Day 27
A few other girls and I share a common bond that we've had since our freshman year of college. We were in the same Bible study and we formed a pretty close friendship since then. We got together for supper for the first time this semester to catch up on each other's lives. It's neat to see where God has taken us these past three and a half years. We have one friend who moved back to her home country, one ministering in Africa, and our study leader is now married and lives halfway across the country. The ones still on campus have grown spiritually and emotionally and are actively pursuing what God wants for them in life. I love catching up with the girls and having some time to ourselves to swap stories, brag on each other, and lift each other up in smiles and prayers.
Then there's the harsh reality that most of us are graduating this year. Then we will go our separate ways, back to our home states and beginning another chapter in each of our lives. It's sad to think about, but also kind of exciting to know that we will probably stay in contact and keep each other updated on our group. God is so good, and He has definitely blessed us with a great circle of friends. I love those girls.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Routine
Day 26
Work is good because it is a set rhythm to life, a routine to what we do. I went home to work this weekend and I loved the way everything had its place. I knew the routine of how to make the food, put it in the oven, and time it just right with everything else going on that the food item would be pulled out of the oven just in time to serve nice and hot to the customers. Even the customers are part of the routine. We always have our "regulars" who come in at almost a daily basis and get "the usual". I love that, too. It's expected, anticipated, and leaves less room for error if they don't order something obscure off of the menu other than "the usual". Being home in general gives a sense of familiarity, of routine. I know what needs to be done, when to do it, and what I can do when I don't have anything to do. Plus, I have my own space at home that I can organize and clean to my liking. I like to organize. It could turn into a hobby if I let it.
On the flip-side, a break in the routine is always welcome, too, if it's a positive break. After work, before I headed back to school, I stopped by my fiance's apartment and had dinner while watching the Super Bowl game for a few hours. I hadn't planned on visiting until today so it was a nice, last minute idea. Being at school means less time to visit with him so I do enjoy getting as much time as I can with him while I'm home; random visits are usually in the mix.
Thanks, God, for giving me a routine that I can anticipate and follow. And thank you for the breaks in that routine that allow for time to breathe, spend time with someone special, and get myself ready for the week to come.
Work is good because it is a set rhythm to life, a routine to what we do. I went home to work this weekend and I loved the way everything had its place. I knew the routine of how to make the food, put it in the oven, and time it just right with everything else going on that the food item would be pulled out of the oven just in time to serve nice and hot to the customers. Even the customers are part of the routine. We always have our "regulars" who come in at almost a daily basis and get "the usual". I love that, too. It's expected, anticipated, and leaves less room for error if they don't order something obscure off of the menu other than "the usual". Being home in general gives a sense of familiarity, of routine. I know what needs to be done, when to do it, and what I can do when I don't have anything to do. Plus, I have my own space at home that I can organize and clean to my liking. I like to organize. It could turn into a hobby if I let it.
On the flip-side, a break in the routine is always welcome, too, if it's a positive break. After work, before I headed back to school, I stopped by my fiance's apartment and had dinner while watching the Super Bowl game for a few hours. I hadn't planned on visiting until today so it was a nice, last minute idea. Being at school means less time to visit with him so I do enjoy getting as much time as I can with him while I'm home; random visits are usually in the mix.
Thanks, God, for giving me a routine that I can anticipate and follow. And thank you for the breaks in that routine that allow for time to breathe, spend time with someone special, and get myself ready for the week to come.
Fish Fry
Day 25
Fish isn't my most favorite food of choice so I kind of surprised myself when I agreed to go to a local fish fry with my fiance and some of his family. The local conservation club put on a festive meal complete with tartar sauce to liven up the tender Pollock. It was breaded, which helped my fishy distaste, but it was very good!
The atmosphere reminded me of the older, family-friendly shows that pictured the whole town getting together and sharing a meal; people laughing and making jokes; truckers swapping road stories; children exclaiming how good the "chicken" was for dinner. It was all light-hearted and enjoyable, a welcome break from the rude and crude of how so many neighborhoods and communities are around the world. I don't envy those who live in the city because I enjoy the closeness of a small hardworking community that is willing to come together and engage in conversation and a meal with their fellow neighbor.
