Funny things!!

I spent much of my day with the Bacaks today. It was lovely. But, today Emma said two things that I thought were great.

1. She "rememberized" the songs she plays on the piano.

Awesome huh?

2. The phrase "In this stage of life" came out of her mouth.

I wanted to laugh so hard that I could have cried. Instead, I tried very hard to NOT laugh, and made a pathetic attempt at following the rest of the conversation, because, let's face it, in my head I was out of breath from laughing so hard.

I love that everyday with the Bacak children is an interesting day. So great!!

That would be nice...

I think I need a pensieve. I don't know how you feel about Harry Potter, but for the moment that is irrelevant. I have read and enjoyed all seven of the books.

I think maybe the coolest thing mentioned in any of the books is a pensieve. A pensieve is a place to store thoughts and memories. There are times when I have nine hundred thoughts running around my brain and I don't know what to do with all of them. If I could just pull a couple out and save them for later that would be wonderful.

Or, if something happened, and you wanted to retain the memory without forgetting the details, if you could pull it out and save it, so that you would never forget and could always "relive" it, that would be nice.

It would be nice if you could have, at your disposal a video display of your memories and thoughts. It would be wonderful. Especially when there is so much jumbled up in your thoughts you don't know what to process first, much less how to stay focused on one thing at a time....

So, if you ever stumble across one of these, get one for me!! Or if someone figures out how to do this, maybe digitally, I think I might be their biggest fan...

That's mostly it for now, except -

It is supposed to be raining right now, so where is the rain??!!

**My roommates hounded me yesterday about updating my blog. So you have them to thank for this post!!**

Car Shopping...

When I went home for the 4th, my parents told me that I need to get ready to buy a new car. So, I am looking for tips, etc.

I will most likely, unless struck my lightening, or being given another car, will buy a Honda! I love mine!! Getting a new one will be nice. But, what questions do I need to ask? Etc...I want you advice!!

Thankful list revision

I was recently made aware of a major oversight in my last posting. I need to fix that!!

So one of my favorite things this year has been having lunch or coffee dates with some of the lovely LH ladies. Probably my most steady lunch companion this semester has been Jenn Harrist. I love this lady!! Okay, I love the whole Harrist family. In the last few months we have started going to dinner after church on Saturday night every couple of weeks! I love that. It is nice to have dinner as part of a family every one in a while. Okay, not that I don't have dinner as part of a super amazing, most wonderful awesome family at least twice a week, but it is nice to be part of other families from LH too. Yay!! I love this community thing!! So, to the Harrists, I apologise for my gross oversight, and I want you to know that i am ABUNDANTLY thankful for you!! I love you all!!

By the way, if you are going to blog stock me, I DEMAND THAT you comment....Jenn Harrist!!!

Thankful...List, Game, etc.

This time of the semester is sometimes really difficult for me. The last few days I have really had to put off some things, like frustration and bad attitudes...so, I have had to work specifically on putting on good things...Things like THANKSGIVING!! (And no, I do not mean the food focused holiday.)
One of my favorite "activities" for the last year and a half or so has been what is affectionately known in our apartment as "the Thankful Game". When we are having unedifying conversation, when we are grumpy or moody, or ANYTHING less than thankful, we play this game. It is wonderful!! We take turns saying things we are thankful for. (What a simple game!!) It doesn't have to be super spiritual, just encouraging. Some of our favorite things to be thankful for around here are (in no particular order):

Living Hope
Sonic drinks
chocolate (for the other girls)
BASEBALL
the RED SOX rocking their games (not in the last week...)
Wise counsel
Community

This game is so much fun, and it is much harder to sin while you are so focused on being thankful. You should all play the thankful game sometime too...

My other favorite, and the "travel companion" to the thankful game, is the individual version, the Thankful List. It's like the thankful game for one. Amazing!! So, here is my thankful list for today...

1. The Bacaks - they bless me abundantly...and they have the cutest kids EVER. Seriously, if God said stay in College Station forever, I would be totally happy as long as I have the Bacak family to hang out with. Wise counsel, love, encouragement and fun...what else could I want?

2. My roommates. I have grown so much these last nine months, so I am thankful for the experiences I have had with these girls.

3. My current/soon to be roomies - Not confusing at all. I will be retaining one current roommate and gaining one new roommate. I am excited to see what the next year will bring!

4. Summer will be here soon - By summer, I mean a short break from school before summer school and sadly, the hot weather too...

5. My super cute bedroom...Tiffany Blue, Black and White Damask...enough said!

6. Living Hope

7. My future job, working for the wonderful Dr. Bacak...

8. Clean Laundry

9. Flip-Flops and the pedicures they necessitate

10. Pretty Dishes

Yay for thankfulness!! Now to bed!!

Spring has arrived!!!

IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE! IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!

