Falling....

Into place. That is what life is like right now. I just got a new job yesterday! Praise God. The job is here in Norman (no commute!) and I'll be making more than I do now, so I'll be able to be an adult and start paying off my student loans! This is what you can look forward to when you graduate as well. I start after I get back from my trip.

Speaking of trip, I leave tomorrow! I am so excited to see some friends of mine and see the old stomping grounds. I really love this part of the world and it's a huge blessing to be able to go back a second time around.

Welp, I'm off to pack. I'd write more, but there's this huge storm happening right now and I'm afraid our power (and thus our Internet) might go out.

Peace!

Ready to Run

I leave for SE Asia in 6 days, and I am sooooo ready to go! God was really good to bring in all the financial support I needed, and I'm excited to see the country I fell in love with last summer. I'm also excited to see some friends who live there now and bring them some fun things they need.

Classes at OU

Well, I'm sitting here blogging when I have an assignment due. In my last semester at OU I do not like, nay, I loathe every class that I am taking right now. I'm not exaggerating. There have always been one class I haven't liked each semester, but this one takes the motherload. I really despise my online Volcanoes and Earthquake class (otherwise known as Shake and Bake). The good part of this class was that we didn't have to buy a textbook. Instead, the prof posts all of his notes on the class website. We take exams online. This is the reason I don't like this class. We have 50 minutes to take a 50 question exam over TONS of material. For this last test I probably had atleast 75 pages of printed notes over the intricate magma-producing processes and different types of continental crust. I have tried to understand this stuff, but some of it I cannot wrap my mind around. Anyway, I cried during the last online exam, because everything I studied was not on it, so I had to trifle through all my notes for almost every question.

There are classes that I've liked a lot at OU. Besides classes like concert band, I have had a few fun classes. Freedom in Greece was pretty incredible. Dr. Fears has mastered this history and is a genius! I really liked this class because he not only presented a rich and detailed history of Greece but he helped us as individuals to make practical applications to our own lives and the state of our country today. That is a mark of a good teacher- taking something foreign and making me understand it in the context of my own life. I recommend Dr. Fears' classes.

One thing cool about college is that in the 5 years I have attended OU, I NEVER had to check a book out from the library. With the exception of getting a book from the reserve desk because I didn't want to buy it for class, I've never had to get a book from there for a source in any papers or projects! It's amazing that one can graduate from a prestigious institution such as the University of Oklahoma without having to step foot in Bizell.

Anyhoo, what were your favorite/least favorite classes in college? I'm curious to know!

Processing

I'm really awake after a crazy day of Duck Pond/broken Dollar Movie movies/Waffle House/a crazy game of NERTS. Yes, our neighbors called the cops on us for being loud while playing cards. I have to admit, we did scream a lot (you understand this if you know the game NERTS) and it was quite comical the rest of the night thinking about what would have happened if they would have cuffed one of us and taken us in for the night just for getting a little zealous with a friendly round of cards. I'm scared to think of what other things our neighbors have heard come out of our house over the course of this year. Oh well, I don't feel too bad because we've definitely called the cops on ALL of our loud neighbors at some point this year, so I figure we're even now.

Anyhoo, Glorieta Spring Break was fantastic. I would have to say it was the best Glo conference I've ever been to... and I've been to 6. I just think it was so pertinent to me right now because God really broke my heart and confirmed that I could possibly spend some more time overseas. Before, my attitude was, "OK God, I'll go wherever You want," but now it's more like, "God, PLEASE let me go overseas!" There are a couple of obstacles standing in my way right now, but God is good and He provides.

But I'm definitely seeing how these really tough situations are turning out for good. God has freed me in many ways and has shown me that I'm set aside for Him alone, and He'll take away anything that gets in the way of that. I want to be on Plan A, meaning I want to walk in obedience and choose to follow Him so that I don't mess up His ideal plan for me. So I've turned around and started praising God for taking some things from me, though it hurt, and I'm completely free from them now. I see the good in it all.

