Sometimes you finish off large bags of peanut m&m's because you're so glad a long, tiring, allergy -ridden day of fighting with your preschooler for good behavior is over. Sometimes you wish you had something inspiring to write because you love writing but your friends do it so much more consistently and better than you. Sometimes you don't write much, and you go to bed instead because in your family, being mom means your hands are always full of babies and spatulas and crayons and laundry (and coffee cups), and the words you wish you could write about so many different important things get composed in your head and forgotten before you have two hands to type them.
I wrote this with my thumb.
Right now I'll go sleep and say a prayer of thanks for this season of babies and learning to use my two hands to make my house a home.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Action.
In my last post I shared with you how God breaks my heart for the vulnerable. Well, here's the real story of the hurt ISIS is bringing to women, children, and families in Iraq - but there's something we all can do about it.
We can pray.
And we can give.
Here's the link to a firsthand account of how ISIS is murdering, trafficking, and torturing the families and young girls in Iraq, and at the end of the article, there is a link to an organization that is tangibly helping these families get back on their feet and survive.
The following verses were pressed into my heart and mind last spring when I was struggling to share myself - my heart, my effort, my time- with my students once I came back from maternity leave. God showed me then that we are called to give sacrificially out of the comforts He provides, to spread His love and His glory and His comfort. Please join me in loving these broken brothers and sisters in Iraq.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 8-9
1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 9:8-12
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies a seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
When my heart hurts too much.
Our world is terribly, horribly, sadly, broken. When I see pictures of burned and dying tiny children after terror attacks, or hear of babies martyred by ISIS, or kids and teens and young people sold into sexual slavery, or the vulnerable in our world being hurt- beaten, abused, starved, ridiculed, tortured, neglected- by people who should be protecting and loving them- when I hear and see these things, I don't know how to deal with it. It breaks and hurts me so deeply in my tender, young, mother's heart, that I actually struggle to breathe through the pain. And I'm just thinking about these others' hurt. I've always been sensitive to others, but after having a baby of my own, every hurting baby, child, youth, and young adult is my own daughter. And I sob over them.
For awhile, when I first became overwhelmed with these emotions, I tried to hide from them. I refused to visit Facebook or news sites when the stories of ISIS murdering children began to circulate. I avoided looking at or clicking on any links related to ISIS. I felt paralyzed by fear and pain and helplessness and hurt. I couldn't stand to read these sad, sad things, when I could do little to nothing to help them.
Then one day, my husband asks, "What would you really ask a genie for, if it was real, and you got one wish?" And I thought for maybe 0.00000001 milliseconds. If you don't teach 5th grade math, that's a reeeeeeeaaaaaallllllly small fraction of one second.
"I'd ask it to place a magical charm of protection against all children, youth, or vulnerable, weak people, to protect them from physical, sexual, mental, psychological, or spiritual harm."
Tyler stated that he thought he'd ask the genie not to ever give any more wishes, since if a genie truly existed in our world, it'd be altering reality with a power outside of God's, which would make it demonic in nature. And that, friends, is not the tip of the iceberg on how analytical Mr. Tyler P. Entrekin can be.
But it got me thinking, why don't I ask God more fervently to use His power on behalf of these little ones and hurting ones?
So now, I'm trying not to shy away from the stories of the hurting. I'm trying to be brave, and allow myself to hear, see, and experience the pain of others. If God gave me the gift of compassion, I should not hide from feeling. And then, I'm praying.
I'm praying for God to protect the children who are in abusive homes, the children who are sold into slavery, the children who have no home, the children who are hurt, beaten, starving, and unloved. The children who are struggling, and depressed, and downtrodden, and scared, and helpless. I'm praying for Him to right wrongs that I am nowhere physically near to, but that I itch to fix. I'm begging Him to stay the hands of those who are so sick and so far gone into the black of sin that they can hurt children. I'm pleading that He be the Protector, the Father, the Provider, the Safety, the Healing, the Love, the Comfort, for the young and frail ones in this world who need Him. And I'm clinging to the promises that He hears my prayers, and that He listens when we ask in His name.
Romans 12: 6, 8, 21
“6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them... the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
John 15:7
“7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”
Excerpt From: Crossway. “ESV Classic Reference Bible.” Crossway. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.
Check out this book on the iBooks Store: https://itun.es/us/9gO8v.l
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Opening up
Some people feel comfortable sharing their feelings and thoughts with others- they fill up their blog with post after post full of musings and emotions. They write songs about their deepest spiritual encounters and struggles. Not me. As I put it to a friend recently, "I communicate like a dude." (No offense to men. I respect men. Even stereotypical ones.) I'm completely dense and clueless to body language and other context clues. I prefer to keep my feelings close to my chest. And when I do open up, I usually have a hard time finding the right words- stuttering and "ummmm..." -ing, trying to identify what that feeling is. I feel awkward with cheesy cutesy lovey dovey stuff, because it's so VERBAL, and I'm so NOT.
I wasn't always this dude-ish; I think somewhere in the past few years, I've let a natural shyness and awkwardness overwhelm me. I use to overcome my shyness and awkwardness with my creativity. As life's gotten busier, and friend circles smaller, I feel like I've let my timidity fall over me like a veil, and I've been hiding behind it. The longer I hide, the harder it is to force my way out.
So today, I'm peeking out. Lifting the curtain a little. Practicing using words to express myself. Committing to get on my little blog more often and think out loud.
For now, that's the biggest thought I want to share. I'm saving all the other good ideas I have on a sticky note, so the next few times I make myself open up blogger, I'll have stuff to talk about. ;) This time, I'll share a few links below of more "wordy" individuals who've inspired me lately. Enjoy.
This lady is a courageous fighter for a cause that's heavy on my heart. We need more people paying attention to and helping fight the sex trade.
I love how this woman found inspiration and comfort in Christ's servitude. I've never thought of my role as a woman in that light before.
