I have always loved Christmas, and for me it has always been more than the day. To me, the entire Christmas season is what is so magical!
For my, Thanksgiving is always the beginning of Christmas. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, my family typically went to a Christmas tree farm, selected the "perfect" tree, chopped it down ourselves, and headed home. Then Daddy would string up the lights, Mama would set out decorations, and the boys and I would hang the ornaments. Christmas music played, a fire would be lit (if it was cold enough outside), and Christmas season officially began! Now that we are older, that tradition doesn't happen every year, but we all love Christmas, so we make a big deal of it in our house.
I know the holidays can be hectic, but I love every part of it. I love thinking about what I am giving to people, tyring to find the perfect gift. Yes, that can be overwhelming, but I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love it. I love hearing Christmas carols played and sung everywhere. I love leaving stores or restaurants with a, "Merry Christmas!" I love how people are a little kinder, a little friendlier, a little more willing to smile as they walk down the streets.
At my old house we set up our tree in the living room by the piano. I used to love creeping in there at night or early in the morning with my hot chocolate and just look at the lights. Sometimes I would read, but a lot of times I would just sit and think.
For the past few years, I have been able to be a part of the Christmas Eve services at my church. That service is my favorite part of the entire Christmas season, and I absolutely LOVE being able to sing in it. I love the rehearsals, I love showing up at church at 3 in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, I love being a part of it, I love singing on the stage and watching as the glow of candles lights up the chapel, the reflection dancing on everyone's faces. That is the essence of Christmas to me. After the service, we usually get together with some close family friends for dinner and relaxing.
I am very thankful for the memories of Christmas that I have. I am thankful that my parents love the Season, and they love it because of the heart of it - Emmanuel, God with us. I get so much from Christmas. Yes, there are the gifts on Christmas morning, but more than that, my soul is rested, cheered, reminded of the truth. That to me is the magic of Christmas and why it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
News from Home!
I have been home for about two days, and it has been wonderful! Its so nice to spend time with my family, decorate for Christmas, and just be HOME. I've already been able to do so many things I love, such as driving!, going to the library, singing in the car, pedicure with Mama, running errands with Daddy, teasing the boys, and going to choir pratice.
And, yesterday, one of my very best friends (my roommate from last year) got engaged!!!!!! I am more than a little excited for her. :) She called me last night, and I have been freaking out ever since. Love you, Karen, and I am so so excited for you!!!!
Jet lag has been...well, its only been two days. Sunday night was bad, but today I slept till 7:30! Hopefully I am back on schedule now.
I cannot believe Christmas is in five days. I am so excited! We all know that this is my favorite time of year, and I have been taking full advantage of it since being home. There is no place like home, and there is definitely no place like home for the holidays!
And, yesterday, one of my very best friends (my roommate from last year) got engaged!!!!!! I am more than a little excited for her. :) She called me last night, and I have been freaking out ever since. Love you, Karen, and I am so so excited for you!!!!
Jet lag has been...well, its only been two days. Sunday night was bad, but today I slept till 7:30! Hopefully I am back on schedule now.
I cannot believe Christmas is in five days. I am so excited! We all know that this is my favorite time of year, and I have been taking full advantage of it since being home. There is no place like home, and there is definitely no place like home for the holidays!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Leaving Again
There were many things I wanted to post about August, including Ann and my visit to Furman, but alas, I am our of time! This is the official notice that for the fall, I will be blogging on my Brussels blog. Check it out here!
Life in the Slow Lane, sorry for the break (again), but not to worry! I'll be back soon!
Life in the Slow Lane, sorry for the break (again), but not to worry! I'll be back soon!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Catching Up
I'm back!
Well, not for long, but I'm back. It feels good to be writing in "Life in the Slow Lane" again! If you missed reading about my summer in Hungary, I wrote all about it here. I can't believe that there are just about two weeks left of summer! And on the 22, I head to BRUSSELS!!!! I'm so excited. And yes, I made a new blog for the semester, but more on that later...
I wish I could capture how much I've grown this summer. Spiritually, I have learned. so. much. In a lot of ways, I feel like a different person than when I left. I'm obviously not a different person, but in some ways I am. I don't know. I can't explain it, really.
When I got home, my family and I headed on our first family vacation in a long time. We headed north! The first stop was Dollywood. It was so fun.
Afterwards, we continued to Banner Elk, NC. Some family friends graciously allowed us to stay in their mountain house. It is beautiful and restful and the perfect place for our family vacation. The first full day we were there we all sat on the porch and READ. So of course, I was happy. The next day we went for a hike on Grandfather Mountain. On Friday, we headed to Cherokee, NC. That was also really fun! We shopped and saw the play, "Unto These Hills," about the history of the Cherokee people. The next day, we stopped in Rock City. I'd never been there before and I LOVED it! It is really beautiful and cool. We made it back home, and I was definitely glad to be back sleeping in my own bed. But it was a really fun family trip, and I'm really glad we went.
Since then, I've been piddling around the house, taking care of some stuff, and getting ready to head back to Europe!
Well, not for long, but I'm back. It feels good to be writing in "Life in the Slow Lane" again! If you missed reading about my summer in Hungary, I wrote all about it here. I can't believe that there are just about two weeks left of summer! And on the 22, I head to BRUSSELS!!!! I'm so excited. And yes, I made a new blog for the semester, but more on that later...
I wish I could capture how much I've grown this summer. Spiritually, I have learned. so. much. In a lot of ways, I feel like a different person than when I left. I'm obviously not a different person, but in some ways I am. I don't know. I can't explain it, really.
When I got home, my family and I headed on our first family vacation in a long time. We headed north! The first stop was Dollywood. It was so fun.
Fun Times at Dollywood
Afterwards, we continued to Banner Elk, NC. Some family friends graciously allowed us to stay in their mountain house. It is beautiful and restful and the perfect place for our family vacation. The first full day we were there we all sat on the porch and READ. So of course, I was happy. The next day we went for a hike on Grandfather Mountain. On Friday, we headed to Cherokee, NC. That was also really fun! We shopped and saw the play, "Unto These Hills," about the history of the Cherokee people. The next day, we stopped in Rock City. I'd never been there before and I LOVED it! It is really beautiful and cool. We made it back home, and I was definitely glad to be back sleeping in my own bed. But it was a really fun family trip, and I'm really glad we went.
My wonderful family
Since then, I've been piddling around the house, taking care of some stuff, and getting ready to head back to Europe!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
So Long, Farewell (for now)
I've been working at Christian Service Mission since I got home from school. I love it! If you are in the Birmingham area and are looking for ways to help with tornado relief efforts, please check out CSM! (facebook.com/christianservicemission, christianservicemission.blogspot.com, twitter.com/csmission) You can come down to volunteer Mon-Friday from 9-2:30, and Saturdays 9-3. The address is 3600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham AL 35222. I cannot say enough good things about what God is doing here! I've seen Him provide in ways I never would have expected, change hearts that I didn't think could be moved, work miracle after miracle, and be glorified in all the work going on among these churches! I have hundreds of stories I could share, but really you just need to check it out for yourself. Also, CSM does accept donations financially, so if you are out of state and want to help, you can call (205-252-9906).
Ok, that is my plug. :)
Now, in regards to Hungary! I started a separate blog for my summer internship. If you want to keep up with what God is doing while I'm in Diosd, please check out my Hungary blog here. I'm so excited about what He is doing, how He has provided, and what He has ahead! This is my last post on Life in the Slow Lane for a while, but don't worry - I'll be back!
Ok, that is my plug. :)
Now, in regards to Hungary! I started a separate blog for my summer internship. If you want to keep up with what God is doing while I'm in Diosd, please check out my Hungary blog here. I'm so excited about what He is doing, how He has provided, and what He has ahead! This is my last post on Life in the Slow Lane for a while, but don't worry - I'll be back!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
I Won't Let Go
On April 27, a series of tornadoes swept across Alabama and devastated entire towns in a matter of minutes. Thousands of people lost loved ones, their homes, and their possessions. While I was at school, I had this very strange "torn" sort of feeling where some part of my mind was always with home, what was going on in Alabama, and how I could help. Mama and Roecker started working with Christian Service Mission in the first days after the storm. The day I got home, Mama called me down to CSM for the afternoon, and that is where I've spent most of my time ever since.
Driving out looking at the damage is mind blowing. I cannot begin to describe to devastation. The pictures cannot do it justice. In one area, you turn into a neighborhood and suddenly all you can see is debris, destroyed homes, smashed cars. I saw a mattress folded up and stuck on a tree, with the branches poking through the other side. I saw the few remaining boards of the frames of houses barely standing on their foundations. I saw the things that make up peoples' day-to-day lives, those little things we take for granted like toys and pictures and nick-knacks and furniture and baby blankets, all scattered across yards and streets. It takes your breath away. All I could do was stare. I close my eyes and I still see some of that devastation. And I wasn't even in the hardest hit area. Its shocking, and as we drove around the neighborhood, I was entirely speechless.
I'd already loved working at CSM, but actually witnessing some of the devastation over two weeks after the tornado gave me new energy. I am so thankful for CSM and what they do. Basically, CSM is a warehouse where people drop off supplies. Volunteers sort the items, and when an order comes in, they fill the order, load it on a volunteer's truck, and then the volunteer drives it out to the site that requested those supplies. We've emptied and refilled the warehouse over 30 times since the tornado.
On my first day at CSM, I was doing some sorting. The next day, I did some filing and then I started calling the churches and organizations we distribute to in order to see what they need for the day. I love it. I've gotten to meet so many people through this, many of whom I will never see in person. I have, oddly enough, developed relationships with a lot of the people I talk to on the phone. Pastor Wren, who I did get to meet, is so sweet, and I believe he genuinely wants to serve his community. There's David, who is pretty stick-to-the-facts. Ms. Kellie is so sweet and accommodating. Carrie genuinely wants to help people. Renee recognizes that more important even than supplies is our prayers for the people affected by the tornado. There's Sylvia, who shared how the community responded to the supplies they received, telling me how one little boy said it was better than Christmas.There are countless other people and churches who genuinely care about their community, who love them and want to serve.
CSM relied entirely upon their volunteers, and we have the best volunteers! There are many people who show up day after day. Gwen is a grandmother who decided that serving at CSM is what she needs to do, and she shows up every day. Her daughter, Kristina, comes and provides snacks and coordinates lunches for the volunteers. Noel came all last week, and when he found out I was a vegetarian, he brought me lunch! Then of course there are the drivers. Mama runs the loading dock, and I run orders out there all day, so I see those volunteers the most. There's Ms. Louise and her husband Nat, who have driven supplies all over the state! We had volunteers from New Jersey who drove all the way down with a truck load of supplies and then stayed and made deliveries for us! We've had volunteers from Michigan, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, and many other states! Steve, Crystal, Cameron, Clint, Hansell...I can't name all of the wonderful volunteers because we have way to many for me to keep up with, and plus it would take pages and pages to write down all their names. They won't get recognition for doing what they do right now, but I know that someday when these people run through Heaven's Gates, all of Heaven will be applauding them for the work they have done!