Today, I saw the one thing that lets me know Spring has found it's way to Texas!! Oh the joy that welled up in my heart! These things make me want to dance. I love Bluebonnets. There are few things in life as fabulous as an extremely long drive on a sunny (but not hot!!) day with bluebonnets on the roadside and your sunroof open! (It is my firm belief that every car should have a sunroof. It should be the law!!) So yay for bluebonnets!! I love bluebonnets as much as I love snow and cold and fireworks and homemade ice-cream!! I know these things all seem to contradict, but I love them all!!

This picture is what it looks like ALL around my parent's house in the spring. It is absolutely lovely!! Happy Spring!

The beautiful body!

One of my favorite things to see in the body is the Lord doing the same thing in the hearts of people many many miles apart, who more often than not, have never met. This is always so beautiful and such a powerful display of who the Lord is. Not to mention proving that no one is beyond his reach!! Always great!




The case in point here is a body of believers almost 2000 miles away from our body here is CS. Granted, I have never actually been to Church at the Gate, but the time I have spent on their website and reading their pastor's church blog, has blown me away. It is so wonderful to see that the Lord is doing in Boston what he is doing here in College Station. Not only that, but people are responding!!



So often, people think that LH is nuts for some of the things we do as a body, and the way in which we cling to the Word. If this die to yourself, learn to love community and live on the Word way of life is crazy here, in ultra-conservative, hard-core republican Texas, how much more nuts must it seem in the middle of Boston? I can't imagine!!



The Lord is doing amazing things in this body many many miles away from us. We see A&M as a huge mission field, and don't get me wrong, it certainly is, but how much more of a mission field there must be with 60 colleges and universities within 60 square miles!! I am so excited about the opportunities this body has, and the way I see the Lord teaching them the same exact things he is teaching LH. This body in Boston is one of my favorite things to pray for right now! (That and praying that the Red Sox will win the '08 World Series!!)



1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4 NIV

Where I want to be today...

...On a side note, today is the 265th anniversary of the very first TOWN MEETING held in Boston!! (I bet it was gilmore-esk, except with every one in puritanical clothing...and probably not so many laughs...Sad.)

Spring Break and catch up posting...

It is finally spring break people!!! How wonderful is that? I know it is closer to over than beginning, but still it is spring break!! That is something to rejoice about!! So yay for spring break!!

In the most exciting news I have had recently, I made a GOOD grade on my latest accounting test!! That is totally a miracle from the Lord. I went up three whole letter grades from my first test. Totally amazing!!

Summer is coming up!! Aside from the impending massive amounts of summer school, I am really looking forward to that...except for the incredibly high Texas temperatures. And it's looking like I'm gonna be around CS for quite a bit longer...so get excited...

I am getting sleepy now, so I will (once again) put of posting what I have been meaning to post for months. Happy Spring Break!!

Aggie Baseball...

If you haven't read the title for this post, can you guess what happens on Friday at 6:30pm CST??

The Aggie Baseball Team will be playing their first home game of the year!! So exciting, and such cheap tickets...seriously, NO ONE should pass this up. I think I am going to try and convince my roomies and neighbors that going would have great health benefits....namely me not lamenting about how I wish I was there all evening...in the hopes that we could go as a group! We'll see how that approach goes I guess. :)

Who knows?

Right about now, I should be studying, or doing my living by the book homework. So, of course I am finding it the perfect time to update the blog.

I just saw the pic of me and Treston. It's a good one (you have BEAUTIFUL kids Jenn!!), but it has been there for a while, so I should find a new one to put up. So for those of you who manage to sneak in pics of me when I don't realize it, let me know, so I can use one of those for the blog and for one of my classes too.

I was reading today in Deut. about how the Lord carried Isreal out of Egypt and through the desert like a father. Such a beautiful picture. I love all that I have been learning about what a biblical father/daughter relationship should look like. I Deut. 1:29:37, it talks about how the Lord was with Isreal, went before them, fought for them, and carried them through. How incredible! I love the imagery now that I have seen this acted out between a father and his children. (Thanks Rusty!)

What is scary is what comes afterward though. Isreal forgot all the things the Lord had done for them. The became ungreatful and uncontent. How often do I do that? How often do I forget all the Lord has done in my life, and begin to grumble and be discontent? (My roommates would probably say more than I would like to admit to.) I hate that. I want to work on having a thankful heart that remembers what the Lord has done for me, and that he has already provided all I need.

You could use some Baseball...

I can not wait for Baseball to start up again. Last night after church, we went out with a group of fun people from living hope. So much fun. Bekah and I got to meet Darby, who plays Aggie baseball!! How fun!! Their season starts Feb. 22nd and I can't wait!!!!

