Wacky Wednesday!

7:00 AM: KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! A strange old man hand delivers my car tags. States that they were in his mailbox two weeks ago and that he had come by every day since at different times trying to catch me. I was never home, go figure.

8:00 AM: Drive to work through clouds. No really, there were clouds--everywhere!

8:30 AM: Thank Jesus for the breathtaking sight as I top a hill with valleys on both sides with the end of the clouds also in view, floating over the valleys like a canopy of cotton.

9:15 AM: Nonverbal client throws glasses in floor in an attempt to tell me he's mad that I asked him to sit back down so he wouldn't fall.

10:20 AM: Very verbal client tells me that the reason he had to come to the nursing home was this: he'd heard that I worked there and that the torture of speech therapy was actually "quite pleasurable torture".

11:00 AM: Client with developmental disability beats me at Scrabble even though I played the longest word: "blouse".

12:30 PM: Coworker comes into breakroom and threatens to stab me with fork if I eat his food. Then tells me I am allowed one spoonful of his potatoes if I replace it with cheese from my macaroni.

1:55 PM: Client tells me that he hates to break it to me, but there's no way I'll get him to function like he did when he was 30. Then, he proceeds to be the first client I've had at this facility who thanks me for all my hard work and dedication to his well-being.

4:30 PM: Nursing home resident at another place stops me in the hall and tells me I'm a sweetheart and need to be the speech therapist seeing her neice. Said resident was a client of mine when I was a student and refused therapy 3 times in a row.

5:00 PM: Long term client who I have grown very fond of gets swallow study results back--YAY! Diet upgrade to more "real" food/drinks! WOOHOO!

6:30 PM: Run around like a blindfolded turkey on Thanksgiving  morning in preparation for the evening's Awana meeting while trying to read over my lines for the message time lesson.

6:45 PM: Try to compose myself as the Sparks director walks in disguised as "Professor Spark"--complete with lab coat and spiky hair.

9:00 PM: Drive home with a smile on my face and a heart full of love for the darling little Sparkies I have been blessed to get to know.

 "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Phillipians 4:11)

I love my morning drives to work. It's just me and God winding down those curvy roads...and reminders everywhere of His unfailing power and majesty. Lately, I have found myself becoming irritable about aspects of my job that I was not anticipating upon entrance into the real world--like the excessive amounts of paperwork and the high-stress environment.

Yesterday, as I was driving in to work, God used a cement truck to jog my memory of His faithfulness.

Yes, I did say "a cement truck".

Patience is a virtue that God wants to infuse in my very being, but stubborn me refuses to accept. I constantly find myself arguing with myself (wise folks do that, you know) about the necessity to pray for patience. I know I need more of it, but I'm afraid of the circumstances that will come to work patience in me. God brought that ridiculously slow cement truck into my morning routine yesterday to try my patience...and give me a shocking reminder of my critical spirit and other character flaws that need to be chiseled away. I rode behind that truck for 20 minutes, complaining in my heart and grumbling aloud. The truck was going about 15 miles under the speed limit and I was already running behind schedule. There were no passing zones in sight.

All of a sudden--I don't really recall how--I realized that the old cement truck was a gift from God to help me grow closer to Him by building my faith and my character. I had just been complaining and grumbling about a gift from my faithful, precious, Holy Father! What an ungrateful child I have been!

As tears began to flow and I poured out my broken, repentant heart before God--driving through the backroads of central Arkansas--my mind went back to my attitude at work. Sure, I love my patients and the work I do with them, but I just have not had such a loving and thankful spirit towards other areas of the job. I thought about how it's made me feel when I've given gifts to people only to have their faces darken in dissappointment with no "thank you" to follow.

And I thought about all the amazing things leading up to this job that revealed God's hand on every detail of it. My job is a gift from my Father. He has a purpose and a plan for me at this place, and I should daily praise Him for His kindness, love, grace, and tender mercy.

I am still learning to be content with where I am, who I am, and what I am doing. There's no room for complaint with a God-gift. They are always perfect and right on time. He is my provider, and I will trust in Him.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."

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."

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!

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).

I Know Why I Do It

Today I witnessed a breakthrough.

Today a client broke out of the prison of her own physical limitations...and communicated with me.

Global aphasia is such a scary-sounding diagnosis, and it is one that carries the weight of knowing you'll never be the same again. This beautiful woman fell victim to a stroke, rendering her in near-vegetative state and diagnosed with global aphasia. I have had the privilege of working with her for a couple of weeks, with some (though little) progress--until today.

