Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Caught in Complaint

You know what just dawned on me, literally seconds ago? I'll tell you: most of the time, things that I complain about are things that I should be thankful for! It was one of those things that just popped up out of nowhere. Where God just said, "Are you sure you want to gripe about that? ...Again?" and I stop to realize that I really don't.

My biggest complaint-that-is-actually-a-blessing is my class schedule this quarter. I have about 2.5 hours between my first and second class, and then another 1.5 between my second and third class. So, for the past four or five weeks, I've spent that time working on homework, bonding with Pinterest and complaining about how much down time I have. Complaining! ABOUT FREE TIME! Free time in which I can do homework that I otherwise would have to do when I would rather be sleeping. Free time in which I can study and prepare for other classes. Free time in which I can take a breather if need be. Why on earth am I complaining? I have all this time AT SCHOOL in which I can do things and have all that lovely extra time to do more entertaining things when I'm home and have people to hang out with.

So today was a bit convicting. As soon as I had that 180 degree mindset change, I was ashamed. Far too often I focus on the negative aspects of things instead of viewing them as the good that they are. I have a grand total of 2 hours of free time left for today, for which I'm going to be thankful. Because not everyone has the luxury of doing all necessary school-things at school.

Have a wonderful day, friends!

I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 ESV
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

I know this was the verse I put at the end of my last post, but sometimes, I need the reminder, and it was so utterly relevant. 

Monday, October 8, 2012

Back to School

Hello everyone! This long extended silence on my blog just goes to show that A) I'm really bad at keeping up with things I start and B) Nothing exciting happens in my life. Ever. So this post is really going to be blah and boring and relatively short-ish. Maybe.

I'm finally started school again...about two weeks ago...and so far, it is infinitely better than the last one. In fact, the only really bad thing I have to deal with right now is waiting for a couple textbooks to arrive (and I don't even NEED them until the last week of the quarter). I've decided that last spring is about as bad as it can get, so it stands to reason that everything is going to be better from now on. Right? Right! Anyway, I'm taking French this quarter because I need a foreign language and I didn't want to take Spanish. Of course, in 10 years, I'll probably very much regret this decision, but for now, I'm rather excited about it.

On a completely unrelated note, I went to the LA County Fair a couple of weeks ago and got to see some family that I hardly ever get to spend time with. My cousins are seriously the cutest little girls on the planet! No joke. My cousins are cuter than yours. Sorry. It was oodles of fun.

So really, that is all that has happened since my caking endeavors...which I might add, came to an abrupt ending due to being ridiculously cheap and refusing to spend obscene amounts of money to continue. Now that I have the basics, I can do some pretty cool stuff for my own purposes, which is just dandy. So yeah. Have a wonderful week, friends!

I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 ESV
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Cake

Goodness. It's been so long since I've posted anything, I all but forgot I had a blog. Oops. Again. Alas,  don't even have the excuse of having been super busy in the past month and a half. No, I lead probably the most boring life ever. But I'm okay with that. It leaves me time to do random things...like cake decorating.

Just for kicks, I signed up for a four week cake decorating class at my local Michael's. It was quite fun. I learned some fun basics to decorating and I now know how to do awesome frosting on cupcakes. You know, where the frosting is all swirled and pretty and sticks up above the top of the cupcake roughly three inches? I was pretty excited. And then I felt super dumb because all you need is the right consistency of frosting and a large star tip. Who knew? So I did that this past month, and starting on Friday, I'll begin the level 2 class that they offer. I think everyone ever should take one random class in something. You never know what might come of it. =)

Also exciting: my brother and sister-in-law will be coming to visit us for about a week. I love them so very dearly and seeing them is a rare treat, due to a distance of about four states in between us. I'm very excited to get to hang out with them.

So really, it's been a delightfully quiet summer--even if I do have a hard time remembering that I wanted all this excess of free time that I now have. I really do need to enjoy it while it lasts. Random side note: the Wicked soundtrack is amazing. Now I REALLY want to see it.

