Well, this looks to be an interesting semester. I am looking forward to it...well, I guess I am already in it, but looking forward to the rest of it.
I am mostly looking forward to being done with my senior research project. I have been able to motivate myself to do little pieces of it each day, which seems to be working out well.
I need to get used to doing that with my other school work as well.]
a few stories.
I only have classes in the afternoon, mondays and wednesday from 1-3 15, and tuesday and thursday from 2-4 45, along with my internship which I need to meet with Eric about and the class meetings for that on 5 fridays throughout the semester.
Monday-
Spent time with God and Kassie in the morning, walked Kassie to her noon class, got lost because she didn't know the room number but eventually found it.
on my way to the library to do some things before my 1:00 class I met up with Chris Cadogan who was lost because he didn't know where the ET building is, so I took him there
I then got lost because I couldn't remember numbers 5 seconds after reading them. In the music building I went to the classroom next door to the one I was supposed to be in for both of my classes. the first one a girl came in and asked her friends who were already there if it was the woodwind tech classroom, and they said yes to which she replied that she was in the right place and i realized i was not. so I slipped out and went to the classroom next door where i found Matt Harris, my old roommate in in the class with me, along with Joe V., one of my current roommates. I need to pick out a song to sing for that class tomorrow.
the second class i was off by one number but then looked at my sheet before actually going in. that one I entered to find that there are only 4 people, including the professor and I, in that class. when we introduced ourselves and were supposed to mention something fun about break I told the class that I got engaged. the prof said he hopes I did it better than him. he then told us his story. it's a pretty good one so if you want to hear it, let me know.
so then I went and met with Brooke and we talked in the Rotunda because the rest of the UC was really busy and then went to her house where she cooked me a delicious vegan mexicanish meal.
today, I had family studies classes, both with my friend Carla, one also with Ashley Sneary. that was interesting and mostly fun.
I felt kind of popular in the first one because our prof was going to split us into groups and allowed us, if we wanted, to choose one person that we would like to be in our group. I decided not to choose anybody and leave it up to the prof but both Carla and Jaime (sp?) chose me.
since then I have been hanging out with Kassie between classes. I met her in the UC as I was going by on my way home and decided to walk with her to class. then I decided to work in a computer lab on my SRP while she was in class so I could hangout with her in the 40 minute break between the two classes and also get some stuff done on my SRP.
so then we hungout and she went to class and I came back to the lab to do some more work and now I am taking a break and decided to write something here.
it is getting long now.
anyway, God is great and I am excited for what he is doing/will do this semester
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
In Love
These past few days have been pretty great.
I came back to Mount Pleasant on Sunday, and since then I have been spending more time with God each day than I did for much of the break and it is pretty sweet. I hope to continue to be excited about getting to know him more and seeing how he works in and around me.
I am in love with God.
I am also in love, in a different way, and with a love that comes from God, with Kassie. I am very thankful for her in my life and the honest conversations we have had lately and the ways we have been able to encourage each other love God together.
I have been reading Captivating for my senior research project. I can't say the research is the only reason I was interested in reading the book. There are definitely parts of it that I don't like, parts that say things like boys don't do this or all women need this or things like that. I don't like generalizations, in general ;)
However, there are also definitely some good thigns in it. I haven't gotten very far but one thing I read today was talking about beauty and how beauty is part of who God is and is definitely something he values. It mentioned that we often get caught up in accomplishments and other things that could be good or bad that we don't spend time enjoying and appreciating God's beauty. I think it is also possible to get too focused on beauty, but maybe the problem isn't the amount of focus but it is what the focus is on, maybe not real true Godly beauty but what the world has called beautiful. Anyway, I thought it was interesting and it made me want to play guitar and sing because I think music can be a beautiful way to express my love for God, not that the music I make is beautiful, but I know that God thinks it is beautiful when I use the gifts he has given me as a way to worship him.
Another thing cool I thought about God today was how he orchestrates things. It is definitely plain to me that God has orchestrated, in many ways, my relationship with Kassie. That is something I think about often. Today, however, I was talking to Katie Bennett and realizing how God has orchestrated my relationship with her, as well. This made me think a little more, or made me think about it differently because while it is common for me to think about the things God has done between Kassie and I, it is less often that I think about friendships.
