Jen's Journal

Relocation

2010-11-11T01:02:00.000-06:00

Influences on Materialism

2010-07-30T17:54:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one, or does shopping in places like Walmart completely overload the visual and auditory senses and leave the shopper feeling overwhelmed paired with slightly confused?

I have experienced this many times while walking through the stocked aisles, and I have trouble focusing on what I came intended to purchase. In Target stores, where products are typically more aesthetically appealing, the feeling is a bit more intense. It is difficult to stop browsing through all of the things I mentally add to my "wish list." Especially now that I will be moving into my first apartment at the end of August, I find myself absentmindedly strolling through the home section, comparing prices of towels and toasters.

I must admit that I have fallen subject to advertisements and the lures of materialism. Maybe I am more aware of this feeling because I am beginning my educational training in the field of psychology. I realize, and I still have a lot to learn, how the mind works and what can influence one's everyday decisions.

The next time you go shopping, try to take note of what is influencing your senses and guiding your purchases of one product over another. You may find it interesting because I know I do.

10 Seconds

2010-07-29T11:42:00.001-05:00

I am terrible at keeping a blog and writing in it reliably. I can keep a journal for every day of this year, but sharing my thoughts publicly is a bit more challenging.

There are a lot of things I want to write about, so maybe I should make a list and randomly pick one to prompt myself. Knowing me, I will get to doing that next week, maybe. For now, I am going to enjoy the rest of my family vacation on the lake and try to successfully water ski.

B&N Inspiration

2010-05-18T16:16:00.000-05:00

My summer has finally started. I crammed everything into my car that could possibly fit, and drove. 100 miles later, hugs goodbye and hello, I was home. I haven't been looking forward to this day, but it inevitably came, and I must deal. After two years of near independence at college, plus a random semester abroad, my soul has an intense longing to jump. To jump into that next stage of life, beyond high school graduation, but not yet completely on my own as a self-supportive young woman. I am quite positive that next summer will be the one, that defining point of my life in which I will struggle some, but begin to learn of the ingredients required to make the apple pie of growing up. It will take me a few tries to conjure the right balance between tart and sweet, but I have always loved a challenge. And as my father says, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, and nothing can ever stop me from reaching my goals. For now, I will keep busy and enjoy my last summer at home. And just so you know, I miss you already.

Finally, I'm writing.

2010-04-12T22:55:00.000-05:00

This whole blog thing has been on my mind for quite some time. The person I want to be writes down her thoughts, those of intelligence and creativity, frequently for the blog world to see. I don't think I have ever been very good at keeping up habits like this, but I aim to become better at it.

I have had many moments lately when I have felt super creative, but haven't done anything to release that energy. I think blogging might help with that, but I did recently discover that the store Hobby Lobby is an excellent place to be creative. And maybe I will take a trip out to some park in the city one of these beautiful spring days and take pictures again. Sometime in the future I would like to save up and by a nice camera.

Anyway, I'm off to spend time with a wonderful friend. Hopefully you will hear from me again soon.
God bless.

Twenty

2010-02-21T13:20:00.001-06:00

I am now two decades old. When I look in the mirror, nothing looks any different than the day before, and most people still think I am a 16-year-old. But now that I am one more year older, I feel as if there should be some change or growth in my life.

As some of you may know, last April, I made a decision to remain single for 365 days. As this year of singleness draws to a close, I am beginning to realize how God is in control of every piece of my life, no matter how small or large it might be. I am waiting for Him to guide me in whatever is next.

If there is something for me to learn, I pray that I take the best notes I have ever taken. If there is a change to be made, I hope for the courage to accept it and to obey with an open heart. Most importantly, I pray for patience.

I find a part of myself longing to know whom I will marry already, and what career I will have. I am the kind of person who loves being surprised, but hates waiting for it. You might as well not even tell me that there is a surprise, so I don't anticipate it for weeks or months in advance. As hard as it may be, I must learn to patiently wait for God to lead.

