I'm sitting at the dining room table right now here in good ol' Fredericktown, Missouri. My uncle and aunt, Larry and Tina, are up from Harrison, Arkansas, and my grandparents are just about to leave for their home. Larry and Dad have been playing their guitars and singing old hymns with my grandparents. I just found out that Larry can play the harmonica--and very well at that! I knew my grandpa could, but I didn't know my uncle was not bound to the guitar.
Anyway, for you ladies out there, I have been looking at wedding dresses with my sister, mom, and aunts Tina and Mary... No, I'm not engaged, but I like to shop for bridal gowns. I'm one of those girls who constantly has some kind of idea of what her wedding will be like. I'll probably have it all planned before I even meet the man. That's okay. As of right now, my favorite bridal designer is Maggie Sottero. My favorite gown is called Rosemary Leigh (fall 2006 line). It's a $900 dress at The Bridal Shop. Nine hundred dollars for a dress is ridiculous. One can find a nice $400-$500 dress at David's Bridal, but I figure if I still like the dress when I am engaged, it will be much cheaper.
Sunday my sister and I head back to St. Louis. I'll pack for Passion then and early Monday morning, we'll be on our way to the best New Year's party! Um, I mean conference.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Prayer Request Update
If you don’t know the situations and are confused when reading the following, read my previous posts “’Revive Me’ and a Request for Prayer” and “Prayer and Praise for Dad.”
My mom had another doctor’s appointment today at Barnes Jewish, and it did not go well. After trying to heal her foot from the outside, the doctors decided to try healing from the inside. That didn’t work either. Her bones are shifting in her foot, so her doctor is going to try to heal her foot from the outside again. If that doesn’t work, they will have to bore out the bone(s) in her foot. In other words, they will have to amputate. Please, I urge you, continue to pray for her fervently. If you just have a shred of faith, pray for her without ceasing, please. Thank you so much. Please pray for the rest of our family as well; this is tough for all of us, especially my mom.
Status on my dad: His arm was doing better after seeing the chiropractor, but it is on the fritz again. His hand will shake, he cannot stop it, and he has trouble writing. He is planning on visiting the town physician soon. Also, Dad is still very fatigued from the diagnosed upper-respiratory infection. He does not usually sleep well, and he has not had much of an appetite. I know he does not feel well when he is quiet, and he’s definitely quieter than usual! Thank you for your prayers.
God will move. Surely he will get much glory out of all this.
Psalm 42
My mom had another doctor’s appointment today at Barnes Jewish, and it did not go well. After trying to heal her foot from the outside, the doctors decided to try healing from the inside. That didn’t work either. Her bones are shifting in her foot, so her doctor is going to try to heal her foot from the outside again. If that doesn’t work, they will have to bore out the bone(s) in her foot. In other words, they will have to amputate. Please, I urge you, continue to pray for her fervently. If you just have a shred of faith, pray for her without ceasing, please. Thank you so much. Please pray for the rest of our family as well; this is tough for all of us, especially my mom.
Status on my dad: His arm was doing better after seeing the chiropractor, but it is on the fritz again. His hand will shake, he cannot stop it, and he has trouble writing. He is planning on visiting the town physician soon. Also, Dad is still very fatigued from the diagnosed upper-respiratory infection. He does not usually sleep well, and he has not had much of an appetite. I know he does not feel well when he is quiet, and he’s definitely quieter than usual! Thank you for your prayers.
God will move. Surely he will get much glory out of all this.
Psalm 42
Culture Shock
The wait is over; Christmas break is here! I have finished my first semester of college at Missouri Baptist. It is the third official weekday of break, and it has become clear to me that I am in the grip of culture shock. It is amazing since I am just 100 miles away from what is now familiar. The people are different (my social life has currently dwindled to two people apart from Facebook), the food is different (not everything I eat is all natural, that's for sure), the slang is different (the two people are my parents), and the pace is different (slooow). I used to enjoy the slow pace, but I have become so accustomed to being on-the-go in St. Louis that the outskirts of Fredericktown are boring to me. I never realized how different city life is from country living until I experienced it--until now.
Don't mistake me when I say the outskirts of F'town are boring. I absolutely love living in the country. I grew up in the country, and nature is one of the ways I connect with God. It is not nature that I am talking about here. It's too chilly to sit outside comfortably and take in the beauty of God's creation. I am talking about relationships and activity. It is virtually non-existent here compared to life in St. Louis. I just need to adjust.
I am trying to get something going with my friends from high school. They're bored too. We've gotten a taste of life outside F'town, so life inside F'town just doesn't seem the same home we left. Or maybe it is...
I am sure I will adjust eventually. Of course, then I will have to readjust once I go to Atlanta. That's right. Passion07 is almost here!
I have the opportunity to use these two weeks of downtime to refocus on God. Immersing myself in the Bible, reading Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper, and committed praying are on my list. Of course, writing the list is easier than accomplishing the tasks on the list. If you know me well, you know that reading is not my specialty, and I am not very disciplined. I'll let you know how it goes.
I hope your Christmas vacation is going well. Whether I do or not, I encourage you to use your time wisely and effectively. Merry Christmas, and God bless you.
Don't mistake me when I say the outskirts of F'town are boring. I absolutely love living in the country. I grew up in the country, and nature is one of the ways I connect with God. It is not nature that I am talking about here. It's too chilly to sit outside comfortably and take in the beauty of God's creation. I am talking about relationships and activity. It is virtually non-existent here compared to life in St. Louis. I just need to adjust.
I am trying to get something going with my friends from high school. They're bored too. We've gotten a taste of life outside F'town, so life inside F'town just doesn't seem the same home we left. Or maybe it is...
I am sure I will adjust eventually. Of course, then I will have to readjust once I go to Atlanta. That's right. Passion07 is almost here!
I have the opportunity to use these two weeks of downtime to refocus on God. Immersing myself in the Bible, reading Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper, and committed praying are on my list. Of course, writing the list is easier than accomplishing the tasks on the list. If you know me well, you know that reading is not my specialty, and I am not very disciplined. I'll let you know how it goes.
I hope your Christmas vacation is going well. Whether I do or not, I encourage you to use your time wisely and effectively. Merry Christmas, and God bless you.
Friday, December 15, 2006
"Take Every Thought Captive to Christ," Part 1
I've had something on my mind lately. In the midst of finals, church, Christmas break, Christmas, and upcoming Passion07, I have been consumed by thoughts of... I can't even write it. I'm not ready for it, but I desire it. It occupied my mind severely last year, but God helped put it in perspective. Now it's back. It's like an addiction eating away at me or something.
I was reading Chapter 2 of Chasing Daylight by Erwin Raphael McManus today when I read that when God transforms a person's desires, they become godly desires. Could this desire I wish to bury be a godly desire? If it was, why do I have it now? I'm not in a position in which my thirst would be quenched (not that I know of anyway).
Sometimes I think that my desire is not being met because God wants me to give it to Him and focus all my energy on Him--and then maybe He will meet the desire. Psalm 37:4 comes in play again: "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." McManus explains it very well. I recommend your reading it. It could be broken down like a scientific chain:
Love God. --> Delight in Him. --> God transforms your desires. --> He gives you the desires of your heart because they are holy--they are His desires.
So this is the question: Is my desire--that consuming something--a godly desire? It is such a struggle when I try to take my thoughts captive to Christ. The struggle is in the mind. I need to change my focus to Him. He is my happiness, my life, right? Why not think on Him all the time anyway? Why do I keep holding on to something that doesn't even measure up? One word: Flesh.
I was reading Chapter 2 of Chasing Daylight by Erwin Raphael McManus today when I read that when God transforms a person's desires, they become godly desires. Could this desire I wish to bury be a godly desire? If it was, why do I have it now? I'm not in a position in which my thirst would be quenched (not that I know of anyway).
Sometimes I think that my desire is not being met because God wants me to give it to Him and focus all my energy on Him--and then maybe He will meet the desire. Psalm 37:4 comes in play again: "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." McManus explains it very well. I recommend your reading it. It could be broken down like a scientific chain:
Love God. --> Delight in Him. --> God transforms your desires. --> He gives you the desires of your heart because they are holy--they are His desires.
So this is the question: Is my desire--that consuming something--a godly desire? It is such a struggle when I try to take my thoughts captive to Christ. The struggle is in the mind. I need to change my focus to Him. He is my happiness, my life, right? Why not think on Him all the time anyway? Why do I keep holding on to something that doesn't even measure up? One word: Flesh.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Hey, Moody Blue!
Have you ever felt like you've been riding an emotional roller coaster? That is how I felt today. This morning I barely ate breakfast--sign number one that grumpy Kristi would be on her way. I ate my snack at 8:00 when I got to work, so until lunch at noon I "starved." Needless to say, I wasn't much company at lunch.
My not eating enough breakfast was just part of it though. I was also very tired today. I am a night owl, I confess, and I haven't been going to bed until the wee hours all week. My adrenal glands, I'm pretty sure, hate me by now, and I became kind of delirious today.
Okay, so right now I have two reasons for my moodiness... That's all I have besides being generally discontent--which I shouldn't be--and extremely apathetic because it's the end of semester. For whatever reason, it seemed like one minute I was cheery, and the next minute I wanted to either cry or punch something.
I'm going through something right now, which I will keep on the down-low, so maybe today was my subconscious way of handling it... I don't know; only God knows. This Scripture definitely makes me think right now:
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
My not eating enough breakfast was just part of it though. I was also very tired today. I am a night owl, I confess, and I haven't been going to bed until the wee hours all week. My adrenal glands, I'm pretty sure, hate me by now, and I became kind of delirious today.