This article really got to me. I've been much more conscious of keeping a calm demeanor around my one year old, and trying not to lose it when a situation is frustrating. Of course, today, I had to shriek unintelligibly and stomp my feet because I couldn't get the freaking power drill to work for me. Need. More. Arm. Strength. But at least I'm trying. And Corrie Beth gave me a hug after I screamed, which was really sweet and encouraging! :)
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Mommy hands
In honor of my mom, and my own motherhood, and how motherhood makes me so busy I haven't thought about this blog in over a year.
Mommy Hands
One of my favorite memories of childhood is having my parents tuck me into bed. They would calm my busy, worried, energetic spirit by singing to me while gently, lightly stroking my face, arms, or hair with their fingertips. When my mom would do this, I loved the tickle of her rough, dry, fingertips along my arms. I know that she lamented her dry, peeling hands- and still does- since she constantly uses hand therapy treatments in attempts to soften them. But to me, her touch was soothing and perfect, dry hands and all. As a young girl, I remember wishing that one day, I would have what I thought of as "mommy hands." I think to me, that would somehow mean I had become like my mom, and managed to emulate one of my biggest heroes in real life.
This year, God blessed me with a daughter. She has, predictably, changed my world in so many ways, and opened my eyes to many "secrets" of mommyhood's ups and downs, bringing me closer to my mom than I've been in many years. And as God has been working in my heart lately, He's shown me how to be a better mom, wife, and homemaker, serving my family with diligence and hard work, trusting God for energy in long, weary days, and developing a humble, servant spirit that does dishes and laundry ceaselessly without complaining (at least not too much). As I go from diaper change to stain treatments to laundry to dishes to cooking to diaper change again, I wash my hands many, many times. And as I fight to slowly develop these worthy habits of wash and work, my fingertips have slowly chapped and peeled, until one day this past week, I looked down and realized -- I have "mommy hands." And I realize now more than ever just how much work, loads and loads (laundry loads, dish loads, trash loads, sweeping and scrubbing and dusting loads) of work my mom did to earn those hands. I can never fully thank Mom for the hours of service she has poured out for our family over the years, but I realize now how incredible she is, to work a part time job, keep a (remarkably) immaculate house, homeschool three kids, feed us healthy food, and still have energy to gently, sweetly, stroke my arms until I fell asleep at night. She never complained about being overworked, but I know she must have been, and yet she always had smiles, hugs, and love for each of us.
Mom, you have always inspired me, now more than ever when I am starting my own family and realizing how much you have given to yours. Thank you for your mommy hands, for everything that made them dry, and for the love that made them gentle.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Updates and blessings
Today I thought I'd write a little update post... It's raining and thundering, and I have a whole day at home. I love rainy days at home. In high school, I would curl up with a blanket, a gothic novel, and a cappuccino, and read by a window in the kitchen. Today I hope to be a little more productive than that, but I still intend to listen to an audio novel (I'm reading Anna Karenina, which is fantastic), and drink lots of coffee, because coffee I feel like coffee warms you up straight to the bones on a wet January day.
God has blessed me with the perfect job recently! After nearly two months of freaking out about finding a job, and about one month of glorying in housewifery and not wanting to go back to work, God gave me a job at the Bailey APAC school in Jackson. It's a fine arts and academics public school, that the kids have to apply for, and I'll be teaching 6th grade language arts. I know this is the perfect mission field for me, and I'm actually excited about going back to work. My principal and assistant principals seem like very dedicated, open, godly ladies, and my co-workers were so kind and welcoming when I met them. I'm so excited! It's only a 20 minute drive down a peaceful (mostly) residential road, which is awesome since I'm not the best driver, and I hate the highway during rush hour. Big trucks are such scary bullies. So, basically, God is way better and His plan is far better than I could have ever imagined. I even get to finish out the year teaching what I was teaching in my student internship!
As a side note, I have been inspired so much by this 30 day challenge on Revive Our Hearts:
http://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/30-day-husband-encouragement-challenge/
It has been a good growing experience for me, and has really helped be be a better wife to Tyler.
And just because he loves me so much, and knows I love flowers, my sweet husband let me pick
out a bunch of spring bulbs as a surprise on our Kroger shopping trip last night. I'm so excited to
have my own crocuses for the first time! I love crocuses. I always imagine them as the fairy spirits that bring the first sign of spring :)
God has blessed me with the perfect job recently! After nearly two months of freaking out about finding a job, and about one month of glorying in housewifery and not wanting to go back to work, God gave me a job at the Bailey APAC school in Jackson. It's a fine arts and academics public school, that the kids have to apply for, and I'll be teaching 6th grade language arts. I know this is the perfect mission field for me, and I'm actually excited about going back to work. My principal and assistant principals seem like very dedicated, open, godly ladies, and my co-workers were so kind and welcoming when I met them. I'm so excited! It's only a 20 minute drive down a peaceful (mostly) residential road, which is awesome since I'm not the best driver, and I hate the highway during rush hour. Big trucks are such scary bullies. So, basically, God is way better and His plan is far better than I could have ever imagined. I even get to finish out the year teaching what I was teaching in my student internship!
As a side note, I have been inspired so much by this 30 day challenge on Revive Our Hearts:
http://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/30-day-husband-encouragement-challenge/
It has been a good growing experience for me, and has really helped be be a better wife to Tyler.
And just because he loves me so much, and knows I love flowers, my sweet husband let me pick
out a bunch of spring bulbs as a surprise on our Kroger shopping trip last night. I'm so excited to
have my own crocuses for the first time! I love crocuses. I always imagine them as the fairy spirits that bring the first sign of spring :)
Saturday, October 6, 2012
So... I've been wanting to blog again. I've put off blogging for the past year because I didn't think I had time for it- being young married, in school, working, etc. but I'm kind of wanting a record of life, and I think this will work.
This summer we moved to a teeny tiny antique-y apartment on the "brick streets" (aka olde town) of Clinton. I love it, but it's been a crazy adventure. Some dormant fleas came to life and attacked us when we'd been there for a week, and it took a month before we prayed and God removed them. Funny how that works, right? Our landlord is a very sweet, caring older man (every day of 86!) who stubbornly does all the repairs himself as much as he can, so things are a little crooked or patched sometimes. But he does fix it, and he keeps the rent cheap. and I can live with crooked. This place feels more like home than any other place I've lived since moving out of my parent's house. It has adorable glass doorknobs and wooden floors, and somehow the cracked paint of the ceiling is comforting.
