Wednesday, January 31, 2007

...

So, this week God has been reminding me that my life cannot be about me. It has to be ALL about HIM. I am called to be his obedient child. I am to obey with a joyful heart. He has reminded me that DELAYED OBEDIENCE is still DISOBEDIENCE. I am thankful that He has been using his word to "judge the thoughts and attitudes of the (my) heart. " I pray that he will continue to "uncover and lay bare" the things in my life that don't bring Him glory, that I do for my edification, to honor and please myself. I am praying that this semester, I will be prepared and transformed for God's call on my life. I am so thankful that we have a merciful God who intercedes for us, and wants to transform us. That he does not leave us to our own devices to find the way in life. I am thankful that his word is living and active and that his spirit is alive within me.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Ode to the awe-inspiring dryer

Yesterday was an amazing day. I had work, school, hung out with the Bacaks :), and then went to Target. I believe at Target, a miracle of sorts happened.



Now, you must know that I have had the same blow dryer since I was in 5th grade. It still works great, but I was randomly pondering an upgrade. I had heard about this unbelievable hair dryer, so I thought I would see if it was as great as I had heard. So, I shelled out the $60.00 for the new hair dryer. I got home and tried it out. Let me tell you, there was some divine intervention going on with my hair. Not only does this dryer dry, it detangles, straightens and makes my hair shiny. I got 5 compliments the first two mintues I was at work today. Even with the dreary humid weather. This is something.


I must admit, for someone who loves to shop, I skeptical about spending 60 bucks on a dryer when I had a functional one at home. It is COMPLETELY worth it. This is such a good investment, I could see my mom paying me for it, just because I will be wearing my hair down more frequently. I mean this thing just had my name all over it.


So, basically I have been praising God for my new dryer ever since then.



Oh yeah, did I mention that it's pink??!!!

Monday, January 29, 2007

Beauty and the Beast on DVD


I have really been wanting to find Beauty and the Beast on DVD. Unfortunately, Disney is not currently selling it. The only place you can find it is online at Amazon or like sites. The problem with this option is that I would be spending more than twice what I the going rate for disney DVDs is ($20.00). Meaning that I would be spending close to $50.00 for this movie. Not gonna fly. Does anyone have any other suggestions on where to find this, one of my most favorite, Disney movies?


Also, I am looking for new ideas for my hair. If you have any suggestions, let me know!! I want something cute but easy. Thanks!!


Have a great day!!

Friday, January 26, 2007

Reality sets in...

So for the last eighteen months I have been over eager to graduate. I have been so ready to be done with college, and move on (probably to Boston). In the last months, God has been saying "slow down, this is your time of preparation for what I have for you. If you rush through this, you will miss so many blessings. Trust me. I am preparing you for something special. Rushing through this time will cause you to miss so much of what I am wanting to give you." I am starting to take the time to enjoy this season of my life. I am trying to not be so focused on the future that I neglect the present, or that I don't recieve it's full blessing. This morning, reality really began to set in. I know that I will not be here forever. College is temporary. I have known I was on the down hill slope. And I was so excited. Now I am excited, but I am becoming a little bit more aware that such a great chapter in my life will be coming to a close in less than two years.


If you know me very well, you know that I keep a little girl and a little boy named Cameron (Cami) and Gage A LOT. If you know anything about me, you know that I love kids. But these kids are so special to me. They are like my own children. I love them more than I could have ever dreamed of loving someone else's children. I have so much of my heart wrapped up in them. In the last two years I have learned so much about loving unconditional from them. I have learned about a parent's love. (Don't get me wrong, they are amazing kids, but they aren't perfect.) When you are around kids, as much as I am around them, it changes you. I laughing refer to my self as Steve and Wendy's "stand-in parent" because I spend almost as much time with their kids as they do. I take Cami to gymnastics, I can make things "okay" when they are hurt. I love it, but at the same time it breaks my heart that their parents don't spend more time with them. But, I love these kids. I would give anything for them.




In the midst of a conversation this morning, Wendy briefly mentioned that when I move she will have to find someone else to keep the kids. I felt my heart break. I can not imagine not being a part of Cami's and Gage's life. I have said for so long that the hardest part of me graduating and leaving College Station, would be having to leave Cami and Gage. How little I realized this would affect me. My heart is breaking.



