Guess what? Softball season is here!
Yeah, it's only February, but there's already been two full-fledged Sunday practices, and the promise of more to come.
I'm not playing this year because of overwhelming school committments, but I've still managed to make it to both of the practices, and I really enjoyed it. I'm glad they let me watch and hang out and even throw a few balls even though I'm not officially on the team.
Softball has been such a part of my life growing up. I can hardly recall a spring that my dad didn't play, and all the rest of us would drive out to Lynden to watch him...I get nostalgic thinking about it. :-)
I am excited for this next year because I get to watch once again, to be part of the great tradition of SBCC softball fans. You see a whole other side of our church, and I really like it. I also just love the entire sensory experience of our softball games.
The late games are the best because they play under the lights. The fans snuggle up under blankets with coffee from The Woods in hand. I can see it right now...and I can't wait for the games to begin! See you on the field guys! I hope you come up with some great ball-playing. :-)
Monday, February 28, 2005
Friday, February 25, 2005
Musings from Masters
Well...the interview's done. It's a huge weight off...but another one on. I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight because of many goings-over of all I said, how I conducted myself, etc.
The interview was, in a word, horrible. I didn't understand some of the questions, I couldn't focus my thoughts or get the words out that I wanted to say, and I even got teary-eyed! Can you believe it? I don't know if I've ever done worse! But Dr. Jones was SOOO nice, and understanding, and funny...even though I was so completely stressed out and practically blubbering.
Please, please, please pray for me dear friends that I will be able to leave this interview and this scholarship securely in God's hands, trusting in HIS entirely perfect, beautiful plan. He knows so much better than I what I need, and what He wills WILL come to fruition.
I want to thank you all for your constant love and support...and for the fact that you will still love me and believe in me (I hope) even if I don't get it. You guys are awesome!
On a happier note, I love this college! This trip has just been such a confirmation that I really want to go here. The people here are so nice, and I can just sense God here. "Where two or three are gathered in MY name..."
It's been sunny, but as I was sitting in Dr. Jones' office, I heard some low rumbling. When I got out, there was a full-fledged thunderstorm going on. For some odd reason, it really cheered me up! The huge raindrops and flashes of lightening expressed my feeling better than I could have, so I just laughed and thanked God for sending me a thunderstorm when I was feeling like one myself. And then...yes...I danced a little in the rain. :-)
The interview was, in a word, horrible. I didn't understand some of the questions, I couldn't focus my thoughts or get the words out that I wanted to say, and I even got teary-eyed! Can you believe it? I don't know if I've ever done worse! But Dr. Jones was SOOO nice, and understanding, and funny...even though I was so completely stressed out and practically blubbering.
Please, please, please pray for me dear friends that I will be able to leave this interview and this scholarship securely in God's hands, trusting in HIS entirely perfect, beautiful plan. He knows so much better than I what I need, and what He wills WILL come to fruition.
I want to thank you all for your constant love and support...and for the fact that you will still love me and believe in me (I hope) even if I don't get it. You guys are awesome!
On a happier note, I love this college! This trip has just been such a confirmation that I really want to go here. The people here are so nice, and I can just sense God here. "Where two or three are gathered in MY name..."
It's been sunny, but as I was sitting in Dr. Jones' office, I heard some low rumbling. When I got out, there was a full-fledged thunderstorm going on. For some odd reason, it really cheered me up! The huge raindrops and flashes of lightening expressed my feeling better than I could have, so I just laughed and thanked God for sending me a thunderstorm when I was feeling like one myself. And then...yes...I danced a little in the rain. :-)
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
The Countdown of ME!
10 random things you like:
[10] laughing
[9] my family
[8] weather of any kind, but especially wind
[7] the church campout...hanging with friends for a whole week...yeah baby!
[6] driving in my car on a sunny day or a starry night and listening to music
[5] going to Starbucks with friends
[4] softball games!
