are, Mom. They all mostly just seemed busy and focused. When the captain greeted me she did seem sincere, though - I have so much admiration for her and I want her to be pleased with my work. As I may have mentioned once or twice, I hope one day to be a starship captain just like her. I love you both and miss you more than I can say. I heard a rumor today that some of the new species we'll be meeting soon might be able to help us get home faster ... I tried not to listen, of course, but of course I did anyway. I hope my new job won't take up so much time that I can't write to you every day - but even if it does, I'll keep good logs of everything I do, so I can tell you all my wonderful stories of data entry and report-writing when I get home. Maybe spiced up with a few alien encounters now and then, I hope. Talk to you soon. Lots of love, Sky 9 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 51 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
Tanktimus the Encourager Posted December 28, 2017 Report Share Posted December 28, 2017 I love the new narrative. When I saw what it was I was hoping you'd reference the Starfleet Themed mini and I was not disappointed! 3 Quote Current Challenge "By the Most-Righteous-and-Blessed Beard of Sir Tanktimus the Encourager!" - Jarl Rurik Harrgath Link to comment
SkyGirl Posted December 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2017 It's a short story!!! I've been hugely enjoying ST:VOY these last few weeks after the addition of Seven of Nine to the crew (though I will forever miss dear angelic Kes), and finding more inspiration there than in my usual LOTR musings; so I am taking a break from alter-ego-Sky's adventures in Middle Earth and Temple Island to resume my own adventures from this past summer, as a half-Bajoran half-Betazoid Starfleet cadet, who has now officially joined Starfleet and wound up on Voyager for her first mission like Harry Kim did. (Which means that I presumably graduated from the Academy at the same time as Harry Kim. Interesting. I wonder if we knew each other? #plotbunnies) I have spent far too many hours this afternoon working on my goals for 2018 (in addition to studying Intrepid-class starship schematics in order to write my intro segment correctly), but it feels like time well-spent. I have divided my Yearly Big Goals into five categories, and assigned myself five officer mentors to go with each: Strength and flexibility: TUVOK Register for and attend one weekly yoga class and report on progress Register for and attend one weekly weightlifting class and report on progress Run/walk one 5K for charity Identity and mental health: THE DOCTOR AND KES Attend all prescribed counseling appointments and report on progress Make a decision on the next phase of my career Practice observing boundaries and standing up for myself Leadership and service: JANEWAY Earn my driver’s license Begin learning conversational Chinese Begin learning conversational Romanian Take on one mentorship or professional leadership role Spiritual growth and study: CHAKOTAY Complete three Bible study books and note application of what I learn Continue discipling current three disciple-ees and, if appropriate, take on one more Identify one real-life spiritual mentor to work with After earning license, select a church to attend regularly Personal discipline: NEELIX Develop a weekly planning, budgeting, and food shopping routine by the end of the semester Consistently wake at 7 or 7:30AM every day Get comfortable submitting assignments 24 hours before the due date Some of these goals are old ones that I've been struggling with for the past year, but some of them are new - at the end of my Bible study last semester, my study leader talked about having a "missionary mindset" that views every day and every place we find ourselves as a mission field, not only as our normal daily responsibilities. She challenged us to think of ways we could more intentionally reach people for Christ in our daily interactions in 2018. In my thinking, two big areas stood out to me - firstly, I rub shoulders with students from all over the world every day; and it would show them that I truly care about them and their cultures if I developed a working familiarity with their languages. Since my university has a uniquely large Chinese student population, and since two of my siblings know rudimentary Chinese, it makes sense for me to learn some conversational Mandarin phrases myself. Secondly, I was convicted that I do a lot of "armchair ministry" - while I'm always up for a midnight Facebook Messenger conversation, or popping a "Thinking of You" card in the mail, I regularly go out of my way to avoid interacting with people face-to-face. I skip class parties, I fink out of lunch dates, and I conveniently "forget" to reschedule missed coffee-and-catch-up appointments. However, while messaging with people is great, many people quite naturally feel more loved when someone takes time out of their day to legitimately be with them, sitting near them, able to give them a hug or share food or touch their arm. I know I'm working on establishing healthy boundaries, and I'm not talking about meeting with people at the expense of my homework or family relationships; but a lot of the time I spend scrolling through Facebook and poking "Like" could really be better