I’m listening to an old convocation message (because I slept in today and didn’t go to church..) from April of 2010 (last semester), of Dave Edwards preaching on “The Invisible Giant of Comparison”. It’s something that I really stuggle with sometimes, which is why I picked this one to re-hear.
He says that our modern generation isn’t the first to struggle with comparison…the Israelites did too. In Numbers 13 & 14, where they sent the 12 into the Promised Land. 10 of them compared themselves/the Israelites to the gigantic people that inhabit the Promised Land. They took their focus off of God and put it on themselves and their enemies. However, Edwards says: “Life is not for competing, but for completing the will of God.” This is true. God had a purpose for the Israelites. And He doesn’t compare His kids to each other. The Israelites got so focused off of God and His plan, that they looked at their future and thought, we’d rather go back to our past, back to captivity in Egypt. You think, this is crazy! God had just saved them from that captivity, and here they are afraid to trust Him to take them further into His plan. THIS is what happens when we take our eyes off of God and start comparing ourselves to others. We get scared, we stop trusting, we become disappointed and think it would be better to return to where we came from (romanticize the past).
Edwards says there are 3 things that will help us quit comparing ourselves to others.
a). Defer the role of God to God. Every time we compare, we say, God why don’t you step over, and I’ll take it from here. We try to take control of our lives, without the help of God. Psalm 37:3.
b). Delight in our uniqueness. Psalm 37:4. You can’t live somebody else’s life - you’re called to live the one God gave you. There is freedom in this, when you start being yourself and quit being like others. Yet it took Israel 40 years to get it right.
c). Deny your right to compare. Psalm 37:7 - “fret” to turn something over and over again. The goal of comparison is to keep you from the plan God has for you. Don’t give in.
A side note (something that Edwards didn’t say)— we must remind ourselves of this every so often…because we will forget (at least I do). C. S. Lewis said “relying on God has to begin all over every day as if nothing had yet been done.” We MUST remind ourselves of it every day, so we will not forget.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Applying what I learned...
SOooo: For Philosophy, I am reading parts of C. S. Lewis as a Philosopher: Truth, Goodness and Beauty, and one chapter/essay in it talks about Lewis’ suggestions for dealing with emotional doubt of faith. Reading this chapter I have learned that he was a bit ahead of his time with his suggestions for getting rid of the doubt...he said we must realize the importance of our emotions – they are fickle and change like the wind. Then he says we must practice the disciplines of our faith daily – read the Bible, pray, worship with others, and review Christian doctrines. Then the person who wrote that chapter [Gary Habermas I think…] compares Lewis’ remedy with that of a psychologist that was published in the 1950’s [about 10ish years after Lewis’] and his remedy for ridding oneself of emotional doubt [or of the lies we tell ourselves/believe about ourselves] is to identify the lie, get rid of it, and replace it with truth – which is basically the same as Lewis’ suggestion.
ANYWAY I just realized [at lunchtime] that all I have gone through this morning, making me feel icky and unlike a good student and not worthy and not pretty and not "up to par" and tired and everything else, is kindof like God's saying, so Anna, what are you gonna do with what you've just learned?Because right now I really feel like crap. But I know that I can’t focus on my FEELings. I have to focus on the TRUTH, on what GOD says about me – not what I say about me. Which is in SCRIPTURE.
And what HE, the KING OF KINGS, my MIGHTY WARRIOR, my LOVING FATHER says about me is:
1. Christ is my righteousness – 1 Corinthians 1:30
2. I am not to put confidence in my flesh – Philippians 3:3
3. My inner self is of great worth in God’s sight – 1 Peter 3:3-4
4. My prayers are heard AND answered by the Almighty God – Psalm 116:1-2
5. I can hide in my Father – Psalm 32:7a
6. He loves me so much that He died for me– John 3:16
7. He loves me enough to call me His child, and to make me more and more like Him every day – 1 John 3:1-2
8. I am swallowed in His grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9
9. He is helping me and holding my hand – Isaiah 41:13
10. He will renew my strength – Isaiah 40: 30-31
AND I could go on, and on. But I have to leave to go volunteer in a few minutes…and reminding myself of these 10 things has sufficiently brightened my afternoon. J I just need to keep them always in view!
ANYWAY I just realized [at lunchtime] that all I have gone through this morning, making me feel icky and unlike a good student and not worthy and not pretty and not "up to par" and tired and everything else, is kindof like God's saying, so Anna, what are you gonna do with what you've just learned?Because right now I really feel like crap. But I know that I can’t focus on my FEELings. I have to focus on the TRUTH, on what GOD says about me – not what I say about me. Which is in SCRIPTURE.
And what HE, the KING OF KINGS, my MIGHTY WARRIOR, my LOVING FATHER says about me is:
1. Christ is my righteousness – 1 Corinthians 1:30
2. I am not to put confidence in my flesh – Philippians 3:3
3. My inner self is of great worth in God’s sight – 1 Peter 3:3-4
4. My prayers are heard AND answered by the Almighty God – Psalm 116:1-2
5. I can hide in my Father – Psalm 32:7a
6. He loves me so much that He died for me– John 3:16
7. He loves me enough to call me His child, and to make me more and more like Him every day – 1 John 3:1-2
8. I am swallowed in His grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9
9. He is helping me and holding my hand – Isaiah 41:13
10. He will renew my strength – Isaiah 40: 30-31
AND I could go on, and on. But I have to leave to go volunteer in a few minutes…and reminding myself of these 10 things has sufficiently brightened my afternoon. J I just need to keep them always in view!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Snorkeling is one of the most enjoyable, interesting things I have ever done in my life. The beautiful, intricate creations of our Creator-God can be seen so clear and uniquely underwater, I think - there are sooo many different types of fish and underwater plants! The 2 times I’ve been astounded me, I hope do be able to do it many times more..especially in water as clear as this. If you haven't been, I highly suggest it :)
- photo source: http://bitterbrightside.tumblr.com/post/1721914711
Monday, November 15, 2010
I am the Bread of Life.
Dave Edwards spoke in Convo today, so I was pretty excited, bc he's done revivals before at my church back home. And what he said hit home.
I really, I mean really should be studying science right now but I wanted to post this on here bc it's been forrrrever since I've posted on here. And what I'm about to post is decent stuff.
Mark 8:14-21
14The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”
16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they replied.
20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
They answered, “Seven.”