Happy 101

2010-01-29T11:06:00.001-06:00

I was checking a few of my friends' blogs and stumbled upon a post by Lucas and Amanda Hughes. They wanted me to write 10 things that make me happy, so here is my list.

My family: my Mom, Dad, sister, stepdad, Shannon and Dakota.
Being back at WKU after a semester on a ship.
Having an amazing opportunity to travel around the world.
My wonderful friends, both at home and far away. :)
The best church in the world: Woodburn Baptist Church.
My plan to be single for a year and the the way God is writing my love story.
Learning. I really do love it.
Mint flavored things, such as ice cream, cookies, candy, etc.
Taking pictures and through that taking in all that God has created and made beautiful.
Most importantly, my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior of my life.

Now I have chosen 10 other blogs to do the same thing!

Small Town Southern Girl
Kasih-Mengasihi
The Almond Tree
Journey to Our Little Girl...
Coherent Babble
A Heart Seeking After God
Daughter of a King
simple truth
This Life I Dare to Call My Own...
Random Ramblings

November 19, 2009

2009-11-19T11:06:00.003-06:00

It has been a while since I have pressed the pause button on my busy life while traveling around the world and actually taken the time to reflect. I have neglected my time with the Lord, but the women's Bible study we have on the ship, Wonderfully Made, has been a true blessing for my walk with Christ. I find that it is very easy to get caught up in all of the new sights and experiences from each port, and that my quiet time with my Father finds a nice place at the end of my to-do list. For a while, I have been comfortable with that, which I know is not how my relationship with Christ should be, but tonight at Wonderfully Made my heart was tugged back into His loving arms. I was reminded that to truly know and to love myself, I must find my refuge in Him, not in this world that will never be able to fulfill the longings of my heart. Although it sounds easy to do, to keep our eyes on Christ and to turn to Him for our every need, it really requires a daily effort. One of the best ways to do this is to simply spend time in the Word.

During our meeting this evening, we listened to Jennifer Strickland, an inspiring woman of God. At one point during her message, she said, "I know who I am in His eyes and no one can take that away from me." I love that she shared that with her audience - it inspires me to reach that level of faith and confidence in the Lord.

Not too long after the Wonderfully Made Bible study was over, I grabbed my jacket and iPod from my cabin and ventured out to the aft of the ship to spend some time alone with my Father. It was something I had been needing to do for a long time. Praising Him through some of my favorite Christian songs and opening my heart to His love was wonderful. I remember talking to one of my best friends online not too long ago and telling her that God loves us more than we can ever imagine, we just have to take the time to look for it. One of my favorite things to do is to look at the stars, and after I had finished listening to my music, I opened my eyes and was amazed at all of the stars I could see. In that moment, I felt like God's little girl and that He was showing me just how much He loved me. Those are the moments that I love, that fill my heart with joy and the desire to share the Gospel with others.

Ghana, Day 1

2009-09-22T17:34:00.000-05:00

I am exhausted.

0700, woke up.

0730, yoga on deck 7 starboard side.

0810, breakfast and watched the ship come into port.

0840, showered and finished getting ready.

1000, waited in line to get off the ship.

1015, left on a bus to visit the Morning Star school in Accra - the little kids were absolutely adorable.

1400, got back on the bus.

1430 or so, got off the bus at the drop off/pick up area and walked around the city for a few hours.

1600 ish, found a cheap internet cafe, only 50 pesewas for 30 minutes, after asking many locals.

1630, continued to walk around and look at things.

1715, got on another bus to go to a Welcome Reception at a local university. Had an amazing time meeting Ghanian students. Made plans to meet up with them on Thursday night.

2100, got back on the bus to return to the ship.

Although my day has been very, very long, my first impressions of Ghana were changed from a city (Accra) full of people who wanted to take my money and kept trying to sell me things, to a very friendly, loving people who were so happy to have us as their guests.

Things I have learned today: If you do not want to buy something from someone on the street, avoid eye contact and firmly say, "No, thank you." Carrying a heavy backpack around all day may not be worth using the internet for only 30 minutes.

Ghana!

2009-09-22T03:52:00.000-05:00

What a great morning it is already!

I am sorry for the lack of updates in the past few weeks. If I am not exploring in the countries visited or studying and socializing on the ship, I am usually in a meeting for something or catching up on sleep. Right now I am trying to catch up on writing in my journal as well.

To update everyone reading, I am fine and everything is well on the MV Explorer. I started taking my malaria pills on Sunday and that, along with having a headache all day long because of the rocky seas, I did not feel so great at first. Thankfully, my headache finally went away last night and I am feeling better than ever! That may be due to waking up at 7:30 to go out on deck 7 for yoga.

As I was participating in the exercise, the ship was on its way in to the port in Tema, Ghana. It is still so surreal to me that I am even here, traveling around the world in a semester. I absolutely love it, but I cannot believe that I am actually doing it. :) I cannot wait to get back to tell everyone all about my trip! Even so, I am going to enjoy the remaining countries and try to pick up all of my Christmas presents along the way. :)

I hope your day is wonderful and thanks for reading!

Jen

Spain!

2009-09-08T16:58:00.000-05:00

Just in case you were wondering, Spain was amazing!!! For a girl who has never traveled before, I absolutely love being able to see the world! Many, many things are different in cultures other than our own, but observing those differences firsthand results in a new understanding of the phrase "global perspective," as well as the word "diversity."

I am safe at home on the ship, once again, on the way to Morocco. The past four days were full of fun and exciting new things, and I can't wait to tell everyone all about them! I would continue writing to fill in lots of missing details, but it is a almost midnight in this time zone - don't ask me which one - and sleep sounds very appealing right now (along with the German chocolate bar I bought in a grocery store in Spain today).

For your information, the seas are a little rougher and higher than normal tonight, causing the ship to rock more than it has since we embarked on this voyage. I am a little nervous, but I know that we have the most experienced and capable captain there is to guide us safely to Africa. Pray for us if you feel led. :)

Hoping I will not get seasick,
Jennifer

Life on a Ship

2009-09-04T08:46:00.000-05:00

Friday, September 4, 2009.

Hello from the Atlantic Ocean! :)

At the present moment, I am taking a break from studying on the deck. The ocean is so beautiful. As I look over my right shoulder, I can see dark blue water with alighter blue and some white foam swirling about. I have been here for exactly a week and I have adjusted nicely since then. I could write pages and pages of what has been keeping me busy for the past seven days, and I must apologize for not writing in so long. At the end of the day, I reply to e-mails from friends and family and do not feel like staying up any longer to write even more. I will try to be more consistent in the weeks ahead, I promise.

I love the view out here. It is amazing and God really is creative. The rhythmic beat of the waves, up and down, breaking, up and down, is so soothing. I only had a slight case of seasickness the first two days, with just a headache and exhaustion. I never realized how much energy your body uses to balance. No wonder babies and little children sleep so often; they are only learning how to balance and stand on two feet, and learning how to do the same when your foundation is rocking leaves one more tired than usual. I have been told of "land sickness," as well. I will let you know how that goes, maybe get a video of myself walking onto the dock in Spain tomorrow.

