Praying for the "Faceless Groom"

I was never really introduced to Jack Johnson before I borrowed my good friend's (Josh Howell) car to drive and see one of my closest friends (Sandy) over in Peoria, IL. I had heard some of Johnson's music over the radio every now and again, but wasn't exactly "swept away" by the sound. However, after listening to the entire CD five or six times throughout my trek into Illinois, I can now confess he's got to be one of my absolute favorites: lyrically, musically...even down to the sound of his voice!

So what does that have to do with praying for your future spouse? I just recently bought "In Between Dreams" when it was on sale at Borders, and I'm noticing that several of the themes on the album have to do with being in a relationship, leaving a relationship, or forming a relationship.

Even just this month (let alone this entire semester), I have heard the news of tons of new couples, engagements, and weddings. Being a full-blooded female, of course, I think this to be absolutely precious; and I coo and "awe" with the telling of each romantic story, and get tickled as the girls and guys alike describe their wedding plans and future visions. Moreover, I am pierced by the tender provision and wisdom of God in each and every circumstance; not to mention humbled by the privilege of being able to "rejoice with those who rejoice" (Rom. 12:15).



Thus, as we seek to contentedly nestle ourselves in God's will as each day passes, God reminds me to give thanks for each stage in life (in this case, whether single or "taken"); yet faithfully and joyously pray for my future spouse. Since coming to Southern, the Lord has definitely educated me in the area of what to look for in a man of God (based upon the Lord's own expectations), but I think the greater lesson has been understanding and appreciating the kind of WOMAN God wants ME to be. I'm DEFINITELY not the same person I once was (THANK GOD!); and I think that it's quite possible that part of this has to do with the unknown prayers my future husband has supplicated on my behalf.

Whether married or a maid (and guys I speak to you, too), our ultimate goal is to glorify the Lord our God, and be absolutely delighted in Him "hands-down/no contest." And for those (like myself) who do desire to be wed someday, don't be ashamed of your longings - take EVERY OPPORTUNITY to pray for a future spouse. Yet, let us keep in mind, life is HERE and NOW: enjoy the anticipation of tomorrow, and don't let it distract you from God's gifts TODAY.

THIS is my prayer for my "faceless groom." :)

We'll Miss You, J-Man!

I remember first meeting Jonathan Hodges in the TV room of Mullin's Hall back in late January or early February of this year. I had seen him occasionally around campus and with other groups of people, because he obviously knew Jiri and Casey Prochazka very well (both good friends of mine, too). We were all scheduled to study together after I returned home from work (laboring at the Cracker Barrel at the time), and at this particular instance, Jonathan and I were craving coffee, and asked if anyone else was suffering from the same ailment.

Well, our studious friends declined, but Jonathan and I weren't about to allow there disloyalty to java disrupt our caffeine longings. So we jumped in the car, sped off to Starbucks (it was the only place open that late), and hit it off as if we were fraternal twins separated at birth.

It's been almost a year since that initial encounter, and since that time, Mr. Hodges has become like a brother to me in so many ways. This past year has been "eventful" (to say the least), but he's always been one I could count on to be there when a friendly heart, and a sensitive ear, was needed. Whether it was grieving the loss of a cherished loved one late at night on the Jo-Bowl lawn, or passing around pep talks from the backseat of his car while speeding off to weddings and/or Wal-Mart (Jose, you were there BOTH times, remember?); I've had the honor of sharing this past year's occurrences with a good friend. There have been many times in which (I'm sure) we've driven each other crazy (as siblings often do), but it's been such a blessing having the privilege to know and spend time with him - listening to his thoughts, contemplating visions for the future, and - especially - appreciating how the Lord has grown and molded him in Christ's image.

Jonathan, we love you. We hate to see you go (we'll miss you like nuts), but know that our best wishes, prayers, and hopes go with you as you set out from this: your family community. As you take the light of Truth to those who yet dwell in the darkness of unnecessary Lies, remember you are taking with you the love of Christ that He has shown us all here; as well as all the knowledge He has graciously bestowed upon you at this fine institution. The Lord God goes before you to mark His path for you to follow, with you as your faithful Companion, and after you to cover your footsteps with His Sovereignty. Trust Him fully and deeply, always adopting the attitude of faith-filled anticipation:

"I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do with THIS?!"

