Well this weekend was a little different than what I expected it to be. I was all excited to go the the costume party (I was even going to dress up as Malfoy, slicked back hair and all) when hours before I broke out in a horrible rash (an itchy one at that). The irony of it all was that my brother dressed up as Harry.
When I was in the 7th grade a got a similar rash and it was a reaction to a virus I had, so I probably had a virus this time too. Interestingly enough, during that time I had that rash in the 7th grade I decided to walk with Christ again. I had accepted Christ as my savior when I was a lot younger, but I don't think at that point I knew what it meant to make Him Lord of my life. I knew that Christ was with me, but I did what I wanted to do. God really convicted me that week I was home sick and I decided that I wanted to live my life on Christ's terms instead of mine.
I had some good reflection time this weekend. Looking back eight years, I don't regret that decision I made as a 13 year old. It has been a hard road, but that decision I made was not a rash one. I am a totally different person than I was then, and it's all of because of Christ. He has brought me this far and I know He is going to continue the work He began in me that day. And it was a good weekend, despite me being sick. My dad, my brother josh and I watched The Mouse that Roared (a classic according to my dad), Goonies, and Abbott & Castello. Lots of fun and laughs. God has just provided. I needed to register for classes (18 credits!!!) today and didn't know if I would be able to get the classes I needed. I did at the last minute and I think next semester is going to be interesting. I'm taking an accounting class! I haven't taken a math class since Freshmen year! Okay...family starting another movie marathon...better go! Hope you all had a great week!
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
"Fall" Party aka. Halloween Party
My BCM is doing a "Fall Party" (otherwise known as a Halloween Party, but I won't go into that ) this friday. The theme is "Hollywood" and we're supposed to dress up as a favorite movie star, a character in a movie, or something related to the silver screen. I have no clue what to dress up as (or should I say who). I like simple. Nothing really out there, but something that looks like it took some thought. Anyone have any ideas?
I can't believe it's already almost the first part of November! It feels like time has gone really fast this semester. The weather here has been pretty decent the last couple of weeks. Mosty 80's in the afternoon and then the nights range from the 50s-60s. Bright sunny skies and beautiful sunsets. Still t-shirt and jean weather! I love when we actually get "winter" here. I love sweaters and scarves, but you can only wear them for like a month or so. So sad!
God has just been reallly awesome this week. What more can I say? Not that anything ponderous (that means huge....I wanted to work that word in here somewhere;) has happened this week. It's just been the little things, the little mercies and little surprises each day. So good. Like walking into one of the restaruants at the union a hearing K-LOVE, or the random conversation with people that turn to spiritual things, or coming home and finding that my mom went to Costco and bought a huge 24 pac of Propel...my favorite water in the world! It's all in the little things.
I can't believe it's already almost the first part of November! It feels like time has gone really fast this semester. The weather here has been pretty decent the last couple of weeks. Mosty 80's in the afternoon and then the nights range from the 50s-60s. Bright sunny skies and beautiful sunsets. Still t-shirt and jean weather! I love when we actually get "winter" here. I love sweaters and scarves, but you can only wear them for like a month or so. So sad!
God has just been reallly awesome this week. What more can I say? Not that anything ponderous (that means huge....I wanted to work that word in here somewhere;) has happened this week. It's just been the little things, the little mercies and little surprises each day. So good. Like walking into one of the restaruants at the union a hearing K-LOVE, or the random conversation with people that turn to spiritual things, or coming home and finding that my mom went to Costco and bought a huge 24 pac of Propel...my favorite water in the world! It's all in the little things.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Carried Me - Jeremy Camp
Jesus you have carried me
When I could not stand
Jesus you have carried me
It's all been part of your plan
Jesus you have carried me
It's your Footprints in the sand
Jesus you have carried me
It was always in your hands
This has been a favorite song of mine for a while. Very simple, but very soul and heart provoking. And then when I was typing the lyrics out the last line, "It was always in your hands," just jumped out at me. When has my life not been in his hands? Never. Praise God! He is SO faithful, even when I am full of questions and doubts He is steadfast. And I can't say that I've arrived where I am today on my own strength...He's probably carried me most of the way here. I love how Isaiah puts it:
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11
When he does carry me I'm not a burden. And I'm right next to His heart. He is my comforter and my strength. And I am loved. Wow. What a great God we serve! FATHER grant me hope and joy in all circumstances, that whatever you allow to come my way that I would know that I am not alone. That I am cared for and that my life is not my own. My life is in your hands. Hands that are much stronger and able to do so much more thatn my own.