Speaking of Spain, we arrive tomorrow morning and have a mandatory diplomatic briefing at 0800, which I think is about 0300 or 0400 a.m. Eastern time. Later in the evening tomorrow, I am taking a city orientation around Cadiz, as well as a walking photo tour with the photographer on the ship. I am definitely looking forward to it. Then, on Sunday, I will be hiking at Grazalema Natural Park with my Zoology professor. I plan to take a lot of pictures, and if I can find an internet cafe I will try to load some of them on Facebook! I have nothing else planned for the rest of my time in Spain - we are there until Tuesday - so I will do some things with friends in Cadiz, more than likely. I need to pick up a bathing suit because I left mine at home on accident, as well as find a place to wash my clothes because laundry costs $6 on the ship and I did not have enough clothes to wash on Tuesday to warrant paying that much. I wish we could wash our own clothes, but oh well. Don't worry, Dad, I won't go anywhere alone. :)

I have been really busy with course work and all of the activities I am involved with. I am the leader for the Alcohol-Free Voyagers club, helping out with the Voyage Book, which is a photo book that we will make of our semester, attending "Time Out: For GOD," working in a group for my service learning class, and working with the other WKU students on ship. I have to contact Dr. Ransdell about getting together a nice package for the auction we will be having near the end of the voyage. As you see, I am involved with a ton of things, like normal! Oh, and I forgot about the star gazing club, yet to be started, and Wonderfully Made, a group for Christian girls. :)

I am loving life at Semester at Sea! Thanks for reading and check back soon for my next update. :)

Jen

Hello from Canada

2009-08-28T16:34:00.000-05:00

Written: August 27, 2009, 10:04 PM

I have arrived safely in Halifax, Nova Scotia, after having to switch planes for the second flight from Newark, NJ to Canada. That was interesting. After getting off the very tiny plane, on which I took a nice nap, we proceeded to wait in line to go through customs. The line was extremely long, but it actually did not take that long to do. The massive weight of my carryon bag pressing down on my poor shoulder must have made it seem much longer.

Fast forward through some time spent waiting for a bus and riding for at least 30 minutes to get to our hotel. Once we made it to the Westin Nova Scotian, we piled our bags onto a luggage cart and decided to wait some more for a bell hop. After a rather long period of no cute bell boys offering their service, we decided to push it ourselves, trying not to run into any walls or take out little children. We did make it successfully to our room, only to drop our bags, quickly get ready for dinner, and meet some new acquaintances down in the lobby. Our group of girls, most of whom I had never met, proceeded to walk to the Henry House. I wish I would have taken a picture of it, but I did not think to at the time.

While eating dinner, which included many long waits again, I learned that many of the students I have met so far like to drink. A few girls casually spoke about wanting to have a drink or getting a beer with dinner. Honestly, this is all very new to me, and I feel uncomfortable with my first impression of Semester at Sea students. I really hope that I find a group of nice, sober people, and I pray that there are some Christians aboard!

I really miss everyone so much, and I wish that the internet would work at this hotel. I am having trouble accessing it, although every laptop I see is logged onto Facebook or some other social network. I have to check in on the ship at 9 a.m. tomorrow, so I better get off and get some things done. I hope to write again soon!

First Plane Ride

2009-08-27T14:18:00.001-05:00

Wow. I am sitting aboard a surprisingly small Continental Airlines
airplane, enjoying the view of clouds and the breath-taking sunset
below me. I never imagined that God was this creative! It is
absolutely beautiful 35,000 feet above the ground. Lining the horizon
are a rainbow of colors, and everything below my window looks like a
winding sea of clouds surrounding mysterious mountains and hills.

My flight departed at approximately 6:30 a.m., and I was a bit nervous
at first. The cabin jarred a little and my ears were continuously
popping. I always imagined that planes were a lot larger than this,
thanks to the movies. To my left are two seats, separated by a small
isle running down the entire length of this aircraft. My carryon bag
is a little too large for the overhead compartment, so it is squished
under my seat, along with my personal bag, leaving my feet very little
room to move. I am actually looking forward to landing around 8:30
a.m. in Newark, NJ.

