the past few weeks have been trying, for many reasons... of which i won't bore you now. but today i've begun to feel hopeful. it was a day of pleasant surprises... a smile at church... the laughter of friendship... the quiet that only snow brings. i have very many reasons to be thankful, and just as many reasons to be hopeful. life is uncertain, and that's what makes it beautiful.
love to all...
Monday, November 12, 2007
Monday, November 05, 2007
more from The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus...
"From our brother Jesus, who alone knows the Father, we learn that there is welcoming love, unconditional acceptance, a relentless and eternal affection that so far exceeds our human experience that even the passion and death of Jesus are only a hint of it. Think about that for a moment: the torn, broken, lacerated, spit-covered, blood-drenched body of Jesus is only a hint of the Father's love. The very substance of our faith is the unwavering confidence that beyond this hint lies love beyond measure."
"From our brother Jesus, who alone knows the Father, we learn that there is welcoming love, unconditional acceptance, a relentless and eternal affection that so far exceeds our human experience that even the passion and death of Jesus are only a hint of it. Think about that for a moment: the torn, broken, lacerated, spit-covered, blood-drenched body of Jesus is only a hint of the Father's love. The very substance of our faith is the unwavering confidence that beyond this hint lies love beyond measure."
Sunday, October 28, 2007
i'm reading this wonderful book called The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus, by Brennan Manning. in the chapter i just finished, mr. manning was talking about being abandoned to God's will, and thanking Him for everything... even the most difficult things in life. he says that in doing this, we'll hear God say something like this:
"My child, fan the flame of your confidence in Me. Keep it burning. I want you to be happy, to come back again and again to this feeling of trust until you are never without it. Trust is an aspect of love. If you love Me and believe in My love for you, you will surrender your whole self into My hands like a little child who doesn't even ask, 'Where are you taking me?' but sets off joyously, hand in hand with his mother. How many blessings this happy confidence wins for you, My little one.
Keep going blindly. Take delight in knowing nothing about the future. I know how to lead the blind by the best paths. And when this blind person knows that he is My son, she is My daughter, won't they be glad of their infirmity; since it has power over My heart? In all this see My tenderness. It is everlasting."
how beautiful...
"My child, fan the flame of your confidence in Me. Keep it burning. I want you to be happy, to come back again and again to this feeling of trust until you are never without it. Trust is an aspect of love. If you love Me and believe in My love for you, you will surrender your whole self into My hands like a little child who doesn't even ask, 'Where are you taking me?' but sets off joyously, hand in hand with his mother. How many blessings this happy confidence wins for you, My little one.
Keep going blindly. Take delight in knowing nothing about the future. I know how to lead the blind by the best paths. And when this blind person knows that he is My son, she is My daughter, won't they be glad of their infirmity; since it has power over My heart? In all this see My tenderness. It is everlasting."
how beautiful...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
a little something from the daily bread...
"He looks on us and sees the voids and imperfections in our lives, yet lovingly and patiently does His work in us to make us His masterpiece-- a masterpiece that 'conforms to the image of His Son' (Romans 8:29).
What a joy it is to have such a God, who makes us new and never tires of investing His energy and effort into our lives!" -Bill Crowder
love to all...
"He looks on us and sees the voids and imperfections in our lives, yet lovingly and patiently does His work in us to make us His masterpiece-- a masterpiece that 'conforms to the image of His Son' (Romans 8:29).
What a joy it is to have such a God, who makes us new and never tires of investing His energy and effort into our lives!" -Bill Crowder
love to all...
Friday, September 07, 2007
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
-Proverbs 3:5-10 (The Message)
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
-Proverbs 3:5-10 (The Message)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
i spent much of today in silence, or at least as close to silence as possible. right now all i can hear is my upstairs neighbor's dryer ( i assume) and the friendly crickets outside.
there's quite a bit going on in my life right now, and this morning i just felt God tell me that i needed to be still and listen for Him. i get so distracted by the "noise" of every day life that sometimes i can't even hear myself think, let alone hear God speak. so today instead of filling the emptiness of my apartment with music or tv, i decided to let God fill it with whatever He wanted me to hear from Him. i have to tell you that i heard a lot. nothing is resolved, but i'm at peace (for the most part, anyway. i'd be lying if i told you that there weren't moments today when i felt the need to escape my own skin). as frustrating as everything that's going on is, i think it's good. i think it's really good...
"be still and know that I am God..." (psalm 46:10)
"for the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
the Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right." (psalm 84:11)
"'for I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (jeremiah 29:11)
love to all...
there's quite a bit going on in my life right now, and this morning i just felt God tell me that i needed to be still and listen for Him. i get so distracted by the "noise" of every day life that sometimes i can't even hear myself think, let alone hear God speak. so today instead of filling the emptiness of my apartment with music or tv, i decided to let God fill it with whatever He wanted me to hear from Him. i have to tell you that i heard a lot. nothing is resolved, but i'm at peace (for the most part, anyway. i'd be lying if i told you that there weren't moments today when i felt the need to escape my own skin). as frustrating as everything that's going on is, i think it's good. i think it's really good...