Me: "Do you want a bite to eat?"
She: [reaches out and touches a button on a communication board] "Yes," the board's speaker blares.

She did it at least a dozen more times! And all this time we've been working on getting her to acknowledge the buttons! Today she not only did that, but USED them! Woohoo!

This is so why I do what I do! I seriously had tears in my eyes and engulfed her in a big hug (whether she truly wanted it or not, I don't know for sure, but her huge smile tells me there's a big chance she did).

I have tears in my eyes as I think about it now. How absolutely amazing it is to be able to help someone trapped within themselve to relate to and communicate with the world around them. I am so very glad that God has brought me to this point and continues to shape me into a tool He can use for His work!

Oh, and if anyone is looking for volunteer work, consider a nursing home. These guys are the most precious folks you'll ever meet! Even the hard-nosed, impatient ones have so much good in them--so much need and so much hurt that can be smoothed over with just a smile and understanding nod. My hardest client can be so downright rotten at times in his attitude, but I still love seeing his face every day. He has a lot to offer this world, still, after nearly 80 years. All of them do; they are just waiting for a younger person to come hear them out and pick up their torches. I spent about an hour after therapy let out today with one of my clients, giving her a manicure and a pedicure to cover up the hideous orange paint that she unknowingly paid to have done. Not a second of that time was wasted--we were both blessed with the company. You could, too!

The View from my Front Porch

It just doesn't do justice to the beauty of tonight's sunset. I really need a better view camera.

106. I just love sunsets.

I'd love sunrises, too, if I was awake and outdoors in time to see them. I'm always available for a sunset. :) And it's not just the sky that is so amazing. Something about the lighting at this time of day makes the green of plantlife so vibrant that it pops right out as if to say, "Look at me!" I have noticed that this same thing happens right before a daytime storm. I'm getting chills just thinking about it. Only God could do something so wonderful!

107.  Praising God for a career where I don't feel pressured to suppress my faith.

I was talking with a client today about how intricate and resourceful the brain is--and how unexplainable it is, even after lifetimes of study. I can never talk about nature or anatomy without talking about God, and so the conversation led into how it is impossible to look at the brain alone and not know that God truly does exist, that He is powerful and omniscient. It is too complex to have just developed without the hands of a mastermind...THE Mastermind. I didn't even know if this woman was a Christian, so I probably shouldn't have said all I said (if I wanted to be politically correct) but my higher calling and love is to share Jesus with the world, so I did anyway. She was a Christian and it blessed her soul to hear that testimony.

108. I'm so grateful God chooses to use me, even in the little things!

Someone told me tonight at church that they think I'm sweet and helpful. Well, it's not me who is sweet, but Jesus Christ in me who is working that in my heart. I've got a long way to go before I could ever consider myself "sweet." But it is very nice to know that God used me to bless her.

109. Glad for another job interview set up for next Friday.

And this one is close to home! My advisors say it's difficult to find jobs around here, and they also tell me it is best to have one lined up for graduation. Well, graduation is less than 2 months away, and I don't have one yet. Regardless, I am not going to worry about it. God has been my provider in EVERY situation and somehow I just know He's going to work it out perfectly in His timing! 

110. Comfort in sorrow and strength to overcome.

June is always a difficult month for me as I think back on where I've come from. Four years ago tomorrow marks the day I got married, and three years ago this month also marks the day my husband walked out of my life. I'm so very grateful that God never left me, even when I thought I did not want Him any longer. I'm glad He didn't give up on me! And now I am grateful that He gives me peace over the situation and a hope for a future. He has a purpose and a calling for my life! I pray I never forget what He has brought me through and what He has done for me in those difficult times.

Can't, Never Could

I have been told I can't my entire life.

"You can't make something of yourself out of what you come from."

"You can't know how to have fun if you have your head stuck in a book all the time."

"You can't make it on your own because you don't have any idea about streetsmarts and you've been too sheltered for too long."

"You can't get financial aid that will not only cover your tuition, but also your college and living expenses."

"You can't work and keep your grades up in college, especially as a full-time student."

"You can't be a professional without make-up and the latest clothing style, losing weight, and doing something different with your hair."

"You can't be in graduate school and work full-time..."

"...and you most definitely can't have TWO jobs!"

"You can't get enough clinical hours to graduate unless you start back early and carry through the week of graduation."