Driving out looking at the damage is mind blowing. I cannot begin to describe to devastation. The pictures cannot do it justice. In one area, you turn into a neighborhood and suddenly all you can see is debris, destroyed homes, smashed cars. I saw a mattress folded up and stuck on a tree, with the branches poking through the other side. I saw the few remaining boards of the frames of houses barely standing on their foundations. I saw the things that make up peoples' day-to-day lives, those little things we take for granted like toys and pictures and nick-knacks and furniture and baby blankets, all scattered across yards and streets. It takes your breath away. All I could do was stare. I close my eyes and I still see some of that devastation. And I wasn't even in the hardest hit area. Its shocking, and as we drove around the neighborhood, I was entirely speechless.
I'd already loved working at CSM, but actually witnessing some of the devastation over two weeks after the tornado gave me new energy. I am so thankful for CSM and what they do. Basically, CSM is a warehouse where people drop off supplies. Volunteers sort the items, and when an order comes in, they fill the order, load it on a volunteer's truck, and then the volunteer drives it out to the site that requested those supplies. We've emptied and refilled the warehouse over 30 times since the tornado.
On my first day at CSM, I was doing some sorting. The next day, I did some filing and then I started calling the churches and organizations we distribute to in order to see what they need for the day. I love it. I've gotten to meet so many people through this, many of whom I will never see in person. I have, oddly enough, developed relationships with a lot of the people I talk to on the phone. Pastor Wren, who I did get to meet, is so sweet, and I believe he genuinely wants to serve his community. There's David, who is pretty stick-to-the-facts. Ms. Kellie is so sweet and accommodating. Carrie genuinely wants to help people. Renee recognizes that more important even than supplies is our prayers for the people affected by the tornado. There's Sylvia, who shared how the community responded to the supplies they received, telling me how one little boy said it was better than Christmas.There are countless other people and churches who genuinely care about their community, who love them and want to serve.
CSM relied entirely upon their volunteers, and we have the best volunteers! There are many people who show up day after day. Gwen is a grandmother who decided that serving at CSM is what she needs to do, and she shows up every day. Her daughter, Kristina, comes and provides snacks and coordinates lunches for the volunteers. Noel came all last week, and when he found out I was a vegetarian, he brought me lunch! Then of course there are the drivers. Mama runs the loading dock, and I run orders out there all day, so I see those volunteers the most. There's Ms. Louise and her husband Nat, who have driven supplies all over the state! We had volunteers from New Jersey who drove all the way down with a truck load of supplies and then stayed and made deliveries for us! We've had volunteers from Michigan, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, and many other states! Steve, Crystal, Cameron, Clint, Hansell...I can't name all of the wonderful volunteers because we have way to many for me to keep up with, and plus it would take pages and pages to write down all their names. They won't get recognition for doing what they do right now, but I know that someday when these people run through Heaven's Gates, all of Heaven will be applauding them for the work they have done!
The things that go on at CSM would blow your mind. I’ve seen God’s hand orchestrating this entire mission. He gives us supplies before we know that we need it. He clears out space in order for another order to come in. I remember one day I had walked back with Mama to the freezer (it was really hot and that’s a surefire way to cool off!). We were headed back to the loading dock when in the food area we saw the volunteers gathered around the table holding hands. We jumped in the circle and the lady in charge of the area started praying. “God,” she said, “this table in front of us is empty. You know that. And You know that we have 5 orders for canned food that need to go out to these people. We ask You to fill this table again, and we thank You in advance for how You are going to provide.” I walked back a little later, and the table was full again. And that is just one story – that sort of thing happens literally constantly. I have countless stories, as do Mama and Roecker, about how God has provided exactly what we needed. CSM is truly where miracles happen every day.
It has been amazing to see the response of people. We have volunteers come in from different churches across Birmingham to help out. One girl came in, and she brought a few bags of peanut butter, jelly, and bread. “I saw on facebook that this is what y’all needed, so I stopped by Publix on my way here!” she said. And that happens all the time.
One man stopped by on his way home from work. He came in to put in an order that he could take back to Sipsey. I asked if he lived there, and he said yes. I asked if he had been affected by the tornadoes, and he said matter-of-factly, “Oh yeah. I lost everything. But I had to come out here for some work with the union, and I decided to stop by CSM to take back a load to help out my community.” He didn’t take a thing for himself, instead he wanted to help out others however he could.
I wish I could share every single story. These people are so selfless in their response. I’ve seen God work in hearts in ways that I never could have imagined. I would expect people to be discouraged and hopeless, but instead I’ve seen people set their own struggles aside to do what they can. In Pratt City, a man literally opened his home up as a distribution site. When Mama asked him how much room he had left to live in, he said, “Well, I have my bed and my bathroom. That’s really all I need.” I could go on and on about these people, the volunteers and the affected Alabamians. I cannot say enough.
But the heart of it all is truly the Gospel. The only reason we function as we do, the only way these people are stepping beyond themselves, is because they know the love that God has for them, the sacrifice Jesus made because of His great love for them, and the soul-driven need to respond in loving others. I have learned in a new way what it means to love my neighbor, as my pastor spoke about on Sunday. It is truly an experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. I'm so thankful that God has given me the opportunity to do this even for a little while!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Tomorrow
I'm home!
After suffering continual and underlying homesickness for the past week, I am finally home.
My last few days at school were wonderful. Well, the not-so-wonderful part was saying goodbye to Karen, my wonderful roommate, who I already miss like crazy, and lots of other friends. The wonderful part was hanging out with my RA friends, some of my very favorite people! On Thursday night, we had an RA banquet, and I sat with Julie, Mary Grace, Robert, Cole, SJ, Stephen, and James (I think that was everyone...). Afterwards, a bunch of us decided to swing dance in Harper Hall, the usual locale. It was really fun, and probably my last time to swing dance for a while. Then we all headed to Wendy's for frosties and fries. One car was packed full of people, and they decided that since so many people needed to pay and since it was Cinco de Mayo, they would go through the drive through five times. It was literally hilarious. The lady at the window was cracking up apparently, and on their last go-round, when they started ordering, she said, "Sorry, we are out of food." Then when they pulled up to get their food, David ran past the window and snatched the food out of the lady's hands. The people in the car burst out laughing and assured the aldy that they knew him. It was so funny. We all just laughed and ate and joked. It was great. Then Katie came and spent the night in my room! Slumber party! :) Just a taste of next year.
Friday we had to do some closing stuff, but I was with Luis, so that was great, and it was over pretty quickly. Owen, our Delta Dad, took Katie, Julie, Mary Grace, and I out to lunch, which was so fun! I love Owen. Then Katie and I hung out for a little while, went for a walk, and then went to the PAC. While we were there, we ran into Cole, Lex, and Robert. We played Knock Out (I think that's the name, its the game where you try to make the basket before the person in front of you makes it so that they are out of the game. The last one left with the basket ball wins). It was Cole's birthday that day, so we decided to go out to dinner. We called some friends and left at seven for Flat Rock. That meal was so fun. I was sitting next to SJ and accross from Robert, my cousin. Two of my favorite people. We laughed so much. And we happened to be sitting next two two birthday tables, so every time the wait staff brought out the cake, we sang to the guests! The manager said she wanted us to come every time there was a birthday! It was really funny, because we ended up singing Happy Birthday three times, since it was Cole's birthday too. Anyway, after dinner, we hung out for a little while, and then Katie came over and we had another slumber party. Haha. So fun.
Saturday was pretty quiet. I watched the Sound of Music, my all-time favorite movie, with my friend Emily. Then I just relaxed and read for the rest of the day. It was really needed and really restful.
On Sunday, we had more closing! Yay! It was actually really fun. We finished going through rooms pretty quickly. Then my job was to clean the office, which was perfect. I really enjoyed it (yes, Mama, I am your daughter). Other RAs were typing up RICs, so I grabbed my computer and started helping. We ordered in Greek food for dinner - so delicious! We finished up at about 8:30. I checked my phone and had lots of missed calls and text messages. My brother was on his way to pick me up! I hurried to go finish packing. Katie came by for a bit. Then Roecker got there and started loading the car (I had a lot of stuff). My friend Stephen came and helped, which was really nice. And then Julie, Mary Grace, and Robbie came and helped too. I really appreciated their help. Finally, we were set to go.
Roecker and I hit the road. He drove for a long way. I dozed off for a while, and then when I woke up, we were in Atlanta. Roeck asked me to drive for a bit (understandably - he had already driven the whole way to pick me up and then half of the way back!). I was rejuvenated by my nap, so we stopped and switched places, and I got us the rest of the way home. I may or may not have been speeding. Which is bad, but considering that I haven't been home since Christmas break, I couldn't really help myself. We finally got in around 2 (3 to my body). We went straight to our rooms and fell asleep. This morning, Mama came in to say goodbye before she left for work, and then Daddy came to say goodbye before he left for MS. I wish I'd been more awake and could have actually talked to him, because I haven't seen him since January 8, but well, I was still half asleep.
Now I've started unpacking, but my brother took the car that has a lot of my stuff in it. So I'm washing clothes, and I decided that blogging would be a good way to pass the time while I wait to move the clothes into the dryer!
I have lots to write about, such as Hungary and home and the fall and that sort of thing, so I'll write again soon!
After suffering continual and underlying homesickness for the past week, I am finally home.
My last few days at school were wonderful. Well, the not-so-wonderful part was saying goodbye to Karen, my wonderful roommate, who I already miss like crazy, and lots of other friends. The wonderful part was hanging out with my RA friends, some of my very favorite people! On Thursday night, we had an RA banquet, and I sat with Julie, Mary Grace, Robert, Cole, SJ, Stephen, and James (I think that was everyone...). Afterwards, a bunch of us decided to swing dance in Harper Hall, the usual locale. It was really fun, and probably my last time to swing dance for a while. Then we all headed to Wendy's for frosties and fries. One car was packed full of people, and they decided that since so many people needed to pay and since it was Cinco de Mayo, they would go through the drive through five times. It was literally hilarious. The lady at the window was cracking up apparently, and on their last go-round, when they started ordering, she said, "Sorry, we are out of food." Then when they pulled up to get their food, David ran past the window and snatched the food out of the lady's hands. The people in the car burst out laughing and assured the aldy that they knew him. It was so funny. We all just laughed and ate and joked. It was great. Then Katie came and spent the night in my room! Slumber party! :) Just a taste of next year.
Friday we had to do some closing stuff, but I was with Luis, so that was great, and it was over pretty quickly. Owen, our Delta Dad, took Katie, Julie, Mary Grace, and I out to lunch, which was so fun! I love Owen. Then Katie and I hung out for a little while, went for a walk, and then went to the PAC. While we were there, we ran into Cole, Lex, and Robert. We played Knock Out (I think that's the name, its the game where you try to make the basket before the person in front of you makes it so that they are out of the game. The last one left with the basket ball wins). It was Cole's birthday that day, so we decided to go out to dinner. We called some friends and left at seven for Flat Rock. That meal was so fun. I was sitting next to SJ and accross from Robert, my cousin. Two of my favorite people. We laughed so much. And we happened to be sitting next two two birthday tables, so every time the wait staff brought out the cake, we sang to the guests! The manager said she wanted us to come every time there was a birthday! It was really funny, because we ended up singing Happy Birthday three times, since it was Cole's birthday too. Anyway, after dinner, we hung out for a little while, and then Katie came over and we had another slumber party. Haha. So fun.