Okay, so right now I have two reasons for my moodiness... That's all I have besides being generally discontent--which I shouldn't be--and extremely apathetic because it's the end of semester. For whatever reason, it seemed like one minute I was cheery, and the next minute I wanted to either cry or punch something.
I'm going through something right now, which I will keep on the down-low, so maybe today was my subconscious way of handling it... I don't know; only God knows. This Scripture definitely makes me think right now:
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Prayer and Praise for Dad
Prayer: Please pray for my dad. He became faint at work last night and started blacking out. He was taken to the emergency room and was diagnosed with an upper respiratory viral infection. He was not given any antibiotics because the infection is viral, not bacterial. He is supposed to see the doctor tomorrow morning and isn't supposed to return to work until the doctor gives permission (though he was saying he was going to work tonight--He better not have gone!). This explains why he has not had an appetite the past week or two and has not been sleeping well.
Praise: Also, Dad has been losing sleep over a pinched nerve in his shoulder/back. He has visited the chiropractor a couple times, and his latest visit seems to have helped him significantly. His arms (which were sore/going numb) are feeling better.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Praise: Also, Dad has been losing sleep over a pinched nerve in his shoulder/back. He has visited the chiropractor a couple times, and his latest visit seems to have helped him significantly. His arms (which were sore/going numb) are feeling better.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
A Joyful Account of Friday Night
I am so joyful right now. I love Jesus.
The MBU Christmas Concert was tonight. It went well of what I saw/heard. I missed all the singing groups like Allusion, Chorale, Chamber Singers, etc., because I had to go back to prep for concert band. We concluded the show.
All in all, it was a good and fun experience. I think we performed well, hopefully all for the glory of God.
Anyway, after the concert, my roommate, my folks, and myself went to Steak 'n' Shake in Manchester--the same one at which Lauren's birthday gathering was--and ate a good meal. We had fun there too.
This is random, but I really like the song "Search Me, Know Me" by Jonah 33. My David Crowder Band station on Pandora Radio plays it quite often. It's great. I recommend "Something's Broken" by Willie Herath too. Some great harmony is going on in that song.
Anyway, so I am joyful. I love Jesus. Goodnight.
The MBU Christmas Concert was tonight. It went well of what I saw/heard. I missed all the singing groups like Allusion, Chorale, Chamber Singers, etc., because I had to go back to prep for concert band. We concluded the show.
All in all, it was a good and fun experience. I think we performed well, hopefully all for the glory of God.
Anyway, after the concert, my roommate, my folks, and myself went to Steak 'n' Shake in Manchester--the same one at which Lauren's birthday gathering was--and ate a good meal. We had fun there too.
This is random, but I really like the song "Search Me, Know Me" by Jonah 33. My David Crowder Band station on Pandora Radio plays it quite often. It's great. I recommend "Something's Broken" by Willie Herath too. Some great harmony is going on in that song.
Anyway, so I am joyful. I love Jesus. Goodnight.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Ah, geez...
I actually wrote this Tuesday, December 5, but my wireless connection was down.
Today has been one of those testy days. After my music lesson, I walked to my roommate’s Honda to retrieve my wallet and pay my private instructor for the metronome she had given me. She was waiting in her Honda (ironic), so I was hastily searching for my twenty when I remembered that I had used it for food at Wal-Mart. I’ll just have to write her a check. I found my pen in the front pocket of my purse, placed the keys I had been holding in the seat, grabbed my checkbook, and wrote out a check for twenty-three dollars. I was in such a hurry I didn’t even bother putting my wallet and checkbook back into my purse. I quickly locked the passenger door and returned to my teacher’s vehicle to deliver the check.
After Chapel I went to Big Red again for my flute and music because concert band sectional rehearsal was about to start. When I arrived at Big Red’s chilled metal body, I pulled the keys from my right jeans pocket and looked in shock. These aren’t Dana’s keys! These are Rachel’s keys! When I had checked to make sure Dana’s keys were in my pocket I felt Rachel’s keys and assumed they were the keys to Big Red. The black key with the fun red flower keychain was sitting in the front seat with my things, and I was officially locked out of the car.
I borrowed one of the spare flutes from Dr. Cox’s office for sectionals (Thank you, Dr. Cox.) and read from Allyssa’s music. (Thankfully, our piece has only one flute part, so it was the same music I was used to reading.) I didn’t get to eat the lunch I had brought between band and journalism, so my sister lended me money to get some snacks from the bookstore. A woman was buying several items in front of me, and I was, therefore, late for my journalism class. (Of course, if I would have left the Records Office sooner instead of shooting the breeze with my sister and a friend, I wouldn’t have had that problem.) At least I didn’t need anything for that class because we are watching a movie.
Because of this event today, I have made myself susceptible to minor irritations. I've gotten nit-picky, critical, and impatient. Snippy, actually, is a good descriptive adjective right here. My sister, unfortunately, has received the butt-end of all this. My sincerest apologies.
I have Old Testament History homework to finish now. It’s going to be a long night most likely because I did not work on my assignment as much as I had opportunity to yesterday and over the extended weekend. I am really learning the consequences of my actions. I am convinced, though, that God in His mercy will enable me to come out on top by the night’s end.
12/07/06--Actually, God was merciful, and I did come out on top. I enjoyed my night very much and finished my assignment. Reading the Bible and journaling over it is great homework to have! God and I spent some quality time together, and He gave me a cheery mood and an optimism throughout that I know only by Him I had.
Oh, and Big Red now has a spare key.
Today has been one of those testy days. After my music lesson, I walked to my roommate’s Honda to retrieve my wallet and pay my private instructor for the metronome she had given me. She was waiting in her Honda (ironic), so I was hastily searching for my twenty when I remembered that I had used it for food at Wal-Mart. I’ll just have to write her a check. I found my pen in the front pocket of my purse, placed the keys I had been holding in the seat, grabbed my checkbook, and wrote out a check for twenty-three dollars. I was in such a hurry I didn’t even bother putting my wallet and checkbook back into my purse. I quickly locked the passenger door and returned to my teacher’s vehicle to deliver the check.
After Chapel I went to Big Red again for my flute and music because concert band sectional rehearsal was about to start. When I arrived at Big Red’s chilled metal body, I pulled the keys from my right jeans pocket and looked in shock. These aren’t Dana’s keys! These are Rachel’s keys! When I had checked to make sure Dana’s keys were in my pocket I felt Rachel’s keys and assumed they were the keys to Big Red. The black key with the fun red flower keychain was sitting in the front seat with my things, and I was officially locked out of the car.
I borrowed one of the spare flutes from Dr. Cox’s office for sectionals (Thank you, Dr. Cox.) and read from Allyssa’s music. (Thankfully, our piece has only one flute part, so it was the same music I was used to reading.) I didn’t get to eat the lunch I had brought between band and journalism, so my sister lended me money to get some snacks from the bookstore. A woman was buying several items in front of me, and I was, therefore, late for my journalism class. (Of course, if I would have left the Records Office sooner instead of shooting the breeze with my sister and a friend, I wouldn’t have had that problem.) At least I didn’t need anything for that class because we are watching a movie.
Because of this event today, I have made myself susceptible to minor irritations. I've gotten nit-picky, critical, and impatient. Snippy, actually, is a good descriptive adjective right here. My sister, unfortunately, has received the butt-end of all this. My sincerest apologies.
I have Old Testament History homework to finish now. It’s going to be a long night most likely because I did not work on my assignment as much as I had opportunity to yesterday and over the extended weekend. I am really learning the consequences of my actions. I am convinced, though, that God in His mercy will enable me to come out on top by the night’s end.
12/07/06--Actually, God was merciful, and I did come out on top. I enjoyed my night very much and finished my assignment. Reading the Bible and journaling over it is great homework to have! God and I spent some quality time together, and He gave me a cheery mood and an optimism throughout that I know only by Him I had.
Oh, and Big Red now has a spare key.
Monday, December 04, 2006
I Love the Holidays!
Some quick Hovis Thanksgiving highlights:
- My cousin Shelby playing with the Flarp silly putty and refusing to acknowledge Shawn's presence
- My dad making fun of Shauna (and vice-versa) throughout the entire Thanksgiving dinner
- Going out with my friends to El Durango then to the swings where Deidre threw up
- Shawn living on his throne (aka the green recliner)
- Dad and Larry on the guitars
- Spice carrot cake anyone?
- Shopping with Shawn
Okay, so that has been out of my system for a while now. It's the Christmas season! I am very excited about Christmas this year. Hanging of the Green helped kicked it off at MBU. Allusion sung some songs, In Charactre performed a short take, and then everyone stood in the Mabee Great Hall, counted down from five, and watched all the lights come on across campus. After refreshments and visiting, the Spirit Wing/Closer/Faithful concert began. It was great! Fantastic performances, Robyn, Lauren, Jenny, Rob, and everyone!
Things got even better when the Worship History and Leadership class led Chapel last Thursday. Keith and Jeremy led worship (hooray!) and the speaker (I regret not knowing his name) brought the Christmas story to life with a fresh perspective. He focused on Isaiah 9 about the coming Messiah and gave some background using a Greek word and explaining briefly how to use the study helps in study Bibles. I was really glad he shared that information with the student body because it is so important and can be so helpful for all of us students. In short, Chapel was awesome.
