Oh Come Let Us Adore Him

I can say with all honesty and joy that I experienced the beauty of Christmas this year. When I first began to type this I wanted to say "for the first time", but I'm not sure how true that would be. I think that every year since I have come to know the love of Jesus, I have grown more in my understanding for this season. This year however has a fresh and new feeling. I don't remember ever feeling more grateful for Jesus, more in awe of his sacrifice, more thankful for his love and peace, or more at rest in knowing he is in control. Of everything.

What a special Christmas it was. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Thank you for your peace Father.

holy slap myself in the head!

2 more finals to go, then just got to finish checkouts and I'm home free!

This past week has been really great. I've had a few opportunities to just sit back and think about how incredibly blessed I am. Not to brag, but seriously, really blessed.

Here's a sneak peak into what I am speaking of:

beautiful, beautiful girls

Kels with Luke's dino that we found while we were hiding in his loft waiting to pounce.sweet shea

I mean, not all my blessings can be put into pictures. But these are just some. Ready for Christmas, and being surrounded by more special, wonderful people I love.

7 days.

Today at the Vista we wrapped up our study of Philippians. What an encouragement, challenge and great learning experience it has been! Every Sunday I feel so blessed to be apart of such a great community of believers with a pastor that strives to teach truth by preaching the word.

As we recapped all we had talked about this semester I realized how selfish of an attitude I frequently have. I think I realized this because of Paul's attitude of selflessness. We talked about being content in all circumstances and how our society as a whole is so discontent in wants or "needs". We talked about how the Lord was sufficient for Paul. That He met his needs and most of all gave the gift, the magnificent sacrifice of his son. I need to remember and reflect on that so much more often than I am now.

Finals start this week. I cannot believe this semester is already about to be over! It is a wonderfully shocking fact. Tuesday is my last day in Bio Organic Chemistry. Still not sure how it's going to turn out in there...the final is next tuesday. I feel like if I make a C in that class then I can do anything.

Christmas is right around the corner, and I cannot wait. 7 days until break. 7 days.

"Because a sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free; For God, the Just, is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me."

Honest Thoughts

Pain is inevitable. Why then, do I stand back with my hands up saying stay away? Especially when I know that the promised pain will most likely lead to better things, and if not better, at least closure (which is better!). I stand back because I am scared. I stand back because I don't trust God's sovereign power like I should. I stand back because I am weak. I stand back because at times I have faith the size of a marble. I stand back in shame that I can't face it.

I want to jump in head first sometimes. Most of the time though, I don't even want my toes to dip in and feel. I think that if I just go for it, trust Him, put my feet in, kick around a little, then I will see that it's perfect. Maybe not comfortable at first, but perfect.

Wow Wow Wee Wow!

Good news fellow bloggers (and people who read): I found out today that I got accepted into the nursing program! It was a huge weight off of my shoulders, such a answered prayer and blessing! I have been trying so hard to not dwell on worrying and thinking about "what if i don't get in?" I finally let it go a little and today it felt so good to find out for sure that I'll be able to start next semester!

God is so good and faithful. I'm grateful His provisions.

Oh, one other thing I haven't shared yet is that I am going to be an RA next semester. I'm excited about it. I'm excited about the girls I am going to get to meet next semester and become friends with, and also excited about the new relationships I'll get to make with the other RA's. I need to make new friends fast before all my others graduate in December and in May!

Alrighty tighty, there's chem. quiz tomorrow that I have to ace!
Peace,
allye

Moments Rewound

Oh my, procrastination is such a horrible habit. My room is clean, the laundry is done, I've organized the fridge, I'm updating my blog...I think that after this I'll be out of things to do, and I'll actually have to study.


This weekend was a fun one. Pageant was good. Kelsey, you darling friend, did an amazing job and I'm proud of you! All of your hard work payed off and now I'm excited for your initiation back into my life. :)
I got a special surprise this weekend when a friend that I made this summer in math called me and gave me some mavs tickets. I didn't go this time, but got to give the tickets to some pretty wonderful fans, so I was still pleased. He said that he would just e-mail me them every week. AWESOME. I'm not really sure why free mavs tickets just seem to flock to me, but I'm glad about it.


Today after church Matilda was on tv. I forgot how much I liked that movie when I was little. I didn't watch the whole thing, but it was fun to remember. Remembering things from being a kid is sometimes such a weird feeling. A lot of times I am convinced that I was the weirdest kid on the planet when I think of things I used to do. We talked about childhood memories in Developmental Psych the other day and how most people only remember traumatic events or stories that adults in their lives have told them. Memories are strange to me. How one second you don't remember something then one word, moment, smell or sound can push down on the rewind button in your mind and take you right back to sitting in your living room on a bean bag watching Matilda. Strange.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It is hard to not get ahead of myself and just wait in anticipation with every thought circling around not having school for 4 days. It will be a great, much needed break for all, I think.


I know that my past several entries have been quite surface, and probably a little pointless to read. God has been revealing to me so many things these past weeks. I hope to get the chance soon to sit down and write some things out. I have always been aware of my flawed nature, it is definitely not hard to miss, but God has been showing me some major things that I need to work on. I'm thankful for this, even though it hurts. I'm learning how afraid I am of working on things in my life because of the pain. I am intimidated by pain, and worst of all, not trusting enough of the Father to comfort me and bring me through the pain.

"...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:6

What a mane!

I know, I blogged yesterday about something slightly pointless, and just a warning: today will be the same.

Yesterday it was windy when I was walking to class. I was chewing gum, and finding my hair exceptionally annoying. My hair kept blowing into my mouth and I could not stop worrying about if it was going to get all tangled up in a hair-gum mess. I realized at that moment how long my hair has grown. It's exciting. I would estimate over 6 inches since the massacre of choir tour '07.

Noticing how long my hair was got me thinkin'...how long do I really want to let it grow? How long can I stand to keep letting it grow? I decided back when my hair was still pretty short that I wanted to grow it out and donate it...there are several options in doing this, and I have still not decided which route to take. Anyway, I have to grow it passed 13 inches for most hair donation places, so I still have a little more to go to reach that goal. But I'm thinking I want to go further.

Maybe like, all the way down to my toes.

Just kidding.
I do want to grow it though, and I thought that maybe typing it on a blog for all to read might keep me accountable.