Speaking of the time, I started packing for this trip last night at 8
p.m. I know, I know, waiting until the last minute is a bad idea, but
I had trouble leaving Bowling Green due to running last minute
errands. Originally, I had to wait for my last textbook to come in at
Textbook Brokers, but along with that, I had to wait and pray for my
prescriptions to be filled. That was somewhat difficult. I went to
Walgreens to find that I would have to pick up one prescription
somewhere else because they did not have it, and also that my other
prescription would cost over $400. Luckily, the pharmacist informed
me that there was a different kind of the same drug that would only be
about $35. How great is that?! God was definitely with me
yesterday. Things went fairly smoothly, and I arrived at home around
7 p.m. I had originally planned to be home at noon or shortly after,
but that is okay. I got everything done that I needed to do and now I
am only about 27 hours away from checking in to the MV Explorer in
Halifax, NS. Until I arrive at our hotel for the evening, I will
attempt to take a nap on this flying contraption. I thought about
reading a book for my Global Studies course, but seeing as how I did
not sleep last night, some shut eye sounds wonderful right now.

Three Years Later

2009-08-02T14:08:00.007-05:00

I found this note on my Facebook account today. It made me laugh, but also realize how quickly time passes.

Written on October 4, 2006.

Updated on August 2, 2009.

My Life List
::(not in any particular order)::
Regular = still yet to accomplish
Bold = accomplished
Learn how to play football
Sing in a church choir
Ride up the Eiffel Tower
Try sushi (the entire thing, not just seaweed)
Learn how to latin ballroom dance
Get married
Take a road trip
Kiss on a ferris wheel
Become fluent in a language
Send a gift to a stranger
Throw a surprise birthday party
Dance in the rain
Visit the Louvre
Backpack across Europe
Shake hands with a Prince
Become friends with an author
Write a book
Document a month of my life in pictures
Fall in love
Go sailing
Get a massage
[Removed from list]
Learn how to surf
Make myself an outfit
Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
See the Northern Lights
Learn how to play the guitar
Make coffee and like it
Kiss upside-down
Drive a jet ski
Read the Bible front to back
Eat a ripe fig, straight from the tree
Go to college
Fly a kite
Converse with someone from another continent
Sleep in a tree house
Drive on the Autobahn
Follow a rainbow until the end
Eat pizza in Italy
Buy a piece of art
Watch a World Cup Soccer match
Work as a cake decorator
Learn how to play the piano
Own my own business
Run in a race
Eat chocolate in Germany
Live in a big city (Bowling Green counts!)
Take a photography class
Fly in an airplane
Become a better Christian

Sorry for the Absence

2009-08-01T09:57:00.000-05:00

It has been over a month since I last wrote anything for myself, and I do believe it is time to let go of all of this creative energy I have been soaking up.

Many exciting things have occurred since my last post. I have found that God knows exactly what my heart desires and that He longs to fulfill every last dream. I am also well aware that Satan holds the ability to tempt me, which only strengthens my courage and determination. Before I get too carried away with blown up words and phrases, only stirring this murky water with a stick, I should simply get around to the details!

To begin, on June 17, I received an e-mail concerning a study abroad opportunity called Semester at Sea (SAS). If admitted, students would live aboard a ship called the MV Explorer and travel around the world, visiting 11 different countries, all while earning 12 - 15 hours of college credit. The funny thing was that I had picked up an information card about this program after a class in Cherry Hall one afternoon. Later, after viewing the website and costs for tuition and board, I quickly dismissed my dream of studying abroad with SAS and resumed studying for my exams. If only I had known at that time of the amazing scholarship WKU Honors students would be offered for the fall semester, things would have been a lot easier!

To continue, I replied to the e-mail right away and was soon talking to a Scholar in Residence at WKU, Dr. Bernie Strenecky, about the trip. I must admit that I was completely intrigued from the moment I answered the phone. Although I was not aware at the moment, I had decided that day that I would be studying abroad with SAS in two and a half months, no matter what the cost.

Fast forward to this very second and I am now enrolled, assigned a cabin, scheduled to get a yellow fever shot next week, registered for courses, reserved for a flight out of Louisville to Halifax, NS on August 27, and very excited. Even though I leave in 27 days, I do not want to say goodbye to Woodburn, Bowling Green, home, and to all of the wonderful people I have come to know and love this summer. I am sure that feeling will only last for a short while because I will find myself in so many life-changing adventures this semester. I can find comfort in knowing that if God wants me to go, He will take care of everything, and so far, everything has been falling into place.

