28 December 2011

Christmas Wishes

Hello friends! Merry Christmas! Did you enjoy your Christmas? I hope so.

Mine was lovely -- my brother and sister-in-law are in town, my granddad and his wife drove over to our place Christmas morning, and I got to ride a horse on Christmas Eve! It was a treat.

I know I'm technically a couple days late with the Christmas wishes, but I didn't think anyone would mind a little break between finals week and blogging about Christmas, right? Plus, I was busy as a bee sewing and crocheting Christmas presents. My mother had my nose to the grindstone. (Love her though!)

As great and fun as my Christmas was, it's not 24/7 peaches and cream and puppy dogs, if you know what I mean. I think everyone experiences this. When you get a lot of people with pasts (relatives) and put them in a pretty small place (your house) and then make them all stay in that place and interact (Christmas Eve, Christmas, parties -- you name it), eventually, even the sweetest group is gonna have some scuffles.

In light of that, I hope that you can find the patience and peace that you need in loving and understanding your family members. I only have one brother, and though sometimes I'd like to wring his (not so scrawny anymore) little neck, I love him and my sister-in-law to pieces. They really are some of the most important people in my life.

So here's to finishing out this fantastic season with both your brain and your families intact and thriving. Cheers!

15 December 2011

Final-ly

Yes, that may be the laziest title to a blog post in the history of this blog, but you know what?
FINALS ARE OVER!

(gilmore girls from pinterest)

Finally, it's time to kick back and enjoy this wonderful holiday season. Of course, for me, that means a lot a crafting and baking and hanging out with friends. I'll be busy, but the best kind of busy.

Anything you've been putting off until the holidays? Good book on your radar? Fill me in!

11 December 2011

Kimbra, Settle Down

Once in a while, I stumble upon a new (I use that loosely) artist that I just really fall in love with. Right now, that artist is Kimbra. Her song "Settle Down" was the free video on iTunes a few weeks ago, and I downloaded, and then forgot.

Then a friend posted this video (thank you, arthur) of Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye, and I remembered that she was really interesting! So I watched everything she's got on youtube, and let me tell you -- not only is she really pretty, her songs are smart and beautiful. Plus, we kind of dance the same, so that's encouraging. Watch this, it's fun:


How great, huh? You should watch the video for "Settle Down" as well, its very intriguing and evocative.

Are you hooked? Her EP, also titled Settle Down, is available. It's totally on my Christmas list.

(PS: She's Australian. Cool, right?)

10 December 2011

Men and Women Can't Be Friends

If you follow me on twitter, you might have seen this video I posted a couple of days ago. If not, enjoy, before I dive in:



Honestly, you only have to watch the first minute to realize that it's true: men and women can't be friends. Without fail, every girl says yes, and every guy says no. It doesn't get much clearer than that, right?

I have a lot of things swirling around in my head about this one. I'm sure had I been interviewed, I would have said yes, just like the rest of the girls. Because I want to be friends with guys, but evidently, it's not gonna happen.

So I guess my only option now is to ask: what now?
If you agree (or if you don't!) that guy and girls can't be friends, what does that mean? How does that change communication and interactions between guys and girls? Should it change?

Does this make you want to watch When Harry Met Sally?
Please chime in with a comment, I'm really interested in what you have to say!

08 December 2011

Brains

I'm knee-deep in final papers and studying this week. Thus, I felt like posting some song lyrics. I know, I know, so dramatic.  I blame it on my lack of sleep!

I wanted you to know
that I am ready to go:
Heartbeat, my heartbeat.

I wanted you to know
whenever you are around:
I can't speak, can't speak.

I come around when you least expect me -- 
I'm sittin' at the bar when your glass is empty.
You thinkin' that this song's coming on to tempt me,
I need to be alone like the way you left me. 

All the things that we thought we were losing,
I'm a ghost and you know this, 
that's why we broke up in the first place.

Stupid; so dummy,
Say the wrong thing and wrong girls come running
I'm paranoid that these girls want something from me.

I wanted you to know
that I am ready to go:
Heartbeat, my heartbeat.

I wanted you to know
whenever you are around:
I can't speak, can't speak.

Heartbeat, Childish Gambino (who happens to be Troy, on Community) on his (awesome) premier album, CAMP.