Saturday was pretty quiet. I watched the Sound of Music, my all-time favorite movie, with my friend Emily. Then I just relaxed and read for the rest of the day. It was really needed and really restful.
On Sunday, we had more closing! Yay! It was actually really fun. We finished going through rooms pretty quickly. Then my job was to clean the office, which was perfect. I really enjoyed it (yes, Mama, I am your daughter). Other RAs were typing up RICs, so I grabbed my computer and started helping. We ordered in Greek food for dinner - so delicious! We finished up at about 8:30. I checked my phone and had lots of missed calls and text messages. My brother was on his way to pick me up! I hurried to go finish packing. Katie came by for a bit. Then Roecker got there and started loading the car (I had a lot of stuff). My friend Stephen came and helped, which was really nice. And then Julie, Mary Grace, and Robbie came and helped too. I really appreciated their help. Finally, we were set to go.
Roecker and I hit the road. He drove for a long way. I dozed off for a while, and then when I woke up, we were in Atlanta. Roeck asked me to drive for a bit (understandably - he had already driven the whole way to pick me up and then half of the way back!). I was rejuvenated by my nap, so we stopped and switched places, and I got us the rest of the way home. I may or may not have been speeding. Which is bad, but considering that I haven't been home since Christmas break, I couldn't really help myself. We finally got in around 2 (3 to my body). We went straight to our rooms and fell asleep. This morning, Mama came in to say goodbye before she left for work, and then Daddy came to say goodbye before he left for MS. I wish I'd been more awake and could have actually talked to him, because I haven't seen him since January 8, but well, I was still half asleep.
Now I've started unpacking, but my brother took the car that has a lot of my stuff in it. So I'm washing clothes, and I decided that blogging would be a good way to pass the time while I wait to move the clothes into the dryer!
I have lots to write about, such as Hungary and home and the fall and that sort of thing, so I'll write again soon!
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Walk
Osama bin Laden is dead.
I have really mixed emotions. I feel asleep Sunday night praying for his family, praying for a "last minute" conversion, praying for the people of Islam all over the world, that they would know the Truth and that the Truth would set them free (this is particularly on my mind because I've taken an Islam course both semesters this year). I don't rejoice that bin Laden is dead, but what I do rejoice in is justice being done.
God Himself promises justice to His people. It is a very scriptural concept, one that we must all face. The fact that the justice bin Laden received was begun by American soldiers is, I think, justice for the families of the people killed on 9/11. All throughout the Bible, God talks about justice. He talks about bringing judgment upon sinners, justice to those who have been wounded, betrayed, killed, etc. Our God is a God of justice, His very nature requires it.
While I don't rejoice that a man died most likely not knowing the Lord, I do rejoice that justice has been done. I am proud to be an American, but I am even more proud of the God I follow. I am thankful for His justice, even as I rejoice in His mercy.
I have really mixed emotions. I feel asleep Sunday night praying for his family, praying for a "last minute" conversion, praying for the people of Islam all over the world, that they would know the Truth and that the Truth would set them free (this is particularly on my mind because I've taken an Islam course both semesters this year). I don't rejoice that bin Laden is dead, but what I do rejoice in is justice being done.
God Himself promises justice to His people. It is a very scriptural concept, one that we must all face. The fact that the justice bin Laden received was begun by American soldiers is, I think, justice for the families of the people killed on 9/11. All throughout the Bible, God talks about justice. He talks about bringing judgment upon sinners, justice to those who have been wounded, betrayed, killed, etc. Our God is a God of justice, His very nature requires it.
While I don't rejoice that a man died most likely not knowing the Lord, I do rejoice that justice has been done. I am proud to be an American, but I am even more proud of the God I follow. I am thankful for His justice, even as I rejoice in His mercy.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
So Little Time
Oh my gosh.
I just need to get to Monday night.
Then I am finished with school for the year (I can't really think about or talk about my sophomore year being over...it freaks me out a little...so I'm ignoring it for a while).
I have just have to edit a last paper and survive four exams and I'm done with school work till I go to Brussels! Ahh!
Whew. Ok. Here we go. (Don't worry, Celine Dion is serenading me as I study!)
I just need to get to Monday night.
Then I am finished with school for the year (I can't really think about or talk about my sophomore year being over...it freaks me out a little...so I'm ignoring it for a while).
I have just have to edit a last paper and survive four exams and I'm done with school work till I go to Brussels! Ahh!
Whew. Ok. Here we go. (Don't worry, Celine Dion is serenading me as I study!)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Christ the Lord Is Risen
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightening stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their baces to the ground, but the men said to them,"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered His words.
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!
Friday, April 22, 2011
When I Survey
[Jesus and His disciples gathered and celebrated the Passover meal. Jesus spoke about His body being broken like the bread and his blood being poured like the wine in a new covenant. He shared with his disciples, and went to pray at the Mount of Olives with His disciples. His disciples feel asleep, and Jesus went to wake them up.]
While He was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss Him, but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.
Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for Him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come at me with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour - when darkness reigns." [How greatly Satan must have been rejoicing!]
Then seizing Him, they led Him away and took Him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But then we had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with Him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know Him," he said.
A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied.
About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with Him, for he is a Galilean."
Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating Him. They blindfolded Him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" And they said many other insulting things to Him.
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us."
Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe Me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?"
Jesus replied, "You are right in saying I am."
Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from His own lips."
Then the whole assembly rose and led Him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king."
So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I dins no basis for a charge against this man."
But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by His teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
When Herod say Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see Him [somewhat ironic...]. From what he had heard about Him, he hoped to see Him perform some miracle. He plied Him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing Him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in an elegant robe, they sent Him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends - before this they had been enemies.
Pilate called together the chief priests, the rules and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examining Him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against Him. Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; as you can see, He has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him."
With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
For the third time he spoke to the,: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have Him punished and then release Him."
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that He be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
As they led Him away, they seized Simon the Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for Him. Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves, and for your children. For the time will some when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!" Then 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!" For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals - one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up His clothes by selling lots.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered Him wine vinegar, and said, "If You are king of the Jews, save yourself."
There was written notice above Him, which read: This is the King of the Jews.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise."
It was not about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." When He had said this, He breathed His last.
[Luke 22:47-23:46]
While He was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss Him, but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.
Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for Him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come at me with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour - when darkness reigns." [How greatly Satan must have been rejoicing!]
Then seizing Him, they led Him away and took Him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But then we had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with Him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know Him," he said.
A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied.
About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with Him, for he is a Galilean."
Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating Him. They blindfolded Him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" And they said many other insulting things to Him.
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us."
Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe Me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?"
Jesus replied, "You are right in saying I am."
Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from His own lips."
Then the whole assembly rose and led Him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king."
So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I dins no basis for a charge against this man."
But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by His teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
When Herod say Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see Him [somewhat ironic...]. From what he had heard about Him, he hoped to see Him perform some miracle. He plied Him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing Him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in an elegant robe, they sent Him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends - before this they had been enemies.
Pilate called together the chief priests, the rules and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examining Him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against Him. Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; as you can see, He has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him."
With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
For the third time he spoke to the,: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have Him punished and then release Him."
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that He be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
As they led Him away, they seized Simon the Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for Him. Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves, and for your children. For the time will some when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!" Then 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!" For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals - one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up His clothes by selling lots.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered Him wine vinegar, and said, "If You are king of the Jews, save yourself."
There was written notice above Him, which read: This is the King of the Jews.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise."
It was not about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." When He had said this, He breathed His last.
[Luke 22:47-23:46]
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Little Miss
Look at how beautiful this girl is:
And this old man:
And this old man:
They melt my heart. I hope they know Jesus. I know that sounds trite or whatever, but that is all I can see when I look into their faces. That happens to me a lot now, I think its because I have missions on the brain. But I (sort of) pray that feeling of longing for people to know Jesus never goes away.
Perfect Day
This past weekend, I had some wonderful things happen!
On Friday night, my best friend from home, Liz, drove up to visit me! I hadn't seen her since before Christmas, so I was really excited. When she drove up, Liz laid on her horn. She finally parked and I got to hug my best friend! It was so good. We ate dinner with some friends and then watched a movie in Asian Mike's room, which is always fun.
The next morning, we got up and went to breakfast because guess who else was in town? Yes, HILARY IS BACK!!!! We ate sweet potato pancakes and talked and talked and talked. Afterwards, I showed Liz around campus. Then we were tired, so we laid in our beds and talked and then watched another movie (we have a tradition of watching the WORST movies ever. At first it was unintentional, but now we try to pick the worst ones. Its funny). That night, we grabbed dinner at school and ate with a bunch of my friends (including HILARY!). We then headed to Brick Street for cake! Yum. Afterwards, everyone came back to mine and Karen's room and we watched another movie. That was probably one of my favorite parts, because a lot of my closest friends were all together, laughing and joking and hanging out.
Sunday morning, Liz and I went to church and then the DH for brunch. Then it was time for Liz to head back home. :c
After Liz left, I took a nap. We had a Tri Delt thing that afternoon, and then my godfamily came in town! Clayton was visiting my school to make his decision about next year (don't worry, I was laying on the pressure to come here. Although I do want him to make whatever is the best choice for him...I just happen to think that is here!). They got here around 7:30, so we drove around campus and then headed downtown for dinner. We ate at this wonderful restaurant. It was so good to talk with them. This family is so important to me, and I love spending time with them! They dropped me and Clayton off at school, and I showed Clayton around the parts of campus you can't drive through. Then we met up with my friend Stephen, who Clayton was staying with. Monday he got to experience Accepted Students day, and then they hit the road.
It was so good to spend time with these people! First Liz, my best friend from home. I am so glad you were here. It meant a lot, and I loved spending time with you. Then Hilary was back! I am so so glad that I got to hang out with her. On her last night here, we had a slumber party in my room. Yes, in mine and Karen's tiny room, we pulled in two mattresses so Hilary and Laura could spend the night! It was fun. And my "godfamily" (I know you really only have godparents, but I like having a godfamily!) visiting was so good. I loved spending time with them. I've known them almost my whole life, and it was so nice to talk and catch up.
On Friday night, my best friend from home, Liz, drove up to visit me! I hadn't seen her since before Christmas, so I was really excited. When she drove up, Liz laid on her horn. She finally parked and I got to hug my best friend! It was so good. We ate dinner with some friends and then watched a movie in Asian Mike's room, which is always fun.
The next morning, we got up and went to breakfast because guess who else was in town? Yes, HILARY IS BACK!!!! We ate sweet potato pancakes and talked and talked and talked. Afterwards, I showed Liz around campus. Then we were tired, so we laid in our beds and talked and then watched another movie (we have a tradition of watching the WORST movies ever. At first it was unintentional, but now we try to pick the worst ones. Its funny). That night, we grabbed dinner at school and ate with a bunch of my friends (including HILARY!). We then headed to Brick Street for cake! Yum. Afterwards, everyone came back to mine and Karen's room and we watched another movie. That was probably one of my favorite parts, because a lot of my closest friends were all together, laughing and joking and hanging out.