Thoughts

2009-06-20T10:15:00.000-05:00

I woke up early this morning and decided to go for a walk down to the creek. I just sat there, thinking and praying, taking in all of the beauty in nature. It seems that my minds wanders and flips over every idea it holds, pondering each one and quickly skipping to the next, like a stone you toss across the water, touching the surface every few feet. Those are the moments in which I long to have a notebook or my Mac with me, but it is always just me and the clouds my thoughts reside in. I fear that as soon as I am faced with a blank page to fill, every single thought will run away and hide. They do not come as easily as I would like when I sit down to type a blog.

An example of my recent thoughts:

I feel like there is not enough time in the world to do all of the things I long to do, even if they are silly, trivial things. I want to read all of the Harry Potter books before the new movie comes out, but I am only on the second one, with 26 days left to go. I want to wake up early every day, so I can get many things accomplished, but I also wish to sleep in and be well rested. I want to go running - at midnight - and after I am done, lie outside on the grass to look at the stars until morning. I want to pack a lunch and some water, and just start walking with my camera, taking pictures of the things I see that interest me, without any idea when I will stop and turn back. I want to drive for hours so I can listen to every album on my iTunes that I have never heard before. I want to write about everything, and become an insightful author of something: an online blog, book, journal, or fill in the blank. I want to spend a few hours on Photoshop and actually know what I am doing, and create something worth a second look. I want to read every book of the Bible and understand, not just quickly skim through it, but to be able to discuss it with others. I want to be a good pen pal, but I never take the time to write a letter in reply. I want to work at Barnes and Noble or Starbucks. I want to read all of the booklets that came in my Mary Kay started kit, so I can be a good beauty consultant and actually have parties and make money. I want to be home, so I can spend time with my family and with Becca. I want to have faith that if God wants me to study abroad this fall, He will provide everything I need, including the funding to go. I want to do the Semester At Sea program and leave August 28 for a life-changing voyage across the world. I especially want my dad to support my wishes to study abroad, or at least to stop discouraging me with negative text messages and worrying. I want to have a job that gives me more hours, so I can support myself if needed, or at least help pay for studying abroad and saving money. I want to be friends with Matt again, but I want him to want it too. I want God to be my first love, so any guy who comes along must know Him to know who I am. I want to get a good tan this summer. I want to go back to sleep.

God's Surprises

2009-06-17T17:15:00.000-05:00

I love lazy summer days when you find yourself with the opportunity to relax and think. Today has been one of those days, but only because I did not feel good when I woke up this morning. I would have gone to work otherwise, but my boss is pregnant and I would not want to get her sick.

I just wanted to write a quick note before I have to leave for church, but I just wanted to say how amazing God is. He can find just the right way to surprise us and bless us when we least expect it. I do not know about you, but even when exciting things happen, I still find room to be a little apprehensive and scared. I can only rest in knowing that God will take care of me; He knows where I am going and where I have been. It is my hope that the opportunity that has been placed before me is of God's doing, and that he will be guiding my way through every step.

Summer Update

2009-05-29T12:39:00.000-05:00

In case you did not already know, I am staying in Bowling Green this summer, with a family from my wonderful church. They were so very kind to offer me a place to stay because I wanted to keep going to Woodburn Baptist and working at my job in Potter Hall. They are really great, and I plan to do something for them before summer is over to say a very big thank you. I have not thought of what that will be yet, so if you have any ideas you can leave a comment. :)