As Katie and I were talking today, we were both realizing how cool it is that even though we don't spend much time together or talk to each other regularly, there are certain times when we "randomly" meet and have a really good conversation. Last year we spent quite a bit of time together for some of the year but then kind of just stopped hanging out after a while. Now, it is sweet how we can have great conversations so "randomly." We know each other to a certain extent from the time we spent together last year. And it is also cool that there are no obligations and no hard feelings, for example, if I forgot about her birthday or something, it wouldn't be a big deal and we would still be able to talk like nothing happened after that.
Anyway, I think that type of friendship is cool and I also think it is quite rare.
God does some pretty amazing stuff. It is kind of sad how much we miss of what God does when we don't focus on him. I often have the problem of focusing on myself. But it's the times when I focus on God that I realize how good he is and how much he is doing.
I came back to Mount Pleasant on Sunday, and since then I have been spending more time with God each day than I did for much of the break and it is pretty sweet. I hope to continue to be excited about getting to know him more and seeing how he works in and around me.
I am in love with God.
I am also in love, in a different way, and with a love that comes from God, with Kassie. I am very thankful for her in my life and the honest conversations we have had lately and the ways we have been able to encourage each other love God together.
I have been reading Captivating for my senior research project. I can't say the research is the only reason I was interested in reading the book. There are definitely parts of it that I don't like, parts that say things like boys don't do this or all women need this or things like that. I don't like generalizations, in general ;)
However, there are also definitely some good thigns in it. I haven't gotten very far but one thing I read today was talking about beauty and how beauty is part of who God is and is definitely something he values. It mentioned that we often get caught up in accomplishments and other things that could be good or bad that we don't spend time enjoying and appreciating God's beauty. I think it is also possible to get too focused on beauty, but maybe the problem isn't the amount of focus but it is what the focus is on, maybe not real true Godly beauty but what the world has called beautiful. Anyway, I thought it was interesting and it made me want to play guitar and sing because I think music can be a beautiful way to express my love for God, not that the music I make is beautiful, but I know that God thinks it is beautiful when I use the gifts he has given me as a way to worship him.
Another thing cool I thought about God today was how he orchestrates things. It is definitely plain to me that God has orchestrated, in many ways, my relationship with Kassie. That is something I think about often. Today, however, I was talking to Katie Bennett and realizing how God has orchestrated my relationship with her, as well. This made me think a little more, or made me think about it differently because while it is common for me to think about the things God has done between Kassie and I, it is less often that I think about friendships.
As Katie and I were talking today, we were both realizing how cool it is that even though we don't spend much time together or talk to each other regularly, there are certain times when we "randomly" meet and have a really good conversation. Last year we spent quite a bit of time together for some of the year but then kind of just stopped hanging out after a while. Now, it is sweet how we can have great conversations so "randomly." We know each other to a certain extent from the time we spent together last year. And it is also cool that there are no obligations and no hard feelings, for example, if I forgot about her birthday or something, it wouldn't be a big deal and we would still be able to talk like nothing happened after that.
Anyway, I think that type of friendship is cool and I also think it is quite rare.
God does some pretty amazing stuff. It is kind of sad how much we miss of what God does when we don't focus on him. I often have the problem of focusing on myself. But it's the times when I focus on God that I realize how good he is and how much he is doing.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas is Special
My sister Kelsey said something in her most recent blog post about doing everythign special on Christmas.
I was thinking somethign similar. I think it is great that Christmas is so special, but maybe we should take away some of the "specialness" and make it a simple day of focusing on Jesus.
Either way, I think we should also work to make other days special. Why wait for one day to do the things we enjoy, to love the people we love, to eat the food we crave.
Well, "all things in moderation."
but the loving people part is definitely something I think everybody should do more of, and I certainly know that's true for me.
that kind of relates to my thoughts about gift giving. I think gift giving should be done throughout the year based upon actually realizing a need somebody has and giving to fulfill that need rather than at the end of every year buying random things because we feel like we should.
For example, I got socks for Christmas from my parents, and they're great. I need socks. I seem to wear through socks pretty quickly even though I dont wear them often. I enjoy the gifts I got. I didn't get a bunch of nonsense, but I got a few things that are meaningful to me.
