February 28th: Psalm 92

We had an Evidence concert today.  Heritage Christian Academy called the school and scheduled us to come and sing for them.  Many in our group have been fighting this horrible sickness (I am still trying very hard to stand firm against it!!!), and so we were not "on the top of our game".  In spite of this, God's grace is always sufficient. 
He blessed me with Psalm 92:

Psalm 92

How Great Are Your Works

A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath.

 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

to sing praises to your name, O Most High;

2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,

and your faithfulness by night,

3 to the music of the lute and the harp,

to the melody of the lyre.

4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;

at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

5 How great are your works, O Lord!

Your thoughts are very deep!

6 The stupid man cannot know;

the fool cannot understand this:

7 that though the wicked sprout like grass

and all evildoers flourish,

they are doomed to destruction forever;

8 but you, O Lord, are on high forever.

9 For behold, your enemies, O Lord,

for behold, your enemies shall perish;

all evildoers shall be scattered.

10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox;

you have poured over me[a] fresh oil.

11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;

my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.

12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree

and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

13 They are planted in the house of the Lord;

they flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They still bear fruit in old age;

they are ever full of sap and green,

15 to declare that the Lord is upright;

he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

February 27th: a letter from home

Last year, my little sister and I began to write letters to one another.  She was learning how to write letters in school and we thought that it would be fun to write back and forth.  Our pen-pal-ship is a little sporadic.  It often takes me longer to reply, but she is very understanding!  But I finally sent my family a package for Valentines day, complete with letters, chocolate, and the long-promised "Chronicles of Narnia" books for my sister. 
And today, I received their reply!  May I just elaborate on how much I love a hand-written letter!!!  Don't get me wrong, though, because I am all about texting, face-booking (funny how that is now considered a noun!), tweeting, and other forms of social media!  But really, there is nothing quite like seeing some one's handwriting on a piece of paper addressed specifically to you!  (I know, just call me "old-fashion"!) 

What made me happy about the letters?
Simply: the fact that each letter presented the personality of the one writing it! 

Letter #1 - from my sweet sporty little sister.  She told me all about the volleyball team that she is going to play for.  Her excitement screamed from the page!  Then she asked if my dorm room had purple walls, because if they were purple then she was going to move in with me.  (maybe I should re-paint my walls!)

Letter #2 - from my ridiculously imaginative little brother.  He told me very plainly that I shouldn't worry about coming to any of his basketball games, because the gym had been bombed and half of Nebraska had fallen into the ocean.  :)  At the end of the letter, he thanked me for sending him some candy because it had helped him survive the apocalypse! 

Letter #3 - from the very dramatic littlest sister.  She started out by thanking me At Least 6 times for sending her some candy!  She was also very excited about the books that I sent her, and was going to start reading them right away.  She wasn't too keen on sharing them, but she told me that she would do it anyway!  Then, to top it all off, she ended the letter with the sweetest little poem that she wrote herself. 

I love my little brothers and sisters!!!
They make me happy!

February 26th: Evidence concert

"I will bless the Lord at all times,

His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

Ps. 34:1

I am so privileged for the opportunity to sing with some fabulous musicians.  We not only get to sing together, but we also get to minister to other brothers and sisters in Christ.  What a blessed and enormous responsibility! 

I am still awed by the strength that God supplies for ministry.  It is those times when we are most tired or sick or have a lot on our minds that God encourages our hearts more so that His grace, love, and mercy is spilling onto others.  It is a very humbling experience!  What an amazing God we serve!!!

One of the encouraging parts of the morning was the time that our group met and prayed together.  The church people let us use a room in the basement that was very very small.  So all 9 of us crowded in.  At first, we were just laughing and joking.  But then the atmosphere became more serious as we started to share from the Word of God what God has been teaching us through the last couple of days.  We shared and sang (imagine a Little Room and 9 people singing loudly!  Awesome!) and prayed together.  It was such an encouraging way to spend the time preparing our hearts for ministry. 

When it was our turn to sing, the Lord gave grace.  The concert wasn't perfect.  We made many mistakes.  But that shouldn't be the focus (although we should be challenged to work on our music more diligently). 