Just so you are aware, if you decide to listen to it, there's some language, and ... risque subject matter. I've been selective with the lyrics here.

See you soon, I hope!




05 December 2011

Plans





Friends, let's just say big things are coming.
Or rather, little cute things. Keep your eyes peeled!

04 December 2011

The Best Medicine

Yet again, I am sick. Seems like all I do this semester is get sick!
I figured that you, my friends, are also sick once in a while. For that, I prescribe my favorite medicine: lots and lots of laughter.

How do I propose that you get lots and lots of laughter?

Community.

Seriously, if you aren't watching this show, you are truly missing out. Community has a stellar cast including Joel McHale (eye candy, let me tell you!), Chevy Chase, Donald Glover, and Ken Jeong. The show is in its third season, and it has only gotten funnier as time goes by -- and if you are a college student, you will be able to appreciate so many of the absurd situations that they get into.

Community is also a part of a trend that I've noticed on TV. Suddenly, it's really hip and cool to be, well, uncool. Nerds, geeks and people who usually wouldn't fall into the category of 'glamorous' are suddenly the heroes and heroines of primetime. Hallelujah!

Now, my post isn't only because I love watching Community. Sadly, NBC has decided to put Community "on the bench" because of low ratings. So, in a heartening social movement, the show's fans have rallied to support it and let NBC know that the ratings don't reflect how great of a show it really is. And I'm one of those fans.

Here's what some people have been doing to try and support the show:

savecommunity! by Jon Defreest


Chaos Theory Goatee from AOL


If you love the show and want to support it -- you can follow the official twitter account @NBCcommunity or follow some the cast like Joel McHale or Donald Glover (who are both actually really awesome outside of being in Community). Use the hashtags #savecommunity #sixseasonsandamovie or #12seasonsandathemepark to get the show trending!


Alright, alright, I'll leave you alone now. But hey! Watch it!


30 November 2011

Photo of the Week: Pups & Poultry

One of those title items gets eaten -- guess which one?



SICK! We don't eat puppies. Only over-sized fowl.


This was my Thanksgiving -- my Grandad and his wonderful wife did everything, so all we had to do was eat and help clean up. Sweet deal, huh? Plus I got to play with their pups, Princess and Sophie, all day long. Livin' the life, I tell you.

How was your Thanksgiving?

29 November 2011

Learning: Teachability II

Catch up on Teachability I, and then we can dive in.

I took the obvious first step and googled "teachability". What? You would do the same thing!

So definitions, then?
The Free Dictionary says teachability is the quality of being "able and willing to learn."
Merriam-Webster calls it the "ability to learn by instruction."
Dictionary.com (ah, that old standard) claims "capable of being instructed, as a person; docile."

As you can see, each is similar to the others, though "docile" is kind of interesting. But after the obligatory meanings of the word, that's when results start to get interesting. Most are related to faith -- things like the "character of teachability" or "maintain an attitude of teachability" or having a "teachable spirit". They are sermon series, bible studies and other resources.

You mean I'm not the only one? What a relief.

It seems that not only is teachability a little difficult to truly understand (those definitions say things, but what do they mean?), there are quite a few people in the world who struggle with it.

For me, the definition is like this so far: teachability is being able to recognize that you are being taught, consider the instruction and then appropriately incorporate that wisdom into your lifestyle. Being taught is a relationship and a process, not just someone telling you to do things.

Good! I'm feeling more positively about this already. I know I'm drawing this out, but I think it demands a lot of consideration, so I hope you'll take it as seriously as I am. Any breakthroughs on your end?

23 November 2011

Photo of the Week: Wanderlust




I was feeling restless last week, so I drove out to the lake and took some pictures. It was perfect out there.

21 November 2011

Learning: Why?

Hi.

How are you? Doing well? I hope you are.
Perhaps understandably, my last post was a little difficult to write and publish. Part of my stubbornness manifests itself in the form of wanting to seem like I've got it all together. I just want people to see that I can handle the things given to me, and do the tasks assigned to me with finesse.

So this post is even harder. The past few weeks, I've been thinking a lot about dating and relationships, and having conversations with a lot of people about those things. After having broken up with my boyfriend of five years in July, I casually dated a new guy. And then that kind of stopped, for various reasons: our personal goals and convictions are different, distance, and some other things I probably don't know about. And while I can reason that this is best, and it is what I actually want, I can't help but feel really deflated.