The Christmas Chapel is coming up this Thursday featuring Spirit Wing. I am looking forward to it.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Alphabet Soup of a Blog Post
First and foremost, I want to release another prayer request. A friend I met in high school has been through some tough times, climaxed by being diagnosed with skin cancer. She finished her first round of chemotherapy treatments recently and has a very weak immune system. Right now she has strep throat and has not been able to care for her little baby girl, Addie, in about two weeks. Her aunt and uncle have been taking care of Addie. Even though I haven't seen my friend in around two years, I've been deeply bothered by her trail of events and have been following her condition via email. Pray for her faith and immune system to strengthen, her health to improve, and for her ability to love on and care for Addie. Also pray for the endurance and faith of her aunt and uncle and the rest of her family. God's healing and sustaining grace will provide; God will answer our prayers for He is faithful. Thank you.
Now for a few paragraphs about Homecoming...
Homecoming chapel was in the gym, as usual, and four athletes shared their testimonies and life stories. It was good.
Homecoming was the best for me when Fiddler on the Roof began. Friday night's show was awesome! Everybody did great, and the musical was hilarious. I loved Jose Silva and Dr. Cox on the clarinets!
After the musical, my roommates and I took the seemingly long, bitterly cold trek to the gymnasium for The Perk. It definitely smelled good in there, and I enjoyed listening to my talented fellow peers.
Enough about that. Thanksgiving is only one and half days away! Turkey Day is one of my favorite times of the year--fun with family, great food, relaxation during football... oh, yeah, and the awesome church dinner!
Celebration weekend was last Sunday. My church family, Meadow Heights, just wrapped up the NEXT series with ImagineNEXT. (For more information, you can probably visit the site to the right.) Five hundred of us met in the high school gym to celebrate what God is doing in us and through us, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Plankrode Inn catered, and a group unofficially named the Giant Elves by Michael Goldsmith sung some Christmas songs after the feast. Mmm... fun times with MH!
That's all for now. With the good times and a bad time of the weekend and week, I have plenty to be thankful for. Praise God for His grace and mercy, my blessings, and how He is going to move in my friend's life!
Now for a few paragraphs about Homecoming...
Homecoming chapel was in the gym, as usual, and four athletes shared their testimonies and life stories. It was good.
Homecoming was the best for me when Fiddler on the Roof began. Friday night's show was awesome! Everybody did great, and the musical was hilarious. I loved Jose Silva and Dr. Cox on the clarinets!
After the musical, my roommates and I took the seemingly long, bitterly cold trek to the gymnasium for The Perk. It definitely smelled good in there, and I enjoyed listening to my talented fellow peers.
Enough about that. Thanksgiving is only one and half days away! Turkey Day is one of my favorite times of the year--fun with family, great food, relaxation during football... oh, yeah, and the awesome church dinner!
Celebration weekend was last Sunday. My church family, Meadow Heights, just wrapped up the NEXT series with ImagineNEXT. (For more information, you can probably visit the site to the right.) Five hundred of us met in the high school gym to celebrate what God is doing in us and through us, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Plankrode Inn catered, and a group unofficially named the Giant Elves by Michael Goldsmith sung some Christmas songs after the feast. Mmm... fun times with MH!
That's all for now. With the good times and a bad time of the weekend and week, I have plenty to be thankful for. Praise God for His grace and mercy, my blessings, and how He is going to move in my friend's life!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
"Revive Me" and a Request for Prayer
Consider my affliction and please deliver me/Plead my cause and redeem me/Salvation is not for the wicked/For they don't seek your word/Great are your tender mercies, Lord/Revive me, according to your loving kindness/Revive me, that I may seek your word/Revive me, according to your loving kindness/Revive me, oh Lord/You give me understanding/According to your word/Great peace for those who seek your face/I long for salvation/My lips shall praise your name/I rejoice in the treasure of your keep/Chorus/For all my ways are before you/I let your hand become my help/My soul longs and adores you/Let my cry come before you, oh Lord/Chorus/Oh, Revive me/Revive me
This is the song that seemed to echo my heart Tuesday afternoon and this morning. Around four o'clock yesterday I called my mom to check up on her. She had an appointment that day with her arthritis doctor at Barnes Jewish Hospital. The appointment didn't go well.
September 30, 2005, my mom had surgery to remove a nodule on her foot. She contracted strep and staph infections in her foot, most likely from the surgery. She had surgery again on my dad's birthday, June 23. It has been an on-going saga--her foot isn't healing. Because of the arthritis medications she has taken over the years, my mom's immune system is ineffective for her foot. She's been passed back and forth like a hot potato between Appleman Pediatry in Cape Girardeau and a wound specialist in the Wound Care Center at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Nothing is being done! She is a tough case, I'll admit, but isn't there something they can do? She can't take her medication for rheumatoid arthritis now because it interferes with her foot's "healing," so without God's care, she'll likely be sore for the holidays.
Yesterday she found out that the hole in her foot is growing deeper, and she's supposed to get a second MRI done to check for infection in the bone. At worst, her foot would have to be... you know. After I got off the phone with Mom, who has maintained a fantastic and, for the most part, optimistic attitude about the whole thing, I filled my sister in on Mom's status. I then went out to the car and wept.
This has to be so difficult for Mom. Can you imagine the emotional struggle? She's been through so much pain throughout the majority of her life--and for her to know that her body isn't able to repair itself! At least in this situation anyway. She has a cold right now, and I'm confident she'll get over it just fine.
I'm deeply burdened over the whole thing and frustrated with how the doctors have handled Mom's situation. My aunt Cindy, a very good nurse, has done more than anyone, in my opinion. Many are praying for my mom, but the more the merrier, so please pray for her. God will answer in His timing.
In light of this situation, the events that took place this morning are not worth writing about.
"Revive me... Let my cry come before you, oh Lord."
This is the song that seemed to echo my heart Tuesday afternoon and this morning. Around four o'clock yesterday I called my mom to check up on her. She had an appointment that day with her arthritis doctor at Barnes Jewish Hospital. The appointment didn't go well.
September 30, 2005, my mom had surgery to remove a nodule on her foot. She contracted strep and staph infections in her foot, most likely from the surgery. She had surgery again on my dad's birthday, June 23. It has been an on-going saga--her foot isn't healing. Because of the arthritis medications she has taken over the years, my mom's immune system is ineffective for her foot. She's been passed back and forth like a hot potato between Appleman Pediatry in Cape Girardeau and a wound specialist in the Wound Care Center at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Nothing is being done! She is a tough case, I'll admit, but isn't there something they can do? She can't take her medication for rheumatoid arthritis now because it interferes with her foot's "healing," so without God's care, she'll likely be sore for the holidays.
Yesterday she found out that the hole in her foot is growing deeper, and she's supposed to get a second MRI done to check for infection in the bone. At worst, her foot would have to be... you know. After I got off the phone with Mom, who has maintained a fantastic and, for the most part, optimistic attitude about the whole thing, I filled my sister in on Mom's status. I then went out to the car and wept.
This has to be so difficult for Mom. Can you imagine the emotional struggle? She's been through so much pain throughout the majority of her life--and for her to know that her body isn't able to repair itself! At least in this situation anyway. She has a cold right now, and I'm confident she'll get over it just fine.
I'm deeply burdened over the whole thing and frustrated with how the doctors have handled Mom's situation. My aunt Cindy, a very good nurse, has done more than anyone, in my opinion. Many are praying for my mom, but the more the merrier, so please pray for her. God will answer in His timing.
In light of this situation, the events that took place this morning are not worth writing about.
"Revive me... Let my cry come before you, oh Lord."
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
"Christmas on Broadway"
Today, we MBU banders got our new music for the upcoming Christmas concert! Hooray! It's a medley of Christmas tunes from different Broadway musicals like Babes in Toyland and A Christmas Carol. We also got other music too.
We just had our first concert Friday, October 27. It went well. Dr. Cox threw in a joke or two about the World Series (Game 5 was that night), and all of us in the band were dressed in "concert black" playing the music we had been working on all semester. We had some flub-ups, but I suspect the audience did not notice all of them--at least I hope not! :)
I played the tough Chester overture possibly better than I ever had before, but Black Horse Troop was rough for me. I almost butchered the end--the part in which Dr. Cox wanted to feature the high woodwinds. Hopefully, Allyssa's piccolo helped lessen my rough time.
Anyway, the concert lasted about a half-hour. Everyone then cleared out and, most likely, rushed home to watch the ball game... Excuse me, I mean watch the Cardinals win the World Series.
We just had our first concert Friday, October 27. It went well. Dr. Cox threw in a joke or two about the World Series (Game 5 was that night), and all of us in the band were dressed in "concert black" playing the music we had been working on all semester. We had some flub-ups, but I suspect the audience did not notice all of them--at least I hope not! :)
I played the tough Chester overture possibly better than I ever had before, but Black Horse Troop was rough for me. I almost butchered the end--the part in which Dr. Cox wanted to feature the high woodwinds. Hopefully, Allyssa's piccolo helped lessen my rough time.
Anyway, the concert lasted about a half-hour. Everyone then cleared out and, most likely, rushed home to watch the ball game... Excuse me, I mean watch the Cardinals win the World Series.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Boullion Cubes! [Gag!]
Rachel has given me permission to tell this story...
So Rachel was going to make beef stroganoff (think Hamburger Helper) in the crock pot for our meal last Tuesday. We were having some friends over (read the last post), and Rachel was kind of nervous about how the food would turn out.
After sitting all day, Rachel and I came home to the apartment and checked on the beef stroganoff. That sucker was HOT! Even with a timer, the crock pot had been on too long. The real problem wasn't the steamy beef stroganoff but rather the one cup of boullion cubes Rachel had added (the recipe called for it). I decided I was game and tried a fork full of it...
"Rachel, can I spit it out?" It wasn't even worth swallowing. It was extremely salty and distasteful (not to mention it looked gross). Rachel had to make a mad dash to Schnuck's that is nearby to make a quick beef stroganoff on the stove. The crock pot sat to the side and soaked in water. It looked so disgusting--definitely not like food, if you catch my drift.