God bless you... And if you don't keep in touch with each and every one of us: Don't think we won't hunt you down like the lost, little puppy we cherish (and LOVE to tease...)!

Brainless Moments

OK, so here's Jen's "Brainless Moment" of the week:

It's Thursday (December 1), and I've just finished my last final for the Fall of 2005 (Dr. Parker's Intro to Philosophy...for those who care). I come home to find awaiting me an important letter in urgent need of my prompt response (envelope was included). So I fill out the info that is needed, stuff it in the provided envelope, print my return address on the outside, and drop it in the mail box.

Suddenly I realize: I DID NOT PUT A STAMP ON THE ENVELOPE!!! But the funny/ironic part comes in that the letter was to a certain destination on Southern's campus. MY RETURN ADDRESS IS MY CAMPUS ACCOUNT!!! Thus, I could have saved myself this ridiculous moment of self-embarassment by just curbing my enthusiasm, and running the info to the office in the AM.

Ah... It's moments like these that make humor worthwhile.

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

OK, friends... The finals are all coming to a close, the semester is being put to rest, and guess who's feeling nostalgic! :)

So, I was wondering: looking back on this VERY eventful semester, what are you MOST thankful for? What has God done these past several months? Thoughts, testimonies, or hilarious memories are all more than welcome. Share with the Southern fam!

"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas..." NOT!

So my beloved roomie, Donna, and I had an interesting and poignant reminder this evening:


After work this afternoon, I was privileged enough to be able to meet our own Jose Rodriguez's little sister, Beatriz, at the mall; after which, all three of us decided to take advantage of our surroundings, and indulge in a little "Christmas browsing" (no purchase necessary...YET!). It wasn't long until Donna-Wonna was released from her duties as well, and came to join up with all of us. Well, after the siblings Rodriguez bid their "good evenings" for the night, Don and I rushed back to one of the retail stores to purchase some early Christmas presents.

So this is where the story gets memorable: Donna and I are heading to the Customer Service desk to claim our prizes, when - upon approaching the desk - we noticed that one of the clerks was crying (she was attempting to compose herself, but it was OBVIOUS that something happened). As we make our puzzled way to the line, we notice a couple standing in front of us making a RAUCUS with all three clerks behind the desk b/c they felt they had been "affronted" when they were not assisted as promptly as expected. Things began to escalate when one of the other clerks began to "loose their cool" due to the matter, which resulted in a manager arriving to inquire after the problem.

Well, the couple went on and on and on and on about how much money they spent in the store, how they had been so rudely "ignored," "all they wanted to do was make a purchase," yadda-yadda-yadda-yadda... This unfortunate scenario continued for at least ten minutes, with all people within a twenty foot radius of the desk staring at the all-too-common "Holiday scene."

Why am I retelling this story, you ask? Because I felt really convicted while I stood there observing this sad scene. How often do I allow uncourteous comments and insensitive/flippant statements fly out of my mouth at the passing of some self-centered feeling? WAY too often... It's almost as if at certain choice moments, I revert back to my infant temper-tantrum stage, and ignore the fact that I just turned 26 this month. The Lord tapped me on the head tonight, saying: "I'm using this to teach you something very important, Jen."

Fellow brethren, as believers, our Master has called us to be separate from this world, and this includes everything from attitudes to appearance. Let us be exhorted and challenged by His commands, especially during this season of the year (as the unfortunate norm is to be a little edgy, impatient, and exasperated with each other), to make a conscious effort to ENCOURAGE, NOT ONLY EACH OTHER, BUT ALL HOLIDAY WORKING STAFF!!!