I've been thinking about that emotion, and telling people "Yeah, we're not gonna date, and that's probably best, but for some reason I'm really bummed." Most everyone just says, "Aw, that's tough. Sorry, " and gives that pity look -- you know the one.

So what? Why am I -- someone who is strong, smart, happy, and blessed -- feeling so helpless?
I think it comes down to how I relate to men.

I look to the men in my life to affirm, love, appreciate, lead, discipline, encourage and support me. Look at those things: they aren't bad, right? All positive elements of a good relationship. Except that the only place that I look for that is in men. Usually one.

Why?
I have a superb group of female friends and leaders, a supportive church family and mother, but for whatever reason, their attempts to fill those roles for me just seem to fall flat. Why?

Much to my dismay, I don't have the answer to that question. But I'm thinking about it, and praying about it. If you have any ideas, I'd be happy to hear them. It's gettin' real! Until next time, friends.


Scrumptious: Spicy

After last weeks potato themed meal-of-the-week, I only feel a little guilty about sharing potatoes with you again. This was kind of a cheater dinner anyway: I had a gigantic burrito for lunch, so I just ate this for dinner!


Potatoes and a red onion sliced into long strips and then sautéed them in some olive oil until the potatoes were tender. A little salt and pepper, and then after they got onto my plate they seemed a little lonely, so I dashed some Frank's Red Hot Buffalo sauce on them. Confused? Am I actually a 16 year old boy? Hmmm...

I promise, most of the time I eat healthier than this. 
Except for that semester when I ate chili fries for a week straight...

15 November 2011

Scrumptious: Siesta!

Yes, I know, "siesta" means nap, or sleep. But when you are sleepy, and you need to eat, something's gotta give. But this was delicious!


But how about a recipe? It's nice and quick, but hits the spot. 

Siesta Baked Potatoes
2 small potatoes (I used russet, you could use one large, as well.)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup salsa verde (I used La Victoria Thick 'n Chunky)
Several stalks of fresh cilantro
Sea salt, to taste

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Start by washing your potatoes well, since eating the skins is good for you, but eating dirt is not. Once you've done that, stab each a few times with a fork, and place them in the microwave for 4 minutes. They'll steam and hiss, but that's fine. 

Once they're done in the microwave, pull out a baking sheet (or pizza pan) and set your potatoes on it. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle a bit of sea salt as well. Place them in the oven for 15 minutes. 

When the 15 minutes is up, carefully remove the baking sheet and potatoes from the oven, and place your potatoes on a plate. When they are cool enough to touch, slice them in half, and mash them up a bit. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over them, then spoon on your salsa and shredded cheese and tear up the cilantro to sprinkle it on top. 

There you have it! Delicious Siesta Baked Potatoes -- lazy college-girl food with a (very slightly) mexican flair. Plus, it's super cheap.

Tell me if you try it!


08 November 2011

Learning: Teachability I

As my time as a college student draws to a close, I'm in the process of taking that next step -- getting a job. Part of the process to get the job I'm hoping and praying for (which is in ministry), is an interview in which some tough questions were asked about my spiritual life and my relationships. 

One thing that came up (and has been mentioned to me in different capacities in the past) was "teachability". 
 -- Is it telling that it's been brought up several times?

Maybe it's cultural, maybe it's because I'm the oldest child, maybe it's because my parents raised me to be independent -- who knows. In any case, I'm pretty stubborn. Which means that too often, I don't take advice and instruction and actually listen to it. 

I'll admit that this is sort of an exploratory post, so lets dive in, shall we?

Why wouldn't I listen to (and act on) perfectly good advice or instruction from people that I trust and have considered my situation prayerfully and lovingly? Maybe you've guessed it: there is no good reason

I'll be honest, it makes me feel pretty awful when I think about it this way. Really, it shouldn't be a shock to me, because like I said, it's been mentioned to me before. But really considering the idea that I'm doing a series of not-so-good things: disrespecting my friends and mentors, disobeying God, making avoidable mistakes, indulging my stubbornness, learning things the hard way, limiting my ministry; that list makes me feel like an idiot.

So I'm here to figure it out and get with the program. I'll end it here for this post, now that we're at ground-zero-of-stupid. 

Until next time, do you struggle with teachability? Do you know what teachability is?