I do have some super sad news though. I just checked the Red Sox schedule to see if tickets were available for the games with the Rangers...they are but, the series has been moved to Boston. So sad. So not only do I not get to watch Baseball when I go home for the wedding, I will totatlly be wishing I was in Boston. So sad.

Let's go Sox!!

First, I must say, that it's finally acting like it might be winter. Amazing!!

So a new semester has commenced. I have an amazing class schedule, and am getting to pull out some new school supplies. (Gotta love sharpies and "fun" pens!) Today I got two new "supplies"...

...you should have seen the happy dance I did when the FedEx guy knocked on my door. (I know he was freaked out by my random display of excitement.) For those of you who don't know about Sam Moon, or sammoon.com, go check it out!! This is the greatest place for super cute, super cheap accessories etc. I got these bags for $25.00 total I think. That is a great deal!!

The other exciting thing that I have to announce is that the RED SOX!!! will be playing the Rangers the weekend of my brother's wedding. Not only are my two favorite teams playing one another - which is great because I am happy no matter who wins (even though I love the Sox a little more) - but they are playing in Arlington. Which means that I could totally make at least one game if not two. (Three if I skipped the wedding, but that might be frowned upon. Then again, I might not even be missed...) How great is that? I am so excited!! Let's go Sox!!

In the midst of the storm...

So apparently, I have become one of those people who has a blog, and intends to post stuff, but never does. Probably because I am blog-stocking all of you. Great. But I am posting now, so Yay! (Jenn, you won't have to take my link off, because I am no longer an idle blogger...)

The last six weeks has been hard for me, and the Lord seems to just keep turning up the heat. (Not fun, but bring it Lord, teach me what you want me to learn and refine what needs to be refined.)

Last semester was so crazy busy for me, that I was desperately hoping to find rest and respite at home over the break. Instead, I had to grow up in an unexpected way. My grandmother, whom I love so much, was super sick for so long. It was a blessing to be able to walk through that hard time with her, and spend some time with her, but it was hard to see her hurting and to have our roles reversed.

With my time at home finally over, I came back to College Station looking to escape yet again. I keep looking for an escape and the Lord just keeps throwing things in my lap. So, while I can't give details, there are three very specific issues that I am in the midst of. I desperately need each of your prayers. Pray that the Lord would first and foremost, glorify himself in these things, and that His will would be accomplished. Please pray that I would have patience, love, no fear, gentleness, wisdom and clarity.

The Lord has reminded me time and again, that the circumstances themselves are insignificant. I just need to wait on him. He is ALL I need, my plentiful portion. Psalms has been such a comfort to me through this. I am clinging to the fact that he has ordained each of my days and the HE is hemming me in. What a beautiful thought in the midst of such a storm...

Where are you?

I have wanted to do this for ages. I am sure you will all think I am goofy, but I want to know who YOU are. I randomly go check my sitemeter, and everytime I wonder who all these people are who are reading my blog? Where do you come from? I can't imagine that anything I have to say is interesting. It always catches me off guard when someone says "Oh yeah, I read that on your blog." Everytime I say "You read my blog??!!" It is fun to hear that, but I see a list on site meter and don't have a face to connect to it. So, I want to know who you are. If you have a blog too, let me know so I can visit you back!!
Merry Christmas!!

Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming!!!

Okay, it has been forever since I posted. The sad thing is, that time went by so quickly, it all just seems like a blur. If I am this busy now, I can not imagine how much busier I will be in 10 years, or even 15. Yah. Scary thought. It's a good thing I have Jesus, or I could NEVER do it. College is wonderful for making you realize how insufficient you are and how completely sufficient Christ is. For that I am thankful.

In case you didn't know, CHRISTMAS IS COMING!! I am so excited. Last night I drove up to the home of the amazing Bacaks, and behold, I saw some lovely Christmas lights!! It was a joyful occasion. A few nights ago, some of my roomies and neighbors and I went to eat and after eating, we randomly ended up at Central Park's Christmas light display. It was so beautiful. There was cold weather and Christmas lights!! (Two of my most favorite things!) I was a genius and tried to carry a cup of well iced Dr.Pepper, which lead to FREEZING fingers, but that aside, it was a wonderful outing.

I have so many Christmas-related thoughts I want to relay, so I am just going to pour out whatever comes to mind, because who knows when I will be able to post again...I mean it is finals season too you know!

Number one. Everyone should read the book One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham. It is wonderful!!! If there was only book I read to my children, aside from the Bible, this would be it. I really mean that!! If you know me, you know what a big deal that is. I love books. But this one is spectacularly in a class all it's own. In the book, a lady takes in a boy lost in the woods and cares for him during a blizzard. (more snow!! great!) While caring for him, she tells him a story he has never heard before - the Christmas Story. Only this isn't your "traditional" Christmas story. This story starts before the world was formed. It is a beautiful tale of the Lord's love for and pursuit of us. It is the story of how greatly we needed a Savior, and how fully that need was met through Jesus. Go get on amazon today and buy this book!! (Except for the Bacaks b/c I want to give this to your kids for Christmas.)