When I could not stand
Jesus you have carried me
It's all been part of your plan
Jesus you have carried me
It's your Footprints in the sand
Jesus you have carried me
It was always in your hands
This has been a favorite song of mine for a while. Very simple, but very soul and heart provoking. And then when I was typing the lyrics out the last line, "It was always in your hands," just jumped out at me. When has my life not been in his hands? Never. Praise God! He is SO faithful, even when I am full of questions and doubts He is steadfast. And I can't say that I've arrived where I am today on my own strength...He's probably carried me most of the way here. I love how Isaiah puts it:
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11
When he does carry me I'm not a burden. And I'm right next to His heart. He is my comforter and my strength. And I am loved. Wow. What a great God we serve! FATHER grant me hope and joy in all circumstances, that whatever you allow to come my way that I would know that I am not alone. That I am cared for and that my life is not my own. My life is in your hands. Hands that are much stronger and able to do so much more thatn my own.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Where I am and Where I've been
Okay so this isn't original, I couldn't think of anything to write about so I thought this would be fun.
TEN YEARS AGO I.... was in the 5th grade at Ironwood Elementary. This is the year I got the worst hair cut of my life so far. I prayed for a month everynight that I would do anything if God would just grow back my hair (and it did grow back, just not in the time frame that I would have liked!)
FIVE YEARS AGO I.... was a sophomore in high school at Mountain View High School. This was my first year in yearbook. Making new friends and already planning on being the editor-in-chief. (which of course of was my senior year!)
ONE YEAR AGO I.... trying to fiigure out where God wanted me after a awesome experience at Project Impact. Being mentored by some awesome upperclassmen and learning through life experiences how to trust God.
YESTERDAY I.... met with Julie and shared what was on our hearts and I asked her what she would see me doing after I graduated. Turned in a paper and took a couple of quizzes. Made cookies with Taylor for our bible study and had a really good discussion. Went to bed early for the first time this week!
FIVE SNACKS I ENJOY:
- starbursts
- toast
- cookies
- yogurt
- apples with carmel
FIVE BAD HABITS:
- leaving things in piles all over the house
- never parking straight (I'm always between the lines, though!)
- writing/drawing on napkins or paper plates
- making a mess while I cook
- interrupting
FIVE BIGGEST JOYS:
- reading in front of a fire
- getting notes/cards
- singing at the top of my lungs in my car
- being able to help someone
- bubble baths
FIVE THINGS I WOULD NEVER WEAR AGAIN:
- three pairs of scruchy socks
- overalls
- baggy jeans
- white eyeliner
- rolled up shorts
FIVE FAVORITE TV SHOWS:
- Buffy (first 3 seasons)
- Lost
- Full House
- Alias
- Roswell
FIVE FICTIONAL CHARACTERS I WOULD DATE:
- Wolverine (the Hugh Jackman character)
- The Prince from Cinderella
- Marcus from A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
- Max from Roswell
- this is hard...um...I think that's it
SEVEN PEOPLE I TAG:
-okay I'm just not as well informed or in the loop...what is "tagging." You can make fun of me later!
TEN YEARS AGO I.... was in the 5th grade at Ironwood Elementary. This is the year I got the worst hair cut of my life so far. I prayed for a month everynight that I would do anything if God would just grow back my hair (and it did grow back, just not in the time frame that I would have liked!)
FIVE YEARS AGO I.... was a sophomore in high school at Mountain View High School. This was my first year in yearbook. Making new friends and already planning on being the editor-in-chief. (which of course of was my senior year!)
ONE YEAR AGO I.... trying to fiigure out where God wanted me after a awesome experience at Project Impact. Being mentored by some awesome upperclassmen and learning through life experiences how to trust God.
YESTERDAY I.... met with Julie and shared what was on our hearts and I asked her what she would see me doing after I graduated. Turned in a paper and took a couple of quizzes. Made cookies with Taylor for our bible study and had a really good discussion. Went to bed early for the first time this week!
FIVE SNACKS I ENJOY:
- starbursts
- toast
- cookies
- yogurt
- apples with carmel
FIVE BAD HABITS:
- leaving things in piles all over the house
- never parking straight (I'm always between the lines, though!)