21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
In the 13 verses before this, Jesus fed teh 4,000, and in 2 chapters before that, He fed the 5,000. So there was bread left over. And the disciples only managed to bring one loaf on the boat with them. [I easily get distracted and forget things too]. Then when Jesus tried to talk to them about some serious things, all they could think about was how there was barely any bread for all of them. All they could worry about was the loaf bread and not having enough, when Jesus had just a few hours ago multiplied seven loaves into 4,000. They were not adding Him into their equation -- Worry is when we try to figure out our own problems without factoring in the help of God. [direct quote there from Dave]. This is so true, I'm a bit of a worrier myself so I experience this a good bit :/. Dave also said Don't worry about bread when the Bread of Life is in the boat with you. The disciples could only see 2 feet in front of them. Yet I am no different in my own life -- God is right here with me but I still worry about things that I need- how I'm gonna complete all this schoolwork on time [not a prob if I would not procrastinate], where money will come from, giving a presentation, safety in travel, the list could go on. Yet He is RIGHT HERE. I have no need to worry, just to give it all to Him. I must simply remember this fact --- and I encourage you too as well.
I really, I mean really should be studying science right now but I wanted to post this on here bc it's been forrrrever since I've posted on here. And what I'm about to post is decent stuff.
Mark 8:14-21
14The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”
16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they replied.
20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
They answered, “Seven.”
21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
In the 13 verses before this, Jesus fed teh 4,000, and in 2 chapters before that, He fed the 5,000. So there was bread left over. And the disciples only managed to bring one loaf on the boat with them. [I easily get distracted and forget things too]. Then when Jesus tried to talk to them about some serious things, all they could think about was how there was barely any bread for all of them. All they could worry about was the loaf bread and not having enough, when Jesus had just a few hours ago multiplied seven loaves into 4,000. They were not adding Him into their equation -- Worry is when we try to figure out our own problems without factoring in the help of God. [direct quote there from Dave]. This is so true, I'm a bit of a worrier myself so I experience this a good bit :/. Dave also said Don't worry about bread when the Bread of Life is in the boat with you. The disciples could only see 2 feet in front of them. Yet I am no different in my own life -- God is right here with me but I still worry about things that I need- how I'm gonna complete all this schoolwork on time [not a prob if I would not procrastinate], where money will come from, giving a presentation, safety in travel, the list could go on. Yet He is RIGHT HERE. I have no need to worry, just to give it all to Him. I must simply remember this fact --- and I encourage you too as well.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Just read this book [The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis] for my children’s literature class. And I love it. Absolutely love it. ALways have loved the Narnia series. and Lewis himself. I love the way he writes, as if he and you were sitting by the fire having a cup of tea, and you were the only person in his audience. So personal and warm. And the imagery in this book, in each of the books. Ahhh I just love it. :) PS can’t wait for the latest movie, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, to come out December 10th, 2010. :D
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Psalm 139 and I gave in.
Last night at campus church, Ben Gutierrez spoke on Psalm 139 and how God knows us best. I've never heard it preached on like this before. It was really awesome, so I shall share it with you:)
Psalm 139 --
1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
In the verses in purple [1-6], there are 9 words which denote knowledge, showing how well God knows us.
In the verses in yellow [7-12], there are 8 words which denote geography, showing that no matter where on this earth we try to go, God is already there.
In the verses in this brownish-red [13-16], there are 8 words which denote power, showing that God is omnicient, or all-powerful. He made each and every one of us, and He loves us more than we know.
In the rest of the verses [17-22], David is expressing his gratitude for the love of God. He is so grateful that it angers him that people are against God and he wants to do what he can to get rid of them and show them the truth.
Verses 23-24 repeat the first verse. David already knows that God knows him better than anyone else, including himself. So why is he asking God to search him if he already knows that God knows him? David asks this to show that he is willing to have God search him and know him, even to show the shameful parts of him.
It was good and refreshing to hear this sermon last night. I think it'll be one that I'll remember for a really long time. :)
____________________________________________________________________
To explain the other half of the title of this post, I gave in and started up an account with Tumblr. I'll probably post more on there than here...but maybe not. Haha we'll see how it goes. Here's the link: www.twirlingleaves.tumblr.com
& that's all fo now :)
Psalm 139 --
1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
In the verses in purple [1-6], there are 9 words which denote knowledge, showing how well God knows us.
In the verses in yellow [7-12], there are 8 words which denote geography, showing that no matter where on this earth we try to go, God is already there.
In the verses in this brownish-red [13-16], there are 8 words which denote power, showing that God is omnicient, or all-powerful. He made each and every one of us, and He loves us more than we know.
In the rest of the verses [17-22], David is expressing his gratitude for the love of God. He is so grateful that it angers him that people are against God and he wants to do what he can to get rid of them and show them the truth.
Verses 23-24 repeat the first verse. David already knows that God knows him better than anyone else, including himself. So why is he asking God to search him if he already knows that God knows him? David asks this to show that he is willing to have God search him and know him, even to show the shameful parts of him.
It was good and refreshing to hear this sermon last night. I think it'll be one that I'll remember for a really long time. :)
____________________________________________________________________
To explain the other half of the title of this post, I gave in and started up an account with Tumblr. I'll probably post more on there than here...but maybe not. Haha we'll see how it goes. Here's the link: www.twirlingleaves.tumblr.com
& that's all fo now :)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
There are several quotes which can pretty accurately describe the state of me right now.
They are:
"In this life I'm stubborn to the core/In this life I've been burning after more/We both know what these open arms are for..." - from the song "Head Over Heels" by Switchfoot.
"Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." - C. S. Lewis.
Especially the last one. But truly both of them, because I am really stubborn..in a certain way. Which may not make sense to you, dear blog-reader....but it does to me....I go on stuck in my ways, with my ideas, all the while God's like, you know, this would probably be better...yet I still insist on my way...
Umm basically this lyric sums it up: "a thousand times I've failed, still Your mercy remains, should I stumble again, I'm caught in Your grace.." - from "From the Inside Out" by Hillsong United.
I just feel like I'm stuck in the "thousand-times" part. haha. if that makes sense. but then I read the Lewis quote up there & I'm like oh yeah, it's a day to day thing. Which, IT IS.
TRUSTING GOD TRULY IS A DAY-TO-DAY THING.
And I'm still learning it.
They are:
"In this life I'm stubborn to the core/In this life I've been burning after more/We both know what these open arms are for..." - from the song "Head Over Heels" by Switchfoot.
"Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." - C. S. Lewis.
Especially the last one. But truly both of them, because I am really stubborn..in a certain way. Which may not make sense to you, dear blog-reader....but it does to me....I go on stuck in my ways, with my ideas, all the while God's like, you know, this would probably be better...yet I still insist on my way...
