"The Snow is folding sheets upon sheets."

It snowed for an entire day. From Morning til' night, never ceasing. God's glory blanketed denton. I walked the square and joy filled the city. Laughter around every corner, snowball fights, and people warming up to cups of coffee. I played in the snow with the girls, and studied by a window on the second floor of a coffee shop. I woke this morning and took a walk toward the open field that in summer is abundant with sunflowers, it was deep in snow. White ground that seemed to extend forever. God is good.

I have been trying to write down ten things from everyday that I was really thankful for or just really enjoyed. I haven't remembered to do it everyday or sometimes I'm just too tired, but here is two of my latest lists.

January 20, 2010

1. Getting up early

2. Hanging with Weasley

3. Meeting Juanita's family

4. Yellow Tulips

5. Coffee & Milk

6. Enchiladas

7. Letter from Nana

8. Letter from Memaw

9. Smell of Rain

10. Bubble Bath

January 21, 2010

1. Sunrise

2. Shuttle Ride

3. Bragging about Weasley

4. Coffeehouse studying

5. Not feeling tired

6. The Beatles

7. Sunset on the way home

8. Chicken Fried Rice

9. Laughing really hard.

10. Bedtime.

As of Late.

Here I am once again. As I turn from the service road and began to cross the bridge I glance at my almost empty gas tank. I can’t help but think about how I have felt that same feeling at that moment one hundred times before. It’s like a bad habit that holds me down. My whole body melts and my heart sinks. To be in this place again, where I have closed my eyes and been running at what feels like a thousand miles an hour and then to wake up and realize I am in the same place I started. I do this to myself over and over, proverbs sixteen keeps ringing in my ears but I am too stubborn. I am quoting it with eloquence but words can be just that, something I’ve said but not actually done. I do not understand God’s love for me. Time after time I have grown impatient and planned my own thoughts and when my dreams and expectations don’t meet reality He has picked me up once again from my fragile and broken state.

On Vine Street

I briskly left my afternoon class and headed on down vine street. I encountered the most charming yellow house anyone could imagine. A precious blue fence was present to complete its dollhouse appearance. I proceeded up the steps up to my friends studio apartment leaving a merry little present. I left some chocolate chocolate chip banana muffins hanging on her door handle to greet her when she arrived home. Running down the steps I spotted a gray Mr. Kitten. I had dreamt of greeting him with a curtsy, petting him and befriending him. He ran away faster than I could say hello. I continued on passing a house on my right covered in vines and an old man wearing a purple button-up. Just as sweet as could be. I took a right onto shmitz and crunched in all the leaves covering the street. I arrived to my car, got in and drove right back up through vine street so I could experience it all again.

I did all this while listening to:

Hear Me Out- Ben Kweller

I Would Be Sad- The Avett Brothers.

Can't Steal Happiness

Just a few things I am thankful for this week:

1. This video

'Blood' The Middle East

(source)

2. Glenn Miller on Vinyl

3. Building forts with my roommates. Forts are the perfect equation for instant laughter, and for leaving any troubled worries behind.

4. Driving with bare feet.

5. This chocolate cake recipe from Pioneer Woman.

Look at it here.

6. Studying at a coffee shop and then leaving and having the smell of coffee on your clothes.

7. Time to watch "On The Town" Can they please still make movies like this. Classy, funny, and sweet. Please?

(source)

8. And most of all knowing that Christ loves me even when He sees my sinful heart. Ephesians 2:1-10.

"The Planets Bend Between Us"

A little bit of cold weather is here!!! I think it makes all things more bearable. I hope it stays like this. I was kind of missing that rain from last week when it poured down everyday.

I think I would like one of these cute umbrellas to carry in the rain.

You can buy it here.

I don't want to do anything today, but sit at home listening to snowpatrol. I forgo how much I love them.

Looking forward to the Texas State Fair.

And only 93 days until christmas.

"The winters mar the Earth

It's floored with frozen glass

You slip into my arms

And you quickly correct yourself

Your freezing speech bubbles

Seem to hold your words aloft

I want the smoky clouds of laughter

To swim about me forever more"-Snow Patrol

Loving this rain, hoping for more.

Here are a few pictures from that Austin trip a few weeks ago. It was hot, hot, hot, but well worth it.

Is it strange that I might be addicted the "Mario Kart Love Song" by Sam Hart??

I just really like it.

Been working on my harmonica skills, wishing I was up to Bob Dylan's playing level.

Wishin' I had a pen pal to write sweet letters and postcards too. There is something magical about letters.