Anyway, one thing that I love is that they are all Christians. That is a change from what I am used to. Back home, I am the only one who goes to church, although I do ask my family if they want to come with me. Jordan, one of their daughters, is also really awesome and a good influence on me. She can play the guitar and sing really well, so I think we are going to sing a duet together one day at church soon. I will let you know how that goes. But the point of this post was to refer to one of her notes on Facebook recently. In it she spoke about the things that keep us from God, and how she had a few big "idols" in her life that were in the way of God being number one in her life. I really liked what she said and it really applied to my life right now. I wanted to share with you one of her thoughts:

The Bible says that we were created to praise God. so that doesn't mean that our main goal in life should be to have the best myspace picture, or layout, or the biggest sweet 16 party. because honestly. who cares? when we die and stand before God on judgement day, God won't look at that stuff, but how you glorified him with your life.

That is just something to think about and take to heart. If you want to read more, here is a link to the rest of the note. I hope you have a great weekend!

Discipline

2009-05-23T23:53:00.000-05:00

"What we feel, think, and do this moment influences both our present and the future in ways we may never know. Begin. Start right where you are. Consider your possibilities and find inspiration...to add more meaning and zest to your life." - Alexandra Stoddard

As I go about my daily business this summer, working from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., tanning every few days, reading and writing, planning, and spending time with others, times seems to pass by more quickly than ever before. During the semester, most of my time was scheduled for specific things, like class for 55 minutes, lunch until I have to leave for work, studying or doing something for class after work, dinner, and finally getting ready for bed. Now that summer break is here, I do not have to be studying or doing something productive every hour of the day. Instead of logging onto Facebook as a break, I can now spend as much time as I wish writing on walls, scanning through countless numbers of photos, or becoming a fan of everything under the sun (I think that is extremely pointless, by the way. Why can one not list what they like and enjoy under their interests? Yes, I am a "fan" of Subway, but that is simply because I ate there for lunch and dinner every day for at least two weeks. I love Subway. Anyway, my point is that becoming a fan of sleeping, flip flops, and bubble wrap is ridiculous.). Getting things accomplished this summer is going to take some effort. Now that I find myself with responsibilities only to work and to go to church, everything else simply requires discipline. Speaking of, I have realized that prayer will help me break the habit of not getting enough sleep. I stay up too late and waking up becomes difficult. I wish to be a young woman who is "early to bed and early to rise." If God can move mountains, can He not help me to discipline myself to go to bed and wake up, so I stop wasting my days with sleep?

A quick note

2009-05-20T00:20:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the leave of absence, but I promise to write soon!

And I am so in love with you

2009-04-18T00:22:00.000-05:00

Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never wanna leave I wanna stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face and
Every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it's true, that You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You
- Every Time I Breathe, Big Daddy Weave

I love that song! I feel like it's so true with my life right now. With the end of my first year of college drawing to a close (WOW), papers, reading, and exams are piling down on me, and I feel like I don't even have time for fun anymore. My quiet time and Bible study have also been getting less time out of my schedule, but I long to spend more time with my God. Every time I sit down with my Bible on my bed and begin to read, I know that sleep is calling my name, but I would love to stay up for an extra hour just learning more about Jesus and how every page is about Him. I had never really thought about that before, that every single page of the Bible points to God. That makes me smile. I wish I could find the time to pour over ever verse and soak it all in. I can't wait until summer break because I won't have a ton of things to do and will be able to devote more than 15 minutes a day to my quiet time!

Anyway, I wanted to explain why I'm starting this blog and what the title means to me. First of all, I was inspired by my friend Emily, who has a great blog, to write about my journey. Journey to what, you ask? To becoming a Prince's girl, a lily among thorns. To fall in love with Jesus Christ and build my life completely around Him. To live not for the applause of the world but only for the applause of heaven. I want to walk day-by-day with a smile on my face, not because everything in my life is going great and there is nothing to be sad about, but because I find my joy in Jesus and how amazing His love is for me. I long to be His princess and hand Him the pen to write the story of my life. It's not going to be easy, but in time, I know I will get there. Every time I get another glimpse of Your heart I realize it's true, You are so marvelous God!