- writing/drawing on napkins or paper plates
- making a mess while I cook
- interrupting
FIVE BIGGEST JOYS:
- reading in front of a fire
- getting notes/cards
- singing at the top of my lungs in my car
- being able to help someone
- bubble baths
FIVE THINGS I WOULD NEVER WEAR AGAIN:
- three pairs of scruchy socks
- overalls
- baggy jeans
- white eyeliner
- rolled up shorts
FIVE FAVORITE TV SHOWS:
- Buffy (first 3 seasons)
- Lost
- Full House
- Alias
- Roswell
FIVE FICTIONAL CHARACTERS I WOULD DATE:
- Wolverine (the Hugh Jackman character)
- The Prince from Cinderella
- Marcus from A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
- Max from Roswell
- this is hard...um...I think that's it
SEVEN PEOPLE I TAG:
-okay I'm just not as well informed or in the loop...what is "tagging." You can make fun of me later!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Control Freak
The last couple of days God is really been showing my how much I try to control things. Small things. Big things. Silly things. The the truth is that I am not in control, never was in control and will never be in control. (Which is a good thing!) And it really hit home to me in my worst class. Milton. I like the writings of Milton. Just not the class. Anyway, the whole reason Milton wrote Paradise Lost was to establish the Authority of God. We have been hashing out Books I & II of Paradise Lost the last couple of days. The setting of Book I is Pandemonium (a palace in Hell, if that is possible). Satan is trying to declare order and organize an assault on Heaven. One the only things that my professor has said in lecture that has really stuck with me is "Hell is Chaos Disguised as Order." Satan is trying to control the situation and give his minions a sense of democracy, but really none of that exists. The only one with Authority and Control is God. Wow. Who ever thought I would learn something about God in a secular university. So me trying to "take" control of things is just asking for chaos. And why would I know better than God? A silly question, but how many times have I acted on things based on what I think is best, instead of what the Father knows is best. And He loves me more than anyone, even me. He wants the best for me.
So after a great talk with Holly, I was challenged to take baby steps to letting go of controlling things. God provided interesting ways for this to happen. I had a paper due today @ 8:00 am. I stayed up most of the night as well as getting up early to finish it. I ended up leaving 10 minutes late, which when I travel on the Interstate can make me 30-40 late depending on the traffic. It was pretty obvious that I was going to be late to class (I hate being late), but I had to realize that I wasn't in control and there was nothing that I could do except drive. I get to class 15 minutes late and a movie is playing...nobody notices. And then my professor was like "If you don't feel too confident about your essay, take it home and work on it. Bring it back Thursday." Yes! I have more time to work on my paper. God provided. Then when I got to the BCM I realized that I left my wallet at home. I didn't have any money for food (not to mention a license...I prayed a lot driving home). Not good. I was meeting with the girls that I mentor when the subject of lunch came up. I fessed up that I didn't have any money for lunch, and Taylor offered to buy me lunch. I needed help and God provided and it blessed Taylor in return. She's leaving for a study abroad program and has more money on her lunch plan than she can use this semester. God is good. I am so thankful that He is patient with me.
On a funny note Bed Head has a great shampoo called "Control Freak" that smells like melon. It's for people that want less frizzy hair. Does a pretty good job. Oh and for my Rhetorical Traditions class I and four other people will be teaching the class on the Rhetoric of Prime Time television Lawyers! How fun. Which is a lot better then "The Rhetoric of Beer commercials." Well hope everyone has a great week!
So after a great talk with Holly, I was challenged to take baby steps to letting go of controlling things. God provided interesting ways for this to happen. I had a paper due today @ 8:00 am. I stayed up most of the night as well as getting up early to finish it. I ended up leaving 10 minutes late, which when I travel on the Interstate can make me 30-40 late depending on the traffic. It was pretty obvious that I was going to be late to class (I hate being late), but I had to realize that I wasn't in control and there was nothing that I could do except drive. I get to class 15 minutes late and a movie is playing...nobody notices. And then my professor was like "If you don't feel too confident about your essay, take it home and work on it. Bring it back Thursday." Yes! I have more time to work on my paper. God provided. Then when I got to the BCM I realized that I left my wallet at home. I didn't have any money for food (not to mention a license...I prayed a lot driving home). Not good. I was meeting with the girls that I mentor when the subject of lunch came up. I fessed up that I didn't have any money for lunch, and Taylor offered to buy me lunch. I needed help and God provided and it blessed Taylor in return. She's leaving for a study abroad program and has more money on her lunch plan than she can use this semester. God is good. I am so thankful that He is patient with me.