My mom's expertise cleared things up for us. Boullion cubes are strong and are used to make broth. You can put one cube into a glass of water and get broth. It is implied in the recipe to mix a boullion cube in water and pour one cup of the mixture into the beef stroganoff.
Now any time something is "inferred," we can compare it to the inferred boullion cubes (which will never make their way into our home again--hopefully.)
So Rachel was going to make beef stroganoff (think Hamburger Helper) in the crock pot for our meal last Tuesday. We were having some friends over (read the last post), and Rachel was kind of nervous about how the food would turn out.
After sitting all day, Rachel and I came home to the apartment and checked on the beef stroganoff. That sucker was HOT! Even with a timer, the crock pot had been on too long. The real problem wasn't the steamy beef stroganoff but rather the one cup of boullion cubes Rachel had added (the recipe called for it). I decided I was game and tried a fork full of it...
"Rachel, can I spit it out?" It wasn't even worth swallowing. It was extremely salty and distasteful (not to mention it looked gross). Rachel had to make a mad dash to Schnuck's that is nearby to make a quick beef stroganoff on the stove. The crock pot sat to the side and soaked in water. It looked so disgusting--definitely not like food, if you catch my drift.
My mom's expertise cleared things up for us. Boullion cubes are strong and are used to make broth. You can put one cube into a glass of water and get broth. It is implied in the recipe to mix a boullion cube in water and pour one cup of the mixture into the beef stroganoff.
Now any time something is "inferred," we can compare it to the inferred boullion cubes (which will never make their way into our home again--hopefully.)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
It's Been a While...
It's been eleven days since I've blogged. That may be the longest break I've taken from my blog. Anyway, just to fill you in on what's been going on in my neck of the woods...
I think I'd ramble on and on if I really got started on the World Series, so let me just say I will be purchasing a box of Chris Carpenter edition Wheaties. (I like Wheaties anyway.) The box will probably ride in front with me on the way back to the apartment and be separated from the actual bag of cereal almost immediately upon arrival to the apartment.
Regarding other things, my life group (small group) gained a new member yesterday. I was and am still excited about it. He graduated from high school with me last spring, and I was so pleased to hear that he is going to college up here and is living so close to us. (He lives on Page; we live on Olive.) I was so happy last night that I was actually a little unlike myself. I'm pretty low-key, so when I joke excessively or can't sit still, you know I'm excited/extra happy. I love gettting new members, especially people I know!
Tonight, we had some friends over for supper, and the crock pot experience we had was very entertaining and gross to my roommates and myself. I might elaborate on this if I get my sister's permission.
One more thing: If you don't have the Passion05 CD "How Great Is Our God," buy it! My sister and I ordered it online from BMG Music, and my mom brought it up with her when my dad and she came to visit last Friday. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites... Speaking of Passion, have you geared up for Passion07? It's going to be GRAND! Come praise God with the rest of us! If you're interested, visit http://www.268generation.com for more information, video clips/previews, the guestbook, and signing up! Mmmm... John Piper-meaty.
I think I'd ramble on and on if I really got started on the World Series, so let me just say I will be purchasing a box of Chris Carpenter edition Wheaties. (I like Wheaties anyway.) The box will probably ride in front with me on the way back to the apartment and be separated from the actual bag of cereal almost immediately upon arrival to the apartment.
Regarding other things, my life group (small group) gained a new member yesterday. I was and am still excited about it. He graduated from high school with me last spring, and I was so pleased to hear that he is going to college up here and is living so close to us. (He lives on Page; we live on Olive.) I was so happy last night that I was actually a little unlike myself. I'm pretty low-key, so when I joke excessively or can't sit still, you know I'm excited/extra happy. I love gettting new members, especially people I know!
Tonight, we had some friends over for supper, and the crock pot experience we had was very entertaining and gross to my roommates and myself. I might elaborate on this if I get my sister's permission.
One more thing: If you don't have the Passion05 CD "How Great Is Our God," buy it! My sister and I ordered it online from BMG Music, and my mom brought it up with her when my dad and she came to visit last Friday. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites... Speaking of Passion, have you geared up for Passion07? It's going to be GRAND! Come praise God with the rest of us! If you're interested, visit http://www.268generation.com for more information, video clips/previews, the guestbook, and signing up! Mmmm... John Piper-meaty.
Friday, October 20, 2006
The Unforgetable Forgetful Monday
Last Monday was the last time my night class met. Before my night class each week, my roommates and I go out to eat, and we rotate on who decides where. This time it was Dana's turn, and she chose McDonald's. Basically, my purse went in with me but didn't go out with me. I realized it was gone while we were on our way back to Mobap. So I went to my class, took my final (that only took about fifteen minutes) while Dana and Rachel went back to retrieve my purse.
Earlier, before continental breakfast at our apartmetn complex, I lost one of my earrings. Dana found it later.
After my night class, I hung out in the Bywaters Lounge until Dana and Rachel arrived. My orange Starbucks water bottle had went in with me but didn't go out with me. It is still MIA.
Being absent-minded is not particularly convenient, but everyone has these days, right? It's amusing to look back on the day, and even though I still haven't located my snazzy orange Starbucks water bottle, I've aquired a new favorite cup to drink out of at the apartment. It's transparent yellow with opaque tropical flowers. I like it; it's good.
Earlier, before continental breakfast at our apartmetn complex, I lost one of my earrings. Dana found it later.
After my night class, I hung out in the Bywaters Lounge until Dana and Rachel arrived. My orange Starbucks water bottle had went in with me but didn't go out with me. It is still MIA.
Being absent-minded is not particularly convenient, but everyone has these days, right? It's amusing to look back on the day, and even though I still haven't located my snazzy orange Starbucks water bottle, I've aquired a new favorite cup to drink out of at the apartment. It's transparent yellow with opaque tropical flowers. I like it; it's good.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
I've Been Running on Adrenaline for an Hour and Twenty-Five Now
I'm flabbergasted!
I'm elated!
I'm awed!
I'm... almost speechless!
The Cards are going to the World Series, and I've been posting comments on friends' Facebook walls since Wainwright's strikeout of Beltran! Oh, my, what a night!
When we won, I had to leave the room for a moment because I could barely stand it. Seriously, the 83-78 Cards going to the Fall Classic? Beating the best team in the National League in the NLCS? Wow!! This may take a long time to fully get over, and Game 1 of the Series is Saturday night! It might be a little too soon--I need to catch my breath!
A quick rundown of NLCS Game 7 events: Jeff Suppan pitched an awesome game, Rolen came close to homering but didn't, Molina took care of that in the ninth (making the score 3-1), and even though he made it interesting, Wainwright finished what Sup started for a Cards victory.
Yes, it feels good. Let's hope we don't--dare I mention it?--go down in four this year.
Congratulations, Cardinals! You make it so fun to live in St. Louis!
I'm elated!
I'm awed!
I'm... almost speechless!
The Cards are going to the World Series, and I've been posting comments on friends' Facebook walls since Wainwright's strikeout of Beltran! Oh, my, what a night!
When we won, I had to leave the room for a moment because I could barely stand it. Seriously, the 83-78 Cards going to the Fall Classic? Beating the best team in the National League in the NLCS? Wow!! This may take a long time to fully get over, and Game 1 of the Series is Saturday night! It might be a little too soon--I need to catch my breath!
A quick rundown of NLCS Game 7 events: Jeff Suppan pitched an awesome game, Rolen came close to homering but didn't, Molina took care of that in the ninth (making the score 3-1), and even though he made it interesting, Wainwright finished what Sup started for a Cards victory.
Yes, it feels good. Let's hope we don't--dare I mention it?--go down in four this year.
Congratulations, Cardinals! You make it so fun to live in St. Louis!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
What Collegiate Seminar has Taught Me
Collegiate Seminar is a required class for all freshmen. Despite the popular belief that there is nothing to gain from this class besides good reading material (How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski and The Call by Os Guinness), the class could be life-changing if you let it.
Near the beginning of the semester, we had to write a "personal assessment paper" that discussed the factors that have made us who we are today. In approaching this assignment, I made a list of factors and ranked them. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) was at the top of my list. I was born with RP--an eye disease that causes night blindness and limited/no peripheral vision or as my biology II text described it: "apathy of the retina." Growing up with RP has no doubt impacted my life, but it wasn't until Collegiate Seminar that God convicted me to use it for His glory.
Whoa. It was like the light came on for the first time. I had wondered from time to time that maybe God has not taken away this "thorn" because He could receive glory through my unique testimony, but I never realized that by trying to hide it I was actually hindering God's glory from being reflected in my life.
The public school system has taught me to hide it the best I can by not assisting me very well when I was little and supplying plenty of embarrassing moments through my peers. For example, I was still required to take P.E. when I was little and participate in some of the games. Because I don't have very much peripheral vision, a ball could fly my way and I'd never see it--only feel it. Ouch! You can throw a ball at me, and I wouldn't know it's comin' (please don't try it).
Anyway, God basically pointed out to me, "Hey! How are you going to bring glory to My Name if nobody knows about it?" I'm pressing through and rising to the occasion, which is very good news in light of RP. I've come to realize this through other people's comments; I actually don't look at it this way. I view myself as being just like everyone else when it comes to setting standards for myself (I set a very high standard, partly because I'm perfectionistic).
If I come out of Collegiate Seminar with only this revelation from God, that's fine with me.
Near the beginning of the semester, we had to write a "personal assessment paper" that discussed the factors that have made us who we are today. In approaching this assignment, I made a list of factors and ranked them. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) was at the top of my list. I was born with RP--an eye disease that causes night blindness and limited/no peripheral vision or as my biology II text described it: "apathy of the retina." Growing up with RP has no doubt impacted my life, but it wasn't until Collegiate Seminar that God convicted me to use it for His glory.