I don't know who this girl is. I'm sure Kelsey could tell you if you want to know. I like this length though. I don't think my curls would look like that...but maybe this can be my new goal?

Let me see yo grill

Of course I should be studying.

This is my automatic default when studying fails.

This weekend I brought back the song Grillz when I was making a mix for my spinning class. It reminded me of when my brother Austin got on this little kick of really wanting a 'grill'. In case you don't know what a 'grill' is...

They go on your teeth. This particular pair is pretty inexpensive (only $80), and there really is quite an assortment of styles. The funny part of this story, is he wasn't joking. He legitimately wanted a grill. I hope I can tell this story to his white little babies some day. Oh, man.

This week shouldn't be too bad at all. Only have 1 test this week, in Old Testament. Other than that, not much. I'm going to have to study a bunch this week for chem....another test next week! It feels like I should be still recovering from the last one, but not so! This next test in the last one besides the final! It's crazy (and awesome) how fast this semester has flown by.

I'm really excited about Thanksgiving break and Christmas break. It will be great to have those breaks. Really though, compared to last year, I feel a ton less tense and stressed. I think its this whole not having a job thing. Nice, except not having any money coming in besides the occasional babysitting job. 19 hours hasn't been too terrible. I most likely will not be saying that around finals time. But I can deal with only having 1 test a week for now.

Study time.

Fire Hazard

I wanted to share this yesterday, but the serious, more thoughtful quote took precedence over this one.

After lab my whole chemistry class was sitting out in the hall working on the lab report together. Dr. Bekendorf came out in the hall and said (in her soft, monotone voice):

"Kids, you are going to have to move out of the hallway. You are creating a fire hazard, but it's not because you are volatile, it's because there are far too many people out here."

Everyone looked around wondering "should i laugh?" "yes?" "no?" "man, i'm so scared of this lady..." Me, one of my weaknesses being my ability to contain laughter, chuckled a little. I looked up after laughing for approval that my laugh was ok by Dr. Bekendorf. Nothing.

I think she has a really funny side in there some where just waiting to emerge...

This funny quote reminded me of senior year when practically the only notes I wrote down in government class were the funny quotes. Oh, the days of sitting in class for an hour laughing. Maybe they will come back when I get into nursing school (ha!).

ps-for those of you who want to know/care, i made a 70 on this last test in bio. chem. Thanks for your prayers. :)

Just look

"Every experience of beauty points to eternity."

-Hans Balthasar

Flashbulb

Today in Developmental Psychology we talked about how last night will most likely be a 'flashbulb memory' for us. My professor reminded us about how when we think about 9/11, we can remember exactly where we were, what we were doing, etc. She thinks that last night's election will have the same effect on us. I guess my flashbulb will be sitting in my room with CNN on and the volume turned down. I will probably remember watching the constant updates on twitter and also laughing out loud at times at people's status' on facebook. It is interesting to think of thinking back on last night. I might remember that I was much more concerned about personal things going on than I was who was going to be the leader of our nation...I might feel silly about that. Maybe not. Either way, last night made history. I guess no matter how wonderful or terrible Obama is, we will remember last night as something special. It's special and unique to us in different ways. America decided last night that Obama is the one who is going to be in charge for the next four years, now we get to wait and see how it goes and trust that God's plan is a perfect one.

Decisions are hard.
Waiting is hard.
Trusting that God's plan is perfect is hard.
I'm not as good at any of these things as I hope to be.

It's neat how something so big, like a presidential election, can relate to something so little, like my life.

A Sunday smile

What a week! My to do list is all scratched up and I feel like I have made a little progress. This week is going to be a breeze. Hopefully I'll get some of the not so pressing things done this week like going to get my teeth cleaned (wahoo!).

Still no news on the chem. test grade...I'm beyond antsy and ready to know. Hopefully tomorrow will be the day.

Halloween was fun. I'm proud to say that these are my friends:

There is much to be excited about. Approximately 22 days until Thanksgiving break, which means only 43 days until Christmas break, which means only 43 days left of this whole 19 hours thing.

I said a-beef hot links!

Being done with a bio organic chemistry test, and feeling like it wasn't a complete failure, is so freeing. I'm pretty certain I passed, and maybe even made a B. I'm happy about feeling good about it, but think that the amount of studying I did for that sucker deserves an A. Oh well.

When I was finished, I walked out of the room so happy. The funny thing is all I could think about singing was this...



I was glad to have the "GO MEAT!" song stuck in my head. But a bit perplexed to why that was the first joyful celebration song my strange little brain thought of.

Now that I think about it, esters do play a vital role in preservatives...

Shine On

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life...
Philippians 2:14-16

Yellow leaves and discipline

Short weeks are awesome. I am indebted to fall break for making life much more enjoyable.

Haven't been in much of a blogging mood.
Seems like a lot is going on in my head, but my fingers aren't sure what to type. I read some over break and have a lot going on in the 'ole noggin. It will surface eventually.

It's getting chilly outside, the long sleeves, scarfs and hoodies are coming out, and yellow leaves are starting to cover the sidewalks. Probably one of my favorite times of year.

My middle of october resolution is to get more rest, and grow in my eagerness to learn.

My 2nd chemistry test is next thursday, if it crosses your mind, could you please pray for me? Not that I would only do good that day, but be able to grasp and understand...and be disciplined.

Peace.

For I am constant.
I am near.
I am peace that shatters all your secret fears.
I am holy.
I am wise.
I am the only One, who knows your heart's desires.
Oh gently lay your head upon my chest
And I will comfort you like a Mother
While you rest.
-Jill Phillips, "I AM"

You may have noticed...

That my past couple of entries have been a little different. Back in the days of xanga, those types of posts were what I did the majority of the time. One of my pictures with a verse, lyrics, quote. I've moved away from that a little bit because I've started feeling more open with writing and expressing my feelings that way, but also because my camera died sometime last year. (the pictures in the posts before this were either taken with my dear friend Monica's camera, or are old). All that to say, this way of blogging encourages me. I enjoy looking at a picture and seeing a verse or song that sheds light on that picture. I like how pictures and words can work together to serve as a really special kind of worship.

Something you may not know about me: I really love photography. Not only taking pictures, but I could (and do) spend hours on the internet sometimes looking at random professional, and non professional photographer's blogs and websites. I'm not exactly sure what it is about photography that sucks me in, but I love it.