[3] flip-flops and skirts
[2] my grandma Bonita's house
[1] going to school (I know...I'm insane)
9 of your closest friends:
[9] my family
[8] Brittney
[7] Kimi
[6] Rachel
[5] Marcie
[4] Jessica
[3] Caleb B.
[2] Karin
[1] Milo (seriously...he knows more about me than ANYONE!...kind of sad, seeing as he's a cat)
8 things you DON'T like:
[8] people who can't get along
[7] feeling stressed out
[6] not being able to find cute AND modest clothes
[5] movies that would have been good except for one scene
[4] homework that's due tomorrow
[3] frizzy hair
[2] bad coffee
[1] bad music
7 places you would like to visit:
[7] Japan
[6] New York
[5] Indonesia
[4] Mexico
[3] Texas
[2] Hawaii
[1] Europe, especially Britain
6 places where you've slept:
[6] my bed
[5] our couches
[4] floors at my friends houses
[3] various cars
[2] watching The Village
[1] worst night of sleep ever: sharing a twin bed w/ a friend...I gave up and went to the couch
5 of your favorite books:
[5] The Bible
[4] Passion & Purity
[3] When I Don't Desire God
[2] anything by CS Lewis
[1] various Amy Carmichael books
4 things you want to do before you die:
[4] learn to surf
[3] visit another country
[2] make a difference in someone's life
[1] become a mother
3 people you want to meet before you die:
[3] someone famous
[2] another "kindred spirit"
[1] my future husband...if he's out there
2 events you will never forget:
[2] the day of my salvation decision
[1] the day I realized that God wanted me to serve Him all my life
1 person you will always love:
[1] Jesus Christ
[10] laughing
[9] my family
[8] weather of any kind, but especially wind
[7] the church campout...hanging with friends for a whole week...yeah baby!
[6] driving in my car on a sunny day or a starry night and listening to music
[5] going to Starbucks with friends
[4] softball games!
[3] flip-flops and skirts
[2] my grandma Bonita's house
[1] going to school (I know...I'm insane)
9 of your closest friends:
[9] my family
[8] Brittney
[7] Kimi
[6] Rachel
[5] Marcie
[4] Jessica
[3] Caleb B.
[2] Karin
[1] Milo (seriously...he knows more about me than ANYONE!...kind of sad, seeing as he's a cat)
8 things you DON'T like:
[8] people who can't get along
[7] feeling stressed out
[6] not being able to find cute AND modest clothes
[5] movies that would have been good except for one scene
[4] homework that's due tomorrow
[3] frizzy hair
[2] bad coffee
[1] bad music
7 places you would like to visit:
[7] Japan
[6] New York
[5] Indonesia
[4] Mexico
[3] Texas
[2] Hawaii
[1] Europe, especially Britain
6 places where you've slept:
[6] my bed
[5] our couches
[4] floors at my friends houses
[3] various cars
[2] watching The Village
[1] worst night of sleep ever: sharing a twin bed w/ a friend...I gave up and went to the couch
5 of your favorite books:
[5] The Bible
[4] Passion & Purity
[3] When I Don't Desire God
[2] anything by CS Lewis
[1] various Amy Carmichael books
4 things you want to do before you die:
[4] learn to surf
[3] visit another country
[2] make a difference in someone's life
[1] become a mother
3 people you want to meet before you die:
[3] someone famous
[2] another "kindred spirit"
[1] my future husband...if he's out there
2 events you will never forget:
[2] the day of my salvation decision
[1] the day I realized that God wanted me to serve Him all my life
1 person you will always love:
[1] Jesus Christ
Friday, February 11, 2005
Some Thoughts on the Future
I've been in that awful state of coming close to tears but never exactly crying too much lately. It's hit me again that things won't be the same again.
Life is never the same for a very long time, but the changes that I am approaching are the most radical ones I have ever faced. To move thousands of miles away from my friends and family--all that I hold dear and familiar--will be such a different experience. The other day I just realized "this is my last February in my house, in my room, in my familiar state of being." Even if I do move back to Bellingham, I probably won't move back home.