As our hearts and minds are focused on worshipping God through song, we should give that to Him and pray that He would use us in spite of our failure.  And the good news!  He does!!!

February 25th: Starbucks with Mrs. A

 So, couple of weeks ago, the freshmen put on a Winter Social.  This event entailed a lovely picture scavenger hunt.  For the prizes, each of the teams would win an opportunity to spend some time withe professor of their choice going doing things like...going out for coffee, eating BBQ, put-put golfing, going shooting, going bowling, etc.
My team, made up of Alisha, Sarah, Beth, and Jesica chose to go with Mrs. A to Starbucks for COFFEE and GAMES!

Bethie and I

 Besides drinking yummy coffee, we got to play some fun "learning" games like In a Pickle (this is the game where you choose things that can fit inside of other things...the more creative you are the funnier it ends up) and You've been sentenced (this game involves combining random grammatical cards to make grammatically correct sentences that do not necessarily make any sense.)

Jesi and I

This is a sentence that Alisha made up.  She said that it was about my mom.

"What if chickening out Mom Parker is traveling about the crusher monkey milk."

What a happy part of the day!!! 

February 24th: the power of music

For those who know me, you are all aware of the fact that MOST of the time I have some sort of song/melody in my head.  Usually, I can be heard humming, whistling, and singing a song (not at the same time though!) 

I have a fascination with music.  I love to sing.  I love to listen to music.  I love to play the piano and violin.  I love music.  At times, I play the piano to relax.  Or go for a walk and listen to music. 

But music is powerful.  Too often, believers take for granted the amount of power that music can have on a person's mind.  Like anything else, music can either be used to glorify God or glorify ourselves. 
In the Scripture, there are examples of singing.  King David wrote many of the psalms (which are actually songs) in the book of Psalms.  These songs talk about God's character and His grace and mercy that is show to men.  In Acts 2, the early church gathered together to praise God.  Though this doesn't say that they sang, yet they still ascribed honor to the Lord.  Which practice we often do by singing. 

I don't know why it hit me today, but I realized afresh of the encouragement that comes from singing songs of praise and worship to God.  This encouragement doesn't come from a 15 min. "worship team" singing songs, but from an attitude of worship to God and a mouth willing to extol the Lord. 

These are some of the lyrics that I had in my head today. 

O wondrous Love, that will not let me go.  I cling to You with all my strength and soul. 

Yet if my hold should ever fail.  This wondrous Love will never let me go.

You hold my life, You take my joys and sorrows.  And cause them all to bring glory to You. 

Your ways are high, too deep for man to fathom.  But You are good,

and this will be my theme. 

I have a shelter in the storm, when troubles pour upon me.  When fears are rising like a

flood, my soul can rest securely.  O, Jesus, I will hide in You.  The one who

bears my burdens, with faithful hands that never fail,

You'll bring me home to heaven. 

Hallelujah, all I have is Christ.  Hallelujah!  Jesus is my Life!

You held out Your arms, I see them still.  You never left You never will.  Running to embrace me now I know, Your cords of love will always hold. 

Mercies robe, a ring of grace, such favor undeserved. 

You sing over me and celebrate, a rebel now Your child. 

Come weary saints, though tired and weak.  Hide away in the love of Jesus. 

He offers the rest that you yearn to know.  Hide away in the love of Jesus. 

It is not death to die, to leave this weary road.  And join with saints who dwell on high

who have their with God.  It is not death to close, the eyes long dimmed by tears, and

rest in peace before Your throne, delivered from our fears. 

Oh, Jesus, conquering the grave.  Your precious blood has power to save! 

Those who trust in You, will in Your mercy find; that it is not death to die. 

May the peace of God our heavenly Father, and the grace of Christ the risen Son, and the fellowship of God the Spirit keep our hearts and minds within Your love. 

And to Him be praised for His glorious grace, from the depths of earth,

to the heights of heaven, we declare the name of the Lamb once slain,

Christ eternal, the King of Kings!