I feel a little silly confessing missing a material possession (my camera) so much, but I do. Not to the point of needed bereavement counseling or anything, but I definitely do miss it.

So, in my search to fulfill my want to play around with a camera and snap some photos, I had some fun with some of my favorite shots of the past. There's a website called http://www.picnik.com/ and it is so fun! You can mess with shapes, colors, crop, do some cool collages, and other really neat stuff.

I feel like I'm a blogging advertisement for picnik, and I promise they are not paying me to type this but only because I told them how foolish that would be considering a total of maybe 8 people read my blog. It is really fun though, and definitely filled my little photo void.

Wandering ones

Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be. Let thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart Lord, take it seal it, seal it for thy courts above.

"God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain" -C.S. Lewis

Life versus even more life

Another good weekend. I'm more and more thankful for weekends with every passing one. Good time to relax, be with friends, catch up on studying...lots of catching up on studying. I have become a more determined person since my last post on bio-organic chemistry thanks to much praying, and encouragement from the wonderful, uplifting people in my life. I've been convinced and have come to the conclusion of: I can do it!

Church yesterday what such a blessing, as usual. We're going through Philippians at the Vista, and I've already learned so much. I'm grateful to be a part of such a loving body here and have a pastor who teaches the word (a necessity that I have noticed often does not happen at some churches). God's provision is so good!

"...The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." -Philippians 1:18-20

Paul. He is definitely a fellow that I would love to have coffee with.
He doesn't know where God is taking him, he is in prison AGAIN, he has endured so much yet he doesn't expect God's deliverance from the tortures of his life...he is confident. Confident in the prayers of the Philippians and most importantly, confident in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. As I have grown in my faith in Christ, I have also (as to be expected) have grown in my confidence in him, but gosh, my confidence is teeny compared to that of Paul's! I can think of many times in the past when I expected God's deliverance, however, my idea of deliverance was extremely different that Paul's. He had "sufficient courage so that Christ would be exalted in his body, whether by life or death." My idea of deliverance was "God will rescue me because I am his child." I'm not sure, but I don't think God ever promises us that he will rescue us, or free us from the pain and turmoil that we suffer on earth, besides through salvation, leaving earth and going to heaven. I know that God doesn't tell us that life as a Christian will be painless, consisting of no suffering, but often times that is what I expected. My idea of deliverance was not one of confidence in Christ or courage, rather one of my troubles and pain simply being taken away. I don't expect to ever have to go through what my past consists of again, but I pray that when other struggles and hardships come along I will be confident in Jesus and I will desire to exalt him through living or dying.

Because either way, as believers, we're living.

Relax, take it easy.

I've gone on a mini-mind vacation to here....

A place filled with peace, and no bio organic chemistry.

Ahhhhhhhh.

48

That is what I got on my bio-organic chemistry test. I know, it's terrible right? I knew I did horrible, but I wasn't expecting THAT much horribleness. I don't think I have ever done that bad on a test, ever. Well, maybe in 3rd grade when we did multiplication tables, I really stunk at those. I feel embarrassed about how terrible I did. I'm disappointed because the amount of work I put into it was definitely NOT 48 worthy. Honestly, I didn't work as hard as I could've, but I should have done better than that.

I'm trying hard to listen to Jesus...
"...But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6 is about a lot of things...giving to the needy, prayer, fasting, storing up treasures in heaven, and worrying. I was convicted of my worrying when I read this passage today. Ever since I took the test yesterday I have been in this funk that not even a delicious dinner, cookies, dancing to Mika, and talking could get me out of. When I read those words that Jesus spoke "today has enough trouble of its own." I thought, "yeah, no kidding, I flippin bombed this test...not only bombed it, but chewed it up, spit it out, and ran it over with a huge tractor." Soon after that thought, I realized how irrational I was being and that my interpretation was probably not what Jesus was wanting me to think when I read his words. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness..." OHHH okay. Do every thing with his kingdom, and his glory in mind? Ding ding ding, you are correct! In the long run my 48 on a test bio-organic chemistry will not matter. whew. good thing.

I am aware that school is important, and by doing well in school in His name, we bring glory to Him. I'm also aware that my 48 most likely did not bring him glory. I'm ashamed to write how terribly I did, but I desire to do better. Not so I can graduate and be a really super rich nurse (because that usually happens...), but so I can graduate and be a nurse who shows hurting people the love of God. That's all really. I pray that bio-organic chemistry doesn't stop me from doing that.

My my my, it's a beautiful day

Oh, what a fun weekend. Kelsey's birthday celebration was on Saturday. We went to Austin and shopped around, ate good food, saw a movie, and had a fun time just spending time all together. It was a fun day and night. Sunday the choir sang at FBC Temple, after that Lauren and I made another trek to Austin for a fun day at the Pecan Street Craft Fair (which actually, deceivingly, is not on Pecan Street). It was so crowded, and so so so fun. Lots of entertaining, interesting people. We had a funnel cake and some delicious lemonade...great day.

My first test is tomorrow, and in bio-org. chem. I am very nervous about it. I hope all my efforts to understand pay off.

People like this make life fun:

This is an Austin street band at the craft festival that Lauren and I went to yesterday. The guy with the accordion had some awesome moves, the guy in the boxers and clown nose was actually pretty good, and I really liked the guy with the kazoo on his harmonica stand. :)

Boo!

What is it about a good scare that is so hilarious to me? I'm not sure, but it's funny. My suitemate Sarah and I are currently having a little "suite-war". I scare her, and she "gets me back". I haven't been too impressed with her comebacks, but I'm definitely anticipating one soon, considering yesterday I snuck in her closet (while she was sitting at her computer) with out her seeing me and scared her pretty bad (or good?). :D

Hopefully I wont have a heart attack when she gives me a taste of my own medicine...

Edit: That video makes me laugh EVERY time I watch it. Especially when the big blow up lizard thing scares that poor croc. hunter to death. Do I have a sickness?

Beginning to Fall

I love stepping outside in the morning expecting the same sticky warmth that has been greeting us for months, and instead getting a surprise hello from a cool breeze and goosebumps.

It was a fun walking to class this morning watching people shiver in their tank tops and shorts. It's 70 degrees and we're wondering where the snow is.

Thanks for the surprise hello, Fall. Keep 'em coming!

In my search for ideas for the perfect epitaph for my Death and Dying project I came across this:
It helped this semi sobering project become a little humorous.