04 November 2011

Poetry

Have you ever noticed that once in a while, life is so poetic it's almost painful to experience it?

There are so many moments in writing and in film that are so perfectly put together. It's fiction, right? Fantasy? So these things are allowable. You know how it is, don't you?

The band of bedraggled and nearly beaten warriors crests a hill as the sun rises, and sees their destination just ahead.
The couple who has crossed paths time and time again but never met suddenly crash into each other while looking stunning, and they instantly realize their soul mates.

It's a nice idea, sure, I'll give you that. But it's not real.

Or at least it isn't most of the time.
Because once in a while, as you sit at your cozy desk, with the warm light of the lamp across your page, someone will tell you something you were hoping you wouldn't have to hear. It will start to rain.
And it's just a little too cinematic to seem fair.

02 November 2011

Slipping

One of the reasons that I started blogging originally was to have a creative outlet. Or maybe that's not quite accurate. More clearly, I needed somewhere to pour out my heart -- to process the things swirling around inside my head that maybe I didn't want an immediate response to, like I would get from confiding in a friend.

That's still true. I still need it. But in some ways, I've forgotten that, how therapeutic it is to just write my heart. So here I am. To write, and explain, and understand and breathe.

I hope I'll be more consistent -- it's so easy these days for things to just get away from you, you know? I can check my email, facebook and twitter all from my phone, not to mention texting, and phone calls and browsing the internet. I'm so connected, but it is far, far too easy for things -- for people -- to slip through the cracks.

I've let that happen lately. Sometimes it's been favors or jobs that other's have asked me to do. Sometimes it's been appointments, or assignments, or just my own intention to do something with or for someone. And as much as it hurts me to realize that I've essentially forgotten someone, I can't imagine how rude it must seem to them. Like I don't care, or they don't matter -- when really, that's not true at all.

So I'm working on that. I'm trying to be more focused, organized and on track with the people I really care about. And the people I don't. Forgive me?

Cool. Let's talk again, soon, huh?

22 October 2011

Really?!

Is it hurting you that someone appreciates Justin Bieber?

Do you need to tear apart my favorite television show?

Is it the end of the world if someone insults your favorite actor?

As a society, we're spending too much time getting truly and honestly angry about things that aren't worth losing friends or hurting feelings over. Start fighting for something that actually makes a difference in this world, and doesn't just mildly perturb your friends and family.

Want to know what some of those things are? I thought you'd never ask!



Let's get angry.

01 October 2011

Scrumptious: Carbonara

Now that I'm living in an apartment style dorm, I am cooking a lot more. So I decided that maybe instead of just a random photo-of-the-week, I'll also do a meal of the week. To kick that off -- here's the first thing!


Yummmm. Spaghetti, fresh spinach leaves, cubes of chicken tenderloin, all tossed in the college girl's version of carbonara: 2 eggs beaten with salt and pepper, then poured over the all the other ingredients, with some added marinara sauce for flavor. Good right? It sure looked pretty. 

Stay hungry, my friends.

30 September 2011

On Being Sincere


I've been thinking about language, lately. (English major, shocker!) One of the things that people really enjoy doing is correcting your use of language. When they ask how you're doing and you reply with "I'm doing good," they correct you with "Don't you mean you're 'doing well'?" A little grammar, that they feel like they are helping you with, right? (Just let me speak!) Or maybe you yell "I HATE STUPID DRIVERS!" while you are caught in traffic, and they ask "Do you really hate those people? Are you sure you aren't just frustrated with the situation?" (These people may also deserve an eye roll. Don't judge my driving habits!) They are questioning your sincerity, which may or may not be a valid question.

That's kind of the idea I've been stuck on recently. I say I love a lot of things. I'm talking a huge range, from "I love mint chocolate chip ice cream" to "I love your laugh." And I was thinking to myself, I need to be more aware of how I'm using that word, love. I can't just love everything, all the time! That's ridiculous.  But is it? Is it inaccurate for me to say that I love it when a friend uses my full name when they talk to me? Is it wrong to say I love the way the sun beams into my window right before it sets?

I don't think so. When I say I love something, I really, actually do. And a lot of times, when I tell someone I love something they do, or a conversation we're having, or a situation we're in, or something that is part of their personality, as cheesy at it might sound, I actually mean that I love them. I'm not talking romantically here, though. Love like the way you love your best friend, or your parents or siblings (when they aren't driving you crazy). Just truly, sincerely thinking that someone you know is a really awesome person who you want to be around as much as you can.