Colossians 4:6 - "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

When you are buying your items, MAKE EYE CONTACT, and genuinely say "thank you" or what have you with the GOSPEL soaked in every word and expression! Look for opportunities to DEMONSTRATE PATIENCE AND COMPASSION with the workers, and the fellow shoppers who are entitled to just as much service as you! I know this may seem trivial...but the REALITY is these times are quintessential chances to permit God's sanctification in our lives, AND to be Christ's hands and feet in this community. If we refuse to incorporate this daily concept and practice into our lives NOW, why bother wasting our time sitting in class talking about how we're going to do it on a grander scale when we graduate?

Soapbox smashed. The end.

...

OK, so I'm sick of coming to my blog and seeing the same thing posted for three weeks in a row. Thus:

This is meant to break up the monotony. :)

Thanksgiving this year was amazing. Probably one of the coolest things that happened was the conversation my brother, Eric, and I shared on the journey home. The Lord blessed us with two long hours of catching up and sharing His faithfulness with one another. Every time I hear about what God is teaching him, and how he's been growing in the Father's image, I have this funny mixture of intense humility and admiration. It really causes me to look closely at my own Walk, and thank God for all that He's done, while also understanding I have so far left to go.

The rest of the weekend was great: supper at G-ma's (we had ham 'cause G-pa hates turkey), I watched three movies I've been DYING to see (Pride & Prejudice, Batman Begins, and Madagascar), and it was just so refreshing to be among beloved family and friends. I can't wait to go home for Christmas.

I found out some news about my old crowd of friends back in the Haute, too. It was an interesting experience...and really made me realize how much the Lord uses time and circumstances to alter us (for the better). :) I can't express how grateful I am that God loves us enough to challenge our own expectations for the future, and takes liberty to alter those paths and courses for His glory. It may not seem like a pleasant experience at the time...

...but if you stay fixed at his feet while that small boat of your life is being tossed and beaten by the storm raging all around you; you come to realize that Jesus IS in that boat with you - in absolute control of the storm - and YOUR job is merely to be still and confident in His sovereign understanding. In fact, He often allows the storm, just to make sure you STAY in the boat...and contented at His feet.

Then, as our faith grows in His presence - despite the wind and waves - pretty soon: Jesus will become all that we can see.

And ain't that a BEAUTIFUL sight? :)

Birthday Abduction

Just when you thought you could trust your dearest, closest, most dependable friends... THINK AGAIN!!!



Time: Monday evening of November the 7th (the day before my 26th birthday).
Place: Lakeview Apartments, Number 7342
Plans: Lisa and I make our way to the car in order to go meet Donna somewhere, and have a "nice, little, quiet birthday celebration - just the three of us."

After entering into Lisa's car, we make a quick stop at a local gas station to "fill up" before continuing on our quest to catch up with "D." Well, you would have thought I'd see it coming, but - being the naive and unsuspecting victim that I am - I soon come to find Miss Lisa pulling out a blue scarf, and instructing me with a mischevious grin to "blindfold myself." I was being abducted for my BIRTHDAY!

Fearing for my life, I follow my kidnapper's instructions, and am quickly whisked away on I-64 E to some unforeseen place that seems to take FOREVER to get there. Finally, the car stops, and my EX-friend/NOW-kidnapper, Lisa, leads me out of the vehicle, and into some twisted environment filled with the giggling laughter of three-year-olds and the tempting scent of fresh-baked pizza. When the blind-fold comes off, I'm standing in front of a mutant mouse named "Chuck," and horror races up my spine as this monstrosity begins to SING me Happy Birthday and my treacherous companions attack me with Silly String (I nearly fainted).

Yes, kids: for my 26th birthday, I was given a party at "Chuck E. Cheese's."



After being FORCED to scarf loads of gooey pizza, caramel cake, and play EVERY GAME in the restaurant; I am, again, escorted to some random destination (blindfolded) where they shove a bat in my hand, lead me helplessly into the dark of night, and taunt, laugh, and tease as I swing for HOURS at a paper-machet fish dangling from a tree! (The torture - the TORTURE!)