This little light

Wow. What a day.
Thursdays feel so long.
After chem my brain hurt.

After class I plopped down on my bed and was thinking of the things I need to do. Laundry, call the bank, go by registrars, find a job, STUDY, etcetera, etcetera. Things seem so important. Some things are, but a lot aren't.

I ran into a friend that I used to work with tonight. What a blessing. She helped me remember what is really important. Showing people God's love. Not things. Love.

There is a Leeland song called "Wake up" that has powerful and convicting lyrics.
"You know it's sad that the gift we have we keep it for ourselves most of the time. The world is looking for a love that's locked up inside these four walls. Break the door down and shine. We need to wake up, live like God, and pour out love."
I like them so much. I like songs that speak truth, difficult truth. It's good to be reminded of those truths.

I'm grateful for the reminder I got tonight.

Let's shine.

"I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: "O Lord, save me!" The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling."
-Psalm 116:1-8

Gettin' in the groove

The first days are over.
The real first day (wednesday) was a good one. Although it was long (8am-8:45pm), it didn't seem so long because of breaks in my schedule. I had time to eat, hang out with friends, watch tv, etc. Today, however, felt never ending. Started at 9:30, and didn't finish until 5:30. No breaks. Yes, you read right...no breaks. Well, technically I will usually have a 3o minute break to grab some lunch but because I didn't think it through today, I thought that would be a nice time to return the psych book that I purchased the wrong edition of. All that to say, I was hungry after 4 hours of bio organic chemistry. Man, that class is going to be hard. You can always tell a class is going to be hard when the professor doesn't even bother with the syllabus and starts lecturing. What a drag.

I forgot how much chemistry DOES NOT make sense to my poor brain. I'm up for the challenge now, I just hope that I will not get discouraged.

Today was rough. I'm not going to go into all the details, because it's really not that entertaining, but I ended up sitting in on the wrong old testament class. I did learn about Mesopotamia and Israel, but it wasn't the right class. I also stepped in gum twice. The first time I was just plain ticked off because it was right after the whole old testament fiasco. The second time I laughed, but it was one of those "this is hilarious because it's the second time that I have stepped in gum today...but not really hilarious" laughs. You know? Maybe not.

School really is fun though. Hardy (the dining hall) got an update...a new deli section. I was pretty excited about that. We watched a super funny safety video from the 80's in chem where they had a manikin doing stop drop in roll while it was on fire. Funny. I got a coupon for two free glazed donuts at Shipleys. Friends are fun. Tomorrow is Friday, and we already have a three day weekend ahead of us!

Happy Labor day! Enjoy not laboring.

Let the fun begin!

Back in the big B! School starts tomorrow, and I'm a little scared. 20 hours is becoming more intimidating every time I think about it. My main goal is to not become reclusive. Actually, that's probably my 2nd main goal, my first is to pass everything.

So far so good though. I like my room, and my suite mates, who are super sweet. Seeing friends is fun, and I'm excited to make more.

This semester will be an adventure.

Here we go...

NOLA, she's really great.

I got the wonderful privilege of spending the past few days in New Orleans with DaniBeth and her brother Andrew. We did a ton of fun things. It was a taste bud extravaganza! The food was super delicious and I tried lots of things I had never eaten before. ie: oysters, budane balls (sp?), bengets, gyros, humus, praline bacon, malt & fries ice cream, fried green tomatoes, and I'm sure some other things I am forgetting.

We spent a little bit of time driving around at the areas that were hit the hardest by the hurricane. It shocked me how much still needs to be done. After two years, you can still look around and definitely tell something happened. Don't get me wrong, a ton of progress has been made...Andrew is working with a ministry called Baptist Crossroads that is helping rebuild the upper 9th ward. It was so neat to see how much progress has been made there. People are so proud and grateful for what they have. I'm inspired by their courage. One thing that I thought was really fun and neat is the owners of the new house get to choose the color they want it to be painted. The street is a rainbow of different colored, new, beautiful houses. I wish I would've gotten a better picture of it, because it's awesome, but it was pretty rainy, so the colors look dull. But they aren't!

Other highlights include:

Seeing 2 alligator fights. We went to Jean Lafitte park and played with some gators.
Listening to some awesome jazz music. The rain didn't stop us from walking around to find some music.
Playing with kids in Andrew's neighborhood. Super cute and sweet kids.

I hope you get to go to New Orleans someday. It's really great.

Slow down summer!

4 more days of math. I love typing that. This last "semester" of summer school has been a lot more enjoyable than Chemistry was. I am still, no doubt, glad that it's almost over. However, the end of summer school means the beginning of real school is coming soon. I have mixed emotions on that topic. I'm real excited to see friends. Not so excited about the 20 hour schedule I have gotten myself into.

Summer has just flown by. It's been a great summer though. Someone asked me today how my summer has been. I shrugged my shoulders a bit and said "pretty good". I got to thinking after that and it's been better than pretty good. I think that because there was no camp, choir tour, staffing, or any crazy adventures to make it interesting, I've figured it hasn't been that great. But really, it has. I have learned so much this summer! Not only about moles, world war II and polynomials, but I feel like I have really grown a lot in the word. I love that! I am so grateful to have a church to go to that teaches the truth, and dives in deep. I'm grateful to have knowledgeable, wise people who love me and don't care how many questions I ask...even if it's something that a 2nd grader could probably answer. Not only have I learned so many new things about God's word, but I have also learned that learning is a continual process. We will never arrive. The more I learn about scripture, the more I love it. I loved it 4 years ago when I became a believer because it brought me hope and comfort. I love it more today because it brings me those things plus instruction, insight, and clarity.

So, it's been a good one. I'm still not ready to come to grips with it being over, but let's enjoy the time we've got left!

A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.
-C.S. Lewis

You may call me Monet

Last week I got a little bored, and someone told me about a 50% off sale that Hobby Lobby was having.

Hobby Lobby always has such good sales, I'm not sure what made this 50% off sale so exciting since they have one every other week, but I went anyway.

I was walking around looking at pretty things and dreaming of how my house someday could be decorated when I passed the paint section. This section has never before been a section of my desire, only a section of admiration and wishful thinking, but the little voice inside that usually says "golly, I wish I could paint" said "hey, you could totally paint! It might not look good, but who cares!"