At Glorieta we learned about the persecution our brothers and sisters all over the world go through every single day. And I think it's tough here! I was convicted about letting myself be shut up and not taking advantage of opportunities to make Christ known, because those under persecution are not shutting up at all. I don't want to give up in freedom what they won't give up in persecution! Wow. My God is good and completely worth it. I want to believe that with my life.

And here's another thing. I'm not so sure about this "call" to missions. Jesus already told us to go (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, etc) so why do we think that going to the nations is any different than choosing where to spend our lives in the US? Some say that God hasn't broken their heart for the nations. My question is whether you really have a broken heart about the lost. I had to ask myself that question, and if I'd be willing to go anywhere or do anything for the sake of those who do not know Jesus. "The needs of the lost always exceed the needs of the witnesser." Yeah, I would, because Jesus is worth atleast that much, and that's not a lot. Giving up some time, money, a chance to advance in a career, the comforts of American living, etc isn't worthy to take the place of Christ going to the ends of the earth.

I'm sure of these things. I feel like I'm on the cusp of something, and I'm really excited. Praise God for the what He's doing in my life, even through the hard stuff, because it's for a bigger purpose. I couldn't be more content in who I am or what I have. I am more in love with Jesus and looking for ways I can please Him. God showed up during my last spring break as a student at OU and He spoke very clearly to me. I'm sad if you missed out on this conference but know God had you where you are for a great reason.

That's a bunch of random thoughts at 2 in the morning! Night!

Yeah-heah

I bought my cap and gown today then tried it on at the BSU and did a fashion show in it (sanguine, I know!!). I can't wait to walk that stage and kiss class goodbye!

On that note, I have no motivation for school anymore.

I feel like I need to post a video to liven my boring, melancholy blog up. This is one I've passed around to a few people in the past couple of weeks. I still think it's hu-larious!

Countdown

16 days until Glo
37 days until my best friend's wedding!
72 days until graduation
98 days until Southeast Asia

I like countdowns. I wish I had some countdowns for other things because I wish I knew when they would happen, or even IF they'll happen. *sigh* I wish I could have it all mapped out, but I can't. That's why I'm reading "Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion?" by Bruce Waltke. You should read it, too, if you're frustrated at having to make decisions and trying to take it upon yourself to "find God's will for your life."

I really can't wait to get out of school. Currently I have a bad bout of senioritis and keep forgetting I'm in 2 online classes, not to mention my two normal classes are like the worst ones I've ever been in at OU. Oh well, this too shall pass.

This has been a tough year. When it rains, it pours. I have a lot to be thankful for, and I need to keep reminding myself that things might get better and that there really is a hope for me. I'm living for that hope everyday. I've always been able to put on a happy face even when I'm really down, which can be a blessing and a curse. Sometimes people can't see that I'm really hurting, and I miss out on encouragement because I don't know how to express that yet.

I feel like Debby Downer here! Life's been good to me despite some hard knocks these past couple of months. I couldn't have gone through it without Jesus' constant, consistent, never ending, patient and perfect love. And I couldn't have kept going without my brothers and sisters being beside me. I value that so much! When I look at this awful and sinful world around me I can praise God for pulling me out of it, though I'm still a part of it, and keeping me steady in His plan. Wow. I wonder what it's like to live without that and I can't bear to think where I'd be had my sister not told me about Jesus. Thanks Amy!

Why can't I have a goal for after graduation? It's like I'm lost in this dark wilderness of options that I don't want. I don't even know what I'm good at. What should I do????

We totally watched "Lord of the Flies" because I'd never seen it nor read the book in school. It was saddening, especially when they broke/took Piggy's glasses! I almost cried!!! And then they killed him and that's when I lost it. I can't believe they've let kids read that book in schools. Do you remember reading "A Wrinkle In Time"? That was a freaky book too!