Music is powerful, because it has the power to speak words that glorify God, and combine melodies that are pleasing and enjoyable to the ear.  God created us with the ability to enjoy beautiful things.  And music can be one of those beautiful things.  Yet, our music should never cause us to focus on things that are not honoring to God.  Our music should be a reflection of the gospel, and an effective way of telling others of the grace of God in our lives. 

This is happy! 



February 23rd: Korean lunch and other random happenings...

Well, Thursday came fast.  I haven't been looking forward to the exam in my Intro to Philosophy class, but the prospect of going out to Korean for lunch made the day seem more bearable.  A Korean friend of mine was inviting a group of people and she asked if I wanted to come too.  I was excited to try some new cuisine!  Last semester I tried Indian (as in the country of India), and really enjoyed it!  So, in my eagerness to expand my taste pallet, I accepted the invitation! :)  I must say that I was very pleased with the food!
And had a great time with the people.  There was a good amount of laughter that proceeded from the car that I was riding in.  This was mainly due to one of our professors singing along to Johnny Cash!  That was an experience!  (Something about eating and fellowshipping with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!  It makes us look like we only like to eat together...:)

Another thing about eating Oriental food is the opportunity to use chopsticks!!!  For those who remember, I gave a speech a couple of months ago about the benefits of eating with chopsticks when you eat Oriental food.  (1-the food tastes better, 2-you aren't as likely to over-eat, because you eat slower with chopsticks, 3-it is respectful of that culture)  I think I experience all of those benefits today!  :)

What were some other fun and random happenings of the day?
At my Thursday night church group, I got to watch the little kiddos!  What fun!  I think that it is funny how the adults almost have as much or MORE fun than the kids...but that must mean that we are just all "kids at heart".  Between the mushroom game (hopping on pillows or mushrooms), playing "Simon Says", but forgetting to say "Simon says, 'Stop'", so that Bekah keeps jumping up and down, and playing dress-up with time with the kids was anything but boring!

Then, to end the day, I was privileged to spend time with my Dorm Sisters.

Thank the Lord for a happy day...:)

February 22nd: a summer-like day

What made me happy about today?

Sunshine.

Warm breeze blowing.

People playing volleyball outside.

Singing.

Genesis class.

Laughing during Evidence rehersal.

Birds chirping outside. 

Can you guess?? :)

O Happy, Day!!!

February 21st: Psalm 25

Of David. To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.  O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.  Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.  Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.  Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.  Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!  Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.  He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.  All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.  For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great.  Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.  His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land.  The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.  My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.  Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.  Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me.  Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.  Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. 

Psalm 25

February 20th: Monday

*que epic music*

Monday...

*music slowly gaining momentum*

Monday...

*cymbals crash, etc*

Monday...

Yes, today was Monday.  Now, I suppose that you are wondering..."What's with the epic music and cymbals?"  

And frankly, I just thought that it would give you a nice audial picture of my anticipation for a NEW week complete with starting Monday on the "right" foot!  :)

Honestly, there are some weeks that you just dread starting.  There could be any number of reasons, such as a huge homework load, a unpleasant job, or lack of sleep (which makes Everything Look Horrible).  Need less to say, I was very excited about starting a new week.  

Reason #1:  I am a people-person.  I love spending time with people.  Most of the time, I get energy and encouragement just from spending time with people.  So, Sunday night--being filled with "people time"--spurred me to loads of energy and kept me going on Monday!  

Reason #2: In chapel today, a student at Calvary spoke.  He lost two of his fingers in a table-saw accident over Christmas break.  He just shared all of the things that God has been doing and teaching him through the hard time!  God's grace is so good.  Praise Him!

Reason #3: Study-time in the Library.  On the days that I don't work IN the library, I sometimes like to go and study in there.  Even though there are usually some people still around, the atmosphere is quiet, and you are surrounded with books.  

Reason #4: Do I really need another reason to be happy!?!  I don't think so.  

Thank you Lord for the start of another week!  You are good! 

I am happy!