"be still and know that I am God..." (psalm 46:10)
"for the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
the Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right." (psalm 84:11)
"'for I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (jeremiah 29:11)
and finally...
love to all...
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
the plight of the only child...
sometimes i get a little bummed out that i don't have siblings. i feel like i'm missing out on things that people who have siblings get, like intimate relationships that are life-long, and (for the most part) unconditional. but i was reminded this weekend that God has blessed me with "siblings". i may not have grown up in the same household as they did, but we have intimate, life-long, unconditional relationships. these friends have been there for me through thick and thin (even at times when we didn't really like each other). not many people are blessed with friends who will stay up late (not to mention get out of bed) when they've had a bad night and just need a hug (and perhaps a huge piece of chocolate cake). i have those kinds of friends.
i am so blessed...
sometimes i get a little bummed out that i don't have siblings. i feel like i'm missing out on things that people who have siblings get, like intimate relationships that are life-long, and (for the most part) unconditional. but i was reminded this weekend that God has blessed me with "siblings". i may not have grown up in the same household as they did, but we have intimate, life-long, unconditional relationships. these friends have been there for me through thick and thin (even at times when we didn't really like each other). not many people are blessed with friends who will stay up late (not to mention get out of bed) when they've had a bad night and just need a hug (and perhaps a huge piece of chocolate cake). i have those kinds of friends.
i am so blessed...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
"To say that 'prayer changes things' is not as close to the truth as saying, 'Prayer changes me and then I change things'. God has established things so that prayer, on the basis of redemption, changes the way a person looks at things. Prayer is not a matter of changing things externally, but one of working miracles in a person's inner nature."
-Oswald Chambers
-Oswald Chambers
Thursday, August 02, 2007
a little excerpt from provocative faith...
"Ultimately, we experience lifestyle joy when we become content with who Jesus is. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me' (John 14:6 NLT). Making peace with this statement is a process. Some days I wake up and am completely fine with Jesus being the 'way' or the 'truth' for me. But then there are times when I'm not okay with his way or truth; I want it to be my way or I want to find my own truth. But my rules and my idols and my belief systems only get in the way of Jesus reigning supreme in my life. Joy comes not when we put Jesus first, but when we realize that he's always been first and demands nothing less. We must get ourselves out of the way in order for his purpose of making us like him to transpire.
We will never find our joy in circumstance. We will never find our joy in the 'quickies' culture so often offers. Joy comes to us when we faithfully pursue knowing Jesus more intimately. As you begin to know him more deeply and more passionately, you will see your life becoming more peaceful, more content. You won't be 'happy all the time', but your joy will be a lifestyle and not just a passing feeling."
good stuff, mr. turner, good stuff.
"Ultimately, we experience lifestyle joy when we become content with who Jesus is. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me' (John 14:6 NLT). Making peace with this statement is a process. Some days I wake up and am completely fine with Jesus being the 'way' or the 'truth' for me. But then there are times when I'm not okay with his way or truth; I want it to be my way or I want to find my own truth. But my rules and my idols and my belief systems only get in the way of Jesus reigning supreme in my life. Joy comes not when we put Jesus first, but when we realize that he's always been first and demands nothing less. We must get ourselves out of the way in order for his purpose of making us like him to transpire.
We will never find our joy in circumstance. We will never find our joy in the 'quickies' culture so often offers. Joy comes to us when we faithfully pursue knowing Jesus more intimately. As you begin to know him more deeply and more passionately, you will see your life becoming more peaceful, more content. You won't be 'happy all the time', but your joy will be a lifestyle and not just a passing feeling."
good stuff, mr. turner, good stuff.
Monday, July 16, 2007
T-R-U-S-T
this word has come up a lot lately. actually, it has come up a lot throughout my life, and yet i am no closer to mastering the concept now than i was years ago.
trust has never come naturally to me, as i'm sure it probably doesn't to many people, but in looking back on my life i can see that my ability to trust has diminished as time has passed. at first glance, this might seem like a natural chain of events... the more a person is disappointed by others, the less able he or she will be to trust. it is true that i've been disappointed and hurt by some people in my life, so perhaps it's logical for me to not trust those individuals anymore. however, it isn't logical for me to mistrust other people who have never given me a reason to believe that they're not trustworthy. what's even more illogical is for me to mistrust God. he has never given me a reason not to trust him, but has given me every reason to trust him. not only did he die on a cross so that i could spend eternity with him (pretty sure if someone does that, he's trustworthy), but he's protected me from a great deal of pain... even though i chose to get myself into painful situations. the thing is, no matter how stupid i am, no matter how incredibly poor the choices i make are, God wants to give me good things. this is a concept that i can't seem to grasp, probably because it seems totally illogical. why would God want to give someone like me--someone who is selfish, impatient, untrusting (etc, etc)-- good things?!? in wordly terms that doesn't make sense. but that's the beauty of who God is. he's not of this world, and therefore does things differently. in this world, we get rewarded when we perform well. but God desires to bless us even though we continually screw up. yes, you read that correctly... he desires to bless us. he wants us to experience all that he has for us (ie., what's best for us). so why is it so difficult to trust him? probably because sometimes what's best for us happens in a painful manner. sometimes in order to learn, God allows us to be hurt, and sometimes we get hurt just because this world isn't perfect. there's risk involved with trust. but another beautiful thing about God is that he knows what that risk is like. when Jesus was on this earth, he experienced that risk. he knows exactly how it feels.
