Real Friends...

...Challenge you to draw closer in your own relationship with the King of kings.
...Support you in their thoughts and prayers.
...Bring their bible, some oreos, and a gallon of milk over when you're in need of encouragement.
...Tell you there's spinach stuck in your teeth so you don't make a fool of yourself in front of strangers.
...Know all your flaws and still want to spend time with you.
...Don't hesitate to tell you when you 've messed up--and are there by your side to help you make it right.
...Don't sugar coat truth.
...Laugh with you when you do something dumb to help make light of it, which, at least to me, eases the embarrassment a little bit.
...Calls or sends you a text every now and then just to say "hi." It really means a lot, you know.

I have some of the bestest friends in the world.

Thank you, Lord, for continuing to show me daily the little blessings all around me, including the wonderful people I call "friends."

Lazy Day

My little canine is passed out on the couch looking oh-so-cute, and I took a 4 hour nap today myself.

It's my day of rest. I think I'm entitled to one every now and then.

I went yard-saling with Heather and Josh this morning. I actually stayed at their house so we could leave bright and early. Oh, and so Stella could spend some time with her love, Mr. Darcy. There's nothing like going from house-to-house looking at other people's junk. We did find some good deals today (mostly books). The last one we went to was a gold mine of great stuff, but sadly everything had "sold" stickers attached. We were too late to get the goodies.

There is a lot going on right now. I feel overloaded emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Good and bad all mixed together. I have this very strange feeling that I can only describe as a desire to duck in a hole and hide out for a while. I think it's the lazy side of me wanting to just let everything work itself out., or maybe it's the ostrich in me who feels too inadequate to stand up to the scary stuff, so I wanna stick my head in a hole and hope nothing finds me.

But I am not called to sit on the sidelines with my mouth shut and my eyes closed. I am called to take a stand for what is right, holy, and just. I am called to go to work every day and be the hands of God in the lives of the precious people there. I am called not to depend on the insecurity of a small, dark hiding place but to lean on the strength of Jesus Christ, who came, lived, died, and conquered the grave.

So, today I rest, trusting in Jesus to work everything out. Trusting in Jesus for the wisdom and grace to stand tomorrow. And the day after that. And the day after that...

God of the Little Things

Isn't it amazing to try to wrap your mind around the truth that God is so big that He made a universe millions of lightyears wide but can carry it in the palm of His hand--yet He cares about the little details in day-to-day life.

For each and every one of us.

Today was my "Little Blessings Day," so I shall call it. The Lord showed me through the little things that He cares and He wants to leave fingerprints of His glory all over my life. Even in those mundane, routine things like driving down the road, eating breakfast, or locating clients.

God is just good like that.

Stop and look around. See where He is leaving fingerprints in your own life. Take note.

Don't ever forget He is the God of the BIG things and the little things.

* Having good productivity today.
* Giving me time to get some paperwork done.
* Showing me moments where patience was being worked in me--and finding that it wasn't so hard when I let His grace work.
* A sweet co-worker picking up my favorite, sweet tea, when she didn't have to.
* Texts from precious friends encouraging me throughout the day.
* A calm assurance that everything was under control.
* Smiles and jokes from nurses who I never thought liked me just to serve as a reminder that relationships are forming.
* Sweet hugs and communication with very important people (my clients).
* A free bottle of water.
* A cool breeze blowing up just as 10 of us awaited the rest of the gang outside in the parking lot.
* Previously stated cool breeze remaining for the rest of the evening, with no rain, providing the perfect set-up for curb-side frozen yogurt with 13 friends!
* Stella begging to sit in my lap. Realizing that she has learned my body language...so words aren't even necessary.
* Safety on the road.
* Very little lapse between clients--no MIAs!
* Good attitudes and wisdom on how to redirect when folks weren't so nice.
* Reminders everywhere of the one true God who loves His creation!

Sigh

* i have graduated.
* i am now officially a speech-language pathologist (a.k.a. speech therapist)
* no, i haven't received my nifty name badge yet.
* stella is still very much alive and well. and she's got a cool bandana.
* i am not perfect. go figure.
* yes, of course i am writing in all lower case letters. why? just so you'd ask that question.
* as a matter of fact, i am sleep-deprived.
* how'd you guess?
* i have the cutest nephew ever.
* graduation gowns really are as hot as they look. it's the closest i've ever been to a sauna.
* chic-fil-a is only open til 10:00 on friday nights. even on graduation friday nights.
* if you wanna throw a surprise party, i'm the easiest target. completely unaware of my friends' plans. i even invited them all to my own party...without knowing it was my party. i've got some pretty clever friends. or maybe i'm just that clueless.
* overnight, my body decided it wanted to have a cold. *sneeze* see, it's official. i'm getting sick.
* i work an hour from my home and i drive through three counties every. single. day.
* gas is expensive (read previous statement).
* aww man, i ran out of black ink and i haven't printed my swallowing evals!
* paperwork is going to destroy me.
* walmart sells everything in every color.
* now my sentences are too random for even me to handle. i think i'm gonna say goodnight.