Sunday morning, Liz and I went to church and then the DH for brunch. Then it was time for Liz to head back home. :c
After Liz left, I took a nap. We had a Tri Delt thing that afternoon, and then my godfamily came in town! Clayton was visiting my school to make his decision about next year (don't worry, I was laying on the pressure to come here. Although I do want him to make whatever is the best choice for him...I just happen to think that is here!). They got here around 7:30, so we drove around campus and then headed downtown for dinner. We ate at this wonderful restaurant. It was so good to talk with them. This family is so important to me, and I love spending time with them! They dropped me and Clayton off at school, and I showed Clayton around the parts of campus you can't drive through. Then we met up with my friend Stephen, who Clayton was staying with. Monday he got to experience Accepted Students day, and then they hit the road.
It was so good to spend time with these people! First Liz, my best friend from home. I am so glad you were here. It meant a lot, and I loved spending time with you. Then Hilary was back! I am so so glad that I got to hang out with her. On her last night here, we had a slumber party in my room. Yes, in mine and Karen's tiny room, we pulled in two mattresses so Hilary and Laura could spend the night! It was fun. And my "godfamily" (I know you really only have godparents, but I like having a godfamily!) visiting was so good. I loved spending time with them. I've known them almost my whole life, and it was so nice to talk and catch up.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
To The Cross I Cling
There is a song we sang today in church, and I think this line really applies in light of Palm Sunday. It goes, "All things in me call for my rejection. All things in You plead my acceptance." Wow. All things in me, every fiber and essence of me, calls for rejection. This is true. Yet, yet, all things in my Saviour God plead my acceptance.
Today, I've been struck by the fact that on this day 2,000 years ago (symbolically, at least) people lined the streets to greet Jesus, shouting "Hosanna!" and yet not even a week later demanded His death. We have such fickle hearts, and I see that in myself so clearly today!
We talked in church about how Jesus is more willing to die for me than I'm willing to be protected and saved by Him. I want His help instead of His salvation. I want to do it alone as much as I can and run to Him only when I need it. Which is all the time! I pray that I will stop trying, realize and accept joyfully my dependence on Him, and hide under His wings.
"All things in me call for my rejection.
All things in You plead my acceptance.
I am guilty but pardoned. By grace I've been set free. I am ransomed through the blood You shed for me. I was dead in my transgressions but life You brought to me. I am reconciled through mercy. To the cross I cling! To the cross I cling!"
Today, I've been struck by the fact that on this day 2,000 years ago (symbolically, at least) people lined the streets to greet Jesus, shouting "Hosanna!" and yet not even a week later demanded His death. We have such fickle hearts, and I see that in myself so clearly today!
We talked in church about how Jesus is more willing to die for me than I'm willing to be protected and saved by Him. I want His help instead of His salvation. I want to do it alone as much as I can and run to Him only when I need it. Which is all the time! I pray that I will stop trying, realize and accept joyfully my dependence on Him, and hide under His wings.
"All things in me call for my rejection.
All things in You plead my acceptance.
I am guilty but pardoned. By grace I've been set free. I am ransomed through the blood You shed for me. I was dead in my transgressions but life You brought to me. I am reconciled through mercy. To the cross I cling! To the cross I cling!"
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Set Free
Today in my Bible study, we were talking about liturgy. One of the major things that jumped out to me was about how sanctification, or faith, is slow. As the leader said, "We are people that are shaped and formed into the image of our Savior slowly...over time."
I think as a nation, as a person, who likes to get things done and check things off lists and be productive all the time, this doesn't make sense. We talked about how the liturgy, the routine, of going to church combats the liturgy of the world, specifically the world at school. I realized that taking a few hours out of my day to give to Someone else really doesn't make sense. The process of being sanctified doesn't make sense because it is messy and slow and our very biology tries to get in the way. I forget what I learn so constantly (Take today for example. I was worried about raising money for Hungary, and I had to take time to surrender those fears and stress to God. Then I got a message from my mom saying a good chunk of money came in today, and I'm about half way to $5000! Praise God. He is faithful, and He shows me that time and time again. Hungary, specifically, is NOTHING about me, it is ALL His doing. Of course He is going to make it happen!), and I'm so foolish.
In my faithless perspective, this belief, this faith, it doesn't make any sense. Why would I do that? Why would I waste so much time and energy with this? Why would I struggle seemingly needlessly to overcome my sin when I fall back into it time and again? Why would I live with hope in something that I honestly have no guarantee of?
I was reading in 1 Corinthians 3 this morning about how the wisdom of the world is foolish and God sees straight through it. In light of what we talked about in Bible study and what I wrote above, well, it makes sense. There is something to this that just works. Faith is more than rules and a dream. There is substance. There is a reason I want to change and grow and chase wholeheartedly after Jesus. There is a reason that I want to shout to others how they, too, can go through this strange and confusing struggle called faith. And there's no way to explain except that it requires faith. I just believe this with my whole heart. And no, it doesn't really make sense from a "wise" standpoint. But living it, going through it, kicking and screaming and pushing and relenting, it is real and it is good.
I think as a nation, as a person, who likes to get things done and check things off lists and be productive all the time, this doesn't make sense. We talked about how the liturgy, the routine, of going to church combats the liturgy of the world, specifically the world at school. I realized that taking a few hours out of my day to give to Someone else really doesn't make sense. The process of being sanctified doesn't make sense because it is messy and slow and our very biology tries to get in the way. I forget what I learn so constantly (Take today for example. I was worried about raising money for Hungary, and I had to take time to surrender those fears and stress to God. Then I got a message from my mom saying a good chunk of money came in today, and I'm about half way to $5000! Praise God. He is faithful, and He shows me that time and time again. Hungary, specifically, is NOTHING about me, it is ALL His doing. Of course He is going to make it happen!), and I'm so foolish.
In my faithless perspective, this belief, this faith, it doesn't make any sense. Why would I do that? Why would I waste so much time and energy with this? Why would I struggle seemingly needlessly to overcome my sin when I fall back into it time and again? Why would I live with hope in something that I honestly have no guarantee of?
I was reading in 1 Corinthians 3 this morning about how the wisdom of the world is foolish and God sees straight through it. In light of what we talked about in Bible study and what I wrote above, well, it makes sense. There is something to this that just works. Faith is more than rules and a dream. There is substance. There is a reason I want to change and grow and chase wholeheartedly after Jesus. There is a reason that I want to shout to others how they, too, can go through this strange and confusing struggle called faith. And there's no way to explain except that it requires faith. I just believe this with my whole heart. And no, it doesn't really make sense from a "wise" standpoint. But living it, going through it, kicking and screaming and pushing and relenting, it is real and it is good.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Where You Are
9 days of class left.
Four papers and two presentations.
Pre-Brussels work.
RA duties.
Four exams, and then I'm outta here!
My heart might be racing thinking about all of this right now, but its ok; I just keep reminding myself that God prepared for this. Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that labor for the Lord is not in vain. That's my motto. School is the work that God has given me (for next 2.5 weeks, anyway). I can bear all things through Him who gives me strength.
Ready, go.
P.S. Something really special and invigorating and exciting and wonderful and fantastic is 98.9% certain to happen this weekend!!!!!!! That will help me survive EVERYTHING!
Four papers and two presentations.
Pre-Brussels work.
RA duties.
Four exams, and then I'm outta here!
My heart might be racing thinking about all of this right now, but its ok; I just keep reminding myself that God prepared for this. Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that labor for the Lord is not in vain. That's my motto. School is the work that God has given me (for next 2.5 weeks, anyway). I can bear all things through Him who gives me strength.
Ready, go.
P.S. Something really special and invigorating and exciting and wonderful and fantastic is 98.9% certain to happen this weekend!!!!!!! That will help me survive EVERYTHING!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
All I Ever Wanted
What a weekend! It was wonderful and jam-packed, and I'm already planning another wonderful one next week (a little soon? Nah!)!
My brother Roecker came to visit me on Friday! He was looking at a school in the same state, so he drove over for the night. It was so good to see him! I had informal that night, but it was at a minor league baseball game, so I grabbed an extra ticket for him to come along. Roecker got here around 5:30, so he changed his shirt, we met up with Cole (my date to formal), Katie, and David, and headed downtown.
It was so fun to go to a baseball game! I love baseball food, so that of course made the night wonderful. But spending time with Roecker and my friends was so great. There was even a fireworks show at the end of the night! It was so cool. It was one of those things I don't think I'll even forget - a truly perfect night!
My brother Roecker came to visit me on Friday! He was looking at a school in the same state, so he drove over for the night. It was so good to see him! I had informal that night, but it was at a minor league baseball game, so I grabbed an extra ticket for him to come along. Roecker got here around 5:30, so he changed his shirt, we met up with Cole (my date to formal), Katie, and David, and headed downtown.
It was so fun to go to a baseball game! I love baseball food, so that of course made the night wonderful. But spending time with Roecker and my friends was so great. There was even a fireworks show at the end of the night! It was so cool. It was one of those things I don't think I'll even forget - a truly perfect night!
Roecker doesn't really like pics, but that is him, me, and Cole!
After the game, we headed to my friend Asian Mike's room to watch a movie and hang out some more. Roecker ended up sleeping on Mike's futon. The next day, Roeck and I went ot brunch and then he hit the road.
I spent the day outside with Karen because it was BEAUTIFUL. And then it was time to get ready for Formal! I got ready and then headed over to take some pre-Formal pictures with friends!
The girls!
Chelsea, the official photographer, and I
Then, of course, it was time to get on the bus and head to NC! We loaded up, enjoyed the ride through the mountains, and then of course took more pictures once we got there.
Me and Cole!
Me and Asian Mike!
David, Katie, me, and Cole
It was a beautiful night. The food was good, the dancing was EXCELLENT (Cole is a great dancer!), laughter was abundant, and the night was so fun! I had such a great time, and I can't wait for next year!
Fam Fish Face!
Lara, Robin, me, Claire, and Angela!
Wonder Week 11! (minus 2)
A hint of Katie's and my new tradition
The Adventure Team! I love these people
Sunday, April 3, 2011
My Heart Is Open
Its funny in a way because everything in my life now relates to the idea of "missions" or proclaiming the good news of Jesus. I noticed it last week at church, at Bible study, at RUF, basically everything I read. It happened again at church today! It makes sense, because it is so much a part of my life right now, but it still makes me chuckle to myself.
We were talking in church today about 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. The pastor did not relate anything we were talking about to missions, but I did! Truly, everything in Scripture points to the Mission. Pastor talked about how we need a greater thirst for His glory, and he prayed that God would capture our imaginations - God, give me YOUR dreams! And then 1 Corinthians 15:58. Leading up the that verse, Paul talks about how death and sin have been defeated - "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?...Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (vs. 55-57) And then we get to the incredible verse 58. "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." And that was it. It was so encouraging, particularly with this summer. Yes, its easy for me to worry or doubt, but I am called to stand firm! I want to devote myself to the work of the Lord because it will NEVER be in vain!
A lot of what I've been wrestling with is the desire to talk to my non-Believing friends about Jesus and who He is and what He has done for me and for them. This verse really encourages me in that. Yes, I want to pray specifically and seize those opportunities when they arise, but as long as I am doing the Lord's work, He will have everything under control. He will provide the work for me to do! I just want to shout, "Yes!" in response.
