So It's Been A While

Goodness. So much has happened these last couple of months. I can't believe the semester is almost over. Well, the next week is going to be crazy for me. So many papers, so little time. But, it will get done. It won't be fun, but I'll survive. I always do :) Hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving and good luck with the semester!

Sin: It's like a chicken quesadilla.

I know what you're thinking (possibly). What does sin have to do with chicken quesadillas? Well here's my story:

So for the last 2 or 3 years, La Salsa has been my place to eat lunch (not everyday mind you, but whenever I'm around Christian Challenge...formerly know as the Refuge). If you know me very well, you know I find one thing I like at an eating establishment, and stick with it. The Classic Quesadilla with Chicken (or Quesadilla Classica con Pollo) has been my staple at La Salsa. It's made right in front of me and tastes divine.

Well, since I've been back from the summer, this meal has made my stomach upset. And I feel horrible the rest of the day. At first I thought I just wasn't feeling well and that it would go way. But everytime I ate that particlular meal...about an 1 hour later I was feeling sick.

So the logical thing : chicken quesadilla = sick, so if I don't eat it I'll feel great. But this meal is a favorite of mine. And the last week or so, I've been taking the risk and eating it, just because it's my usual and I love it. But really it's not worth it. I was thinking about this situation and was reminded of Paul and that he said that if we know what not to do, and then do it anyway...that's sinning. Wow. I really felt convicted. By choosing to do something that makes me sick, I'm hurting myself and not taking care of the temple that the Father has given me.

So no more Chicken Quesadilla for me. It's so interesting that God can use simple things to teach us so much.

Books

1. Changed your life: The Bible, Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers
2. Read more than once: That list is a pretty long list...but here's a couple : Archangel by Sharon Shinn, Song in the Silence by Elizabeth Kerner, The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley, The Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling...and so many more
3. Want on a desert island: The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling, The Bible
4. Made you laugh (giggle): The Sisterhood the Traveling Pants Series (laugh, giggle, cry, ect)
5. If you've seen the movies or plays, the book is hilarious: Really don't understand this question. Generally, I don't like it when people make books into movies (Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings are an exception) because they mess it up...and the version in my head is so much better than what I see on the Big Screen.
6. Made you cry: The Giver, This Dark Materials Series by Phillip Pullman
7. Wish had been written: I wish Francine Rivers had written a 4th book in the Mark of the Lion Series
8. Wish had never been written: Freud's Theories
9. Currently reading: Poision Study and Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder...science ficition
10. Fact or fiction: Depends on the mood...transitioning from non-fiction into fiction right now
11. Awesome book that is empowering me: Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller....amazing. I love the way he thinks and gets me thinking. There is a great chapter about Adam and Eve that makes me smile everytime I read it. As well as one about Romeo and Juliet that is splendid :)
12. Meaning to read: Yeah, when I have time to read things other than what's assigned in class...I would to read 1001 Arabian Nights, To Kill a Mockingbird (again), Crime and Punishment (some time in my life)

Okay I tag Debby!

Loved & Never Forgotten

"He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young."
-Isaiah 40:11


"Pay attention, O Jacob,
for you are my servant, O Israel.
I, the Lord, made you.
and I will not forget you.
I have swept away your sins like a cloud.
I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist.
Oh, return to me,
for I have paid the price to set you free."
-Isaiah 44:21-22

I've been reading Isaiah the last couple of months. I love it. The first half is hard to swallow. Reading about rebuke and the punishment for sinning is tough. But I love how God redeems his people. He doesn't forget them in their suffering. He is a comforter and a savior. He loves. Unconditionally. Even when the objects of his affection don't deserve it, or could never earn it. And He sacrificed His son so that we could be free. Amazing.

I just finished watching X Men 3. There's a scene at the end where Wolverine and the Phoenix have their confrontation and she asks, "You would die for all of them?" and he replies, "No, I would die for you." As much as I hate the outcome after this dialogue, it reminded me what it means to sacrifice. It's when you give up everything. Everything. I don't know where I was going with this, but these are points that have been hitting me lately. Being able to hold things with open hands and trust myself and my life to the God who made me. Who won't forget me. Who loves me. And has amazing adventures in store for me down the road. I have my good days (and definitely my bad days), but it's nice to know that I can always come back to the truth and be refreshed.

Happy 2nd Birthday!

To my blog. Wow, two years on this thing. It's been interesting to say the least.

Hmmm........

I kinda really don't know what to write about :) It pretty much feels like blogging has died. I don't know why...maybe it's run its course? Or maybe it's because this semester is so stinkin' busy, that could be it too. I guess I'll stick it out and see what happens.

Twenty-two doesn't really feel different than 21. Well, in small ways maybe. Like the fact that I'm not 21 anymore and supposed to be even more adult-like (yeah right!). I still don't feel like an adult. It could be the height thing. I mean I haven't grown any since the 5th grade. Oh well, I'm glad I don't have to have everything figured out now.

The scorpions are back. I think I've killed at least 3 or 4 in the house, while having my dad and brother kill the ones that I don't want to deal with. We've had a lot cooler weather (with rain!) the last couple of weeks which is probably driving them indoors. Yuck. And we've found a couple of Tarantulas under cars (one is in a tank in my brother's room right now). The thing I don't want to see is rattlesnakes. I can live with killing the occasional scorpion, or being startled by a big spider....but I HATE rattlesnakes. But, I guess that's what I get for living in a desert and living in the subburbs. I just pray my brother doesn't think it would be funny to put that big spider in my bed...I'm so glad he was never allowed to have snakes as a child.

Okay, that's all I've got :)

Identity

At some point, it is inevitable that you find yourself and it is up to you to determine whether that moment, that encounter, will be about gladness or about sorrow.”" - Miguel de Unamuno

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us righ twith God, then there was no need for Christ to die." -Galatians 2:20-21

So many thoughts and memories have been coursing through my head these last couple of weeks. I haven't had much time really to do a lot of thinking with the way my schedule has been...so my thoughts have been keeping me up at night -there are some times that I wish I could turn my brain off...with a switch or somthing :) And I'm finding that these thoughts have a lot to do with "Who is Sarah now?" "How do I take with what I discovered about myself, about the Father -and translate that here?"

Honestly, I'm not a fan of change. Unless, it's something that I want. Or something that I feel I have control over and can supervise (can we say control freak).

A lot of change that has happened in my life the last year or so, has been out of my control. And I faught Him tooth and nail to get what control I could (yeah, like I was ever in control to begin with). Because I had trust issues. And faith issues. I had tried to make things about me and what I wanted. And really it's not about me at all. And that's where the conflict was. And what did He do...He made me wait. I hate change...but I hate waiting more. I learned a lot about myself and how when things are hard...I'll cling to everything but Him, instead of waiting on Him and finding strength (Isaiah 40: 29-31).

So I'm finding myself dealing with change again. And it's a daily choice to give my hopes, dreams, future, emotions, and heart to Christ. Some days are good, others are bad. But, what gives me joy and hope -and is different about this year- is I'm starting to understand what Paul meant by " I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." I have a feeling I'll be struggling most of my life to figure out who Sarah is, and have questions, and wonder why He's allowed things in my life, and so much more...but that it's possible to live life in the world full of change. It's all about trust and knowing truth...and believing the Father.