the creator of the universe knows exactly how i feel at this very moment...
what an incredible thought.
love to all...
this word has come up a lot lately. actually, it has come up a lot throughout my life, and yet i am no closer to mastering the concept now than i was years ago.
trust has never come naturally to me, as i'm sure it probably doesn't to many people, but in looking back on my life i can see that my ability to trust has diminished as time has passed. at first glance, this might seem like a natural chain of events... the more a person is disappointed by others, the less able he or she will be to trust. it is true that i've been disappointed and hurt by some people in my life, so perhaps it's logical for me to not trust those individuals anymore. however, it isn't logical for me to mistrust other people who have never given me a reason to believe that they're not trustworthy. what's even more illogical is for me to mistrust God. he has never given me a reason not to trust him, but has given me every reason to trust him. not only did he die on a cross so that i could spend eternity with him (pretty sure if someone does that, he's trustworthy), but he's protected me from a great deal of pain... even though i chose to get myself into painful situations. the thing is, no matter how stupid i am, no matter how incredibly poor the choices i make are, God wants to give me good things. this is a concept that i can't seem to grasp, probably because it seems totally illogical. why would God want to give someone like me--someone who is selfish, impatient, untrusting (etc, etc)-- good things?!? in wordly terms that doesn't make sense. but that's the beauty of who God is. he's not of this world, and therefore does things differently. in this world, we get rewarded when we perform well. but God desires to bless us even though we continually screw up. yes, you read that correctly... he desires to bless us. he wants us to experience all that he has for us (ie., what's best for us). so why is it so difficult to trust him? probably because sometimes what's best for us happens in a painful manner. sometimes in order to learn, God allows us to be hurt, and sometimes we get hurt just because this world isn't perfect. there's risk involved with trust. but another beautiful thing about God is that he knows what that risk is like. when Jesus was on this earth, he experienced that risk. he knows exactly how it feels.
the creator of the universe knows exactly how i feel at this very moment...
what an incredible thought.
love to all...
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
katie's bridal shower was this weekend! it was such fun (and to be honest, i don't usually like girly things like that, so you know it was lovely)! this is probably my favorite picture... the HUGE bow on her butt cracked me up (as you can probably tell from the ridiculous look on my face)...
and now for a more normal picture of me and miss katie...
(thanks to miss laura for taking such fun pictures!)
love to all...
and now for a more normal picture of me and miss katie...
(thanks to miss laura for taking such fun pictures!)
love to all...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
today i played some music and made a bowl out of plaster. i love that i'm getting 3 credits for this class!!!
in other news, i finally found out that i got the job at fulton! woo! but, i still don't know when i start! i'm getting rather frustrated, but i decided earlier that i was just going to be happy that i have a job. so this is me being happy i have a job...
i hope you're all having a wonderful week!
much love...
in other news, i finally found out that i got the job at fulton! woo! but, i still don't know when i start! i'm getting rather frustrated, but i decided earlier that i was just going to be happy that i have a job. so this is me being happy i have a job...
i hope you're all having a wonderful week!
much love...
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
for some reason, i've stumbled upon these verses and others like them several times this week... so i thought i'd share...
"This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."
-1 John 5:14
"Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight."
-1 John 3:22
"Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
-Hebrews 11:6
"This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."
-1 John 5:14
"Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight."
-1 John 3:22
"Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
-Hebrews 11:6
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
"We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.
He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross."
-Colossians 1:15-20Saturday, May 26, 2007
well, i'm moved in... for the most part, anyway. i still have loads of stuff to put away and all that junk, but the big stuff is done.
i'm totally excited to be here, but i'm also sad. life is so weird and seemingly unfair sometimes. i know i'm supposed to be in lancaster right now, but the events of the past week have made it incredibly difficult to leave bloomsburg. it's all quite confusing and exciting and frustrating all at the same time.
*sigh* i think i need to go to bed...
much love...
i'm totally excited to be here, but i'm also sad. life is so weird and seemingly unfair sometimes. i know i'm supposed to be in lancaster right now, but the events of the past week have made it incredibly difficult to leave bloomsburg. it's all quite confusing and exciting and frustrating all at the same time.
*sigh* i think i need to go to bed...
much love...