I love American Idol this season. Though I was hoping for the chubby girl to go far (she was voted off at the first week), there are still some singers I really want to win. I love David Archuleta (sp?)- he has the most pure and toned voice out of the group. My least favorite is Danny Noriega. I've dubbed him "Skinny Jeans" because he wore skinny jeans at his audition and he is just ridiculous.

Anyhoo, I have to have $600 paid by next Friday for me to go to SE Asia! Woah, this should be interesting.

I'm done being random. Van Dyck, out!

Fix You

Man, do you ever hear a song you've heard a billion times but this one time you listen to it, you can just relate like never before? That's how I feel about Coldplay's "Fix You." I listened to it a lot this summer when I was overseas. I kind of hesitate to say that, because when you're serving overseas you should only listen to or be encouraged by worship songs, right? (sarcasm) But this song is really heartfelt and sometimes I think I could have written it (not comparing myself to the brilliance of Coldplay, just saying those thoughts could have come from me.). Anyways, I heard this last night and wanted to tell Chris Martin that I totally know what he's talking about! So here are the lyrics:


Fix You

When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse?

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home,
And ignite your bones,
And I will try to fix you.

High up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth


Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down on your face
And I

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down on your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Here's the video if you've never heard it:


*sigh* What a great song.

Fantastic V-Week!

It's been interesting to hear what people think about Valentine's Day- some love it, some loathe it, and some think it shouldn't even exist (refer to my V-Day post from last year). Well, I LOVE V-Day. We get to celebrate LOVE, and as a follower of Jesus I want to celebrate the greatest LOVE I've ever known from God. It's a good reminder of all He's done for us, and even if we don't have "that special someone" to dote on us all the sweet things that come with V-Day, we can rest assured that we are loved with a Perfect Love that endures forever. How cool!

I really thought I would not enjoy this holiday this year. God is so FAITHFUL! I was encouraged tremendously all week in some of the most unexpected ways. About a third of my "Things that make me happy" list happened, and it was all from the hands of my Great God. He knew what I needed- to see that my hope is in Him and that He uses His people to bless and encourage each other so we can keep serving Him. This V-Day took my eyes off of myself (which is hard to do on this day if you're single!) and put them on Him, because He came through in the ways that I needed Him to, and abundantly beyond what I thought He would do.

I'm thankful for my brothers and sisters who encouraged me this V-Week. It was cool to experience my brothers in Christ serving us gals and treating us like daughters of the King. What a blessing!

31 Things That Make Me Happy

I took Amy's challenge to write about 30 things that make me happy. Well, I decided to do 31. Here goes:

1. Any sort of words of encouragement- a card, on my blog, Facebook, phone call, etc.
2. Flowers
3. When guys open doors and let ladies go first
4. Spending time with Jesus
5. Singing in a band
6. Dinner and a movie with friends
7. Surprises!!
8. Visiting Amy/Dan/Tygre in Fort Worth
9. When friends come hang out in the bookstore with me
10. Late night conversations
11. Driving with my windows down on a sunny day
12. Being free
13. Going on cruises with the fam
14. Seeing others grow in their walks with God
15. When people get to go overseas
16. Live music- it's always better
17. Dancing
18. Seeing prayers answered
19. When you talk to someone and figure out all the people you have in common with them and can say, "What a small world!"
20. Football game days
21. Walking to class with a friend
22. The beach
23. Speaking another language and the person understands what I'm saying
24. Learning new things
25. Reminiscing
26. Cooking
27. When I get to see another part of the world
28. Knowing I am taken care of
29. Talking with friends who are far away on iChat/Skype!
30. When I quote a movie and someone else responds with a quote from the same one
31. Haircuts

What are 31 things that make YOU happy???

Moving On

I hate change. I really do. It takes a lot out of me because I'm a really sentimental person. The smallest thing can remind me of something great that happened or something I went through or something someone did for me, etc. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I really fear moving forward because what if it's not as great as everything I just went through?