If we really pay attention to the people in our lives, we would know what they want and need. If they aren't important enough for us to pay attention to, why would we spend money on something that they probably want to take back? If it truly is the thought that counts, maybe we should be more thoughtful.
All of this stuff definitely goes for me too and most of it is just whatever comes to mind as I am writing, but I think I need to pay more attention to the people I care about in my life. The hard part of this is deciding who to care about and reminding myself of those people, because there are so many people and i can't do something for everybody. anyway, maybe I need to come up with some kind of care system, but something that doesn't make in an obligation.
well, I guess I need to think more about this but right now I need to sleep.
Praise God and goodnight.
I was thinking somethign similar. I think it is great that Christmas is so special, but maybe we should take away some of the "specialness" and make it a simple day of focusing on Jesus.
Either way, I think we should also work to make other days special. Why wait for one day to do the things we enjoy, to love the people we love, to eat the food we crave.
Well, "all things in moderation."
but the loving people part is definitely something I think everybody should do more of, and I certainly know that's true for me.
that kind of relates to my thoughts about gift giving. I think gift giving should be done throughout the year based upon actually realizing a need somebody has and giving to fulfill that need rather than at the end of every year buying random things because we feel like we should.
For example, I got socks for Christmas from my parents, and they're great. I need socks. I seem to wear through socks pretty quickly even though I dont wear them often. I enjoy the gifts I got. I didn't get a bunch of nonsense, but I got a few things that are meaningful to me.
If we really pay attention to the people in our lives, we would know what they want and need. If they aren't important enough for us to pay attention to, why would we spend money on something that they probably want to take back? If it truly is the thought that counts, maybe we should be more thoughtful.
All of this stuff definitely goes for me too and most of it is just whatever comes to mind as I am writing, but I think I need to pay more attention to the people I care about in my life. The hard part of this is deciding who to care about and reminding myself of those people, because there are so many people and i can't do something for everybody. anyway, maybe I need to come up with some kind of care system, but something that doesn't make in an obligation.
well, I guess I need to think more about this but right now I need to sleep.
Praise God and goodnight.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Changes
Just so you all know, I made some changes to my blog. You probably noticed. If not, think about it.
God loves you either way.
God loves you either way.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Structure?
I generally tend to have a negative view of structure. I don't like to have thigns i have to do. However, at other times I realize structure makes some things easier. For example, I decided to kind of chill this break rather than go on some kind of service trip.
I find alot of joy in doing service trips though, traveling with people, serving people, learning and growing in that way.
I know there are many things I could do to serve here and things I need to get done and other stuff, but without the structure it is sometimes difficult to motivate myself to do things. So, maybe i need to be more motivated so I can avoid structure or I need to learn to embrace structure.
Or maybe I need to be able to thrive in either situation. Well, God is helping me with self-discipline and motivation, but I think it will be a long process.
I'm not too worried. I don't really know where my life is headed, but as long as God's in charge it will be pretty good.
Speaking of God, I am reading through the Bible, doing one of the year plans. I started it in October, so it's not as if I am almost done. I am actually in Joshua. good name. but what I was going to talk about is from Dueteronomy.
I dont know if I spelled that right.
Anyway, I was reading about the blessings God would pour out on Israel if they obeyed him and the curses if they didn't and it was pretty intense, a couple of the curses causing good men to eat their babies, and being infected with every single disease.
It really made me think about the fear of the Lord. I think I forget about that often. It was a good reminder.
But then I watched a movie called Joshua which is about Jesus (with the name Joshua which comes from the same name as Jesus) coming back to earth in human form and showing how he would be. It is an interesting movie, but one thing I didn't like about it was at one point the Jesus figure seemed to say we shouldn't fear God because God loves us all.
I guess as long as i can remember I have thought we should recognize God's love but also fear him. I don't know if I have ever completely comprehended the fear part. well, actually, I don't think I ever could fully comprehend any part of God.
Then I was talking to Kassie about it, and just how God can do what he wants and she brought up a story of the earth opening up and swallowing a family, which I don't really remember so I can't give details but it reminded me of Ananias and Saphirra (sp) who were each smited by God in the New Testament.
anyway, those are just some recent thoughts. God is powerful. I am glad he is good.
I find alot of joy in doing service trips though, traveling with people, serving people, learning and growing in that way.