He is so good! And faithful. And the Provider. And He never changes. As Melancholy as this post sounds, I'm excited to see what He has in store for me. If I've learned anything these last couple of years in college, it's that life is hard -but that He always has something good instore for me. Always.

Wish List

Well, I was trying to think of stuff to write about this weekend and couldn't think of anything too exciting...and then I realized that my birthday is less than 2 weeks away. How scary is that? Yep, turning 22 years old. Crazy. And as I've become older and wiser in these last couple of years, I've learned that people don't know what you want unless you let them know. So I figured I'd post my list here.

WISH LIST:

1) Cards/Letters. Yep, my first love language is words of affirmation. My second is quality time. Card/Letters are like both (cards only count when they have writing other than the writing that the card provides). And snail mail is pretty rare these days, so I enjoy it when I get it.

2) Music from iTunes. I like music. I really missed my CD player this summer...cause for the last 12 years I've always fallen asleep listening to music.

3) Grey's Anatomy Season's 1&2. Yeah, the show's addicting. And I won't be able to watch it this semester.

4) The Little Mermaid Special Edition. I know it's corney, but I think this is my favorite Disney movie of all time.

5) She's the Man. Yeah, this made me laugh a lot. And I could see myself watching it 10 or so more times. Hilarious!

6) I guess this is the end of the the list....I was going to say "Books," but I'm pretty swamped with reading as it is, and there's nothing that I really want at the moment.

This list for some reason, actually took longer than I thought to come up with. I remember when I was like five...there was so much I wanted cause I thought it would make me happy. And now, yeah I like getting stuff for my birthday (i mean, who doesn't?) but I think I enjoy spending that time with the people I care about. That's really what makes me happy. Funny how your perspective changes when you get older. I guess it's the simple things in life, and probably the things I take for granted most that I really enjoy.

Okay, so there is my pathetic list :) Anyways, it's actually been pretty nice weather-wise in ole' Arizona. I've enjoyed the rain. And Holy Cow....we beat BYU Saturday with a 48 yard field goal! That was a nice way to start the season. Senior year is going to be fantastic! Okay, signing out!

Here We Go Again!

So the craziness of school has begun. Wow. The last two weeks have been jam-packed with stuff. I feel like I'm beginning to get my bearings. The first week of school I just felt so overwhelmed with school, being jet-lagged, and trying to figure out where to go from here...and then the fact that this is my last year in school kinda sunk in. Father is so great in that during all this craziness He gave me some quite moments to spend with Him, and has been showing me that He has my semester under control.

And He's been giving me time to process my summer (which was fantastic in case you were wanting to know...honestly I miss it SO much). I've been journaling a lot, trying to write down events that happened, the funniest moments, things that impacted me, the hardest times...so that when those memories become fuzzy in my head, that I can go back to my journal to remember. As well as when I saw Dad move this summer. I don't ever want to forget those times. So I've been really melancholy, and introverted. Could you tell ? :)

And I never thought I would be saying this...but apparently Hurricane John might make a visit to Tucson?! They say he might come inland, as far in as Tucson. But it won't be anything severe. Thank goodness for Mountians...they keep hurricanes and tornados out. I just thought that was weird.

Ummm....I can't think of anything else to say...except if you want to hear about my summer, give me a call and I'd love to talk and hear about YOUR summer as well (those people know who they are). Okay, Here We Go Again...another semester!

I'm Back

I got in last night. It was a long trip and it's good to be home. I'm still sorting through a lot of emotions and memories. Love you all and thanks for yarping. Dad did some amazing things this summer and I was truly blessed and challenged.

Showers

Not the kinda that make you clean (and smell better) but the Baby Shower variety. So today I ran errands and helped my mom pick out stuff for a baby shower that we went to at 2pm. And where did we stop, but Babys 'R' Us. Goodness, I could get on a soap box about how much stuff is in that store and how most of it is pretty useless. All the designer cribs, high-chairs, and whatever else they can think of. I saw twal. TWAL high chairs. Twal looks pretty but you know, the kid is probably going to spit up all over it. I like simple solid colors. I guess that's just it. I like simple. I do like quality, though. And just all the stuff that they tell you that you need to have so that your kid turns out right. Scare tactics. If you don't do this or have that your kid will get such-and-such disorder. And hate you. Have people been around teenagers lately? They hate you on principle. And when I get married and have kids some day, I'm going to do things wrong. I just know I will, not on purpose...but because I'm learning. I'm just thankful that when that is my season in life that the father is going to help me. I mean, he's the ultimate parent. Okay, I'm off the the box.

The shower, on the other hand, was fabulous. And a lot of fun.

The heat here is starting to get to me. So, the only place I can be to escape it is inside. Which, can be very boring sometimes. Okay, most of the time. It's been two years since the last time I was here in June. The other day it was 104 in the shade. Yuck. And it's draining. Another Yuck. I will be quite happy to leave for the summer and have a desire to eat other things besides fruit and pasta. I still haven't seen that bobcat yet, but my dad did get some pictures...so I've kinda seen it in a way. And it hasn't eaten my dog, which is a good thing.

Okay, off to eat some Greek food. Yummy. Talk to you all later!

In the Trash

So I've been trying out this relaxing thing. It's slowly growing on me. Slowly. But I'm finding some things to occupy my time. I just went through my two email accounts and deleated about 1500 emails from the last three years. Wow. It was kinda fun in a way. Remembering what was going on when an email was sent or received. It was great going down memory lane. Time has gone by really fast. I found emails from my freshman year of college :) Scary.

Since I've been home, a bobcat has been in and out of our backyard. He/She has been driving my dogs nuts. But I haven't been able to see it yet, 'cause my dogs scare the bobcat away. So I'm hoping before I leave, to see it and possibly take a picture.

I started my only favorite video game Final Fantasy VIII. I beat it when I was in highschool, and it's been awhile since I've played it. The graphics aren't as high tech as stuff coming out now. But I love it and the story behind it. It's like an interactive book. Lots of fun. What can I say? I'm a nerd. Did I mention I grew up on Star Trek: The Next Generation? Not quite a Trekkie, but close. And I love the original Star Wars. And just Science Fiction in general. Okay, I'm going to take a break from the computer. Here's my update!

Relaxing

The first couple of days back in Tucson were great. I got sleep in, catch up on my reading, eat junk food, and sleep some more. But that only works for a couple days. I get bored really easily. So now I've been trying to come up with things to do. Some people have told me that I need to learn how to relax. And they're probably right :) I'm just not the type of person that can sit around and watch tv all day. It really drives me nuts. I could probably read a book all day. But I don't like wasting time. I need some serious help. Okay, so I'm going to try to work on "relaxing." We'll see how that turns out.

On a funny note. I was looking at my booklist for next semester and I laughed out loud when I spotted the title "Goddesses, Wives, Whores, and Slaves." I think my Women in Antiquity class is going to be interesting. Oh Goodness. I laughed reallly loud and my mom came into the room to see what was so funny. Then, she starting laughing. It was great. As you can see I have really dry humor.

My internal clock is way off right now. I'm waking up around 6 am (then I try to make myself go back to sleep and it doesn't work) and then falling asleep around 9pm. Not exaclty very fun. Stupid different time zones. I guess I'm getting some practice in.