3 John 11 NIV
"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God."

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Summer and Reflection

Well, friends, I made it. I have survived my freshman year of college. That is a slightly unnerving thing. When I look back over the past year, I find it incredibly difficult to believe that I graduated from high school, and have completed 25% of my undergrad. I feel like graduation was just the other day. Time seriously does speed up the older you get, and it really freaks me out. I know this is all mushy and nostalgic, but mostly, it's weird. Don't get me wrong, it's a fabulous weird, but weird none-the-less. All of a sudden everything is much more grown-up-y, and there is so much more responsibility.

Here is a list of things I learned this year at college:

1. You are going to have professors you like and professors you don't like. And I'm just going to leave it at that.
2. Some classes are going to be good, and others are going to teach you nothing but patience and self-control. I especially learned this this past quarter. There were moments when I literally wanted to throw things because certain material was complete and utter hogwash. God held my hand through a lot of frustration in the past 11 weeks.
3. Pay attention when setting your schedule. Yes. Going to school twice a week and getting five GE's knocked out in one quarter is superb. But after having scheduled them so tight that making it from one class to the next is a hassle, I've learned to pay attention to where my classes are when I register.
4. Don't lose your syllabi. Personally, I didn't have this problem as I pride myself on my organizational skills, so  I always knew where they were. But if I did lose one (or more), I would have been in VERY bad shape.
5. Talk to people. While this kinda seems like a no-brainer, it's not something that I did too much. I almost missed out on a couple of great friendships because it was halfway through a quarter before I realized that we had nearly EVERYTHING in common. Friendships aren't going to happen overnight, and they take effort. It's up to you to seek them out and cultivate them.It is also helpful to know at least one person in all your classes so if you miss a day, you can get notes/email them assignments to turn in for you.
6. Sleep is good. I'm such an old lady and I love my sleep. It is actually true that you perform better (ie-learn more, test better) when you aren't fighting to stay awake during your lecture on Death of a Salesman.
7. Make your professor know who you are. Speak up in class. Ask questions. Email them. They'll love you (or at the very least, appreciate you) for it. And when you're on your professor's good side, your academic life is a much happier world.

Basically, college takes a bit of getting used to, but it is definitely manageable. And like every other year that I've been a student, I am more than a tad excited to have three glorious months of no class to encroach on my reading time. =)

Matthew 5:6-10 NIV
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Summer and Tea Parties

It is getting to be the end of the school year. YAY!!!!! This means last minute paper writings/finishings/editings, prepping for finals, seeking out opportunities for extra credit, and trying to hold onto my sanity. The past few weeks have been slightly eventful and more than a little frustrating. I have shed my fair share of angry tears, and taken off more time from work than I would like in order to complete things. I have been in a constant state of negativity, but my Father has preserved me and given me strength to make it through the most trying of days. Now it is down to finals week. Two days, two extra credit assignments, and four finals. That is all that stands between me and a summer of freedom.

To celebrate my upcoming free time, I'm in the processes of obtaining a Pinterest account. I really don't know a whole bunch about it, but I've heard nothing but wonderful things about it, so I'm quite excited. =)

On a different note, I hosted a tea party yesterday for the junior high girls at my church. We had an overabundance of food (I'm pretty sure the two of us that planned it were overcompensating for a dismal tea party we went to last summer...), seven types of teas, and six adorable girls. It was probably the greatest tea party ever. We totally played Just Dance 3 and hung my mom's good silver spoons from our noses. One of the girls accidentally stuck her face into a bowl of soup in one of her fits of giggles. Despite our attempts to make it semi-fancy, it was...not quite there. But that doesn't even matter because each of the girls had a blast, and that is what we were going for.

Here's to a happy summer!!!

Ephesians 3:14-19 NIV
For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth drives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power though his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Mourning Into Gladness

Sometimes, we have days that are just hard. Seven days ago, a friend of mine passed away. He was one of the truest, most genuine, godly young men I've ever met in my life. He always had a smile on his face, despite everything he had to deal with and he could always boost anyone's day. I don't know of a single person who didn't get along with him. Everyone should have a friend like him.

He had been battling pain, medications, and treatments and visiting doctors and hospitals for quite some time. But not anymore. Now, he is in the presence of his Savior. Pain-free. With all the joy he could possibly imagine and then some. No more worries. It brings a smile to my face when I imagine him worshipping his King.