Monday, May 21, 2007
3 days! that's right, 3!
i am really excited, but i'm also starting to get a little nervous. the job thing is still up in the air, which is rather frustrating, but i know it'll all work out somehow. i'm also feeling a little sad about leaving bloomsburg. it's home, ya know? however, it will be nice to be living in a bigger town, where i won't see people i know every day. best of all is that i'll be on my own. that's a good thought. what's comforting is knowing that while i may not live here, bloomsburg will always be home, and there will always be people here who care about me, and whom i care about very much.
love to all...
i am really excited, but i'm also starting to get a little nervous. the job thing is still up in the air, which is rather frustrating, but i know it'll all work out somehow. i'm also feeling a little sad about leaving bloomsburg. it's home, ya know? however, it will be nice to be living in a bigger town, where i won't see people i know every day. best of all is that i'll be on my own. that's a good thought. what's comforting is knowing that while i may not live here, bloomsburg will always be home, and there will always be people here who care about me, and whom i care about very much.
love to all...
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
did you ever have one of those days when you felt uncomfortable in your own skin?
that's me today. i'm nervous, anxious, confused, frustrated, and bored. oh, and we mustn't forget lonely. i have so many things to think about, and quite a bit to do in the next few weeks, but i can't do anything about any of it right now (and for some of it, there's nothing i can do ever). i hate feeling helpless and useless, and (here's the crux of it) out of control. i hate to admit it, but i like being in control of things. i like knowing exactly what's going to happen next, and how i'm going to do it. i hate waiting for things to happen. i hate not knowing what's going to happen. i especially hate not knowing what i even want to happen.
what i'd really like is to be settled. just... settled.
i don't think that's too much to ask.
i know some day i will be, and i'll look back at my life and laugh at myself for being so impatient. unfortunately, that doesn't exactly help me out right now. i wish i could be content. i think i was actually doing pretty well with that for a while, but now that i have nothing to do all day but think, i'm back to being discontented.
i know that someday i'll be settled, but today i just don't feel like it's ever going to happen...
forgive my whining...
love to all...
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" -Jeremiah 29:11
that's me today. i'm nervous, anxious, confused, frustrated, and bored. oh, and we mustn't forget lonely. i have so many things to think about, and quite a bit to do in the next few weeks, but i can't do anything about any of it right now (and for some of it, there's nothing i can do ever). i hate feeling helpless and useless, and (here's the crux of it) out of control. i hate to admit it, but i like being in control of things. i like knowing exactly what's going to happen next, and how i'm going to do it. i hate waiting for things to happen. i hate not knowing what's going to happen. i especially hate not knowing what i even want to happen.
what i'd really like is to be settled. just... settled.
i don't think that's too much to ask.
i know some day i will be, and i'll look back at my life and laugh at myself for being so impatient. unfortunately, that doesn't exactly help me out right now. i wish i could be content. i think i was actually doing pretty well with that for a while, but now that i have nothing to do all day but think, i'm back to being discontented.
i know that someday i'll be settled, but today i just don't feel like it's ever going to happen...
forgive my whining...
love to all...
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" -Jeremiah 29:11
Thursday, May 10, 2007
has it been GORGEOUS this week or what!?!
i've been home (in bloomsburg) since friday afternoon, and so far i've done a great deal of relaxing. it is so wonderful to have a couple weeks off just to relax after a long semester. my days thus far have consisted of getting up around 10, eating breakfast on the porch with mag, working out a little bit, laying around a bit more (haha), and making dinner. i could seriously get used to this (i always say that, but in about a week i'll be saying i'm bored, and i can't wait to get back to work)!
speaking of work... i still haven't heard a definite about going back to the bank. so keep your fingers crossed (and keep your ears peeled for other jobs i might be able to get)!
15 days! woo!
love to all...
i've been home (in bloomsburg) since friday afternoon, and so far i've done a great deal of relaxing. it is so wonderful to have a couple weeks off just to relax after a long semester. my days thus far have consisted of getting up around 10, eating breakfast on the porch with mag, working out a little bit, laying around a bit more (haha), and making dinner. i could seriously get used to this (i always say that, but in about a week i'll be saying i'm bored, and i can't wait to get back to work)!
speaking of work... i still haven't heard a definite about going back to the bank. so keep your fingers crossed (and keep your ears peeled for other jobs i might be able to get)!
15 days! woo!
love to all...
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
it is SUCH a beautiful day!!!
today is my last day at Catholic Social Services, and i've already finished all my schoolwork (i'm trying my hardest not to think about the research project anymore, cause there's nothing more i can do) so i've been sitting here looking out the window. it's amazing what a little sunshine will do for a dirty city.
speaking of cities and sunshine... i'm moving to lancaster in 23 days! haha... that's not getting old, is it? by the way, if anyone has a burning desire to help me move, i'll let ya.
hehe so i've been packing little by little over the past couple weeks, and i am still amazed by how much stuff i have! i think the bulk of it is books, which are not fun to move... they're very heavy, and i'm weak. thank goodness i have my pops to help me with that stuff. i'll have to make him a good dinner or something (see what you would be in for if you came to help... hehe).