God's been teaching us a lot lately about following His plan. Moving and dealing with "flea-mageddon" as my husband called it, taught us dependence and humility. We knew God wanted us here. and He's provided awesomely. We also recently had a false alarm where we thought we were pregnant. I freaked, Tyler rejoiced, then we swapped places, then we were just happy. Then a blood test and ultrasound at the hospital told us we weren't even pregnant to start with, we just had a false positive on the home test. But God has been using this roller coaster to wake us up to the fact that we're not in control, and our little crazy couple life is not the end-all-be-all. So we're asking Him what His plan is, instead of asking Him to bless ours. Tyler's been the most amazing leader and support to me throughout all of this. Already, I've loved him more the longer we've been together. But this past week of pregnant-not-pregnant, and his incredible love and service and faith, have made me love him more than I ever thought I could. It's just so incredible the way he cares for me, and takes care of me, and is patient with me. He supports me and is strong when I'm not. and God uses him to bless and provide for me and teach me every day. I just plain don't deserve him, but I'm so thankful he's all mine. Somehow God gave me the best husband ever. I'll just thank Him.
On a totally un-related note- fall squash is in season and the weather's cold at night, and my yard is filled with pecans. and dollar tree has pumpkin spice candles. :) So even though my sinuses are trying to kill me, I'm happy. because my house smells and tastes like fall.
This summer we moved to a teeny tiny antique-y apartment on the "brick streets" (aka olde town) of Clinton. I love it, but it's been a crazy adventure. Some dormant fleas came to life and attacked us when we'd been there for a week, and it took a month before we prayed and God removed them. Funny how that works, right? Our landlord is a very sweet, caring older man (every day of 86!) who stubbornly does all the repairs himself as much as he can, so things are a little crooked or patched sometimes. But he does fix it, and he keeps the rent cheap. and I can live with crooked. This place feels more like home than any other place I've lived since moving out of my parent's house. It has adorable glass doorknobs and wooden floors, and somehow the cracked paint of the ceiling is comforting.
God's been teaching us a lot lately about following His plan. Moving and dealing with "flea-mageddon" as my husband called it, taught us dependence and humility. We knew God wanted us here. and He's provided awesomely. We also recently had a false alarm where we thought we were pregnant. I freaked, Tyler rejoiced, then we swapped places, then we were just happy. Then a blood test and ultrasound at the hospital told us we weren't even pregnant to start with, we just had a false positive on the home test. But God has been using this roller coaster to wake us up to the fact that we're not in control, and our little crazy couple life is not the end-all-be-all. So we're asking Him what His plan is, instead of asking Him to bless ours. Tyler's been the most amazing leader and support to me throughout all of this. Already, I've loved him more the longer we've been together. But this past week of pregnant-not-pregnant, and his incredible love and service and faith, have made me love him more than I ever thought I could. It's just so incredible the way he cares for me, and takes care of me, and is patient with me. He supports me and is strong when I'm not. and God uses him to bless and provide for me and teach me every day. I just plain don't deserve him, but I'm so thankful he's all mine. Somehow God gave me the best husband ever. I'll just thank Him.
On a totally un-related note- fall squash is in season and the weather's cold at night, and my yard is filled with pecans. and dollar tree has pumpkin spice candles. :) So even though my sinuses are trying to kill me, I'm happy. because my house smells and tastes like fall.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
overflow
Can I just tell you how wonderful it is to be married to your best friend? to know that God Himself put you together? to come home to the face you like bestest in the world every night? To wake up next to him in the morning, and ache with craziness all day because you're so ridiculously giddy happy to be with him that you can hardly stand being 8 hours without him?
I love being married to Tyler Entrekin.
For those of you who are not yet married- be you single, dating, engaged, frustrated, or in-between- please know that if you can trust God with your life, and allow Him to be in charge of your potential relationships/future marriage, the results are sweeter than I know how to explain. When God is your matchmaker, your marriage can be a perfect little foretaste of heaven. It can be breathtakingly beautiful. It can be eternally strong. It can be good and right even when life and your attitudes are less than nice. And when I say "let God be your matchmaker," I don't necessarily mean sit in a nunnery and wait for a man to walk in and a voice from heaven to say "he's the one." I mean, trust God, put Him first, rely on Him for security and love (not on a relationship), and don't let a significant other distract you from Him. When a significant other has this same attitude, and helps you get closer to God, then you're probably on the right track.
Please. if you're frustrated with your relationship status right now, try God. I promise He won't let you down. He promises He won't let you down.
Thanks for listening to my overflow. When you're absolutely crazy in love your heart gets full and you have to unload sometimes.
I sincerely pray each one of you trusts God and lets Him bring you happiness.
In Him,
Jess
I love being married to Tyler Entrekin.
For those of you who are not yet married- be you single, dating, engaged, frustrated, or in-between- please know that if you can trust God with your life, and allow Him to be in charge of your potential relationships/future marriage, the results are sweeter than I know how to explain. When God is your matchmaker, your marriage can be a perfect little foretaste of heaven. It can be breathtakingly beautiful. It can be eternally strong. It can be good and right even when life and your attitudes are less than nice. And when I say "let God be your matchmaker," I don't necessarily mean sit in a nunnery and wait for a man to walk in and a voice from heaven to say "he's the one." I mean, trust God, put Him first, rely on Him for security and love (not on a relationship), and don't let a significant other distract you from Him. When a significant other has this same attitude, and helps you get closer to God, then you're probably on the right track.
Please. if you're frustrated with your relationship status right now, try God. I promise He won't let you down. He promises He won't let you down.
Thanks for listening to my overflow. When you're absolutely crazy in love your heart gets full and you have to unload sometimes.
I sincerely pray each one of you trusts God and lets Him bring you happiness.
In Him,
Jess
Monday, August 15, 2011
hi
It's been awhile. I've been getting married and getting used to being married. I've also been moving in, starting a new job, and preparing for school. Life has been full. I would apologize for not posting in ages, but I'm honestly not sorry for enjoying real life and neglecting the online world for awhile. It's been wonderful. I highly recommend it.