I know there are many things I could do to serve here and things I need to get done and other stuff, but without the structure it is sometimes difficult to motivate myself to do things. So, maybe i need to be more motivated so I can avoid structure or I need to learn to embrace structure.
Or maybe I need to be able to thrive in either situation. Well, God is helping me with self-discipline and motivation, but I think it will be a long process.
I'm not too worried. I don't really know where my life is headed, but as long as God's in charge it will be pretty good.
Speaking of God, I am reading through the Bible, doing one of the year plans. I started it in October, so it's not as if I am almost done. I am actually in Joshua. good name. but what I was going to talk about is from Dueteronomy.
I dont know if I spelled that right.
Anyway, I was reading about the blessings God would pour out on Israel if they obeyed him and the curses if they didn't and it was pretty intense, a couple of the curses causing good men to eat their babies, and being infected with every single disease.
It really made me think about the fear of the Lord. I think I forget about that often. It was a good reminder.
But then I watched a movie called Joshua which is about Jesus (with the name Joshua which comes from the same name as Jesus) coming back to earth in human form and showing how he would be. It is an interesting movie, but one thing I didn't like about it was at one point the Jesus figure seemed to say we shouldn't fear God because God loves us all.
I guess as long as i can remember I have thought we should recognize God's love but also fear him. I don't know if I have ever completely comprehended the fear part. well, actually, I don't think I ever could fully comprehend any part of God.
Then I was talking to Kassie about it, and just how God can do what he wants and she brought up a story of the earth opening up and swallowing a family, which I don't really remember so I can't give details but it reminded me of Ananias and Saphirra (sp) who were each smited by God in the New Testament.
anyway, those are just some recent thoughts. God is powerful. I am glad he is good.
Friday, December 12, 2008
International Students, Missions, and Multiculturalism
The title of this blog comes from a conversation I am currently having with my sister Kelsey. She asked me about my internship with His House next semester, and I think those are some of the things I will be involved in. I am not sure exactly what I will be doing....
Commerical Break...Hey have you heard of Christmas? Do you like to buy lots of presents for people? Well, maybe Jesus has a different idea. Checkout http://adventconspiracy.org/ for more information.
I mainly did that because I was talking about the title which had to do with my life but wasn't really how I originally planned on starting the post and it reminded me of a TV show when they do a little intro thing and then go into commercials before starting the actual show. Anyway, it turned out good because that Christmas thing has been on my mind and I think it is good to think about.
I haven't written in a while. That's the way I was going to start this post, and thinking about it now, I realize it is better I didn't because that is just really boring and I have probably started posts like that before.
I would say it is because I have been busy with finals and everything but it is probably more because I have been spending time with Kassie. Speaking of finals, though. I am done with the semester!. I just have one more semester to go, and it should be interesting: internship with His House, two family studies classes, hi-lo aerobics class, singing class, finishing up senior research project.
This weekend I am going home to see my brother Joe and sister Kirstin and parents and possibly other family such as Jason Gaffke, Willie Campanelli, etc. And to do laundry which I haven't done in about 2 months, my record so far.
Well, I can write more later but that's enough for now.
Commerical Break...Hey have you heard of Christmas? Do you like to buy lots of presents for people? Well, maybe Jesus has a different idea. Checkout http://adventconspiracy.org/ for more information.
I mainly did that because I was talking about the title which had to do with my life but wasn't really how I originally planned on starting the post and it reminded me of a TV show when they do a little intro thing and then go into commercials before starting the actual show. Anyway, it turned out good because that Christmas thing has been on my mind and I think it is good to think about.
I haven't written in a while. That's the way I was going to start this post, and thinking about it now, I realize it is better I didn't because that is just really boring and I have probably started posts like that before.
I would say it is because I have been busy with finals and everything but it is probably more because I have been spending time with Kassie. Speaking of finals, though. I am done with the semester!. I just have one more semester to go, and it should be interesting: internship with His House, two family studies classes, hi-lo aerobics class, singing class, finishing up senior research project.
This weekend I am going home to see my brother Joe and sister Kirstin and parents and possibly other family such as Jason Gaffke, Willie Campanelli, etc. And to do laundry which I haven't done in about 2 months, my record so far.
Well, I can write more later but that's enough for now.
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