And it's actually over cast today, with some rain (or sprinkles at least). I like rain. For a couple of days at least. After that, it's just plain depressing. I don't know how people in London or Seattle handle it all the time.

Well, I hope everyone is having a splendid week. Signing Off.

Overcome

It has been an amazing, life changing, stretching week. I am overcome by the work that the father has done in my life. He has shown me so many of my weaknesses, but he has also shown me that his strengths are so much more powerful. And that it is in my weaknesses that his glory is brightest. I am still processing the last week, so I guess I'm in a more melancholy mood and probably will be like that for the next couple of days. As well as spending more time yarping. So much is going on. One thing I've learned is that there are no breaks in life...at least not long ones.

Debby, Rita, and I went to wash their cars this afternoon. It was a lot of fun. Something so simple, yet so refreshing and fun. The icee wasn't too bad either :) So was the Twix. I am just completely excited about everything that is going on and can't wait to see how it is all going to play out.

On a more serious note: I probably won't have my blog up during the summer. So if you check it one day and it's not there, don't worry. It will be up when I get back. I hope everyone has an amazing summer and I can't wait to hear stories. Keep it real.

Heart Friends

The last couple of days have been amazing. I've been in Norman since Tuesday and it's been a pleasure to spend the time with good friends. I got to spend the first couple of days with Holly, my other half, as well as Miss Emily Bryant. The brain got to be whole for a little bit :) And then Erin and I got to run errands, hang out, and catch up. The Weakdays were reunited! I've learned so much from Debby and Jenny and I'm still learning more. Wow. It's been nice to have my heart in one place. Doesn't happen very often. Well, I need to go pack and be social. Alright, lots to do. I'll update later. Good bye!

Drum Roll

I am now officially a senior. Yay. I am so tired. Alright, now I am get some sleep and rest. And shop.

If you think of me...

PLEASE pray! I have my accounting final today at 5:00pm. I need to get a good grade on this test. Let's just say this will be my hardest final and it's not even my major or minor. Long story how I got in it. I've learned a lot about accounting, which is good. But, it's been a struggle. Good Luck to everyone on their finals! I'll be studying!!

Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo for people in a state that actually celebrates it :) Anyways about to head off to a get together to eat Mexican food and hang out. I went to the doctor and got shots and blood drawn. Ouch! Actually I didn't feel a thing. The nurse was pretty awesome. The one that drew my blood had to stick me twice because she thought she wasn't getting deep enough. Turns out the tube was clogged and that's why it wasn't filling up. She tried another tube and it worked like a charm. Apparently I have great veins :) That's such a nice compliment.

Alright. Buenos Noches!!!

Another Happy Ending

School-wise, this semester is over!!! I just have finals next week and the rest of this week free. Heaven! And tomorrow I get my hair cut (okay, more like trimmed) and I can hang out with my small group girls in the afternoon. Yay! It seems really weird that this semester is already over. I am going to actually miss some of my professors. I am so lucky that I was in their classes. I learned a lot and enjoyed every bit of it.

DONE!

I finished that last paper I have to write this semester!!! Imagine me dancing and jumping around. Yep that's how I feel if I had the energy. Okay, going to survive two more days of school!

Bullseye

Do I have a target in the middle of my forehead? Why is it that guys give me a hard time all the time? Am I intimidating? Am I scary? Am I mean? (I'm not saying this in anger at all...it's almost kinda funny). The guys can be in high school or they can be a 40 year old co-workers. Doesn't matter what age. I mean, how can a person that's barely taller than 5 foot be scary? Or intimidating?

I know some other girls that are just as confused as I am. Is it a way for them to say they care about us, instead of punching us in the shoulder or giving a "good game" like they would their guy friends? Or is it that they just like to see us all riled up and mad? I don't know. I think on some level I appreciate because then I know they care, but then I wonder if there's something wrong with me or if I'm mean. And I can dish it back if needed. Which is fun sometimes....okay most of the time:) But after a while it does wear me out. And there are times that I get carried away as well. I'm not perfect either. And I know I have to watch my words because a lot of people take me serious, and they might not understand when I'm joking for being sarcastic. (And I've really been convicted about being sarcastic). There are a few people (guys and girls) that I can be "sassy" with and not be afraid that they're going to take it the wrong way.

But is that the right attitude for me to have? In James, the bible talks about taming the tongue. And how fresh water and sea water can't come out of the same spring. Ungodly speech and godly speech can't come out the same mouth. And I wonder where my attitude falls. And my speech. And if it's a heart issue that I need to resolve. For I know what's in my heart comes out my mouth sooner or later :) Which can be a good or bad thing. Communication is a tricky thing. Sometimes I wish we were all minder readers, but then I'm glad that we're not for lots of reasons. Anyways, this wasn't meant to point fingers or anything. Pretty much just rambling and putting thoughts on paper. Input would be welcome. And I hope everyone enjoys their last official week of school (finals don't count...they're just tests).

I need a favor...

For securtity reasons for this summer, if you have a link to my blog....can you please take my last name off. I was called Sarah G. all through grade school, so it won't bug me. I would really appreciate it a bunch. It would make things a lot easier! Hope everyone is having a fantastic week and I have 3 days left of school. So excited!

What it's like to be short

I was reading Miss Powell's post about being tall and I thought it would be funny if I did one on being short:) I am 5'1/2" (yes that's right, a half an inch). I have been this height since the 5th grade. Haven't grown a milimeter since then. It's been interesting.

Cons:
1) Not being able to reach things that normal people can reach. Like books on a book shelf, or stuff in the kitchen.
2) Going to doctor's offices and barely being able to see over the counter.
3) When I drove my F-150, having to have a pillow behind my back so that I could reach the peddles.
4) Sitting behind someone in a movie theatre that's taller than me and not being able to see the movie.
5) People thinking that I'm in junior high (I led a girls junior high small group at a Disciple Now, and the host family thought I was one of the girls, and they couldn't figure out why I was bossing everyone around).
6) For some reason people like to pick up short people. And not just boys. I've had girls in my small group pick me up and twirl me as well as a certain BCM women's associate director. I think I've been tossed as well.
7) Having short legs means that I have to walk faster to keep up with everyone else.
8) My cello was taller than I was.
9) People using your head as an arm rest.
10) People thinking that you're dainty and fragile.
11) Carrying around backpacks that weigh half as much as you all day.

Pros:
1) Having a valid reason to be in the front.
2) People are always getting things for you off shelves and such.
3) My mother says I don't have to worry about marrying someone shorter than me. (HA!)
4) When I'm tired, people can give me a piggy-back ride places.
5) Easier to manuver around crowds and get around things.
6) Can fit in small places. And sleep on small couches.
7) I loved jumping out of my truck. Kinda of weird, but I loved it.
8) I can buy college clothing in child's sizes and pay less for it.
9) Being underestimated in sports.
10) They always have shoes in my size 'cause no one buys them.

Yeah that's all that I can think of off the top of my head.

X-Men 3

Lets just say that this is the only movie that I am looking forward to this summer. And that's okay, beccause it is going to be AMAZING!!! If you haven't checked out all the trailers, you should take a peek at the official website www.x3movie.com. It comes out May 26. I won't be able to see it opening day, but if anyone wants to see if while I'm in Norman, let me know. If not, I'll will go watch it myself (or possibly drag Maureen or my brother to it) :) Now, we just need another Harry Potter book and movie! Fun.