spent inviting people over, meeting for lunch, or giving them a real hug. So my task before the end of this week is to come up with some goals for this challenge that will tap into each of these five areas, and to keep these in mind as I structure my goals for the year. By December 2018, I want to have a fully formed plan for the next stage of my studies (or be actively seeking a job!), to be able to carry on a basic conversation in Mandarin Chinese, to have established a healthy schedule and diet routine, and to be stronger in mind, body, and heart than I am today, through Bible study, physical training, establishment of boundaries, and engagement in leadership and service opportunities. Those are some pretty hefty goals. But if I'm going to be Captain Janeway when I grow up, there is no better time to start than today. 6 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 51 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
SkyGirl Posted December 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2017 11 minutes ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said: I love the new narrative. When I saw what it was I was hoping you'd reference the Starfleet Themed mini and I was not disappointed! How could I not? That was by far my favorite mini ever!! 1 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 51 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
SkyGirl Posted December 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2017 Edit: Because I'm going to Romania, it would also make sense to have a few conversational phrases in the languages they speak there (Romanian, Hungarian, and German, primarily). *Googling "free language resources"* 4 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 51 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
Maggie-Miau Posted December 29, 2017 Report Share Posted December 29, 2017 Skyyyyyyy! Following! <3 2 hours ago, SkyGirl said: *Googling "free language resources"* Ooh, perhaps it's cliche, but Duolingo is great for vocabulary, and I adore Memrise for...everything, really. Whenever my internet will load it, I personally get a lot out of Memrise. :3 1 Quote Matthew 25:34-40 Link to comment
SkyGirl Posted December 29, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2017 42 minutes ago, MiaulinTheCat said: Skyyyyyyy! Following! <3 Ooh, perhaps it's cliche, but Duolingo is great for vocabulary, and I adore Memrise for...everything, really. Whenever my internet will load it, I personally get a lot out of Memrise. :3 MIAUUUU!!!! I'm so glad you're here!! I downloaded the Duolingo app on my iPad this afternoon and did my first 2 lessons in Romanian - and I told it to remind me to do 15 minutes of study every day. This is going to be fun!! 1 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 51 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
Wild Wolf Posted December 29, 2017 Report Share Posted December 29, 2017 3 hours ago, SkyGirl said: Edit: Because I'm going to Romania, it would also make sense to have a few conversational phrases in the languages they speak there (Romanian, Hungarian, and German, primarily). Watch out for this guy ^^ ....oh wait, that's TRANSYLvania. Whoops. Very cool looking challenge so far, SkyGirl. I really enjoyed the write up in the beginning Wolf 1 Quote Wild Wolf Class: Hero/ Height: 6'2 / Weight: 188# Instagram: @ryanwolfbell / Facebook: Ryan Wolf Bell / Bible App (YouVersion) Ryan Wolf Bell Current Challenge: Intro to Wolflean Spoiler Last Challenge(s): 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16 Epic Challenges: Welcome to the Fireteam & Wolfpool Gotham Project: 1 " Know, O prince, that once the sun burns out and the earth's core becomes solid and cold, there will come a man to provide the endless energy needed to sustain life and for the planets to keep moving. He is the source of light and the warmth of hope back into the hearts of humanity...." - Dark_Raider A wolf rises in my heart; against my darkness; against my demons; against my despair. I DECLARE WAR! Romans 8:28 (CSB) We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Link to comment
SkyGirl Posted December 29, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2017 42 minutes ago, Wild Wolf said: Watch out for this guy ^^ ....oh wait, that's TRANSYLvania. Whoops. Very cool looking challenge so far, SkyGirl. I really enjoyed the write up in the beginning Wolf Actually, Transylvania is the region I'm going to - the castle of Vlad Tepes, the guy who inspired Dracula, is on our itinerary! One of my friends already warned me to pack stakes and garlic in my carry-on bag just in case! Glad you're here, Wolf! 3 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 51 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
PrincessMononoke Posted December 29, 2017 Report Share Posted December 29, 2017 I love all your goals and your narrative! I am really not much of a treky but I enjoyed that! I am right there with you with the "Missionary Mindset" . Being a WAHM I have always felt like I don't have much of a mission field. I am starting to see that every interaction or encounter is a chance to minister. Also tell Drac I say HI! 1 Quote Link to comment