Married life is wonderful. I tell anyone who'll listen to me (and some who I'm sure wish they couldn't) that it's been the best two months of my life so far. To be mutually crazy in love with someone, and then get to live with an monopolize on that person, and do the everyday humdrum things while smiling at and hugging that person, is happiness itself. Not every moment is glorious, but even the less-than-lovely ones can be sweet. I'm learning that it's not simply love, but God's unconditional love that covers a multitude of sins. Relying on that is how we get over the hurdles.
So right now I'm pushing onward into my own version of happily-ever-after. :) and it's great. I hope everyone else has had as wonderful a summer as I have. (But I personally like mine best!)
Til later,
Jess
Married life is wonderful. I tell anyone who'll listen to me (and some who I'm sure wish they couldn't) that it's been the best two months of my life so far. To be mutually crazy in love with someone, and then get to live with an monopolize on that person, and do the everyday humdrum things while smiling at and hugging that person, is happiness itself. Not every moment is glorious, but even the less-than-lovely ones can be sweet. I'm learning that it's not simply love, but God's unconditional love that covers a multitude of sins. Relying on that is how we get over the hurdles.
So right now I'm pushing onward into my own version of happily-ever-after. :) and it's great. I hope everyone else has had as wonderful a summer as I have. (But I personally like mine best!)
Til later,
Jess
Saturday, April 23, 2011
oh, hello again...
So, I owe you a sheepish apology for my lack of commitment to blogging lately... I just have been so insanely busy with school that I haven't had the energy or time to blog... but I have written a little bitty poem, so I'll share that with you... an update on life will have to wait a bit yet.
Single Girls' Paranoia
Quiet, calm evening,
Air a perfect temperature on exposed skin.
I relish the feeling as the breeze strokes my neck.
Around me, eerie quiet. spooky, expectant stillness.
Then the sound.
A car? or voice?
The wind up high, whistling in tree limbs and sky.
I no longer feel alone.
Her low moan
makes me want to glance behind.
Is someone there?
Walk quickly, ignore the shiny, pretty moon and soft air,
Open your apartment door and slide the chain on the other side.
Release the tense breath in your chest now.
You're safe from your own paranoia.
Single Girls' Paranoia
Quiet, calm evening,
Air a perfect temperature on exposed skin.
I relish the feeling as the breeze strokes my neck.
Around me, eerie quiet. spooky, expectant stillness.
Then the sound.
A car? or voice?
The wind up high, whistling in tree limbs and sky.
I no longer feel alone.
Her low moan
makes me want to glance behind.
Is someone there?
Walk quickly, ignore the shiny, pretty moon and soft air,
Open your apartment door and slide the chain on the other side.
Release the tense breath in your chest now.
You're safe from your own paranoia.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Courtyard
A gust of the spring breeze washes over me.
Glaring bright, but gentle in warmth,
The sun beams down.
Sitting here, I'm exhausted from lack of sleep,
Achy and weary from lugging around a heavy bag on a thin strap all day long,
Disappointed in myself for my failures,
Confused about how to deal with others',
And anxious about the many, many, things I have to do this week. (and next week... and next week...)
Oh, and I'm really hungry, too.
However, the sound of a constant fountain and the gentle hug of the breeze
Help to soothe me.
Lord, please carry my burden
Take care of my tomorrows,
And give me wisdom to deal with mistakes.
Help my soul to be as peaceful as my surroundings.
Help me to transition from this current melancholy state
To one more hopeful and cheerful.
Give me your strength;
Enable me to do my daily tasks,
While still loving those around me.
Basically, know that I really need and want you right now.
I know I don't want you often enough, and that's how I got to this place.
But right now I'm thankful for the way you embrace me with the breeze
And I'm content just to nestle into you and let you fill me up.
Glaring bright, but gentle in warmth,
The sun beams down.
Sitting here, I'm exhausted from lack of sleep,
Achy and weary from lugging around a heavy bag on a thin strap all day long,
Disappointed in myself for my failures,
Confused about how to deal with others',
And anxious about the many, many, things I have to do this week. (and next week... and next week...)
Oh, and I'm really hungry, too.
However, the sound of a constant fountain and the gentle hug of the breeze
Help to soothe me.
Lord, please carry my burden
Take care of my tomorrows,
And give me wisdom to deal with mistakes.
Help my soul to be as peaceful as my surroundings.
Help me to transition from this current melancholy state
To one more hopeful and cheerful.
Give me your strength;
Enable me to do my daily tasks,
While still loving those around me.
Basically, know that I really need and want you right now.
I know I don't want you often enough, and that's how I got to this place.
But right now I'm thankful for the way you embrace me with the breeze
And I'm content just to nestle into you and let you fill me up.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
New blog!
So, as I've become increasingly addicted to blogging, I've noticed that all of my favorite blogs to read have very coherent themes. Mine, however, is basically a collection of random brain-spews... So, I've decided to create a foodie blog, which will focus on my OTHER favorite hobby, cooking, and let this one continue to be a spew, but a less random one. I hope to continue posting poetry, prayer requests, and random life-updates on this one, and without a conflict in blog-theme interest, that will (fingers crossed!) occur more frequently.
As for my new cooking blog (which just has one weensy little post, its so new!), here is a link, if anyone reading and happens to be interested.
The Budding Budget Foodie
As for my new cooking blog (which just has one weensy little post, its so new!), here is a link, if anyone reading and happens to be interested.
The Budding Budget Foodie
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
A-dorable
So, this is a quickie post, since my life is consumed by homework this week, but I saw this on a friend's page and had to share...
I started ballet when I was about this age, and this video brings back so many fun memories of jumping around to twinkly music played on a boombox. I really really hope God gives me a little girl who loves to dance as much as I do!