We were talking in church today about 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. The pastor did not relate anything we were talking about to missions, but I did! Truly, everything in Scripture points to the Mission. Pastor talked about how we need a greater thirst for His glory, and he prayed that God would capture our imaginations - God, give me YOUR dreams! And then 1 Corinthians 15:58. Leading up the that verse, Paul talks about how death and sin have been defeated - "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?...Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (vs. 55-57) And then we get to the incredible verse 58. "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." And that was it. It was so encouraging, particularly with this summer. Yes, its easy for me to worry or doubt, but I am called to stand firm! I want to devote myself to the work of the Lord because it will NEVER be in vain!
A lot of what I've been wrestling with is the desire to talk to my non-Believing friends about Jesus and who He is and what He has done for me and for them. This verse really encourages me in that. Yes, I want to pray specifically and seize those opportunities when they arise, but as long as I am doing the Lord's work, He will have everything under control. He will provide the work for me to do! I just want to shout, "Yes!" in response.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
True Friend
I literally have the best friends ever. They love me so well, and I am so thankful for them! They have been so supportive of me and all my stuff concerning Hungary, Brussels, school work, RAing, and just life. I have been so blessed by them, particularly this semester as I've had to make some pretty big decisions.
They made my birthday so special! I got texts and phone calls and a skype date and cupcakes and cookies and flowers and a Pete's milkshake run (the best milkshake place EVER) all letting me know how much I was loved. And for a big present, a lot of them chipped in and gave me some money to buy a new camera! And Karen made my day so special, with lots of inside jokes and the sweetest card/gift ever (she knows me very well!).
But it is a lot more than what my friends do for me. They make me want to be a better friend. The way they are so patient, so encouraging, listen so well, laugh and joke, and so much more pushes me to be a good friend back to them. I love y'all so much, and I am so thankful for y'all.
They made my birthday so special! I got texts and phone calls and a skype date and cupcakes and cookies and flowers and a Pete's milkshake run (the best milkshake place EVER) all letting me know how much I was loved. And for a big present, a lot of them chipped in and gave me some money to buy a new camera! And Karen made my day so special, with lots of inside jokes and the sweetest card/gift ever (she knows me very well!).
But it is a lot more than what my friends do for me. They make me want to be a better friend. The way they are so patient, so encouraging, listen so well, laugh and joke, and so much more pushes me to be a good friend back to them. I love y'all so much, and I am so thankful for y'all.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Twenty Tomorrow
This may be a little cheesy to do, but y'all know I like to remember things in order to remind myself of what God has done and to remember to be thankful.
Tomorrow is my birthday! I'll be twenty years old. I can't believe I am even writing those words. Twenty is that age I always thought about when I was little, as though twenty would be the essence of my life. I thought I would be cool, I would dress nicely, I would be this bubbly and smiling person who had lots of friends and who loved other people with all her might. Depending on the year, I either saw myself as a famous singer (haha, I'll admit it! Its true!), a missionary (usually working at in orphanage in Latin America. Why Latin America? I have no idea), or else a girl in college (that one was only when I was trying to be most realistic). Well, the last one came true! And at least for a short time, the second one will be true as well! (That's weird!)
It is strange, because this year I have grown up a lot. God challenged me, disciplined me, and changed me more in the year I was nineteen than ever before. I'm just a little different than I was this time last year, and a lot different than I was this time two years ago! That may sound immature to say, but it is true. I have learned a lot, and the things I have learned have made me grow up a little. Which is weird, because in some part of my mind, I am still a little blond-headed girl, imagining things and dreaming and playing with her brothers and her Barbies. Deep inside of me, there will always be that girl who laughed and played, who went on dates with her Grandpa and loved going to the grocery store with her daddy and wanted to be just like her mama when she grew up and made up games with her brothers. Those are memories but they are integral to who I am now. And I do still have inside me the parts of that little girl who thought about things and wanted to truly be good and learn things. I still love to imagine the future. I'm still incredibly and unrealistically idealistic. I still love my family more than anyone or anything else. Those things shaped me and made me who I am, and I can never "outgrow" those things. But even as I think about those parts of me, there are other parts, parts that have learned that following God is a lot harder and a lot more worth it than I ever knew. Parts that have been hurt deeply but have also learned much. There's this weird sense of combination as I think about being twenty. I even feel as I type these things that part of little four-year-old me, and then little eight-year-old me, and then ten-year-old me, and then thirteen-year-old me, and then sixteen-year-old me, and seventeen-year-old-me, and then my almost-twenty-year-old me are echoing through. Its a surreal feeling. I know, that probably sounds ridiculous. It probably sounds like I'm being unnecessarily contemplative or dramatic or something. And maybe I am. But it is good for me to remember, and if nothing else, it describes as best I can how I feel right now.
Its even stranger to realize that at twenty, I have my entire life ahead of me! I mean, just this year, I have so many plans! I'm unbelievably excited about going and serving God in Hungary this summer. And then I have about four months in Brussels (with trips to the rest of Europe, of course)! That is insane! Then it will be back to school and a few more months and I'll be twenty-one. Wow.
Ok, thank you for indulging me.
Tomorrow is my birthday! I'll be twenty years old. I can't believe I am even writing those words. Twenty is that age I always thought about when I was little, as though twenty would be the essence of my life. I thought I would be cool, I would dress nicely, I would be this bubbly and smiling person who had lots of friends and who loved other people with all her might. Depending on the year, I either saw myself as a famous singer (haha, I'll admit it! Its true!), a missionary (usually working at in orphanage in Latin America. Why Latin America? I have no idea), or else a girl in college (that one was only when I was trying to be most realistic). Well, the last one came true! And at least for a short time, the second one will be true as well! (That's weird!)
It is strange, because this year I have grown up a lot. God challenged me, disciplined me, and changed me more in the year I was nineteen than ever before. I'm just a little different than I was this time last year, and a lot different than I was this time two years ago! That may sound immature to say, but it is true. I have learned a lot, and the things I have learned have made me grow up a little. Which is weird, because in some part of my mind, I am still a little blond-headed girl, imagining things and dreaming and playing with her brothers and her Barbies. Deep inside of me, there will always be that girl who laughed and played, who went on dates with her Grandpa and loved going to the grocery store with her daddy and wanted to be just like her mama when she grew up and made up games with her brothers. Those are memories but they are integral to who I am now. And I do still have inside me the parts of that little girl who thought about things and wanted to truly be good and learn things. I still love to imagine the future. I'm still incredibly and unrealistically idealistic. I still love my family more than anyone or anything else. Those things shaped me and made me who I am, and I can never "outgrow" those things. But even as I think about those parts of me, there are other parts, parts that have learned that following God is a lot harder and a lot more worth it than I ever knew. Parts that have been hurt deeply but have also learned much. There's this weird sense of combination as I think about being twenty. I even feel as I type these things that part of little four-year-old me, and then little eight-year-old me, and then ten-year-old me, and then thirteen-year-old me, and then sixteen-year-old me, and seventeen-year-old-me, and then my almost-twenty-year-old me are echoing through. Its a surreal feeling. I know, that probably sounds ridiculous. It probably sounds like I'm being unnecessarily contemplative or dramatic or something. And maybe I am. But it is good for me to remember, and if nothing else, it describes as best I can how I feel right now.
Its even stranger to realize that at twenty, I have my entire life ahead of me! I mean, just this year, I have so many plans! I'm unbelievably excited about going and serving God in Hungary this summer. And then I have about four months in Brussels (with trips to the rest of Europe, of course)! That is insane! Then it will be back to school and a few more months and I'll be twenty-one. Wow.
Ok, thank you for indulging me.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Hit the Ground Running
Now comes the battle.
I have the news that I can go to Hungary. The plans are set and rolling. I know the next steps that I have to take. So now I have to battle against worry and control. No sooner did Jimbo tell me how much money I am supposed to raise than I started worrying about how I was going to get it all. I started writing down names of everyone I knew and worrying if it would be enough. But then I had to sit back and remember. God made this happen. He opened these doors, He smoothed the path, He ordained this. How dare I start to take back control now? I've seen what He can do, especially surrounding this Hungary internship. I know that to Him, this amount of money is nothing. I know that to Him, traveling through unknown airports is nothing. I know that to Him, the brief amount of time I have to raise the money and get ready to go is nothing. I know that to Him, His people are worth all of this and more. He has shown me His love, that He was ready to move heaven and earth to be with us. What is a little money, time, travel, etc?
So its a constant battle. I definitely start trying to be in control, worrying about how I'm going to do it all. But the Spirit is quick to remind me that I'm not doing any of it! Jesus has been in control of this since June 22, 2010, when I set off for Hungary for the second time and God changed my heart. I am confident. I can rest in the Lord, in His power, and in His will. My sole desire is His glory in everything. I'm bathing this trip in prayer, every minute. Please be praying for me, that I would struggle and remember and trust.
Of course, there is an additional battle. How the heck am I going to get school work done when I know that I'll be back in Diosd for most of the summer?!?!
I have the news that I can go to Hungary. The plans are set and rolling. I know the next steps that I have to take. So now I have to battle against worry and control. No sooner did Jimbo tell me how much money I am supposed to raise than I started worrying about how I was going to get it all. I started writing down names of everyone I knew and worrying if it would be enough. But then I had to sit back and remember. God made this happen. He opened these doors, He smoothed the path, He ordained this. How dare I start to take back control now? I've seen what He can do, especially surrounding this Hungary internship. I know that to Him, this amount of money is nothing. I know that to Him, traveling through unknown airports is nothing. I know that to Him, the brief amount of time I have to raise the money and get ready to go is nothing. I know that to Him, His people are worth all of this and more. He has shown me His love, that He was ready to move heaven and earth to be with us. What is a little money, time, travel, etc?
So its a constant battle. I definitely start trying to be in control, worrying about how I'm going to do it all. But the Spirit is quick to remind me that I'm not doing any of it! Jesus has been in control of this since June 22, 2010, when I set off for Hungary for the second time and God changed my heart. I am confident. I can rest in the Lord, in His power, and in His will. My sole desire is His glory in everything. I'm bathing this trip in prayer, every minute. Please be praying for me, that I would struggle and remember and trust.
Of course, there is an additional battle. How the heck am I going to get school work done when I know that I'll be back in Diosd for most of the summer?!?!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Our God
I cannot tell you how good God is. He is so faithful and righteous and sovereign and true. And yes, its easy for me to say this right now, but I believe it. I want to tell you what He has done because I have to praise Him for it! I want to shout it out to everyone!
Last year in Hungary, I really felt like God was calling me back. I've had an addiction/love affair with missions since I went on my first real missions trip after eighth grade. And last summer, God moved my heart. I connected with the people there in such a deep way. I was able to talk with them about things that usually take years of friendship to get to. God moved my hear to do His will, and He left me with this incredible desire to go back. I mentioned it to one of the pastors' wives, Ildi, and she got excited and started planning. She mentioned it to my youth pastor, who was excited. I got home, emailed my missions pastor, and he jumped on board as well! It has taken eight months - EIGHT MONTHS - to get the approval for this. I've had to send countless annoying emails to my missions pastor, Jimbo, nagging and nagging him for information. I know I've driven him, and thus the Paulus people, crazy with this. But today I got the email saying I could plan on going!