I am thankful that God is teaching me to savor this time instead of just rushing through it and viewing it as something in the way of moving on...I don't want to love these kids less, but I certainly don't want my heart to break when I get on that plane to Boston. 'But he gives us more grace.' I know that wherever God calls me, eventually I will have to let go. And I will be blessed for my obedience. It still isn't easy. But, for now, I am thankful for the chance to be in College Station, involved with so many great people.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Productivity!!

Today has been really productive! Of course I had work and school, but afterwards I go so much done. I made a return, I made an exchange, I bought two new pairs of jeans, I bought some lip gloss at Bath & Body Works. I book a book, actually two books (two different places, one was a textbook). And to top it all off, I went and had four brand new tires put on my car!! Yea!! I came home, had supper, balanced the checkbook, washed and put away two loads of laundry, and now I am going to go do homework. (Not as much fun, but still productive!) I hope you had an amazing day.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

New Semester Whirlwind

The Semester has officially started. It has been good so far. Yea!! I got off work a little early today, which was nice. I can get some stuff done! This afternoon will be really busy, so this is the perfect time. I am way excited about the pedicure I am getting this afternoon. For those of you who don't know me, this is one of my MOST favorite things!

Speaking of favorite things, I got home last night, and guess what was waiting for me? A big box from Sephora!!!! Yea with a HUGE smile!! I am loving my new makeup!! So fun. I was so glad to see the note saying it was waiting next door. I was afraid I would have to wait several days to get it...Anyway, I have to go run errands! Have a good day!!

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Winter Weather

I am really loving this winter weather. It is so great. It has been so good to have a winter season this year. I am thankful. I love to see the way God works things out, the way he consistently provides. It is a blessing. I have loved seeing this at living hope in the last few months. I am so thankful for the wonderful relationships that I have made through living hope. I think this semester will be crazy, but I know God will see me through. I must admit I am not crazy about many of my classes, but I am going to choose to persevere. I can do all things, (even math), through him who strengthens me! Random thought: my toes are cold. I think I am going to put on some socks; but, not just any socks, my fuzzy pink socks!! :) Get excited! Okay, so I am going to go and take the two pretests I need to take for my math classes. Yay homework. (not so much...)
Night!!

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Snowdays pictures....



So beautiful!!!
And this was the result!!





Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Snow!!

I am so thankful for this weather. It is amazing. I am loving that tomorrow is another 1/2 day off!! Yea!! How great!!

Monday, January 15, 2007

A REAL SNOW DAY!!

It is finally here! A "snow" day for me. We have real winter weather!! YEA!!! I am loving this. I have BIG plans for tomorrow!! Sleep in and have a pajama day!! Read the two books I bought this morning, and lounge in bed all day with my flannel sheets. I can not express my excitement in this matter. This is big. Big like bubble wrap, rain, shopping, pedicures, sleeping late, and school supply time. You should get excited too. I am going to get some homemade hot chocolate...let me know if you want the recipe. It is amazing... Night!!

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Weather, School and Wonderings....

This is the final weekend before reality kicks back in....hmm. The weather is finally wintery (there is currently only nine degrees difference in the temp here and in Boston :) ) which is great. It is supposed to become more intense until sometime on Wednesday...which leads me to ponder the possiblilty (or honestly, the hope) that school will be closed on Tuesday...I guess we will just have to see what happens.

So this week has been good for me. I am finally having a sense of accomplishment. I feel like the effort I have put into school is starting to come together, and that I am getting close to the end. Praise the Lord. I have been studying Ester again recently, and I can't escape the knowledge that I am being prepared for something. I am called to be used "for such a time as this". It has been a blessing to see that things that I never thought I would care for become important and valuable to me. I always assumed that I would teach in suburbia for two, maybe three years, get married to an extremely successful man, and spend the rest of my life being the best wife and mother possible. Now, I have a growing passion for inner-city education. I still want the other things, the marriage, the family, but now, for this time, I am being prepared to teach. I look forward to it. But, I have also learned to enjoy this time of preparation. "Preparation and transformation lead to elevation and a passage to purpose." For that I am thankful.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Lost Puppy Story...