I started ballet when I was about this age, and this video brings back so many fun memories of jumping around to twinkly music played on a boombox. I really really hope God gives me a little girl who loves to dance as much as I do!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Fresh baked goods totally trump ice cream every time
So, while my fiance could easily eat a half-gallon of ice cream in one sitting (especially if it has anything "mocha" in the title), I prefer baked goods. I'll take cookies or muffins over nearly any other dessert option. Those are pretty much my favorites. One of my favorite things I did in high school was what I dubbed "Muffin Mondays," which meant on Monday, I woke up extra early, and baked some kind of hearty, healthy(ish) muffins, and made sure to clean up the colossal mess before my mom got home from her morning bus route. I still haven't figured out how to cook without wrecking the kitchen in the process. Anyways, I would pack said muffins in my lunches all week long. Nothing like homemade goodness halfway through a busy day! I really wish I had the time I had back then, to do stuff like that.
However, I did get to (successfully) do two baking experiments this week! Although both of them (sadly) featured boxed mixes, I did manage to add my own little twist. As yummy as box mixes can be, I still feel like it's cheating. My mom rarely EVER used them when I was growing up. The only cookies I ever ate out of a package were Oreos.
My first experiment was fudgy brownies- my fiance LOVES brownies, but they have to be fudgy, they have to be rich, and they can't be TOO gooey... I've only ever once made the "perfect" brownie, according to his tastes. And the frustrating part is, the second time I tried that recipe, it turned out horrible, even to my tastes. And I'll eat just about anything. So, in desperation, I got a Ghirardeli Fudge Brownie mix, and tried it out. My twist: instead of using the included fudge as icing, I swirled it into the top layer of batter before baking. YUM! I loved them- they were firm on the outside, but with gooey chocolatey middles. Tyler declared them, "not quite perfect, but pretty good." Compared to other attempts, that was high praise.
My second experiment was Lemon Poppyseed Cake. I got a fierce craving last night for something sweet, gooey, bready, and fruity... after half an hour walking back and forth between the fresh baked goods and the baking mix aisle in Kroger, I bought a can a poppyseed filling and a lemon cake mix. For anyone who likes lemon poppyseed, I highly recommend trying this: I mixed a little less than 1/4 cup of poppyseed filling into the batter (used slightly less water and oil to even it out), and baked it in a small bread pan. If I do it again, I'll probably line the pan with parchment paper, since a hunk of the cake stuck to the bottom when I tried to pull it out. For the icing, I mixed about a cup of prepared vanilla icing with a couple tablespoons apiece of milk and orange juice (if you feel brave, get orange-mango- it's extra sweet and tangy), and a teaspoon of poppyseeds. You'll have to use a beater or mixer to blend the poppyseeds in. The result is A-mazing... I could pretty much eat the leftovers with my fingers. However, in an attempt to be ladylike and less piggish, I'm just pouring an extra few tablespoons over each slice of cake as I eat it. ;)
I realize this post is probably rather boring to some, but cooking has become a rather intense hobby for me lately (closely seconded by blogging), and Tyler's already graciously listened to me discuss the finer points of these experiments several times over... so I figured I'd tell any willing readers about my cooking ventures, and give his ears a rest. Not that he minds, he's very supportive about it, especially when it's edible.
And to prove the statement made in the title, I have, myself, eaten a little less than half of the cake today. I expect the rest to be gone by tomorrow, or Monday at the latest.
However, I did get to (successfully) do two baking experiments this week! Although both of them (sadly) featured boxed mixes, I did manage to add my own little twist. As yummy as box mixes can be, I still feel like it's cheating. My mom rarely EVER used them when I was growing up. The only cookies I ever ate out of a package were Oreos.
My first experiment was fudgy brownies- my fiance LOVES brownies, but they have to be fudgy, they have to be rich, and they can't be TOO gooey... I've only ever once made the "perfect" brownie, according to his tastes. And the frustrating part is, the second time I tried that recipe, it turned out horrible, even to my tastes. And I'll eat just about anything. So, in desperation, I got a Ghirardeli Fudge Brownie mix, and tried it out. My twist: instead of using the included fudge as icing, I swirled it into the top layer of batter before baking. YUM! I loved them- they were firm on the outside, but with gooey chocolatey middles. Tyler declared them, "not quite perfect, but pretty good." Compared to other attempts, that was high praise.
My second experiment was Lemon Poppyseed Cake. I got a fierce craving last night for something sweet, gooey, bready, and fruity... after half an hour walking back and forth between the fresh baked goods and the baking mix aisle in Kroger, I bought a can a poppyseed filling and a lemon cake mix. For anyone who likes lemon poppyseed, I highly recommend trying this: I mixed a little less than 1/4 cup of poppyseed filling into the batter (used slightly less water and oil to even it out), and baked it in a small bread pan. If I do it again, I'll probably line the pan with parchment paper, since a hunk of the cake stuck to the bottom when I tried to pull it out. For the icing, I mixed about a cup of prepared vanilla icing with a couple tablespoons apiece of milk and orange juice (if you feel brave, get orange-mango- it's extra sweet and tangy), and a teaspoon of poppyseeds. You'll have to use a beater or mixer to blend the poppyseeds in. The result is A-mazing... I could pretty much eat the leftovers with my fingers. However, in an attempt to be ladylike and less piggish, I'm just pouring an extra few tablespoons over each slice of cake as I eat it. ;)
I realize this post is probably rather boring to some, but cooking has become a rather intense hobby for me lately (closely seconded by blogging), and Tyler's already graciously listened to me discuss the finer points of these experiments several times over... so I figured I'd tell any willing readers about my cooking ventures, and give his ears a rest. Not that he minds, he's very supportive about it, especially when it's edible.
And to prove the statement made in the title, I have, myself, eaten a little less than half of the cake today. I expect the rest to be gone by tomorrow, or Monday at the latest.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
a little poetic spurt
So, poetry has always been something I've loved reading and writing; I remember writing my first poem when I was about 7 or 8. It was about Sojourner Truth (if you don't know who she is, Wikipedia her.) and when I rediscovered it about 10 years later, it was so bad I destroyed it. I don't keep too many horrible things around for posterity to find.
Anyways, I tend to go through poetic periods, and I've had a tiny one lately. Here are the results...
Winter Sunshine
An invader on this winter day,
A golden, pure, translucent ray,
The yellow sunshine's fingers reach through the trees,
And give a gentler Midas' touch to everything.