There are so many more "cants," but these are the first ones that come to mind. Why do people always want to tell me I can't? I have proved them wrong every single time. I wonder if it is their way of setting the bar high, giving me an expectation to meet and the motivation to make it happen.

I was thinking about this today as I drove home from my clinical practicum site. You know, honestly, they are right. I can't. I never could. But God can and He has always been able. I have never succeeded in proving a "cant" wrong on my own, but only by His grace, mercy, and faithfulness.

I stand here rather excited, to think that God has used all these cants-turned-coulds in my life to show His might and power and love in such a real way.

I can when I'm on His side. He strengthens His own!

Three years ago this week...

...my dreams were crushed. My hopes were stamped out. I was at the darkest place in my life I have ever been.

I was lost, broken, nearly destroyed.

Three years ago this past week, my then-husband walked out the door of our home and never came back.

Oh, to think where God has brought me since that time! I am far from where I need to be, but thankfully I am on the right road--looking toward the mark, running the race set before me with a purpose. God turned to good what was meant for evil. And oh what good He has been!

You are never more aware of the Father's voice than when you most desparately wish to hear it, when you are alone and trembling in the mess of life, and, desiring a way out, cry to the only One who can relieve you of your burden.

And guess what? He's there. His arms are outstretched and waiting. No matter what you've done, no matter what mess you've created out of your life...He's there and He wants to fix it. He wants to turn your life into one that glorifies Him.

I let Him transform me. I let Him work in me a new creature.

And it has been a decision I will never regret.

Thank you, Jesus!

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.

Helping Little Bubz

Yes, I call my brothers "bubz."

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

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...

...

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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!

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!

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.

Another Monday

Random Blessings. Because I like it that way.

46. An ecstatic congratulations from my department's academic advisor for making one of the highest scores on the PRAXIS at our school. Wow, I thought it wasn't a great score, but I must have been wrong. Only with God was that even possible!
47. Holding my dog safely in my arms after she gave me a scare--breaking out the door and running all over the neighborhood--from our home that is within sight of a VERY busy four-lane highway where animals lose their lives every day. I chased her, barefoot, almost in tears, for nearly 15 minutes and over a mile of zig-zagging and running. My feet are raw and I am cross with her, but in that moment I realized I love this dog so very much and it would kill me to lose her. I can't believe she did that! She's never run like that before! Perhaps being in heat had something to do with it. She also seemed to think it was a game. I could just see someone coming around a corner in the dark and hitting her--right in front of my eyes.
48. Finding a pocket folder this afternoon full of paintings, sketches, and collages my sister Rebecca and brother Christopher made for me over the years. It blessed my soul to look back at those and think of those kids, so sweet, innocent, and full of life when they created these little masterpieces. God can restore that sweetness in them--I have hope! And, regardless, I love them as much today as I did when they gave them to me.
49. Hearing a client (an adult client) say, "I don't want you to leave at the end of the semester. I will miss you" and enjoying a sweet conversation with her.
50. Finding out that my summer placement is...*drumroll please*... ... ... ... ... a nursing home! I wasn't too thrilled when I first read the name of the place because it is one of the bad ones in town, but then I got to thinking: I will come in contact with SO MANY people at this place, and in their situation, they need some sunshine. Well, God's giving me an opportunity here to be that sunshine for these folks. I can let Christ shine in me--Sonshine--and spread His joy, peace, and love to them. I've volunteered in nursing homes a lot in my lifetime, and I've done some SLP observations at these facilities. One thing I come away with every time is a heaviness and depression from the pain these guys go through--when their families ignore them, when they don't HAVE family, when they feel helpless and completely dependent on others, when they just can't really live like they used to. So many have lost the will to live. Can God use me to bring purpose back to their lives? Please pray with me on this one. It's a blessing and a prayer all rolled into one!
51. The Wycliffe bible translation ministry and the speaker from it who came Sunday night. I want to be a part of this ministry. Missions has been on my heart since I was a kid (ask my grandma if you don't believe me. She knows!) and bible translation/other languages have intrigued me and been something I've always wanted to do but didn't feel smart enough to attempt to do. Today, I was looking through some old notes I wrote as a teenager for a youth class. The notes were my "aspirations for the future." You know what I said I wanted to be doing in 10 years? "Teaching English or history, learning foreign languages, and translating the bible for languages without a bible of their own." That's what Wycliffe does! (well, minus the English and History part!). Who knew I'd be an SLP instead--a career choice with linguistics skills that could prove useful to learning a language? God has amazing ways of getting us where He wants us, doesn't He?! We'll see where this path goes...
52. A nice, new, ginormous air conditioner. Thank you, landlord, for installing it before the heat hit! I've been pampered.
53. The confirmation I feel about the decision to keep renting this house, even if I did do travel therapy. Also for this feeling that I won't travel but instead find a very good job around here. I don't know why that makes me feel kind of excited, but it does. I also don't know why the idea has crept into my mind. God can see around the corner. Maybe He's just hinting to me that He's got a plan bigger than I can see.
54. Thankful for God's prodding me in love through His word. He daily shows me a limb in my heart and/or life that needs trimmed back, pruned to keep from blocking His glory from shining through. I am grateful for His chastening, even for the times when it hurts so bad I can't breathe for the tears and disgust at my own sin. It is those times when God has been able to speak to me the clearest. Humbled, broken, and knowing He loves me enough to show me where I fall short rather than leave me to my own to fall into satan's snare.
55. A new day. A morning to open my eyes and say, "Thank you, Lord, for waking me up! Thank you for another day!"