February 19th: Sunday night supper and IHOP

Sunday night's are always an adventure.  This is the only night that the dining hall isn't open, and students are free to prepare their own food.  Those who have "stock-piled" are usually safe from starving.  I would also argue that no one ever starves; we are happy, fatty college students who are very blessed.   But there are also those that are willing to invite students over for supper. 
Tonight, some girls and I were invited to eat tacos at Lelia's house.  We had so much fun and the food was really yummy.  Here are some of the highlights:

• Sarah's first time in Philly Hall (campus married housing).  She cried and cried and cried.  Of course, the large bowl of onions that she was cutting didn't help her out at all. 
• At some point in the conversation, someone was talking about eating bugs.  And so it was decided by proxy that if you have to eat a worm, leave it in a bowl of applesauce (changing the applesauce regularly).  Then, because worms eat what is around them, they will eat the applesauce and then taste like applesauce when you have to eat them.  
• To change the conversation (I don't like talking about eating anything slimy or wormy...:), I suggested that on a "higher note" we move on.  Celeste then proceeded to hum a "higher note".  Catching the tune, I immediately started thinking of the Christmas story, where the angel appears to the shepherds.  So Celeste and I started quoting from Luke 2.  Crazy...:)  Yes, I suppose we were a little. 
• From there the "higher note" became a competition to see who could talk in a monotone, sing-songy tone. 
• As the conversation began to come around to more spiritual things, we all shared how God brought us to school and what all took place in our lives to come.  It was encouraging to hear of God's faithfulness in the lives of fellow sisters in Christ.  God is good! 
• Finally, the evening began to wane and we all had to get going (i.e. homework, homework, and more homework).  But as we were leaving, Lelia asked us to sign her guestbook.  Now, you would think that when she wanted us to sign something, she would have a book, or picture, or wall...but NO, she wanted us to sign her shower-curtain!

With all the fun that we had at Lelia's, I didn't think that the night could get better...but then Beth, Alisha, and I decided that it was time for another date with "the Colonel" (a.k.a Bethie's monstrous car illustriously named Colonel Stanley Mustard) to I.H.O.P. (the house of pancakes)

Last semester, the three of us went on an late-night "date".  We all enjoyed the time so much that we decided to make it a regular thing.  So, we made a decision, hopped into the Colonel, and drove to IHOP!  
It was a grand adventure!  We laughed a lot, and ate some yummy desserts, and drank some yummy coffee.  We had a good time of just talking about things.  Not necessarily "life-changing" issues, but just stuff that was on our minds.  It was a blessing to enjoy and be comfortable with friends.  
All in all, the day was FABULOUS!  Not only did I get to go to church in the morning for fellowship and instruction in the Word, but then I got to hang out with a lot of really neat girls!  
Thank you, Lord, for good friends.  And days to enjoy with them...
It was Happy!  

February 18th: glorious!

How great You are,

Your greatness none can fathom.

Upholding all,

By Your almighty Word.

The universe,

Fulfills Your every purpose.

And all You’ve made

Will bring You praise, O God

You are glorious, glorious

And we will lift our voices to worship You

You are glorious, glorious

And we will always be in awe of You

You move the stars

The planets in their courses

The clouds and wind

And everything that moves

You hold my life

You take my joys and sorrows

And cause them all

To bring glory to You

Your ways are high

Too deep for man to fathom

But You are good

And this will be my theme

You sent Your Son

To live and die for sinners

So I will trust

And hope in You, my King

This song has been an encouragement to me the last couple of days.

Praise God for songs that exalt Him and exhort the saints.

God is good!!!

This is happy!

February 17th: Friday!!!

There are few things better for students than the prospect of Friday. It is the end of another week, and the beginning of the weekend.

To begin my Friday, I sang with Evidence at Grandview Christian School. We have been doing some concerts at local Christian schools to recruit for Calvary. It was a great morning of ministry.

There is something special about proclaiming the goodness of God to kids. No matter their age,

the word of God can still impact their lives.

It was encouraging to see some of them truly understanding and praising God through the words of the songs. One of the songs that we sing is called "Raise your Hands", which talks about praising God through every situation in life whether it is good or bad.

Music is so powerful.