Number two. My favorite Christmas tradition is something that I have learned the value of more and more over the years. Every Christmas morning, before gifts are opened, before breakfast is served, before people get dressed, everyone sits around in their pajamas, wrapped in something warm, and my Dad reads Luke 1 and 2. I love this!! It is such a beautiful reminder that this day isn't about boxes or bags, or paper or bows or how much money was spent. It is about the birth of the Savior we needed so badly. After reading Luke, we pray as a family and take time to sing a few hymns about Jesus' birth. I am so thankful that I have never had a Christmas Day where I haven't been confronted with the gospel and my need for a Savior. That there was never a day where it was all about what I got. That in taking this time to step back from the commerical ideas of Christmas,and look at what the Word says Christmas is about, the Lord speaks to my heart and I can worship him and express thanks for all the wonderful things he has done in my life.

I have run out of time, but I know I will have more Christmas related thoughts soon!! I want to know what your favorite Christmas traditions are in the meantime.

Thankful List

Today I need to practice being thankful, so here's a list:

1. Jesus died for me. Best gift ever. By far.

2. Last night's Operation Christmas Child party was AMAZING!! I loved having so many wonderful ladies over! :)

3. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. A break is in sight!! Praise the Lord.

4. I have great roomies

5. There is a wonderful family by the name of Bacak that I know!!!

6. My room is Tiffany blue. Excitement.

7. There is a Christmas tree up in my living room!

8. I am going to get to see two of my most favorite people in the whole world over the upcoming break!!

9. I got to sleep in today.

10. I am still wearing pajamas.

11. Gilmore girls are great.

12. What I like about you is really funny. And reminds me of Heather. (Double bonus - so many laughs)

13. I love red toe nails.

14. School will end someday. And I have the priviledge of going to school. So many don't get that.

15. It will be snowing in Boston soon. I will definately be dreaming about that A LOT.

Better late than never

I haven't posted anything in about three weeks. There are multiple reasons for this. I wanted to make sure everyone knew about the OCC party that is next weekend (the 10th). Also, the World Series ended last night!! So, for the last three weeks, I have been avidly seeking out opportunities to watch the wonderful Red Sox. To be honest, I really pretty much rearranged almost all of my schedule, and sadly, missed some school stuff...Also, in that time, my Great-Grandmother died, so I made a last minute decision to go home to be with the fam for a bit.

Because I haven't posted, you have missed out on some fun stuff. We (Julie Faye and I) decorated/carved our pumpkins. I have pics and will post them soon. You will probably laugh. Friday, is a big day as we will be putting up the Christmas tree (so it will be up for the party, and because I really want to put it up anyway). I know you probably are saying it is a month too early (I have heard this 50 times from my neighbor.), but I disagree, and my roommates aren't complaining, so up it goes!! Yay!! I will also be posting pics of Friday's festivities ASAP.

Okay, now that the trivial stuff has been taken care of, I will get to the good stuff.

Today was Treston's Adoption!!!
This was such a beautiful thing to get to see!! I loved it. This beautiful boy ABSOLUTELY melts my heart, and I know what I was feeling was only a millionth of what Jenn and Rusty were feeling, but it was amazing. Such a good thing that God has done!! Now we have a Treston Jeremiah Bacak!! What more could you want??

Happy Fall!! I will have details about the party at HG tomorrow or I can email you directions etc if you need them!!

Operation Christmas Child Party

I love Operation Christmas Child!! I have a long history with this ministry. I did this every every year with a group of friends from the time I was12 until I graduated HS. Some really great memories. I have even gotten letters and pictures from kids who have recieved my boxes in the past. So sweet!!

So LHers, I am proposing that we have girls night on Saturday the 10th of November (after Saturday church)!! Let's get together, hang out, eat some yummy food, watch some great Christmas flicks and fill and wrap our boxes!! This will be great fellowship, I promise!! Just go the week before and get your stuff and bring a box. I will try and provide enough wrapping paper and tape for everyone, but if you have extra bring it!! You can leave your wrapped
box(es) & the $7.00 per box for shipping here, and I will take them all up to LH at once.

I will post more details later, but go ahead and spread the word. Everyone is welcome. RSVP here or email me so that I can make sure we have enough stuff and room for everyone.

Let's Go Sox!!!

I must say I LOVE THE RED SOX. My roommates can testify to this. I just almost went into a seizure trying to contain my excitement over tonight's win. I mean really, does baseball get any better than this??? (Except winning the world series of course!) I wanted to jump up and down and scream and dance and have all the excitement that I know the streets of Boston are experiencing right now. What a way to build relationships! Yay! Let's go Sox!!