Today

HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone!! Today I am celebrating All Hallows Eve by procrastinating schoolwork as long as I can and hoping my class tonight will be short (doubtful).

But for me, today is not so much about the spooky holiday, but more of a reminder that tomorrow is November. Can you believe it?? Beginning today, there are exactly 5 weeks before exams begin, and only 4 weeks worth of classes left. I realize that time flies, yadda yadda, but where did this semester go? Friday, I will register for my final semester of classes at Mississippi State. AAHH!

As quickly as time seems to pass, God reminds us that he has every day in his hands. The bible warns us not to invest so much energy into the future, but to focus on today. I know that this can be very difficult in a world where goals and plans are so important. We are always thinking about what's next (I know I am). And while it is good to make plans, we can't forget that today might be all we have. Today, Halloween of 2011, might be it for you, me, or all of us.

So put a pause on all of your planning. Start doing. Don't waste today.

Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. Psalm 144:4


You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Psalm 39:5
 
You should know better than to say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to the city. We will do business there for a year and make a lot of money!" What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears. You should say, "If the Lord lets us live, we will do these things." James 4:13-15


So be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly. Take advantage of every opportunity because these are evil times. Ephesians 5: 15-16

cookie cake

Ok so I'm in class right now, but I felt I had to share. We bring food to class each Saturday and we have a group email to decide who is bringing what. I replied on Monday that I would be bringing a Halloween cookie cake.
I showed up this morning and what do I see on the food table? Another Halloween cookie cake. The girl who brought it said, "I'm sorry I didn't read the email." This is the same girl who never has her PowerPoints or notes because "they print funny" or "my internet messed up". Every. Week. 
UGHHH.
Whatever, at least mine is homemade.

plan b

So about that thing I tend to talk about... growing up... well, it's coming!
   Travis interviews for his first big boy job in Memphis on November 10th. He is excited because it's for a financial job he could really see himself doing. I'm excited because it would be a wonderful Christmas present to know what direction he'll be headed in May.
   He is a great interviewee, and if you know him this is not shocking. Of course, if this one doesn't pan out I'm sure more will come along. Plus there is nothing wrong with having a Plan B.
Yesterday, I got him to cut my hair. About an inch and a half off the bottom, and cutting it so it will turn under. So if the interview doesn't go well, there's always Beauty School!!

New Day

 

The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" Lamentations 3:22-24

Three years

Today is Travis and my 3-year anniversary. And I honestly believe I am the luckiest girl in the world.

First off, this is the first real relationship either one of us has ever had, so we’re kind of making it up as we go- but it seems to be working! He has been such a blessing to me, and is one of the biggest sources of joy in my life. For one thing (in my opinion) he is the hottest thing on two legs. For another, he is absolutely perfect for me. He brings out the best parts of me and I adore every moment we spend together.

One thing I love about us is that we never fight or bicker like I see some people do. The only arguments I can think of that we’ve had in the last few months were when we disagreed on what kind of food constitutes a snack and what the average length for a female leg is. Both of which ended in laughter. He is so considerate of my feelings and opinions (most of ours are the same) and he always thinks of me first. Who could ask for anything more?

I am not the shameless photographer I used to be, and we don’t have that many pictures from the past year or so. But we’ve had some fun times that I don’t need a picture to remember. Like ice-skating and earning the biggest bruises of our lives, going to Destin during hurricane season when my swimsuit bottoms were lost beneath a wave, and going on a water ride in 40 degree weather. Of course there were some not-so-good times, too. Last year Travis drove me to Tupelo and stood in the room with me when they unplugged my Granddaddy’s respirator. He never left my side. No matter what, through good and bad, he has been there for me in every sense of the word.

Even more than I want to tell Travis “I love you”, I want to tell God “thank you.” For sending such an angel to love me and walk with me through life’s ups and downs. For sending someone who loves you and seeks you- just like the man I have been praying for since middle school at our True Love Waits conference. And, of course, for making him such a goofball. Not a day goes by that I don’t look up at him and, as my heart beats faster, wonder what I did to deserve him.

It has been a wonderful 3 years, and I look forward to many, many more.

I have found the one whom my soul loves. Song of Solomon 3:4 

His mouth is most sweet: yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. Song of Solomon 5:16

by this they will know

My mom used to tell me that “we may be the only Bible people ever read.” Most people have heard this before, but what does it mean?

It means that as a Christian, you are a representative of Christ. Some people may never go to church or hear God’s word, but they see you as their definition of Christ-like.