Tomorrow is the celebration of life for this young man, and I ask that you join me in prayer for his family, girlfriend, and close friends. It's going to be tough, and I know that they all appreciate prayers for comfort right now. Despite the sadness we feel now, we rejoice in the knowledge that we will see him again.

Jeremiah 31:13b NIV
I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Mom

This morning, I was about to write another annoying post about how much I'm over school and how ready for summer I am, but then I realized that my last three posts were along those lines. So I need to switch it up. Then I thought, why not dedicate a post to my mother?

Yesterday was Mother's day, and I absolutely love my mom. We had a little bit of an unplanned mother/daughter date. After Church, we went to lunch (as we do) with a couple other families. When that was done, we decided to join them in seeing the Avengers. I don't think that was my mom's favorite part of the day,  but she still enjoyed it...I think. From there we went to Target where she felt the need to find a chick flick to make up for watching such an action movie. I found it humorous. And then we went and got fro-yo. We like fro-yo.

The only downside to the day was that my dad couldn't go, due to not feeling well. But in all, it was a wonderful day. I love spending time with my mom. We don't get to hang out and spend the day together too often, so when we do, I treasure it. A mom's job is so often overlooked and thankless, and yet it borderlines being a superpower. So here is a shout out to my mom and all moms everywhere: You guys are awesome! You're truly are amazing for everything that you do, and for being so selfless. You are the BEST!

Proverbs 31:28-29 ESV
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Most women have done excellently, but you surpass them all".

Monday, April 30, 2012

Joys and Woes of Quarters

It's days like today that I really hate college quarter system. Now, before I go on my rant as to why I don't like quarter system, I'm gonna start with what I like about quarter system. I like that if I don't like a class, I only have it for 10 weeks. I like that it allows for super long breaks (i.e., a month at Christmas) I like that I get to take three chunks of classes each year instead of just two. I like that my school is a whole heck of a lot cheaper than other schools. Granted, it doesn't pertain strictly to quarter system, but it is a nice plus anyway.

On to what I don't like. I don't like that I start and end a month after everyone else. When all of my other college friends are starting school in August, I don't start until September. And when they are going away to school, that means they leave. And when they are all taking their finals in the spring, I've still got another week until I have to worry about midterms, then another  few weeks before finals. So while everyone will be coming home within the next week or so (YAY!!) I won't be able to do much with them because I still have homework.

I guess this entire post sums up my thoughts about college. It has it's pros and cons, but it's not anything super spectacular nor dismal. It's just another stage in this process called "growing up" and today, I'm not a huge fan of it.

Hebrews 12:1-2a NIV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

One of Those Days

Today is shaping up to be one of "those days". You know what I'm talking about. The ones where Murphey's Law hits and everything just doesn't seem to go right. It's only 8:30 and I feel like my day has been awful. So, I stopped by the Starbucks on campus to boost my morning. Yeah. Instead of ordering a hot drink, without even thinking, I got a cold drink. Not what I wanted, and my day wasn't exactly boosted.

Now. I have two options here: I could either continue in my sulky-ness and allow my day to carry on in this less-than-ideal manner, or I can get over what has already happened and work to fix the rest of the day. I think I'm going to try for the latter. Shoot, even just writing this is making it a little bit better: I've acknowledged that things aren't right and recognized the fact that I can change my attitude and try to fix it. So, as of right now, the score stands Bad Day: 1, Me: 1.

So in an effort to make the most of the day, I hereby declare myself fully awake, upbeat, and positive! Here's hoping the rest of me catches up with my thought process. ;)

Exodus 15:2 ESV
"The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him."

Monday, April 23, 2012

Observation

So, for an assignment for one of my classes, I had to "shadow" someone in a field that I might possibly consider going into. I thought about it and decided that no chefs would let me hang out in a kitchen, and there aren't any publishing companies around, so I decided to shadow a teacher. I ended up in my friend's middle school science classes and merely observed. Here is how my morning went.