Whoa. It was like the light came on for the first time. I had wondered from time to time that maybe God has not taken away this "thorn" because He could receive glory through my unique testimony, but I never realized that by trying to hide it I was actually hindering God's glory from being reflected in my life.
The public school system has taught me to hide it the best I can by not assisting me very well when I was little and supplying plenty of embarrassing moments through my peers. For example, I was still required to take P.E. when I was little and participate in some of the games. Because I don't have very much peripheral vision, a ball could fly my way and I'd never see it--only feel it. Ouch! You can throw a ball at me, and I wouldn't know it's comin' (please don't try it).
Anyway, God basically pointed out to me, "Hey! How are you going to bring glory to My Name if nobody knows about it?" I'm pressing through and rising to the occasion, which is very good news in light of RP. I've come to realize this through other people's comments; I actually don't look at it this way. I view myself as being just like everyone else when it comes to setting standards for myself (I set a very high standard, partly because I'm perfectionistic).
If I come out of Collegiate Seminar with only this revelation from God, that's fine with me.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Foundations Retreat, Part 2
So during an inning of the game I showered, and Megan and I headed down to the conference room once the game was over. (Believe me, I didn't miss anything in that innning.) Jeremy, Kyle, and Keith had their guitars going when we came in, and Allicia and Brandon were already there singing with them. Another man joined us later.
From about ten to midnight, we sung whatever songs came to mind, and it was during that time that this event started feeling like a retreat for me. I cannot express enough the enjoyment of a down-to-earth fellowship with gifted musicians and blessed vocals. (I sung, but I by no means was a part of the groups I just mentioned.) I love music so much, especially music for the King.
My love for just hanging out and praising God in a small, casual setting probably spawned from the times family would come up from Arkansas, and my dad and uncles--and sometimes my cousins--would get out their guitars and we'd sing old hymns or country classics. Mmm... I love it!
Friday morning, we had a nice buffet breakfast and our last meeting. We went around the conference room telling our "journey to MBU" and what may be in our future as well as explaining our calling or where God was leading us. God is working in the hearts of us young people, and I am so encouraged. It should set our hearts and souls ablaze for the glory of the Father and His Kingdom and the movement He is creating in our generation.
From about ten to midnight, we sung whatever songs came to mind, and it was during that time that this event started feeling like a retreat for me. I cannot express enough the enjoyment of a down-to-earth fellowship with gifted musicians and blessed vocals. (I sung, but I by no means was a part of the groups I just mentioned.) I love music so much, especially music for the King.
My love for just hanging out and praising God in a small, casual setting probably spawned from the times family would come up from Arkansas, and my dad and uncles--and sometimes my cousins--would get out their guitars and we'd sing old hymns or country classics. Mmm... I love it!
Friday morning, we had a nice buffet breakfast and our last meeting. We went around the conference room telling our "journey to MBU" and what may be in our future as well as explaining our calling or where God was leading us. God is working in the hearts of us young people, and I am so encouraged. It should set our hearts and souls ablaze for the glory of the Father and His Kingdom and the movement He is creating in our generation.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Foundations Retreat, Part 1
This Thursday and Friday I went to the Doubletree hotel off I-270 and Page for a retreat. It was mandatory for my Foundations for Christian Ministry class. I have to admit before the event I was not looking forward it. It was complicating my life because I had to finish homework early for classes I was going to miss.
Well, now that it is over, my tune has changed considerably. I loved it! I met and learned of so many of my peers who were in the same field as me. Religion, religious ed., ministry and leadership, and worship arts majors were able to come together and fellowship with one another while taking care of some serious "college career" business.
For our first official meeting, we ate at Ryan's--the restaurant with the most awesome macaroni and cheese ever--where Dr. McClain was cracking me up most of the time. Later that evening, we had our first session in an elaborate conference room that provides half-pint Ice Mountain waters for everybody. (Mmm... quality!) After the session, most of us tuned into the ball game and watched the Cards lose. Then some of us reconvened in the conference room for some time of praise and fellowship. (Whip out the guitars!)
That was my favorite. For those of you who know my love for music, you're probably not surprised. I'll tell more about this and give a wrap of the retreat in my next post.
Well, now that it is over, my tune has changed considerably. I loved it! I met and learned of so many of my peers who were in the same field as me. Religion, religious ed., ministry and leadership, and worship arts majors were able to come together and fellowship with one another while taking care of some serious "college career" business.
For our first official meeting, we ate at Ryan's--the restaurant with the most awesome macaroni and cheese ever--where Dr. McClain was cracking me up most of the time. Later that evening, we had our first session in an elaborate conference room that provides half-pint Ice Mountain waters for everybody. (Mmm... quality!) After the session, most of us tuned into the ball game and watched the Cards lose. Then some of us reconvened in the conference room for some time of praise and fellowship. (Whip out the guitars!)
That was my favorite. For those of you who know my love for music, you're probably not surprised. I'll tell more about this and give a wrap of the retreat in my next post.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Shall We Gather at the Chapel?
Let me tell you, Chapel has been AWESOME so far! I am so pleased. This is part of what makes a Christian university special--not to mention prayer before some classes and Mr. Johnson's readings of Proverbs in intro to philosophy. I love being able to praise God with my classmates.
And who could forget the one and only campus pastor Jonathan White? (By the way, he has a blog too: http://www.jonathan4one.blogspot.com.) Yeah, he's a humble, God-fearing man with a fantastic personality.
Let's not forget the music either. I know that when it comes to praising God, it's about God not us (except our satisfaction in Him), but I just want to say that the Chapel band does a phenomenal job. I love music, and when we sing songs like "Sing to the King," "Marvelous Light," and all those other ones, I'd prefer them not to end. I think "Came to My Rescue" and "Majesty (Here I Am)" would be some good songs to sing in Chapel. My church family and I sing them sometimes, and I almost always get emotional in the presence of God.
A great spiritual rain is coming. Can you feel it? I can't wait to see how God is going to turn MBU upside-down. It's like that Delirious? song: "Open up our hearts. Rain down. All around the world we're singin' rain down." It seems like that's the heart of MBU--glorifying the Father for the joy of all peoples (John Piper).
And who could forget the one and only campus pastor Jonathan White? (By the way, he has a blog too: http://www.jonathan4one.blogspot.com.) Yeah, he's a humble, God-fearing man with a fantastic personality.
Let's not forget the music either. I know that when it comes to praising God, it's about God not us (except our satisfaction in Him), but I just want to say that the Chapel band does a phenomenal job. I love music, and when we sing songs like "Sing to the King," "Marvelous Light," and all those other ones, I'd prefer them not to end. I think "Came to My Rescue" and "Majesty (Here I Am)" would be some good songs to sing in Chapel. My church family and I sing them sometimes, and I almost always get emotional in the presence of God.
A great spiritual rain is coming. Can you feel it? I can't wait to see how God is going to turn MBU upside-down. It's like that Delirious? song: "Open up our hearts. Rain down. All around the world we're singin' rain down." It seems like that's the heart of MBU--glorifying the Father for the joy of all peoples (John Piper).
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Kristi, is that You?
Being a college student has changed me considerably from who I was in high school. For example, I wear my clothes multiple times before getting them washed. I reuse dishes--something I would NOT do before unless it was a glass of water. Today, I grabbed a plate from the dish washer that I had used the night before for supper and reused it. Gross, right? I did it. After all, just food has been on it, and it has been rinsed. (That's how I make myself feel better about doing it.)
On a more serious and more sanitary note, I don't have the same pressure that I had in high school. If I was to be labeled then, I'd be the quiet Christian girl who likes sports and makes good grades. (People who really knew me knew I wasn't so quiet.) College is a fresh start: no reputation. If I don't do well on a quiz, no one knows to be shocked about it. It's great.
I thank God for my road to recovery to being genuine. I've reached the point to where I just want to be real. I can't tell you how great it is to be free from feeling the need to put on an act in high school. I was really self-conscious in high school, and I'm just not so much anymore.
I love how I've gotten to meet so many new people. I'm actually an introvert, but I'm working on being more open and friendly. During Welcome Weekend and the first two weeks of classes, I made myself initiate conversations (as bad as that sounds) because I really wanted to meet new people and establish new relationships. It's been good; I've connected.
So as you can see, college can change at least one part of someone's life pretty quick.
On a more serious and more sanitary note, I don't have the same pressure that I had in high school. If I was to be labeled then, I'd be the quiet Christian girl who likes sports and makes good grades. (People who really knew me knew I wasn't so quiet.) College is a fresh start: no reputation. If I don't do well on a quiz, no one knows to be shocked about it. It's great.
I thank God for my road to recovery to being genuine. I've reached the point to where I just want to be real. I can't tell you how great it is to be free from feeling the need to put on an act in high school. I was really self-conscious in high school, and I'm just not so much anymore.
I love how I've gotten to meet so many new people. I'm actually an introvert, but I'm working on being more open and friendly. During Welcome Weekend and the first two weeks of classes, I made myself initiate conversations (as bad as that sounds) because I really wanted to meet new people and establish new relationships. It's been good; I've connected.
So as you can see, college can change at least one part of someone's life pretty quick.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Thanks, Friend!