So, I did it. I called Danielle for some paint advice and made my purchase. I also got some chalk board paint (which you can paint on a canvas to make it like a chalk board).

After a couple days of toiling over what to paint, how to paint, and wondering if this was going to be something that I would look back on and think "Now Allye, did you REALLY think you could paint. Now, come on", I finished painting.

And guess what! I'm pretty dern pleased. I'll admit that I am no natural born arteest, and I most definitely don't have the talent that can make someone say "oooo ahhh", but maybe "hey, that's kinda cute". I think that if I thought about someone saying "hey that's kinda cute" to something I painted before this experience, I would accuse them of lying or "being polite".*

Anyway, you can be the judge:

This is the "chalk board", I got this idea from Danielle, she has one in Jameson's room, minus the swirly green design.

I'm happy. I even might paint again someday.

Here's some art humor to brighten your day:

A guy in Paris robbed the Louvre, he got past security but got caught when his van ran out of gas. When asked how he could mastermind such a crime and then make such an obvious error, he replied: "I had no Monet to buy Degas to make the Van Gogh."

*I realized after writing this sentence that I have used a ton of quotation marks, and am not sure how grammatically correct that is. Also, I think it might make me look like a crazy person that talks to myself a lot. That may or may not be true.

Ohhhklahoma

This past thursday I got the privilege of visiting my friends Danielle, Lance, and their baby Jameson for the weekend. It was so good to see them. We had a lot of fun together riding the Vespa (and meeting the egg man from Napoleon Dynamite), eating gelato, chilling with the kid and watching Willy Wonka. Jameson is getting big, and is still so stinking adorable.


It was a fun trip. Seriously, how could you not enjoy staring at that precious face and pouty lips all day long?

Me and My Monkey

It's been a good couple of days.

Lauren's home, and we're all happy 'bout that. Sad that she's leaving again.

We went and saw a pretend Beatles band called me and my monkey at the park one night. They were good, and it was fun.

My Algebra teacher is quirky and old.

My first history test is tomorrow. We'll see how good I am at teaching myself things.

I just downloaded the new Leeland album, and I love it.

:)

Have a happy week.

Sweet Ukraine

My computer's screen saver is set to run through all my pictures. Today I came into my room and saw 3 pictures in a row from Ukraine. It prompted me to go and look through my whole file of about 300 pictures, and made me miss it. Just this past week we received an update from Oleg, the man who founded Radooga (the ministry that runs the camps in Ukraine). This update was explaining all the new, exciting things happening there. You see, Oleg's vision was to change his country (Ukraine) by impacting children of important people in society (politicians, wealthy business men, etc.) by having camp where kids can come to learn english. Not only english, but the gospel. This ministry has had a huge success, hundreds of kids have come to know Christ every summer. Not only do they minister during the summer, but also do retreats and such during the year to help build the church...it's really awesome. Anyway, things have changed. Radooga is now doing camps for orphans. Equally awesome to what they were doing before, just so different. I'm not sure why I have felt the need to tell you about all this, I think it's because I am so excited about the future of Radooga, I'm excited about all the lives they have touched, all the people they have helped lead to Christ and SO excited that so many children who have never known love will get the chance to know a love like no other! It's so awesome. If you get the chance go check out their website and read about what's going on there ( http://www.radooga.com/ ). Pray for them.

Ukrainian chicken heads anyone?

wahoo

On Thursday, me and the 15 people I have grown to love and depend on took our final Chemistry test. Even after finding out that I didn't do that well on it, I experienced a sense of relief that I can only describe as pure joy. I'M DONE! And not only that, I actually survived it...I am still alive! Although, now I am plagued with the thoughts that come to my mind when I read the ingredients in yogurt, "Tri Calcium Phosphate"..."I wonder what that empirical formula would look like" or "hmmm, I bet that had a nice Lewis dot structure". I'm sure that will stop in due time. The day that I hear the word mole and think of a furry little creature, I will know that I have returned to normal.

Monday, I start my next two classes, history and algebra. I think (and hope) that these will be less of a challenge.

West nile & Chem. lovin'

I just counted 18 mosquito bites on myself.

dern.

I was trying to come up with things to be grateful for about chemistry today. I needed to stop being so negative, and add some optimism to my life. After thinking on it for a while, this is what I came up with.
I'm grateful for chemistry because...
-There's only 2 weeks left!!!
-I'm taking it with no other classes, because then I would REALLY be struggling.
-My teacher explains things in a way I understand (most of the time).
-Caitlin is in my class...and I'm grateful that God blessed her with a chemistry lovin' brain...she helps me so much!

That's all I could come up with.
Lists make me feel better sometimes.

He knows

Far too many times I have become angry with God over things that have happened in my life. Tonight has been one of those times. Maybe it's because I'm bogged down from a full day of chemistry. Maybe because I'm alone and don't have any distractions besides re-runs of the 10 o'clock news. Or maybe it's just because it happens sometimes...my mind wonders, and I'm reminded of this anger that I keep pushed back in the furthest corner of my mind. I've known for sometime now that I need to change that anger into forgiveness and love, but that is SO HARD for me. Tonight I was reminded of a truth that hit me in the gut so hard. The humbling truth that Jesus knows, and understands all the pain we have ever felt.

Why be angry when we can console in the One who knows?

Scripture tells us that God is all-powerful, all-sufficient, and all-knowing. He is sovereign over all. He created and sustains all life. Yet somehow, he who is all-powerful became weak. He who is all-sufficient became dependent. He who is all-knowing became finite. He became a baby. Babies can't do very much. They know almost nothing and are utterly dependent on others to take care of them. He who created life had to be fed. He who knew all had to be taught. He who sustained all had to be carried. Where we live, he has lived. Not only was he subject to to these things as a child, but also as an adult. Isaiah says he grew like "a root out of dry ground" (Isa. 53:2). That is just like some of us! The fact that we grew is amazing, all we had around us was dry ground. Nothing grows in dry ground. Yet somehow, from a barren place, we have grown in some measure.

Thirsty, yes.
Alone, yes.
So was he.

He who healed everything imaginable--the blind, the deaf, the crippled, the demonize, is scarred. The Healer felt pain beyond words. He knows. When we cry out to Jesus, He knows. He cried out. He entered into our suffering and abuse so that when we cry out to him with brokenness, we will know with certainty that we speak to the One who knows.