Highlights from the Retreat

We had our servant team retreat this friday/saturday by the Catalina Mountains. So beautiful and only 20 minutes away from my house. Really good bonding time for the small group leaders. Casting vision and preparing for the next semester. Here are some of my highlights:

1) Cooking. I usually don't like to cook, but it was theraputic after the stress of school.

2) Girl time: talking until 2 am (of course), gargling water to the Little Mermaid and Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star (which we have on video), and waking up at 5:30 am to Saran wrap the guys' cars. It was great. One of the guys had slept in the bed of his truck and was out cold. We left his truck alone, but then stuck all the Saran boxes in the back of his truck. We probably could of Saran wrapped around him. The guys were really confused. One was so tired that he couldn't figure out why his door wouldn't open and then tried to use his keys. Priceless. We probably just started a war. Oh well. It was worth it :) We probably could have done it better if we hadn't come up with the idea around mid-night. Not many stores are open then.

3) Prayer: what can I say, I like it a lot. And it was so needed. Also a good way to bond.

I guess my list wasn't as long as I thought it would be :) I guess that's what happens when you're tired. I'm not as "young" as I used to be. I can't handle going on no sleep like I used to, I'm turing into a party pooper. Okay off to take a nap!

Isaiah 61

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me,
because the LORD has appointed me to bring
good news to the poor. He has sent me to
comfort the brokenhearted and to announce
that captives will be released and prisoners will
be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the LORD's favor has come,
and with it, the day of God's anger against their
enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give
beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning,
praise instead of depair. For the LORD has
planted them like strong and graceful
oaks for his own glory."
-Isaiah 61:1-3

God is good, all the time. He just keeps reminding me that He has my back. He is taking care of me, and everything that He allows in my life is to give Him glory in the end. And I am free. Even when the details of life get overwhelming or school seems like a drag, He points out all the things I need to be thankful for. The small things. The little blessing each day that sometimes I take for granted or overlook, because I'm too busy trying to run my life, instead of letting Christ take care of it. And He does. He gives me grace when I dont' deserve it, and rebukes me when I need it. He's a good dad.

A Year in Review

Today was a very thoughtful and reflective day. Thinking about what Christ has done in my life this last year. It was a year ago that I was preparing for Project Impact and praying that God would do something amazing and unexpected in my life. He did. I didn't have the faintest clue, and He surpassed all of my expectations. Thinking about the friendships I've made and the "extended" family that I have all across the country. The old and the new friends. All in different seasons of life, but still teaching me about Christ and his love. I don't know how to classify this year. It wasn't just a good or bad year. It was a hard year. Full of learning and making mistakes, trusting God when I couldn't see what the future would hold, seeing His grace and mercy, and being blessed by the little things in life, and seeing my weaknesses and how if I let Him, they could be made into strengths. Lots of crying, but much more laughter. And here I am preparing for another summer :) Another life changing experience that I know God is going to use to transform my life. Scary huh? In a good way. As Christians we are never the same. Constantly being refined and transformed into the image of Christ. I guess my Melancholy is coming out. I am just thankful that He is going to continue the work He began in me.

Okay here are some funny things out last year:

1) Debby referring to Holly and I as "pot heads" because of our love of Harry Potter. Interesting. (If you don't believe me, look under my post for April 14th for 2005). I believe Debby has since joined the ranks of Harry Potter fans.

2) Naco, Mexico. My BCM actually let Jess and I lead a group to do a mission trip to Mexico :) We did fine, but it was probably more stressful preparing for that than my finals. We had a great time.

3) Being a professional Bridesmaid! Lots of fun and laughs. Glad the wedding season will be taking a break after this summer. Weddings are fun, but very stressful.

4) My small group! We have had some fun times. And laughed a lot. Especially at my list of things to ask God when I get to Heaven.

I love to read and write. Good thing I'm an English Major. It is just so soothing and relaxing. I am excited about the next year and what exciting things that Christ has planned for me. May I follow Him, even when I don't understand. I pray I would just trust and believe His promises.

Safety Within Arms Reach

I was driving home today after a long day of school. It was about rush hour and the sun was directly in my face. Traffic was at a stop and I was looking around at my surroundings. I notice a guy on a motorcyle, with his helmet attached to the seat behind him. The first thoughts that enter my head were " Oh my goodness how STUPID is this guy. If he gets in an accident that helmet is going to do him no good being on the seat behind him." And is was like God hit he upside the head. How many times have I had instruments, tools, armor within my reach, but failed to use them the way they were intended? Let me clarifiy that, spiritual instruments, tools, armor. The Word, prayer, fellowship, worship and so much more. Not that these things are "tools." But that they were given to us so that we could know Christ, have a relationship with Him, praise and worship the Creator that made us, and know what we are supposed to do with our lives. How many times have I had these things in my life and tried to do my own thing, thinking I know better? Let's just say a lot. How many times have I been the guy on the motorcyle with his helmet behind him flirting with disaster? More times than I'd like to admit. So I got a nice challenge from the Big Guy. How about I try to work on my own shortcomings instead of pointing out other people's. I love my commuting between school and home. God gets me all to himself in the car.

Sunburn

Well I don't have a sunburn...not yet anyway. It was really nice Monday and now it's hot. Sunburn hot. I put sunblock on my face everyday, no matter what the temperature is, but now there will be a tube of the stuff in my purse. I have a love hate relationship with the sun in Arizona. I love bright, open spaces. A cloudy day is nice every once in a while, but for 3 days or more it's torture. I think attendence drops for classes around here if it's overcast too long. But, if a person is not careful, they can look like a lobster in 30 minutes. Or less. Been there, done that and it's not pretty. Plus it hurts really bad. Ironically the worst sunburn I ever got was at La Holla beach in California. Fell asleep on my stomach and fried my back from head to toe. This was the last day of summer camp before I was a sophomore in high school. Since that sunburn, I've carried sunblock with me everywhere during the summer. Sunscreen and sunblock are totatlly different lotions. The key words are "screen" and "block". If you can tan, sunscreen is your best bet because it screens out most of the harmful rays but you can still get a tan. If you would rather be pale instead of pink or red, like me, you want sunblock...cause nothing can get through it. I love the sun, but will admire it from a distance, probably under the shade.

Televison

I realized over this weekend that I have lost the desire to watch tv. I don't have time during the week to watch anything, and the only show I watch on the weekends is Greys Anatomy. Which is hilarious when I watch it with my mother, who just happens to be an RN. But other than that, I don't really watch anything.

I do spend a lot of my time on my PowerBook G4. Writing papers, checking emails and facebook, updating this blog ect. Apples are the future. My brother's PC is being overrun by viruses and mine is clean. I love it. And she's pretty. And Graphic Design is so much more fun on an Apple.