Umm basically this lyric sums it up: "a thousand times I've failed, still Your mercy remains, should I stumble again, I'm caught in Your grace.." - from "From the Inside Out" by Hillsong United.
I just feel like I'm stuck in the "thousand-times" part. haha. if that makes sense. but then I read the Lewis quote up there & I'm like oh yeah, it's a day to day thing. Which, IT IS.
TRUSTING GOD TRULY IS A DAY-TO-DAY THING.
And I'm still learning it.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
can't think of a good title...
So I'm sitting on the end of my bed, with my feet on my desk, and my window open to my left. It is a grand 62 degrees outside, and there is a lovely breeze. I just came in from a walk. the breese is rustling the trees and their leaves outside, literally right outside my window. It is nice to listen to. There are dark periwinkle colored clouds in the sky above, looming with the possibility of rain. I can also hear crickets. What a lovely thing, open windows and the change of the seasons.
Again this weekend, God allowed me to see how incredibly human I am, and also how blessed I am with people around me that show me His love.
Just 10 days til I go home for fall break, ohhh how I can't wait. Even though there is sooo much school work that has to be accomplished before then....with my Father's help I can do it. :)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Current Meanderings...
So I know it's been an incredibly long time since my last post, but I've had a busy summer & semester. Tonight, I should have studied philosophy more, haha, but I just had to write down the following. So anyway, here you go, a bit of what's currently on my heart...
So often, I feel as though I do not deserve the love I am given.
So often lately my view of love is shown to be skewed.
Today, once again, a bit of the imperfectness of my love towards others was made known to me. This is completely terrible, but I think my view of love, and/or the way I love others is influenced by the media. Yes, still. I know it was when I was in high school, and I’ve come a good ways closer to the example set by my Master since then, but I still have a good ways to go. It seems to amaze me lately when people tell me they love me even after I’ve done or said something unthinkingly or ridiculous or stupid. Or when I’ve completely torn down a wall around my heart, and they are still sticking around…[of course this could be more of me being shy…but still..]
So often, I get caught up in my own thoughts & I get myself believing false things. It’s really bad. [I think I rely on other peoples’ opinions toooo much]. I thought I would be able to do better than this by now. But I suppose not. God is still showing me, in my relationship with Justin and with other dear friends, that my love is flawed. But also that His love is not. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says “My grace is sufficient for you, My power is made perfect in your weakness” [emphasis added by me].Will I always struggle with this? I hope not….but if it this will leave me with a clear view of my Father’s love, if I would become numb to His love if I did not struggle with this, then perhaps, perhaps it is not so bad.
So often, I feel as though I do not deserve the love I am given.
So often lately my view of love is shown to be skewed.
Today, once again, a bit of the imperfectness of my love towards others was made known to me. This is completely terrible, but I think my view of love, and/or the way I love others is influenced by the media. Yes, still. I know it was when I was in high school, and I’ve come a good ways closer to the example set by my Master since then, but I still have a good ways to go. It seems to amaze me lately when people tell me they love me even after I’ve done or said something unthinkingly or ridiculous or stupid. Or when I’ve completely torn down a wall around my heart, and they are still sticking around…[of course this could be more of me being shy…but still..]
So often, I get caught up in my own thoughts & I get myself believing false things. It’s really bad. [I think I rely on other peoples’ opinions toooo much]. I thought I would be able to do better than this by now. But I suppose not. God is still showing me, in my relationship with Justin and with other dear friends, that my love is flawed. But also that His love is not. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says “My grace is sufficient for you, My power is made perfect in your weakness” [emphasis added by me].Will I always struggle with this? I hope not….but if it this will leave me with a clear view of my Father’s love, if I would become numb to His love if I did not struggle with this, then perhaps, perhaps it is not so bad.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Uuuupdate
So it's been a while...not that I've been SUUUper busy...I still don't have a job :/...but I do keep somewhat busy. I am actively looking for a job and filling out applications...anyway...
I leave for Jamaica with the youth group for a week in 2 WEEKS!!! I am soooo excited! True, I would rather have gone back to Ecuador, but only 2 other people were interested in that trip so it got cancelled. I am still STOKED about going to Jamaica. I haven't been on an overseas mission trip since I went to Ecuador, ahhh I am so excited. We're gonna be doing light construction in the mornings and Vacation Bible School in the afternoons/evenings!! I wish I could just go on short-term missions trips for the rest of my life. That would be AWESOME. haha.
In ooooothhherrrr news, one of our cows had a calf. He's beautiful, but the poor thing is blind. So we are keeping him in a small barn and bottle feeding him. Since he can't see, he's not scared of people [our cows are scared to deathhh of people...it's just how cows are...but we did have one cow, when I was about 10 or 12, that we bought when she was a few days old, and we bottle fed her and she would always come up to us whenever we were outside, she'd let us pet her, & I loved that as a kid]. So anyway I can love on this calf all I want since he's not scared. But it breaks my heart that he's blind, because he can't nurse from his mama & she wants to see him & Dad called the Vet yesterday & got his secretary & he's supposed to call back & what do you do with a blind calf? I don't know. He's so precious though. I will love on him while I can, especially since we haven't gotten a new dog[s] yet...:/ I keep expecting to see them outside..yeah, I know, it's been a few months...still though. They've just alllllwaaayyysss been there, since we've lived in this house, which is about 12 years. Hard to forget about something/one that's been around for 12 years, even if it's an animal that never really talked to you. Aahh well. I'll move on eventually I suppose.
So I saw Toy Story 3 a week or so ago, it's SOOOO good! Go see it! I cried in the end! [but I do in lots of movies....haha but still!] I recommend it.
& sooo that's about all for now/I need to go take a shower & get ready, cuz I'm goin over to my friend's house today, & she's leaving for Honduras on Friday
Later, dear blog world..... :)
I leave for Jamaica with the youth group for a week in 2 WEEKS!!! I am soooo excited! True, I would rather have gone back to Ecuador, but only 2 other people were interested in that trip so it got cancelled. I am still STOKED about going to Jamaica. I haven't been on an overseas mission trip since I went to Ecuador, ahhh I am so excited. We're gonna be doing light construction in the mornings and Vacation Bible School in the afternoons/evenings!! I wish I could just go on short-term missions trips for the rest of my life. That would be AWESOME. haha.