The Avett Brothers moved their concert to January. I'll have to settle for c.d's and videos.

Gleam

Been listening lots to The Second Gleam album by The Avett Brothers, which is wonderful! The word gleam really struck me this morning, I had to look it up.

Gleam: verb; shine brightly, esp with reflected light; appear or be expressed through the brightness of someone's eyes or expression

It reminded me of how last semester my word to live out was "Shine." I hope that as my faith grows in the Lord that I would shine brightly, and not

only that my countenance would show His love, but that I would be able to verbally express my thanks and love for Him to others around me.

Started reading Love Notes by Ryan Dalgliesh. God already used showed me His faithfulness, and love in the first few chapters. I am excited to continue reading.

Missing my family lots today.

Kort, Me, and Whitt

Bubba & Dad

The Boys

Momma & Me

Little Sister

Spent the Weekend in Austin/San Antonio. Will post pictures soon. Spending the afternoon at IKEA with my housemates :]

Will you Return?

I am terrible at keeping up with this blog once things get crazy. 

I am finally all moved in to my new house here in Denton, and really loving it. We all have been so lazy just reading, sleeping in, and staying up late. It has been really nice to relax finally, but I think I will greet the fall with open arms, even if it means school. I can not wait for all my sisters to come up and visit, I call dibs on hosting our next sister night! I miss yall so very much. 

I have been reading several blogs, and a dear friend 

showed me this one recently, (http://taza-and-husband.blogspot.com/), I have been spending way to much time on there, but was completely fascinated by her happiness project. I decided to make my own list of  ten things that make me terribly happy. So here they are...

1. Being saved by grace, loved so completely by God even though I often don't deserve it. 

2. Seeing God's plans come to 

fruition after things haven't gone my way, for which I am almost always eternally grateful. 

3. Spending time with my family because they know me so well, and because I laugh harder with them than anyone else. 

4. Driving at night with all the windows down. 

5. The first breath of cold air, which is the start to all wonderful festivities such as: thanksgiving, christmas, and new years. 

6. Traveling and everything that goes with it like airports, flying, foreign foods, meeting new people, and sometimes getting lost. 

7. Daydreaming about the future. 

8. Receiving and sending mail. 

9. Mixed c.d's and tapes because each mix has its own sound, and a piece of that person is revealed in the process. 

10. Rainy days full of reading, watching movies, and little naps. 

It was so hard to narrow it down to just ten. Happy thoughts kept coming,  I could write a whole book on things that make me happy. :]

If you decide to make a list. I want to see!!! Show me. 

Been listening to lots of The Avett Brothers, thanks to the roomies, and they are terrific. Check them out. 

Lately

A lot is going on right now. I know some of us kids are trying to finish school, kort with all the baby stuff, and whitt in the middle of moving and job transitions. I just wanted you to all know I am thinking about you lots. I am so ready to be done with this semester, and I know I can make it. Pray I can make an A in my silly computer class...I have a B in there and didnt realize it until today, and I didnt do that good on the test today, but only by my fault. I will do a real update soon. Love you!

Turn! Turn! Turn!- The Byrds

That song title just seems appropriate for now. All I have been wanting to do these past few days is a wake up to a rainy morning, spend the day in my pajamas, drink tea, eat pastries, and watch sleepless in seattle. Today is that kind of morning and I think I got just about everything on my list except for pajamas and the movie. My books were calling my name and can't go unread, but I did get a delicious pastry from Ravelin Bakery. It was a almond chocolate filled croissant...So so so good! We will have to visit the bakery if any of you make it out to denton. I can't believe I have lived for almost two years and not made it out to the bakery yet. So yummy! 

School is wrapping up and I am so thankful to finally see this semester come to a close. I am ready to pack up and head home, for what will probably be my last summer at the house. I am really looking forward to home, school, and work. I am not looking forward to seven a.m. class, but the fact that when it is over I can finally apply is what makes me so excited! 

I have decided to get a house here in denton in the fall with lovely girls that God brought to me. I am completely trusting God for a job in the fall, the opportunity to get into to nursing school, and where he wants me next summer. 

God has been showing me lots these past few weeks since New York. He has continued to show me the strength and sweetness in His name, and is showing Himself to me as Jehovah Rophi, Jehovah Jireh, and Jehovah M' Kaddesh, that is The Lord our Shepherd, The Lord our Provider, and The Lord who sanctifies. He has been speaking so loud and clear. More recently He has finally shown me as the bridegroom through music and verses. I have been praying for a long time to be able to see Him like this, and finally have been able to and it is really just amazing. 