Miscelaneous

I'm sure I didn't spell that right, but neither can most of the American population.

That makes me feel  better.

Microsoft Word has spoiled my spelling skills, and unfortunately blogger lacks the spell checker I've grown so accustomed to.

Friends make good spouses.

A recent study found that people who show themselves friendly are more likely to have lasting marital relationships. Hmm. How many scientists, labs, and subjects did it take to figure that one out? :) I came across the article while browsing my email. You can read it HERE.

A decade is plenty of time to forget.

It is easy to forget someone, especially if the person you forgot was someone you've never met in person. Seeing a face usually does the trick of embedding them in your memory for life. A guy popped up on my yahoo messenger today whose username looks familiar, but I am clueless as to who it might be or how I met him. I'm thinking it was from that year, between my 12th and 13th birthdays, when I chatted with random strangers in chat rooms. I wisened up pretty quick to creepiness out there. Regardless, I'm very curious as to who this person is.

I finally discovered the origin of the Groucho Marx mask.

I found out who Groucho Marx was! I bought a collection of old classics at the store because it had "Arsenic and Old Lace" on it--one that I remember laughing my head off at the ridiculousness of. One of the films included in the collection was "A Night at the Opera," starring the Marx brothers. Right off the bat, I recognized the resemblance of Groucho's face to those toy masks that came in every goody bag I got as a child. 

Organizing books is hard work.

I should've known, having been a library aide for 3 years of high school. I spent nearly 4 hours setting up an organized system for just my kids books. Of course, the system included ordering the books, taking inventory of them, writing my name in each one in case they are lent out to classmates, and organizing them electronically for easy search on my computer. I wonder how long it will take to get through all the rest of my books?

The sun split the clouds.

At least that's what it looked like yesterday morning. I wish I had a better camera than this silly point-and-shoot that has no options. Better yet, I wish I knew how to use one. Sun rays beamed through the clouds via several holes that spread at least half a mile wide. It was utterly amazing to behold. For some reason, my mind automatically thought, "The Lord sees all, hears all, knows all" when I saw this beautiful act of nature. It reminded me of His light peircing the darkness. Thinking of it sends chills of joy down my spine.

I'm thankful to the Lord for:

41. the passion of our instructors in Perspectives class. What a blessing!

42. hearing reports of God answering prayers--healing some, protecting others. What an encouragement!

43. the reminder of His faithfulness in spite of my fickle, wavering emotions. He has stood by me at times in my life when I literally turned my back on Him. I don't ever want to forget!

44. protecting me as I braved a drive in Little Rock during rush hour and for blessing me with a beautiful day with a dear friend. Friends are gifts from God!

45. allowing me an opportunity to go to bible study last Friday night--the first in over six months. Being there, listening to my peers discuss the Living Word, and applying it to our own lives was definitely something I needed. I wish I could be a part of something like that every Friday night.

 

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.

The Crosswalk

I received this via email years ago from a friend back home. I didn't draw this or come up with the important message behind these photos. I'm not sure who is responsible since the references were not included in the email, but I would gladly hug their neck if I knew.

It is true. We should bear the cross that God gives us with contentment, tried and true until the end. God never gives us more than we can carry. Instead, He gives us just what we need.

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.