My friend Tracy gave me part of my birthday gift on the weekend of my birthday but forgot some of it at her dorm at MIZZOU. One day she IMed me and asked for my address--I knew she up to something. Just the other day I got home from school and a package was waiting for me outside the door of my apartment. She had sent me a photo album for me to store all my pictures I'll be taking or be in during college. She also sent some Tony Stewart stickers (hilarious!) and an awesome card. It was the words she wrote that made her gift special to me though. I didn't know I meant so much to her, and getting to read such kind words in black and white felt good. She's always meant so much to me. We respect each other's interests and support each other and have invested in each other's lives for years. Thanks, Tracy, for everything. I love you very much!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
The Empty Nest
With both of their daughters out of the house and living in St. Louis, my parents are going through the adjustment stage in life. It's interesting to observe how they handle it differently. My mom keeps to herself and is truly happy about Rachel and I be able to do what we're doing by the grace of God. She is adjusting, but she is keeping a clear and good perspective on the big picture.
My dad is another story...
Allow me to give a little background info on my dad before I continue. My dad is great. He has a solid foundation of Christ, can be extremely lame and funny, and seems to be able to build, repair, or maintain anything. He can turn nothing into something. He's good at that. He is analytical and, at least he appears to me, brave. We have so much fun watching baseball together and M*A*S*H reruns, in which we can quote almost any line. (One time, we spent an entire trip in Wal-Mart quoting and laughing about National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.)
Now for the nitty-gritty. My dad does NOT like our being gone and wants us to be home every weekend. Though he knows it is a good thing for us to be in St. Louis working and/or going to school, he still has trouble coping with the fact that our lives are primarily up here and not in Fredericktown. I understand he is adjusting; that is not the problem. The problem is that he is very apparent and "jokingly" (as he says) gives guilt trips (though he says he intends for them not to be). Consequently, my sister and I feel an obligation to be home on the weekends.
This wouldn't be as big of a problem if my sister and I were not so involved in church. My dad has the strong belief that because our church family is a Baptist church, it couldn't go very deep in Christ. According to him, they don't have the revelation he has. I have a problem with this: he bashes our church family when he has only been at a gathering a few times? He sterotypes Baptist churches and is convinced that our service as a part of one is a waste of time?! It seems he fails to consider that some kids don't get to go home every weekend. It'd be great if he was grateful for our just being home on the weekends.
I don't want to put my dad in a bad light. I want to reiterate how a great a man he is. I don't want to dishonor him. I know that if he knew I was even writing this he'd be upset.
I am writing this because fellow students can identify with this pain that we experience with our parents. One handles it well; one doesn't. One keeps it in perspective; one blames other things and "unintentionally" gives guilt trips. (For example, "I won't always be around, you know.")
If you are in the situation in which you have a parent who seems to be extra paranoid and is having trouble letting go, try something my dad uses on my grandmother sometimes and my sister in turn uses on my dad:
When your parent expresses some paranoia or negativity, turn it into a joke. Your parent will probably laugh off your response, and his or her mind will be at ease. For example, my sister and I were going to cross the road from the Wa-Mart in Desloge to McDonald's. My dad said something to the effect of, "Be careful crossing the street. Make sure you look both ways for the cars." My sister wittingly replied, "No, Dad, we're just going to walk right out in front of the traffic."
"Ha, ha, ha..." He laughed it off, and the paranoia subsided.
Pretty cool, huh?
My dad is another story...
Allow me to give a little background info on my dad before I continue. My dad is great. He has a solid foundation of Christ, can be extremely lame and funny, and seems to be able to build, repair, or maintain anything. He can turn nothing into something. He's good at that. He is analytical and, at least he appears to me, brave. We have so much fun watching baseball together and M*A*S*H reruns, in which we can quote almost any line. (One time, we spent an entire trip in Wal-Mart quoting and laughing about National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.)
Now for the nitty-gritty. My dad does NOT like our being gone and wants us to be home every weekend. Though he knows it is a good thing for us to be in St. Louis working and/or going to school, he still has trouble coping with the fact that our lives are primarily up here and not in Fredericktown. I understand he is adjusting; that is not the problem. The problem is that he is very apparent and "jokingly" (as he says) gives guilt trips (though he says he intends for them not to be). Consequently, my sister and I feel an obligation to be home on the weekends.
This wouldn't be as big of a problem if my sister and I were not so involved in church. My dad has the strong belief that because our church family is a Baptist church, it couldn't go very deep in Christ. According to him, they don't have the revelation he has. I have a problem with this: he bashes our church family when he has only been at a gathering a few times? He sterotypes Baptist churches and is convinced that our service as a part of one is a waste of time?! It seems he fails to consider that some kids don't get to go home every weekend. It'd be great if he was grateful for our just being home on the weekends.
I don't want to put my dad in a bad light. I want to reiterate how a great a man he is. I don't want to dishonor him. I know that if he knew I was even writing this he'd be upset.
I am writing this because fellow students can identify with this pain that we experience with our parents. One handles it well; one doesn't. One keeps it in perspective; one blames other things and "unintentionally" gives guilt trips. (For example, "I won't always be around, you know.")
If you are in the situation in which you have a parent who seems to be extra paranoid and is having trouble letting go, try something my dad uses on my grandmother sometimes and my sister in turn uses on my dad:
When your parent expresses some paranoia or negativity, turn it into a joke. Your parent will probably laugh off your response, and his or her mind will be at ease. For example, my sister and I were going to cross the road from the Wa-Mart in Desloge to McDonald's. My dad said something to the effect of, "Be careful crossing the street. Make sure you look both ways for the cars." My sister wittingly replied, "No, Dad, we're just going to walk right out in front of the traffic."
"Ha, ha, ha..." He laughed it off, and the paranoia subsided.
Pretty cool, huh?
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Mmm... FREE C.C. I. C.
Mmm.... So my sister received a text message from one of friends in KC, MO, saying that ColdStone Creamery was offering FREE ice cream from 5-8.
I forgot to mention anything about it until she came home from work. (I had her cell phone during the day and checked her text.) We went to action almost immediately--located the nearest C.C. (which happened to be right down the road), called to make sure it was for St. Louis locations, and headed for the car. It was 7:38 when we arrived. [Sigh] We made it with twenty-two minutes to spare!
The FREE ice cream flavor (Cole's Creation) was created by a boy from the Make a Wish Foundation.--Isn't he nice?--It was chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips, sprinkles, and maybe something else. It was a little too rich and chocolate-y for me, but no complaints, right? It's FREE.
It was fun getting to do something random like going out for FREE ice cream. We were texting some friends to spread the word. Everyone should have a chance for FREE ice cream, right? I know you agree. Maybe next time something like this comes along, I'll put it on here. All who read this should go. Yeah, I like that. That sounds like fun.
I forgot to mention anything about it until she came home from work. (I had her cell phone during the day and checked her text.) We went to action almost immediately--located the nearest C.C. (which happened to be right down the road), called to make sure it was for St. Louis locations, and headed for the car. It was 7:38 when we arrived. [Sigh] We made it with twenty-two minutes to spare!
The FREE ice cream flavor (Cole's Creation) was created by a boy from the Make a Wish Foundation.--Isn't he nice?--It was chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips, sprinkles, and maybe something else. It was a little too rich and chocolate-y for me, but no complaints, right? It's FREE.
It was fun getting to do something random like going out for FREE ice cream. We were texting some friends to spread the word. Everyone should have a chance for FREE ice cream, right? I know you agree. Maybe next time something like this comes along, I'll put it on here. All who read this should go. Yeah, I like that. That sounds like fun.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
White Lily
Today I went to Classic Framers, a picture and frame store that is closing, to buy a mat for my new frame. While the friendly and helpful woman (whom I am assuming is the store owner) was assembling my picture frame, I walked to the left side of the store to view the works of art on display. One captured my attention almost immediately.
The flower on the water seemed to rise off the canvas like a picture in a pop-up book. I greatly appreciate this skill that some artists have. I actually had to study it for a while to realize it indeed was not protruding from the surface. The entire work was rich in color and lighting.
I can't get over how real it seemed.
I continued on, studying some other pictures and looking for the story behind them. This one picture was of a woman dressed in an old-fashioned dress and a brimmed hat outside among flowers and shrubs on a hillside. She was looking down with an almost disturbing expression on her face. She didn't look happy like I expected. This may sound crazy, but I felt sorry that she didn't have a beautiful smile but rather a look of disgust or dissatisfaction; I know she'd be beautiful if she was smiling.
I gazed at other pictures, but my eyes kept returning to the white lily. It stood out among the rest, like it demanded attention. It seemed to capture something I see in myself. It made me feel genuine and vulnerable.
The credit of this fine and touching work of art, White Lily, belongs to Tim Gray. It is for sale at Classic Framers for $185.
The flower on the water seemed to rise off the canvas like a picture in a pop-up book. I greatly appreciate this skill that some artists have. I actually had to study it for a while to realize it indeed was not protruding from the surface. The entire work was rich in color and lighting.
I can't get over how real it seemed.
I continued on, studying some other pictures and looking for the story behind them. This one picture was of a woman dressed in an old-fashioned dress and a brimmed hat outside among flowers and shrubs on a hillside. She was looking down with an almost disturbing expression on her face. She didn't look happy like I expected. This may sound crazy, but I felt sorry that she didn't have a beautiful smile but rather a look of disgust or dissatisfaction; I know she'd be beautiful if she was smiling.
I gazed at other pictures, but my eyes kept returning to the white lily. It stood out among the rest, like it demanded attention. It seemed to capture something I see in myself. It made me feel genuine and vulnerable.
The credit of this fine and touching work of art, White Lily, belongs to Tim Gray. It is for sale at Classic Framers for $185.
Monday, September 25, 2006
"When you're here, you're family."
Happy birthday to me!
Last Friday, 9/22, my roommates and I went to the Olive Garden on St. Charles Rock Road for my birthday. I had never eaten there before, and since I like Italian, I thought it was about time I did.