I always seem to forget what everything is about. Praise. Praise! I wish I was not such a forgetful human being, who needed a constant reminder of my purpose, but I do at all times. I was reminded of this on wednesday that life is not mine, and not for me, but to fulfill God's purpose. 1 Chronicles 16:8-10- Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what he had done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 

He also reminded me that everything is in His hands. Ecclesiastes 3:11-15-He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor-it is the gift of God. I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is had already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past. 

Those scriptures really comforted me this past month or so. 

I love you girls and am so glad I get to spend time with yall tonight! 

Things I am excited about:

- Spending time with yall

- Getting my haircute

- Seeing the puppies soon

- Summer

- Snowcones

- Rangers game soon, dollar hot dog night!

- Listening to She & Him when I get into the car

- Warm weather

- That christmas is only 251 days away

- That I will have a house to decorate christmas next year! :0

- Baby Kaitlyn!!!!!

- Getting to wear scrubs :)

-

There's No Place Like Home

New York

I have been trying to sit down and write about New York all week, but nothing has come to mind when I try to sit down and write about it. It was such a long week, and it felt like we were there for a very long time, so much more than just one short week. 

One of the biggest things the Lord taught me was about prayer. Earlier in this semester our college pastor had been challenging us to look at the way we pray, and if we truly believed God would do what He says He is capable of doing. I had thought about it, but not much after that week. I can know see how God was planting a seed in my heart that was leading up to something. In New York we had the opportunity to be a part of three churches, experiencing their prayer meetings, and sunday gatherings. It is in these churches that God showed me how I am to think and pray. I am so guilty of praying without fully believing that God can do what He says He can do. Each and everyone of these churches pray with expectancy, with passion, that God is faithful, and is capable of doing something. They whole heartedly believe that He can if it His will. It taught me a lot about how I should praying, with as much fervor and passion as I can, and the reason I don't see things is because I haven't been asking for them.

The churches up there are so different. Not just the worship or the way they pray, but they all feel like home. Each member of those churches truly wants to be there, and many are sacrificing things to be there. Genuine is the word we all kept using to describe them, because they are so different than anything else we had all experienced. They could care less about the smell of the church, looks of the church, amount of people in the church, or type of music played. They would praise God in nothing, and i think that is just the kind of complete abandonment some of our churches need. Church is not about any of those things anyway. It strictly about the people. Being the hands and feet. Seriously wish you guys could see these people, they can't contain the joy of the Lord, and are such an inspiration. 

Another thing God taught me a lot about was about His people. I had to many preconceived notions about other religions. I feared the people were harsh, rude, and radical. They totally proved me wrong. The people group we worked with, were more welcoming than many people in my classes, or people I share pews with. They welcomed us into their lives, talking, and freely sharing with us about their past, family, and beliefs. God showed me His love for all His people, even the ones that don't acknowledge Him, even those that scoff, and scorn, He loves them just the same as me. That is what is so different about our God. He is so unique. We serve a LIVING God, not a stone statue who is limited in so many ways. 

I also was able to see how big God is, how he stretches across the continents, and using relationships in New York to build churches in Africa. The missionaries we worked with have an amazing story, and while they didn't expect to be used in New York the same way they would have thought they could be used directly in Africa, God always has different plans. They are able to directly effect the lives of the west african muslims in new york who in return travel home to change their families and villages. It is cool to see how big and in control He is. 

And another thing that really stood out to me while we were there was the power in Jesus name. I have never realized before that week how powerful it is to say something In Jesus Name. It really is the most beautiful name ever, and simply marvelous. 

I also think you all should go listen to "Jesus Messiah" by Chris Tomlin, because it seemed to be the theme song of the week among all the churches. And funnily enough, mine the weeks leading up to New york. Coincidence? I think not. 

For the harlem team is was very much a planting seeds kind of trip, but relationships were built, and God always proves to be faithful. I know that He will use those c.d.s with His word to penetrate the lives of His people. 

Please keep in prayer our west african friends: Modou, Mohammed, Iesha, Omar, and many others who received c.d.s from our table. 

I could not have asked for a better way to spend spring break. Thank you for the opportunity to go. 

It was so fun to all get together to celebrate Courtney's birthday. Sisters and mexican food, it doesn't get much better than that. So glad to be home for a weekend and see everyone, except mom and day, but including the puppies, who by the way, got into a little fight with two other dogs, when I took them for a run on Sunday morning. All is well though. 