Amazing.

This amazing, humbling truth set me straight for about 45 seconds, then I felt angry again. I think it's because I have this insane necessity to feel like I understand WHY things happen. I'm fairly certain that the Lord probably will not reveal these things to me until I trust in His character completely. Oh, how I long for the day when I can say with complete honesty that I fully trust the character of the Lord!

My heart feels heavy because of the anger I feel sometimes. I know that it isn't right, I know that the Lord's character is more worthy of being trusted that anything! I know with certainty that when I cry out, he knows. Why then, am I still angry? I know that my awareness of this anger is a huge step from where I used to be, not feeling at all...but I really do despise it. I pray I will change.

Why be angry when we can console in the One who knows?

Avogadro is so NOT my homeboy

I wish that I could honestly say that I didn't spent my ENTIRE day doing chemistry, but I did. Well, actually only 7 hours of it, with a dinner break. My. gosh. I would kick Avogadro if he was alive and here at my house. Then I would apologize, and plead with him to take back all he made up about those stupid moles. I'm feeling a mix of frustration and joy. Frustration that I still have a whole chapter to learn by Tuesday, and joy that this day is over.

Lord, please miraculously help me learn chemistry as I dream.
Amen.

Moles, Meters and Mercury

None of it makes sense to me.

Honestly, I believe this is the most incompetent I have felt in quite sometime. It's really hard for me to not get discouraged about it. I realize that sounds silly, to get discouraged over chemistry, but, I do. I start getting real negative thinking "ugh, i am NEVER going to figure this out"...then I do figure it out (possibly hours later), and realize that chemistry is most definitely NOT impossible...time consuming, and extremely difficult for me, yes. Impossible, no.

Church today was an encouragement. Someone said this morning "you have a lot of family here, lots of people who love you". I thought "yeah, I do. Thank you Lord!!!" Not only was I encouraged by the love of my brothers and sisters, but by the God's creativity. I am amazed at how creative the Word is. How He wrote such illustrations so that we thick headed humans could better understand it! It's awesome. I love the bible.

Alright, it's time to get back to my homeboy, Avogadro.

Bye, bye birdie

This past week & 1/2 I've been house sitting/dog sitting. They have a couple of little Yorkie dogs, Cotton & Paisley. REALLY cute, sweet dogs, but extremely spoiled, and a little crazy. I was watering the plants outside the other morning and I reached up to get one of the high ones good, when a little baby bird flew out of it and landed on the lawn chair. The first thing I thought was to hurry and get the dogs inside, because earlier in the week I had seen Paisley viciously kill an innocent lizard, and knew she didn't have a heart for small creatures. Once I got them inside I went back out to look for it, and it had disappeared. I thought maybe it was old enough to fly and I just gave it the little extra nudge that it needed. Not so. Later Paisley came up the stairs and got straight into her bed, something she usually doesn't do...so that tipped me off that something was up. I looked in there and saw the baby bird...eyes closed and gone. It was so sad. I'm still feeling a little bad about knocking it out of it's cozy little nest to it's death, but I guess that's the natural order of life. Still sad though.

On a slightly happier note, I started my Chemistry class. I think I can tell it's going to be challenging, but the teacher is really good. PLUS, Caitlin and I are in the class together, so that has, and will continue to make things a little more bearable.

I suppose that's all for now. I hope this will suffice for a decent entry.
I'm sorry if this emotionally scarred any of you wonderful readers.

The best prize is a surprise!

This morning I got a call from my sweet friend Danielle. She told me that she and her hubby Lance were on their way back home (Oklahoma) from South Carolina, and they had a layover in DFW! It was such a great surprise! I have been planning on going to visit them sometime soon and meet their new little bundle of joy, Jameson Briggs, but it was extra special to see them so soon. Jameson is precious as can be, and it was good to see my friend. I miss her. (It was good to see Lance, too!) :D

Anyway, today was special, and I'm thankful for the blessing of getting to hug Danielle & Lance and hold Jameson and feel is oh so soft baby skin!

This is apparently Jameson's "pooping face". It makes me laugh if I look at him in the picture and think of this wee little voice saying "poooooop". ha.

Eisley

I can't remember if I mentioned in a previous post that my wonderful friends, Danielle & (Har)Monica got me Eisley tickets for my birthday. The concert was on Thursday at the House of Blues. It was SO FUN. Not only was Eisley AMAZING, but the opening bands were really cool too. The lead singer of Vedera (the first opening band) was so good...I suggest you check them out. The Myriad also played, and they were neat as well. They played cool instruments and I liked that. It was a fun night, and made me like Eisley at least 2 times more. :)


Thanks, friends for a great birthday present!!

"Can I call you a blegen?"

Sorry for the lack of updates. I think about blogging pretty frequently, but then when it comes down to it, I feel like there's not much to say. But, here we go...

I started my new job. It's really great. I'm learning lots of new computer things, and today I kinda learned how to sew quilts (exciting!). There is a nice variety of things to do, and I haven't once found myself bored, or overly exhausted like the cotton patch days. I'm also nannying these days, and boy, little boys know how to suck the energy right out of you! No, really, it's been a blast. Today we were playing guitar hero and the littlest one (who's 5), was very impressed with my guitar hero skills. He exclaimed "whoa, Miss Allye, you are SO good! Can I call you a blegen?" I put the game on pause and asked what he said, he repeated "can I call you a blegen?". I said I wasn't exactly sure what he meant by that and replied in a very annoyed tone, "you know, like the move I Am Blegen!" (AKA- I am Legend). I laughed real hard. They are so full of energy, and fun. With both jobs my days are pretty full, but I'm so grateful that God has provided these two wonderful opportunities for me.

Yesterday we toured some really old houses in a neat neighborhood in Ft. Worth. It was really interesting and fun. Only one was kinda decorated like it would've been 100 years ago, and I think I liked that one the best. In the others, the owners' insane senses of style were intriguing...I never knew how much I liked looking in other people's houses until yesterday. I also discovered my love for the color blue...especially in bathrooms.

I don't think that I'm going to make a promise to blog every day like Kelsey, but I will definitely try to keep things up around here.

Sweet Victory

Wow.