well i'm off to do some reading... which may turn into gazing out the window... i hope you're all able to enjoy this BEAUTIFUL day!
much love...
today is my last day at Catholic Social Services, and i've already finished all my schoolwork (i'm trying my hardest not to think about the research project anymore, cause there's nothing more i can do) so i've been sitting here looking out the window. it's amazing what a little sunshine will do for a dirty city.
speaking of cities and sunshine... i'm moving to lancaster in 23 days! haha... that's not getting old, is it? by the way, if anyone has a burning desire to help me move, i'll let ya.
hehe so i've been packing little by little over the past couple weeks, and i am still amazed by how much stuff i have! i think the bulk of it is books, which are not fun to move... they're very heavy, and i'm weak. thank goodness i have my pops to help me with that stuff. i'll have to make him a good dinner or something (see what you would be in for if you came to help... hehe). well i'm off to do some reading... which may turn into gazing out the window... i hope you're all able to enjoy this BEAUTIFUL day!
much love...
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
my goal for the day was to finish writing my research project. it's 1:00pm now, and so far i've written a paragraph. i decided to sit on the porch and do my work, cause it's absolutely beautiful out today, and mag really likes being outside. she and i have successfully watched the world go by for the past 3 hours. i probably should feel guilty, but i don't. tomorrow is mag's 15th birthday, and i'm not too sure how many more days like this she and i will get to enjoy together, so i'm gonna do it while i can. it's amazing how much i love the little pooch. if you knew her, you'd understand.
tomorrow also begins the first day of the month i move back to lancaster, as katie pointed out in an email this morning. i'm so excited! in 26 days, i will officially be a resident of lancaster county once again! woo!
but for now i must concentrate on my research project! prayers would be appreciated! hahaha (seriously.)
love to all...
tomorrow also begins the first day of the month i move back to lancaster, as katie pointed out in an email this morning. i'm so excited! in 26 days, i will officially be a resident of lancaster county once again! woo!
but for now i must concentrate on my research project! prayers would be appreciated! hahaha (seriously.)
love to all...
Monday, April 23, 2007
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
and i've stolen yet another survey from the kateness... she always posts these when i'm totally bored... it's like she knows i need some amusement. :)
[ current clothes ] millersville t-shirt and capris (i'm all millersvilled out today)
[ current mood ] bored and pensive
[ current music ] the cure
[ current pain ] blah
[ current taste ] um... tongue?
[ current hair ] ponytail... which is most likely out of control, as usual
[ current annoyance ] school... especially research... AND all the ignorant people in this bleeping town
[ current blessing ] i'm moving to lancaster next month!!!!
[ current smell ] patchouli incense
[ current amusement ] the conversation i'm having with eric kerr right now
[ current thing I ought to be doing ] painting something (just cause i feel like it)
[ current desktop picture ] one i took of a flower in boulder last summer
[ current book you're reading ] slaughterhouse five
[ current CD in CD player ] the best of fall out boy according to the kateness
[ current movie in DVD player ] first season of friends
[ current color of toenails ] red
[ current worry ] school... future
[ current wish ] if i tell you it won't come true... and believe me... i *really* want this one to come true...
[ current clothes ] millersville t-shirt and capris (i'm all millersvilled out today)
[ current mood ] bored and pensive
[ current music ] the cure
[ current pain ] blah
[ current taste ] um... tongue?
[ current hair ] ponytail... which is most likely out of control, as usual
[ current annoyance ] school... especially research... AND all the ignorant people in this bleeping town
[ current blessing ] i'm moving to lancaster next month!!!!
[ current smell ] patchouli incense
[ current amusement ] the conversation i'm having with eric kerr right now
[ current thing I ought to be doing ] painting something (just cause i feel like it)
[ current desktop picture ] one i took of a flower in boulder last summer
[ current book you're reading ] slaughterhouse five
[ current CD in CD player ] the best of fall out boy according to the kateness
[ current movie in DVD player ] first season of friends
[ current color of toenails ] red
[ current worry ] school... future
[ current wish ] if i tell you it won't come true... and believe me... i *really* want this one to come true...
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
lately i've been trying to write only positive things in the old blog, but today i'm just so frustrated, i can't help but complain.
this research project is driving me nuts!!!! first, i was hoping to get 30 surveys, and i only got 20 (which is really out of my hands, since i can't translate them for clients). now i'm trying to write this outline for the discussion section, which is more of a hassle than anything else. i swear it's impossible to put all the information i have to discuss into an outline. most of the subjects i have to discuss are all throughout the discussion section, so there's no good place to put it in the outline. i first just stuck it somewhere, hoping that my professor would just assume that i'd talk about it throughout the section, where it was relevant, but she did not. she told me not to break it up. now, how do you make an outline without breaking things up? isn't that the point of an outline?!? (i know this is probably not making a lot of sense, but i must get it out anyway) so i just emailed my professor and politely asked her if she could help me out, since what she told me to do didn't make any sense (of course, i didn't say that... even though i really wanted to). we'll see what she says.