It seems to me that people are afraid of that in our generation. We don't want to say that we love anyone. Why? Are we afraid of rejection? That they might think we're weird, or awkward? I'm over that, people. I love my friends. They are weird, and nerdy, and hilarious, and honest, and caring, and crazy, and all around, the most phenomenal people I've ever known.

You know what I mean? :)

17 September 2011

Sick?!

In my vocabulary, sick is a word with several meanings.

Sick, as in "I am so sick," literally suffering from an illness.

Sick, as in "That food was so sick," meaning really gross.
(Add 'nasty' for emphasis if necessary)

Sick, as in "That Ke$ha concert was sick," meaning totally awesome.
(Add 'money' for emphasis)

Just wanted to share that little gem with the world.

05 September 2011

"The Ultimate Questions"

The first week of school in 5 words:
Exciting
Chaotic
Wonderful
Surprising
Challenging

What a list, right? It's been a great week, and I can already see some hints of how the rest of the semester and year will pan out. But I can also see the difficulties that I will face in my own growth and in relationships with others.

This is my last year here at school (!?!!) and I have been reminded all summer long of the urgency that being a senior represents. I only have so much time to do the things that God is calling me to, and even as that is encouraging, I can sense the fatal idea behind it. If I don't do what I need to do, what God needs me to do, in this year, what serious consequences will come of it?

Today, I was reminded of why I'm here, in both a physical and spiritual sense.

In the first chapter of my Psychology 101 book, which introduces what psychology is, and how and why it's studied, the author tells you not to be concerned with psychology answering 'the ultimate questions' of life, as asked by Tolstoy:
"Why should I live? Why should I do anything? Is there in life any purpose which the inevitable death that awaits me does not undo and destroy?"

And you know what? I'm alright with psychology not trying to answer that question because I already know.
God created me with a purpose. He loves me and I can see that everywhere in my life, and I know that it will never be undone or destroyed by death.

Sometimes, encouragement comes from the most unexpected places.

28 August 2011

Produce

Well, I'm back at school and things are getting into full swing. It's going to be quite the year, a year full of changes and miracles and hardships and joy.

Today, I decided to take some time alone to pray and read my bible instead of going to church. It seemed like a good idea to be alone, and just have time to recharge.

I'm studying Philippians right now, and for my first day, I finished with chapter one, verse 11.
(I'm particularly fond of the "God's Word" translation, so that's what I'll share with you.)

11Jesus Christ will fill your lives with everything that God’s approval produces. Your lives will then bring glory and praise to God.

So, now I'm wondering, what is it that God's approval produces? I can come up with some stereotypical answers: blessings, happiness, the usual. But what is it that we receive by earning God's approval.

We already have his love, but by earning his approval, we gain something different, and I'm curious to what you think that is. Fill me in!


08 August 2011

Our Deal


I've been listening to Best Coast's "Our Deal" on repeat the last couple of days. Just has that bittersweet summer feel that I'm floating in right now.

I was feeling a little creative, and thus, made myself a background for my computer.


Voila! Have a favorite song for the summer?

29 July 2011

Seasons

Hello friends!

After a busy completion to the school year, I spent one week at home, one on Catalina Island at "Chapter Camp" and then 5 weeks having one of the most life-changing experiences I've ever had.

While I would be happy to fill you in totally on my five week cultural exchange, this is not the medium to do so in, so please, let me know if you would like to talk about it! But what I will talk about here is the changes that happened in my mind, in my heart and in my relationship with God.

While my semester was full of really fantastic and fun experiences, I was also struggling with maintaining a long distance relationship, though the distance was not the real issue. This came to a head at the end of the school year, and my boyfriend and I took a 'break' (which is essentially having space to think and process without dating other people). Then, I left for the exchange.

On the trip, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with God and with people who challenged me to follow and know God more fully. I spent a lot of time in scripture and worship. All in all, it was really inspiring and challenging trip, and some big things changed in my life.

So, the essentials:

Then: I thought I would graduate and then apply for the InterVarsity internship (which would still be awesome!) at my chapter.
Now: I really have a heart for global ministry, and hope to be preparing to move out of the country this time next year.