In the Great Commission, Jesus told his disciples to go into the world where they were and make disciples of all nations. Today, we have even more opportunities to come into contact with others whether it is face-to-face or via cell phones or the internet. There are also many people with whom the only contact we have is in passing or watching from afar. More important than what we say or claim to be is what others see.  Actions speak volumes.

Some Christians carry themselves so that there is no doubt whose they are. When you’re around them, you want what they have. It is my prayer to be like that.

All people are born with a Christ-shaped void inside that needs to be filled. And of all the people you come in contact with, you never know who could be searching. Even when you hit a rough patch, or are just having a bad day, others are observing your actions—and reactions. Remember that, as a Christian, you live in a city on a hill. Shine your light so that maybe, just maybe, someone else might catch a glimpse of the Kingdom.

“Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

I am reminded of a song we used to sing in youth choir based on John 13:35:“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

If we only love the lovely, or those we call our own

Or if we give expecting something in return

If our mercy has a limit, if our reach has an end

If our favor must always be earned

What makes the difference in the world’s eyes?

Where is the proof we belong to Christ?

By this they will know who Jesus is

By this they will know that we are his:

 If we give of ourselves as he gave himself for us

By this they will know him. They'll know Jesus by our love.

Love is never selfish; it never wants its way

And it never can remember debts unpaid

It is full of compassion and humility

This is the love that we claim

That makes the difference in the world’s eyes.

There is the proof that we belong to Christ.

By this they will know who Jesus is

By this they will know that we are his:

 If we give of ourselves as he gave himself for us

By this they will know him. They'll know Jesus by our love.

yayy

Just got an email from my teacher. She has lost her voice. Sad, but..... NO CLASS TONIGHT!!
AANNDDD... I have a test in my class tomorrow night which will be posted online and I don't have to go. This might possibly be the best week ever. Of course, I have a lot of homework now since we missed a class meeting, but I would much rather do it at home in my sweats than have to get ready and be on campus until 9:00.
This is a first, but Yay Monday.

Beautiful Feet

Good Morning!! I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday. I have loads of homework to catch up on, so I should probably be working on that this morning. I will leave you with some well-wishes and a verse from the bible drill days.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Isaiah 52:7

I hope you all have beautiful feet this week.

weekend

Well... the big move was this weekend!! And I'm beat.
    For the past two days I've been shoving, heaving, lifting and sorting. My family exploited Travis's true manpower and my knack for briskly carrying anything weighing less than 15 pounds. All the big pieces are in place and my mom and I had fun figuring out where to put personal items in the new house. The nicest part was the fact that it now takes me half the time to get home. I foresee many impromptu trips home in the future. 

    I also had a fun weekend with Lara Beth doing pre-wedding things--- exciting! Friday night was her chilly yet gorgeous engagement party at a white farmhouse full of country charm and twinkling white lights.

    And the to do wouldn't have been all about LB without lunch out with most of the bridal party...and margaritas. Saturday afternoon we tried on lots of bridesmaid dresses, and she even slipped on a few bridal gowns. It is all so exciting, and a tad overwhelming, which is why I'm glad it isn't me.
    So it has been a very fun weekend, but very very busy. To wind down, Travis and I are perched on the couch chain-watching season one episodes of Psych.
    I'm hoping Monday will take it easy on me.

less is more

What if we took this to heart? What if we were okay with having less?
   Imagine for a moment that you go without that $50 dress every other week from that boutique downtown. You still "wouldn't have anything to wear." Imagine, God forbid, that your next car is used with cloth seats and a cassette player. Would spending an extra ten grand get you where you're going any faster?
   Even if you don't consider yourself frivolous, the little things add up: daily trips to Sonic happy hour, quick trip to CVS for some $7 lip gloss, OPI in at least twenty shades.
   By no means am I saying  that spending any money whatsoever on ourselves is wrong, but what if that 40 bucks a month didn't disappear into half-full cups in our trash and into the bottom of our cosmetic bags? Can you think of something better to invest in?
   A savings account? Perhaps. A high-interest bond? Maybe. But what about investing in others? Travis sends money every month to Jaypreem, a missionary in Nepal spreading God's word. At first, and embarrassingly so,  this sparked a bit of anger in me. Tell me we can't go out and eat because you don't have the money, but then cough up the amount of two Veranda dinners every month for this dude. About 5 seconds after this thought entered my mind, I felt something smack me in the head like on the V8 commercials. God needs this money more than my hips need the 20g of fat from a steak.
   God calls us to sacrifice. He didn't tell the rich man to get rid of his silver or a few cattle, he told him to sell everything he had. We must trust God to take care of us without the desire for all of the "extra" comforts of this world. I have a job, a place to live, a car (it's ten years old but it gets me there), and plenty of food. I am wealthy. Maybe not compared to a lot of people, but I lack nothing I need. In a world of brand names and designer tags it can be hard to feel satisfied at times, but we must remember to refill our longings with our desire for God.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight." Luke 16:13-15.