8:08--Leave the house later than I wanted, searching for this school that I didn't have any clue where it was.
8:27--Arrive. Phew. That wasn't as problematic as I expected.
8:36--Get lost looking for the classroom. Decide I should ask for directions.
8:38--Random kid wearing a straw hat similar to a Fedora tips his hat to me. I smile.
8:40--Lost again. Ask person number two.
8:41--Success! Found the room. Chat with teaching friend; make sarcastic remarks about his wall decor.
9:00--First class. Get random looks from every student who enters.
9:20--Some Junior Higher wolf-whistles at me.
10:00--Class two. More confused looks from students.
10:30--Decide this is not actually a science lab, due to the lack of Bunsen Burners.
11:00--Class three. Ignored by students who enter; listen to lecture on the Circulatory system...again.
11:15--Student to teacher: "Who's she?" Teacher: "A friend" Student to me: "Hi, Friend!" Me: "Hi, Student". Laughter.
11:48--Leave during class activity to beat the mobs of students at lunch on my way to the car.

In all, it was an...enlightening experience. I discovered that at the end of the school year, they just want to leave. Also, they don't stop moving. My conclusion is this: maybe I could be a middle school teacher. I might have to throw that option into the mix of possible life careers. I'm also considering observing a lower elementary class as well, before I write the essay on my experience. Just because.

Psalm 119:9 NIV
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."

Monday, April 16, 2012

10 Things

Hello there!!!! Sometimes, I like to make lists. Okay, that's a little not true. I LOVE to make lists. I make them for everything. Shopping lists, to do lists, book lists, that sort of thing. Anyway, I thought I'd make a list of 10 things that I really love. So here goes. Also, these are in no particular order.

1. Reese's Peanut butter cups: By far the best candy invented. Although peanut butter M&Ms are good, too.
2.Really soft blankets: Particularly when it's cold and there is a fire and I have a book. =)
3. RomComs: Or, romantic comedies. I love them, even if they are obscenely predictable.
4. Reading: Duh. It's only the greatest past time ever!!
5. Cats: Most people who don't like cats would argue that "Dogs are man's best friends" and "If you want a pet get a dog, if you want to be a pet, get a cat" and blah blah blah. But cat's have a mind of their own and they are kinda sassy. I'm more like a cat.  They're just better.
6. Country music: I don't even know why. But it's my favorite genre of music.
7. Home-cooked meals: There's always an element of love and food brings people together. Also, my mom is a pretty dang good cook.
8. The Bean: If you've been to Chicago, you know what it is.
9. My best friends: They just make me laugh. All the time. Even without meaning to. It's AWESOME. And they are totally cool with the fact that I'm kinda insane.
10. Laughter. Have you ever noticed that everyone laughs in the same language? It's something that I'm often struck by. I can see someone from another lifestyle, another culture, another language laughing and know that they just found something funny. It's something that unites everyone everywhere. We may have nothing in common with them, but we both laugh. I don't know if it has that effect on everyone or if it's just me. I just love it.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Friday, April 13, 2012

Can Someone Shed Light on This?

I don't know if I've mentioned this or not, but I've set a pretty  intense reading goal for myself this year. 100 new books. That's roughly two books a week. That's an AWFUL lot of reading. Not that I mind. You know, being a bookworm and all. The problem with this little goal is simply a matter of time. I never seem to have enough of it. (Which explains why I haven't blogged since mid March. Sorry!!!) So I try and set a little time aside for reading each night. It's usually the last thing I do before going to sleep. But somehow, it's still not enough. I'm currently on my 14th book. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. It's quite popular amongst teenage readers these days (despite the fact that it's a classic), but I just don't get the draw of it. I've met so many people that are all, "Oh my gosh! I love Holden Caulfield! I probably relate to him more than any other fictional character!" Now, I'm not trying to put you down if you are one of these people. I simply don't get it. I'm halfway through the book and all that's happened is Holden has gotten kicked out of school and he doesn't want to tell his parents yet. What is so exciting about that? It's also really, really, really angst-y. Maybe once I finish it and I've experienced the whole novel, it will make more sense and I'll appreciate it more. But until then, could someone please explain to me the allure that it holds? Thanks.

Isaiah 43:2-3a NIV
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

God Is SO Good!

I just want to explode from God's goodness today!!!!!!!!!! Truly He is amazing. Today was just one of those days where I saw God's love for me all over the place.

Situation: Finals
God's goodness: Allowed me to recall the information necessary.