Wild Wolf Posted December 29, 2017 Report Share Posted December 29, 2017 10 hours ago, SkyGirl said: Actually, Transylvania is the region I'm going to - the castle of Vlad Tepes, the guy who inspired Dracula, is on our itinerary! One of my friends already warned me to pack stakes and garlic in my carry-on bag just in case! Glad you're here, Wolf! That's totally BA! You'll have to take pics if you can Also, just my suggestion, but bring a UV lamp/light in addition to stakes and garlic 34 minutes ago, PrincessMononoke said: I am starting to see that every interaction or encounter is a chance to minister. You're doing a lot better here than you think Wolf Quote Wild Wolf Class: Hero/ Height: 6'2 / Weight: 188# Instagram: @ryanwolfbell / Facebook: Ryan Wolf Bell / Bible App (YouVersion) Ryan Wolf Bell Current Challenge: Intro to Wolflean Spoiler Last Challenge(s): 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16 Epic Challenges: Welcome to the Fireteam & Wolfpool Gotham Project: 1 " Know, O prince, that once the sun burns out and the earth's core becomes solid and cold, there will come a man to provide the endless energy needed to sustain life and for the planets to keep moving. He is the source of light and the warmth of hope back into the hearts of humanity...." - Dark_Raider A wolf rises in my heart; against my darkness; against my demons; against my despair. I DECLARE WAR! Romans 8:28 (CSB) We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Link to comment
Elastigirl Posted December 29, 2017 Report Share Posted December 29, 2017 A Star Trek story- love! What a cool idea to learn Romanian, and very awesome that you get to visit Romania Quote Wisdom 22.5 Dexterity 13 Charisma 15 Strength 21 Constitution-13 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind' Luke 10; 27 Link to comment
Knightwatch Posted December 29, 2017 Report Share Posted December 29, 2017 I love this theme. Can't wait to see where it goes! Quote "The world will never starve for want of wonders, but for want of wonder." --GK Chesterton Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbo et sanabitur anima mea... http://www.facebook.com/#!/jbaileysewell Link to comment
Tanktimus the Encourager Posted December 29, 2017 Report Share Posted December 29, 2017 17 hours ago, SkyGirl said: Actually, Transylvania is the region I'm going to - the castle of Vlad Tepes, the guy who inspired Dracula, is on our itinerary! One of my friends already warned me to pack stakes and garlic in my carry-on bag just in case! Glad you're here, Wolf! Let me train you how to turn undead and smite evil real quick... 1 Quote Current Challenge "By the Most-Righteous-and-Blessed Beard of Sir Tanktimus the Encourager!" - Jarl Rurik Harrgath Link to comment
EaseActivate Posted December 30, 2017 Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 Following with enthusiasm! (also, I studied mandarin Chinese in college with enthusiasm, so looking forward to those reports!) Quote "First you decide what you've gotta do, and then you go out and do it. And maybe the most that we can do is just to see each other through it." -Ani Difranco Current Challenge | Past Challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Link to comment
SkyGirl Posted December 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 12 hours ago, PrincessMononoke said: I love all your goals and your narrative! I am really not much of a treky but I enjoyed that! I am right there with you with the "Missionary Mindset" . Being a WAHM I have always felt like I don't have much of a mission field. I am starting to see that every interaction or encounter is a chance to minister. Also tell Drac I say HI! Ooh, you're a WAHM!! My mom was a SAHM until my sister went to college and my littlest brothers started school, and two of my best friends are SAHMs ... it definitely does require you to be creative in finding and capitalizing on your mission field, that's for sure. But you are absolutely right, every interaction is a chance to minister, both online and offline; and your sweet Christian spirit absolutely glows in everything I've seen you write in the last couple of days. I know you're doing just brilliantly!! 11 hours ago, Wild Wolf said: That's totally BA! You'll have to take pics if you can Also, just my suggestion, but bring a UV lamp/light in addition to stakes and garlic 7 hours ago, Elastigirl said: A Star Trek story- love! What a cool idea to learn Romanian, and very awesome that you get to visit Romania I'm super excited! Some of my ancestors came from Romania; and it sounds a bit silly, but I'm eager to see if I look like the people there, and if they have names like mine. I've completed my first five mini-lessons on DuoLingo ... today I learned an incredibly useful phrase, "Eu sunt o femeie," which means "I am a woman". So, yeah, in case anyone in Romania isn't sure, I can reassure them. Also, "Tu esti o femeie, nu un barbat", which means "You are a woman, not a man". So I can help anyone else who is confused too. (I happen to be watching "Doctor Strange" for the first time as I write this post, and I think my language skills are a bit like the time Doctor Strange started making little fizzy magic spits out of his hands ... also, this movie has some fascinating spiritual dimensions, no pun intended, that I want to write about another time.) 6 hours ago, Knightwatch said: I love this theme. Can't wait to see where it goes! Thanks Knightwatch! I'm very excited about