For instance: college. It really has been THE time of my life... so far. I've had soooo much fun and God's shaped me into a very different person than I was before. I've gone places I've never been before because of college- Miami, New Orleans, Chicago, New Mexico, Cambodia, etc. There have also been many firsts that I experienced here that I am so grateful for. God's given me fantastic friends that I will have for a lifetime. He's drawn me closer to Himself because of the different faith times He's taken me through. It's been challenging, hilarious, scary, comfortable, uncomfortable and great overall. I still want that, but I can't have it anymore because my five years is almost up.

So it's time to think about the next thing. I have no idea what my plans are when I finish school in May. I'll just get this one out there- I've applied to grad school so I can pursue a teaching career or maybe even go into ministry. But I still don't know if that's what the Lord wants me to do. My other option is to stick around Norman, but I don't have job prospects as of now. My mind changes itself just about every other day. I wish God would be clear about HIS vision for my life so I could make decisions right now, but I will just have to wait. The thing is not to make decisions based on fear. I cannot fear having a lame future compared to the last 5 years of my life. I cannot fear making a mistake. God holds my life in His hands and is big enough to clean up my messes. But more than that- He is sovereign. Everything that happens to me has to pass through His hands first; He is in control. And I cannot put God in a box and try to make sense of all of this difficult stuff that's happened recently, telling myself that He did ____ for this reason or that.

I am so thankful God led me to OU for my college career. It was a scary decision to make as a little senior in high school, but I can look back now and count the blessings of making that decision. His plan is evident in these pages of my life. I can confidently go forward to the next thing, knowing that He has things in store for me. I can look back and see the great things He has done (or will do) in my life. I'm excited for that!

Speaking of excited, I've told some people, but I'll just throw this out there again- God's opened a door for me to go back to SE Asia for a couple of weeks this summer! It's crazy how the whole thing came together. A group that is going needed some extra people to go to make the airfare cheaper, so God graciously given that to me. I'll write about the details later. This thing has just been such an encouragement to me during these last couple of month of discouragement. He is good!

Anyhoo, that's what's going on nowadays. Pray that I will be patient until the Lord reveals to me what He wants me to do... and that He'll reveal it!

No words

I feel compelled to blog since I've been neglecting it for a long while. Actually, I have no idea what I should say. It's almost like I've become the melancholy personality for just a short while- sometimes I am super discouraged and others I am praising God for His goodness. I've been told several times recently that my personality really has allowed me to bounce back from hard things better than other types of personalities. For that I am thankful. I've always had a joyful spirit, and I can't let this crush my spirit.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, I've had a string of hard situations come my way in the past month or so (see previous post). It's not as bad as other things I could be going through, but it definitely counts as trials that take me through the Refiner's fire. I'm confident that God can bring me through these things with a whole heart, and that I will be able to trust Him with my life more. I'm kind of in a place of confusion, change, unrest and just plain not understanding why this is all happening right now. None of this makes sense, and I can't wait until I get through it.

I don't even know why I'm writing this or if it makes sense to anyone. I wish I could explain more, but I'm just going to send this snippet of my heart out into the void in the hopes that it encourages someone out there to keep holding on to God's promises even when times are hard and confusing. Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). He doesn't withhold good from us (Matthew 7: 9-11). He gives us everything we need (Philippians 4:19). He heals us (Matthew 15:30). He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16: 24-26). He can do ALL THINGS and no plan of His can be thwarted (Job 42:2). He encourages us when we are down (Psalm 10:17). What a great God we serve!

Through all of this God has opened up some doors for me to things I've never before considered doing. It's pretty exciting to think that some of these things could happen soon, but I can't get into that now. We'll see what happens. Until then, I'm going to go write a country song about my life!

Let's make like Tom and CRUISE!

I leave for our family cruise in like 6 hours! I can never sleep before a trip so I'm trying to do things to make me want to fall asleep.