On a funny note Bed Head has a great shampoo called "Control Freak" that smells like melon. It's for people that want less frizzy hair. Does a pretty good job. Oh and for my Rhetorical Traditions class I and four other people will be teaching the class on the Rhetoric of Prime Time television Lawyers! How fun. Which is a lot better then "The Rhetoric of Beer commercials." Well hope everyone has a great week!
Friday, October 14, 2005
What can I say?
Well I survived my Jury Summons! It was quite an adventure. I had to be there at 7:30am in the morning, so I had to get up at like 5:30am to get their on time. The Downtown area of Tucson can be pretty scary if you are not familiar with it, and I'm not. So many one way streets that only go in certain directions and that change direction every couple of blocks. I had my map and knew where I was going, or so I thought. The parking garage I was going to park at didn't have an entrance on the street I was at and there was no way that I could back track. So frantically I am looking for a garage, any garage. God was good and I found one within walking distance of the court house. I've got my mama person with me, that has my breakfast as well as books that I need to read for class and all my paper work. I get into the building and I am just about to go through the security check, when I drop everything in my hands and as I go to pick everything up my sun glasses fall off my head and land somewhere. If the security officers hadn't been so serious I would have burst out laughing. So gathered up all my stuff and got through the check point.
I signed in and then watched at very boring 80s orientation video about why we should all be happy to be called for Jury Duty. It was quite funny. I was then picked along with 30 other people to be questioned in front of a judge. We all went to wait in front of the court room. The baliff came out 10 minutes late to tell us that the different parties in the case had settled on their own, so they didn't need us. So they let us all go home! I went home and took a nap and then went to class in the afternoon. A very interesting day!
I am SO Happy that it is Friday! I get to sleep in for once this week! Alright, I gotta go take a final!
I signed in and then watched at very boring 80s orientation video about why we should all be happy to be called for Jury Duty. It was quite funny. I was then picked along with 30 other people to be questioned in front of a judge. We all went to wait in front of the court room. The baliff came out 10 minutes late to tell us that the different parties in the case had settled on their own, so they didn't need us. So they let us all go home! I went home and took a nap and then went to class in the afternoon. A very interesting day!
I am SO Happy that it is Friday! I get to sleep in for once this week! Alright, I gotta go take a final!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Peace Like a River
In Isaiah 48:17-18 the Lord says:
"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righeousness like the waves of the sea." (NIV)
This morning I was doing my quiet time and for the first time in a while I was at peace. I had been asking the Father for peace for a while and I looked up startled, and smiled when I realized what had happened. Peace. Oh. Even with all the pressing assignments, midterms, papers, readings to finish, and impending jury summons there it was: Peace. Totally God thing and an answer to prayer. Then I was curious, what does peace look like? How can I have peace when I have a zillion things going on and such a crazy schedule? Then I remembered a study I had done almost 2 years ago called Breaking Free by Beth Moore. One of the days was titled "To Experience God's Peace," and I decided to refresh myself on what was studied. After reading over Isaiah 48:18 Beth has the following commentary:
"A river is a moving stream of water. God's Word does not say we'll have peace like a pond. If a few of us were completely honest, we might admit to thinking of peaceful people as boring and a breath from death. We are apt to think 'I really want to live! I'd rather forego peace and have an exciting life!' Beloved, few bodies of water are more exciting than rivers! When was the last time you saw white-water rapids? We can have active, exciting lives without suffering through a life of turmoil. When God used the analogy of a river, He described a peace that can be retained while life twists and turns and rolls over boulders. Let's resist picturing peaceful people as expressionless monks. To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility of heart and mind while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey through change. Peace is submission to a trustworthy Authority, not resignation from all activity. Remember, however, any activity that cannot be brought under the umbrella of God authority will prove to be a source of turmoil and exhaustion."
I love her insight. Then I started to think: what are things in my life that I have not surrendered to His authority? What are the things that are really causing me to be exhausted spiritually? And how can I give those things up to Him?
"No not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transends all understanding, will guard your hearts adn your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7.