What else takes up my time besides ministry? Books. Here is a list of all the books that I have read and will read this semester:

BRITISH LITERATURE:
Beowulf
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer
Second Shepherd's Play
Everyman
Doctor Faustus by Marlowe
Henry IV Part I by Shakespeare
Faerie Queene by Spenser
Paradise Lost by Milton

ADVANCED SHAKESPEARE
The Merchant of Venice
Much Ado About Nothing
As You Like It
Richard II
Henry IV Part I
Romeo and Juliet
Hamlet

VICTORIAN LITERATURE
Jane Eyre by C. Bronte
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by R.L Stevenson
King Solomon's Mines by H.R. Haggard
Selected poetry by Tennyson
Selected poetry by Robert Browning
Selected poetry by Gererd Hopkins
Importance of Being Earnest by O. Wilde
Father and Son by E. Gosse

ROMAN ART & ARCHITECTURE
Roman Art by Ramage & Ramage
The Mute Stones Speak by MacKendrick

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
Financial Accounting: Tools for Business Decision Making

COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS
Selections from the Old & New Testament
Selections from the Qur'an

Only God could get me through all of this with my sanity intact. My favoritye classes are my Shakepeare class (ILOVEITILOVEITILOVEIT!!!) and my Roman Art & Architecture class (the Professor is a hoot in ways that cannot be described in the English language. He is SO old and has done so much and knows so many people. And He's funny). I love English. This would also explain why I don't have any time to watch televison. HA.

Psalm 66

"Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!
Sing about the glory of his name!
Tell the world how glorious he is.
Say to God, 'How awesome are your
deeds!
Your enemies cringe before your mighty
power.
Everything on earth will worship you;
they will sing your praises,
shouting your name in glorious songs.'

Come and see what our God has done,
what awesome miracles he does for his
people!
He made a dry path through the Red
Sea,
and his people went across on foot.
Come, let us rejoice in who he is.
For by his great power her rules forever.
He watches every movement of the
nations;
let no rebel rise in defiance.
- Psalm 66: 1-7

This last week God is just been showing me how great He is, and how He is in control of every aspect of my life. It would be cool to do my own commentary on this passage, but I think it speaks for itself. I don't think the limited English that I know could add much more significance to these scriptures.

I'm Particular

I was going out to lunch with a friend and she remarked that I always get the same thing. And it's true. I find someting I like at an eating establishment and stick with it. And I thought I would be amusing to document what I get at what dinning place. Humor me.

Starbucks: Tall Carmel Apple Cider
Jamba Juice: Berry Lime Sublime (immunity boost)
McDonalds: #7 Crispy Chicken, plain, no mayo. Medium fries and a Medium Coke (lets just say I'm picky...or I know what I like)
La Salsa: Classic Quesadilla with Chicken (or Classica Quesadilla con pollo, as the cashier says)
Chipotle: Chicken Burrito Bowl
Jimmy Johns: Vito, no tomato (and a chocolate-chunk cookie)
No Anchovies: Slice of Cheese and Kiwi Strawberry Snapple
Panda Express: 2 Entree with Orange Chicken, fried Rice, and the Teriaki Chicken
Cheesecake Factory: 4 Cheese Pasta and a Coke
Olive Garden: Tour of Italy and as many breadsticks as I can fit in my purse
Subway: (when I used to eat there..JJ is so much better) Meatball Sandwich on Cheese bread with Oregano and Parmisan. During Highschool the lady had my order memorized and when she saw me coming she would make it and bring it to the cash register. Before I walked in.
Pei Wei: Kids Wei Teriaki Chicken, with Brown Rice
Penguins Ice Cream: Vanilla yoqurt with Gummy Bears on top
Cold Stone: Cookie Dought You Want Some More (with Cake batter ice cream)(probably spelled that wrong)
Baggins: The Club Sandwich -no tomato, no bacon, extra onions
Wendy's: #2 plain with just onions and cheese
In-n-Out: a plain cheese burger with onions
Quiznos: regular Italian sub and raspberry lemonade

Okay my brain can't think of any more. If anything, this is amusing to me. Ha. I am so predictable.

Adventures

This weekend was so fun and insightful! I went to the Woman-to-Woman in Phoenix with girls from my BCM and had a blast. The Keynote speaker was Nancy Leigh DeMoss. She was wonderful and I'm still reflecting on the the all the insights she brought about womanhood and the Bible. She wrote Lies Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free (Holly, she is a doll and about my height...and I told her a little about you!) It was a great time of bonding. Pride & Prejudice and late night converstations. Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (where I got to spend some time with the lovely Stephanie Jones). And I think one of the most memoriable moments was driving with 4 girls in my car while we sang songs of worship most of the way back home... off-key, with the rhythm off...but it was the most beautiful thing I have heard in a long time. No radio to for back up music, just voices. That memory will stick with me for a while.

My tanks are full. And I'm ready for the next month or so of school. This semester has had it's good points and it's bad points, but I'm thankful that Jesus is in the business of filling our tanks when we are empty. And that He wants to make us whole. Summer's just around the corner and I am anxious to see what more God has instore for my life. I know it will be life-changing.

Life is More Then About Surviving

I've have been really convicted this week about just trying to survive, instead putting my all into school, relationships, and anything else I do while I'm not sleeping. I'm not saying that I need to do more stuff to fill all the time in my day, I just need to put more quality into the things that I am already doing. I was looking through the titles of my posts, and the most common title is "I survived such and such." How sad is that? I'm not trying to put myself down. Life should be about living, not trying to get by. I want my life to count. I don't want to be remembered as a person who did a bunch of things, but never did them well or with a Christ-like attitude. God has a sense of humor...this topic came up in my small group discussion, one that I taught.

I know I'm a perfectionist and I want things to be perfect, myself included. But I know that I can never be perfect. Thankfully, God can still use this imperfect vessel to accomplish things for His Kingdom. As long as I'm willing. And I hope I always am.

I am thankful that Christ helps me reach beyond my own grasp to do some awesome things for Him. Even more thankful that He lets me lean on Him when, at times, I can barely stand on my own.

"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, / Or what's a heaven for?" - Robert Browning, "Andrea del Sarto"

Plagiarphobia

The new word that I have created : plagiarphobia (n)- refers to the fear of accidental plagiarism in papers. The result is citations after every 2 sentences, just incase. Footnotes are a disaster, because they take up half the paper. And your professor now thinks you are an over-achiever...which you are not.

Okay, I hate writing papers. Love reading books and writing creative fiction....but papers stink. My fear of accidental Plagiarism began in sophomore Honors Comp. with Mr. Holt. He basically said if he ever caught us plagiarizing we would nail our hides to the wall, and then fail us and report us the the administration. No lie...he would do that. That was just the type of person he was. I only saw him mad once...scary thing. So Mr. Holt has always been my paper writing boogy-man.

Random thoughts...but that is what happens after you write a paper...your brain is not in your head anymore it is on a piece of paper. Only 2 more papers this semester and I am done. God is good!

Psalm 47

"Come, everyone, and clap your hands
for joy!
Shout to God with joyful praise!
For the Lord Most High is awesome.
He is the great King of all the earth.
He subdues the nations before us,
putting our enemies beneath our feet.
He chose the Promised Land as our
inheritance,
the proud possession of Jacob's
descendants, who he loves.

God has ascended with a might shout.
The Lord has ascended with trumpets
blaring.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our King, sing praises!

For God is the King over all the earth.
Praise him with a psalm!
God reigns above the nations,
sitting on his holy throne.
The rulers of the world have gathered
together.
They join us in praising the God
of Abraham.
For all the kings of the earth belong
to God.
He is highly honored everywhere."