Anyways, this cruise couldn't have come at a better time. This past month has been the toughest time I've been through in a while. You know when you have those few weeks when things just keep happening or keep getting piled on you? Well, it's been like that with a stream of incidences that have left me very discouraged. My truck was giving me trouble and when I thought it got fixed the first time it kept stalling on me. So I had to go get it fixed again. This time I'm hoping it worked because it's leaving me scared to drive. Is that just a common girl thing not to want to drive a car when you think you might be stalled out on the side of the road somewhere? If not, this fear could come from this other traumatic in-the-mud incident of mine that I referenced in my previous post. I'll tell you about that when I get back.

On top of that, I've been quasi-diagnosed with a common syndrome among women. Don't worry too much because it is very treatable! Maybe one of these days I'll write about it, but until then I am telling all my girlfriends about it so they can make sure they get tested for it too.

These were the two main difficult things amongst a plethora of other tiny hardships, but God is good and getting me through it! When my car's in the shop, I get bad news about my health, money is tight, or I'm having trouble relating to others, it's like a big nudge to see what God says about those situations and about His character. Really, I like these times, despite the difficulty, because I end up spending a lot of time with the Lord! I think that's true for most everyone walking with Jesus- they draw closer to Him in the hard times. I'm not complaining. I'm just telling you what I'm going through and admitting that it's been really tough. Jesus didn't promise a cakewalk but rather a walk in His shoes every once in a while.

So when you see me, just give me a hug! That would encourage me so much. Until then, I'm going to set sail on the open waters and see some new places and do fun things I've never experienced before.

Yeah Mon!!!

(Exit song cue:
Aruba, Jamaica, oooooh I wanna take you to Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama....)

Most annoying thing I've ever done...

I took the RyanAttack Challenge and decided to blog about the most annoying thing I've ever done. Well, there are plenty but the only one I can think about at 1:30 in the morning had something to do with bottles of sand and hot glue.

When I was about 11 years old I went to the fair with my Aunt Karen and not-yet Uncle Bob, and I think Amy was there too. We went to this booth where you pick a glass bottle and then pour in different colors of sand. Once you fill it up, you pick a topper for the bottle and they glue it on for you. Well, I filled my bottle with sand. Then they took my bottle and I turned around to do something else. When I turned back around I saw my sand bottle and there was this clear thing over the top. I guess I was feeling really impulsive and, thinking it was Saran Wrap, I poked my finger through it. Big mistake. The next thing I feel is searing hot melting dripping-down-my-fingers pain. They had poured a lot of hot glue in the top and were about to put the topper on it when I had to be an idiot and poke my finger through it.

So we go to the ER and they fix me up. My middle finger was bandaged with gauze for a few weeks.

This was annoying for several reasons. First of all, why did I think they put Saran Wrap over my bottle? Secondly, no matter what it was- Saran Wrap or hot glue- why would I poke my finger in it???? And last but not least, every time I showed someone my bandaged wounds I ended up offending them because I in turn flipped them off.

It may sound lame, but to me this is one of the most annoying things I've done to myself..... next to swerving off the highway into mud puddle and driving 9 hours with mud up to my waist. But that's another story for another day.

Peace out '07!

OK so I feel like I need to do the obligatory "Here's-What-Happened-In-2007" post in order to start out 2008. I like lists because they are easier to read, so here goes with some things that have happened in this past year.