Music can be used to praise God.

February 16th: phone calls to home

I love my family very much.

I really like talking with them.

Sometimes, I realize how much I have taken them for granted.

Which is easy to do when you seen them often.

I am thankful for them.

So what made my day today?

Talking to my Dad...

He is a very busy pastor of a small-town church.

And I am busy.

Most of the time our schedules don't cross.

So when I call home, I talk to my Mom or brothers or sisters.

But this time, I talked with my Dad.

It was INTENTIONAL.

(I have been learning about the need to be intentional with people. You know how you say that you are going to pray for someone, or do something to help someone...and then you forget. We have to be intentional otherwise, most of the time, we won't do it!)

It was good to talk to my Dad about different things and issues that have been going on.

And about our concerns for those issues.

It was a GOOD time!

It was HAPPY!

February 15th: tea with friends...

What is a welcome break to homework?

How about a nice cup of tea with some homemade biscotti and some friends to enjoy it with!?!

My room-mate, Valerie is very sweet and loves tea. I enjoy most all hot beverages. She likes to share her tea-stash, and today Arely and I got to enjoy her treasures!

There is nothing quite like a hot cup of tea steaming in your hand on a grayish/cloudy/misty day. And then combine the Orange Vanilla Biscotti....mmmmm! :)

So in the middle of my Philosophy homework, from which I was looking forward to a little distraction, we had an impromptu "tea-party" in our room.

No, it didn't really help with my concentration--which was already lacking--but it did brighten the afternoon!

Basically, it was happy...:)

February 14th: a time to love

Our world gets so caught up in the roses,

chocolates, hearts,

Valentine cards, teddy bears,

chocolate roses, candy bouquets, etc.

to really understand what we should be celebrating on Valentines Day.

Even for the cynical person who would rather gloat in their "singleness" and celebrate "Singles Awareness Day", they should understand the responsibility to love one another.

God has given commands in Scripture for brothers and sisters in Christ to love one another. Their love for one another should then spill out on the unbelievers around them everyday.

"This is My commandment,

that you love one another as I have loved you.

Greater love has no one than this,

that someone lay down his life for his friends."

John 15:12-13

Valentines Day is just one day out of the year. Our call to love is everyday!

"For while we were still weak,

at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--

though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die--

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,

Christ died for us."

Romans 5:6-8

So go ahead and give the cards and the candy. But don't let Valentines Day be the only time that those you love actually know that you do love them.

God calls us to love everyday!

This is happy!

February 13th: early Valentines and snow

We have all been waiting for the infamous day when we would wake up to the illustrious white stuff all over the ground. Well, today was that day!

You see, I have been waiting for snow for quite some time. Mostly because I am very used to A Lot of Snow in the Winter Time. So when we have had 50s, 60s, and 70s the last couple of months (and don't get me wrong...I love nice weather too!), it just doesn't feel like it is winter.

The snow was happy!

Then, I got a package in the mail. I think that I have written about the joys of receiving packages. You get that little green slip in your mailbox that says, "You have a Package". With child-like-Christmas-day-joy you rush to the office to pick up the prize! It is almost always well-worth the anticipation. Except the time that I got the same little slip and it turned out to be some homework that couldn't fit in my box. Talk about major bummer! :)

Anyway, the package was from my lovely family. I got some heart-shaped cookies (the Valentine staple in our house) and a Chadron State College football team shirt (which I had received from donating some money for my brother who plays football there).

The package was such a wonderful surprise! It made my day...

It was happy...

February 12th: the blessing of the Body of Christ

I love Sundays! Just a few years ago, I would have said that I loved the weekend because I didn't have any school!!! (the grade school years) Or because I could justify doing nothing (the high school years).

However, even though these are reasons to love Sundays, I definitely have more.

It is one day out of the week that is set aside to corporate worship with fellow believers. It is a restful day (though not necessarily according to the amount of sleep that you get) It is a time to spend with people outside of the "school bubble". It is a time to specifically minister and be ministered to by your brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Church is a wonderful entity that God ordained through Himself. We have the privilege of being a part of a family of people all around the world who by faith trust in God for salvation.