Then: I thought that I would be married to my boyfriend this time next year.
Now: I realize that our relationship was not all that it could have been, and our differences both in communicating and in our goals led to me ending the relationship.

Then: I was vulnerable in conversations or ways that made me seem like I had it all together.
Now: I'm real. I'm not perfect and I don't have to be. It's all good.

All in all? This summer is the best I've ever had. Can you believe it?
How is your summer so far?



08 April 2011

Long Time

No talk?

Hello readers! Are you still around? I hope so. If my friends' consensus is any indication, this semester is the hardest we've ever had, so that has a lot to do with my absence and perhaps yours.

Today, just some musings.

Recently, I've heard several people say that they don't need other people or a big building for a church. That they can have church, and be with God just as well on their own at home alone. While I don't see anything wrong with occasionally skipping out on church, lately I have come to realize the true and irreplaceable value of community.

I've experienced two specific instances of this lately.
Last weekend, some good friends of my were baptized at a local church. I've never been to a "baptismal service" before, like this one, where 6 people baptisms were interspersed with worship and prayer, but let me tell you, I'll never miss one again. Not only is it beautiful to see someone you care for show their obedience to God through baptism, but the community and sense of family experienced that night was magnificent. At one point, we were able to gather around and put our hands on the newly baptized people and just pray for them; that God would bless them in their obedience, praise God that he had led them into joy so far, and that their lives would be an example to others. It was electric. It was the first time in a long time that I have experienced real joy.

Last night I had another great community experience. After our InterVarsity large group, about 12 of us got together to watch a cheesy movie, had some delicious hot wings and once our movie was over, just talked and enjoyed each other's company. We spent probably an hour, which involved some great head and shoulder massages, just talking and laughing and being together. It was exactly what I needed.

So as far as I know, you can say that you are closest to God on your own, but I know that there is nothing quite like the love and joy you get from living your life with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

07 March 2011

First Day of School

You know how on the first day of class, your teachers always made you share some fact about yourself? Well, in every class for 3 years, I said that the Fray was my favorite band. People got tired of it.

But, I still love them.

If you've never listened to it, look up Vienna.

Here are some of my favorite lines:

Maybe in five or ten, yours and mine will meet again
Straighten this whole thing out
Maybe then honesty need not be feared as a friend or an enemy
This is the distance
This is my game face

Their first album really was stellar. I would have posted a youtube video, but the selection was lame.

Cheerio!

01 March 2011

100 in 2010: Progress Four!


As you might have noticed, 2010 has ended...

But I slacked off a little on getting my list updated! I have in fact done many of the things on the list, so I figured this post could start to sum up the things that I did manage to get done before this year began.

I did complete #1, buy board shorts. Not really complicated, but let me tell you, Old Navy had some really cute ones!

I finished #3, make an entire dinner on my own! I borrowed Jordan's delicious recipe and made it for my family. It was so good. (Have you seen her Community video?) (I'm shameless.)

Knocked out #7 though I actually started spending money more responsibly this semester, not last year. I canceled my meal plan ($1690 per semester!) and I've been tracking my spending and saving receipts. It's actually quite satisfying.

I'll leave it at that for now. Don't want to overwhelm anything!
Any lists of your own to complete?





27 February 2011

Playing Favorites

As you might have gathered, for example in my "Who's Who" post, I'm not a fan of things being ranked or valued over other things.

However, I'm here to admit that I have been playing favorites. I have some favorite bible verses. Ha-cha-cha!

So obviously, having favorite bible verses isn't really a bad thing, right? So I thought I would round up a few of my favorites and share them with you. You never know, they might be just what you needed right now! It always seems that way with me.

Romans 12:12
"Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually."
All around just pretty good advice right? A lot of chapter 12 of Romans is simple truths like this.

Proverbs 31:20
"She opens her hands to oppressed people and stretches them out to needy people."
I love this verse, of course, since it's mentioned in my post about the vision God has for me!

Romans 1: 11-12
"I long to see you to share a spiritual blessing with you so that you will be strengthened. What I mean is that we may be encouraged by each other's faith."
My best friend sent me a text that only said "romans1 11-12" on a crazy day a couple of weeks ago, and that night when I got around to reading it, I was blown away. Having that kind of support is great and exactly what God expects from people who love him.