- I got a new job working at the BSU bookstore
- I had another job for like 4 days in my aunt's company
- Two months of my life were spent in Cambodia
- I got to lead a team overseas, which I never thought I could do
- Rode an elephant
- Ate a cricket
- Had a toga party
- Went through some rough doctor's visits recently
- Went to Schlitterbahn
- I experienced my first ever ice storm
- Stopped eating fast food (with the exception of a few places of course!)
- Became an undergraduate TA for the communication department
- Started dating Preston
- Saw some great movies like "Hairspray"
- Went to Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl
- I started to like yogurt
- Learned how to convert audio tapes into mp3s (exciting right?)
- I finally got a good scholarship for being Native American
- Moved into a house with 5 other girls
- I did not do the Pride this year
- I thought I would figure out what I wanted to do with my life, but that never happened

Things I want to do in 2008
- Go to more concerts!!!!!! This is definitely at the top of the list
- See Tygre get married
- See Jill get married
- See Lauren get married
- See Allison get married
- Go visit Lindsay and my other buddies in Colorado
- Go on a cruise
- Practice my guitar more often
- Get that ensemble together with Cindy and other people
- Sing!
- Invest in girls' lives
- Print my pictures
- Work out
- Go water skiing
- See Grandma Van Dyck more often
- Get a good job after I graduate
- Graduate!
- Learn piano
- Save money

OK that's enough ambition for me! I hope I can do all of these things and so much more this year! After the craziness of 2007, I wonder what curve balls life will throw at me in 2008.

Happy New Year everyone!

An Emergency Room Christmas

This has been one interesting Christmas. Right now I'm sitting in the emergency room waiting room with Amy and Dan and a man comforting his in-labor wife while watching the Brian Setzer orchestra perform a jolly rendition of "Jingle Bells" on the Late Show blasting through a cheesy mounted television. Don't worry, nobody got cut slicing the turkey or anything. Dad's suffering from some tingly feet syndrome we feared might turn into something worse if he let it wait until tomorrow to check out. So here we are... Christmas night... in the ER.

I'm thankful though. I could just imagine what other people are going through right now. I know the True Meaning of Christmas and I'm thankful for the Greatest Gift I could have ever gotten through Jesus! I also have a family who loves me and I'm going on a cruise in T minus 12 days, so there's nothing to complain about.

Anyways, I just thought I'd record this moment while I'm sitting here. Hopefully Dad will be OK soon. I'm going to go play Uno.

Cold

It's still cold here.

Trashy Movies

This post is inspired by a conversation with my dear friend Allison and the recent viewing of the classic "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen.




I watched this movie this weekend and went away feeling so good about life and Christmas and everything. It struck me that there are rarely any movies these days that can have that same effect on me. 75% of the movies out today are either trashy, inappropriate, riddled with f-bombs or so violent they leave your heart heavy. Why do I put myself through that? Also, I can't think of one movie made in the last 5 years that did not include premarital sex as part of the romantic story between two people (in my opinion, there's NOTHING romantic about sex with anyone other than your beloved and committed spouse). If you can name me one movie made recently that is set in present-day that does not include premarital sex or sexual references, I'll make you some cookies.

And on the topic of violence in films, I think I've become so desensitized to killing that I've found myself cheering for the protagonist when they finally kill their enemy. Now, I know we are not supposed to value evil in this world, but hoping for somebody to die is not necessarily right either. I know it's fiction, but I believe all of the things that we allow into our heads and hearts effect our attitudes and walk with God.

This also goes for language in films. I'm going to be completely honest and say that there have been times since I've been seriously walking with the Lord that I've let a word or two that don't honor God slip out when I've been really scared or something sudden happened or I was just downright frustrated. Those words are in my mind because I've let them in through the movies I've watched. Again, these "little" things can have a HUGE effect on my character.

I don't want to condone values that go against the Word of God. I'm not perfect either. Some of my favorite movies have these elements in them. Some films I love just because of the beauty in them- the cinematography, symbolism, the history or dialogue- which I sometimes use to justify watching despite their shady content. Sometimes I love movies because they have great quotes (The Sandlot, Elf, That Thing You Do, Mean Girls, etc).