School is school. And I am just counting down the days till' summer arrives, shorts, sun, snow cones, and sunscreen! I really am ecstatic. I am liking most of my classes, and I love my chemistry teacher. He is a very bold christian and is just the sweetest old man who is very reminiscent of a grandfather figure. 

As hard as a time I have been having with this new adjustment I have never felt so much peace. I know their is a purpose for my being here and whether it is revealed now or never I know God is fully with me while here at TWU, and quite frankly that is all I need in this life. He has been so loud here to me. I feel Him speaking so clearly and comforting me as I miss you guys. 

If you get a chance listen to God of Justice by Tim Hughes and May Our Praise by Leeland. Those are my two theme songs for this semester. 

What is going on with yall? How is work, school, and everything else? 

I love yall so very much and hope yall know that. 

FInally Back

I am finally back to denton and to this blogging thing. Even though I am still in denton it feels strange to be in this new room and school. It still feels far away from everything else and like a very different world. The people are nice and I have been trying to get out and meet new people. 

This past weekend at disciple now we talked a lot about being a light in this world and even as I was teaching I knew God had orchestrated me to so He could teach me just as much that weekend. I really needed that refocusing of what my true purpose is for the Here & Now. I needed to remember why I am here, at this school, in this world.  My main verse for this semester is going to Matthew 5:16-"In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven." As well as John 14:15-18, John 14:27, and Luke 9:23-24. 

I met several girls on the floor today as I went door to door. Three actually came to my room tonight to talk and stayed over for thirty minutes. It was exciting, but I was a nervous wreck, I have not done anything like that since I don't know when, but I hope this semester I will be able to show them God's love. 

Please pray for me as this semester brings so many changes that may seem small, but make everything feel so different. It is a hard change to not come home every night to a friendly face to who I can tell my day about. I know there is a reason to be here at TWU and I know God will do good things if I stay willing. What can I pray for you about sisters?

Blessed Assurance

I am so thankful for UNT. A challenging school but full of interesting people. I am so glad to be out of the bubble, but it is hard. I know what I believe and I believe it with all my heart. I was convicted to night though to know it more, so i will set off to the library first thing in the morning. 

God has given me so many challenging, but cool opportunities this semester. 

Last week our college group split into groups and traveled dorm to dorm. We wanted to serve the people of our community and knocked on doors asking if we could take out their trash for them. People were amazed that we actually wanted to do that for them. We also asked each if they had a prayer request and gave them more info about our church. The community was really open for the most part and people's reactions were so funny. It truly was so much fun though. 

Today a man was preaching on campus. He had drawn a huge crowd with people from all religions and it was more of a debate and question asking forum type thing in the middle of the campus green. Me and kristen decided to stop for just a few minutes but ended up being there for two and half hours. So many people are looking for answers. I am not adequate enough to talk to people but had the opportunity to talk with several atheist. Smart ones...they are so smart! And completely open. and they were surprised that many christians were willing to talk so openly and learn new things. I also had the opportunity to talk to two proclaimed satanist. At first the situation was completely hostile, but I know God was working in their lives. We shared both view points and she asked questions. We talked awhile, and she has been hurt my many christians. I hope she was able to see that God loves her in and out, and wants that perfect relationship with her.  The talk ended in the sharing of tattoos ideas, seeing pictures of her daughter, and a hug. God is working in denton and these people are searching for something more. 

I will being doing my research so i can further talk to these people and talk more. Even though I would give everything for what I believe it does not convince those who need the evidence.

For Me, I can not believe that my sin has been completely removed and forgotten. It is so amazing how God is continually showing His love for Us. 

It is well with my soul. 

Chocolate

Sorry I have not updated things have been So crazy! 

Went to Lake Murray this weekend with the old c

rew. It was so much fun and a nice short break. We left on saturday and just sat around the campfire talking and cooking hot dogs and smores almost all of saturday and then hung out a little on sunday before heading back. It has been forever since any of us had been, and it Looks exactly the same. Not one thing has changed. My camer

a died the day we got there, but everyone took lots of pictures. I will post some on my next entry. 

Also this week me and Amber got to Chris Carrabba live. It was really fun to see someone I have loved for so long and someone whose lyrics have been written on practically everything I own and whose cd's have been played so much they no longer work. He was great live and really funny....and of course beautiful. 

I Had a job interview at Hobby Lobby last week, but I don't think it went that well, and I got a weird vibe from the guy who interviewed me so I will not be so sad if it doesn't work out. 

This week Twilight comes out and I will be joining the avid readers to see it at 12:01 on thursday night. should be fun, my friends kind of want to dresss up, but I am opting for a homemade t-shirt instead. 