Ah, the good ol' days. I'm thankful to have these as long as I can before the realities of life come knocking at my door. I'm pretty thankful for small things like the fish fry to remind me of the simple joys in life and carefree time with friends and family.
Fish isn't my most favorite food of choice so I kind of surprised myself when I agreed to go to a local fish fry with my fiance and some of his family. The local conservation club put on a festive meal complete with tartar sauce to liven up the tender Pollock. It was breaded, which helped my fishy distaste, but it was very good!
The atmosphere reminded me of the older, family-friendly shows that pictured the whole town getting together and sharing a meal; people laughing and making jokes; truckers swapping road stories; children exclaiming how good the "chicken" was for dinner. It was all light-hearted and enjoyable, a welcome break from the rude and crude of how so many neighborhoods and communities are around the world. I don't envy those who live in the city because I enjoy the closeness of a small hardworking community that is willing to come together and engage in conversation and a meal with their fellow neighbor.
Ah, the good ol' days. I'm thankful to have these as long as I can before the realities of life come knocking at my door. I'm pretty thankful for small things like the fish fry to remind me of the simple joys in life and carefree time with friends and family.
A Reliable Car
Day 24
I complain a lot about how many cosmetic issues my car has and yet I don't realize often enough that it has never stranded me, conked out on me, or not start. Granted, it is an older car, but it hasn't failed me yet. It does have some minor issues like one tire losing air every so often and the very slow oil leak, but it still trucks on down the road wherever I need to go without complaint.
I have a tendency toward owning older cars...well trucks, a '88 S-10 and a '87 Blazer, so this car is my newest yet ('97 Buick Riviera). God has blessed me with a nice set of wheels to get me through student teaching. And what's even better, it's a beautiful shade of green, my favorite color. I don't think I am going to complain too much anymore about having a reliable method of transportation that I can count on to get me from point A to point B...with style. This car has definitely spoiled me contrasted to my old trucks and I am thankful that God met my transportation need. He's good at what He does.
I complain a lot about how many cosmetic issues my car has and yet I don't realize often enough that it has never stranded me, conked out on me, or not start. Granted, it is an older car, but it hasn't failed me yet. It does have some minor issues like one tire losing air every so often and the very slow oil leak, but it still trucks on down the road wherever I need to go without complaint.
I have a tendency toward owning older cars...well trucks, a '88 S-10 and a '87 Blazer, so this car is my newest yet ('97 Buick Riviera). God has blessed me with a nice set of wheels to get me through student teaching. And what's even better, it's a beautiful shade of green, my favorite color. I don't think I am going to complain too much anymore about having a reliable method of transportation that I can count on to get me from point A to point B...with style. This car has definitely spoiled me contrasted to my old trucks and I am thankful that God met my transportation need. He's good at what He does.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Counting Down
Day 23
Today marks the 100th day until our wedding, signifying the first day of our life together. Ah! It's so exciting to think about. Some people are probably sick of hearing me talk about my fiance and our upcoming wedding but it's hard not to talk about the things of which bring joy. It's not everyday one gets to plan a wedding celebrating a lifetime commitment to one's best friend.
It has been so much fun to plan a wedding with him. We each have a pretty equal share in the planning and he's about as excited about it as I am. And I'm probably more excited about getting married than I am about finally graduating college, but such is life.
I'm going to bed giddy as a school girl, in love with her best friend, and very much looking forward to spending the rest of my life with such an amazing man after God's own heart.
Today marks the 100th day until our wedding, signifying the first day of our life together. Ah! It's so exciting to think about. Some people are probably sick of hearing me talk about my fiance and our upcoming wedding but it's hard not to talk about the things of which bring joy. It's not everyday one gets to plan a wedding celebrating a lifetime commitment to one's best friend.
It has been so much fun to plan a wedding with him. We each have a pretty equal share in the planning and he's about as excited about it as I am. And I'm probably more excited about getting married than I am about finally graduating college, but such is life.