The left corner of the brick building gleams.
Ode to Procrastination
Oh, Procrastination;
Sweet sensation
Of forcefully forgetting important tasks
Until after they're due.
Side note: at the moment I'm writing this, I have a test and 5 projects due next week that I've barely touched.
Aside from writing, my life's been going along in normally abnormal style. I am trying to put more efforts into relationships, though; both with God and people. I've been distracted from God lately by stress and busy-ness, and as a result my relationships have suffered. For anyone who reads this, please pray for me to grow closer to God, and be a better fiance/daughter/friend/student to those I encounter every day. Not even I like Grumpy Emo Jess, so I'm pretty sure no one else does (even though Tyler graciously endures and comforts her). I'm ready to get back to a better, more stable, kind, and God-focused version of myself.
Anyways, I tend to go through poetic periods, and I've had a tiny one lately. Here are the results...
Winter Sunshine
An invader on this winter day,
A golden, pure, translucent ray,
The yellow sunshine's fingers reach through the trees,
And give a gentler Midas' touch to everything.
The left corner of the brick building gleams.
Ode to Procrastination
Oh, Procrastination;
Sweet sensation
Of forcefully forgetting important tasks
Until after they're due.
Side note: at the moment I'm writing this, I have a test and 5 projects due next week that I've barely touched.
Aside from writing, my life's been going along in normally abnormal style. I am trying to put more efforts into relationships, though; both with God and people. I've been distracted from God lately by stress and busy-ness, and as a result my relationships have suffered. For anyone who reads this, please pray for me to grow closer to God, and be a better fiance/daughter/friend/student to those I encounter every day. Not even I like Grumpy Emo Jess, so I'm pretty sure no one else does (even though Tyler graciously endures and comforts her). I'm ready to get back to a better, more stable, kind, and God-focused version of myself.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
the return of inspiration
Laughing
My whole self is so light,
I feel like I'm breathing in joy with each breath.
It's like in "Mary Poppins," when laughter allows them to float;
Except, this emotion goes deeper and has no limitations.
It's like heaven's imperturbable happiness has invaded Earth,
And touched everything I see today.
Why this superlative joy?
Because my God has acted on my behalf!
He has granted my most desparate plea!
Jehovah has come down into my life and orchestrated a full-blown miracle!
My God is so GOOD!
Oh, how can I not love and worship Him?
Oh, Father, forgive me for the days when I fail to remember Your goodness,
Fail to honor You in my life.
Brand the memory of this miracle permanently into my mind.
Help me not to forget and stray.
Help me not to find other things more wonderful than You.
Help me to abide in this moment of undeserved, overflowing joy and love
For the rest of my days.
To my God be all glory,
Because great, marvelous, impossible, wonderful things He has done.
My whole self is so light,
I feel like I'm breathing in joy with each breath.
It's like in "Mary Poppins," when laughter allows them to float;
Except, this emotion goes deeper and has no limitations.
It's like heaven's imperturbable happiness has invaded Earth,
And touched everything I see today.
Why this superlative joy?
Because my God has acted on my behalf!
He has granted my most desparate plea!
Jehovah has come down into my life and orchestrated a full-blown miracle!
My God is so GOOD!
Oh, how can I not love and worship Him?
Oh, Father, forgive me for the days when I fail to remember Your goodness,
Fail to honor You in my life.
Brand the memory of this miracle permanently into my mind.
Help me not to forget and stray.
Help me not to find other things more wonderful than You.
Help me to abide in this moment of undeserved, overflowing joy and love
For the rest of my days.
To my God be all glory,
Because great, marvelous, impossible, wonderful things He has done.
"To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yeilded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the lifegate that all may come in.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice!
Oh, come to the Father through Jesus, the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God,
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus his pardon receives!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice!
Oh, come to the Father through Jesus, the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
Great things He hath taught us, Great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son,
But purer, and higher, and greater will be,
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice!
Oh, come to the Father through Jesus, the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!"
"To God Be the Glory" by Fanny Crosby
Monday, January 24, 2011
Oh, my, what a wonderful story...
This post is undoubtedly WAY overdue, but here it is. A little blip (I'll TRY to limit the mush- no promises!) on the wonderful love in my life, and how we're getting married in t-minus 137 days! I love seeing that number get smaller and smaller. :)
Tyler and I have been dating for just a smidgen over two years now. He's my best friend, my favorite companion, my most trusted confidante, and my hero when bugs crawl on the walls in my dinky southern apartment. I would claim to be the most blessed girl in the world, but I happen to have several friends who are equally happily engaged/engaged to be engaged/married. We'll just say I've joined the ranks of undeservedly happy women.
I pray that every single one of my friends gets to experience this- whether it comes from God alone (pure and unadulterated), or is additionally funneled through another human being, to be so loved, so aware of it, so able to rest and rejoice in it, is the greatest joy in the world.
I will say, (having been single, too) I know it can be hard not to have that romantic human love- but in my loneliest times, it was my God who was my friend, who loved me and held me and took care of me. In the midst of all this romantic ecstasy and mush, don't think I'm undervaluing the love of my Heavenly Father. It's only because He loves me and gives me strength and grace that Tyler and I can be together. Our relationship would never have begun, much less survived, without our God.
One thing I've discovered as I've fallen more in love with Tyler, is that romantic cliches and songs are popular because they are true. I wish I'd written a big hit love song- just so I could say I tried to put these feelings into words with some marginal success. As it is, I'd like to share one of my favorite love songs. It was written by a young woman named Mandy Mapes, about the love story between Ruth and Boaz in the Bible. I identify with it so strongly.
LOVE STORY
"I see your smile,
And it's so much sweeter,
After all that I've been through.
And when you laugh,
I get a glimpse of forever,
And I praise God that I found you.
"And anytime someone asks me,
How it all unfolded
I tell them,
Such incredible chances
Make for marvelous love.
"And just like the sun
Lights up the moon,
This love is a reflection
Of more than just me and you-
Our lives
Were less than ordinary
But when I couldn't see past tomorrow,
God was makin' history
Oh, my, what a beautiful story
Of love.