I'd had a pretty stressful and nerve-racking week (along with a cold) and God has just showed me how awesome and how in control he is of my life. And how he can turn something stressful and hard into a joy and a burden no more...as well as something to give Him praise for. I don't deserve and can't earn his graces and mercies, but I am so thankful that he blesses me with them anyway. My God Reigns!

Summer's Almost Here

It's already starting to heat up in the sunny state of Arizona. There is no real transition from "winter" to the summer that we love to hate. One day it's cool and the next day the sun is blazing and the car feels like a pressure cooker. Oh well, what am I complaining for? This will be the third summer in a row that I won't by here (I'm turning into a wimp). I guess I'll have to start wearing sun-screen again, because "pink" is not a good look for me (neither is "red"...that one hurts a lot more).

I'm in mood for another list. Here's a list of all my favorite things about the summer:

1. Popcicles. Cherry and Orange flavor are the best. Pop Ice would fall into this category as well.

2. Bermuda Shorts (AE). The only "shorts" some one will ever catch me in besides my Wildcat Basketball shorts.

3. Flip-flops. Granted I wear them year round, they are an extention of my foot.

4. NO SCHOOL! I think that is all the needs to be said.

5. Time to catch up on my reading.

6. Swimming

7. Jet Skiing. Canyon Lake. Fun times!

8. Oklahoma friends. Visting and catching up is a blast.

9. Road trips, Plane trips, Traveling in general....one of my favorite things to do. You can't get much more quality time then cramming people into a car or plane.

10. Sleeping. Getting to catch up on the zzz's that never happened the last 2 semesters.

Okay, need to start thinking about writing a paper and studying for tests next week. Maybe tomorrow.

Highlights from the Week

Okay I just got back from New York and New Jersey. I had a blast and can't believe it's all over. Jess looked beautiful on her wedding day and I was just blessed that she wanted me to be apart of it. Here are so highlights from the week.

1) Taking a Red-eye to Laguardia. The traveling time added up to about 13 hours and by the time that Jess picked us up from the airport we were all giggles. That's what happens when you can't sleep on a plane. (On a side note....I got the best sleep I have ever had in New Jersey...ever, so I guess that made up for the sleep I didn't get the first night)

2) The food. I ate SO MUCH. The food was fantastic. Pizza, Deli, Italian, Lamb, Chicken, French toast, REAL bagels (apparently I didn't know what I was missing) and SO much more. Jess was acutally, truly worried that we wouldn't fit into our dresses by the end of the week. I even had seconds.

3) New York. So fun. I love to travel to new places. Time Square, Rockefeller Center, Canal Street, St. Patricks. And Sephora. We found three Sephoras and I had to go in. Maureen and Jess, I think, never want to see the inside of a Sephora for quite a while. Memories of running through traffic and 2 blocks trying to find the blue line to take back to the train station. We missed it. After we ran the two blocks I asked them to stop cause my abs hurt. They all gave me the weirdest looks and wouldn't let me forget that I said my abs hurt and not my legs.

4) Bachelorette Party. I think that's all I can say :)

5) Scheming. All the bridesmaids thought it would be funny to hold up cards that said "10.0" "9.5" "9.7" and "Applause" when Jeff and Jess kissed during the ceremony. We hid them behind the plants and when I pastor started to pray we passed them around and held them up as they kissed. The audience lost it and Jess and Jeff couldn't figure out why they were laughing until they turned around. She thought it was hilarious. So did we.

6) Dancing. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun dancing. Great music and great people. It was a blast.

7) And most important. The quality time I got with Jess and her family. It was great. Jess and her family are so generous and hospitable. I was so honored to be apart of her special day and blessed to get to know her family.

All and all I had a great week. I really wish school was over. But I am so thankful that God gave me some time to rest, relax, and get away. He is so good. Awesome.

NYC

So excited!! I leave for New York tomorrow. Not so excited about the time: Midnight. Oh well. The lovely Miss Maureen and I have been working out since January and trying to eat right for the wedding. So we are looking forward to eating some world class food. New York pizza and cheese cake will be on the menu for this trip....not to mention the wonderful food at Jess's wedding. Heaven. Our flight leaves from Phoenix, so on the way we are going to stop at IN-N-OUT to get some awesome burgers and fries (I don't normally like burgers, but these are fantastic!).

And the best part will be spending time with Jess and Maureen and the other Bridemaids. Girl time is always a good time. And I've never been to NYC or New Jersey, so this will be a fun trip. And maybe a little shopping will take place. And then only a couple more weeks and than school will be over!!! Okay, I know a couple more weeks is like 6 weeks, but it will go by fast! Fun,fun fun!

Pet Peeves

I had a huge Midterm today in my Roman Art & Architecture Class. Usually after a test my brain feels like it's been removed from my head. So I was trying to get my mind off of the test and think of funny pet peeves of mine. Here they are in no particular order:

1) People that are not on time (I think this one stems from the fact that the 3 other people in my family can not get anywhere on time if their lives depended on it)

2) Cottage cheese mixed with pears (rotting milk and fruit...yuck. Even just seeing it makes my stomach want to hurl)

3) People riding bikes in the middle of the road like a car, but not following traffic rules. I don't like them when I'm driving a car, or if I'm a pedestrian. I could write a whole blog entry on this Pet Peeve.

4) The fact that Banks are never on the way to where I'm going.

5) The sign to the apartment complex across the street from my housing development that says "You're New Home!" I don't know who does their proof-reading, but it's horrid!

6) Mall preachers that tell me I'm going to hell.

7) Business students that can't be quiet in a lecture room where one conversation can be heard by the whole class. The only time there has ever been silence was when the professor assigned us seating for the Midterm.

8) People that channel surf while you were watching something in particular (aka Dad. I don't think I've really ever seen the whole of anything on tv...one of the reasons I took up reading)

9) Small talk. Enough said.

10) Overcast skies that exceed 3 days....As much as I hate getting sun burned, cloudly skies are really depressing. Good thing I live in Arizona!

Okay, that was fun for me. Hope you got a laugh out of it! Ah only a couple days until Spring Break. Bliss.

Psalm 40

"I waited patiently for the LORD to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be
astounded.
They will put their trust in the Lord."

God has given me a new song to sing; a new direction to follow. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own plans, that I fail to see that His plans are so much better than mine. It is easy to get caught up in what could have been, or "if this had gone the way I wanted it to" and miss the blessings that He has in store. And then I have to remind myself that "this" isn't about me at all. It is about HIS glory...not mine. I am not my own anymore.

I am so glad that I am NOT in control. I like the picture in Psalm 40 of God setting me on the ground (not plopping me there) but steadying me as I walk on solid ground. I can just picture Him holding me by the hand, like a parent would to a toddler learning to take her first steps. And that people will see what God has does in our lives and they will be astounded -not at what we're doing, but at what God has managed to do in our lives. Wow. I am so not worthy of His love, but I am so thankful that He chose to give it to me anyway.

Happy Times

The last two days I have been on Cloud Nine. It has just been really cool to see God working in my life and how He orchestrates every part of it to His glory, and not mine. I am just excited to see what else He's got up His sleeves. I'm pretty sure it's going to be awesome.

