Forget-Him-Not

My priorities lately have been messed-up. School is back in full-swing and I just can't find my rhythm. When I get home from school I either work out or zone out on the computer. My temper is getting shorter and little things are starting to get on my nerves. But, I recall the words of my college friend Esther who told me that when people annoy her, it's because she hadn't spent enough time with the Lord. This is truth that still convicts me 8 years later! As I examine my life over the past few weeks, I realize that I have been forgetting to hold on to some of God's goodness and truth. But... there is hope! Today, I was reminded of a similar time in my life when God was especially faithful.


October '99...
The highlight of my college career was my sophomore year. I lived on a hall with girls who I now consider to be some of my best friends. The floor was named "Epiphany" and God has continued to reveal himself to me through these precious friends.

That October, we had planned to go on a retreat with our brother wing (i can't remember their name?). I almost didn't go because I was so overwhelmed with school and just couldn't take the time off to focus on anything else...or so I thought. But I decided to make the drive and all 35 people (give or take a few) stayed the night in Tallequah, OK along the Arkansas River. Now, most people think of Oklahoma solely as the home of the Dust Bowl, but the Northeastern corner is full of beauty. I can still remember the autumn leaves, the cold night air, smores, playing capture the flag in the dark, and staying up all night. A small group of us thought it would be fun to stay up and watch the sunrise. Well, it was a wonderful time in God's creation but we all payed dearly for the next few days. Perhaps that's why I start fading around 7:30 (:

There was nothing particularly special about this retreat except that it was a time to do nothing else but simply enjoy being with the Lord. As I was listening to some music today, I was taken back to this memory that is now 8 years old. Before we headed back to Tulsa, we had a time of praise and worship. My friend Kim sang a song called "I Will Not Forget You". This, of course, let to my purchase of the following CD:

How fitting for my life today. Sometimes I get so busy that I forget. I forget to begin my day by handing it over to the Lord. I forget to thank Him for his provision which comes in the form of a job. I forget to be Jesus to my students. I forget to praise Him for what He's done because I am too busy asking Him for more. I forget to spend real time in fellowship with Him because I would rather do something mindless, like watch TV.

This CD was what I needed today. It reminded me of a time where I chose to not forget Him. With each song, I'm back in Tallequah...far from home but happy to be with friends and soaking up God's goodness. I love that the Lord has given us music as a reminder of how He's moved in our lives.

During that sophomore year, I made the best friends I've ever known. I met girls who pushed me towards Jesus, called me out when necessary, and were just plain fun. So, thank you Lord for Epiphany and for the truth that you continue to reveal to us. And I pray that in the busy-ness of life as a "grown-up", I will not forget Him.

Ode to Fall

A new season is upon us and I cannot wait! Fall is absolutely my favorite time of the year. I love hoodies, oatmeal, soup, hot chocolate, Thanksgiving, the State Fair, football, snuggling with blankets, and the crisp, clean smell in the air. Now granted, in Texas, we don't get to experience this season for very long, but it's great while it lasts.

My great-grandmother was named Autumn...Autumn Narcissa to be exact. Maybe that's why I love this time of year so much. All I know is that it won't get here soon enough (:

Twenty-eight

Yep. That's my new age. You know, I actually like the way that it sounds.
Twenty-eight sounds like you are mature and responsible, yet not quite to thirty (which doesn't sound all that bad either now that I think about it). I long to be taken seriously at work and as an adult. Too often when I refer to school, people ask me what my major is or where I attend college. Oy!

Anyway, I had the best birthday. Lots of love from friends and family. The festivities will continue through Saturday and I just am so grateful to have people in my life who seemingly care that I was born!

Who knows what this year holds. All I know is that 27 didn't turn out the way I had planned but God did so many things in different areas. I won't lie...I didn't picture my life to look like it does right now. But I know that Jesus loves me and has a plan that is even better than the one I had picked out for myself all those years ago. This is not always an easy truth digest, but I pray that my soul finds rest in Christ alone; that I can be used to achieve His purposes and bring Him glory in this new year.

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And on a semi-relevant note...
I went to a conference with my Mom last week at her church. We sang this song called "Still" by Reuben Morgan and I just can't get enough of it. It's a few years old, but I'm loving the words:

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

not a lot to say...

...but I thought I would say hello (:

School is in full swing and it is kicking my butt. I have 3 math classes and 2 U.S. History classes. I love both subjects a lot but it is difficult to constantly be switching gears. But...I am sure that I will get used to it once the beginning-of-the-year craziness dies down. In some ways, I feel like a first year teacher again. It's hard to believe that I've been at this for 6 YEARS!!! Goodness, I'm getting old.

I'm having lots of fun at home right now because Claire has officially moved in. Yea!! She is such a fun friend and it's great to have her around full-time. I still have another bedroom that I'm trying to fill so let me know if you know anyone who is looking for a place to live for a while.

Lots of changes are taking place in my homegroup as well. For the last couple of weeks, I have been co-leading with Sarah V. Well, today we met with Hollie and talked about how our group needs to multiply next week. Honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed with all of this but know that the Lord will direct my steps during this time. I just want for Him to be glorified in all of this.

I will write some more when I get some time. This week will be crazy, but I'll do my best. (: