"S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night!"

It's been a while since I had some "high-culture" entertainment, but last Saturday night I had a date w/ my roommate, Lisa, to have a BLAST!


For those of you who didn't know, our own Southern Seminary choir was honorably invited to perform Beethoven's 9th Symphony w/ the Louisville Orchestra this past weekend. There were three performances in all, and Lees and I were able to attend Saturday evening.


Can I just say that it's been a LONG time since I had heard or experienced anything SO intensely INCREDIBLE! Not only was the orchestra amazingly talented, the combination of choral talent and music was enough to give everyone there the goosebumps and leave with tears in their eyes...and I exaggerate NOT.



When you think about how we are created in the image of our creative and ordered God, to be able to sit for a few hours and sample the genius of one of His own fashioned beings (Beethoven) cannot help but to draw your thoughts and contemplations Heavenward. Such beauty found amidst a fallen and sinful people just goes to PROVE that we still retain some of the marks of His existence.









It was such a privilege to hang out w/ our good friends, Tony and Ron (who looked AWESOME in their tuxes, by the way...), and make some fun and playful memories at the Kentucky Center for Arts afterwards. Check it out!




















































Conclusions for the evening: I'm DEFINITELY doing this again, and Lisa McGary is a GREAT date. :)

Motivational "Check"

These verses hit me square between the eyes the other day. I've been meditating on them ever since...

"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be srengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." ~ Colossians 1:9-12 ~

I italicized the part that struck me hardest of all.

I am a distracted young woman - I'm just going to type it out-loud. As the Lord begins to fingerpoint more and more areas of my life that need gutting and restructuring, one of His biggest projects with me involves my motives and intentions. It can be towards friends, family, men, women, circumstances - you name it; but in almost every aspect of my existence, I find myself battling with one enduring question: is how I am thinking and behaving right now out of obedience to God or enslavement to flesh?

So often my focus supplies my motivation, and - unfortunately - so often that focus is not upon the Father as it needs to be. I discover myself trying to scheme feeble attempts to force what I desire to happen in my life (with people, in different situations, for my future...). I am so thankful that the Lord is so intentional to check me by His Spirit every time; and the other day, he checked me through Colossians.

Do we live our lives - day in and day out - motivated as Paul writes about in the first chapter of Colossians? Is the reason why we are loving people, serving people, praying for people, and acting in obedience because we truly understand that it is the Lord's generous "qualification" that has deemed us worthy for eternal life? Do we allow our greatest joy (particularly in times of patient endurance) to flow from the thankfulness that God has shown us such grace through Jesus?

I know the majority of the time I don't. Yet, I am humbled once again when I realize that as I chew on this verse these next days and weeks: God is working. If I bear any fruit, it's because He is faithful to sow His seeds. If I think any differently, it's because He is longsuffering to renew my warped mind. And if I love any better, it's only because He graciously loves through me.

And quite frankly... I find that motivational.

For Perspective

"And the moon is a sliver of silver,
like a shaving that fell on the floor of a carpenter's shop.
And every house must have it's builder;
and I awoke in the House of God.

Where the windows are mornings and evenings
stretched from the sun,
across the sky - north to south.
On my way to early meeting,
I heard the rocks crying out, I heard the rocks crying out...

'Be praised for all Your tenderness
by these works of Your Hands:
suns that rise and rains that fall to bless,
and bring to life Your land.
Look down upon this winter wheat,
and be glad that You have made
blue, border sky and the color green
that fill these fields with praise.'

And the wrens have returned to their nesting
in the hollow of that oak, where his heart once had been.
And he lifts up his arms in a blessing
for being born again.

And the streams are all swollen with winter.
Winter unfolds, and it's free to run away now.
And i'm amazed when i remember who it was who built this House;
and with the rocks I cry out..."

'Be praised for all Your tenderness
by these works of Your Hands:
suns that rise and rains that fall to bless,
and bring to life Your land.
Look down upon this winter wheat,
and be glad that You have made
blue, border sky and the color green
that fill these fields with praise.'

This song has been echoing in my head for days now. A dear friend has allowed our house to borrow Rich Mullins' A Legacy, A Liturgy, and a Ragamuffin Band, and I've been practically obsessed with this piece since.

Ten years ago, I first heard this song (entitled "The Color Green") when it was being played on Z Music Television, and even then found myself touched by the music, even though I couldn't quite make out (or just ignored) the words.

As Spring is upon us, and it's promising signs evident all across our budding campus, may we exhort each other to recall the Lord's faithfulness - evident so powerfully in His Creation - this "House" he has made for us. Whether you find yourself in a personal season of contentment, discouragement, anticipation, or frusteration; keep in mind that it is just that: a season. Persevere and press on, meditating NOT upon our circumstances...

...but our Savior.

Looking Back

As of March 21st, I will have officially been single for a whole year!

This may seem quite trivial for some, but I have to give glory and praise where glory and praise is due.

About one year ago, the Lord finalized a three year relationship between me and my ex-fiance. (For those who are close to me, you know what a long and strange journey that had been). It was definitely one of the more difficult times in my life. All the questions and confusion finally came to a close, and it was at that time God burdened my heart with the necessity of really committing that following year to growing and drawing closer to Him. I came out of that experience having learned so much about all the areas in MY life that demanded complete submission unto God - I had no idea how selfish I really am. Relationships have a bittersweet way of exposing both your constructive, and consequently, your DEstructive attributes.

I am so grateful to the Lord for His faithfulness, longsuffering, wisdom, and sovereignty in my undeserving life. This past year has been the most eventful of my existence. With my father's unexpected passing, God reintroduced Himself in my life in a way I have never experienced - in a way that I NEEDED to know and understand Him. I'm greatly looking forward to seeing what this next year brings. I've learned (the hard way) to NEVER underestimate the plans the Lord has for our lives.

Reflecting back, I've learned SO MUCH in this sweet time that I've had to myself: about what it means to be a humble child of God, a servant, a woman, a friend, and a sister. I am a sinner in DIRE need of God's precious grace every waking moment of my life, and it is this realization that keeps me clinging fast to the Cross that claimed my soul.

As I look forward to seeing my roommate (and one of my closest friends) marry the man of her dreams this summer, I am so content and peaceful living in the Truthful reality that God is in control of my future. Seeing His amazing grace and compassion in the lives of my friends and family reminds me of 1 John 4:18-19:

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love because He first loved us."

Life in General (Here you go, John Rowe)

I'm guilty: I confess...I'm not a regular blogger.

Do you ever go thru stages where you're convinced that your life is just not that interesting? That's pretty much me right now: I'm just sort of "going thru the motions." Either that, or the stuff that IS going on is not "blogger-friendly" (just a little too personal for my blood).

I'm at work right now...and bored to tears. And I'm craving sweets like the crazed "carboholic" that I am. When I was sick last week, I sort of went crazy with the junk food. BUT I GOT BETTER! :)

I don't have to work at the Cafeteria tomorrow, and that makes me happy. Don't get me wrong, I love the Caf...but by Friday, I'm TUCKERED OUT. I'm driving down to Terre Haute to pick-up my little sister, Megan, for a fun-filled weekend of spontaneity and sisterly antics (I'm looking forward to it). If I take any pictures, I'll have to make sure to post them later.

Well, my friends... This will have to suffice for now. Alas - I'm even losing interest in blogging. (Work has a tendency to suck the energy RIGHT out of you...).

Good Ol' "Sick Days"

100.6! Do you know how long it's been since I had a temperature of 100.6? Try since the time I was, like, in 5th or 6th grade, and I also had a HORRIBLE sore throat to match. Well, this was my temperature just two days ago...AND I FELT AWFUL!!!



But it seems I'm not alone... I've run into countless fellow seminarians who've also been fighting a touch of "the bug" lately as well. I guess it's just that time of year.



Suffice it to say, this just got my nostalgic juices flowing: remembering all the special things my Momma used to do for me when I got sick. I remember lying - sprawled out on the couch - w/ my famous "butter blanket"; watching Nick Jr. while feasting on endless loaves of Mom's famous "wheat-bread toast, thickly smothered with grape jelly." OH! And I can't forget how Mom would buy me an entire jar of Vitamin C from the store, hand it to me right out of the grocery bag, and instruct me to "scarf the stuff like it were candy." She was the GREATEST - always full of "cootchie-cooes," hugs, and kisses - always making any illness worth it.


(Deep Sigh) Does anyone else want their Mommy yet? :)






So, what are your favorite "sick memories?" What did your parents do special for you? What do you do (or will you do) for your kids? What do you do for yourself?

Does This Describe You?

So I heard on the radio the other day that January 23rd tends to be "the most depressing day of the year" (according to "them" - whoever "they" might be).




Apparently, by this time of the year, almost everyone has broken their New Year's resolution (almost all of us staff in the Cafeteria at school), the after-Christmas debt is starting to hit hard, and the lack of light is getting pretty old to most (ESPECIALLY Lisa McGary). With all of these factors, the average American gets to feeling pretty "down in the dumps."


Thus, don't think there's something seriously wrong with you if you happen to feel rather less-motivated, and more-cranky than usual. :) All the more reason for us to extend grace to each other, and comfort ourselves by cozing up to the hope that Scripture holds:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in Heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, although for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ~ 1 Peter 1:3-7 ~

This passage was read at church this past Sunday, and I believe it to be a timely Word that the Lord has been using to grant me much-need "perspective check" in this, my more somber mood, as of late.



I'm looking forward to classes starting again, and the hope of Spring is very real. I'll look forward to seeing everyone's smiling faces in the cafeteria Monday morning. :)

Something I've Got to Say

Since coming here to Seminary, I have to confess, from my own personal experience, I have truly experienced a ton of "gentlemanly" guys, and I just feel like you all deserve to hear it said outloud (and they're not just "Southern boys" either).




As a daughter of the Lord, I have to admit: there's something sensationally moving about a man of God who treats his sisters like "princesses." Whether they're married, "attached," single as they come, fathers, brothers, friends, or total strangers: I have seen so many guys taking advantage of an opportunity to show us ladies what to look for, "wait for," and expect from our male counterparts. When one of our Christian brothers goes out of his way to hold open a door; devulge his heart in honest confession; or take the initiative to be Christ's hands and feet in humble service - at that moment, you have secured my earnest respect and appreciation. You show us all that you are TRULY practicing what you preach, and that you want your lifestyle to shout the Gospel louder than your intentions.

SO...for all you GENTS out there: THANK YOU!!! Please continue to grow in the Lord, and behave as the MEN you are. On a personal note, thank you for reminding me of the kind of woman I long to be for Christ - and setting a proper example to follow. We need you! We look up to you! And we support you!

Surprise Contact: "NO WAY!"

The COOLEST thing happened to me today...

(DISCLAIMER: This may be useless info for some readers, so please pardon this personal and zealous post. I'll try to think of something more controversial or contemplative later. Right now, I'm overcome with nostalgia...)

So I'm checking thru my e-mail as usual, and I have this message waiting for me on my sister blog-site from some girl named "Ashley," of whom I haven't a clue (I don't recognize her from her picture).

So I go to my blog, read this girl's message, and she says that she wanted to know if I'm from "Terre Haute, Indiana." Apparently (according to her message), she says I "look familiar."

Well, I don't give this a second thought, but out of cordiality, I decide to write her back and give her a brief autobio: "Oh, yeah... I grew up there... Graduated from South... Went to ISU... yadda-yadda-yadda." I even told her about my six-year stint at the local Cracker Barrel, in which I hosted more tables than I care to recall. :)

So, the next day, I'm checking my e-mail again, and this "Ashley" girl replied to my reply. She says that she "spent part of her childhood in Terre Haute," and that she "had a best friend named JENNIFER WOJAK that she played with all the time until her parents divorced, and she moved to Evansville."

At this point, my jaw hits the floor.

NO WAY!!! ASHLEY ADAMS!?! MY LONG-LOST, I-HAVEN'T-THOUGHT-ABOUT-YOU-IN-SO-LONG, LONG-LONG-LONG-LONG LOST FRIEND!?!

Please, understand: I have not spoken to this girl since the 3rd grade! As a matter of fact, I can still remember when she first told me her parents were splitting up, and that she and her brother were moving away with her mom. We cried and cried because we thought we'd never see each other again...

Will reunion wonders never cease? Could I possibly count all the memories that have come rushing back to tease me? Will Ashley and I ever be able to catch up on the past 17 years? I guess only time will tell...

In the meantime, don't you EVER let people tell you that Blogging doesn't bring people together! EVER! EVER-EVER!

We Collect Memories

So the holidays have come and gone. Reflecting back on 2005, it just seems like there's too much to say - you've taken too much in - so it's easier just to sit in silence, and feel overwhelmed...but in a good way.

As of right now, I'm not sure what 2006 will bring. As always, a new year seems to whisper the hope of so much potential, and I can already sense myself getting a little lazy - thinking I have all the time in the world.

I'm someone who like to be prepared, and though there's nothing inherently wrong with this, I take it to extreme; and attempt to swallow the rest of my life with each day that passes. But God is so gracious, and lovingly reminds me that each day is a gift - meant to be rejoiced over with song, and each day brings its own precious lessons meant to be learned...and remembered well.

My challenge to you: brand each day of 2006 firmly in your mind, and make individual memories that will set those days apart as you proceed to collect them all. We have only a handful of time compared to the warehouse of eternity. Make it count for Christ.

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... :)