In ooooothhherrrr news, one of our cows had a calf. He's beautiful, but the poor thing is blind. So we are keeping him in a small barn and bottle feeding him. Since he can't see, he's not scared of people [our cows are scared to deathhh of people...it's just how cows are...but we did have one cow, when I was about 10 or 12, that we bought when she was a few days old, and we bottle fed her and she would always come up to us whenever we were outside, she'd let us pet her, & I loved that as a kid]. So anyway I can love on this calf all I want since he's not scared. But it breaks my heart that he's blind, because he can't nurse from his mama & she wants to see him & Dad called the Vet yesterday & got his secretary & he's supposed to call back & what do you do with a blind calf? I don't know. He's so precious though. I will love on him while I can, especially since we haven't gotten a new dog[s] yet...:/ I keep expecting to see them outside..yeah, I know, it's been a few months...still though. They've just alllllwaaayyysss been there, since we've lived in this house, which is about 12 years. Hard to forget about something/one that's been around for 12 years, even if it's an animal that never really talked to you. Aahh well. I'll move on eventually I suppose.
So I saw Toy Story 3 a week or so ago, it's SOOOO good! Go see it! I cried in the end! [but I do in lots of movies....haha but still!] I recommend it.
& sooo that's about all for now/I need to go take a shower & get ready, cuz I'm goin over to my friend's house today, & she's leaving for Honduras on Friday
Later, dear blog world..... :)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
This past Sunday was Homecoming at my grandparents' church, of which they are charter members [they've been there since the founding]. So mom & I & Desiree [she's living w/ us for a while, until the camp she is working at begins in June] went for the service after going to Sunday School at Mulberry. They have an interim preacher at my grandparents' church. He is pretty old, and he's originally from New Zealand. He has the coolest accent, and he seemed kindof grandfatherly, although I didn't actually meet him. Since it was Homecoming, they honored the charter members and the those that teach in the church, and his sermon was on teachers, the influence they have, and how they are supposed to be above reproach. The main scripture he used was James 3:3-12, and he used "The Message" version. I don't have a copy of the Bible in the Message version, but I know that it's in really descriptive and easy-to-grasp terms. These particular verses talk about the tongue and are pretty descriptive and understandable no matter what version you read, but I thought it was quite interesting in The Message. And he read it out loud, in his New Zealand accent, so that made it more interesting. Anyway, I've posted the verses in The Message below, so you can read them.
3-5A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
5-6It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.
7-10This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue—it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!
10-12My friends, this can't go on. A spring doesn't gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it? Apple trees don't bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don't bear apples, do they? You're not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear, cool water, are you?
Isn't it really descriptive? As I read back over it I can just hear it in his accent. Also, I thought it was very fitting, when considering what's going on at my church....
Also, my great uncle passed away Saturday. His funeral is today at 2pm. I didn't really know the man...last night was visitation, and the casket was open. He didn't look a whole lot different from how he looked in there...I mean pale, almost no hair, etc. However, he was my mom's uncle, so she has a good amount of memories involving him, I'm sure. My great aunt, his wife, Frances has asked that we sit with the family and eat with them afterwards. Last night as we went through the line at the visitation, I was meeting some of my cousins for the first time that I could remember! And I can see their house from where I live! It's ridiculous. Anyway. I do feel for them; my Papaw has 1 brother & 2 sisters, 1 sister-in-law & 1 brother-in-law, and this is the first of them to pass away [the brother-in-law is the one that passed] [One of his sisters never married]. Well, I need to go get ready now.
Haha...I'm so bad at ending a piece of writing....especially papers that I have to turn in, the conclusion is always the hardest part for me to complete......so, later fellow bloggers..ha.
3-5A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
5-6It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.
7-10This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue—it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!
10-12My friends, this can't go on. A spring doesn't gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it? Apple trees don't bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don't bear apples, do they? You're not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear, cool water, are you?
Isn't it really descriptive? As I read back over it I can just hear it in his accent. Also, I thought it was very fitting, when considering what's going on at my church....
Also, my great uncle passed away Saturday. His funeral is today at 2pm. I didn't really know the man...last night was visitation, and the casket was open. He didn't look a whole lot different from how he looked in there...I mean pale, almost no hair, etc. However, he was my mom's uncle, so she has a good amount of memories involving him, I'm sure. My great aunt, his wife, Frances has asked that we sit with the family and eat with them afterwards. Last night as we went through the line at the visitation, I was meeting some of my cousins for the first time that I could remember! And I can see their house from where I live! It's ridiculous. Anyway. I do feel for them; my Papaw has 1 brother & 2 sisters, 1 sister-in-law & 1 brother-in-law, and this is the first of them to pass away [the brother-in-law is the one that passed] [One of his sisters never married]. Well, I need to go get ready now.
Haha...I'm so bad at ending a piece of writing....especially papers that I have to turn in, the conclusion is always the hardest part for me to complete......so, later fellow bloggers..ha.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Nothin's Sweeter Than Summertime...
So there's this song out by Lady Antebellum [a country group] called "American Honey" & it's basically my new favorite song [hence the title of this post..it's from the chorous].
& aahhhhh summertime is f i n a l l y here!
& I am home now,
I submitted the final assignments for my online history class last night,
I'm still in the process of unpacking, however I think most of my dirty clothes have been washed.
I spent about an hour or so on my front porch this morning, reading Country Living magazine [my absolute favorite magazine...yeah, I may be old fashioned...haha but I don't care] & drinking a cup of coffee. It was grand. Until the flying ants couldn't stay away from me, then I went inside & so started a bit of unpacking & organizing. I have decided that I would like a room lined with bookshelves in my future house. I have a nice collection of books...well actually not a whole lot, but regardless, I would still like to have a small library in my home. I ended up keeping most of my books this semester, because as a teacher I may end up needing them [even though I really did not want to keep my math book..haha].
ALso, there are daisies nearly everywhere, on the sides of the road, in my great uncle's pasture across the road [though I'll never understand why tons & tons of them grow in his front pasture & not my grandparets' nor in the pasture on my side of the road..] & they are beautiful. I just love daisies, something about them...when I see them, I think summertime, countryside, taking it easy. :).
My mother's rose bushes are also blooming, there are 2 beside the front porch that are in FULL bloom and completely gorgeous. I took loads of pictures of them yesterday, I'll get some up on here eventually.
In two weeks, my family & 7 other families from my church are going camping! We do this every year [it's a tradition:)] and I am SOOO looking forward to it. Tonight, we are having an "ice cream social" at one family's house for all the adults/cooks to plan the meals for the trip. Ice cream is another wonderful thing about summer, you can eat prettymuch all you want & it doesn't matter because it's summertime, it's hot out & ice cream is the perfect snack to cooooolll you down. Haha. That was definitely my philosophy when I was a kid. I kindof still go by that, but less often. Ha.