GOODNIGHT! (What? Caps-Lock missed me.)

There is nothing to get your spirits down like rude people. Wednesday just hasn't started off fabulous. You know what, though...I haven't posted a multitude monday post in a while so today I should do that. As well as throw in some miscellany monday, too.

Even if it is a Wednesday. I think that would help me feel better.

Random:
* Still adjusting to having long nails. I haven't bit them, and they are still growing spendidly. Yay!
* Trying to get in the habit of straightening my hair every day. Apparently doing so makes me "look like a...a...a...model," according to some folks. I've never been told that before and I assume it's a compliment. :)
* I've lost eight pounds. I've gotta lose another 51 pounds to get to where I was in 2008. It's so easy to gain and so hard to lose!
* I graduate August 12th at 7:00pm. Sadly, I have not formally invited anyone to this graduation, as I've done in the past. I guess I'm just graduationed-out. I would love to have anyone come that would like, though! It's less than a month away! EEK!
* Speaking of graduation makes me think of jobs. I have been offered an incredible position in a mountain town 1 hour, 40 minutes from here, but I have a couple of possibilities much closer...one that has just, quite literally, fallen into my lap. I am kind of waiting this out and seeking the right choice. I am very hesitant to move.
* Best day all week: Tuesday. Heather. Me. Flea markets. Double Chocolaty-Chip Iced coffee-less frappacino at Starbucks. Razorback snowcone. Bookstores filled with the calming, euphoric fragrance of old, musty, well-read adventures waiting for a new pair of eyes to soak in their wonderful stories...oh, and not to mention a two-hour search for rental disney movies, frozen pizza and cheesesticks, and Reeses Pieces. "Me, Eloise." ...and two-tenths of Alladin (seen from Youtube with fuzzy quality. Part 3 was missing so we stopped there). I think that was the most fun I've packed into a day in a long time. I sure hope I didn't set her back on her work too much, though!

Thankful for:
111. Lasting friendships with the most unique group of individuals.
112. Poolside giggles and talks about "cholerics and steadies."
113. Realizing I have overcome my fear of deep water.
114. God's faithfulness. His hand of instruction, rod of discipline, and words of encouragement...at just the right moment.
115. Catch-and-chase games with Stella that have kind of become routine (like patty-cake with a toddler).

Choices! Choices! Choices!

Have you ever felt just a little overwhelmed?
Mr. P, one of our leaders in Sunday School class, mentioned one time that when he was moving he asked the Lord to only give him two choices of places to live because he couldn't handle any more. I feel that way right now with job offers. I've only had one possibility (not yet an offer) that just really stands out as something great, but I have so many offers--some folks seem desparate to grab me--but every position I've been offered requires me to move or commute a good ways.
What's so special about me? Why do people seem to want me so bad? And why can nothing come open here? Is that a way of God saying He wants me to move?

I have this wish in the back of my head all the time...a wish that I could hear an audible voice from heaven directing ever decision I have to make. Wouldn't that make it so much easier? I want to be in His perfect will, so what do I do? With all these folks coming at me, I don't know what to choose.

I wanna do what's right. I've tried to take control too many times--and messed it all up. I have a very big choice to make, one that will effect my life greatly. I'm just praying for wisdom and for everything to fall into place like God always does whenever I become anxious. He's just awesome like that!

Oh, and after all that seriousness, my friend Heather over at www.MrsSouthernBride.com has a giveaway going on until July 1st. You have a chance to win some pretty cool stuff  on her blog here. Check it out; you most definitely will not be disappointed!

Reviews & More

After posting yesterday, a sweet friend called and invited me to the movies. We went to see Cars 2 with her brother and two other guy friends, then hung out at Marketplace Grill. It was a very entertaining evening!

So, for all you die-hard Pixar fans, you won't be disappointed. Cars 2 is better than the first, in my opinion. Maybe because Mater has a much bigger role in this one. I LOVED IT! Great humor, good plot, and fantastic portrayal of life lessons about friendship and priorities. The only thing to make note of is there is a lot of action: spy stunts, racing, etc., so if that kind of thing makes you dizzy, I'm giving you fair warning. Definitely a must-see and worth paying theater prices!