God is so good! He gave me this desire to go back, and He asked me to step out in faith that it would happen. He gave me the courage to say yes, He laid it on my heart to be persistent, and in the end, He made it happen! He gave me this love for these people, and He is not willing to let it lie fallow. Even if this past fall, all the things I've learned this year, happened and I didn't end up getting to go to Hungary this summer, it was still worth it. The Lord has taught me so much about Himself, what He asks of me, what it means for me to follow Him, what it means to love other people and desperately desire for them to know Him, and so much more. I am so honored and humbled that God takes the time to do these things in me! I am so amazed.
I still have a lot of work to do. I have to raise a lot of money. Please pray for that. I don't have much time. But I am confident in my God. He is great, He is stronger, He is higher, and His plan will be accomplished! I am so in awe. I can't even believe it. Praise the Lord!
Last year in Hungary, I really felt like God was calling me back. I've had an addiction/love affair with missions since I went on my first real missions trip after eighth grade. And last summer, God moved my heart. I connected with the people there in such a deep way. I was able to talk with them about things that usually take years of friendship to get to. God moved my hear to do His will, and He left me with this incredible desire to go back. I mentioned it to one of the pastors' wives, Ildi, and she got excited and started planning. She mentioned it to my youth pastor, who was excited. I got home, emailed my missions pastor, and he jumped on board as well! It has taken eight months - EIGHT MONTHS - to get the approval for this. I've had to send countless annoying emails to my missions pastor, Jimbo, nagging and nagging him for information. I know I've driven him, and thus the Paulus people, crazy with this. But today I got the email saying I could plan on going!
God is so good! He gave me this desire to go back, and He asked me to step out in faith that it would happen. He gave me the courage to say yes, He laid it on my heart to be persistent, and in the end, He made it happen! He gave me this love for these people, and He is not willing to let it lie fallow. Even if this past fall, all the things I've learned this year, happened and I didn't end up getting to go to Hungary this summer, it was still worth it. The Lord has taught me so much about Himself, what He asks of me, what it means for me to follow Him, what it means to love other people and desperately desire for them to know Him, and so much more. I am so honored and humbled that God takes the time to do these things in me! I am so amazed.
I still have a lot of work to do. I have to raise a lot of money. Please pray for that. I don't have much time. But I am confident in my God. He is great, He is stronger, He is higher, and His plan will be accomplished! I am so in awe. I can't even believe it. Praise the Lord!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Desperate
I have so many posts that I need to write. So much has been going through my mind. I've had a number of things I've needed to process and deal with.
I think the most pervasive issues of the week has been violence. I've really had to face man's utter depravity in shocking, horrific, and unspeakable ways. Thankfully, none of these have been experienced first hand. I had to read Bapsi Sidhwa's Cracking India for a class, and I am currently writing a paper comparing the novel with the movie adaptation, Earth. While the book describes truly horrific scenes, the movie actually shows some of them (at least shows enough for viewers to get more than the idea of what was occurring). Additionally, I'm working on a paper for my Women, Gender, Islam class where I'm comparing the treatment of Muslim women in America (particularly post-9/11) with the treatment of Muslim women in India (particularly with the Godhra train burning in 2002, an event that lead to the death of 790 Muslims). Both of these incidents lead to the occurrence of truly terrible violence - rape, murder, burning, etc.
I've been reading these things, and I sit at my computer with tears in my eyes, only able to shake my head and pray. It has truly been trying and horrible and impossible to process. It has affected my week in a lot of ways, as even when I'm doing fun things, I have these pent-up thoughts in my mind about these events. I'm truly broken at what we as sinful human beings are capable of (and I number myself among them! While I may not have physically "murdered" someone, I have torn many people down with my words and actions).
I just see the need for Jesus so much right now! I'm faced with our depravity, the sin we are incomprehensibly capable of of, and I see so much more my need for a Savior, a Redeemer, One who forgives and makes me new. Yes, I must be made new. I must. Who I actually am is worthless and filthy and disgusting. I cannot understand Jesus' love me me despite that. I can't understand how He can love me knowing me as He does. But He does. And all I can do in response to that is be truly humbled, bow own in worship and thankfulness, and promise to spread His truth and love to those who don't know.
I think the most pervasive issues of the week has been violence. I've really had to face man's utter depravity in shocking, horrific, and unspeakable ways. Thankfully, none of these have been experienced first hand. I had to read Bapsi Sidhwa's Cracking India for a class, and I am currently writing a paper comparing the novel with the movie adaptation, Earth. While the book describes truly horrific scenes, the movie actually shows some of them (at least shows enough for viewers to get more than the idea of what was occurring). Additionally, I'm working on a paper for my Women, Gender, Islam class where I'm comparing the treatment of Muslim women in America (particularly post-9/11) with the treatment of Muslim women in India (particularly with the Godhra train burning in 2002, an event that lead to the death of 790 Muslims). Both of these incidents lead to the occurrence of truly terrible violence - rape, murder, burning, etc.
I've been reading these things, and I sit at my computer with tears in my eyes, only able to shake my head and pray. It has truly been trying and horrible and impossible to process. It has affected my week in a lot of ways, as even when I'm doing fun things, I have these pent-up thoughts in my mind about these events. I'm truly broken at what we as sinful human beings are capable of (and I number myself among them! While I may not have physically "murdered" someone, I have torn many people down with my words and actions).
I just see the need for Jesus so much right now! I'm faced with our depravity, the sin we are incomprehensibly capable of of, and I see so much more my need for a Savior, a Redeemer, One who forgives and makes me new. Yes, I must be made new. I must. Who I actually am is worthless and filthy and disgusting. I cannot understand Jesus' love me me despite that. I can't understand how He can love me knowing me as He does. But He does. And all I can do in response to that is be truly humbled, bow own in worship and thankfulness, and promise to spread His truth and love to those who don't know.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Lord, I Need You (lyrics)
This song really speaks to my heart this week. Lord, I need you, oh how I need You! Every hour, I need you!
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here, I find my rest
And without You, I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You
Oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one Defence, my Righteousness
Oh, God, how I need You!
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free!
Holiness is Christ in me!
Yes, where You are, Lord, I am free!
Holiness is Christ in me!
Lord, I need You
Oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one Defence, my Righteousness
Oh, God, how I need You!
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand, I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand, I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay!
Lord, I need You!
Oh, I need You!
Every hour, I need You!
My one Defence, my Righteousness,
Oh, God, how I need you!
Lord, I need You!
Oh, I need You!
Every hour, I need You!
My one Defence, my Righteousness,
Oh, God, how I need You!
My one Defence, my Righteouness,
Oh, God, how I need You!
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here, I find my rest
And without You, I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You
Oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one Defence, my Righteousness
Oh, God, how I need You!
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free!
Holiness is Christ in me!
Yes, where You are, Lord, I am free!
Holiness is Christ in me!
Lord, I need You
Oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one Defence, my Righteousness
Oh, God, how I need You!
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand, I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand, I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay!
Lord, I need You!
Oh, I need You!
Every hour, I need You!
My one Defence, my Righteousness,
Oh, God, how I need you!
Lord, I need You!
Oh, I need You!
Every hour, I need You!
My one Defence, my Righteousness,
Oh, God, how I need You!
My one Defence, my Righteouness,
Oh, God, how I need You!
Monday, March 14, 2011
These Are The Days
Spring Break, or Wonder Week 11 as we called it, was one of the best weeks of my life.
It had been such a busy semester, and I really needed a break. I was going with eight of my favorite and dearest friends, and I knew it was going to be fun. And it exceeded my expectations!
For dinner that night, Mary Grace's parents made us the best food. Seriously, it was excellent. Bowtie pasta, broccolli, grilled chicken, fruit, and salad. Yum. On Sunday, we had another leisurely morning (that became the routine). Some of us went for a nice long walk around Mary Grace's neighborhood (or "plantation"). That afternoon, we headed to the J Crew outlet, shopped for a little while, and then we saw that the day had turned unexpectedly beautiful! Mary Grace led us to this great little beach, where we frolicked for a while. That was a fantastic time. It was so nice and warm and windy and beautiful!
The next day we went to the Outlets because it was rainy and cold. Then we went back to the house and chilled for a while, until we went to Sea Pines. There we walked around the harbor and then we ate at Mary Grace's favorite restaurant, Truffles! It was DELICIOUS! It was beautiful in Sea Pines, at the harbor, and all the little shops.
On Tuesday, we headed to Savannah! We got there around lunch time. We had packed a picnic, so we ate in one of the squares. Then we headed to River Street! It was so neat! We shopped on Broughton Street, and then Laura had to leave. The good news is that Carolyn joined us that day! I found an amazing store called Paris Market, or something like that, but they did this thing were a few times a week they had a "Writer in the Window." A writer would literally sit at a desk and write. People could leave ideas on a little blackboard. So cute! That store was incredible. I loved it. Then we met up with some of our guy friends. We split into two groups for dinner, and my group (all girls) went to Vinnie van GoGo's. Seriously, I think that was some of the best pizza I've ever had. It was such a fun day. I would love to go back to Savannah and explore some more!
On Thursday, it was rainy again, so we hung around for a while. We went to a movie, The Adjustment Bureau (it was very good. I recommend it), and then we grabbed dinner at a place called Amigo's. DELICIOUS! We did more crafting that night and watched The Young Victoria (one of my favorite movies!). On Friday morning, we woke up, and most of us packed up and we hit the road.
It was such a fantastic week. It was so relaxing and fun and I have so many great memories from it! I learned a lot, God taught me a lot of things, and I just had a great time. I'm refreshed and ready to face the end of the semester.
Till next time...
*Japan is still heavy on my heart. Please be keeping that country in your thoughts and prayers.
It had been such a busy semester, and I really needed a break. I was going with eight of my favorite and dearest friends, and I knew it was going to be fun. And it exceeded my expectations!
Ready to go!
We headed to Hilton Head Island on Friday. We played Mad Libs in the car and sang to music and had a nice relaxing drive. Then we got to Mary Grace's house, ate dinner, met her parents, and went to bed! We had a very leisurely Saturday morning, getting up whenever and eating breakfast. Then we headed to the beach! It was cold, so we laid out in our long sleeves, but it was so good to be back at the beach! Laura and I went for a really long walk, which was great.
Shivering on the beach!
Karen and I - this pic cracks me up
For dinner that night, Mary Grace's parents made us the best food. Seriously, it was excellent. Bowtie pasta, broccolli, grilled chicken, fruit, and salad. Yum. On Sunday, we had another leisurely morning (that became the routine). Some of us went for a nice long walk around Mary Grace's neighborhood (or "plantation"). That afternoon, we headed to the J Crew outlet, shopped for a little while, and then we saw that the day had turned unexpectedly beautiful! Mary Grace led us to this great little beach, where we frolicked for a while. That was a fantastic time. It was so nice and warm and windy and beautiful!
All of us!
Me and Katie :)
Requisite jumping picture
That night, Mr. Short barbequed, and some of our guy friends came over for dinner. We ate and made s'mores and talked. That was the day I gave about 6 "inspirational speeches." It was such a good day, I wanted to hold on to every minute. And every minute that I wanted to hold on to, I just told everyone! They laughed at me, but I cherish that day in my memory.The next day we went to the Outlets because it was rainy and cold. Then we went back to the house and chilled for a while, until we went to Sea Pines. There we walked around the harbor and then we ate at Mary Grace's favorite restaurant, Truffles! It was DELICIOUS! It was beautiful in Sea Pines, at the harbor, and all the little shops.