Prayer. Of Course. When I'm too busy to be sharing all of my anxious feelings, thoughts, worries, stresses with God, I'm taking all of it on myself and sooner or later I'm going to burn out from exhaustion. But when I fully submit them to His authority, I'm not opperating under my strength anymore...I'm under His! And when the Father is in control there is peace! I'm not perfect and I am definatley going to struggle with this...for probably the remainder of my life...but it is great to know that the Father wants us to be at peace and to know that He is God and his grace is enough each day. He is so Good!
P.S. By the way...my daddy went to church with my mom while my brother and I were at the Fall Retreat! So awesome! Continue to pray that spiritual things would continue to be brought up in our house! Thank you for your prayers! God is doing something awesome!
"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righeousness like the waves of the sea." (NIV)
This morning I was doing my quiet time and for the first time in a while I was at peace. I had been asking the Father for peace for a while and I looked up startled, and smiled when I realized what had happened. Peace. Oh. Even with all the pressing assignments, midterms, papers, readings to finish, and impending jury summons there it was: Peace. Totally God thing and an answer to prayer. Then I was curious, what does peace look like? How can I have peace when I have a zillion things going on and such a crazy schedule? Then I remembered a study I had done almost 2 years ago called Breaking Free by Beth Moore. One of the days was titled "To Experience God's Peace," and I decided to refresh myself on what was studied. After reading over Isaiah 48:18 Beth has the following commentary:
"A river is a moving stream of water. God's Word does not say we'll have peace like a pond. If a few of us were completely honest, we might admit to thinking of peaceful people as boring and a breath from death. We are apt to think 'I really want to live! I'd rather forego peace and have an exciting life!' Beloved, few bodies of water are more exciting than rivers! When was the last time you saw white-water rapids? We can have active, exciting lives without suffering through a life of turmoil. When God used the analogy of a river, He described a peace that can be retained while life twists and turns and rolls over boulders. Let's resist picturing peaceful people as expressionless monks. To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility of heart and mind while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey through change. Peace is submission to a trustworthy Authority, not resignation from all activity. Remember, however, any activity that cannot be brought under the umbrella of God authority will prove to be a source of turmoil and exhaustion."
I love her insight. Then I started to think: what are things in my life that I have not surrendered to His authority? What are the things that are really causing me to be exhausted spiritually? And how can I give those things up to Him?
"No not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transends all understanding, will guard your hearts adn your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7.
Prayer. Of Course. When I'm too busy to be sharing all of my anxious feelings, thoughts, worries, stresses with God, I'm taking all of it on myself and sooner or later I'm going to burn out from exhaustion. But when I fully submit them to His authority, I'm not opperating under my strength anymore...I'm under His! And when the Father is in control there is peace! I'm not perfect and I am definatley going to struggle with this...for probably the remainder of my life...but it is great to know that the Father wants us to be at peace and to know that He is God and his grace is enough each day. He is so Good!
P.S. By the way...my daddy went to church with my mom while my brother and I were at the Fall Retreat! So awesome! Continue to pray that spiritual things would continue to be brought up in our house! Thank you for your prayers! God is doing something awesome!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Fall Retreat
A great weekend...I am so tired! God provided for everything! Even the little things. In the rush to pack Friday morning. I forgot my towel. Well a month ago when I went to visit Katherine in Phoenix, apparently I left one of my towels there. So when the Phoenix crew arrived, not only did I get to see there smiling faces, I also had a towel for the weekend.
Randy, who was our speaker for the weekend, spoke on dealing with bitterness, hearing from from the father, and the importance of discipleship. And if anyone has the "right" to be bitter he does. When he was 18 he was working for an energy company and was out working on power lines with a co-worker. Their boss didn't realize what they were doing and turned the power on. Randy's co-worker was killed instantly and Randy was blown on to the roof of a building. He lost both of his arms and had severe 3rd degree burns covering most of his body. He really challenged me this weekend. He wasn't the most polished speaker I have ever heard, but His passion for the Lord and the lost was so evident when he spoke and interacted with students. I didn't have as much free time as the other students because I was usually in the kitchen, but I like to observe people. This man had a smile and joy that just lit up the room. He's probably been this earth triple the time I have and had such a hard life, but the joy of the Lord was just written all over him. I want a joy like that in my life, that when things are difficult and life seems too hard to bear that the Father's joy would still be evident in my life and that He would be glorified and lifted up.