Well anyway, now that I have written a rather un-unified blog, I am going to eat lunch & unpack some more.
& aahhhhh summertime is f i n a l l y here!
& I am home now,
I submitted the final assignments for my online history class last night,
I'm still in the process of unpacking, however I think most of my dirty clothes have been washed.
I spent about an hour or so on my front porch this morning, reading Country Living magazine [my absolute favorite magazine...yeah, I may be old fashioned...haha but I don't care] & drinking a cup of coffee. It was grand. Until the flying ants couldn't stay away from me, then I went inside & so started a bit of unpacking & organizing. I have decided that I would like a room lined with bookshelves in my future house. I have a nice collection of books...well actually not a whole lot, but regardless, I would still like to have a small library in my home. I ended up keeping most of my books this semester, because as a teacher I may end up needing them [even though I really did not want to keep my math book..haha].
ALso, there are daisies nearly everywhere, on the sides of the road, in my great uncle's pasture across the road [though I'll never understand why tons & tons of them grow in his front pasture & not my grandparets' nor in the pasture on my side of the road..] & they are beautiful. I just love daisies, something about them...when I see them, I think summertime, countryside, taking it easy. :).
My mother's rose bushes are also blooming, there are 2 beside the front porch that are in FULL bloom and completely gorgeous. I took loads of pictures of them yesterday, I'll get some up on here eventually.
In two weeks, my family & 7 other families from my church are going camping! We do this every year [it's a tradition:)] and I am SOOO looking forward to it. Tonight, we are having an "ice cream social" at one family's house for all the adults/cooks to plan the meals for the trip. Ice cream is another wonderful thing about summer, you can eat prettymuch all you want & it doesn't matter because it's summertime, it's hot out & ice cream is the perfect snack to cooooolll you down. Haha. That was definitely my philosophy when I was a kid. I kindof still go by that, but less often. Ha.
Well anyway, now that I have written a rather un-unified blog, I am going to eat lunch & unpack some more.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ch-ch-ch-change.
So a bunch of other changes are happening in my life, besides my dogs passing away recently.. my home church, which has been my home church for all 20 & 1/2 years of my life, has recently lost prettymuch all of its staff members. & some of its attendees, including my family :(.
However, I am my own person, & I am not sure where I will go...those people are my family. But I am a college kid & therefore I have been there very sporadically since Christmas & therefore I do not know all the reasonings behind everything that has happened. & I will only be there for the summer anyway . . . . . ahh but I don't know yet.
Let me just say, this is heavy stuff, but I know most people this wouldn't affect this way.
But I am me & I am heartbroken over this. Yet I know that my God is faithful, & He is the rock on which to place my trust. and my hope. and my dreams [because He's given them to me]. and my future [because He holds it in His hands].
Psalm 23 is just one of the many that fits to encourage this situation [& many others, for sure]:
"1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever." [This is the New Living Translation].
On another note, I think this experience will be one of growth for me. In my relationship with God & in how I relate to other people. I may have become too comfortable in my church, because as I said I've gone there my entire life.
I know the Lord has great plans formy life, & that He will do what He will do to bring me closer to Him. & this just may be a part of it. & with Him by my side, & by the side of everyone else affected by this, victory will come.
However, I am my own person, & I am not sure where I will go...those people are my family. But I am a college kid & therefore I have been there very sporadically since Christmas & therefore I do not know all the reasonings behind everything that has happened. & I will only be there for the summer anyway . . . . . ahh but I don't know yet.
Let me just say, this is heavy stuff, but I know most people this wouldn't affect this way.
But I am me & I am heartbroken over this. Yet I know that my God is faithful, & He is the rock on which to place my trust. and my hope. and my dreams [because He's given them to me]. and my future [because He holds it in His hands].
Psalm 23 is just one of the many that fits to encourage this situation [& many others, for sure]:
"1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever." [This is the New Living Translation].
On another note, I think this experience will be one of growth for me. In my relationship with God & in how I relate to other people. I may have become too comfortable in my church, because as I said I've gone there my entire life.
I know the Lord has great plans formy life, & that He will do what He will do to bring me closer to Him. & this just may be a part of it. & with Him by my side, & by the side of everyone else affected by this, victory will come.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
In Memorium
Sad news...
...within the past 4 or 5 weeks, both of my dogs have passed away. Both were bassett hounds, Buddy was about 9 or 10 years old, and Daisy was about 4 or 5 years old.
Buddy died of old age/arthritis in his hips. I went home for the weekend [the last one in April] & Desiree was with me & she asked Mom where he was after we got back from visiting my cousins & their new son [Uriah Ethan Johnston :):)], & Mom didn't say anything...he had died a few weeks beforehand. And I was not happy at finding out that Mom didn't tell me the day it happened. But she said I was pretty stressed that week, so I do understand her reasoning and concern...
...within the past 4 or 5 weeks, both of my dogs have passed away. Both were bassett hounds, Buddy was about 9 or 10 years old, and Daisy was about 4 or 5 years old.
Buddy died of old age/arthritis in his hips. I went home for the weekend [the last one in April] & Desiree was with me & she asked Mom where he was after we got back from visiting my cousins & their new son [Uriah Ethan Johnston :):)], & Mom didn't say anything...he had died a few weeks beforehand. And I was not happy at finding out that Mom didn't tell me the day it happened. But she said I was pretty stressed that week, so I do understand her reasoning and concern...
Daisy, however, had several tumors. Dad took her to the vet last week, before him & Mom left for Charleston for the weekend. Vet said the tumors were cancerous, so they put her to sleep right then :(. Mom told me on the phone Saturday [I made her promise to tell me asap if anything happened to Daisy, though I wasn't really expecting anything to when I told her this..]. & of course I burst into tears...& then had to leave 20 minutes later to meet Justin for a movie. Anyway, now they are buried along the treeline in the pasture behind my house. It's gonna be super weird when I go home in 9 days for summer, & neither one of them is there. I really really hope we can get a new puppy or two....Desiree has already promised to help me petition for one:).
But then, Justin & I went to downtown Lynchburg & went to this place called Amazement Square, which is like a kids' hands-on museum [much like the Discovery Place in Charlotte, NC, but waaayyy cooler, we decided:)]. Anyway it got me out of my sad spirits, & it was quite a fun date. :).