Well...after picking up the shattered remnants of what used to be my dignity, I was able to clock the embarassing pinata from the Jo-Bowl tree; and we all feasted on his innards (which consisted of M&M's, Andes mints, and Jolly Ranchers).

Never will I forget my night of utter terror on the eve of my 26th birthday. Never will I forget the extreme humiliation endured in the presence of so many people. But most importantly, never will I forget how much FUN it all was, and how intensely blessed I am for God to grant me the friendship of all who participated in that night. I love you all SO MUCH! I HAD A BLAST!!!

(Special thanks goes out to Joey, Jason, Bradley, Chris and Kelly, Keiko, "Sunday School" Chris, and - of course - my two Twin Sisters, Lees and D. You people make my life Salty).

Great Unexpectations

I can't believe they're gone... This weekend has flown by in a whirlwind of happy reunions, tears, and SHOPPING (strange combo, eh?).

Well, the fam arrived around 8:15 pm on Friday night - ALL of them (which was a HUGE treat, because I didn't think my brother, Eric, was going to get to come). After tons of hugs and kisses, it was time to cruise the Clarksville and find some FOOD. We ended up for two hours at O'Charley's, feasting on seafood and long-awaited fellowship (I had a GREAT conversation w/ my brother, who is prayerfully conisdering going on staff w/ Intervarsity in Bloomington come his graduation from Rose-Hulman; afterwards, he would REALLY like to attend seminary). :)

Saturday morning, we all piled into the car in the early afternoon, and made the trek northward to hit the Edinburgh Outlet Mall, which was having RIDICULOUS sales, by the way... This is my ONLY time of the year when I get to do some "new clothes" shopping, and I feel almost guilty at the hilarious buys I found (we're talking 50% off or more!). My favorite aspect of this part of the day, however, was getting to mosey around w/ Eric and Laurie, and crack up at the way Eric deferred to Laurie's fashion sense in EVERYTHING that he bought (she must have picked out all his outfits for him - it was seriously cute). Not to mention we all got to catch up on what the Lord has been working in our lives and family. I am so humbled by the Lord's faithfulness and goodness. WHAT AN AMAZING FATHER WE SERVE!!!

Oh...and if you haven't visited our local Cheesecake Factory, yet - YOU HAVE GOT TO GO!!! OK, so it was Saturday night, and we had to wait three hours to get in, but God in all His sovereignty uses even extended "wait times" to bring about His glory and purpose. While we Wojaks wandered around St. Matthews, I opted to go get a much-needed haircut. Well, it turns out that my hairdresser and I launched into an extended discussion concerning the Scriptures interpretation/explanation of homosexuality. The conversation caught me by surprise, and further emphasized to me the passage in 1 Peter (3:15) which states: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear..." By the time our talk was concluded, I was ready for some prayer time w/ my siblings (who witnessed/prayed thru the entire event), and starving from some rich, yummy goodness.

Anyway...the fam just departed, and my heart is full of blessings - yet heavy - that it will be another few weeks before I see them again. As the holidays approach, I find myself glancing at my dad's pictures more and more. It's funny: though he is, obviously, physically absent for the rest of this life...in so many ways, it feels as though life is still the same. He is still here. This is the time of year to reflect upon the provision and faithfulness of God, and to offer praise and exaltation to His worthy Name. It will be the first season without Pop for all of us...but perhaps a better perspective might be: it will be Dad's first spent w/ the Lord. I must confess, in this case...I envy him so. :)

Praise to You, Father, for Your mercy and grace! Glory to You, God, for your omnipotence and omnibenevolence! Thanks to You, Master, for Your provision and your care. Draw us ever deeper and closer with You, and may we anticipate the Day of Your Glorious return.

We love you, Lord.

Things I'm Gonna Do to Celebrate...

OK, roughly speaking, we have about two weeks left of school before Thanksgiving Break, and then finals following. Translation: two months of unadulterated R&R (or whatever you would like to do) following the grueling task of cramming for finals. Thus, in a renewed spirit of anticipation, I would like for you all to project your thoughts and contemplations (briefly) to the future; and pose the question:

"What are YOUR plans for those two months?"