At the harbor at Sea Pines
On Tuesday, we headed to Savannah! We got there around lunch time. We had packed a picnic, so we ate in one of the squares. Then we headed to River Street! It was so neat! We shopped on Broughton Street, and then Laura had to leave. The good news is that Carolyn joined us that day! I found an amazing store called Paris Market, or something like that, but they did this thing were a few times a week they had a "Writer in the Window." A writer would literally sit at a desk and write. People could leave ideas on a little blackboard. So cute! That store was incredible. I loved it. Then we met up with some of our guy friends. We split into two groups for dinner, and my group (all girls) went to Vinnie van GoGo's. Seriously, I think that was some of the best pizza I've ever had. It was such a fun day. I would love to go back to Savannah and explore some more!
Savannah
On Wednesday, it was rainy back on HHI, so we watched a a movie and took naps and read books. It was nice. Then we headed to Michaels' for crafting supplies (this week at school, we have initiation for Tri Delt, so we were making gifts for our littles) and crafted the night away while watching another movie!
On Thursday, it was rainy again, so we hung around for a while. We went to a movie, The Adjustment Bureau (it was very good. I recommend it), and then we grabbed dinner at a place called Amigo's. DELICIOUS! We did more crafting that night and watched The Young Victoria (one of my favorite movies!). On Friday morning, we woke up, and most of us packed up and we hit the road.
Morning in Hilton Head
It was such a fantastic week. It was so relaxing and fun and I have so many great memories from it! I learned a lot, God taught me a lot of things, and I just had a great time. I'm refreshed and ready to face the end of the semester.
Till next time...
*Japan is still heavy on my heart. Please be keeping that country in your thoughts and prayers.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Lord, I Need You
One morning over the break, I was reading James 5, the warning to rich oppressors. Verse 4-5 says, "The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence..." I had a dream, sort of, of people I know crying out with anguish written all over their faces, "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me?" I don't even know how to handle that. How do I live with that knowledge? I want to share my faith, I want to live it. I know actions prove my faith, but I don't want to hesitate to "share my faith" (I've grown to dislike that term. How dare I think I can choose to whom I "share" my faith? Its not mine to share, it is the Lord's. It is more giving away my faith). I want to learn how to display God's glory and salvation through both my words and actions.
Seeing the news coverage on Japan today, my heart breaks. I saw a little boy being carried out of the rubble, and I just wanted to hold him. Hearing about families who are broken apart, some swept into the sea, I want to run to them and be with them and show them the hope that is Jesus. Not that He makes life easy or our kind of "perfect," but that He is there, and His heart breaks, and He loves us more than we can know, and He is all we can run to.
Its hard, too, to see a friend struggle to know how to be good, when this friend doesn't know Jesus. This friend reaches out and loves in ways that blow me away and set an example for me. Yet this friend doesn't know the real reason for these things, doesn't know the freedom that is in Jesus, doesn't know what it means to do those things not because its "good" but because Jesus loves us and we must pour that back out. If this friend knew that, I can't even imagine what their life would look like.
I know such love from the Lord. I know what it means to have Him when I have nothing else, when I don't understand, when I wonder and doubt and worry and fear and rejoice. And I want to run to these people who don't know that - it breaks my heart that people don't know that - and I want to tell them and show them.
I don't know what to do with this. I pray that the Lord would teach me how to live like this my last few months of school. This summer, I will (hopefully) have a tangible way of doing so back in Hungary. But I don't want to live like that just when I'm specifically "doing missions." I want it to be an inextricable part of me. I pray that I would fix my thoughts on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1) and that I would live out Matthew 28:19-20. Lord, teach me to love as You do; give me Your eyes and Your ears and Your heart.
*I promise I will do a Spring Break post soon. It was seriously one of the best weeks of my life. I will post pictures and stories very soon!
Seeing the news coverage on Japan today, my heart breaks. I saw a little boy being carried out of the rubble, and I just wanted to hold him. Hearing about families who are broken apart, some swept into the sea, I want to run to them and be with them and show them the hope that is Jesus. Not that He makes life easy or our kind of "perfect," but that He is there, and His heart breaks, and He loves us more than we can know, and He is all we can run to.
Its hard, too, to see a friend struggle to know how to be good, when this friend doesn't know Jesus. This friend reaches out and loves in ways that blow me away and set an example for me. Yet this friend doesn't know the real reason for these things, doesn't know the freedom that is in Jesus, doesn't know what it means to do those things not because its "good" but because Jesus loves us and we must pour that back out. If this friend knew that, I can't even imagine what their life would look like.
I know such love from the Lord. I know what it means to have Him when I have nothing else, when I don't understand, when I wonder and doubt and worry and fear and rejoice. And I want to run to these people who don't know that - it breaks my heart that people don't know that - and I want to tell them and show them.
I don't know what to do with this. I pray that the Lord would teach me how to live like this my last few months of school. This summer, I will (hopefully) have a tangible way of doing so back in Hungary. But I don't want to live like that just when I'm specifically "doing missions." I want it to be an inextricable part of me. I pray that I would fix my thoughts on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1) and that I would live out Matthew 28:19-20. Lord, teach me to love as You do; give me Your eyes and Your ears and Your heart.
*I promise I will do a Spring Break post soon. It was seriously one of the best weeks of my life. I will post pictures and stories very soon!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Every Minute
There's a song I love that says, "I wish all the people I loved the most would gather in one place and know each other and love each other well. And I wish we would all go camping and lay beneath the stars with nothing to do and stories to tell. We'd sit around the campfire and we'd make each other laugh, remembering when..."
That is exactly how I feel right now. I'm here on Hilton Head Island with 7 of my best friends. I love it. Literally as I type everyone is dying out laughing at a story Kristen told, all joking and laughing and having fun. Its so relaxing and so wonderful. I love it. Part of me wishes my family and Liz and everyone else I love was here (all the people I love the most would gather in one place and know each other and love each other well), but at the same time I'm so thankful for the group that is here. It has been seriously so relaxing and fun and wonderful, and its only the second day! I can't say enough about this trip. Wonder Week 11 has truly been amazing!
Ok, I want to get back to my friends. But I wanted to give a quick update.
That is exactly how I feel right now. I'm here on Hilton Head Island with 7 of my best friends. I love it. Literally as I type everyone is dying out laughing at a story Kristen told, all joking and laughing and having fun. Its so relaxing and so wonderful. I love it. Part of me wishes my family and Liz and everyone else I love was here (all the people I love the most would gather in one place and know each other and love each other well), but at the same time I'm so thankful for the group that is here. It has been seriously so relaxing and fun and wonderful, and its only the second day! I can't say enough about this trip. Wonder Week 11 has truly been amazing!
Ok, I want to get back to my friends. But I wanted to give a quick update.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Yet I Will Praise
All I can say this morning is that God is good. No matter the circumstance, God is worthy of praise.
This has been a week, a semester really, of ups and downs and everything in between. On Friday, I heard news about a family friend's son who passed away unexpectedly and tragically. I also heard news on Friday that I was accepted into the study away program I wanted to attend (I had already made a deposit for another trip). After a few days of struggling and talking and yes, crying, the study away office approved my switch to the other trip (In high school, I had a very similar situation with picking colleges; I don't know what God wants to teach me in this, but apparently I haven't learned the lesson yet! All I know is that I am holding tightly to Luke 18:1-8 and searching my heart to make sure my conscious is clean). I submit my ICP today, meaning I'll know in two weeks whether my hard work to create a cultural anthropology major will be approved! Even if it isn't, the process has taught me I lot. I don't know what I'll major in if it isn't approved, but hey, I'll cross that bridge if I come to it. I'm still waiting on news for this summer, mostly from the Hungarian side of it, but I should know more on Monday or Tuesday. I'm trying to figure out living situations for next spring.
But in all of this, I'm just praising God. Yes, it is overwhleming, and I have definitely broken down a few times because of stress (me trying to rely on myself again and not rest in God's plan), but in everything, I just have to come back to the Lord. He is so powerful and reliable and praiseworthy even when the unexpected happens.
And to make myself smile even more, here is a picture of the city I will be living in next fall (ahhh!!!!):
This has been a week, a semester really, of ups and downs and everything in between. On Friday, I heard news about a family friend's son who passed away unexpectedly and tragically. I also heard news on Friday that I was accepted into the study away program I wanted to attend (I had already made a deposit for another trip). After a few days of struggling and talking and yes, crying, the study away office approved my switch to the other trip (In high school, I had a very similar situation with picking colleges; I don't know what God wants to teach me in this, but apparently I haven't learned the lesson yet! All I know is that I am holding tightly to Luke 18:1-8 and searching my heart to make sure my conscious is clean). I submit my ICP today, meaning I'll know in two weeks whether my hard work to create a cultural anthropology major will be approved! Even if it isn't, the process has taught me I lot. I don't know what I'll major in if it isn't approved, but hey, I'll cross that bridge if I come to it. I'm still waiting on news for this summer, mostly from the Hungarian side of it, but I should know more on Monday or Tuesday. I'm trying to figure out living situations for next spring.
But in all of this, I'm just praising God. Yes, it is overwhleming, and I have definitely broken down a few times because of stress (me trying to rely on myself again and not rest in God's plan), but in everything, I just have to come back to the Lord. He is so powerful and reliable and praiseworthy even when the unexpected happens.
And to make myself smile even more, here is a picture of the city I will be living in next fall (ahhh!!!!):
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM!!!!!!!!!!!
(Photo courtesy of Robin)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Come Clean
It is storming at school right now, and I love it!
I never thought thunderstorms would be something I missed, but they are! March at home is full of them, along with tornado warnings. I used to be terrified of them (I've written about that before), but now I love them!
The weather was getting ready for this storm all day. It was slightly overcast and windy. I loved walking outside with the wind blowing my hair and clothes. And then, when it first started raining, I didn't even put the hood of my rainjacket up. It felt so good!
The weather reminded me that I am alive. That sounds weird, but I've been so trapped in studying that I forgot I was something more than a mind in a student. I have such a greater purpose than studying! Yes, studying is important (and don't worry, Mama and Daddy, I am studying a lot), but it is not my identity. I really needed to be reminded of that, and God used the weather today to do so!
Karen had the window slightly cracked open, and I've left it that way. I'll study in my room listening to the storm until I brave the waters and go to dinner. It'll be an adventure, and I'm already excited about it! :)
I never thought thunderstorms would be something I missed, but they are! March at home is full of them, along with tornado warnings. I used to be terrified of them (I've written about that before), but now I love them!
The weather was getting ready for this storm all day. It was slightly overcast and windy. I loved walking outside with the wind blowing my hair and clothes. And then, when it first started raining, I didn't even put the hood of my rainjacket up. It felt so good!
The weather reminded me that I am alive. That sounds weird, but I've been so trapped in studying that I forgot I was something more than a mind in a student. I have such a greater purpose than studying! Yes, studying is important (and don't worry, Mama and Daddy, I am studying a lot), but it is not my identity. I really needed to be reminded of that, and God used the weather today to do so!
Karen had the window slightly cracked open, and I've left it that way. I'll study in my room listening to the storm until I brave the waters and go to dinner. It'll be an adventure, and I'm already excited about it! :)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
With Everything
So I was reading in Hebrews today, and in light of what's been going on with me lately, this verse really struck me. Hebrews 3:1 says, "Fix your thoughts on Jesus."