I've been here before, but thought I'd write a quick review--just for the fun of it. This place is phenomenal. It's great for casual dining or for those fancy date-nights! I have yet to try anything I didn't like on the menu, and believe me, I've tried a lot. Fun, open atmosphere and friendly staff. It's not a cheap place, but it is worth the money you pay.

I went with a group of 5 and we ordered single servings of several entrees/sides and just shared so we all got to try everything. That's a fun way of eating when you go out with pals!


*And by the way* My interview this evening went very well. I love the place already and am hoping this is where God wants me. The man who interviewed me said he has a few more interviews to conduct and will let me know his decision by July 1st. I pray that God reveals who is right for his position! Oh, and if that person is me, I hope I find a place to move to fairly quickly--as the school year is less than a couple of months away!

New Hair and Other Going-Ons

Going-Ons: new word for "what's happenin'."

Yesterday, I had 10 inches of hair gracefully removed from my head. The results are presented in the photos below:

 

Oh, except right now my hair is poofy with lots of little curls all around my face, kinda like Shirley Temple, just not quite so short. That's what happens to curly-headed folks when they get their hair wet.

Anyways, last night was a once-a-month opportunity that I did not pass up: a chance to visit with dear college/career-aged friends and enjoy a bible study together at the Williamson's place. We kind of focused on realizing that things happen, not because we've been good or bad, but because we live in this world, and we should never forget that God can take anything and turn it for good. We also need to keep in mind that the good may not be visible on this side of heaven, but the reward on the other side will be eternally worth it. The testimonies, discussion, and scripture really blessed my soul. This seems to tie in with some sermons and discussions we've had at church lately.

Isn't it neat how God works?

He knows I sometimes need to hear things several times before it really sinks in, and so He always provides those multiple learning experiences for me. Sometimes it's more than just a lesson--it's the hard stuff. I'm glad He doesn't give up on me!

Today has been a long day. I went to Ross House at 6:00 this morning to cook breakfast and get the guys going for the day, then I left work to head out to Vilonia for a work day at a widow's home. I think she suffered some tornado damage from the April 11th tornado, but was more fortunate than some. I'm very grateful for my friend, Ann, who set up the workday. What a blessing it is to have friends with such a heart for God and for people! I started by helping to paint the house, but then I became dizzy in the heat (and from climbing up that tall ladder), so we I went to weed the garden. I started to think I was having some problems with heat exhaustion--a thought that was confirmed when this morning's breakfast came back up.
I guess that sausage wanted to say hello to the azalia bush.
After that, I spent most of my time doing little jobs and hanging out in the shade as much as possible. I painted the mailbox! I had a great deal of fun doing that!
Anyway, I tried to go back to Ross House afterward, but I had (still have) a splitting headache. My supervisor sent me home because she's afraid of the possibility of this being more than just heat exhaustion. I am feeling quite useless at the moment.

Exciting news: meeting up with a possible employer tomorrow evening. It sounds promising, and I'm rather excited! I am kind of nervous, like I always get before a big test or something, and would appreciate prayer for calm nerves and wisdom. God knows exactly where He wants me, but I haven't yet figured it out.

Shakespeare at the Park

Saturday night proved quite a treat. I had heard that a local theater group was coming to my town to perform Shakespeare's play, "As You Like It," outdoors at an unbelievably low price: pay what you can.

Being the poor college kid that I am, with an extreme love for theatrical arts, I couldn't say no to this!

I didn't want to go alone, but I had my reserves about inviting others to see Shakespeare. It seems his works leave room for naughty imaginations to go wild these days. I've been to too many of his productions that had been turned, quite practically, inappropriate. Anyways, I decided to invite folks anyway and just hope it stayed true to the plot.

I was not disappointed!

We were all psyched during intermission as we waited in line to get sodas. I just noticed we have two squinty-eyed folks and two bug-eyed ones. Wow. We look like crazy cannibals with our mouths opened, baring our teeth like that. Scary. That's what happens to you when you watch Shakespeare!

During the performance, Orlando came up behind me and taped this piece of "bark" to my forehead proclaiming his love. It had words to the effect of:

"From the Eastern coast to the Western Ind,

No jewel is as precious as fair Rosalind."

'Twas a fun night, even if it was outdoors and slightly humid on a June evening. I'm glad that my friends were able to be there and share in the fun.