I am well aware that many will be wedding, travelling for the holidays, graduation (sniffle - we'll miss you Jonathan Hodges), and catching up on long-lost friendships that have been sorely neglected due to more pressing scholastic demands. My brief list consists of the following:

1) Christmas shopping (one of my FAVORITE yearly tasks - no fascetiousness intended)
2) Read all the books that I've listed on my "To-Read List"
3) Pray about taking an "in-between" semester course
4) Decorate the apartment w/ Don and Lees for the Holidays (WOO-HOO!!)
5) Play Christmas music until they break down the door and smash all my CDs
6) Plan continuous "hang-out times" at Java to catch up on those "suffering friendships"
7) Seek to establish some new holiday traditions in honor of my Dad *** (this is top priority)
8) SLEEP (and prepare for the Spring)

This list is by no means restricted or limited to the aforesaid activities. My goal is merely to get you cogitating. So think about it... Then let us know!

Anticipations

I KNOW, I KNOW, I KNOW... This post is sorrily overdue. Yeah, time has gotten away from me, but the GOOD news is the Lord - in His infinite graciousness - has blessed me with motivation and a nerdful spirit to finish the semester strong.

OK, maybe not strong...but finish the semester, at least. Remember: "D stands for 'Diploma' ."

But in other news, I'm looking forward to my mom and three sisters coming up for a visit this weekend. This is the first time that they (my mom, in particular) have left Terre Haute since my Dad's death back in June. It's been particularly difficult for her adjusting to the absence of her husband (and best-friend) of 28 years, yet I'm so encouraged by Mom's faith and willingness to look to the Lord to be her Guide and Hope w/ this incredible loss. We've all had our moments of doubt/anger/etc. (all associated w/ the grieving process), but I was really touched when she said that she absolutely wanted to come down to L'ville for a visit. (Trust me: for my mom, that is a BIG deal).

Anyway...it'll be the first time they see our new apt., and it should be a lot more comfy than staying in the Legacy Center (no disrespect intended - the Center is GREAT; but "home" is "home," you know?). As expected, we "girls" are hoping to shop around, watch movies, catch up on each others' lives, and just enjoy the time that God has given us together. My goal, therefore, is to get all my homework/projects done before then. (A bit ambitious, I know - but I figure it's a worthy goal). We'll actually have the entire apt. to ourselves since my two beloved roomies (Lisa and Donna) both have out-of-town engagements for the weekend: Lisa's lil' bro is getting married (YAY, RYAN AND BETHANY!!!), and Donna will be leading worship at the International Student Conference ("People all over the world, join hands; start a Love Train...").

So, yeah...busy weekend ahead. But a good one. There's so much to be thankful for, you know? I've also been reading J.I. Packer's "Knowing God" for my Systematic class, and it's really been forcing me to meditate/contemplate some foundation Truths of the Word. I really am enjoying this reading because it's quite fundamental, but also extremely detailed and written in such a way that I just get PUMPED after a chapter or two. Note to self: read more Packer. :)

I'm so grateful for and to the amazing God we serve! He is both "Yahweh" and "Abba-Father"; sovereign, yet intimate and accessible; fearsome, and tender... The praise goes on FOREVER!!!

And it will... :)

PhotograPHUN

Who didn't study this past weekend? ME - THAT'S WHO!!! I only have about three different school projects to complete (not to mention the rather ominous New Testament exam tomorrow at 9 am), but - when you are surrounded w/ such AMAZING scenery (like that shown below) - can you BLAME me for just having to go outside and play?




Ever since I was young, I have always had a passion for artistic expression. When I was younger, it was "drawing and coloring": I used to occupy myself and my siblings for HOURS making all sorts of pictures, designing costumes for our extended periods of "pretend," and other activities. Unfortunately, I neglected my flare for sketching as I advanced thru school; but after graduating high school, my passion was rekindled when I happened to stumble upon my dad's underwater camera (I believe it was a Nikon), and it all went downhill from there.





























