Odds and Ends

Okay okay, I know I have been neglecting this blog, but the past few weeks have been a whirlwind! Which basically just means I'm going to do an obligatory "update" post instead of something more interesting. Sue me.


5. Honduras was awesome! So thankful that the Lord allowed me to participate in His work there. Trip highlights include: teaching VBS, serving with Jeremy and getting to watch him do what he does best, getting to talk and play with some of the cutest kiddos ever, phase 10 tourney and watching other team members serve and have their giftedness used for His glory.

4. I'm officially registered for Summer classes! Right now I'm signed up for Topics in Latin American History, Spanish, Biographies of Outstanding Missionaries and Philosophy and Principles of Christian Education.

3. I may or may not have ran over a gallon of white paint with my dark gray car. I was on a dark highway and I didn't see it in time to swerve, so I ended up with a sweet custom paint job. Thankfully, my friend's husband has a wealth of random knowledge and knew to use lighter fluid to clean it off! So, word to the wise, if you ever get paint all over your car, use lighter fluid and then wash with soap. Works like a charm.

2. I visited my BFFAE in Oklahoma a couple weekends ago! I loved getting to spend time with her and meet all her Okla-homies (I couldn't help myself). Even though the weather wasn't ideal, I really enjoyed getting to fellowship and do life with her for a weekend.

1. On Monday, I turned twenty-one! This week has been full of celebration and I can't wait to fly home tomorrow (best birthday present ever, Yerms) to celebrate with my awesome boyfriend and family. I have felt so special and loved these past few days. I am so grateful for the people in my life that have made it a great birthday and I am beyond excited to see what the Lord has in store for this next year.


Alright, that about covers it! Over and out, bloggies.

Salvation Belongs to the Lord

In preparing my heart for Honduras the Lord has been so faithful to renew, encourage and sustain me. This morning I was reminded of something that I think is so vital for Believers to understand: Salvation Belongs to the Lord. Here are just a few of the scriptures that reiterate this truth:

• Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Psalm 3:8

• The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. Psalm 37:39

• On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Psalm 62:7

• I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. Isaiah 43:11

• Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. Isaiah 45:21

• But I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and besides me there is no savior. Hosea 13:4

• But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord! Jonah 2:9

• and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:10

• After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God... Revelation 19:1

I am so thankful for this truth and for the freedom and comfort that comes from it! I can't wait to see what the Lord does in Honduras. I don't know what this trip will look like, but I am rejoicing in the knowledge that God has the power to save, heal, redeem and restore. May He be glorified and known among all people.

"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him."
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Mission Statement

In one of my classes we were told to create a personal mission statement by which we would live our lives. So, after thinking about it for a while (and completing the 15 page booklet that was meant to help guide us...), this is what I came up with:

My mission is to live a life marked by a heart that longs to serve and worship the Lord. Regardless of circumstances, trials, or the cost; I will seek to daily live a life worthy of the Gospel. My efforts will be driven by grace and my motives driven by love, and I will view myself and others in light of the Cross. In all things, I will remember the reason I have been created, to delight in and worship God alone. In my dealings with people my words will be seasoned with grace and joy, and in every realm of life I will continually pursue God’s will with zeal, faithfulness and humility.

Now I'm just praying my life will resemble my mission. Soli Deo gloria.

Snow Day Essentials

In honor of our FIFTH snow day, I've decided to compile a list of my 10 snow day essentials... you know, since I'm pretty much an expert at this point ;)

10. Warm, water-proof clothes. If nothing else, Snowpocalypse 2011 has made me realize that I wouldn't make it a week in the north with my current wardrobe! I usually end up just throwing on layer after layer to stay warm and create that oh-so-chic, hobo look.

9. Homemade hot cocoa. One of my roommates makes THE best hot chocolate this side of North Dakota. Throw a little sea salt on the top and BAM, best cold weather drink ever.

8. Playing cards. During snow day 2, my roommates introduced me to a little game called Nertz, and even though there were some frustrating first rounds, I think I finally got the hang of it! I even "nertzed" for the first time during snow day 4! Haha.

7. Friends DVDs seasons 1-10. Okay okay, we don't have all 10 seasons, but we have managed to watch at least 4 of the seasons in record time!

6. Podcasts. So far I haven't had to miss church, but it's nice knowing I can still access sermons online. And the extra time has meant I've gotten to listen to some I probably wouldn't have had time for before!

5. Plenty of soup and Ritz crackers. There is just something so right about a big bowl of hot soup when it's 20 degrees outside. These past two weeks I've been eating taco soup like it's my job.

4. Fleece blankets. If it was socially acceptable I would carry a huge, fleece blanket with me at all times. So cozy.

3. Ice. I know this may sound a little strange, but my townhome has had to nurse more bangs and bruises since the ice came than ever before. I know I don't normally exude grace and balance, but I fell at least 5 times one day!

2. Friends. My friends have been my lifeline these past few days... being stuck on campus would have been a LOT worse without them.

1. Boyce Avenue (or whatever music strikes your fancy). This version of this song is my current obsession.

Spring 2011

Hey, blogsters! It's hard to believe it has been so long since my last post... I guess I didn't realize how busy this winter break was going to be, and with the Spring semester already in full force I doubt it's going to get any easier at this point! It's okay though, I'm excited for all that this next semester/year has in store :)


Here's how my classes* are shaping up thus far:

- Applied Hermeneutics: This will definitely be my hardest class this semester, but I'm hoping to learn a lot. It's one of my grad classes, so I'm really hoping to start out on a high note!

- Spanish: Last year this was my best grade of the semester (ironic considering I'm terrible at conversational Spanish), but I'm still hoping for a repeat! Oh, and my professor is beyond precious. Love her.

- Biblical Servant Leadership: I haven't actually done anything in this class yet (we meet for the first time tomorrow), but I'm super excited about it! It's my other grad class, so it'll probably have a heavier course load, but it should still be good.

- Psychology of Abnormal Behaviors: Okay, I know it might be weird but I'm super excited about this class. It was originally supposed to fill the coveted blow-off spot in my schedule, but I'm starting to think it's actually going to require some effort on my part... which is okay considering in a couple months I will finally be able to diagnose all the weirdos in my life ;)

*Honorable Mention = Local Church on Mission: I took this as a two week mini in January (I really do LOVE me some mini-mesters!) and it ended up being one of my best decisions ever. This was definitely one of my favorite classes of all time and I learned SO MUCH during our two weeks together. Not to mention getting to learn so much about the missional church movement made me so proud of my church! I am beyond blessed to sit under the leadership of the Village staff and elders and I'm so grateful I get to serve and worship with the men and women there.


Well that about does it for Spring 2011... see ya in May! Just kidding. Hopefully I'll be able to post more once I settle in to a routine this semester. Hasta luego, amigos.