Miss you girls. Can't wait to all be together at Thanksgiving. Love you. 

The one with the Elf

So this past week was extremely busy and so will the next month until it's time for christmas break. I have been drinking tons of black coffee to help me stay up each day. But Christm

as break is soon and all is well. I have been studying all afternoon and needed something to take my mind off of studying and have begun composing my list of things to do over christmas break. It might be early but it is what's getting me through. 

P.S. please pray for me this week...I have a HUGE test on thursday and have not had t

ime to hardly touch the information. I am so nervous. 

Okay here it goes.

..not a complete list, but a good portion of it

 

1. Make a trip to Sprinkles

 Cupcakes. I have been saying this for years but have not yet been. I have wanted to go since Jessica Simpson had them once on The Newlyweds...forever ago. 

2. The Parade of Lights On November 28, 2008!! I am excited about this. I have not been since I was little and want to go. 

3. Make Tamales...Whitt is gonna bring 

her skills. 

4. Read for Pleasure. How to be Good and The Lucky One for sure and probably more. 

5. Watch Elf a thousand times since it the most hilarious movie in the world....I am actually watching this right now 

6. Go christmas light looking. 

7. Make Christmas Cookies

8. Drink Carmel Apple 

Cider

9. Sit by the Fireplace

10. Gaylord Texas Ice.

11. Dallas Stars Game or Games...

12. Watch the Polar Express at the Om

ni Theatre

13. Kimbell Art Museum

14. Watch the Grinch

Ideas

I am wide awake which is odd for me. I am usually alseep by now but my pike place coffee seems to be keeping me up. 

I was supposed to get a bunch of stuff done today, but while i was working out I came across the movie John Q and became completely involved. I seriously rode my bike so fast home during the commercial break so I would not miss anything. 

I went to give blood today. Not sure why they always have trouble finding my veins...mine are so hard to see and so small. I almost passed out. It was a weird feeling. The workers were really nice. All three of us talked about nursing and the different routes involved and they made me feel at ease. They all want to be nurses too. 

I was thinking about how cool it would be to work at St. Jude's. I am so frustrated that I am so far from helping people, but I know I need the process so I can actually be of help. 

In case yall didn't know I always draw up so many schemes and plans. I am having the hardest time trying to decide what to do this summer. I have to take one science class. I was so set on going to a full summer mission, but that doesnt seem like it will work out since I cant be gone all summer...I have applied for so much stuff...but the past two days I just might have found two things I never considered. Who knows what I will be doing, I just hope something. 

Love Yall.  Looking forward to see everyone. 

Na Na Na Na Na

This weekend went by way too fast but it was so much fun. Lots of just hanging with the girls here in denton and studying of course. 

This morning in church an international children's choir came to lead us in worship. The children were from all over the world and it was precious. I was crying the whole time and after their performance the kids drifted into the isles to hug us. It was the best thing i could have ever received and it completely made my day. It might even make my week. The children sang and shared testimonies. It was such a blessing and a needed reminder of just how blessed I am. Did i mention how much i want to move to africa now? Maybe not move there but go and give aid to those who dont have it. 

The children showed me an innocent whole hearted love and while we are not to necessarily always be childlike in our faith...we are to grow and advance...I am certain loving like children is something as adults we are to do. They love whole heartedly not holding anything back. I can not explain to you the joy that radiated from their faces today. 

I adopted a girl to support. I originally had wanted a little boy from africa, but this card crossed my path and I knew it was for me. Her name is Anassetalle. She is eight years old, wants to be a nurse, and loves to sing. I know if i was to meet her we would be a pair. I am so excited I have always wanted to do this. She is beautiful in every way. 

I wish i could be there to hold her and tell her she is loved, but since I cant I can love her in this way. I get to send her letters! 

Only 66 days til christmas...and so much sooner to halloween. :]

This week is a busy week with two hard test and next week is harder with four test, But I am confident I can make it to thanksgiving which means I can def. make it throught the semester. 

I also started a new book- The Choice by Nicholas Sparks. It is good and should be finished in two days. After that I want to read Sparks brand new book The Lucky One. It sounds so good! Any other books suggestions? I could not decide at Hastings yesterday. 

Love yall, Let me know if yall have specific prayer request.  

P.S. I really miss old nickelodean...Clarissa Explains It All, Doug, Alex Mac, Are You Afraid of the Dark, Salute Your Shorts, and Hey Dude! I wish nickelodean was as good as it was when i was young.