Photography is like "drawing" for me. Only instead of relying on my now wanting personal skills/talents to recreate expression, I get to go out and find it in real life, and then just capture it all on film! One of my favorite aspects of taking pictures involves the ability to photo life as we experience it from different angles and perspectives. Challenging our paradigms is not something that we, by nature, enjoy doing - we tend to get stuck in our ruts. But by taking the time to examine subjects from different dimensions, THAT'S what results in some truly fantastic pictures.





Suffice it to say, I'll most assuredly be turning in my projects and assignments on time; but NOW you all know that (more than likely) they'll all be last minute mad-rush attempts at scholasticism; after I've stuffed all my spare time full of photo-journalistic, fun-seeking, camera antics. Now go and do likewise. (Insert big cheesy grin here).

What's Your Theme Song?

I love movie soundtracks! (Maybe I should say that again to emphasize my passion...). I LOVE MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS!!! Tonight I was given the IMMENSE privilege of sharing my "small" collection with my roomie, Miss Lisa, and even ordered two NEW ones online. Maybe it's not so much that I enjoy movie soundtracks, as much as I just love a GOOD CD of orchestral creation. Most of my collection is composed of songs performed by the London Symphony Orchestra (one of my FAV'S!), which is also one of my motivators for purchasing a cello (I used to play one WAY back...), and learning to play again like so many years ago.

Anyway, the thing about orchestral music is it can be so EXPRESSIVE about life and situations thereof. For example, your stuck in traffic and about to be late for a MAJOR exam: pop in "Last of the Mohicans" (Track 2), and you're good to go! Or, you're out with that special someone, walking amongst the Jo-Bowl in the evening autumn air as the misty fog is rising off the newly mowed grass: insert "Braveheart" (Track 3 or 4) and BAM! - your regular stroll is suddenly a tender, romantic evening walk with the only other person in the world. (Sigh and swoon...)

See the trend? Music can offer such FLAVOR in our daily activities... So: do you have any theme songs?

Girls Like Guys with Skills. Especially UKELELE Skills!

We should all probably be catching up on all that homework that's backed up 'til about next CHRISTMAS by now... But until we feel the crunching pressure of those upcoming deadlines:

Check out this FABULOUS link my friend found... The melody suits the autumn season so many of us are enjoying right now, and how often do we get to listen to some prime, "Napoleon Dynamite"-worthy Ukelele skills?

http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2005/ukelele-weeps-p1.php

"Peace out!"

Bradley Cochran...THIS One's For YOU!

God is AWESOME!

God is INCREDIBLE!!

We should all become CHRISTIAN HEDONISTS!!!

JOHN PIPER should be on the bookshelf of every student at Southern!!!!

WOO-HOO!!!!!

(Ok, Bradley... I chickened out of posting what I was going to post about. I am...UNACCEPTABLE!)

:) PEACE!

A "Leaf" Observed (Forgive me, Clive...)

Can I just talk a minute about how COOL the Lord is?! I was so blessed tonight to be able to spend some quality time with my lil' bro (my only brother), Eric - in town to experience the wonderment that IS David Crowder in concert. He said that, not only was the worship incredible, BUT ALSO that he got to partake of communion with - like - 9,000 other bros and sisses in Christ. I don't know about y'all...but that ROX!

In other news, the Lord (as if this should come as a surprise to ANY of us) has been particularly active within the past two weeks: daring people outside their comfort zones, unveiling HUGE surprises people had NO idea were being cooked-up, and cultivating His church for the work She has yet to complete (can you tell I've been having my devotionals in Ephesians?). It seems, lately, as if the changing seasons of our lives happily compliment the changing season of our handsome Louisville surroundings. Change has always proved an interesting life-mate: best friends with some, mortal enemies with others...eh?