The mini AZ PI Reunion was great. When I did have free time I went with Stephanie, Jen, Rachel, and Josh to a little town on the mountain called Summerhaven. We looked at all the gift shops, walked around, and then went to the Giant Cookie Shop and had pizza and cookes (the size of a plate). I don't know how to explain this, but the PI connection is just hard to describe. If two PI people walk into a room it just feels like no time has past. God has blessed me so much with the relationships He has given me the past two summers. We had a nice relaxing afternoon, enjoying the atmosphere and catching up. Three years ago Mt. Lemmon caught fire during the Aspen Blaze. Most of Summerhaven was consumed. I haven't been back in about three years. Most of it had been rebuilt and life new life is emerging. But there are still many reminders of the fire. Scorched tree are everywhere, mixed in with the new growth. Being there again reminded me that God restores and renews. He can bring life where there seems to be only death. He also protects. The retreat center where we were staying was not affected by the fire at all. The fire came to the edges of the camp, but never touched it. Other camp centers were consumed. The Father protects His own.
The other thing God showed me was that I have a hard time taking compliments. I don't like to be in the spot light. I don't like being the center of attention. I enjoy doing things "behind the scenes." All weekend people would tell me thank you for cooking and tell me what a good job Caylin and I were doing. Not a horrible thing, but I realized that I needed to work on how I responded. The cooking didn't seem like such a big deal to me. I like to help, but I don't expect anything in return. The Father just showed me how to return their praise and bless them in return. Even with things like "You are an awesome apple cutter!" I have so much to learn. I just thank God that He has patience with me and that He wants to see me become more life His Son.
Sorry for the novel. I just purchased tickets to travel to Oklahoma in December. I will be in Oklahoma from Dec. 28 through Jan. 8. Very excited! Well, need to go spend some time with the family. Have a great week!
Randy, who was our speaker for the weekend, spoke on dealing with bitterness, hearing from from the father, and the importance of discipleship. And if anyone has the "right" to be bitter he does. When he was 18 he was working for an energy company and was out working on power lines with a co-worker. Their boss didn't realize what they were doing and turned the power on. Randy's co-worker was killed instantly and Randy was blown on to the roof of a building. He lost both of his arms and had severe 3rd degree burns covering most of his body. He really challenged me this weekend. He wasn't the most polished speaker I have ever heard, but His passion for the Lord and the lost was so evident when he spoke and interacted with students. I didn't have as much free time as the other students because I was usually in the kitchen, but I like to observe people. This man had a smile and joy that just lit up the room. He's probably been this earth triple the time I have and had such a hard life, but the joy of the Lord was just written all over him. I want a joy like that in my life, that when things are difficult and life seems too hard to bear that the Father's joy would still be evident in my life and that He would be glorified and lifted up.
The mini AZ PI Reunion was great. When I did have free time I went with Stephanie, Jen, Rachel, and Josh to a little town on the mountain called Summerhaven. We looked at all the gift shops, walked around, and then went to the Giant Cookie Shop and had pizza and cookes (the size of a plate). I don't know how to explain this, but the PI connection is just hard to describe. If two PI people walk into a room it just feels like no time has past. God has blessed me so much with the relationships He has given me the past two summers. We had a nice relaxing afternoon, enjoying the atmosphere and catching up. Three years ago Mt. Lemmon caught fire during the Aspen Blaze. Most of Summerhaven was consumed. I haven't been back in about three years. Most of it had been rebuilt and life new life is emerging. But there are still many reminders of the fire. Scorched tree are everywhere, mixed in with the new growth. Being there again reminded me that God restores and renews. He can bring life where there seems to be only death. He also protects. The retreat center where we were staying was not affected by the fire at all. The fire came to the edges of the camp, but never touched it. Other camp centers were consumed. The Father protects His own.
The other thing God showed me was that I have a hard time taking compliments. I don't like to be in the spot light. I don't like being the center of attention. I enjoy doing things "behind the scenes." All weekend people would tell me thank you for cooking and tell me what a good job Caylin and I were doing. Not a horrible thing, but I realized that I needed to work on how I responded. The cooking didn't seem like such a big deal to me. I like to help, but I don't expect anything in return. The Father just showed me how to return their praise and bless them in return. Even with things like "You are an awesome apple cutter!" I have so much to learn. I just thank God that He has patience with me and that He wants to see me become more life His Son.