Freshman year of college is over. done. past. I'm amazed how fast it went by. My grades this semester are a huge encouragement to me that this is in fact possible to do. I feel like I have accomplished something huge, even though it's just one year, it feels huge. I'm thrilled. Thrilled that it's over, thrilled that summer is here to bring good cheer, and thrilled that there is more to come. But for now, I'm going to soak up this time of rest and relaxation...summer school is right around the corner!

Lazy Day

I do not like feeling so lazy, but I think sometimes you need days like these. After my english final this morning, I came straight up to my bed and slept and slept and slept. When I finally got up, I turned on the telly and watched a Top Chef marathon. I thought about dropping the whole nursing gig and becoming a chef for like 20 minutes, but changed my mind after remembering my many failed attempts of cooking brownies (the mix kind too!), chicken, and other easy things. I still think being a chef would be sweet, but it's just not for me.

I did study for sociology for like 2 hours, so I suppose this day wasn't an absolute waste of time.

Now I'm kicked back, drinking some Calm Tazo tea, listening to Colbie Caillat, who's voice is nice and relaxing. I would say that I've got my laziness covered for about a week.

3 finals to go. *grin*

A tiny bit of procrastination

I'm feeling especially accomplished this week. I've gotten A's on all my tests (or at least the ones that the professors have told us the grades), worked my last shift at Cotton Patch, and gotten like 5 things checked off the old to do list. Why is it that crossing things off a list feels so good?Even if things aren't on my list, and I do them, I will write it down then cross it out.
The downside of all this feeling accomplished thing is the second I start feeling like I've made progress, BANG! I've got an essay or two due. It's cool though, because soon I'll be done with school for almost a whole month.
Dern learning.
I am so stinkin' nervous about my A&PII final. I have done less than good on those lecture tests, and this one is worth two, yes two, exam grades! I think that this might have been what got me on the last one (nervousness), so maybe I'll practice some chill techniques, and try having positive thoughts. All the while, entertaining thoughts of intestines and kidneys. Possible? Not sure.

I was studying at my friend Dani Beth's apartment this evening when I saw her roommate's (who is a J2 nursing major) medicine note cards. I got pumped about getting to memorize meds and side effects, it seems so neat! I'm sure I might feel differently about it when that day actually arrives, but today I got encouragement that I'm doing the right thing here.

Procrastination ending now.

Silverware Rollin'

Like I have said before, I am amazed at the conversation that rolling silverware brings. It amazes me every single time. Actually, how can I give the action of rolling silverware the credit for all the wonderful conversations that have happened in the banquet room at Cotton Patch? I can't. I should be thanking God for the blessing (although most nights when we're tired and just want to get out of there, it seems like a curse) that rolling silverware is. I hope I don't sound like a kook, but I look forward to rolling silverware, and that will be one of the things about Cotton Patch I will miss the most. I have learned so much from the people I've worked with this past year. I've learned that a listening ear and time to spare can do wonders and that it doesn't take much for people to open up. I thank God for introducing me to lost people with hurts and messed up lives who are searching. Since I have became a Christian, I've heard "our mission field is all around us, everywhere we go..." I have never believed or understood that statement more clearly than I do now. I thank God for opening my eyes to that.

Speaking of relationships I have formed though silverware conversations; my friend, who now lives in TN with her (3!) boys, called tonight. We had a good conversation, even though it was quickly interrupted by a screaming baby, it was good. She sent me a recent picture of the twins Ethan and Noah and gave me a short update on how Tim was doing with his treatment.

They have grown a lot. So, so, so sweet (even when screaming). I asked her how I could be praying for them, she says: -that Tim's treatment will continue going well -that Ethan and Noah will keep gaining weight -that her new job will work out -that she would stay strong despite her exhaustion. If it crosses your mind, lift these things up for her. She still isn't sure about God, but she also sees provision in her life that she can't explain.

Camera Dead.

My camera has passed away. I'm not exactly sure what happened actually. I went to turn it on last night, and nothing happened. I figured it was a battery problem, even though usually when the batteries are out it will tell me by showing this little blinking red battery thing. I bought new batteries and it still wont turn on.

I am super bummed.

But, there is nothing more fun than dreaming and since my wonderful camera is no longer functioning, I can do that.

I've been doing a little online camera shopping, just for fun. I am in no financial position at the moment to spend money on a nice camera, but who knows, maybe in few months I will be. I think after taking a couple of "what type of camera is right for you" surveys, I have come to the conclusion that I will probably stick with canon. I think I would really enjoy having an digital SLR. I know that it's a big purchase, and I also know that when it comes to camera lingo, I'm in the dark with no flash, but I want to learn. I don't know, maybe learning is the first step BEFORE buying.

.

Either way, dreaming is fun.

Almost There

Hello, blogging world! It's been a while. Since I last blogged I have turned a whole year older, learned some chinese, played with goats and quit my job. Some big steps in life. :)

My birthday was made special this year by so many people! It was a really great day/weekend. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the special-ness of it, I'm so grateful for your love and friendship!

My friend LamLam is helping me learn Chinese (kinda). We've only had one lesson, but I plan on making it a regular thing. She was very impressed by the KHS choir shirts from last year that Danielle, Monica and I designed that say "singing family" on the front of them in Chinese characters. I'm glad it actually means that...I've always been a little skeptical if it meant what we thought it did. Anyway, LamLam is cool and I'm excited about being her friend.

Play day was last week, and it was so fun! We got to ride a ferris wheel, swings, play with goats, bunnies and other cute farm babies, and to top it all off--we got free food. It was spectacular and if I was kind of iffy about whether I wanted to go to UMHB, play day would seal the deal.

I quit Cotton Patch. I'm excited and sad about it all at the same time. Mainly excited though. I love my job, specifically getting to work with neat people and learn about life, but I figure I can find somewhere a little less stress-filled, and still get the satisfaction of meeting and talking to new people. I'm going to try to enjoy this last week on the job by attempting to make conversation with everyone that I haven't really talked to yet. It will be an adventure!

The end of the school year is almost here, which means the most stressful weeks are upon us. I really cannot believe it's almost been a year. I'm excited that it's been a year, but it just doesn't feel like that long. I have a test tomorrow, 4 tests next week, and 3 the following week. I think that if that doesn't take me down, not much can...well, maybe next semester's schedule, but i'm not going to go there quite yet. I'm looking forward to being done for a month until summer school starts.

Well, I think that just about does it.