That's all I've got for now. Do you have a favorite, or even goofy verse that always comes to mind for you? Leave a comment! Who knows who might benefit from it!

23 February 2011

Back to the Future

One of the greatest things about college is that it really is the beginning of the rest of your life. Your future begins at school! How many times have you heard someone say: "Oh, yeah, that's the same school Natalie Portman went to!" or "Did you know that Tom Hanks was one of our Alumni?" It's such a formative and awesome experience, I think I may be seeing it happen first hand.

My roommate, (you know the really hilarious and totally awesome one? You can read her blog, too) made a video this past weekend, about her love for a character, Troy, on NBC's Community. It's a fantastic show, in my humble opinion, the funniest on TV now! The video is hilarious, and in an unbelievable and fortuitous turn of events, The NBC Community twitter tweeted a link to her video!

So yes, in case you hadn't noticed, today is a shameless plug for this awesome video and the show.
So watch it: Landing Troy Barnes

And hey... Do you think we can get her to be a guest star on the show? Wouldn't that be fun!


22 February 2011

Photo of the Week: Spring?

We finally had snow! Here's the view:

I know I'll hate it in three weeks, but for now, it's wonderful.
How's your weather?

02 February 2011

Long-Distance Dance Party

Are you a student?

Do you go to college away from home?

Is calling your family and friends on the phone just not enough?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then you better believe I have news for you!




Okay, okay, enough of that. But don't you feel like an infomercial when you tell people about a product or service that you like? I always do.

But really, I found a really cool new service that I wanted to share with you! Since I go to a school outside of my hometown, I spend quite a bit of time keeping in touch with people at home. Last year, we invested in webcams and started using Skype. Skype is great, especially for times when I hardly get to come home -- I can Skype with my parents to see what's going on at home and church, with my best friend to get some much needed encouragement and chat time in, and even with friends who have moved away to chat about their lives. It has been so handy.

Over Christmas break, a few of us at church decided to try a bible study during the semester. Since we are all over the country during the year, we thought we would Skype video calls. However, unless we paid, having a conference call with 7 of us wasn't going to happen.

Then what? Well, nothing happened at first, I'm ashamed to admit. But when I got down to searching for a great video call provider who would allow the 7 of us to all talk and see each other at once, I finally found a winner. Yesterday, I signed up for tok-box.

tok-box is a video call service that allows you to conference call (for FREE) with up to 20 people. So you can have business meetings, share exciting news with a big group, have a bible study, or who knows what else!? Now that I'm signed up and getting the hang of it, I'm attempting my first 3-way video call with a couple of friends this weekend. I'm very excited.

Now all I can say is: 20-person-long-distance-tokbox-video dance party GO!

Have a favorite new product or service? Share with me, my friends!

19 January 2011

Closer Than I Dreamt It

Guys, I have three semesters of college left, and though I am loving it, I know that this is the beginning of my whole life -- a life full of blessing and change and a whole new world.

To sum it up, I'll let my friend Frank do the talking.. er... singing.



Yep. That's about right. Hope your first few weeks of school are wonderful.

(Also, ten points for getting the reference in the title!)

06 January 2011

03 January 2011

Conviction: Recap

So, as you might have noticed, I didn't hit my goal of writing one post for everyday of the month of December.

However, my desire to serve, love and give more is renewed by learning so much about the world around me. In the next few weeks, I'll try to fill in the blanks of what was left behind! I think I owe it to you readers and myself to give you all the information on these important issues. It's been a real discovery and learning process for me and I hope you've learned some from it all.

A couple thoughts on not finishing, though: After having a few days of feeling miserable and miserly for not writing those few missing posts, I realized it's really not about me. Duh, right? What is important is being in frequent communication with God. It's a relationship that needs to be nurtured, and when things get busy and get in the way of that relationship, even the best of intentions can be twisted around. So though I would have liked to do great and hit every post spot on, it's God who is in control of everything (including this blog!) and so I think it'll work out all right.

Until those final posts come in, I hope you do the service you can, and your new year's resolutions involve you and big changes in your world -- fill me in!

01 January 2011

Happy New Year!

Yeehaw!

After a year full of love and laughter and so much blessing, I am looking forward to 2011 with open arms.

I hope that your year is even more stellar than the best you've ever had.
As for new years resolutions? Well, this is a real fine place to start.

Happy New Year!