Situation: Blown out tire on the freeway
God's goodness: Allowed me to get off to the side of the road easily. There was a lane for trucks to exit for scales in between me and the rest of traffic. Scales were opened when tire blew. Closed by the time I was to the side of the road. Empty lane between me and everyone else.

Situation: Class schedule-I registered for next quarter a week or so ago, and needed another unit to fully complete this year.
God's goodness: Allowed the class that I really wanted to open at a time that fit perfectly in my schedule.

Today, my God took care of me, and I was able to see His provision everywhere.

Exodus 33:19 ESV
And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'the LORD'. And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."

Monday, March 12, 2012

School. Blah.

Almost three weeks since my last blog. Whoops. That's what happens when nothing exciting goes on...oh well.

Although, I guess having only two weeks left of the quarter is something to be excited about. Yeah. It is! I ONLY HAVE TWO MORE WEEKS OF THIS QUARTER!! Yippee!!! Needless to say, this quarter has been not so much fun. I wasn't overly taken with my classes (okay, two of them were good). But, they fulfill GE's which is really really wonderful. There's something immensely satisfying about checking requirements off. It's like this big, four year long to-do list, and every thing gets you that much closer to your goal. Wow. Is it bad that I'm still a freshman and I'm ready to graduate? I think it might be... Anyway, I have two more weeks of school and then spring break-which I plan on welcoming with open arms before I dive back in for the spring quarter. Then, I'll have one whole year of college under my belt. That makes me feel so accomplished!

Psalm 103:13 NIV
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Good Day

Don't you love it when you just have a really, really good day? I certainly do!! Especially when I would classify most of my days as merely mediocre. Average. But today, well, today was a good day. Something about being productive is just so...so...gosh. I don't know. Just so great. Instead of sitting around watching several episodes of one of the many TV shows I'm following, I actually did things today. A little bit of housework, a little bit of baking (I wanted to do more, but a lack of supplies nixed that), and a little bit of writing, and hanging out with some awesome Junior Highers.

Today was a Wednesday, which means youth group. I help out with the Junior Highers at my church and tonight, we played charades. Watching  them try to act out things such as "sack cloth and ashes" was one of the most entertaining things I've ever seen. I was quite impressed with their endeavors, I'm not gonna lie. It was...wonderful.

Also tonight, we sang one of my FAVORITE songs: Jesus, Thank You. If you aren't familiar with this song, the chorus goes: Your blood has washed away my sin/Jesus, thank you/The Father's wrath completely satisfied/Jesus, thank you/Once your enemy now seated at your table/Jesus, thank you. I love this song. It's all about what Christ did for us and how our natural response should be to thank Him. It's such a great reminder and it's a little convicting at the same time. I love it.

So, I don't know about you, but to me, today was a GOOD day.

Hebrews 12:28 NIV
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe...

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Patience is a Virtue

Today, something dawned on me. I am not a patient person. I'm not. I get frustrated rather easily...much more so than I care to admit. Sometimes, the tiniest thing can set me off. Traffic. Lines at the bank. Waiting for a book at the library. Even my cat.

For some odd reason, I've woken up in the middle of the night nearly every night for the past couple months to discover that my cat is chewing on books, trying to climb to the back of my bookcase, walking across my desk, or meowing for no other reason than to hear herself. I'm not going to lie, it drives me insane. I've had this cat for 13 years and she's only started doing this the past few months. What on earth has happened?

As I was thinking about it this evening, I realized that, to my Savior, I'm just as annoying as my cat. In fact, I'm much more annoying than she is. Without the blood of Jesus, I'm a trouble-maker, just doing things I shouldn't. And yet, God's patience is absolutely overwhelming. Though time and time again, I slip, He is there to pick me up. Despite all my shortcomings, all my fears, all my failures, He is patient with me. He still loves me. He still forgives me. I may get into all sorts of mess, but He is right there, waiting for me to call on Him.

When I think about it, God's patience is one of His greatest gifts, and one that I can never hope to understand. Far too often I forget that, and it's something that I'd do well to remember.

Colossians 3:12 NIV
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Sunday Lunch

I love Sundays. A whole lot.  I always have and I always will. Like any other day, I have a "Sunday routine". Oddly enough, it's the day that I allow myself the smallest amount time to look cute and I somehow always look my best. But that's really not the point. I love my church. I love the fellowship, the worship, the teaching. I've been at this particular church since I was in third grade and it's become home to me.