I've enjoyed the winter Olympics so far, but I guess I enjoy the summer Olympics more. I guess I relate better to them. I love gymnastics (mainly cause I did it for 4 years...I've heard rumors that it stunts a person's growth..hmmm) swimming (I loved swimming during the summer...it was the only thing we could do outside) track (200 meter rocks) and soccer (my favorite...I quit gymnastics for it). Fond memories :)

I was supposed to go caving this weekend with my Sunday school class, but a couple things happened. 1) Played Ultimate Frisbee and pulled all sorts of muscles on Wed. 2) Woke up with a fever Thursday morning. Feeling much better today, but no caving tomorrow. Probably a good thing...probably would have hurt someone or myself :)

I hurt all over on the outside, but inside I'm full of joy. God is good!

Randomness

Sometimes I'll be doing really ordinary things and it will hit me that:

1) I'm driving a car! I remember when I first started driving my Ford F150 and couldn't believe someone had actually issued me a license. (It took me three tries to get my permit)

2) In 2006 I'm going to be turning 22. I remember that when I was 13 and I thought 21 was OLD. My perspective has changed somewhat :)

3) I'm an adult. I really don't know what adult really means. There are times when I feel that I'm a junior high student trapped in...I was going to say adult body, but I'm the same height I was in junior high (I stopped growing in the 5th grade). And then there are times that I feel like I'm 40.

4) I can fly on a plane by myself. I know not such a big deal, but then it is to me. Cause I like to travel.

Okay that was kinda random. I couldn't get to sleep last night and was just lying in bed thinking. And that was what I was thinking about. I need to get a life :)

He Loved Me First

I really didn't know what to post about since it is Valentine's Day. I've never really ever enjoyed this "holiday" seeing as I've been single for every single one of them. But I didn't want to dwell on that fact either. One of my favorite poets is Elizabeth Barrett Browning. She was born in 1806, and when she was in her early 20s she became an invalid. She was a bright young woman with big dreams. She wrote some of the most romantic poetry, and she married the love of her life, Robert Browning, when she was 40 years old. They had only known each other for little over a year and secretly eloped. I can bet that Elizabeth wondered day if someone would ever love her with her illness and her over-protective father. Yet, God was able to gets past all those obstacles in her life and provide her with the right man, at the right time. Here one of my favorite poems written by Elizabeth:

Sonnets From the Portuguese XLIII

How do I hove thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth an breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith;
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints -I love thee with the breadth,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

(Robert used to refer to Elizabeth as his "Portuguese." I thought that was cute.)

And what amazes me more is, that as amazing as this poem is in describing love, it can't even come close to describing the love the Father has for me (and you).

"You unfailing live, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens."
-Psalm 36:5

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts ou fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us."
-John 4:18-19

"Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out one after another, calling each by it's name. And he counts them to see that none are lost or have strayed away."
-Isaiah 40:26

He is so good!

An Organization of the Heart

Yesterday I was at work cleaning up the office with my boss. Jane, who is both friend and employer, likes to put things in piles and deal with them later, so we were dealing with them. We started it Wednesday and will continue tomorrow. Things were pretty messy before started -crates piled up with random books, papers, memos, software, pencils and anything else office related. And the office became even messier when we started sorting through all of it. Jane's husband Jim would walk by every once and awhile, and I think he was wondering if we were actually improving the working space. But after a couple days it's starting to look more organized and the office supplies are finding a place to belong again.

Spending time organizing things always gives me time to think. And I couldn't help thinking that this is what God does in our lives, and hearts. He has such a love for us, that he takes our messy lives and tries to shape and mold us after Jesus. And the process is not always pretty to start with. There are some times that I'm like, "God, are you sure you know what you are doing...cause what you're doing doesn't seem to be making things better at all." How prideful to think I know better than God. He KNOWS what he is doing and what results they are going to bring in my life : complete transformation. He reveals the messy and the disgusting. He lets me choose between keeping it or throwing it away, and this process takes some time. It hurts, it's uncomfortable, but it causes me to cling to Him and trust that His plan is perfect and good.

I'm learning that the Christian life is full of cleaning cycles. And I'm learning I still have so much to learn and I have a ton of room to grow. And that this is a good thing. At Overflow on friday one of the things that hit me was when Jon Randles said that a lot of people get hung up on that Jesus is Savior -which is a fantastic thing- but miss Him as being LORD, teacher, coach, parent, sibling, healer, lover and for the sake of my illustration garbage man. That we only come to Him when we need to be saved but he miss out on the wisdom he can impart, the healing he can bring, and the companionship that he graces us with. Lots of things to think about. I'm just glad that He loves me enough to spend his time trying to "clean" the mess that my life is sometimes.

A Scare

Last night was hard. A scorpion bit my dog, we think. Her name is Jasmine and she's a Dachshund. She's my baby. I had wanted my own puppy for a very long time, since I was very little. Every birthday list, Christmas list, and wish list had puppy as the first entry. My dad got a Jack Russell for himself and I love Sparky, but he's my dad's dog. Well in 2001 I was going to turn 17 on September 15th. My birthday was Saturday and the Tuesday before was the World Trade Center crashes. That week was ruined for me. It was a confusing and heart-wrenching week. And I was just really down and my birthday plans turned into mush. Some really good friends came over Friday night and we watched movies and eat a bunch of junk food. They went home and I went to bed. The next morning my mother cam into my room to wake me up...a task. She pulls the covers away from my face and I think I might have given her "the look." My eyes scan left to right and land on a black, furry bundle in her arms. It was an 8-week-old Jasmine. I had tears in my eyes I was so surprised. NO ONE had ever done something like that to me before. Jasmine is sanguine and full of life and she has brought my family and me much laughter and joy. So it was really hard to see her so sick last night.

Last night, my mother was putting her in her crate in my room and she started acting funny, so my mom opened the crate and she bounded out and made it as far as the stairs and couldn't move. My mama brought her down stairs and Jasmine had no control of her paws or her head. My daddy took her from my mother and held her as all of this was going on and she just looked at me with her chocolate eyes, and she just looked in pain and so scared. I was balling and holding her head. It took her about 10 minutes to stop twitching and to be still. It was so heart wrenching to watch. I am so glad that God is in control. She's better and resting. If I find that scorpion it is going to be scum under my shoe...and if the thing stings me it's not going to know what hit it!

Excitement!!!

I did my accounting homework tonight and everything balanced and added up!!! Miracles never cease!!! The End.

Football

Out of all the sports that I enjoy, football has grown on me the last couple of years. I used to hate it. For a couple of reasons. I generally enjoy sports that I've played, so when I wasn't really "allowed to play" (in elementary school the boys generally didn't want a girl to play at all unless she had established herself a being good) when I was younger; the sport was not endeared to me. Sometimes I got to play it in P.E. (flag), but if you think my hands are small now...imagine how small they were as a 3rd grader. I could never get a good grip on the pigskin and could never throw it far at all. So I did gymnastics for a couple of years, and then when I got tired of that, I played soccer up until highschool. And then when the football players in highschool got a lot of special privileges, I pretty much thought the sport was stupid. I didn't go to any games and pretty much concentrated on school and yearbook.

But my Junior year I got a chance to play PowderPuff Football. And my pre-conceived notions of football went out the door. I think we only memorized 5 plays and that took weeks, and friends of mine that were on the football team memorized 80-100 plays. My respect for them and the game went up. And not to mention the fact that the Junior Girls beat the Senior Girls in PowderPuff made it just a little more enjoyable ( Juniors hadn't beat Seniors in about 10 years). And I think I enjoyed it more because I understood it, finally. Granted I still don't understand half the jargon and "sports lingo", but I do enjoy being at a game or watching it at home. And the yelling. I love to yell and cheer in big crowds.