My favorite thing about the performance (though it was all fantastical) was the woodland men and shepard boys speaking Shakespeare's lines word for word--with a American southern accent.

"Then I shall be thy feeder and buy it with thine own gold..."

A Summer's Journey

Here I sit on my sofa, enjoying the warmth Stella's underbelly gives off towards my very-cold toes. Yes, the day's temperature was in the upper 90s, but try telling my foot's appendages that. They don't care.

Thankfully, my dog does.

The majority of my family, from Ohio to Arkansas, are getting ready to launch off on an adventure to the beach together. They will enjoy a week of fun in sun and fellowship with one another--so much catching up to be done! I, however, will remain where I am, anchored to this town Monday through Friday for the remainder of the summer by a massive magnetic power I tend to call "THERAPY."

I've never been to the beach.

My "adopted" family here are planning a 2-week trip to South Dakota later this month. AHH! What will I do without them?! Again, I find myself glued to this spot, unmoving, due to this unrelenting force--"THERAPY."

I've never been to Mount Rushmore.

Then again, I wasn't invited on that trip. (chuckling quietly to self) I just thought it would add to the dramatic emotion of the scene.

Regardless of all the fun and memories I won't experience this summer, there are so many more to be made. I am loving my career choice more and more with every passing day--and every sweet smile. I am carried away with compassion for these precious elderly individuals, with stories to be told and lives to be shared.

I may miss out on some exciting trips, but God has given me a journey this summer that I will not regret taking. He has been leading me and teaching me. This speech therapist is speechless when I consider His hand in my life.

Thankful for:
101. A last-minute bible study in my small, perpetually dark living room
102. An opportunity to catch up with classmates over hamburger helper
103. Provision of clinical hours and a peace about meeting the quota for graduation
104. A reminder of God's steadfast, unchanging nature in a world of instability and time of shifting loyalties
105. A make-shift blanket of soft black and white fur with two beautiful eyes...oh! that's my dog! Well, I'm thankful for her, too.

Fleamarkets and Kiddos

Today I found myself enjoying the day browsing fleamarkets with my *absolutely wonderful* friend, Heather. I brought home a stack of goodies: two board games, three kids' books, a set of Spanish/English puzzle cards, and a set of 12 neat little Christmas ornaments depicting the names of Christ. She got a set of 12 (or 16?) drinking jars and a couple of kids' books. What incredible finds! I love fleamarkets!

Speaking of kids (What? I mentioned kids' books, didn't I?), we had our AWANA awards ceremony tonight. I cannot put into words exactly how I felt when those sweet little angels from my group, the Green team, went up to receive their awards. It was something like a sense of pride and overflowing love, joy at knowing the eternal effects this program will have on some of these kids, and humility because of two things: one, God worked through inadequate me this semester to bless these kids and two, it took the dedication of parents and the determination of these kids to get them to where they are--my role as a leader had little to do with their progress throughout the year.

Helping Little Bubz

Yes, I call my brothers "bubz."

And yes, I did help my brother with a school project today. Wanna see?

...

...

...

...

Here's the two of us...exhausted (after putting nearly six hours into the project)!

It's a...longhouse, home of the Iroquois (a native American tribe).

Like the bamboo "corn"? Yeah, it's kind of tall in proportion to the little plastic Indians, but the bigger the better, right?

Of course, the little bubz had to add some mean settlers to fight these peaceful redskins. That's just what boys do!

I'm back home visiting for the week and am having SO MUCH fun! (Except for the weeding Mamaw's yard in the heat, but, hey, it was worth it to see her smile. I'm glad I could help her out).

Thank you, Lord for:

76. Good pizza with great, old friends

77. Quality time with my youngest brother, discovering what a truly amazing young fellow he is becoming

78. Helping me to find humor in a bitter, old man and love him all the more in spite of his shortcomings

79. Safety on my trip to the south.

80. A phone call from a speech therapy company that almost seems too good to be true.

81. The opportunity to get to know the man my mother married and realize mom's in good hands.

82. My mamaw's sweet smile...and wonderful backrubs!

83. Beautiful weather (and company!) at lunchtime on Mother's Day with other friends who didn't have their mothers nearby for the special day

84. "Stump", the first real English bulldog I've ever met. What strange creatures You have made! This one brings smiles, giggles, and light-hearted fun!

85. Air conditioning! How did people ever survive Arkansas' heat without AC?!

(This post was originally posted on Wednesday, May 11th, but for some reason it is saying it posted on May 17th).