Anyways, I'm finding that my movie tastes are changing as I'm losing more and more tolerance for the stuff that's out there. Some of my favorites are these old time movies that had real artists in them- they could act, sing, dance and be hilarious and incredibly romantic all at the same time! Go watch "White Christmas," "It's A Wonderful Life," "Rear Window," or even new movies like "Pride and Prejudice." You'll love them and have more of an appreciation of the Hollywood that deserves more respect than the current one. And feel free to pass on to me any good flicks that are truthful and worthy of watching, because there's always Someone watching us.

These are just my random and disconnected thoughts. What do you think?

Smooooothies!

Well, I'm a person who gets on food kicks. The latest one is the smoothie, and I have to admit that I think this kick will last for a while. I have a friend who worked at a popular smoothie-chain place who told me what was in them, and after making my own for a few months I've realized how delicious they are. Now I will share this love with you! It's simple! All you need to do is mix up:
1. Juice. I prefer orange juice, but you can probably use apple juice if you like the less tart and tangy types of smoothies
2. Yogurt. I buy the Wal-Mart brand of fat-free, 80-calorie yogurt-- either vanilla or strawberry-banana
3. Fruit. Fresh fruit is nice. However, if you use fresh fruit, you will also need to add ice to the blend so it's not entirely liquidy. The solution is to use frozen fruit. It's way cheaper, especially in the winter when fruits are out of season, and this way you don't have to add ice. My preference is strawberries and pineapples. I even cut up bananas and freeze them for later. This is where you can get really creative. They sell blueberries, raspberries, etc at the store, so go nuts!

Throw that all in a blender and frappe it until it has a nice consistency. Seriously, it can't get any easier. I can make one of these in about a minute TOPS. If you go this route, you will save a lot of money by not buying Jamba Juice, and these are healthier because you know what's in them (at JJ, they put ice cream in some of them, making them not-as-healthy-as-you-think).

I hope you give the homemade smoothie a try.

Until the next food kick,
Jenny

Vacay

OK, so I totally abbreved "vacation." Sorry for all of you who don't like that. Anyhoo, it's Sunday afternoon and the thought of going to class and work tomorrow is weighing over me like a dark cloud, but not as much as a doctor's appointment I have on Tuesday that might confirm some long-held suspicions I've had about something. But I'll get to that on Tuesday.
For the rest of you students, there's a light ahead! We have one week of class, dead week (which we all agree should be reformed into a completely classless week like the name suggests) and then finals!!! Then there is freedom for a few brief weeks that might mean chilling at home watching "The Christmas Story" a few days in a row and making hundreds of sugar cookies and then going on a family cruise! That will be my vacation. What are you going to be up to?
You should get in the Christmas spirit by coming to our holiday toga party. Fun will be had by all!

Oh The Glory Of It All

We sang this at Paradigm last night and it brought so much back to my mind about who God is. We actually sang this song a lot at O-week when we were getting trained to go overseas- it was a week where I experienced who God is and learned so much about His heart for the world. This song brought all of those moments back to my mind and it was encouraging to sing about His light and salvation and the fact that we will never be the same. So neat.



Here are the lyrics.

At the start
he was there, he was there
In the end,
he’ll be there, he’ll be there

And After all our hands have wrought
He forgives

Oh the Glory of it all is:
he came here
For the rescue of us all
that we may live
for the glory of it all
for the glory of it all

All is lost
find him there, find him there
After night
Dawn is there, Dawn is there

After all falls apart
he repairs he repairs

Oh the Glory of it all is:
he came here
for the rescue of us all
that we may live
for the glory of it all

oh he is here
for redemption from the fall
that we may live
for the glory of it all
oh the glory of it all
the glory of it all
oh the glory of it all

After night
comes the light
dawn is here
dawn is here
it’s a new day
it’s a new day
everything will change
things will never be the same
we will never be the same
we will never be the same
we will never be the same
we will never be the same

Oh, The glory of it all is
you came here
for the rescue of us all
that we may live
for the glory of it all

Oh you are here
with redemption for us all
that we may live
for the glory of it all
for the glory of it all
oh the glory of it all