Two words: Chicken Parmagiano.
Mmm... I ordered the Tour of Italy, which is basically three meals in one: lasagna, fettuccine alfredo (I had it altered to chicken alfredo), and my beloved chicken parmagiano. It was like I had never had chicken before.
I don't usually eat at a restaurant like the Olive Garden, so it was a different experience. It's one of those places where you get automatic appetizers (I'm not trying by best to sound like a hillbilly.); I had chunky vegetable soup while my compadres had salads.
I took my lasagna home and haven't eaten it yet, so I can't comment on it. The F.A. was about the best you can get, and I need not comment on the C.P. again.
Last Friday, 9/22, my roommates and I went to the Olive Garden on St. Charles Rock Road for my birthday. I had never eaten there before, and since I like Italian, I thought it was about time I did.
Two words: Chicken Parmagiano.
Mmm... I ordered the Tour of Italy, which is basically three meals in one: lasagna, fettuccine alfredo (I had it altered to chicken alfredo), and my beloved chicken parmagiano. It was like I had never had chicken before.
I don't usually eat at a restaurant like the Olive Garden, so it was a different experience. It's one of those places where you get automatic appetizers (I'm not trying by best to sound like a hillbilly.); I had chunky vegetable soup while my compadres had salads.
I took my lasagna home and haven't eaten it yet, so I can't comment on it. The F.A. was about the best you can get, and I need not comment on the C.P. again.
The Craze of Facebook, Part 2
Leaving off from my last post, the question here is how much intimacy with friends can you really achieve through online networks like Facebook?
The answer, I'm sorry to say, is not definite. It depends on how much use one gets of the network. When I was an occasional user, I didn't get much out of it. Now I feel like the network has given me a chance to catch up with some people as well as stay current in friends' lives more easily. Basically, the more you use Facebook, the more you have a use for Facebook. (That goes for other networks too.)
Even though I may sound harsh in my analysis of Facebook, I really am a supporter. I just think it's time to get real. Being addicted to Facebook? To use the words of Hank from the TV comedy Everybody Loves Raymond: "Why don't you just drink poison!"
However, it can be honey if you keep it in moderation.
So will I regress from my use of Facebook in the near future and direct my energy toward things demanding more of my time? Maybe...
The answer, I'm sorry to say, is not definite. It depends on how much use one gets of the network. When I was an occasional user, I didn't get much out of it. Now I feel like the network has given me a chance to catch up with some people as well as stay current in friends' lives more easily. Basically, the more you use Facebook, the more you have a use for Facebook. (That goes for other networks too.)
Even though I may sound harsh in my analysis of Facebook, I really am a supporter. I just think it's time to get real. Being addicted to Facebook? To use the words of Hank from the TV comedy Everybody Loves Raymond: "Why don't you just drink poison!"
However, it can be honey if you keep it in moderation.
So will I regress from my use of Facebook in the near future and direct my energy toward things demanding more of my time? Maybe...
Thursday, September 21, 2006
The Craze of Facebook, Part 1
I joined Facebook my senior year of high school (2005-06) and only about five people were in my network. I'd spread the word about it, and nobody seemed to care. I entered college and--WHOA! All of a sudden I'm making Facebook friends as fast as I talk. Even my former peers who could care less were on.
When school first began, I could say that I didn't get on Facebook that often. Over the course of four weeks, I have become a Facebook addict.
My symptoms include staying up all hours of the night making updates, inviting friends, and writing on walls. One night, I even had my sister up with me on Facebook.
"You know, Rachel, one of the signs of addiction is that you begin to hurt others."
My sister needs her sleep. (I, however, seem to be unconsciously trying to see how many consecutive nights I can go to bed after midnight.)
Another symptom of my addiction is that I try to justify my use of Facebook by claiming it is useful and productive. I'll touch more on this after this next paragraph.
You know, I'm not sure if I can explain how I moved from being an occasional Facebook user to an almost everyday user. I think it is like taking something out of context. I used to have Facebook in the correct perspective, but now I act like it is a ringing phone that must be answered. It is a paradox of sorts (like how cell phones are supposed to be more convenient and time-efficient but for many just complicate their lives).
Do we really want to be so "connected" that we have no time for solitary reflection? No time to sort out our own thoughts and gear them toward the Supreme? (There is even a network for movie lovers to find out if they are "movie compatible" with their friends.) The most productive social activity we can partake of is Christian fellowship. It seems we are more concerned with getting ourselves out there on the social map than with what is in us. After all, we need to strive for the balanced life. A social life is good, even necessary, but it should be kept within its boundaries as with the rest of the aspects of life.
The question is this: How much intimacy with friends can you really achieve through online networks like Facebook? I'll discuss this in "The Craze of Facebook, Part 2."
By the way, Chris Carpenter was awarded the N.L. Player of the Week (sponsored by Bank of America) for the record-tying third time this season. Woo-hoo!
When school first began, I could say that I didn't get on Facebook that often. Over the course of four weeks, I have become a Facebook addict.
My symptoms include staying up all hours of the night making updates, inviting friends, and writing on walls. One night, I even had my sister up with me on Facebook.
"You know, Rachel, one of the signs of addiction is that you begin to hurt others."
My sister needs her sleep. (I, however, seem to be unconsciously trying to see how many consecutive nights I can go to bed after midnight.)
Another symptom of my addiction is that I try to justify my use of Facebook by claiming it is useful and productive. I'll touch more on this after this next paragraph.
You know, I'm not sure if I can explain how I moved from being an occasional Facebook user to an almost everyday user. I think it is like taking something out of context. I used to have Facebook in the correct perspective, but now I act like it is a ringing phone that must be answered. It is a paradox of sorts (like how cell phones are supposed to be more convenient and time-efficient but for many just complicate their lives).
Do we really want to be so "connected" that we have no time for solitary reflection? No time to sort out our own thoughts and gear them toward the Supreme? (There is even a network for movie lovers to find out if they are "movie compatible" with their friends.) The most productive social activity we can partake of is Christian fellowship. It seems we are more concerned with getting ourselves out there on the social map than with what is in us. After all, we need to strive for the balanced life. A social life is good, even necessary, but it should be kept within its boundaries as with the rest of the aspects of life.
The question is this: How much intimacy with friends can you really achieve through online networks like Facebook? I'll discuss this in "The Craze of Facebook, Part 2."
By the way, Chris Carpenter was awarded the N.L. Player of the Week (sponsored by Bank of America) for the record-tying third time this season. Woo-hoo!
Friday, September 08, 2006
A Synopsis of Us
I've grown up with my sister, and because we are pretty close, I figured I knew just about everything there is to know about her. I discovered an error in my figuring...
Last night I was lounging comfortably on our love seat with my computer resting on my lap when my sister, Rachel, came into the living room with a pair of pants. Later I realized that she was sewing! I told her, "I didn't know you could sew!"
"I didn't take two years of home ec for nothing," she said.
The stitching had detached near the crotch area, resulting in her looking like her fly was open all the time. She was right to business--taking care of things as usual.
She's the mother of our household, you know. She is the caregiver to my roommate, Dana, and I, and we're not ashamed to admit it.
She cooks our meals, attempts to keep us under control, and when she's not busy tending to us, she's in her room, on her dresser and on her bed, hammering with a push pin in her mouth.
This is where Dana comes in. Dana makes sure we are safe. A push pin in Rachel's mouth?! That won't do! Rachel reaching across a hot gas burner?! We can't have that. (As you can tell, Rachel needs someone like Dana around.)
Dana is the source of hilarity at our apartment. She keeps us going and laughing and enjoying ourselves. She's great; I love her.
My role? I just sit back and take it all in, and every once in a while, I cause some ruckus of my own.
Last night I was lounging comfortably on our love seat with my computer resting on my lap when my sister, Rachel, came into the living room with a pair of pants. Later I realized that she was sewing! I told her, "I didn't know you could sew!"
"I didn't take two years of home ec for nothing," she said.
The stitching had detached near the crotch area, resulting in her looking like her fly was open all the time. She was right to business--taking care of things as usual.
She's the mother of our household, you know. She is the caregiver to my roommate, Dana, and I, and we're not ashamed to admit it.
She cooks our meals, attempts to keep us under control, and when she's not busy tending to us, she's in her room, on her dresser and on her bed, hammering with a push pin in her mouth.
This is where Dana comes in. Dana makes sure we are safe. A push pin in Rachel's mouth?! That won't do! Rachel reaching across a hot gas burner?! We can't have that. (As you can tell, Rachel needs someone like Dana around.)
Dana is the source of hilarity at our apartment. She keeps us going and laughing and enjoying ourselves. She's great; I love her.
My role? I just sit back and take it all in, and every once in a while, I cause some ruckus of my own.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
A Laborious Weekend
School is almost in full swing. I can tell because the schoolwork is beginning to pile up. This Labor Day weekend, my aunt and uncle are in from Harrison, AR, which means that we'll have continuous Hovis family company. Unfortunately, I've been stashed away in my bedroom the majority of today (Saturday) reading, answering a question, prewriting, and I should be reading some other material right now. I think this Labor Day weekend will teach me the true meaning of Labor Day.
I'm trying my best to take one piece at a time, one day at a time (and I'm not talking about Johnny Cash or Jeremy Camp). I just started filing papers for the records office to serve as my Ministerial Alliance hours (Religion majors have to serve 100 hours in school and 100 hours in Church for their scholarship.), and I am about to begin my Federal Work Study under my journalism professor and the admissions director, Terry Dale Cruse.
[Breathe.]