This "striking out into the unknown" terrifies and thrills me. Growing up is so strange...I always thought I wanted to do it, but now that I'm actually here, I don't want to grow up more. Eighteen is a fine age, thank you very much. But then I remember how much I wanted to stay seventeen, and sixteen before that...and I wonder if growing up really is wonderful after all. The comfort of the familiar has such a pull, but so does the thrill of the unknown.
What a comfort to have a sovereign God who knows all that is ahead when the road looks dark before me. What a blessing to know Him who sees even the tears I don't cry. My future need not be terrifying with such a loving Friend and Savior by my side.
Life is never the same for a very long time, but the changes that I am approaching are the most radical ones I have ever faced. To move thousands of miles away from my friends and family--all that I hold dear and familiar--will be such a different experience. The other day I just realized "this is my last February in my house, in my room, in my familiar state of being." Even if I do move back to Bellingham, I probably won't move back home.
This "striking out into the unknown" terrifies and thrills me. Growing up is so strange...I always thought I wanted to do it, but now that I'm actually here, I don't want to grow up more. Eighteen is a fine age, thank you very much. But then I remember how much I wanted to stay seventeen, and sixteen before that...and I wonder if growing up really is wonderful after all. The comfort of the familiar has such a pull, but so does the thrill of the unknown.
What a comfort to have a sovereign God who knows all that is ahead when the road looks dark before me. What a blessing to know Him who sees even the tears I don't cry. My future need not be terrifying with such a loving Friend and Savior by my side.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Revive
I am so stoked!
I know, "stoked" isn't a term I typically use, but I've been hanging around the Revive "Vice President of Logistics" and it's kind of rubbed off.
Revive is a new club at Whatcom Community College. It's a Christian club, and the meetings are Mondays from 11:00 to 12:00. I just got back from a meeting and it was, in a word, awesome! There are so many ways that this club is reaching out to the campus and the community, and also ways we're trying to promote fellowship on campus.
Today we almost filled up the table in the boardroom. We had about three people who came for the first time, plus the illustrious reporter C. Jennings Breakey. Add that to the regulars, not so regulars, and the in-and-out pastors, and the table was full.
Revive is trying to do one service project a month plus one social event a quarter. Also, they've brought Alpha to the campus, and girl's and guy's Bible studies are going through 1 Corinthians. We want to set up a debate between a Creation scientist and a professor on campus, and we're trying to work it out so we can show 'The Passion' on Good Friday. Wouldn't that be cool?
But the thing I'm most excited about is the spring break missions trip to Mexico. I'm going! I really can't believe it, but it's true. I am thrilled to be able to do this...to whet my appetite for missions and really see if this is something I would be interested in. And it will make all my Spanish classes worthwhile!
You could just feel the enthusiasm in the room today as we talked about our service project, Salt on the Street, which we did Saturday night. Everyone who went had been impacted in some way, and many want to go again next week! Our president unveiled the new logo, and we discussed promoting the club, future projects, and prayer requests.
We are all so different (we even have our "token Democrat" as we call him) but it was awesome to see everyone come together in the name of Jesus and plan how to impact our college. I can't wait for next week!
I know, "stoked" isn't a term I typically use, but I've been hanging around the Revive "Vice President of Logistics" and it's kind of rubbed off.
Revive is a new club at Whatcom Community College. It's a Christian club, and the meetings are Mondays from 11:00 to 12:00. I just got back from a meeting and it was, in a word, awesome! There are so many ways that this club is reaching out to the campus and the community, and also ways we're trying to promote fellowship on campus.
Today we almost filled up the table in the boardroom. We had about three people who came for the first time, plus the illustrious reporter C. Jennings Breakey. Add that to the regulars, not so regulars, and the in-and-out pastors, and the table was full.
Revive is trying to do one service project a month plus one social event a quarter. Also, they've brought Alpha to the campus, and girl's and guy's Bible studies are going through 1 Corinthians. We want to set up a debate between a Creation scientist and a professor on campus, and we're trying to work it out so we can show 'The Passion' on Good Friday. Wouldn't that be cool?