Two for One

Thanks
There is so much to be thankful for. I'm glad I know the one true God, the Creator of the universe who breaths life into the lifeless. The God of David, who is still (and always will be) worthy to be praised.

Today I thank Him for:
86. A well-made, hole-free canoe and a good, strong paddle.
87. A bright sun and light breeze.
88. Cold water to refresh tired muscles.
89. Waterproof cameras.
90. A fallen tree that served as a bouncy "ride" for the young at heart.
91. Incredible wildlife, rock formations, and landscape scenery declaring the glory of God.
92. A safe trip in good fellowship.
93. A group of people who care about each other and stick together.
94. Laughter, hugs, water-splashes, and all that goes along with having a good time with friends
95. This breath. And this one. And this one, too...

Canoeing
So many memories were made yesterday! There is nothing like bonding over fresh river water and cold lunches. Okay, so only one person drank the river water, and it wasn't me, but still. Fourteen of us traveled down to the Buffalo for a day of canoeing. We floated somewhere between 9 and 11 miles (I've heard both numbers and am not sure which. It felt more like 3 or 4, but I'll go along with the experts). I learned the art of canoeing. I mean I'm STILL learning the art of canoeing. This was only my second trip. No one flipped their canoe (that I'm aware of). It really was something else. We saw lots of turtles, cranes, herons, hawks, a falcon, and even a bald eagle. Now that is a majestic bird. No wonder the Bald Eagle was chosen as our national bird, our symbol. Just beautiful! I am sunburnt in many places and just a little bit sore in my mid-back...but ready to go back!

That's what she said.

Me: (leaving Starbucks with Heather) "I guess we are going to this fleamarket over here because I am unconsciously driving that direction."

Heather: "Don't you mean subcionsciously?"

Me: "Umm, yeah...unconcious/subconscious...same thing..."

As the end draws near...

...my memory fades! I cannot believe I failed to write my faithful Monday post again!

So what's the news in the life of a speech pathology graduate student these days? Well, for starters, I'm finishing up some meetings with professors and supervisors to complete "final checkouts" for the spring semester. Then I have *almost* a whole month off.
My last real break for the rest of my life. I've planned one trip home and to Texas to visit a friend, a canoe trip, several doctor's appointments that I've been putting off, and I've even managed to squeeze in a few hours to tackle my growing pile of must-read books. If any time is left available, I will be doing the dreaded, but much-needed "spring cleaning". I plan to scrub my house from floor to ceiling. Yeah, I know, it's going to be an AWESOME break!

I'm psyched about my placement in a nursing home for my final clinical practicum. I think I'm going to learn a lot and have quite a bit of fun doing it. I've tried to convince a few of my clients from this semester to volunteer at the facility I'll be working at so I can still see them. Is that sneaky? Nah, it just gives me hope that our last session wasn't the last time I'd see them. I have a hard time not falling in love with my clients (in a nonromantic-way). They are just incredibly wonderful!

Anyways, so here's the best (so I think) part of my Monday posts, though today it is coming on a Wednesday. It's time to thank the Lord for all the precious blessings He's poured out this week. I don't think I could list them all on a million sheets of paper--for each breath is a blessing in itself, but I will list a few things that stick out in my mind.
Thank you, Lord, for:
71. Flip-flops and glorious weather in which to wear them. God's creation is like medicine to my soul: to be able to sit back and view His handiwork in all its glory, to ponder the minute details and intricate processes going on in every tiny cell of every living thing, to feel the breeze across my face like a gentle kiss from the God of the heavens and the earth...I just really can't explain how I feel when I'm out there. It's like being wrapped in Jesus and feeling His love all over!
72. the high expectations my supervisors have had--for that and their consistent guidance and instruction has helped me become a better clinician and a better servant to use the gifts You have given me to bless others.
73. the rain. I don't think I would appreciate the sunshine quite so much without those stormy days, nor would I be able to enjoy the beauty of plants if that life-giving water never reached their roots.
74. the Word--the bread of life--and Your well of living water springing up within my soul. Sometimes I feel like the psalmist said, as if I am in a dry and barren land where no water is, but if I remember to call out to You, looking to Your word for your reply, fresh, renewing, healing water flows. You give it freely to all who ask. Thank You!
75. Heather and our outing yesterday into the wide world of coffee and fleamarketing. I still can't believe she convinced me to drink that stuff! It wasn't so bad, but next time I think I'll go for something a little less...hmmm...coffee-esque.

Forgetting Things

I forgot to give my dog a bath earlier this week.

After my last session ended tonight, I forgot that it was Thursday--the last day of the clinical semester--and I wouldn't see any of my clients again.