I'm going to bed giddy as a school girl, in love with her best friend, and very much looking forward to spending the rest of my life with such an amazing man after God's own heart.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Revelation
Day 22
No, not the book of the Bible, but general revelation, an "Aha" moment if you will. Life likes to throw curve balls, good and bad. And being in a serious relationship definitely has its share of curve balls. Being with someone you love for a long time brings about many experiences to learn about each other. Even in everyday relationships, there's always something yet to learn about people. It's funny how many of those moments come in times of disagreement. Think about it. Unless you are completely selfless, focused totally on everyone else's well-being, you tend to get into disagreements, but you leave that disagreement with another tidbit of knowledge and wisdom pertaining the other person. Wise people learn from their mistakes and from taking a good lesson away from an uncomfortable confrontation. Foolish people fall into the same argument over and over again, never willing to learn how to better serve the other. Kind of sounds like Proverbs, doesn't it?
I do not like confrontations or disagreements whatsoever. But I've learned to view them as a chance to better know the person with whom I have a conflict. Only by grace and by having the desire to learn to be more selfless can I take away a valuable lesson. God, give me the grace and humility to continue to learn about other people so that I can better reflect You in how I improve upon serving them. Thank You.
No, not the book of the Bible, but general revelation, an "Aha" moment if you will. Life likes to throw curve balls, good and bad. And being in a serious relationship definitely has its share of curve balls. Being with someone you love for a long time brings about many experiences to learn about each other. Even in everyday relationships, there's always something yet to learn about people. It's funny how many of those moments come in times of disagreement. Think about it. Unless you are completely selfless, focused totally on everyone else's well-being, you tend to get into disagreements, but you leave that disagreement with another tidbit of knowledge and wisdom pertaining the other person. Wise people learn from their mistakes and from taking a good lesson away from an uncomfortable confrontation. Foolish people fall into the same argument over and over again, never willing to learn how to better serve the other. Kind of sounds like Proverbs, doesn't it?
I do not like confrontations or disagreements whatsoever. But I've learned to view them as a chance to better know the person with whom I have a conflict. Only by grace and by having the desire to learn to be more selfless can I take away a valuable lesson. God, give me the grace and humility to continue to learn about other people so that I can better reflect You in how I improve upon serving them. Thank You.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Forts
Day 21
I haven't made a fort in...forever. Tonight, my roommates and I built an awesome blanket fort with couches and chairs. It was decked out. We had popcorn, grapes, and walnuts while watching Ever After. It was pretty much amazing. Yes, we are all seniors in college, but hey, who says you're too old to have fun?
We were sort of celebrating our snow/ice day today and the decision from our university that classes were going to be canceled all day tomorrow. We were glued to the weather most of the time, watching and waiting to find out when the second half of the blizzard-like storm was going to hit. We got out our flashlights, charged our cellphones, and did the dishes just in case our power went out. It was a productive day and it ended with a fun interruption to the daily routine of three college kids. Memories that will be remembered a while after we graduate.
Tomorrow looks like another promising day of sleeping in a bit, getting homework done, catching up on housework, and watching Hulu TV episodes; all for which I'm thankful, but particularly the fun and carefree, refreshing/relaxing attitude that the fort allowed. And...if the weather permits, we just might make a snowman.
I haven't made a fort in...forever. Tonight, my roommates and I built an awesome blanket fort with couches and chairs. It was decked out. We had popcorn, grapes, and walnuts while watching Ever After. It was pretty much amazing. Yes, we are all seniors in college, but hey, who says you're too old to have fun?
We were sort of celebrating our snow/ice day today and the decision from our university that classes were going to be canceled all day tomorrow. We were glued to the weather most of the time, watching and waiting to find out when the second half of the blizzard-like storm was going to hit. We got out our flashlights, charged our cellphones, and did the dishes just in case our power went out. It was a productive day and it ended with a fun interruption to the daily routine of three college kids. Memories that will be remembered a while after we graduate.
Tomorrow looks like another promising day of sleeping in a bit, getting homework done, catching up on housework, and watching Hulu TV episodes; all for which I'm thankful, but particularly the fun and carefree, refreshing/relaxing attitude that the fort allowed. And...if the weather permits, we just might make a snowman.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)