"Unexpected mercy
Is the greatest thing to find
When you've been broken many times.
My soul found joy!
And for the first time in a while,
I felt like singing.
"And anytime someone asks me,
How it all unfolded
I tell them,
Such incredible chances
Make for marvelous love."
"And just like the sun
Lights up the moon,
This love is a reflection
Of more than just me and you.
Our lives
Were less than ordinary,
But when I couldn't see past tomorrow,
God was makin' history.
Oh, my, what a beautiful story,
Oh, my! what a beautiful story!
Oh, my, what a beautiful story,
Of love."
I thank God for the beautiful story of first, His love for me, and second, His love to me and Tyler through each other.
Tyler and I have been dating for just a smidgen over two years now. He's my best friend, my favorite companion, my most trusted confidante, and my hero when bugs crawl on the walls in my dinky southern apartment. I would claim to be the most blessed girl in the world, but I happen to have several friends who are equally happily engaged/engaged to be engaged/married. We'll just say I've joined the ranks of undeservedly happy women.
I pray that every single one of my friends gets to experience this- whether it comes from God alone (pure and unadulterated), or is additionally funneled through another human being, to be so loved, so aware of it, so able to rest and rejoice in it, is the greatest joy in the world.
I will say, (having been single, too) I know it can be hard not to have that romantic human love- but in my loneliest times, it was my God who was my friend, who loved me and held me and took care of me. In the midst of all this romantic ecstasy and mush, don't think I'm undervaluing the love of my Heavenly Father. It's only because He loves me and gives me strength and grace that Tyler and I can be together. Our relationship would never have begun, much less survived, without our God.
One thing I've discovered as I've fallen more in love with Tyler, is that romantic cliches and songs are popular because they are true. I wish I'd written a big hit love song- just so I could say I tried to put these feelings into words with some marginal success. As it is, I'd like to share one of my favorite love songs. It was written by a young woman named Mandy Mapes, about the love story between Ruth and Boaz in the Bible. I identify with it so strongly.
LOVE STORY
"I see your smile,
And it's so much sweeter,
After all that I've been through.
And when you laugh,
I get a glimpse of forever,
And I praise God that I found you.
"And anytime someone asks me,
How it all unfolded
I tell them,
Such incredible chances
Make for marvelous love.
"And just like the sun
Lights up the moon,
This love is a reflection
Of more than just me and you-
Our lives
Were less than ordinary
But when I couldn't see past tomorrow,
God was makin' history
Oh, my, what a beautiful story
Of love.
"Unexpected mercy
Is the greatest thing to find
When you've been broken many times.
My soul found joy!
And for the first time in a while,
I felt like singing.
"And anytime someone asks me,
How it all unfolded
I tell them,
Such incredible chances
Make for marvelous love."
"And just like the sun
Lights up the moon,
This love is a reflection
Of more than just me and you.
Our lives
Were less than ordinary,
But when I couldn't see past tomorrow,
God was makin' history.
Oh, my, what a beautiful story,
Oh, my! what a beautiful story!
Oh, my, what a beautiful story,
Of love."
I thank God for the beautiful story of first, His love for me, and second, His love to me and Tyler through each other.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
thoughts...
So, BarlowGirl is one of my favorite all time bands, and while I highly recommend all their albums, their newest one goes much deeper into issues at the heart of a Christian's life. Heart-breaking issues like, "Am I going to ever be the holy person God wants me to be when I run away from Him daily?" and "How do I react to abortion?" I want to share their song "Tears Fall" with you, because I think it's such a passionate prayer for the church to care for the hurt in the world around us. Social issues are not simply current events that we can ignore. Christians are called to care, and to act. Jesus cried over Jerusalem, healed crowds of sick people, and saved prostitutes from death and hurt. Not to mention, he set aside all of His own rights as God to serve us, live among us, suffer on our behalf, and ultimately save us from the worst fate any human could be destined to.
Amos 5:15
"15 Hate evil, love good;
maintain justice in the courts.
Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy
on the remnant of Joseph. "
Hosea 12:6
"6 But you must return to your God;
maintain love and justice,
and wait for your God always."
Phillipians 2:1-8
" 1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Amos 5:15
"15 Hate evil, love good;
maintain justice in the courts.
Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy
on the remnant of Joseph. "
Hosea 12:6
"6 But you must return to your God;
maintain love and justice,
and wait for your God always."
Phillipians 2:1-8
" 1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!"
Mark 10:42-45
"42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” "
"Tears Fall"
BarlowGirl
I have had the same dreams many times it haunts my mind
It starts with a light but it ends every time
Oh so many faces that this world will never see
A reason for your life but your heart will never beat
May our tears fall down
Let them soften this ground
May our hearts be found
God forgive us now
Oh what have we lost because we chose we'll never know
And loving you is better than feeling alone
And all our claims to freedom have become these heavy chains
And in the name of rights we keep filling nameless graves
Let the tears fall down
Let them soften this ground
Let our hearts be found
God forgive us now
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
New laptop, new post, very little new subject matter.
One day (maybe) I'll actually blog on a more frequent basis... I hope that one day isn't as elusive as the grotesquely fat man's diet.
Anyways, I finally have a new computer (thank you so much, Mom and Dad!) and so I thought a new blog post would be appropriate. As usual, I don't know what I want to write, but I love other people's blogs and am so fascinated with the idea of blogging that I press forward without subject matter.
Most of my thoughts are absorbed by my future career these days- as I'm taking 20 hrs of major courses, this is no surprise. What is a surprise is that it's the technical aspect of teaching that I'm falling in love with. My favorite class is my Methods and Curriculum class; it's all about how to write curriculum and deliver it properly. My second favorite is Educational Psychology (all about how research says we should teach). I actually read my notes from these two classes for fun- without the threat of a test in t-minus 24 hrs looming over my head, too. I find it fascinating to discover what makes great teachers- their habits, the way the organize, how they treat their students. One of these days I'm going to get organized so I can be a great teacher. I should probably make it a very eminent day so that I can be a good student in the meantime. Currently I'm a wee bit scared that 20 hrs is a bigger bite than I can chew. If anyone actually reads this, please pray for my stress levels, success, and non-school relationship not to suffer from my academic work load.