But then, Justin & I went to downtown Lynchburg & went to this place called Amazement Square, which is like a kids' hands-on museum [much like the Discovery Place in Charlotte, NC, but waaayyy cooler, we decided:)]. Anyway it got me out of my sad spirits, & it was quite a fun date. :).
So here are some pictures of my puppydogs, they will live in my memory for a while, I'm sure. [Daisy has more brown on her than Buddy, & he is gray/whiter on his snout].
Monday, April 26, 2010
A few channngesssss...on here anyway..
Changed the formating a bit. I like it better now :).
& these are some pictures from today and last week.
The top 2 are from my phone, & I therefore apologize for the not-so-great quality.
& now I am watching Pride & Prejudice.
:)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
On a day like today...
I have many aspirations.
It is beautiful outside, mid-60's, breezy and sunny.
I long to simply sit and enjoy it, or go adventuring with my camera, especially since things are in bloom.
However, I am a procrastinator and I have much work to accomplish. Well I also have a test Monday and 2 on Tuesday so I kinda have to study, among other things.
And what makes it really bad is some of the girls that I live with are going through the Gilmore Girls series, and nearly every time they are watching it when I am in the dorm I can't help but sit and watch. That show is one that girls of my generation and age group [17-23] have grown up watching. And it is quite an interesting show. It makes me grateful that I grew up in a "traditional family." However I still love the show.
Anyway just thought I would share a few thoughts today...although they are not entirely interesting, it is good to get them out, sometimes.
I will leave you with some encouragement:
Psalm 62:11-12a --> One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Now, go look up the song "Your Love is Strong" by Jon Foreman and read the verses again. :)
I love it when I read a verse and it reminds me of a song [or vice versa] because I know the song writer was writing straight from scripture. and that makes me :).
It is beautiful outside, mid-60's, breezy and sunny.
I long to simply sit and enjoy it, or go adventuring with my camera, especially since things are in bloom.
However, I am a procrastinator and I have much work to accomplish. Well I also have a test Monday and 2 on Tuesday so I kinda have to study, among other things.
And what makes it really bad is some of the girls that I live with are going through the Gilmore Girls series, and nearly every time they are watching it when I am in the dorm I can't help but sit and watch. That show is one that girls of my generation and age group [17-23] have grown up watching. And it is quite an interesting show. It makes me grateful that I grew up in a "traditional family." However I still love the show.
Anyway just thought I would share a few thoughts today...although they are not entirely interesting, it is good to get them out, sometimes.
I will leave you with some encouragement:
Psalm 62:11-12a --> One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Now, go look up the song "Your Love is Strong" by Jon Foreman and read the verses again. :)
I love it when I read a verse and it reminds me of a song [or vice versa] because I know the song writer was writing straight from scripture. and that makes me :).
Sunday, March 28, 2010
in Your presence, at Your feet
In the presence of my God, my Abba Father,
my mind is brought back to focus
to the One Who heals
the One Who saves
Who awakes my soul
to the One Who is greater
the One Who is holy
Who is glorious
to the One Who is beauty
the One Who is worthy
Who was slain for me.
And all distractions are cast aside.
all opinions,
all falsehoods,
all masks are taken off.
In His presence,
Truth is spoken.
because He is truth.
He is righteous.
He is holy.
He is all-powerful.
He is ever-present.
and ever-forgiving.
He is full of grace.
He is full of mercy.
He is full of justice, too.
He is indescribable.
and
He is King.
I am brought back, refocused, in His presence.
given strength for the day and the tasks set before me.
I am made righteous,
because of HIS BLOOD SHED FOR ME!
Without Him,
I
am
nothing.
And how often must I learn this lesson?
my mind is brought back to focus
to the One Who heals
the One Who saves
Who awakes my soul
to the One Who is greater
the One Who is holy
Who is glorious
to the One Who is beauty
the One Who is worthy
Who was slain for me.
And all distractions are cast aside.
all opinions,
all falsehoods,
all masks are taken off.
In His presence,
Truth is spoken.
because He is truth.
He is righteous.
He is holy.
He is all-powerful.
He is ever-present.
and ever-forgiving.
He is full of grace.
He is full of mercy.
He is full of justice, too.
He is indescribable.
and
He is King.
I am brought back, refocused, in His presence.
given strength for the day and the tasks set before me.
I am made righteous,
because of HIS BLOOD SHED FOR ME!
Without Him,
I
am
nothing.
And how often must I learn this lesson?
Monday, March 22, 2010
B. U. S. Y.
That's what I am these days.
Well..always, really. But especially for the next 6ish weeks, until the 2nd/3rd week of May, I am taking an online class that started today. But I do not have my book for it yet.
& oh how I can't wait for this semester to be over. But everyone feels like this right after spring break. & then I'm goin to the beach 3rd/4th week of May!! Oh I want to go right now!
The weather is lovely outside, &
COLOR
is slowly c r e e p i n g back into the landscape.
The forsythia & buttercups are blooming. Glorious bursts of bright yellow. Positively beautiful. I love how God has made things bloom in shifts & not completely all at once.
Spring is the season that most wholely points to Him, for Springtime is a re-awakening, or a new birth for the earth. Like we are born again, & have new life once we establish faith in Him. Aahhh I love the parallels. & how creative He is.
Well, off to work I must go. On math that is.
Well..always, really. But especially for the next 6ish weeks, until the 2nd/3rd week of May, I am taking an online class that started today. But I do not have my book for it yet.
& oh how I can't wait for this semester to be over. But everyone feels like this right after spring break. & then I'm goin to the beach 3rd/4th week of May!! Oh I want to go right now!
The weather is lovely outside, &
COLOR
is slowly c r e e p i n g back into the landscape.
The forsythia & buttercups are blooming. Glorious bursts of bright yellow. Positively beautiful. I love how God has made things bloom in shifts & not completely all at once.
Spring is the season that most wholely points to Him, for Springtime is a re-awakening, or a new birth for the earth. Like we are born again, & have new life once we establish faith in Him. Aahhh I love the parallels. & how creative He is.
Well, off to work I must go. On math that is.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Silver Lining
"I found a list of flaws, I saw in myself...& I threw it away because..bonvoyage..isn't it nice to know, that the lining is silver?"~ "The Lining Is Silver" by RelientK.
I love this band. Their songs helped me get through all of middle and most of high school. Ahaaa. Seriously though. They're still spittin out some pretty good stuff too, although my favorite will forever be the Two Lefts Don't Make A Right But Three Do album [the one w/ the Mood Rings song..hehehe]. This particular line is from The Bird & The Bee Sides album[s] [I do not know the correct wordage]. Also gooood songs on that one, good new ones, and remakes of some that didn't make it past the EPs.