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Ephesians 4:11-16

I am so thankful to be apart of a local body of believers where Christ is magnified first of all, and people are exhorted to glorifying Him. I am thankful for my godly pastors and teachers who desire to exalt the name of the Lord. I am thankful for the families in my church who are setting a godly example for the younger people. I am truly blessed to be able to minister alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ!!!

This is truly happy!!!

February 11th: movie and mafia!

So it is Saturday night...

What do you think is the most common question among college students?

"Wha'cha doin' tonight?"

You see, this is my fourth year of college, and I still ask that question at least once every weekend. It is like Friday night comes and no one has a clue as to what they are going to do for the next 48 hours!!!

Thankfully, tonight this question was answered.

A group of students were invited to the Dean of students and his wife's house for a movie and game time.

Movie: Reign of Fire (basically, it is a modern-day movie about dragons taking over the earth; the redeeming factor are the main characters...Christian Bale is the leader of a group of people in England who are struggling to survive against the attacking dragons. Gerard Butler is the loyal, lighthearted sidekick to Bale. Matthew McConaughey is the ridiculously odd "dragon slayer", who like to show off his muscles. Despite his arrogance, he ends up dying in the end to save the world from the dragons.)

Game: Mafia; the game of wit where the townspeople are trying to outsmart the mafia who are trying to "eliminate" the townspeople. We played several rounds, and added more twists to the game. It was a lot of Fun!!! (even though I had played the game before, it was the first time that I actually began to understand it and even come up with strategies...because I am not very good at strategy games :P)

It was a great night of laughter, fellowship, coffee, and some really awesome brownies!!!

It was really neat to spend time with brothers and sisters in the Lord and just enjoy each others company.

It was happy!

February 10th: an epic Scavenger hunt

It is the time of year at Calvary Bible College when the freshmen class sponsor the "Winter Social"! Since this is my first(ish) year at Calvary, it was also my first "Winter Social". It was super fun and the freshmen did a great job putting this event on.

The evening definitely lived up to it's title:

Winter: it was VERY Cold! The wind was freezing. It was certainly the type that just seems to blow right through you.

Social: not only was it a "social" time in the cars (it was a picture scavenger hunt around Belton), but we also enjoyed the social time afterwards around cups of Hot Chocolate and pieces of delicious pie!!!

Team 7: Jesica, Beth, Alisha, Sarah, and me!

Basically, we rocked the whole thing (even though we didn't technically "win", we had loads of fun.) But Jesica and I decided that while scavenger hunts are fun, they can also be really stressful. Yet, if you are just aiming to have fun and not kill anyone, it doesn't have to be stressful...:)

Tebow-ing in a produce aisle at Walmart.

Foreign flags...

Sarah consoles Jesica with a "self-help" book.

It's Mary Poppins!!!

February 9th: the sisterhood

Tonight we all got together. A group of sisters in Christ.

All different backgrounds.

Personalities. Likes and Dislikes. Nationalities. Families.

But Sisters.

Sisters in Christ because of the Cross of Christ!

We shared with each other.

One thing that God has been teaching us.

One thing that we have been struggling with.

We laughed together.

We cried together.

We praised the name of the Lord.

This is one of the ways that God desires for the Body of Christ to function.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 says, "But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing."

One of the ways that God has designed women is to make us emotional/relational creatures. We are able to bond and share with each other rather easily. Because God has created us like this, we need to be glorifying Him with our relational personalities.

It was a happy evening!

February 8th: singing in Italian

Some people have said that certain languages sound romantic (not necessarily the love-feeling!). Italian is one of those languages that is so fun to listen too. When you hear the rolled "r's" and slurred vowels, it evokes some kind of emotion. It is kind of like you have stepped into another world, where there are only candle-light dinners, violins playing, cheese, bread, and people in gondolas. It is rather nostalgic! And fun to sing!!!

For my voice lessons I am learning a couple of songs, and they are both Italian! The one that I am working on now is called "Vaga Luna, che Inargenti" and the second is "Il Bacio". This was the first time that I worked on them. Let me tell you, even if you don't know what you are saying (and I don't) it is so cool to be singing in a different language.