Sorry for the novel. I just purchased tickets to travel to Oklahoma in December. I will be in Oklahoma from Dec. 28 through Jan. 8. Very excited! Well, need to go spend some time with the family. Have a great week!
Thursday, October 06, 2005
The Great Outdoors
This weekend is our Fall Retreat! I get to spend the weekend at a Retreat Center (mainly A frame cabins) in the Mountians (between 7,000-11,000 ft elevation). It will be 30 degrees cooler, which could range from the 70s to the 50s. HEAVEN! I get to wear my AZ hoodie and wear longsleeved shirts, while I drink hot cider. I love cold weather, as long as I can bundle up. I can't believe it has been a year since the last Fall Retreat. So much has happened since then! I am really excited to go and commune with God, bond with other students, and take a break to reflect on the past year. I just have an anticipation about this weekend. I know something amazing is going to happen.
I just love the feeling of being outdoors and in a "rustic" environment. It's supposed to rain all weekend and I am going to enjoy it. Me and one of the other girls will be the "cooks" for the weekend. The people that were supposed to cook for us had to back out. So me and another girl named Caylin are filling in. Please pray for us and that we would be able to serve well. I think it will be lots of fun! Also pray that we would get up Mt. Lemmon safely. I will be driving, which is an answer to prayer because I usually get really nausous coming down the mountian if I am a passenger. When I drive it usually I don't, but the roads are pretty tricky somtimes. So please pray that God would give me good reflexes and lots of wisdom. We will get back Sunday afternoon. ASU is joining us as well and I am excited to see my "family." Especially Stephanie! I hope you all have a great weekend and look forward to sharing what God is going to do this weekend!
I just love the feeling of being outdoors and in a "rustic" environment. It's supposed to rain all weekend and I am going to enjoy it. Me and one of the other girls will be the "cooks" for the weekend. The people that were supposed to cook for us had to back out. So me and another girl named Caylin are filling in. Please pray for us and that we would be able to serve well. I think it will be lots of fun! Also pray that we would get up Mt. Lemmon safely. I will be driving, which is an answer to prayer because I usually get really nausous coming down the mountian if I am a passenger. When I drive it usually I don't, but the roads are pretty tricky somtimes. So please pray that God would give me good reflexes and lots of wisdom. We will get back Sunday afternoon. ASU is joining us as well and I am excited to see my "family." Especially Stephanie! I hope you all have a great weekend and look forward to sharing what God is going to do this weekend!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
25 Questions
I decided that it would be a nice change to answer the fun questions that the lovely Stefanie Hash posted on her blog. So here they are:
1. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what's the first thing you look at? My face...I am so vain (j/k)
2. How much cash do you have on you? NOTHING
3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"? best
4. Favorite plant? Peach roses, jasmine
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? Miss Jess Campbell
6. What is your main ring tone on your phone? "Song 2." My phone is old and doesn't have any cool comtemporary songs. I think the ring is Mozart.
7. What shirt are you wearing? a sleeveless pink tank
8. Do you "label" yourself? Not really. In Highschool I was a yearbook nerd.
9. Name brand of your shoes currently wearing? Barefoot right now. Usually wearing my American Eagle flip-flops that I've had for the past three years...they are falling apart but I love them. They have the perfect imprint of the bottom of my feet and they are so comfortable.
1o. Bright or Dark Room? Bright!
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? Stefanie is a sweety and I'm glad that I getting to know her.
12. What was your thirteenth birthday party? I don't think that I had one...that's way too far back for me to remember
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? sleeping
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say? "I love you and hope you are having an awesome day!" From Rita. She is such a sweat heart!
15. Do you ever click on "Pop Ups" or Banners? waste of time
16. What's a saying that you say a lot? "I don't know..." or "well...granted..."
17. Who told you they loved you last? my mama
18. Last furry thing you touched? my dog
19. How many drugs have you done in the past 3 days? Nothing
2o. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? none...I have a digital camera.
21. Favorite age you have been so far? 21 has been good so far
22. Your worst enemy? SATAN and myself.
23 What is your current desktop picture? close up picture of daisies in a field
24. What was the last thing you said to someone? "Goodnight"...to my mother.
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to change a major regret: the money. I don't know what I would do with it, (probably like Stefanie would give it all away. There are things that I wish I could change, but without those bumps in the road I wouldn't be where I am today. I've been blessed to be able to see, in my short life, how God can transform something I think is horrible into something spectacular later in life. He is good!)
1. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what's the first thing you look at? My face...I am so vain (j/k)
2. How much cash do you have on you? NOTHING
3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"? best
4. Favorite plant? Peach roses, jasmine
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? Miss Jess Campbell
6. What is your main ring tone on your phone? "Song 2." My phone is old and doesn't have any cool comtemporary songs. I think the ring is Mozart.
7. What shirt are you wearing? a sleeveless pink tank
8. Do you "label" yourself? Not really. In Highschool I was a yearbook nerd.
9. Name brand of your shoes currently wearing? Barefoot right now. Usually wearing my American Eagle flip-flops that I've had for the past three years...they are falling apart but I love them. They have the perfect imprint of the bottom of my feet and they are so comfortable.
1o. Bright or Dark Room? Bright!
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? Stefanie is a sweety and I'm glad that I getting to know her.
12. What was your thirteenth birthday party? I don't think that I had one...that's way too far back for me to remember
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? sleeping
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say? "I love you and hope you are having an awesome day!" From Rita. She is such a sweat heart!
15. Do you ever click on "Pop Ups" or Banners? waste of time
16. What's a saying that you say a lot? "I don't know..." or "well...granted..."
17. Who told you they loved you last? my mama
18. Last furry thing you touched? my dog
19. How many drugs have you done in the past 3 days? Nothing
2o. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? none...I have a digital camera.
21. Favorite age you have been so far? 21 has been good so far
22. Your worst enemy? SATAN and myself.
23 What is your current desktop picture? close up picture of daisies in a field
24. What was the last thing you said to someone? "Goodnight"...to my mother.
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to change a major regret: the money. I don't know what I would do with it, (probably like Stefanie would give it all away. There are things that I wish I could change, but without those bumps in the road I wouldn't be where I am today. I've been blessed to be able to see, in my short life, how God can transform something I think is horrible into something spectacular later in life. He is good!)
Sunday, October 02, 2005
I Survived!
Well, the wedding went off without a hitch...well maybe it didn't because they did get "hitched." But anyway, God was really good and granted us a lot of grace. The only thing that happened on time was that the wedding started on time. It was a pretty long day, but the end result was fantastic! Lots of funny things to remember, like the father of the groom running out in the reception without his pants on (thank goodness he was wearing underwear). NO one was expecting that and there was no alcohol involved either. Or me and the maid of honor getting from my side of town to downtown in 12 min. Usually this takes 25 min. Ashley was driving my car because my license was MIA, so it was just funny.
This has just been a wedding weekend. My other friend Jess is getting married as well and I will be a bridesmaid her her wedding as well. Today we went shopping for another friend, who is also getting married. Then, we looked at wedding and bridesmaid dresses. I am thankful that Jess is not getting married until March 17. Her wedding is going to be in New Jersey, over spring break. Lots of fun. Her other bridesmaid, Maureen, and I are thinking about going early to go to New York. We are going to have so much fun!
My jury duty got postponed until next week! God is good. I have some time to recover from the weekend, as well as work on stuff for my classes.
Next weekend is a BCM retreat with ASU. A mini PI reunion! It will be a lot of fun. The people that were supposed to cook for us couldn't do it, so me and other select upperclassmen will be cooking for everyone this weekend. It should be interesting! We've got a menu already and it will be a great way to serve. Lots of stuff going on.
Well, gotta go! Have a great week!
This has just been a wedding weekend. My other friend Jess is getting married as well and I will be a bridesmaid her her wedding as well. Today we went shopping for another friend, who is also getting married. Then, we looked at wedding and bridesmaid dresses. I am thankful that Jess is not getting married until March 17. Her wedding is going to be in New Jersey, over spring break. Lots of fun. Her other bridesmaid, Maureen, and I are thinking about going early to go to New York. We are going to have so much fun!
My jury duty got postponed until next week! God is good. I have some time to recover from the weekend, as well as work on stuff for my classes.
Next weekend is a BCM retreat with ASU. A mini PI reunion! It will be a lot of fun. The people that were supposed to cook for us couldn't do it, so me and other select upperclassmen will be cooking for everyone this weekend. It should be interesting! We've got a menu already and it will be a great way to serve. Lots of stuff going on.
Well, gotta go! Have a great week!
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