One thing non-school related that I'm SUPER pumped about right now is the worship dance group that I'm starting with some girls from my church. I miss dance so much, and the longer I don't dance, the more I miss it. It's like dance is embedded in my muscle fibers- as long as my legs have nerves and oxygen running through them I'm going to want to dance when I hear certain songs. Some songs don't affect me, but others- my brain choreographs, my thighs twitch, my toes keep time, my core tenses and pretends there's strong, reliable abs there to keep me balanced on impossibly small shoe tips. And my eyes tear up despite my best efforts because it's been three years since I gave in to those feelings almost daily. But now, God has blessed me and two sweet friends (one a treasured friend from past dance days, one a new acquaintance) with the chance to dance again, and give this passion to Him and others. Thank you, Jesus! We'll only be meeting bi-weekly to begin with, but that's probably all my out-of-shape body and busy schedule can handle anyways.
With that schedule in mind, I guess I'll quit rambling and go be a good student. I actually managed to forget that one of my classes existed (in my defense, it's a once-a-week night class, and the teacher's canceled 2x in a row), but I remembered about it today, and with that recollection came a mound of homework due next Monday. If readers for this blog exist, thank you for your interest, and hopefully for your prayers also.
Anyways, I finally have a new computer (thank you so much, Mom and Dad!) and so I thought a new blog post would be appropriate. As usual, I don't know what I want to write, but I love other people's blogs and am so fascinated with the idea of blogging that I press forward without subject matter.
Most of my thoughts are absorbed by my future career these days- as I'm taking 20 hrs of major courses, this is no surprise. What is a surprise is that it's the technical aspect of teaching that I'm falling in love with. My favorite class is my Methods and Curriculum class; it's all about how to write curriculum and deliver it properly. My second favorite is Educational Psychology (all about how research says we should teach). I actually read my notes from these two classes for fun- without the threat of a test in t-minus 24 hrs looming over my head, too. I find it fascinating to discover what makes great teachers- their habits, the way the organize, how they treat their students. One of these days I'm going to get organized so I can be a great teacher. I should probably make it a very eminent day so that I can be a good student in the meantime. Currently I'm a wee bit scared that 20 hrs is a bigger bite than I can chew. If anyone actually reads this, please pray for my stress levels, success, and non-school relationship not to suffer from my academic work load.
One thing non-school related that I'm SUPER pumped about right now is the worship dance group that I'm starting with some girls from my church. I miss dance so much, and the longer I don't dance, the more I miss it. It's like dance is embedded in my muscle fibers- as long as my legs have nerves and oxygen running through them I'm going to want to dance when I hear certain songs. Some songs don't affect me, but others- my brain choreographs, my thighs twitch, my toes keep time, my core tenses and pretends there's strong, reliable abs there to keep me balanced on impossibly small shoe tips. And my eyes tear up despite my best efforts because it's been three years since I gave in to those feelings almost daily. But now, God has blessed me and two sweet friends (one a treasured friend from past dance days, one a new acquaintance) with the chance to dance again, and give this passion to Him and others. Thank you, Jesus! We'll only be meeting bi-weekly to begin with, but that's probably all my out-of-shape body and busy schedule can handle anyways.
With that schedule in mind, I guess I'll quit rambling and go be a good student. I actually managed to forget that one of my classes existed (in my defense, it's a once-a-week night class, and the teacher's canceled 2x in a row), but I remembered about it today, and with that recollection came a mound of homework due next Monday. If readers for this blog exist, thank you for your interest, and hopefully for your prayers also.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Summer
So, once again, a huge time lapse has occurred between my posts. Also, I am writing rather than studying (I hate studying before cram-time). I ought to be studying to pass my lifeguard recertification test on Friday, but it's difficult to describe how boring my lifeguarding book is. Having been out of school for weeks and unaccustomed to mental work doesn't help matters.
On the upside, God has blessed me with a HUGE answer to prayers- my school may allow me to live off-campus next year, while keeping my scholarship. I've been praying for this to happen for about a month. My amazing roommate (who is a new Christian, praise Jesus!) is going to be living off-campus, and we are ecstatic about getting to live together for another year or two. She has been such a blessing to me, such a source of joy, laughter, and good company. We especially have fun laughing over and discovering our cultural differences, since she's Chinese. I honestly can't think of a day I haven't laughed since she and I started rooming together. Getting her for a roommate has been totally a God thing, and now He's provided for us to stay together. As I write this, I realize He has kept me from taking His blessings for granted- He is the source of all good things in our lives. I definitely don't thank Him enough.
For anyone reading this, please pray for me to pass this lifeguard test. It's really important, since my summer job requires my recertification. Also, please pray for this summer to be productive. I know so many who are going on mission trips, and though I won't be, I do hope to work with kids downtown for a few weeks. My RUF minister challenges us each summer not to waste the time by letting our guard down or getting too relaxed and lazy. I pray that this would be the goal for me and all my friends.
On the upside, God has blessed me with a HUGE answer to prayers- my school may allow me to live off-campus next year, while keeping my scholarship. I've been praying for this to happen for about a month. My amazing roommate (who is a new Christian, praise Jesus!) is going to be living off-campus, and we are ecstatic about getting to live together for another year or two. She has been such a blessing to me, such a source of joy, laughter, and good company. We especially have fun laughing over and discovering our cultural differences, since she's Chinese. I honestly can't think of a day I haven't laughed since she and I started rooming together. Getting her for a roommate has been totally a God thing, and now He's provided for us to stay together. As I write this, I realize He has kept me from taking His blessings for granted- He is the source of all good things in our lives. I definitely don't thank Him enough.
For anyone reading this, please pray for me to pass this lifeguard test. It's really important, since my summer job requires my recertification. Also, please pray for this summer to be productive. I know so many who are going on mission trips, and though I won't be, I do hope to work with kids downtown for a few weeks. My RUF minister challenges us each summer not to waste the time by letting our guard down or getting too relaxed and lazy. I pray that this would be the goal for me and all my friends.
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