Buuuut anyway, this is not a critique of the band....but rather one of me. It is so easy, sometimes, for me to just get caught up in small rather pointless details. Because I am a detail person. I see how the details work together to make the big picture work together. But sometimes, I try to make extra details that aren't really needed. And I get worked up/frustrated when my particular details/ideas don't work out the way I think they should [this is sooo true. Ask my mother and my close girl friends [yes I don't know that my boyfriend has figured this out yet...]]. Aaaahhh but Jesus always sends me something to set me straight...whether in the form of lyrics, undeserved kind words from a friend [this usually brings out the tears. because I am a tenderhearted person and aahhhh I cry when I'm frustrated/mad], a sunset, or a story of someone with bigger things to worry about - i.e., He shows me that there is a silver lining and the world will not end if my details don't play out how I think they should.
Anyway, it usually helps for me to sort it all out in some written form. because I am a horrible communicator when it comes to doing it verbally.
And so a word of encouragement to you, dear probably-nonexistant-blog-reader: keep your eyes out for the silver lining. Your day will go better if you do, I promise.
:)
I love this band. Their songs helped me get through all of middle and most of high school. Ahaaa. Seriously though. They're still spittin out some pretty good stuff too, although my favorite will forever be the Two Lefts Don't Make A Right But Three Do album [the one w/ the Mood Rings song..hehehe]. This particular line is from The Bird & The Bee Sides album[s] [I do not know the correct wordage]. Also gooood songs on that one, good new ones, and remakes of some that didn't make it past the EPs.
Buuuut anyway, this is not a critique of the band....but rather one of me. It is so easy, sometimes, for me to just get caught up in small rather pointless details. Because I am a detail person. I see how the details work together to make the big picture work together. But sometimes, I try to make extra details that aren't really needed. And I get worked up/frustrated when my particular details/ideas don't work out the way I think they should [this is sooo true. Ask my mother and my close girl friends [yes I don't know that my boyfriend has figured this out yet...]]. Aaaahhh but Jesus always sends me something to set me straight...whether in the form of lyrics, undeserved kind words from a friend [this usually brings out the tears. because I am a tenderhearted person and aahhhh I cry when I'm frustrated/mad], a sunset, or a story of someone with bigger things to worry about - i.e., He shows me that there is a silver lining and the world will not end if my details don't play out how I think they should.
Anyway, it usually helps for me to sort it all out in some written form. because I am a horrible communicator when it comes to doing it verbally.
And so a word of encouragement to you, dear probably-nonexistant-blog-reader: keep your eyes out for the silver lining. Your day will go better if you do, I promise.
:)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Communication
is KEY.
"Bruises" by Chairlift.
First Verse: I tried to do handstands for you
I tried to do headstands for you
Everytime I fell on you, yeah everytime I fell
I tried to do handstands for you
But everytime I fell for you
I'm permanently black and blue, permanently blue for you
I tried to do handstands for you
I tried to do headstands for you
Everytime I fell on you, yeah everytime I fell
I tried to do handstands but everytime I fell for you
I'm permanently black and blue, permanently blue for
Chorus: You-ooo etc...
For you-ooo etc...
So black and blue-oooo etc...
For you-ooo etc...
Man verse: I grabbed some frozen strawberries so
I could ice your bruising knees
But frozen things they all unfreeze and now I taste like
All those frozen strawberries I used to chill your bruising knees,
Hot July ain't good to me
I'm pink and black and blue
2nd Verse: I got bruises on my knees for you
And grass stains on my knees for you
Got holes in my new jeans for you
Got pink and black and blue
Got bruises on my knees for you
And grass stains on my knees for you
Got holes in my new jeans for you
Got pink and black and blue for
Chorus: You-ooo etc...
For you-ooo etc....
So black and blue-ooo etc...
For you-oooo etc....
Rather like that song.
And rather hate PMS. I know its kindof a teenage-girl-excuse...but it is real. The least little thing opened the floodgate of tears this morning. And it was my own doing. I think, for me personally, crying is away of releaving stress...of getting it out of my system physically. Even though I still have the same amout of homework/stuff to do before I get to go home on Friday [yes, I am going home on Friday for the weekend. I also think the mere knowledge of this fact has made me extra homesick this week...well plus the PMS junk].
Well anyway, I just felt like sorting it out on paper/print/whatever. So that's all.
"Bruises" by Chairlift.
First Verse: I tried to do handstands for you
I tried to do headstands for you
Everytime I fell on you, yeah everytime I fell
I tried to do handstands for you
But everytime I fell for you
I'm permanently black and blue, permanently blue for you
I tried to do handstands for you
I tried to do headstands for you
Everytime I fell on you, yeah everytime I fell
I tried to do handstands but everytime I fell for you
I'm permanently black and blue, permanently blue for
Chorus: You-ooo etc...
For you-ooo etc...
So black and blue-oooo etc...
For you-ooo etc...
Man verse: I grabbed some frozen strawberries so
I could ice your bruising knees
But frozen things they all unfreeze and now I taste like
All those frozen strawberries I used to chill your bruising knees,
Hot July ain't good to me
I'm pink and black and blue
2nd Verse: I got bruises on my knees for you
And grass stains on my knees for you
Got holes in my new jeans for you
Got pink and black and blue
Got bruises on my knees for you
And grass stains on my knees for you
Got holes in my new jeans for you
Got pink and black and blue for
Chorus: You-ooo etc...
For you-ooo etc....
So black and blue-ooo etc...
For you-oooo etc....
Rather like that song.
And rather hate PMS. I know its kindof a teenage-girl-excuse...but it is real. The least little thing opened the floodgate of tears this morning. And it was my own doing. I think, for me personally, crying is away of releaving stress...of getting it out of my system physically. Even though I still have the same amout of homework/stuff to do before I get to go home on Friday [yes, I am going home on Friday for the weekend. I also think the mere knowledge of this fact has made me extra homesick this week...well plus the PMS junk].
Well anyway, I just felt like sorting it out on paper/print/whatever. So that's all.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
So, 3 posts ago, back in November [I just re-read my 7 previous posts...], I wrote about how I absolutely love autumn. Every word in that post is entirely true. However, autumn has competition [& this I have known from the start..I just did not write about it..haha].
& it's competition is [drumroll, please!]: WINTER!
How I love the winter! I nearly cannot explain it!