it too! I think 2018 is going to be an amazing year for all of us!! 5 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said: Let me train you how to turn undead and smite evil real quick... Only if I look cool like Peter Cushing while I'm doing it! 14 minutes ago, EaseActivate said: Following with enthusiasm! (also, I studied mandarin Chinese in college with enthusiasm, so looking forward to those reports!) Did you really? That's awesome!! I'm going to work on Romanian for a few weeks or months before adding Chinese so my brain doesn't get too confused, but I'm very excited to start learning - I have so many friends and acquaintances to practice with, including you! (And I kind of think you do much of your things with enthusiasm, amirite? ) 1 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 51 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
EaseActivate Posted December 30, 2017 Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 11 hours ago, SkyGirl said: And I kind of think you do much of your things with enthusiasm, amirite? 1 Quote "First you decide what you've gotta do, and then you go out and do it. And maybe the most that we can do is just to see each other through it." -Ani Difranco Current Challenge | Past Challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Link to comment
PrincessMononoke Posted December 30, 2017 Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 My mom was a SAHM also! I was homeschooled and we homeschool also. I run my own business so I’mMore of a SAHM most days. I gotta make myself work more [emoji12]Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment
Dusk Posted December 31, 2017 Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 You are going to Romania? That's so cool!! Also, HI! I love your theme - I've been getting really into Star Trek lately. Quote Link to comment
SkyGirl Posted December 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 Okay, so, first, thoughts on Doctor Strange. Spoiler I hesitated to watch Doctor Strange because it was about sorcerers and magic, which I don't believe Christians should have any part of; but because I'm trying to catch up on all the Marvel movies before Infinity War comes out, and because Benedict Cumberbatch, I went ahead and watched it tonight. And I really, really liked it. It briefly make me wish I could control dimensions and conjure up weapons with my hands, but besides that, I really, really liked it. Even though the characters were sorcerers controlling powers themselves, and not through the appropriate channels and relationships designated by Scripture (yes, I took it way too seriously), I was hugely impressed by their perspectives on good and evil, and on the existence of spiritual realms and dimensions. Evil was characterized as a hunger, that wanted to consume, to destroy by consumption. That really got my wheels spinning. Satisfaction, the Bible says, is only found in Christ; so it makes sense that evil and darkness would also be the opposite of satisfaction and joy. Hunger, breaking, losing, grasping, failing, destroying. And in that same vein, how horrifying was it that Dormammu, the representation of Satan or evil generally, would promise eternal life to his followers? Would pervert and twist God's promise of eternal life? And in the end, the zealots discovered that instead of eternal life, they had been condemned to eternal death in that dark universe of hunger and never being filled. It was incredibly sobering and frightening, because it is true. It's not something made-up for a comic book universe. It's something that the writers borrowed from the real world to give depth to their comic books. The other thing I thought about as I watched was that there is a spiritual, unseen battle going on between the forces of good and evil; and while I may not be a sorcerer, I am certainly an important player in this battle, because I was rescued away from this dark force and am sworn to fight against it. I don't summon magic, to fight it that way; my job is to overcome evil with good, to tell others that they can be freed like I have been, to allow the Holy Spirit to keep sanctifying me and making me more like Christ, and where I see evil and darkness manifested in the world, to combat it with goodness and light. I do have spiritual weapons - the Scriptures are my sword, faith is my shield; I am protected with the armor of righteousness and salvation; and I know my "Silver Bow" isn't from Scripture, but I have absolutely been given the gift of language to help and bless and fight darkness with. So Doctor Strange was a bit of a wake-up call to remember that there is so much more to life than the physical world that I get so preoccupied with - my life is only a blink in a millenia-long battle of evil trying to usurp God. And while my King has already won that battle and I need not fear evil, there are so many people who are still bound by the power of the dark hunger; and my primary mission, besides loving and knowing God more every day, is to do what I can to bring others into His family. TL:DR - I really liked Doctor Strange and it made me think of all sorts of deep and profound things, and I'm sure I will be watching it again sometime. But! It's time to develop my challenge for the month; so it's back to Starfleet for me: I am starting off my challenge