Yes, God is good. A particular paragraph in How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski (text for collegiate seminar class required for freshmen) has come to mind: "The only firm rock in all this shifting sand is Jesus Christ. Hold on to Him, hold on to His Word, hold on to your partners in faith, and you'll be okay."
Budziszewski wrote this in regard to three modern worldviews that are confusing our generation of college students. I think it applies to my situation though because no matter how crazy my circumstances or your circumstances can get, this holds true: God is supreme. Christ reigns. His hand guides us, and all things are for His glory (See 1 Corinthians 10:31). In a concert in New York, the Christian rock band Third Day's lead singer, Mac Powell, said these words: "In our lives no matter where we can go, who we can meet, what we can see, what we can earn, or be given to us, or accomplish; there is nothing in our lives that can even come close to greatness of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord."
That should be our motivation for all this--every paper we write, every song we may sing or instrument we may play, every study night, every MBU Chapel service, every sport we may practice for or may play, every meal we eat, every meal we may miss, every friend we make... EVERYTHING for God's glory and the joy of all nations. Even if what you're doing or what I'm doing doesn't seem to be making an impact on anyone but ourselves or a few people around us, we are making a serious impact by just belonging to God and carrying out His will.
WOW... my Labor Day weekend isn't looking so laborious now.
I'm trying my best to take one piece at a time, one day at a time (and I'm not talking about Johnny Cash or Jeremy Camp). I just started filing papers for the records office to serve as my Ministerial Alliance hours (Religion majors have to serve 100 hours in school and 100 hours in Church for their scholarship.), and I am about to begin my Federal Work Study under my journalism professor and the admissions director, Terry Dale Cruse.
[Breathe.]
Yes, God is good. A particular paragraph in How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski (text for collegiate seminar class required for freshmen) has come to mind: "The only firm rock in all this shifting sand is Jesus Christ. Hold on to Him, hold on to His Word, hold on to your partners in faith, and you'll be okay."
Budziszewski wrote this in regard to three modern worldviews that are confusing our generation of college students. I think it applies to my situation though because no matter how crazy my circumstances or your circumstances can get, this holds true: God is supreme. Christ reigns. His hand guides us, and all things are for His glory (See 1 Corinthians 10:31). In a concert in New York, the Christian rock band Third Day's lead singer, Mac Powell, said these words: "In our lives no matter where we can go, who we can meet, what we can see, what we can earn, or be given to us, or accomplish; there is nothing in our lives that can even come close to greatness of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord."
That should be our motivation for all this--every paper we write, every song we may sing or instrument we may play, every study night, every MBU Chapel service, every sport we may practice for or may play, every meal we eat, every meal we may miss, every friend we make... EVERYTHING for God's glory and the joy of all nations. Even if what you're doing or what I'm doing doesn't seem to be making an impact on anyone but ourselves or a few people around us, we are making a serious impact by just belonging to God and carrying out His will.
WOW... my Labor Day weekend isn't looking so laborious now.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Moving on up to the top to a three-bedroom apartment in the sky...
Yeah, my sister, my friend, and I were pretty worn after all the moving was finished. I moved the Wednesday before Welcome Weekend, and my room is just now starting to take shape. When I moved up here from my great hometown, Fredericktown, I had no furniture except a lamp and a bed, which currently has mix-matched bedding because I'm waiting for my bedding to be shipped to JCPenney. I bought a folding table Tuesday (08/22) from Target with one of my gift cards from graduation. I am using it as a desk/nightstand. Most of my things are on my floor.
I'm one of those people who imagines some item in my mind, then goes out to try to find it. I have a theme for my room and a visual picture of how it ought to look. After spending excessive time and energy looking for my "dream" bedding, I finally settled for the first comforter I liked at JCPenney, and I'm sure I about drove my family up the wall. I approached my search for a bookshelf a little differently. I actually looked online with no preceding ideas of what it should look like or be made of and found something rather quickly. Hmm...
Moving was more than I had bargained for. EVERYTHING, absolutely EVERYTHING had to be moved. Just think about all the little things you have in your room--all the things you have stashed away behind bookcases and desks and underneath your bed and in your closet. Oh, it can be stressful! My advice is that should you need to move all your things to a new location, you begin with A PLAN. Planning is so important in moving because it can save you lots of energy, time, and sometimes money.
My friend's mom hired a moving truck to move our large furniture, which helped tremendously. We used the family truck for most of the other items.
Once everything is moved in, you're not done. You have to unpack EVERYTHING! Have fun. That's one thing I didn't have to do since I didn't have hardly anything to move. My roommates had to do it though, and they didn't seem overly excited about it. I guess it's what you make it.
I'm one of those people who imagines some item in my mind, then goes out to try to find it. I have a theme for my room and a visual picture of how it ought to look. After spending excessive time and energy looking for my "dream" bedding, I finally settled for the first comforter I liked at JCPenney, and I'm sure I about drove my family up the wall. I approached my search for a bookshelf a little differently. I actually looked online with no preceding ideas of what it should look like or be made of and found something rather quickly. Hmm...
Moving was more than I had bargained for. EVERYTHING, absolutely EVERYTHING had to be moved. Just think about all the little things you have in your room--all the things you have stashed away behind bookcases and desks and underneath your bed and in your closet. Oh, it can be stressful! My advice is that should you need to move all your things to a new location, you begin with A PLAN. Planning is so important in moving because it can save you lots of energy, time, and sometimes money.
My friend's mom hired a moving truck to move our large furniture, which helped tremendously. We used the family truck for most of the other items.
Once everything is moved in, you're not done. You have to unpack EVERYTHING! Have fun. That's one thing I didn't have to do since I didn't have hardly anything to move. My roommates had to do it though, and they didn't seem overly excited about it. I guess it's what you make it.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Welcome Weekend '06
I have a feeling that WW '06 was not MBU's usual Welcome Weekend. I knew coming into this event that its format was reformed, but I didn't expect the random quirks that emerged along the way. I don't think anyone else did either.
Allow me to give some examples...
Friday, August 18, Chapel auditorium--Everyone was enjoying the live band karaoke contest--full of loud music, lights, and crazy jumping freshmen--when suddenly the overhead lights came on, the music stopped, and we were informed that the contest was going to have to be cut short due to severe storms in the area. I heard a tornado warning had been issued, and Carrie Chapman (assistant director of Admissions and one of the karaoke judges) sat in front of me and reported that ninety-mile-per-hour winds were threatening the area. While resident students were instructed to return to the dorms, commuters were taken to the Chapel's basement. After fifty-four of us were counted, one of the leaders announced that the conditions were not as ominous as everyone had thought, and we were free to go. Who does that?
Saturday, August 19, service project--My group and I were going to All God's Children in High Ridge to help prepare the property for use. All of us big people in a yellow school bus stirred up some good jokes along the way. The best joke came when some of my fellow peers realized the heater was on. It was probably ninety degrees outside, and some extra heat was certainly unnecessary. However, to our amused senses of humor, we enjoyed it.
Another quirk--as I have dubbed it--also occurred during the service project. My group leader was taking roll to ensure everyone was present on the bus before we departed for MBU. Sure enough, a boy was missing. (For his protection, I won't mention his name.) "Oh, shoot!" my leader said. "He's still out there pulling weeds!" Again, our senses of humor were amused.
So you see, these examples show just a trace of the sort of things that can happen during WW. I enjoyed all of it, not to mention the time of praise during orientation, the fantastic guest speaker, and the AWESOME dinners. Food for me not only affects my palette, but it also affects my mood.
I think the only low points for me regarding WW '06 were the excessive down time among events and the saga of my jammed toe, in which I stumped it at least five times over the course of three days. It is still recovering, and I am wearing closed-toe shoes as I write. Oh, I was also exhausted toward the end of my experience at WW because I had just moved into a three-bedroom apartment the Wednesday before (another adjustment I am still dealing with).
Allow me to give some examples...
Friday, August 18, Chapel auditorium--Everyone was enjoying the live band karaoke contest--full of loud music, lights, and crazy jumping freshmen--when suddenly the overhead lights came on, the music stopped, and we were informed that the contest was going to have to be cut short due to severe storms in the area. I heard a tornado warning had been issued, and Carrie Chapman (assistant director of Admissions and one of the karaoke judges) sat in front of me and reported that ninety-mile-per-hour winds were threatening the area. While resident students were instructed to return to the dorms, commuters were taken to the Chapel's basement. After fifty-four of us were counted, one of the leaders announced that the conditions were not as ominous as everyone had thought, and we were free to go. Who does that?
Saturday, August 19, service project--My group and I were going to All God's Children in High Ridge to help prepare the property for use. All of us big people in a yellow school bus stirred up some good jokes along the way. The best joke came when some of my fellow peers realized the heater was on. It was probably ninety degrees outside, and some extra heat was certainly unnecessary. However, to our amused senses of humor, we enjoyed it.
Another quirk--as I have dubbed it--also occurred during the service project. My group leader was taking roll to ensure everyone was present on the bus before we departed for MBU. Sure enough, a boy was missing. (For his protection, I won't mention his name.) "Oh, shoot!" my leader said. "He's still out there pulling weeds!" Again, our senses of humor were amused.
So you see, these examples show just a trace of the sort of things that can happen during WW. I enjoyed all of it, not to mention the time of praise during orientation, the fantastic guest speaker, and the AWESOME dinners. Food for me not only affects my palette, but it also affects my mood.
I think the only low points for me regarding WW '06 were the excessive down time among events and the saga of my jammed toe, in which I stumped it at least five times over the course of three days. It is still recovering, and I am wearing closed-toe shoes as I write. Oh, I was also exhausted toward the end of my experience at WW because I had just moved into a three-bedroom apartment the Wednesday before (another adjustment I am still dealing with).
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