Anyway, I had a fun afternoon practicing and pronouncing and singing these songs!

It was happy!

February 7th: ice cream creations

Today at lunch, I was thrilled to watch someone creating a luscious bowl of ice cream. I was sitting with one other girl, and with our backs to the room. We had a clear view (and actually our only view) was the ice cream freezer.

Toward the end of the meal, a student came over and began the process of scooping out some ice cream. Normally, this process lasts for maybe 2 minutes. However, this girl was not just scooping out an ordinary dish.

We watched in delight as she scooped a some of each flavor of ice cream. Then proceeded to cover the thing in whipped cream and an assortment of candy! When she was done, she had a masterpiece!!!

It was a happy moment!

February 6th: table conversations

One of the best things about college is the table conversations that occur in the cafeteria!!! Especially when you are at a Bible school, the conversation can go from the weather to the ontological argument for the existence of God! The other night I was called to sit at one table to help "liven" up the very quite table. I don't know if I livened it up, but we were sure laughing by the time we all went our separate ways.

The best times are when you have a random group of people that don't have anywhere pressing to go. So they just stay and talk and laugh together for as long as the cafeteria is open...and even after if you move the part to the hallway! :)

So take advantage of the times to spend enjoying people's company and having a jolly conversation. You don't have to be in college to experience this either!

Wherever there are people there is an opportunity to laugh together.

It's just happier that way!!!

February 5th: testimonies

Too often we take for granted the fact that God is daily working in our lives. His promises become common place. His word becomes boring and ordinary. Sometimes, these are the "valley" times of our lives. Not very happy.

Scripture tells us to encourage and exhort one another daily. This type of encouragement generally comes from sharing the good things that God is doing in our lives and the testimony of His word in our lives.

This past week the Lord brought to mind the passage in Matthew about how much He cares for us. I was given a bill that I had not been expecting to pay this month, and I was unsure of the reason that was causing this unexpected expense. So, I was tempted to worry and to anxious.

But God in His grace and mercy brought to mind this passage of Scripture.

Matthew 6:25-34 talks about worrying and being anxious about things that we have no power over. The Lord gives the example of the birds of the air. They don't sow food or reap it, but yet they are fed. The lilies is like manner don't toil or spin for their food and yet they live. Then Jesus asks: are you not worth more than all these? If God is the one to clothe the grass of the field, why wouldn't He clothe you too? Therefore, do not be anxious about your life. Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for the Lord will take care of that too!!!

It was so encouraging!

Then, I went to figure out what had happened, and realized that I wouldn't have to pay as much as I thought I would. Praise the Lord!

Not only did He provide and orchestrate every little detail so that I wouldn't be overwhelmed financially, but He gave the peace and comfort from His word!!!

This was happy!

Then, today the group that I am privileged to sing with had a sharing time before we had our concert. It was encouraging to see how the Lord is working in my team-mates lives too.

I know that most people sort of cringe when they here the words, "Let's have everyone share one thing that God has done or taught them this week." We cringe because we are afraid of not having anything to say (oh, horror) and being considered "un-spiritual" to the rest of the group. So we make up something, or share a testimony from several weeks ago...as if God isn't working now. Is this the way to look at "testimony time"? I don't think so.

Testimony times shouldn't be like "pulling teeth". Rather, they should be joyful expressions to our brothers and sisters in Christ of what the Lord has been encouraging our hearts with. It doesn't have to be a three-point message, a specific theme, or an alliterated outline. It needs to be a thankful heart desirous of glorifying God testifying to His greatness and glory!!!

That is happy!

February 4th: skiing

My piece of happiness today consisted of riding down a snow covered slope with two thin board-like things strapped to my feet. Skiing in February is usually a good time to experience the slopes.

However, we haven't had ANY snow to speak of all winter, and it had been raining the day before.

I was expecting a soup-pot of slushiness. But I was pleasantly surprised with the conditions of the slopes. Yes, they were a little sloppy, but not enough to hinder my intermediate level of skiing.