Hm. Perhaps this goes to - once again - point the finger of glory and thanksgiving to God the Father: that amidst all the rambunctiousness of our daily experiences and soap operatic occurrences, it is in HIS constant arms of steadfast love ("hessed" - for all you Hebrew lovers out there...) and amazing supremity that we are able to exhale with total confidence that HE IS IN CONTROL. Translation: we have been given total freedom to FORGET ourselves and the self-centeredness that is SUCH the temptation in times like these, and REMEMBER whom we serve, where we're going, and why we started running in the first place. In the words of one of my most beloved (and recent) worhsip songs:

You are God alone
from before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone
and right now
in the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone

Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are

Can I GET a witness? Keeping at the forefront of our consciousness our place in His story (the only true HIStory), may we always be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have. So...what's your story of His glory?

Ahhh...Blogging By Moonlight

Hey! Did anybody see that INCREDIBLE moon tonight? I was walking out of SNT, caught glimpse of this GINORMOUS glowing orb rising in the eastern sky, sprouted fur and a tail, and scampered off to go terrorize the local Wal-Mart. (It's the simple things...).

So now we're blogging by the light of a FULL moon. YEAH, baby...

Thank you, Donna, for the "wet-willy and run."

Sleep with one eye open, kiddo.

Good-night, peeps!

Three's Company...Sort Of

For those of you acquainted with the intimate details of my fast-paced life, just a mere few months ago, I (accompanied by two other willing participants) journeyed off campus and re-located into a handsome, yet comfortable, apartment complex just fifteen minutes north of SBTS. The fact that we even FOUND this place was undoubtedly ordained by God (Donna, first of all, COMPLETELY got her orignial directions wrong; got all turned around in Sellersburg, IN; and that was when - lo and behold - she mosied past Lakeview Apts, our new neighborhood). As the days and weeks have past, we have contented ourselves with transforming this ample empty space into a cherished sanctuary of solitude and serenity. Not bad...if we do say so ourselves. :) Welcome to our humble abode:



Granted, we're never quite "done" with our little "touches" (as you can see, the place is "lived in" already); but even more than any decorating endeavors we've embarked upon thus far, all of us were incredibly impressed by the countless lessons, illuminations, and (gasp) relational obstacles (there - I SAID IT!) we've already encountered. When first considering rooming together, there was a definite attitude of anticipation as we wondered how the Lord would work amongst the three of us to peel away the invisible (yet plentiful) layers of selfishness and pride, in order to expose our tender underbellies to REAL humility and TRUE Self-abandonment. I mean - let's face it: cramming three independenct adult women into a limited space for an extended period of time smells of a DEFINITE opportunity for holiness and sanctification, if you ask me. Community breeds challenges - and challenges (when handled on your knees, and with the Bible in both hands) initiate a wealth of opporutnity for growth in our "vertical" relationship with God, which naturally filters into our "horizontal" relationships with our "apartment family."



I can honestly confess: sharing this apartment with these two amazing women of God has hurled me into a whole new level of intimacy and accountability. We have seen each other at our worst: morning breath, sick days, and so much more... The little quirks and truths that we often get away with hiding in the dorms have come spilling out all over the bathroom floor (OK, this is just a metaphor for those wondering), but the coolest part is:

it makes no difference...the love just keeps on growing. :)

The lines of friendship have blurred and blended with those of family, and the thought of coming home at the end of a long day is like soaking in a hot bath after a day-long triathalon: absolute healing. Oh, don't get me wrong: we experience our fair share of unrinsed-dishes-in-the-sink, sleep-talking roomies, and eating-straight-out-of-the-ice-cream- box-instead-of-dishing-it-into-a-bowl just like everyone else (all random pet-peeves)...



...but the joy of knowing that you are a beloved member of God's eternal Family; the comfort of experiencing God's grace and constancy from other human beings; and the knowledge that it's all happening because of His perfect will and refinement in your life changes the age-old addage:

Three's not a crowd. Three's company. :)

And so, in conclusion, my thoughts are these: Could this be a glimpse of what it might be like to be married? If so, what lessons are we learning that might aid us if the Lord leads us into a committed relationship? And when that happens...

What do I do if he talks in his sleep?