Okay, so today has been random... but AMAZING!! I got up early and went to go see my advisor, and PRAISE THE LORD, finally got all my stuff for this semester worked out!! Yea!! Then I went to get my oil changed, which only took about thirty minutes. Yea again. So the guy that helped me at the dealership was apparently really new. I felt sympathy for him. He so had the "lost puppy dog" feel about him. It was kind of cute, but I felt kind of bad for him too. He was soo eager to please and make a good impression and show that he really knew his stuff. I felt bad because he was working so hard. I mean he was practically bending over backwards to do everything right. I am so thankful that we do not have to be perfect. None of us could ever attain that standard. I just hope things go well for Matt in his new job. He has done a great job so far. I went to go get a snow cone and then went to the park to swing and eat it (simultneously!!) and it was great. Afterwards, I sat at a picnic table and enjoyed the beautiful day. It was so amazing just to be quiet before God. Today has been a complete blessing and I am so thankful. On that note, GIG EM!!

Sunday, January 07, 2007

whew...



I can't believe we are already a week into January...crazy. It has been a bit crazy, but mostly a lot of fun. Today I went to the park for a bit to play with my new camera! Fun!! :) I enjoyed watching the ducks for a minute. It reminded me of the book 'Make Way for Ducklings'. Segway into the fact that I think I am going to postpone the spring break trip until this summer. I think the timing will be better then. I am going to keep praying about it though. We will see what happens.
One of the things I got for Christmas was The Little Mermaid on DVD. (VERY EXCITING :) ) Tonight I finally got to watch it, which was nice. It is by far my favorite disney movie of ALL time. I love it. The song part of your world is my favorite part. It describes so much of my life. It is the cry of my heart in so many ways. I am thankful that I am not home yet. I can't wait to see what it will be like though.
Do you ever have those nights when there are things or a thing bouncing around in your head, and quite probably your heart too, that keep you awake, or from getting a good sleep? They don't always have to be "bad" things, or stressful things, sometimes it is just "stuff". Last night was one of those nights for me. I was completely restless. There was no profound thoughts in my head, I just kept roving.
Hey, I have to go, but I hope you have a great week!!

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!! It has been a great year so far. I haven't worked, I have seen my babies (which technically was work, but didn't seem like it), my Dad finally caved and got his own cell phone (YEA!!!), i have had lots of fun with my new camera, i have had several days of gilmore girl marathons (i got seasons 1 through 5 for Christmas), and tomorrow I am having lunch with a friend! Life is good. Tomorrow after lunch I think I will go and take pictures around campus and maybe other parts of town...Exciting. I am so excited about Boston. I am hoping to go over Spring Break with a friend. Can't wait. I will definately start scrapbooking after that...since I have put it off for about 5 years....This semester will be interesting. Hopefully it will end well. That is all I ask. That and that the summer end well also. After that it will all be down hill! Last night I was watching Gilmore Girls (gg) and it was thought provoking. I think one of the reason I love gg so much is that it lines up with my life a lot. Rory and I are the same age and some what on the same track. It is like seeing myself, my life, my world on the tv screen. I was watching the season three finale last night and thinking back to the night when I first watched that episode. The night that it premiered...It was weeks before my own graduation. I remember thinking "we're done" "it's over" and "Thank God that I finally finished" and I did thank God. Reliving that was nice. I thought for so long that high school would never end. But, it did. I have been feeling for so long that college will never end, but it will. Thank goodness. And I finished high school. In my world that is not a big deal (I mean I don't think I have even ever looked at my diploma)...it is like finishing kindergarten. Everyone does it and everyone expects it of you. Not doing it is not a possibility. It is simply a small stepping stone to what is coming next. But last night I realized how many people never get the chance to achieve that. And how many people are given the chance but just choose not to. So I am thankful for that small accomplishment. At least I have achieved something in my life. You know, so many people told me I would wish to be back in high school when I told them I couldn't wait for it to be over. I never have. I doubt that I ever will. And now, as so many people are telling me the same things about college, I wonder, will I miss this? What will I miss? I wouldn't want to skip high school, but I don't want to repeat it, and I think there is little, if any that I would change. It all brought me to where I am today. Looking back at my three and a half years of college thus far, I don't see anything I would really change either...Each of those experiences, even the painful ones, are shaping me, forming me. And, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer. All that I can say about that is WHOOP!!