*sigh* ok, complaining session complete. i really do have so much to be thankful for. after today, i only have 10 more days of my internship, and after friday, only 10 more days of classes! woo! this means that in less than 6 weeks i'll be finished with my first year of grad school, and in less than 9 weeks, i'll be moving back to lancaster!!! hooray!!!!
oh, and one more thing... it's SPRING!!!
this research project is driving me nuts!!!! first, i was hoping to get 30 surveys, and i only got 20 (which is really out of my hands, since i can't translate them for clients). now i'm trying to write this outline for the discussion section, which is more of a hassle than anything else. i swear it's impossible to put all the information i have to discuss into an outline. most of the subjects i have to discuss are all throughout the discussion section, so there's no good place to put it in the outline. i first just stuck it somewhere, hoping that my professor would just assume that i'd talk about it throughout the section, where it was relevant, but she did not. she told me not to break it up. now, how do you make an outline without breaking things up? isn't that the point of an outline?!? (i know this is probably not making a lot of sense, but i must get it out anyway) so i just emailed my professor and politely asked her if she could help me out, since what she told me to do didn't make any sense (of course, i didn't say that... even though i really wanted to). we'll see what she says.
*sigh* ok, complaining session complete. i really do have so much to be thankful for. after today, i only have 10 more days of my internship, and after friday, only 10 more days of classes! woo! this means that in less than 6 weeks i'll be finished with my first year of grad school, and in less than 9 weeks, i'll be moving back to lancaster!!! hooray!!!!
oh, and one more thing... it's SPRING!!!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
so much school work to do...
so little time...
so many happier things to do (like get ready to move back to lancaster!!!! hehe)...
it's getting to be that time of the semester... when lots and LOTS of things are due... like a HUGEMONGOUS research project (that i have very little motivation to do). unfortunately, all i can seem to think about lately is moving back to lancaster. yesterday i actually spent about 45 minutes drawing a floor plan of my apartment and deciding where i was going to put all my furniture and pictures. yeah, i did. i could have been working on all of the school stuff i have to do, but nope, i drew pictures instead. no one can say i don't have priorities!
i think i'll try to get some work done now... wish me luck!
love to all...
so little time...
so many happier things to do (like get ready to move back to lancaster!!!! hehe)...
it's getting to be that time of the semester... when lots and LOTS of things are due... like a HUGEMONGOUS research project (that i have very little motivation to do). unfortunately, all i can seem to think about lately is moving back to lancaster. yesterday i actually spent about 45 minutes drawing a floor plan of my apartment and deciding where i was going to put all my furniture and pictures. yeah, i did. i could have been working on all of the school stuff i have to do, but nope, i drew pictures instead. no one can say i don't have priorities!
i think i'll try to get some work done now... wish me luck!
love to all...
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
great news!!!!
i just got a call from the apartment complex in lancaster...
i got the apartment i wanted!!!! and i can move in on may 26th!!!!! yay!!!!
now all i have to do is schedule classes down there, and wait to see if i can go back to work at fulton (which depends on jon, the guy i used to work with, getting a full time job... so ya'll can pray that that will happen, since it will benefit both of us. see, i'm not being totally selfish... hehe)
i will leave you with these words from Psalm 139:1-10:
"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, 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."
love to all...
i just got a call from the apartment complex in lancaster...
i got the apartment i wanted!!!! and i can move in on may 26th!!!!! yay!!!!
now all i have to do is schedule classes down there, and wait to see if i can go back to work at fulton (which depends on jon, the guy i used to work with, getting a full time job... so ya'll can pray that that will happen, since it will benefit both of us. see, i'm not being totally selfish... hehe)
i will leave you with these words from Psalm 139:1-10:
"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, 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."
love to all...
Monday, March 12, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
i was in lancaster this weekend for miss abigail's wedding (which was loads of fun... and she was so BEAUTIFUL!!!), and i was reminded once again why i love that county. i was so blessed by the wonderful weather, and even more wonderful friends...
it might not be so hard to leave bloomsburg after all...
(i will miss ceejer and greggy lots, though!!!!!)
it might not be so hard to leave bloomsburg after all...
(i will miss ceejer and greggy lots, though!!!!!)