I forgot to do my laundry until today. It was three days overdue.

I forgot to rinse out my tea pitcher. The crazy ants had a hayday once they infested my kitchen sink.

I forgot to ask my landlord who this person was so I could give them the baby formula that was mistakingly placed in my mailbox. The powdery stuff is still sitting on my coffee table.

And, sadly, I forgot to post my Multitude Monday note three days ago.

It's just been one of those weeks. This blog has been neglected for over a week now, so I thought I had better visit. In spite of everything going on, what with the deadly weather and preparing to end the semester, I can still praise God...in everything. He is good!

Thank You, Lord for...
66. Your protection in the midst of the deadly storms.
67. Allowing me to spend time with the Brazeals, even if we were stuck in a smelly basement most of the time and were all busy with schoolwork. Just being there was medicine for my heart. It felt good to not be alone, even when completing mundane tasks. Thank you for my "second family" as well as my first!
68. the opportunity to see that incredible lightning the other night, to give me a glimpse of Your eternal power, might, glory, and purity. Thank you for lighting up the sky up with streaks of lightning going all different directions--at one point looking like a perfect cross. It was a beautiful sight! And, somehow, completely silent. The sound of thunder never came.
69. Thank you for a brother who cares--and for his rarely-spoken words: "I love u sis." Thank you for giving him a desire to go back to school and seek a college degree...to do something better with his life.
70.Thank you for this week! The end of school is in sight!

Happy Birthday!

Today was a special day this year for me.

Today I turned 24. Double dozen.

Shopping and Panera Bread with some fun-loving friends.

Then off to school where I found my desk looking like this:

Cupcakes, balloons, banner, therapy materials, and a card lay waiting for me to find.

Everyone in the building sang happy birthday to me.

Even some who I didn't know.

Sharing cupcakes was fun, therapy was fun--with both clients,

then off to see the new ACTS, Jr. play: Summer Camp Scrapbook.

It was awesome, by the way.

Just like everything else about this day.

Including the weather, until after the performance. Now it is starting to look nasty outside.

But even that has its ups. I get to spend some time with some very good friends.

Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with the perfect birthday.

You knew just what I needed.

M-O-N-D-A-Y

Church.

I missed most all of Pastor John's message Sunday morning as I was one of the nursery workers and we had a full house. We had the monitor on so we could watch the service, but with so many sweet babies bouncing around, it was difficult to focus on anything else. I hear it was a wonderful message.

Our Sunday School class studied through two verses (and started a third!). We're nearing the end of Galations now. What a blessing this study has been! Sadly, Ephesians and Galations are two books that seem to be--overlooked--quite often by the faith I grew up around. If everyone could just BEGIN to grasp the beauty of the gospel and Paul's firm stance against infiltration of our own works, what a difference it could make.

What a difference it HAS made in me.

"Doing enough" is something I have always tried to accomplish, but satisfaction has never come. It can't come because I never will be able to "do enough" to earn anything from God. God has torn down some of the enemy's strongholds in my life over the course of this study--lies that crippled my faith.

Freedom.

That is what I feel in my spirit. God has freed me! He's still working through some things, but oh have my eyes been opened! Sometimes I want to just burst out with gratefulness to my peers in class, to share with them what God is doing in me and how He is using them to do so. Sometimes I want to just hug someone neck and tell them thanks for bringing out a point I'd never thought of before, to tell them that pondering it throughout the week had brought me closer to my Father, and I loved them all the more for it.

But I just don't.

I push it off on shyness, but is that it? Now here I go off on a tangent.

Family.

My brother's married. I'll have a new neice or nephew in the Fall. My mom's married. I have only talked to her once...maybe twice unless that one was a dream...since the big news. She seems...sweet, so very sweet. I don't think I've ever seen that side of my mom, but I love it! Once of my sister's is engaged to the father of her two daughters. She is so excited about planning a wedding and texts me pictures of colors all the time. It's kind of fun to see her giddy with joy! Oh, any my grandparents, well they are doing just dandy I think. Any little news I get from them is usually hand squeezed out of Mamaw. She's one of those folks that says everything's fine, but once you talk long enough and ask enough questions, you find out a tornado came through and killed all your friends, your dog died, your Aunt had a baby, and two of your high school teachers won Pulitzer's prizes for some thing or another. I may be exaggerating...a little bit...but just a little. Mamaw always brightens my day and I love talking with her, even if it is just to say, "Hi!" She says Papaw's got a colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow. My birthday. I wonder if there's any way I could make it to Little Rock to see them before therapy. Mamaw says it wouldn't be possible. They wouldn't be free until after 4--when my days really gets started. :(

Bringing this long section to a close, I want to ask anyone who reads this to pray for one of my sisters. They all need prayer--exceuse me, WE all need prayer--but one of my sisters has left and no one is really sure where she is or what she's doing. Last I'd heard, she'd left her son behind and gone back to a guy she been with before who beat her, abused her, and stalked her--a guy I'd rather not see again. I love this sister so very VERY dearly and I just want her to stay safe. And find Jesus. Only He can fill that void she is trying so desparately to fill.

