Cherry Scented

The markers in the prayer room here are scented :D

Ireland Appreciation Day

Honestly I didn’t know how to handle myself all day Wednesday. This photo here was taken at the end of class  … I may have started talking by then, but not really sure about that. Let me break the day down for ya:

That morning I decided to sleep in till 7:20am (I usually get up at at 6:30am), rolled out of bed showered,, eat breakfast, and walked to class. Now typically I drive to school with my roommates, but that morning Neva (her car) told me she had a one-on-one before class so she had to leave earlier and we, Nicole and I, needed to either walk or ride with one of the staff in our house. Nicole rode with someone on staff and I walked. It was a wonderful walk; I was finally able to buy some rechargeable batteries so I listened to my “Power” mix  Unfortunately because I walked I didn’t have as much time to get ready so I had just thrown on shorts and a tank (for those of you back home you know I never dress like that).
Anyway, I walked into class and everyone started screaming.
This is what went through my head:
Why is everyone yelling? Am I late? wow Im the last one. I never liked it when people yell at the last one to class. Wait I’m here early why am I the last one. Was that purple in their hair? Everyone is staring at me. I am so confused.  Hmm they have a pink streak in their hair. Hey there is Starbucks in front of my seat.  And there are purple and blue cupcakes. I can’t get my jacket off.  Everyone is still looking at me. Someone else has color in their hair. Oh there is a little sign thing next to the cupcakes saying “Appreciation of Ireland Day .. You Are Aweesome!” wait …. whats going on??????????
After several minutes I had gotten my jacket off, seated myself and was … . speechless.
They then went around and told me how they appreciate me and then prayed for me. They even put signs all over the place so no one could not know.

I still don’t know why this happened, but it was encouraging and well maybe it was just what I needed, to truly know that all of them love me.

And thankfuly I was able to go home durring a break and change into something more me 

MewithoutYou

Most of you know that I am very peculiar about music. A huge part of my taste and high appreciation can be attributed to being in several bands back in high school and hanging out with all the guys who had rather high standards themselves and wrote music. So know that when people have good taste in music, in my opinion, I am very happy.

Today we had a Community Responsibilities (we all take care of the bass to not only keep it clean and organized, but to build character) meeting. Since this week they will be deciding what CRs to give each of us they asked for volunteers to cover the things that had to be done. I volunteered for cleaning today and Thursday. As it turned out, I got to help finish cleaning Shriver, one of the 15 houses. Caitlyn and Lee, both in my school, also had the job as well.
I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed cleaning so much! This was the first time Caitlyn, Lee and I had really interacting (duh being the first day and all) and we just hit it off.
First of all, we made a great team for cleaning. Easily divided the jobs up, encouraged each other and just worked very well together.
Secondly, Lee has great taste in music. He had his laptop on him, so we set it up in the kitchen while we cleaned. Not only does he listen to stuff like Mewithoutyou and For Todayand , but he also knows who Sons of God and John Mark McMillan (we listened to Skeleton Bones!!) are! I had a field day.

Just a reminder of how much Jesus loves me, because He knows that something as simple as listening to “Skeleton Bones” while cleaning out a fridge and laughing with new friends will make my day :)

Nervous Ride

I’m a pretty calm person; a lot of things just don’t phase me. This is something that friends point out because stuff like, a friend gets in a car accident and ends up in the hospital and I’m still calm. I am emotional, just don’t express my emotions exuberantly, though this has slowly been changing since my baptism.
Right now though I truly feel emotionless. Earlier right before heading down I was nervous and I actually prefer that.

I’m not excited about SOMD.
I don’t know what to do with myself.
I even saw one of my best friends and barely even smiled.

It’s a weird feeling … to not feel anything.

….

I just got back from church. During my DTS I attended the service on Sunday nights that Status offers for college students and I loved it. Well tonight I rode with Chad and some others out there hoping for something … anything. And I got what I wanted. As soon as the worship started thankfulness and … amazement of the glory of the Lord hit me. and of course they decided to play “How He Loves” next which just brought to focus how muchHe loves me (duh).
Now I rarely go to my knees during worship, totally more of a raise my hands, jump around kind of person, but the more we sang about His love the further I wish I could put myself. I probably would have dug a hole if I hadn’t been inside. And I cried … just a little, but still a big deal for me.
It was really good.

Trying to Move Forward

Being back in a place I considered home several years ago is really weird. Almost everything has changed; the people, the base (the church has been painted), the process of registration, the house flooring (now tile opposed to carpet) and the office (there is more than one now!).

At times today it’s been very overwhelming.
Seeing people I know, but no longer feeling like I connect with them (totally a lie straight from satan) and wanting to withdraw for safety (which really isn’t safe at all … it only sounds good), but I held onto God’s promise that I am a new creation and that satan is a liar.
So I took steps.
Literally I had to force myself to take several steps today and they were al worth it. I’ve meet some amazing people and am really excited about getting to know all of them over the next few months. Yes things are different, but when you move forward in life things will change whether you like it or not. And God will take these things and make them work for your good and His glory.

God Likes to Surprise His Children

Tonight I was talking with some of the girls I’m staying with and when I finally made it back to my work and checked my phone for the time, I found I had several text from my Uncle Kenny.
Now I have almost never kept up with anyone beyond immediately family and even with them I can be rather bad. Sending my support letter to some of the extended family was a whim; my mom mentioned it and since I still needed more support and already had letters made up I just went with her idea, but wasn’t really expecting much to come out of it.

The text from my uncle said:
“I think it’s awesome what you are doing. I’m sending a donation through paypal. Hope it helps. Just know you’re thought of often, love and prayers, your uncle and aunt.”

I almost cried. How could someone who I never even talk to care so much about me?!

Perfect example: God. He even died for MY sins when I ignored Him and bashed His name.

Wow, I loving seeing the Lord in other people :)