Life Outside the Bubble

Well, I can barely believe it... ANOTHER weekend - come and gone. It seems as if the weekends anymore consist of an entire week of activity crammed into two crazy days (or should we say crazy "daze"). Ah, well... No regrets: after all, where would life's sweet and tangy flavor be without the seasoning of activity and interest to make it memorable?

Speaking of food... My three roommates and I were blessed with a special treat this evening: the delectable, national dish of none other than the faraway Mideast - JORDAN. Yes, ladies and gentleman, thanks to the delightful Joey Eaton and Mike Ward, we have received our first introduction to "mensaf" (sp?). As if the tasty chicken atop rice mixed with yogurt wasn't enough to raise your eyebrows, our entire dinner party feasted "Moroccan style" - right hands ONLY - absolutely no knives, forks, or spoons. (Thanks so much, guys, for taking the time to share a bit of your summer with the rest of us. PRAISE THE LORD for the work He accomplished thru you during your trip).

Tonight, I am thankful for the gorgeous picture of a quiet sunset over the Dead Sea (you rock, Joey!) resting comfortably next to my desk. I wonder if this might be a similar scene to one that Christ Himself might have beheld back when He paced this same earth. And suddenly, I am conscious of numerous humbling realizations:

I have never set foot off American soil. Much of my knowledge of the spiritual condition of foreign lands comes from the lips of friends and family who dare to venture forth in the name of God to spread the Truth of what we as US citizens so easily take for granted, yet so many live in utter ignorance - and NOT by choice. We read magazine clippings and news articles of North Koreans inhumanely tortured for defying their "leaders" by reading a Bible; Sudanese refugees forced to run from family and friends because they've recognized the Reality of the Gospel; Chinese citizens healing from bashed-in faces because they gathered to sing a hymn of thanks to the God who made them; and the list never ends. Are we TRULY conscious - whether passionate evangelist or budding believer - of the expansive "comfort bubble" we craft for ourselves from our lifestyle and perspectives as individuals?

I know I'm not. I can sit here, and I can write all of this "head knowledge" with a quick tap of the keyboard, and swift click of a mouse... But what bothers me the most is knowing that, deep down inside, I don't REALLY get it. I honestly have no idea of the life that other's might know. And it doesn't have to be an untouched people group around the globe... It could be that single mother I work with from 5pm til close every Friday night; or maybe the housekeeper who cleans my bathroom on the second floor; and then there's the coffee barister I should know by name by now...

God reminds us every day: there IS life outside our bubbles. Whether we choose to follow Him outside these transparent comfort zones...THAT remains a choice we must each commit to make. Christ set for us the ultimate example of what it is to live and function as a relational being: Father-focused, selfless, and constantly sharing in the victories and trials of others. Whether that indicates the suffering and lonely woman oceans afar, or the needful neighbor adrift down in Louisiana: we ARE to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2).

I pray for the opportunity to, one day (soon - I hope), travel overseas, and participate in the work the Lord orchestrates around the world. These "barriers of ignorance" that have grown increasingly apparent in my life this past year are wobbling as we speak. God, in His loving kindness, loves us all too much to leave us as we are; and as He continues to expand our horizons, forcing all His children to "toe-the-line," may we consider it pure joy when He "bursts our bubble."

FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING...

Props to my fabulous roommate, DonnaWonna, for finally convincing me to sign up for a blog. Thinking out loud has always been a favorite (and frequent) past time, and it's nice to know that my randomness may now be recorded for posterity. (YES!)

Being as the hour is late, my belly full, and worship in the AM, may this entry be short and sweet:

My prayer is that (as in all things) this humble beginning may mature into that which brings the Lord glory, honor, and praise, as He never ceases to bless us with grace, joy, and hope. Your thoughts and insights on all things are welcomed (invited, even...), and I bid you to feel free to challenge me and each other ("as iron sharpens iron"), as well as share your personal testimonies of Christ's activity in your life (past, present, AND future).

And for any who might be wondering:

No.

I will not be posting the cafeteria cuisine for the week. That would ruin the surprise of finding out we're having chicken...again.

"How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people." ~ Psalm 116:12-14 ~