This and That

If you're beginning to read this thinking "I bet Allye's writing this instead of studying", you would be completely right. It seems like when I get tired of studying and What Not to Wear isn't on, this is where I come.

I had my advising meeting yesterday, and aside from being extremely scared/intimidated by my advisor, it went well. I got myself all registered, and I'm ready to go. I might regret taking Developmental Psych at 8 am, but I keep remembering that I woke up early everyday for high school, so I guess can do it 3 days of the week for college.

Today was a beautiful day. Since the library didn't open until 1:00 today, I sat outside and studied. When my eyes needed a break from reading I watched the squirrels. They are so neat. There was one with only half a tail that I liked a lot. I got another one arm tan while studying, so now both of my arms have a nice uneven farmers tan. It's cool. I'm proud of how much I studied today, even though I still feel like I have quite a lot to do, I feel slightly accomplished.

I like having a roommate who works at starbucks. Free tea and coffee has changed my life.

I'm taking an online defensive driving course to dismiss a speeding ticket I got a couple months ago. I'm taking it at http://www.asenseofhumordriving.com/ and it's hilarious! There's this little cartoon character guy who talks to you about safe driving and makes corny jokes. I think I'm enjoying it more than I should.

This book is awesome. One of my choir friends, Kelsey, brought this book on tour the other day. I think I'm going to buy it someday. It starts out with some simple "get to know you" questions and as you go on, the questions get more in depth and thought provoking. There are funny questions, serious questions, and questions that make you say "hmmm?". It was a fun way to get to know some of my new friends. I think it would be a great book for finding out what people believed too, mainly because you can kinda do it discretely without being like "SO, what do you think about Jesus?", even though sometimes that's the right way to do it. Anyway, it's fun. I recommend it. : )

I really should pack or study or work on defensive driving, or something.

Tea Time

My sweet roomate, not expecting me to be back so soon from round one of choir tour had my birthday present sitting on my desk when I got back today. She got me this precious little tea pot that I had admired everytime we went into Vintage Daze antique shop. It does a mighty fine job at brewing tea, and even if it didn't, it's pretty to just stare at it. This picture doesn't do it justice at all, but I still want to show it off.

Choir tour (round 1) was a ball of fun. I'm looking forward to round 2, all of it except for waking up at 4am. I'm in love with my friends.

Ethan & Noah

My friend had her babies. We talked about an hour ago, she told me that they came home today and are doing great. Look at those precious little faces!! Don't you just wanna kiss them all over? I do. I love Noah's (the one on the left, i think) wrinkly forehead. So sweet. I asked her if I could show the picture she sent me to the people who have been praying for her, Tim and these new babies. She said sure, and also told me to tell everyone who has thought of her thank you. So, thank you from her and I.

Please do, if it comes to mind, continue to pray for these precious little ones and also for Tim. He got released from St. Jude but is still going there a couple times a week for treatments/checkups. Also pray for the momma of these three, who is working so hard to provide for her kids pretty much by herself. Pray that her heart would be softened and that she would come to know and trust the love that God has to offer.

Thanks again.

Oh, how time flys

Well, Spring Break is over, and the final weeks of my freshman year are upon me. I really can't believe it's almost been a whole school year. Crazy. Real crazy. These next few weeks are going to be challenging, but good. Lots of tests, essays, projects, etc. The choir is going on tour, which I am real excited about. I still don't know where we're going to be, but it will still be fun to be with my friends. Spring break was great, it felt too short, just like every other break I have ever had, but it was great. Lots of rest and not doing much of anything took place, which I can never complain about.

I think it's weird how time feels like it passes by really fast, and at the same time, things that aren't that far in the past seem like a really long time ago, and then some things that were a really long time ago seem like yesterday. Make sense? Probably not. For example: Christmas seems like a really long time ago, it was just 3 months ago, but time has gone by really fast since then. Another example: Graduation feels like it was just a few months ago, but a lot of time has gone by really fast since then. I just read over that, and it doesn't really make sense. So if your reading this thinking "What the heck are you saying Allye?!", I'm sorry, and my only advice is go with the flow, or just click the little back arrow on your browser....maybe the latter of the two would be best for your sanity. Anyway, the point of this little spiel: my perception of time is wacky. That's all. Time does fly when your having fun, and when your not having fun too, I guess. :)

I think I've done enough damage for tonight.

Here are a couple of pictures from break:

Happy Birthday(s)!

Today is a special day.

Samantha, my wonderful roommate, turned 21 today.

Happy Birthday Sam!

Here's a picture of Sam with her balloon covered bed, tiara, scary monkey balloon and margarita mix:

It's also my sweet friend Caitlin's birthday. She's 19, which is a tiny bit less of a milestone than 21, but 19 is great too! Happy Birthday Caitlin!!!

Since I didn't see Caitlin today, I didn't get to take her birthday picture, so I'll use one that I find fitting to the birthday picture mold:

Not only is it Samantha's AND Caitlin's birthday, which already makes for a pretty fabulous day, but I found that there is one special other who shares this day with them. Neil Sedaka, pop singer extraordinaire of the 60's and 70's who sang "breaking up is hard to do", turned 69 today. Happy Birthday Neil!Now that I think we all understand the sheer importance of this day, I feel at ease to go study for my New Testament test tomorrow.

Happy Birthday(s)!!

"Jesus is alive!!"

Today was the 69th annual Easter pageant at UMHB. Yeah, 69th. That's a lot of Easters and fake Jesus'.

It was really good. Today was the perfect day, sunny and a little breeze. Beautiful weather. I even got a tan on my right arm! Sweet! :) They had live animals, which I was very excited about for some reason. There were donkeys, sheep, goats and even some chickens. I was very pleased. I took some pictures that I will post just to give a little sneak peak to all the non-UMHBer's, and the ones who maybe just didn't get to make it. My favorite part was when Jesus was resurrected and everyone just found out He was alive. All the people (including the little 4 year old home schooled kids) were running around, dancing, and proclaiming with joy to the audience "Jesus is alive!" "Have you heard?!". I wish I would've gotten a picture of it, but I was too enamored, and busy thinking about how great that would be to witness that. Not to mention watching the cute little kids dance for joy that Jesus was alive. So, so cute.

Mary (Danae), Joseph (James) and Donkey handler man.

Jesus washing the disciple's feet before the last supper.

The crucifixion.

The resurrection. (check out the smoke!)

Well, that's all for now folks!