School.

Two weeks left of therapy at the college clinic. After final reports are completed (due Wednesday), things will start winding down. I'm excited about my placement in a nursing home in the summer, just one more little reminder that I only have 3 months and 22 days left until graduation.

Down Time.

I don't have much of that, or I shouldn't have with all I've got going on in order to prepare the end of the semester, but I am trying to take time out to read the newest Mysterious Benedict Society: The Prisoner's Dilemma. I've really liked this series so far, though I am a little iffy about some of the stuff in this newest book. Yeah, I know they are kids' books, but hey, I don't wanna grow up!

I've also spent some time "organizing". Here's SOME of my therapy materials (not as organized yet as I would like):

And here is my "Prayer door." I put either pictures or reminders up to represent people or situations that I pray for each day.

Thankfulness.

56. Another year.

57. Every one of those people represented in the photo above. 

58. Getting a virus on my little pink netbook. This may seem strange blessing, but a classmate's laptop cable stopped working this weekend, so I was able to bless her with the one for my useless computer until the one she ordered comes in.

59. Passionate Perspectives speakers and the practical and applicable information they share about how to bring the gospel to those who have yet to know Jesus.

60. A saying that crossed my path this week, reminding me of a dear friend: "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and will sing it back to you when you forget the words."

61. Psalm 37, and specifically the beautiful plaque with verse 4 written on it a precious "sister" gave to me for my birthday in rememberance of this Psalm.

62. Health

63. No doctor's bills yet!

64. The news of a friend's pregnancy. What a blessing she and her husband have received!

65. Friends who pray. Friends who love. Friends.

Spring Break

I said I would post later about Spring Break, so here it is...every detail, from the fun and intriguing to the exceedingly mundane:

On Saturday, I went to a Neurological Ranch for school to administer some tests on folks who've had strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or other neuro issues. The grounds of the 400+ acre ranch were breathtakingly beautiful. However, the experience made me realize I don't think I'm cut out to daily work with people who can't inhibit their thoughts.

The Ranch

On Sunday, I enjoyed visiting with some friends from church and basking in the glorious weather on their many patios. We even ate dinner outside--using bar stools as tables! That night, the moon was absolutely stunning in the sky. A kind friend happened to have a camera handy and took a few photos of it as we were both heading to our cars that evening. God's handiwork is magnificent!

While he was snapping these pretty photos (and many more), another friend and I were discussing how we were going to convince her mother to let her spend the day with me without arousing her mother's suspicion. Sneaky us had a plan up our sleeves...

...a plan to aid her father in surprising their mother with a beautiful reception on their 30th wedding anniversary. Their anniversary was the next day--Monday--and not a single plan had been made when this moon's phase was captured shortly before midnight.

With the help of other family members, friends of the family, and a sweet mother and daughter from our church, the reception fell together beautifully just in time for the couple's arrival at the church.

The same kind photographer who caught the moon took these photos. It just seems I don't have a camera on me when I need one most! He even included a video clip from the moments when the lovely bride was "surprised!" However, because I haven't received permission prior to writing this, I have left names out of this story and faces out of the photographs. It was a beautiful, fun night. Worth every second of labor, too! We all went out to the family's home afterward for more fun and fellowship--into the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

Tuesday started with another doctor's appointment to find out if a CT scan was necessary or if I could live without one for now. The meeting lasted only about 10 minutes and it was decided that the strange object in my pelvis showing up on X-Rays doesn't seem to be bothering me right now so I can survive CT Scan-free for the time being. Good news! 

The rest of the day was spent patio-furniture shopping with the family mentioned above (refer to reception story). We spent hours (quite literally) sitting around a table in the Walmart Garden Center chatting while the gentle breeze blew around us. 'Twas nice.

Wednesday wasn't near as eventful. Housework, schoolwork, a quick visit to try out the patio furniture that was chosen, and AWANA with the precious kiddos who were rowdier than usual. I wonder if the break had anything to do with it?