Every Sunday after the morning service, I go out for Mexican food with my parents and two other families. Usually, there are between 11 and 14 of us. Today was no exception. We all smoosh together with absolutely no regards for personal space and we've been known to steal food and blow straw wrappers across the table. We are always the loud, obnoxious bunch and I can't count how many times we've gotten angry glances for our noise level. I guess that's what happens when you get a group of "young-uns" together with their parents.

Today, we didn't sit at a collection of tables pushed together like we normally do. Instead, we were seated at two large booths. The "kid" table (ages 5-19) had eight of us today. And we spent the entire meal recounting games of cut-throat mafia. (If you don't know what that is, well, that's terrible. Because it's ridiculously cool. It's kinda like regular mafia, but better!)  It was entirely random and hilarious, and the descriptions were rather detailed.  Yeah. We're a bunch of weirdos. But it's awesome.

There is something comfortable about Sunday lunch with these people. It's almost more than just a habit. It's practically a tradition. A weekly tradition. Whatever it is, I love it and I love those people!

Hebrews 10:25 NIV
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Yay! Books!

I've finished my first book of the new year! Hurray! I didn't start it this year though...does it still count? I think it does. I read The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, because I decided that I should finally get around to reading the Lord of the Rings books. I'm not gonna lie; I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was accused of being "nerdy" for reading it. I got a high five for reading it. There were a handful of quotes from it that I thought were absolutely hysterical. As in, I would be reading in the car and start laughing. My mom gave me weird looks.

Two of my favorite quotes were, "It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him." and "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." I don't know why I was so taken with the first one, but I was and I liked the second one because of the truth that it holds. We are at a place where we forget how important and wonderful the little things are and we take them for granted. The second quote hit a chord and really made me think about things. It was awesome.

So now I can be on my way to actually starting the trilogy, but I've taken a slight detour to read the first book in the Percy Jackson series. I'm not sure if I'm planning on reading all of those before continuing with my hobbit friends or if I'm just going to read the first one right now. Eh. I'll figure it out. I just like reading. =D

Psalm 16:1 ESV
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Contentment

There's just something about sunny weather that makes me happy. It's January, and I am absolutely comfortable walking around in a tee shirt. For some reason, the weather today showed me that I am content. I can't honestly say that I'm content a good portion of the time. No, there is almost always something that I find making me not content. But today, it's real. Genuine. I am perfectly content because I know that I am so blessed. God is so good! He allows the sun to rise every morning. He allows me to take my every breath. He has given me more than I need to survive, even though I've done absolutely nothing to deserve it. He continues to bless me each and every day. God never "forgets" to do anything. His faithfulness to us is astounding. And because of that, I can sit here. Perfectly content.

Psalm 13: 5-6 ESV
But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

And here. We. Go.

New Year. New things. Resolutions. Personally, I think New Year's Resolutions are a bunch of hogwash. As far as I know (which is, in fact, very little), hardly anybody keeps them. I certainly don't. And yet I set them anyway. Why? This really makes no sense. I'm knowingly "participating" in something that has hardly any effect on anything.

Obviously, this blog is one of those "new things" I mentioned. It's not a resolution per se, but I thought it might be interesting to give a shot. So here I am. Embarking on my own little journey of blogging. Who knows how it will turn out? The odds aren't really in my favor: I rarely ever finish things I start. Sorry, Blog. But as I said, I want to try it out. It should be fun...right?

I've noticed something. The beginning of the year, especially the first few days of January, often result in much thinking. Thinking about the past, thinking about the future. I find myself reflecting on the previous year and looking forward to the forthcoming one. But I rarely stop and think about the present. Hmm. The present. I love that scene in Kung Fu Panda in which Master Oogway is talking to Po at the peach tree. He says, "There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the 'present'." Corny as that sounds, it holds some serious truth to it. Every day is indeed a gift, and should be realized as such. I'm often so focused on things that are in the near future that I forget to think about now. I can't do anything about the past and I can't do anything about the future. I can, however, concentrate my efforts on what is going on now. Because now is all I have.

James 4: 13-15 NIV
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."