Crazy?! Absolutely not...:)

Happy?! I say, Yes!!!

February 3rd: walking/singing in the rain

This morning there was lightening and thunder, and very dark billowy clouds. The dampness stayed in the air all day.

Rain refreshes the ground. It provides some much needed moisture from our very dry winter thus far. Rain is beautiful.

Of course, walking in the rain is a lovely activity, if your socks aren't soaking wet or the wind is driving it into your face, and if your carrying an umbrella.

The umbrella really makes all the difference in the world--though not necessarily on your state of dryness. There is something right and proper and nostalgic about umbrellas.

Maybe it is the old movie "Singing in the Rain", that puts that particular spin on umbrellas/walking in the rain.

Almost everyone knows of that clever scene where the "rain" is pouring on Gene Kelly, but he doesn't seem to mind how wet he is getting because he is in love. And if they have never seen the movie (horror of horrors) they know the song. I mean seriously if I had a dollar for every time some burst out into an original rendition of that song, I would be rich! :)

But why not burst out into song? You'll only get your face a little wet...

My piece of happiness came this morning as I was walking to breakfast. The rain was coming down hard, but the wind wasn't blustery yet. Just God and me and my umbrella and my backpack walking across campus.

It was happy!

Feb. 2nd: sunrises

This morning came too early for me. I knew that I had gone to bed too late last night, but I really wanted to finish an assignment that I was working on. And it is terrible to go to bed with with a project unaccomplished.

Anyway, once I finally stopped hitting the snooze button, I got out of bed and proceeded to walk to the window to see what the weather was like outside.

I was greeted by the beautiful pinks, purples, and deep blues of the sun peeping over the horizon. It was lovely!

I was so taken aback by the gorgeous sunrise that I didn't even think about how early it was or about how much I wanted to go back to bed. I just wanted to get started with my day. :)

The little piece of happiness: I got to enjoy looking at God's creation this morning! It wasn't anything glamorous. I'll probably see the sun rising again tomorrow morning.

But it's still happy!

Disclaimer: 29 pieces of Happiness

I love to find little things in life to enjoy. Some people think that life is dull and boring, however, I think that they are just not willing to enjoy the little blessings that God has allowed them to enjoy.

I started blogging about little *pieces* of happiness in October when I wrote a post to "Celebrate Everyday". I didn't just want to repeat what I had done then, but I did want to have a goal of posting everyday. So I was trying to think of interesting things to write about.

After much deliberation, I came up with the idea to write about little, obscure things that brings smiles to our faces and make us happy.

This doesn't mean that as a believer we are finding ALL our joy in these "things", rather we should ultimately find our JOY and SATISFACTION IN CHRIST!!! Yet, God has given us SO much to enjoy. Are we really thankful for all His goodness in our lives if we don't stop to enjoy the "Little things".

So in an attempt to recognize those things, February's bloggings will be about "little pieces of Happiness".

Enjoy!

29 pieces of Happiness

What makes February so special? What makes it unique? Is anyone looking with anticipation to what this particular month may hold? Does the whole month revolve around the 14th? I think not!

Similar to the month of October, I am inspired once again to *attempt* to write on my blog every day for the month of February. Perhaps with these few random words, you too may be inspired by little things that make you happy during this 2nd month of 2012!

29...

the number of days in the month of February (leap year)

pieces of...

little, odd, barely noticed things

Happiness.

something that makes you smile/happy

Slippers

They come in all shapes and sizes, colors and fashions. But they all have one purpose...Keeping feet warm!!!

I have gone through a mirad of slippers over the years (not only because they wear out quickly, especially when you use them to tromp around outside, but because I never found a pair that I wanted to wear all the time)

Then two years ago, for Christmas, I received a wonderful gift! Slippers!

They are boot slippers, which are nice to keep the ankles warm. They are brown, pink, and green with hearts, snowflakes, and pink moose all over them. In short, they are the cutest things ever!!!

They are very nice and warm, especially when I step onto a cold floor, just putting on my slippers makes everything better.

To say the least, they make me happy!