Its cold weather always seems to invigorate & wake me up every time I adventure out my door.
Its sunsets&rises that shine through its bare trees romance my eyes.
Its clouds, ohhh the way they change colors & size & shape & float across the sky, some with the teasing look about them of snow...
Its SNOW! The bestest type of precipitation! It blankets everything in the purest of colors, & with this frosty blanket the landscape takes on a new, positively magical appearance; it's even bright outside when the sun has long been set. It sparkles in the sunlight. It brings a smile & a joyous memory to the face & heart of most everyone; I can remember when I was a kid & snow was in the weather forecast, I would pray & pray the night before for it, for enough to get me out of school & enough to completely swallow the grass [because who likes to see tips of green grass peeping out of snow? ]. I would wake up early & peek out my window, holding my breath. I could watch it fall forever, back then, & now as well. It has such a unique sound when it falls, too; it deafens & drowns out other sounds. & the trees -- oh the trees, they especially are like candy to my eyes. :)
Anyway, one of the reasons I have written about this today is [besides loving it] because there is about 15 inches of snow on the ground outside my window here at Liberty. It is sooo beautiful [even though sometimes I do get a little annoyed having to walk through it, & everything being closed so early]. It snowed all day yesterday [Friday] & a good bit of today. Everything is covered. The trees also have ice on them, because it sleeted & freezing-rained some last night too, so it's even more wintry & magical. The evergreen trees look like a Christmas card. & my heart continues to bubble over with joy. We even had classes canceled yesterday. There's more snow in the forecast for next week [aaannddd yesterday&todays was the 2nd weekend in a row the white powder was dumped on Lynchburg :) ].
I've never seen so much snow in my life [since I'm a Southern girl ;)], & all this positively thrills me!
I have a quote to sum up just how I feel about the snow & winter:
"Snow in the South is wonderful. It has a kind of magic and mystery that it has nowhere else. And the reason for this is that it comes to people in the South not as the grim, unyielding tenant of Winter's keep, but as a strange and wild visitor from the secret North." ~Thomas Wolfe
GGGoals...
So, hello dear [probably non-existent] readers [well if there are any, thanks. I think you're awesome for spending some of the precious minutes of your day on my silly thoughts]. It's 2010 now, and months since I last wrote anything. [The reason I really don't write that much is because I have this philosophy that people & relationships are the most important things in life. Because people are the only living beings with souls [that's my belief] therefore I spend as much time with other people as possible. And next to people I spend my time doing school work [it's costing a fortune so it must be done]. Soooo anyway I spend my time with people & doing schoolwork so I have no/little time for writing. Thanks for being patient & trying to understand my reasonings].
Anyway, it is now 2010 & a few things have changed in my life & I have some goals for this year that I'd like to write about. First off for the changes, I have a boyfriend now. His name is Justin & we've been friends for almost 3 years, & then bAm! things got a bit more serious between us over Christmas break:). He's pretty awesome.
Also, I'm a prayer leader/small group Bible study leader on my hall this semester. Several girls that were in this position had to step down for various reasons, so my RA's prayed about asking some others of us to step up & take the positions. & so I prayed about it, & felt God telling me to do it, so I did. I'm really enjoying it, & the 5 lovely ladies in my group are amazing.
As for my goals, first & foremost, I would like to grow closer to God [I'm a Christian for those who don't know]. I have an incredibly busy schedule this semester, & I won't lie, it is a struggle sometimes to pull out my Bible at the end of the day when I'm super tired & its 2am [because I stayed up watching Gilmore Girls with the ladies in my quad]. But I know that I would suffocate without my time with Him -- SUFFOCATE. His words are LIFE to my SOUL. It would be like I didn't drink coffee in the morning when I'm forced out of my beautiful slumber by a harrowing alarm clock [is harrowing the correct word there?]. It is also paramount that I stay close to Him so that I can lead my prayer group ladies in their walks with Him -- for if I cannot teach something I do not live. Stemming from this, I plan to at least ONCE this year travel to a different place & serve my God. I would really love to go to Europe but I don't think that will happen in the year 2010...my church back home, however, is going to Ecuador in the summer, & Honduras in December, I would love love LOVE to go on both trips but I do not know if that will be possible. I also intend to better my relationships with all the people close to me, & there are also various books I would like to read this year & get good grades in my classes to bring up my GPA & things like that....
but anyway, those are the major goals for myself this year. I should probably make myself re-read this post every week, to keep these things in perspective...because it is so easy sometimes to loose perspective [especially when one is in college..]. Any thoughts? What are your goals for this year? Truly, I would like to know [if you are there...ha].
Anyway, it is now 2010 & a few things have changed in my life & I have some goals for this year that I'd like to write about. First off for the changes, I have a boyfriend now. His name is Justin & we've been friends for almost 3 years, & then bAm! things got a bit more serious between us over Christmas break:). He's pretty awesome.
Also, I'm a prayer leader/small group Bible study leader on my hall this semester. Several girls that were in this position had to step down for various reasons, so my RA's prayed about asking some others of us to step up & take the positions. & so I prayed about it, & felt God telling me to do it, so I did. I'm really enjoying it, & the 5 lovely ladies in my group are amazing.
As for my goals, first & foremost, I would like to grow closer to God [I'm a Christian for those who don't know]. I have an incredibly busy schedule this semester, & I won't lie, it is a struggle sometimes to pull out my Bible at the end of the day when I'm super tired & its 2am [because I stayed up watching Gilmore Girls with the ladies in my quad]. But I know that I would suffocate without my time with Him -- SUFFOCATE. His words are LIFE to my SOUL. It would be like I didn't drink coffee in the morning when I'm forced out of my beautiful slumber by a harrowing alarm clock [is harrowing the correct word there?]. It is also paramount that I stay close to Him so that I can lead my prayer group ladies in their walks with Him -- for if I cannot teach something I do not live. Stemming from this, I plan to at least ONCE this year travel to a different place & serve my God. I would really love to go to Europe but I don't think that will happen in the year 2010...my church back home, however, is going to Ecuador in the summer, & Honduras in December, I would love love LOVE to go on both trips but I do not know if that will be possible. I also intend to better my relationships with all the people close to me, & there are also various books I would like to read this year & get good grades in my classes to bring up my GPA & things like that....
but anyway, those are the major goals for myself this year. I should probably make myself re-read this post every week, to keep these things in perspective...because it is so easy sometimes to loose perspective [especially when one is in college..]. Any thoughts? What are your goals for this year? Truly, I would like to know [if you are there...ha].
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