But the thing I'm most excited about is the spring break missions trip to Mexico. I'm going! I really can't believe it, but it's true. I am thrilled to be able to do this...to whet my appetite for missions and really see if this is something I would be interested in. And it will make all my Spanish classes worthwhile!
You could just feel the enthusiasm in the room today as we talked about our service project, Salt on the Street, which we did Saturday night. Everyone who went had been impacted in some way, and many want to go again next week! Our president unveiled the new logo, and we discussed promoting the club, future projects, and prayer requests.
We are all so different (we even have our "token Democrat" as we call him) but it was awesome to see everyone come together in the name of Jesus and plan how to impact our college. I can't wait for next week!
Friday, February 04, 2005
My Love Story
A few weeks ago, I spent three hours in Family Christian Bookstores looking for birthday gifts for three of my friends. As I perused the music section, I came across a CD called "She Must and Shall Go Free" by Derek Webb. I was immediately interested because Derek Webb was once a member of one of my favorite groups, Caedmon's Call.
I took the demo into the listening room and began to click through the songs, listening just long enough to read the words and get the gist of the song's musicality. After song four, I was hooked. I knew I had to buy it, not for any upcoming birthdays, but for myself.
I took the demo into the listening room and began to click through the songs, listening just long enough to read the words and get the gist of the song's musicality. After song four, I was hooked. I knew I had to buy it, not for any upcoming birthdays, but for myself.
Musically, it has what I call a country feel, but there is a strong bluegrass tone too. Some of the songs make me feel like dancing, but others are slow ballads. All in all, pretty good.
But what I really love about this CD is the message. The theme of the CD is the love of Christ for the church, a theme which I really have needed to hear lately. I am so enjoying the story that emerges as I listen to the CD over and over (too much if you ask my siblings).
It's the story of a girl. A girl who was a slave, helpless, filthy, unfaithful, and excruciatingly lost.
It's also the story of a boy. A boy who came to find a bride. And He found this girl. He looked past the filth, the sin, the stain, and He loved her deeply. He knew that He would do anything to make this girl His bride, to redeem her from her slavery, to make her His own.
Why He would do such a thing is impossible to comprehend. He is perfection incarnate, full of glory, able to have the finest of anything. Yet He gave His very blood and breath for this poor slave girl.
Should the law against her roar
Jesus' blood still speaks with power
"All her debts were cast on Me
And she must and shall go free"
He redeemed her, cleaned her up, made her everything that she was not. The filthy garments were replaced with a robe of His righteousness. She became beautiful because of His love reflected through her. I love the lyrics in Derek Webb's song "The Church" where the Lover says:
I have come with one purpose
To capture for Myself a bride
By My life she is lovely
And by My death she's justified
His love is so strong and true...so much more so than anything else the world tries to offer.
Finally, He must leave. He has betrothed her to Himself, and now He is building her a home. But before leaving, He gives her some instructions for His absence.
"Beloved listen to Me
Don't believe all that you see
And don't you ever let anyone tell you
That there's anything that you need
But Me"
Oh that's so good for me to hear! So often I forget and turn to chase after those things that others tell me I need...when really I only need Him. When I follow after these things, I find it is vain and meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Can you imagine? The church as His beloved is so unfaithful, always going after other lovers. But He is still so faithful to bring her back to Himself.
And I'll send out an army just to bring you back to Me
'Cause regardless of your brother's lies oh you will be set free
How faithful He is when I am unfaithful! How loving He is when I am unlovely! Why do I look for any love story other than this? My greatest love story is already written.
My favorite song on the CD right now is called "Take to the World." It's about my preparations for the marriage.
And take to the world this love, this hope and faith
Take to the world this
rare, relentless grace
And like the Three in One
Know you must become what
you want to save
'Cause that's still the way
He takes to the world
What an amazing love story! To think that it's mine!
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