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
the past few days have made me realize that i'm really going to miss bloomsburg... this place will always be home... *sigh* my heart is torn...
nelson mandela once said, "there is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered". this is true, but i must add that returning to such a place can also reveal how you've remained unchanged...
it's gonna be hard to leave...
nelson mandela once said, "there is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered". this is true, but i must add that returning to such a place can also reveal how you've remained unchanged...
it's gonna be hard to leave...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
believe it or not, it's sunny in scranton again. two wednesdays in a row... it's a MIRACLE! hehe
it's amazing how a little sunshine can change my attitude. several little annoyances occurred today, and i responded to them very differently today than i have in the past (for instance, when it's really gloomy outside). like this morning... i was going to the meter to put some more money in when i saw that there was an open spot right in front of the building. so, i thought i'd move my car up, but by the time i got to the spot, someone had already taken it. on a different day i probably would have been frustrated by that, but today i thought to myself, "oh well. i'll get to drive around for a couple blocks listening to the new fall out boy cd and enjoying the sunshine". now i know some of you *cough--mark--cough* will probably think i'm lying about this, but i'm really not. i become very different when the sun is shining. it's like i'm the opposite of a vampire... or something. hahahaha (forgive me... i'm really random today... perhaps also a symptom of the sunshine...)
now if only i could learn to have the same positive attitude no matter what the weather or the circumstances. but growth is a process... and when i struggle i'm able to experience God's grace... what a wonderful thing...
so, i hope that as you're reading this, it's sunny wherever you are...
love to all...
it's amazing how a little sunshine can change my attitude. several little annoyances occurred today, and i responded to them very differently today than i have in the past (for instance, when it's really gloomy outside). like this morning... i was going to the meter to put some more money in when i saw that there was an open spot right in front of the building. so, i thought i'd move my car up, but by the time i got to the spot, someone had already taken it. on a different day i probably would have been frustrated by that, but today i thought to myself, "oh well. i'll get to drive around for a couple blocks listening to the new fall out boy cd and enjoying the sunshine". now i know some of you *cough--mark--cough* will probably think i'm lying about this, but i'm really not. i become very different when the sun is shining. it's like i'm the opposite of a vampire... or something. hahahaha (forgive me... i'm really random today... perhaps also a symptom of the sunshine...)
now if only i could learn to have the same positive attitude no matter what the weather or the circumstances. but growth is a process... and when i struggle i'm able to experience God's grace... what a wonderful thing...
so, i hope that as you're reading this, it's sunny wherever you are...
love to all...
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
today is beautiful. walking outside this morning without wearing a bulky winter coat was wonderful! it's amazing how a little sunshine can make me feel so good. it is a beautiful reminder that winter doesn't last forever. there is always the hope of spring...
you should feel the sun in spring
comin out after a rain
suddenly all is green
sunshine on everything
i can feel it now
i feel You now
and how could such a thing
shine its light on me
and make everything beautiful
and you should hear the angels sing
all gathered round their king
more beautiful than you could dream
i've been quietly listening
you can hear them now
i hear them now
and how could such a king
shine His light on me
and make everything beautiful
and i want to shine
i want to be light
i want to tell you it'll be alright
and i want to shine and i want to fly
just to tell you now
it'll be alright, it'll be alright
'cause i've got nothing of my own to give to you
but this light that shines on me shines on you
and makes everything beautiful, again
it'll be alright...
-david crowder band "stars"
you should feel the sun in spring
comin out after a rain
suddenly all is green
sunshine on everything
i can feel it now
i feel You now
and how could such a thing
shine its light on me
and make everything beautiful
and you should hear the angels sing
all gathered round their king
more beautiful than you could dream
i've been quietly listening
you can hear them now
i hear them now
and how could such a king
shine His light on me
and make everything beautiful
and i want to shine
i want to be light
i want to tell you it'll be alright
and i want to shine and i want to fly
just to tell you now
it'll be alright, it'll be alright
'cause i've got nothing of my own to give to you
but this light that shines on me shines on you
and makes everything beautiful, again
it'll be alright...
-david crowder band "stars"
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
love it.Monday, February 12, 2007
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
what is your passion?
last night i started reading the book about Green Day that i bought recently. it's called Nobody Likes You by Marc Spitz. besides being well written, the book is captivating because of the story of these three guys who are so passionate about their music, and the message behind it, that they're willing to sacrifice anything in order to play.
it's no secret that i'm not much of a musician, but it's also no secret that i love music a great deal. a good song can touch my soul (and even change my life) in ways that not much else can. as i was reading the introduction to this book i couldn't help but feel this longing to be a part of something like Green Day. their music and message have touched people's lives in very real and special ways, and i'm jealous of them. i'm jealous of their talent, and i'm jealous of their passion.
i say i'm passionate about a lot of things... like poverty, environmental issues, people (that's pretty vague, eh?)... the list goes on. but when was the last time i really sacrificed anything in order to further these causes that i'm so "passionate" about??? i'm not sure i ever really have. it's time to change that...
love to all...
last night i started reading the book about Green Day that i bought recently. it's called Nobody Likes You by Marc Spitz. besides being well written, the book is captivating because of the story of these three guys who are so passionate about their music, and the message behind it, that they're willing to sacrifice anything in order to play.
it's no secret that i'm not much of a musician, but it's also no secret that i love music a great deal. a good song can touch my soul (and even change my life) in ways that not much else can. as i was reading the introduction to this book i couldn't help but feel this longing to be a part of something like Green Day. their music and message have touched people's lives in very real and special ways, and i'm jealous of them. i'm jealous of their talent, and i'm jealous of their passion.
i say i'm passionate about a lot of things... like poverty, environmental issues, people (that's pretty vague, eh?)... the list goes on. but when was the last time i really sacrificed anything in order to further these causes that i'm so "passionate" about??? i'm not sure i ever really have. it's time to change that...
love to all...