   See? This isn't a new thing. Sometimes we are like the Pharisees and we justify our indulgences by comparing ourselves to others. My car is on her last leg and I've never been to Disney World. But I am wealthier than almost 90% of people on this earth. I am so very blessed. 
   I challenge you to join me in the Have Less movement. This week, give up at least one thing you want or would usually buy.  Put that money aside as your "do more" money and decide who you can help with it. You may not even miss what you gave up, but if you do, just remember everything God gave up for you.


“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”Acts 20:32-35

Faith

   My sister Mary Beth turned 25 on Friday, another one of my best friends, Ginny,  turned 23 yesterday. Suddenly I am burdened by the sharp notion that I am getting older.
   I will be done with school in a little over six months. Wow. When did that happen? When did I grow up?

   I have been in school for almost 18 years. It has been my job, what I'm good at. Now, here I am at 22 years old and I'm almost done with this era of my life.
   I remember in 4th grade pretending that we were cool high schoolers, and that after recess we weren't just going back to class, we were "changing classes". Wow that sounded so cool at the time. Then several years later I would daydream about what it might be like to be in college, live in a dorm, have freedom. That seemed like a heavenly idea (and it was).
   But now all those things have passed, and here I am, almost done. I have no earthly idea where I will be this time next year. Where will I live? Who will I live with? Where will I work? I feel as if at any moment, I will sail toward the horizon and off the edge of the earth.

   This is a very exciting time, and there is a joy in the uncertainty. I have faith that God will lead me where he wants me to go.

    Before David became king of Israel, King Saul and his men hunted David across the countryside to kill him. But as Saul slept defenseless in a nearby cave, and David had the opportunity to destroy the man who was hunting him down, David’s faith in the Lord compelled him to make a different choice.
   By no means do I fear for my life at every turn, and there is no army hunting me down, but here is a situation where a decision must be made- a critical, life-changing decision. I know I must have faith so as not to follow my own logic, but trust that God has a plan for my life.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33-34

please

And one

   About 3 weeks ago, I decided I wanted to start exercising. I have never been a fan, but I know it is so good for the body, and one of these days I will look back and wish I had started now. So on a Saturday, I got Travis to take me to the Research Park to run. About 20 minutes later, I decided I am simply not cut out for it.

   Before my legs even felt a sting, I couldn’t breathe. I tried to breathe out of my mouth, which turned into a spot-on impersonation of the Big Bad Wolf. A few minutes later, that tingle set in. You know the signal from your muscles that means they are working? Well, my signal cried “Stop! This hurts!” No cell in my body likes that feeling. When I start to feel it, it is time to stop.

   So much for my grand intentions. I ran less than half a mile. Arguably, the reason my body can’t run a mile is because it never has. I was never on any kind of sports team where running was a warm up or cool down. I never belonged to a gym. No one ever asked or expected me to run, so I never did. And now that I am 22, with half the energy of myself as a preteen and joints that have stiffened a little more each year, I might as well be receiving a senior discount.

   But, I don’t want to accept defeat and wait until it affects my health twenty years from now. I just need to start small. So before I get back on the road (or treadmill in front of people who know what they’re doing), I will start with some small daily exercises at home to build strength and stamina. At this point I don’t have a measurable goal, as long as some activity occurs a few times a week.

   So if you feel my pain, maybe we can help each other. If not, just don’t laugh if you eventually see me huffing down University. 

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.  3 John 1:2

"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Reeaaaddd

While this may be true, I will admit I was a faithful of Season 3. However I have class on Tuesday nights now, so no Shore or Teen Mom for me (my brain thanks me). However, in light of the fact that I do not want to rot my brain via MTV, I am currently waist deep in a Stieg Larsson novel. I started it about a month ago and scanned a few pages at a time, but I am finally making opportunities to actually read, and I like it.
So get off the internet and go find something to make your mind grow. 

If you need any recommendations, I have several.

