Currently Watching Say Anything see related

so, here it is...today.  it's really a beautiful day because 1) the weather is perfect 2) i'm on spring break 3) it's kirbi's birthday!

happy birthday kirbi =)

so because i'm not with kirbi today, i can't physically give her a present, and i thought it might be good to give her a xanga post.  if you don't know this about kirbi--she's one of the most loyal people to the xanga world.  she hasn't got caught up in facebook or myspace or anything of the sort, and she posts fairly often.  and i...am not this way.  i rarely post on the xanga world anymore...although i usually read other people's posts.  and every so often i hear kirbi exclaim, "nobody posts [comments] on xanga anymore..." and to hear the disappointment in her voice is heartbreaking...and makes me question whether or not is okay that sometimes i leave internet land.

so with that being said, i really hope that kirbi's day is spectacular.  kirbi is a beautiful, gifted woman who lets her light shine very brightly to those around her.  she plays drums like a rock star, is a great rugby player and the most fun teammate i've had.  kirbi is willing to do what God challenges her to do in her ministry--whether that's lead women's ministry or go on a summer project.  she is a great friend who listens and sympathizes, holds you accountable, and shares in your joys.  kirbi--i love you so much and am so thankful that you're in my life.  you've been a rock when i've needed support and have never failed to give me a smile.  i admire you so much and i hope your day is great!  peace out.

Currently Watching Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark see related

so i've been out for about a week after wisdom teeth surgery. i got really tired of not being able to do anything...and i miss eating food too.  ah well, this pain can't stay forever, right? (although it seems like it).  christmas was great being with family and the timberlake staff christmas party was great fun.. quinn and halie have been to see me...great friends.. and i get to see more friends the rest of this week.. i love break =)

i finished reading Reedeming Love.  i got it for christmas and read it in about a day. it was so good. i know that everyone says that about this book and i've been meaning to read it for about half a year. and i knew it was going to have a good story, and retell the story of Hosea... an amazing portrayal of our (my) unfaithfulness to God, and the power of his gift of redemption.  but the way God used the author to effectively communicate the themes of sacred romance and God's outpouring of love and control was pretty incredible. i loved the story...getting so mad at the prostitute who runs again and again away from real love.  it's such a real picture of me rejecting the same love and my distrust of the Father... my wanting to play God, keep my pride, and refuse to surrender.  Not until i acknowlegde my unworthiness and still ask for understanding, put full trust in Him, and allow Him to fight for me will i ever really experience what living Power there is in redemption from my loving Father.

Currently Watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving By Peanuts, Phil Roman see related

so lately i've had a birthday, took a hamlet test, moved into an apartment, congratulated newly engaged couples (ben reis, ben crabtree and erin norenberg, kaylene and kyle), registered for classes next semester (only 12 hours), had consistent quiet times, won a flag football championship, played bunco, watched some zelda with kirbi, planned a bachelorette party...

i'm looking forward to thanksgiving this week, being done with the semester, dcc, katie's wedding, christmas, more good times with friends...

so life is good, busy, and there is much to be thankful for.

by the way, this entry is dedicated to brian gall

Currently Listening Chase the Sun By O.C. Supertones see related

just got back from fall break...actually got back at 5:00 this morning, but then i slept until about 4:30 this afternoon so i feel like i just got back.  the weekend was...good, i think.  it really was pretty good--halie and i figured we spent about 17 hours in the car together with no one else.  that's a lot of time, but we never ran out of things to do.  we memorized some shawn mcdonald songs and discussed spiritual warfare in the early morning hours.  it was good times.

we went to a nav retreat in cedar falls, iowa and i got to see a lot of people from the summer which was so nice.  i hadn't seen most of them since july and it was nice to catch up even if only for a short time.  and it was good to hang out with God a lot too.  The speaker was entertaining and spoke out of John 15:5.  we went over what the true vine is and what it means to remain in it.  we also went to some sweet seminars and got to go to a host home for supper last night.  it was great to meet this couple and hear their story.  umm..

so now it's time to get going for school again.  it's about time to really get going with some crusade stuff: DCC fundraising and promoting and such.  there's also a bridal shower for katie this week, a costume barn dance, our book group(going over captivating), awana, my quest study group (four girls and I get together once a week going through the same study), intramural flag football playoffs this week--we're undefeated going into the first round--women's ministry, work, classes, catching up on email, phone calls, and letters.....well, i guess the break was nice for awhile. =)

Currently Listening Redemption Songs By Jars of Clay see related

so it's crazy that the weeks keep going by as fast as they do.  every week and weekend are completely filled.  we just got done with crusade and then we went mud-sliding.  it had hard-core rained so we found some big puddles and got completely drenched. so much fun, and i love the fact that there are girls here to join in the crazy awesomeness.

the katrina trip two weekends ago was so good. it was really hard--the work was hot and gross, and God was teaching me a lot about the body of Christ working together.  but the prayers were felt and i truly believe were the reason that the trip went so well. we had to be flexible at all times and be willing to do anything.  it just proves that God will use us if we simply make ourselves available.  i loved being able to work "as for the Lord and not for men".  our group of students came back with a shared experience of God revealing Himself to us.  now if we would just remain as willing to do His work on this campus.

the fellowship has also been really awesome in Wayne lately.  i really feel like we're striving towards real community. it's amazing to experience God at work in Wayne.  i love it