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
calmer than the sky
far away so blue
land of Living God
grant your peace on earth
we can feel you move and cannot stay the same
the winds are blowing strong
God of heaven come
breathe peace
breathe your peace on us
so we might breathe you deep
breathe peace
breathe your peace on us
land of the living God
if we are in the way
move us to the side
God forgive our wrongs
rest your hands on us
all the world is yours
let us not forget
it was you who bore the cross
God of comfort breathe
breathe peace...
-Robbie Seay Band "Peace"
far away so blue
land of Living God
grant your peace on earth
we can feel you move and cannot stay the same
the winds are blowing strong
God of heaven come
breathe peace
breathe your peace on us
so we might breathe you deep
breathe peace
breathe your peace on us
land of the living God
if we are in the way
move us to the side
God forgive our wrongs
rest your hands on us
all the world is yours
let us not forget
it was you who bore the cross
God of comfort breathe
breathe peace...
-Robbie Seay Band "Peace"
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
i'm bored i'm bored i'm bored i'm bored i'm booooooorrrrrrrred!!!!!!
ok, now that i got that out of my system...
i'm at catholic social services today. i was supposed to have one client today, buuuttttt he didn't show up. this is nothing new for this client, or most others for that matter. it's frustrating, but i shouldn't complain. i did a little reading, and got to chat with some friends for most of the day. the good news is that i won't have to do this kind of thing forever, and while i am doing it, perhaps i'm learning to be more patient (those who know me well are probably thinking, "where's the evidence of that?!?").
on a less whiny note... this past weekend was wonderful. i'm very much looking forward to living in lancaster again. it's always so hard to leave...
i'm also looking forward to this weekend. ceejer and i are gonna have movie night (or "chick night" as she called it today) on friday or saturday. that'll be a good time, as always.
i have such wonderful friends... i'm so blessed...
love to all...
(14 weeks)
ok, now that i got that out of my system...
i'm at catholic social services today. i was supposed to have one client today, buuuttttt he didn't show up. this is nothing new for this client, or most others for that matter. it's frustrating, but i shouldn't complain. i did a little reading, and got to chat with some friends for most of the day. the good news is that i won't have to do this kind of thing forever, and while i am doing it, perhaps i'm learning to be more patient (those who know me well are probably thinking, "where's the evidence of that?!?").
on a less whiny note... this past weekend was wonderful. i'm very much looking forward to living in lancaster again. it's always so hard to leave...
i'm also looking forward to this weekend. ceejer and i are gonna have movie night (or "chick night" as she called it today) on friday or saturday. that'll be a good time, as always.
i have such wonderful friends... i'm so blessed...
love to all...
(14 weeks)
Friday, January 12, 2007
I give up, I lay down
Rest my face upon this ground
Lift my eyes to Your sky
Rid my heart of all I hide
So sweet this surrender
How great Your love for us
How great our love for You
That grace could cover us
How great Your love
How marvelous, how brilliantly
Luminous, You shine in me
And who can fail to give You awe
To fear You, God, so sovereign and strong
I’m so bored of little gods
While standing on the edge of
Something large
While standing here, so close to You
We could be consumed
What a glorious day
-David Crowder Band "How Great"
Rest my face upon this ground
Lift my eyes to Your sky
Rid my heart of all I hide
So sweet this surrender
How great Your love for us
How great our love for You
That grace could cover us
How great Your love
How marvelous, how brilliantly
Luminous, You shine in me
And who can fail to give You awe
To fear You, God, so sovereign and strong
I’m so bored of little gods
While standing on the edge of
Something large
While standing here, so close to You
We could be consumed
What a glorious day
-David Crowder Band "How Great"
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Thursday, January 04, 2007
a little thought from our daily bread...
"...we can be at home in any dwelling, for our safekeeping lies not in the place where we live but in God Himself. We can dwell 'in the secret place of the Most High' and 'abide under the shadow of the Almighty' (Psalm 91:1). There, in His presence, under His wings, we find refuge. The eternal God becomes our dwelling place."
perhaps the reason God sometimes allows us to live in places we're not all that fond of is to force us into His presence. often, when we're comfortable we tend to forget about God. i think this is why He allows difficult circumstances. if only we could learn to keep Him first when life is easy...
"...we can be at home in any dwelling, for our safekeeping lies not in the place where we live but in God Himself. We can dwell 'in the secret place of the Most High' and 'abide under the shadow of the Almighty' (Psalm 91:1). There, in His presence, under His wings, we find refuge. The eternal God becomes our dwelling place."
perhaps the reason God sometimes allows us to live in places we're not all that fond of is to force us into His presence. often, when we're comfortable we tend to forget about God. i think this is why He allows difficult circumstances. if only we could learn to keep Him first when life is easy...
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