in the best way: By doing something that absolutely terrifies me. Over the last few days, I have been putting together an application for a prestigious internship as a science communicator for NASA. Yeah. That NASA. I was super excited for the first couple of days I was working on getting my materials together, then as soon as I wrote to a couple of former coworkers for letters of recommendation, I was like oh my gosh what am I doing I'm not qualified to work at NASA they're going to look at my application and laugh and my friends don't have time to write these letters why did you waste their time oh my gosh. But, thankfully that didn't set in until after I'd written to them. The worst that can happen is that I send my application off into the atmosphere and never hear anything from anyone. And in that case, I'm not out anything besides a couple of days of looking back over my resume and realizing that I've done some pretty cool stuff over the last ten years. And in the best-case scenario, I will be working for NASA. So this is a good thing. Aaaaand, here are my other goals for the first challenge of 2018: TUVOK: Pay yearly gym fee and sign up for student class membership Go to gym 1x/week (because of snow and ice and classes starting) Do yoga 2x/week Walk at least 2 miles daily Do 10 full-body push-ups daily THE DOCTOR: Call to schedule counseling appointment after semester starts Complete NASA application (!!!) JANEWAY: Complete Romanian lessons through Level 4 on Duolingo Renew learner's permit CHAKOTAY: Select 1 Bible study book, report what it is, and complete first 2 chapters/units NEELIX: Move daily wake time to 9AM by the time classes start Then, move daily wake time to 8AM by the end of January {I will figure out rewards / points / etc. tomorrow; but this has been sitting unfinished since last night, and I wanted to get it up here before bed. } 3 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 51 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
SkyGirl Posted December 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 14 hours ago, PrincessMononoke said: My mom was a SAHM also! I was homeschooled and we homeschool also. I run my own business so I’m More of a SAHM most days. I gotta make myself work more You're ... you're a ... fellow homeschool alumna???? I AM SO HAPPY TO KNOW YOU I CAN'T EVEN I was homeschooled for all but 2 years of my elementary and high school education!! And @Elastigirl, don't you homeschool your children too? Do I have that right? 3 hours ago, Shadri said: You are going to Romania? That's so cool!! Also, HI! I love your theme - I've been getting really into Star Trek lately. I am going to Romania and I'm so excited! And HAIII TO MY SHADRI Which generation of Star Trek are you watching? Who is your favorite character (or characters plural) so far? 15 hours ago, EaseActivate said: Yep, that's what I thought!! I love it!! 1 1 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 51 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
Dusk Posted December 31, 2017 Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 8 hours ago, SkyGirl said: I am going to Romania and I'm so excited! And HAIII TO MY SHADRI Which generation of Star Trek are you watching? Who is your favorite character (or characters plural) so far? That is exciting! Are you going just to sightsee, or for another reason? I've been watching mostly Next Generation & Deep Space Nine. We have a channel on our tv that plays an episode from each series of Star Trek every weeknight, which has been awesome :3 I love Picard of course, and Data; and from DS9 I actually quite like Quark, as well as Dr. Bashir (so handsome!). Quote Link to comment
annyshay Posted December 31, 2017 Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 Ooooh, Sky is a Trekkie. *grabs popcorn* Quote Love as thou wilt. Link to comment
EaseActivate Posted December 31, 2017 Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 9 hours ago, SkyGirl said: Over the last few days, I have been putting together an application for a prestigious internship as a science communicator for NASA. Yeah. That NASA. DUDE!!! NASA!!!! THAT IS AMAZING! Quote "First you decide what you've gotta do, and then you go out and do it. And maybe the most that we can do is just to see each other through it." -Ani Difranco Current Challenge | Past Challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Link to comment
PrincessMononoke Posted December 31, 2017 Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 12 hours ago, SkyGirl said: You're ... you're a ... fellow homeschool alumna???? I AM SO HAPPY TO KNOW YOU I CAN'T EVEN I was homeschooled for all but 2 years of my elementary and high school education!! And @Elastigirl, don't you homeschool your children too? Do I have that right? Homeschooled my whole life! Along with my older sister and 5 younger brothers (Big family I know). I enjoyed it so much, and love it with the pups. We have a big Homeschooling social network and organizations in this area also. We have very competitive sports programs, Co-ops and a lot of places here host 'Homeschool Days' and we get places like Six Flags, Zoo, Museums and Gymnastics to ourselves and major discounts. I love meeting fellow Homeschoolers! Quote Link to comment
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