That is so right. My mind gets dizzy thinking on so many things, worrying about so many things, wasting my time and energy thinking on what I have to do and where I need to go and when I need to get things done. But thinking about Jesus is never a waste of time. I can think about Him whenever I want and it will always be beneficial.
That just really refreshes me this morning. I pray that today I would remember to fix my thoughts on Jesus.
That is so right. My mind gets dizzy thinking on so many things, worrying about so many things, wasting my time and energy thinking on what I have to do and where I need to go and when I need to get things done. But thinking about Jesus is never a waste of time. I can think about Him whenever I want and it will always be beneficial.
That just really refreshes me this morning. I pray that today I would remember to fix my thoughts on Jesus.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Kingdom Come
I'm not really sure if this is going to make sense, but I needed to be reminded of these things, as is often the case when I blog. I've lost a little bit of my joy, and I'm a little frustrated with who I am. So I want to take some time and remember where I've come from.
Psalm 77 says, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord." And God often reminds the Israelites how important it is to remember what He has done, where He has brought them from. So I want to remember. Right now its easy, because I'm wallowing in my sin. I know to an extent my depravity. Do I understand it completely? No. And I have little comprehension of how I pain the Lord with my sin. The fact that I choose to sin, despite knowing Jesus and what He has done and is doing in me...That sickens me. Literally, it makes me sick to my stomach. What kind of creature am I, saved and knowing the grace and love of Jesus yet choosing to spit on His face and turn my back on Him? Yet, and I can't even believe I can type that, yet Jesus chose to redeem me. He saw me in my sin before I was even born, and He loved me in a way that I cannot understand. He chose to pay the price for me. A price that required Him to give up everything and fight for me. It doesn't make sense. I am not worth anything. But still, Jesus came and lived a perfect life and taught us what it means to follow Him, to give everything away and take up our crosses and run after Him, and He died a senseless death for everyone ever created, knowing that they would not all accept His gift (but He did it anyway! What kind of love is that?), and then He fought Satan, He fought death, and He paid the price for us. He rose again, defeating death, the victor, but He didn't even stop there! No, He sent His Spirit to live inside us and encourage and guide us in our race after Jesus. Right now, this is so poignant to me. I'm in an Islam class this semester, and I am reading a book for another class that talks a lot about the Hindus of India; when I compare those gods to my God, the one true God, I am blown away. What kind of God do I serve who not only saved me because He knew I couldn't save myself and He loved me and wanted to be with me but who sent His Spirit to continue working on me? He didn't leave me after saving me, hoping I would do my best. Instead, He came to live inside me and teach me and discipline me and encourage me.
I feel Peter's struggle so acutely. Peter was so desperate to follow Jesus but he constantly made mistakes. I know that very well. When Peter says in John 13:37, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you," yet he denies Jesus just a few hours later, that is me. I hate it, but that is me. I type these words, wanting to give everything for Jesus and my faith, but tomorrow morning, I know I will somehow deny Him in my sin. And that is so frustrating. I don't know how to relate that. I don't know how to relate my love and my failure. But I guess it goes back to the parable of the lost son. Someone once preached on this and talked about how we innately want to pay restitution for our sin (seen in Luke 15:17-20), but that Grace overwhelms the need for restitution. That is the whole point. I can't pay restitution and God knows that. He has taken that away. In wanting to pay restitution, I am sinning in my self-reliance and pride. So I have to let go and trust and keep running after Jesus. "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:1-3). I'm adopting that as my mantra for a while. Throw off sin, keep running, and keep my eyes on Jesus.
Psalm 77 says, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord." And God often reminds the Israelites how important it is to remember what He has done, where He has brought them from. So I want to remember. Right now its easy, because I'm wallowing in my sin. I know to an extent my depravity. Do I understand it completely? No. And I have little comprehension of how I pain the Lord with my sin. The fact that I choose to sin, despite knowing Jesus and what He has done and is doing in me...That sickens me. Literally, it makes me sick to my stomach. What kind of creature am I, saved and knowing the grace and love of Jesus yet choosing to spit on His face and turn my back on Him? Yet, and I can't even believe I can type that, yet Jesus chose to redeem me. He saw me in my sin before I was even born, and He loved me in a way that I cannot understand. He chose to pay the price for me. A price that required Him to give up everything and fight for me. It doesn't make sense. I am not worth anything. But still, Jesus came and lived a perfect life and taught us what it means to follow Him, to give everything away and take up our crosses and run after Him, and He died a senseless death for everyone ever created, knowing that they would not all accept His gift (but He did it anyway! What kind of love is that?), and then He fought Satan, He fought death, and He paid the price for us. He rose again, defeating death, the victor, but He didn't even stop there! No, He sent His Spirit to live inside us and encourage and guide us in our race after Jesus. Right now, this is so poignant to me. I'm in an Islam class this semester, and I am reading a book for another class that talks a lot about the Hindus of India; when I compare those gods to my God, the one true God, I am blown away. What kind of God do I serve who not only saved me because He knew I couldn't save myself and He loved me and wanted to be with me but who sent His Spirit to continue working on me? He didn't leave me after saving me, hoping I would do my best. Instead, He came to live inside me and teach me and discipline me and encourage me.
I feel Peter's struggle so acutely. Peter was so desperate to follow Jesus but he constantly made mistakes. I know that very well. When Peter says in John 13:37, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you," yet he denies Jesus just a few hours later, that is me. I hate it, but that is me. I type these words, wanting to give everything for Jesus and my faith, but tomorrow morning, I know I will somehow deny Him in my sin. And that is so frustrating. I don't know how to relate that. I don't know how to relate my love and my failure. But I guess it goes back to the parable of the lost son. Someone once preached on this and talked about how we innately want to pay restitution for our sin (seen in Luke 15:17-20), but that Grace overwhelms the need for restitution. That is the whole point. I can't pay restitution and God knows that. He has taken that away. In wanting to pay restitution, I am sinning in my self-reliance and pride. So I have to let go and trust and keep running after Jesus. "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:1-3). I'm adopting that as my mantra for a while. Throw off sin, keep running, and keep my eyes on Jesus.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Time After Time
Things have been really busy. I need to slow down and process things. I have some important decisions to make, and I've been avoiding them a little, but mostly I've just been too busy to think about them! Anyway, I'll post about that later, but for now, I do want to leave a run-down of what I've been up to the past few weeks.
- I have a Little in Tri Delt! Her name is Angela, and I love her already! I'm excited to get to know her better. In some ways, we are the same person. I love it! :)
- I took my hall to Brick Street (some of them for the first time) to indulge in the BEST CAKE EVER, also known as sweet potato cake. YUM!
- I've was given an officer position in Tri Delt! I'm the new music chair. Not exactly sure what all that entails, BUT I'm excited about it. We had officer training last night, and it made me really excited about the new officers and what our vision is for Tri Delta.
- I have a Little in Tri Delt! Her name is Angela, and I love her already! I'm excited to get to know her better. In some ways, we are the same person. I love it! :)
Fam pre-new littles :)
Lara, Robin, Claire, and me
Yay! I love my little!
Sweet Potato Cake- Heavenly!
- Things are progressing on my ICP. I don't know if I've mentioned it, but I'm creating my major to be cultural anthropology. I'm almost done! I just have a few more meetings, and then I just have to wait to hear if its approved!- I've was given an officer position in Tri Delt! I'm the new music chair. Not exactly sure what all that entails, BUT I'm excited about it. We had officer training last night, and it made me really excited about the new officers and what our vision is for Tri Delta.
- Valentine's Day came and went! I woke up to a text from Daddy asking me to be his Valentine. Of course I accepted! It was a pretty fun day. A professor gave out candy to my class, so that was good. Mary Grace was my Valentine's date to the DH. We had a lovely dinner together. :) I also baked with some friends, because it was Angela's birthday! So I took her a few cookies to celebrate! :)
- We had a function! On Saturday night, Katie and I took our friends Emily and Julie to the "Throwdown for Your Hometown" function! Laura took Karen, and we all went to dinner together. It was so much fun! Julie dressed up as "Susanna" and I dressed up in plaid and suspenders and made a cardboard banjo. (As in, "Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me, I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee...") Katie was Justin Bieber and Emily was J Bieb's Number One Fan. Laura was Antoine of Youtube fame ("He's climbin' in yo windows, snatchin' yo people up, tryin' to rape 'em, so y'all need to hide yo kids, hide yo wife, and hide yo husbands cause he's rapin' errbody out there") and Karen was the news reporter, complete with a microphone. We had so much fun!
My costume
J Biebs and I
I really like this one. I don't know why, but I do
Oh, Susanna, don't you cry for me, cause I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee!
A little crazy at function!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Lucky
I hate being sick. Especially when I don't have my mommy. But thankfully, I have Karen!
Yes, I'm sick. It stinks. I hate it. And its bad because I'm not cooped up in a whole house, just a tiny dorm room. But like I said, Kare Bear comes to the rescue every time! The first night I was sick, Karen and I procrastinated and talked and talked and laughed and had a great time. She gave me advice on my crafting (for my Little! Post soon to follow about that), she was encouraging, she didn't play into the whole "oh, poor sick baby" (I always hate that, unless its my Mama), she didn't try to stay far away form me so she wouldn't catch my germs (although I wouldn't have blamed her for that). Instead, Karen acted like normal, and we had such a good night! I'm really thankful for it!
Last night, my fever went up again, so I got some advice from the infirmary. They told me to drink Gatorade, so I texted Karen asking her to bring me some. She brought me my favorite color - blue - and we continued to have a great night. We procrastinated again, Karen advised my crafting, and then we listened to old music. It was hilarious. We sang that song, "Fall For You," by Secondhand Serenade (lamest song ever - it was hilarious), and "Over My Head," by The Fray, and some Billy Joel, and "Brick House" and a few others like that. It was so fun and funny. It was a great night!
So even though I can't have my mama while I'm sick, Karen does a pretty good job of taking care of me. Thanks, Kare. You are seriously the best roommate ever.
Yes, I'm sick. It stinks. I hate it. And its bad because I'm not cooped up in a whole house, just a tiny dorm room. But like I said, Kare Bear comes to the rescue every time! The first night I was sick, Karen and I procrastinated and talked and talked and laughed and had a great time. She gave me advice on my crafting (for my Little! Post soon to follow about that), she was encouraging, she didn't play into the whole "oh, poor sick baby" (I always hate that, unless its my Mama), she didn't try to stay far away form me so she wouldn't catch my germs (although I wouldn't have blamed her for that). Instead, Karen acted like normal, and we had such a good night! I'm really thankful for it!
Last night, my fever went up again, so I got some advice from the infirmary. They told me to drink Gatorade, so I texted Karen asking her to bring me some. She brought me my favorite color - blue - and we continued to have a great night. We procrastinated again, Karen advised my crafting, and then we listened to old music. It was hilarious. We sang that song, "Fall For You," by Secondhand Serenade (lamest song ever - it was hilarious), and "Over My Head," by The Fray, and some Billy Joel, and "Brick House" and a few others like that. It was so fun and funny. It was a great night!
So even though I can't have my mama while I'm sick, Karen does a pretty good job of taking care of me. Thanks, Kare. You are seriously the best roommate ever.
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