Thursday was not interesting at all. I ran errands all day and read/watched movies all night. I took Stella to have her bush groomed down to a manageable length. This photo was taken on my phone shortly after picking her up Thursday night:

They cut her hair quite badly. Look at the pink patch of completely bare flesh on her chest...whereas there is patches of fur at different lengths all over the rest of her little body.

Friday was grandulous. Is grandulous a word? If not, now it is. Anyway, I spent all morning trying to find someone interested in going to the Museum of Discovery with me (thankfully, the perfect person agreed to go with me this past Tuesday instead). Then I went around town with a very good friend to pick up materials for building a chicken coop at the youth ranch she works at. We bought some chickens before heading back to the ranch. It was so precious to hear those little chirps!
Stella met Glory, my friend's adorable yellow lab pup, and instantly fell in love. They are now best friends. I was too soft-hearted to tell them there will come a time (very soon!) when the can no longer play so rough together due to Glory's rapid growth and many months to go before it peaks.
The rest of the evening was spent getting to know my friend better--and loving every minute of it--as well as discovering that Stella is actually a well-behaved dog and obeys me more than I realized. My only regret from that visit is that it couldn't have been longer, much longer, as I had to get up at 4:30a.m. to head back home. Why?

Because I had to work on Saturday morning, that's why! Regardless of my exhaustion, the day was a good one. I took some of the fellas bowling and realized they bowl a lot better than I do! Well, that's not saying much because I stink at it, but still! I was impressed! It made me itch to go bowling sometime myself. I really need to do that soon. I watched a couple of movies while doing some computer work that night after work.

Sunday was a typical Sunday. I enjoyed meeting with my peers for the Sunday school class, picking back up in Galations chapter 5. You wouldn't believe how long we've been in Galations if I told you. It's a good way to study scripture, though, and I rightly enjoy the pace. We dig much deeper into the Word through this class than any other class I've ever attended. Even Old Testament Survey my freshman year of college wasn't as thought-provoking as this class and I had to write a 9-page paper for it! I learned a lot more about J. Hudson Taylor during service that afternoon and walked away with one particular scenario burned in my memory: the story of Mr. Taylor giving the $50 bill in his pocket--all the money to his name--to a poor man whose wife was dying. In that moment I realized that I don't know if I could trust God in that situation. I want to, I hope I would, but would I? I only pray that my trust in Him will grow stronger--and that I will place complete trust in Him. Perspectives class was back in full swing and the place was more crowded than usual. That's not a bad problem to have! :)

I went home and fell asleep. Thus ended Spring Break 2011...the last one I shall ever experience as a student.

Monday

To show how lost I am, I logged into my blog thinking it was Tuesday. My original title for this post was "Monday on Tuesday" because I truly thought I'd missed the day.

Revelation came as soon as I started to write this post, so thankfully I now know what day it is.

Miscellany Monday
1. Did you know that photos taken using higher shutter speed can capture images in the dark, such as a beautiful full moon, but that the faster speed makes the photo grainy? Neither did I, until a friend tried to explain this phenomenon to me yesterday. I'm one fact smarter, even if I still don't understand the details of it.
2. Chinese restaurants close before church ends on Sunday nights and for some reason no one has thought of the idea of fast-food Chinese in this city. (Either that, or I have yet to discover it.)
3. Jumping jacks don't settle well on upset stomachs. Don't try it at home. Or in public for that matter.
4. Through the Gates of Splendor is a heart-wrenching, life-altering documentary. Watch it.
5. Spring break was wonderful. I took a break from nearly everything. Details coming to later posts.

Multitude Mondays
I thank the Lord for:
31. Three unexpected paychecks that I knew nothing of until Friday.
32. The encouragement of precious friends who are running towards God.
33. A long-awaited call from my brother yesterday.
34. My growing family: a new "stepdad," sister-in-law, neice or nephew on the way, and a soon to be brother-in-law.
35. Stella's health. My poor dog was very sick this weekend. I didn't realize how much I cared about her until I saw her in pain. It feels so good to see her rough-housing like her old self.
36. The memory of a sweet little girl saying, "Look at my cool necklace." [beaming as she holds up a necklace with the name "Jesus" carved in the wooden charm.]
37. Learning how the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed--and how God is changing lives around the world in ways I could never dream!
38. Sweet tea. I drink more of it than I should.
39. The beautiful weather this city was blessed with over spring break.
40. Life. I watched some 2-day old chicks waddle around on Friday and just felt grateful for that moment--one in a million I have every single day--to experience life.