Fearless

   How wonderful to have that attitude!!
  In honor of Columbus Day, I challenge you to be courageous. Do something that you would normally be to too shy or afraid to do. From my experience, those things can be the best things. Sure, maybe it won't be as petrifying or monumental as searching for a new trade route to India or discovering a new world, but it will be an accomplishment nonetheless.
   So go, be fearless. Happy Columbus Day.

Relax

Oh how I wish I could.

   Having class on Saturdays from 9:00 to 5:00 is absolutely the worst decision I have ever made. But I didn't really have a choice in the matter. I guess that's what I get for getting a degree designed to incorporate a work schedule. I actually like the class and the teacher, and last Saturday we got out early at about 2:30. But regardless, I spent 6 hours in a concrete room. I have to go to sleep early on Friday nights and I can't sleep in and I have extra homework and studying for our weekly tests. It consumes my weekend, and I can't wait until it is over.
   So tomorrow as you are enjoying your Saturday, think of me and enjoy it just a little bit more.

Matter

   I've been thinking about this lately, just bear with me while I put it out there.
   It seems like today, everyone wants to be famous, well-known, or "important".  You know the type: center of attention, always looking for praise and recognition. It seems today's young generation is born with a sense of entitlement. But what is at the heart of this persistent void that needs filling, and is it something all of us long for?
   Perhaps we want everyone to know us now, so they won't forget us later. We want to be remembered. We don't want to pass from this earth without making ripples, stirring hearts, or leaving a legacy. But does that mean we need to be famous? Because honestly, I don't want to be known for some of the things "stars" are famous for.
   Now I know not everyone wants to be famous in the celebrity sense. But what if you just want to be popular or envied in your town, university, or even amongst your friends. Maybe for having the best wardrobe, the most glamorous internship, or the highest organizational position, etc.
   I think the difference is in the recognition, meaning, stop looking for it. Strive to make a difference, but not for the praise or fame. In fact, if that is your aim, you may not even be doing the right things. Do it for the simple joy found in helping someone. Rather than a worldly reward, look instead to your heavenly blessings. Think about how great this world would be if people did things with purely selfless intentions, always putting others first. I'm guessing it would be nice.
   Like the famous quote says, your character is built on what you do when people are not watching.
   It may be difficult, but it is a challenge I present to myself. I struggled with this when I decided to get a masters in education. There would be no fancy jobs in finance for me at Goldman Sachs, no neat internship in risk management on the set of a Hollywood production, not even an account managing job at a national magazine. I will go to my 10-yr  high school reunion and say, "I teach Math." And perhaps to some people I will never be more than a high school math teacher . I might not be destined to save the world, but maybe, just maybe, I'm part of a bigger picture- a puzzle piece- a single component in changing one person's world. And for me, that's enough.
     Just a little something to think about.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Typical

   Soooo last night in class (I sit at the very front) I popped open my mac book pro and turned it on to open my journal article review. Suddenly, I saw the background. The night before, I had changed it from a bible verse to a funny picture to show Travis. So here's what everyone saw on my home screen:

    Personally, I think it's pretty darn funny. But in a room filled with 30-somethings, I'm not sure who actually saw or how it came across, so I reverted to my old image just in case. That's the most embarrassing thing that happened to me yesterday, which is a considerable upgrade from my typical day. At least I didn't fall up the stairs in Allen and fall into someone like last week, or down the stairs in my apartment. Yes. That happened.
   Another day, another moment. Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, part 2

      It was so hard to wake up today. It was the first morning I felt the cold from outside sneak into my room and trap me under my comforter. I just knew that if I climbed out from under the cover I would freeze solid mid-step. So needless to say I kept my warm self in the bed for an extra thirty minutes, and yes, that means I did not  take a shower. And without the shock of the water, I've been a little slow this morning. Skews my usual chipper morning attitude (ha. ha.)

  Contrary to my feelings in middle school, Tuesday is no longer my favorite day. It is the only day of the week that I have day class and night class. And of course I have work, but that's everyday. 8 and 1/2 hours spent on campus is never fun.
   If you know anything about my job you know I have nothing to do at work, but on days like this that isn't such a bad thing. I got a little bit of homework done and started studying for a test I have on Thursday. In fact, I think I've been productive enough to slip in a short nap this afternoon.
   ...and any day that includes a nap is a good day.

...

- The Perks of Being A Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky

Enough

A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault.  ~John Henry Newman

Good Laugh

   At the risk of being (very) cheesy, I decided to post these photos. I got a good laugh out of them, and any laugh is a good laugh. Enjoy.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22