And once the U Of A gets better, I'll probably even go to a game. And speaking of football, my BCM is doing a really cool outreach to the U of A team. This friday is our campus-wide worhsip event called Overflow. We do once a semester and 500-700 students show up for some fantastic worship and a godly message. Jon Randles is going to be our speaker this semester. My BCM that same night is going to do a steak dinner for the football players and Jon is going to speak at that as well. Please pray that this would be an effective outreach and that God would really speak to the guys through Jon. And even though the guys might just come for the free food, that they would leave with somthing even better.

I never though I would be writing a post about football, but enjoy the Superbowl and I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Quotes

Here are some quotes that make me smile, laugh (maybe both), and think. These are all random and give insight into my sense of humor (dry humor). And some are just fun. Enjoy.

"How much better is it to weep at joy than to joy at weeping!"
- Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

"I don't have to be careful, I've got a gun!"
- Homer Simpson

" The course of true love never did run smooth."
- Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

"Your chances of getting hit by lighting go up it you stand under a tree, shake your fist at the sky, and say 'storms suck!'"
- Johnny Carson

"It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is none. None more black."
- This is Spinal Tap

"Don't ask me any questions right now. I'm grumpy and I'll probably make fun of you."
- Effie Kaligaris

"We are born believing. A man bears beliefs, as a tree bears apples."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes."
-Frieda Norris

"...you can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."
-E.L. Doctorow

"Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed."
-Michael Pritchard

"He made the world to be a grassy road before her wandering feet."
-W.B. Yeats

Happiness

This week's been really good so far. Not that everything has been smooth, but I just haven't been stressing so much. I love my classes, and couldn't ask for a better small group. God's graces and mercies are so good. My BCM started off well this semester and we have a lot of potential for next fall. I guess I'm just excited for what He is doing. Last semester seems like such a blur to me. For some reason, Spring semester is always my best semester even though it's the longest. Okay, so here is a list of stuff that makes me smile:

1. Much Ado About Nothing (One of my favorite plays. Beatrice and Benedict make me laugh out loud when I'm reading the play...okay more like giggle.)
2. Watching my mother when she gets excited about something.
3. Noticing that my brother has been wearing the same pants for the last week. And that he hasn't noticed.
4. That people enjoy standing by me because they feel taller.
5. My curly hair that has a mind of it's own
6. People watching
7. Singing really loud in my car when no one is with me
8. My dogs' antics
9. Professor Soren's jokes
10. Life

Goodness!

Okay, so last November my friend Maureen and I decided that we were going to work out so we looked nice in Bridemaid dresses for March. After some false starts...mainly me recovering from a cold...we started today. I had never been in the Rec center...ever, until today. Now I see what my 25 dollars per semester goes for 1) In door track 2) basketball courts 3) racket ball courts 4) swimming pool 5) Weight room 6) Exercise classrooms...wow. Didn't know what I was missing out on. Quite fun. I'd forgotten that nice I just torn muscles and I'm going to be really sore tomorrow, but I feel really great right now feeling. Priceless. I think that's one of the things I've missed in college. In highschool I loved P.E. I hate running, but I loved it when I improved on my mile times and playing random sports. I miss soccer too! I guess I'm high off of indorphins (probably spelled that wrong). And I'll probably be really sore tomorrow, but so worth it. Okay, I'm going to get some really good sleep :)

Waiting in His Strength

"I could not help it: the restlessness was in my nature; it agitated me to pain sometimes." Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

I detest periods of waiting. I hate them actually. Okay, maybe hate is too strong of a word...dislike is maybe a better word. I like to be constantly doing something, anything. I think that was one of the reasons why last semester was so hard for me. The waiting and the resting. Ms. Bronte describes the feeling so well. A restlessness that knaws at you. Reflecting on the semester -as much as I dislike waiting and being still- I saw the importance of it. That it is when we are still and quiet that we can hear the voice of God. That we can see Him at work in our lives. And answering our prayers. I got to see a different side of God. It seemed like He carried me through the last 3 months and I didn't deserve it at all. I complained and whinned and questioned him. He should have dropped me, but He didn't. He is so good.

"He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." -Isaiah 40:29-31 (one of my very favorite passages)

Who would have thought that waiting could be associated with running and walking? I guess it all depends on who you are waiting on. Waiting on yourself or your circumstance will get you no where. But waiting on the Lord will send you running in the right direction. Running on His strength. Oh, how great is the God we serve!

Back in the Saddle Again

So the first day back to school has come and gone....and it was FANTASTIC! I don't think I've ever been so excited about classes I'm taking. English and Classics professors are stinking awesome. My Middle Ages English Professor it the spitting image of Bilbo Baggins from the movie Lord of the Rings. He is hilarious...I'm being taught by a hobbit. You just want to pinch his cheeks. My Roman Architecture Professor has a medical release to have his dog with him to relieve stress, so we get to pet a cute little beagle during class. And I met a girl that has the same major and minor as me, and she's a Christian and wants to go into publishing for Life Way. How cool is that?! I haven't even been to Shakespeare yet (I have 7 of his plays I need to read this semester...and I bought 3 extra because I just had to have them...I am such a nerd).

God is so GOOD! Last semester was pretty blah class-wise...and now I have my first English class where I do not have to write a single essay. Bliss. Don't deserve a bit of it. I could sing and dance right now. Shakespeare, Victorian Lit, and Accounting are tomorrow. I can't wait. I've heard from many a person that Accounting is hard, but I think I'm up for a challenge. I can always read books last minute...but it's been awhile where I've had constant homework every night. I always get better grades when I'm challenged. So yeah, I'm in a good mood. Hope everyone's enjoying their breaks!

Home Sweet Home

I'm home. I can't believe I start classes Wednesday! But I'm home and I'm excited about this semester. It's going to be tough, but I can't wait to see what Christ is going to do in my life and the lives of others. Words are such a poor instrument to communicate the state of the heart, but EXCITEMENTt is definately running through my veins. I felt like last semester I was in a holding pattern, waiting and being prepared for something....and now I just might be able to get a glimpse of what I've been waiting on the Lord for. He is SO good! Okay it's naptime for me....

Life Impact

The last four days have been pretty intense. I think I am still processing what happened. It was amazing on so many different levels: the speakers were fantastic, the time I got to reconnect with old friends as well as making new friends, and hearing stories from so many people about how the Father is working in their lives...and so much more. He is so good!

One particular time I think I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. It was the last day of the the conference and Jenny Van Dyck, Debby Adams and I went out to lunch to share what God had been doing in our lives since Project Impact '04. Three hours of sharing what God had taught us in that first summer, telling stories, laughing, and encouraging one another. During that time I couldn't help but think how awesome is the God that we serve. He has taken us all in different directions and has different plans for our lives. But we are still the body and where ever we go, we will always be connected through Christ.

So much is going to happen in the next couple of years. I am excited to see what the Father has in store for me. I pray that He would give me the strength to rely on Him and not to fear the unknown. That I would rest on His promises and seek his face first. And that His praises would be continually on my lips. Oh How Great is Our God!