"I love shoes. Shoes love me..."

"They're a swell accessory!" Hahaha. Thank you for that sensational serenade, dearest Kelly :)

I got to sleep in until 11 today! Soooo exciting! I was able to get my SOCI homework done and edit my GCOM speech before actually going to my GCOM class at 2. I didn't have to present my speech today, so that was nice! I got Kelly's voicemail on my way to PSYC, which I absolutely loved :) After PSYC, which was business as usual, I came back to the dorm, talked to Brianna and Brittany, and then skyped my darling Heather :) I love our skype dates. I also love that I also get to say hi to Mrs. Tobey like 75% of the time because she comes into the room while we're chatting, haha. Just a fun fact :) Once we signed off there, Brianna and I went to Market One for some white pizza. Yummm! We loved it; it made our tummies happy. Since getting back I've discussed creative/romantic ways that guys have asked girls to prom/homecoming/formals/etc. {with Monica, Will, Brittany, and Brianna},watched Matilda, edited my writing paper, cut down more of my speech, made 3 lunch/Starbucks/dinner dates with SAO sisters, and showered of course. And now I'm ready to hop into my lovely bed :) Sweet dreams, my friends! You mean the world to me and thensome :)

Kyla's favorite verse:

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

{1 Timothy 4:12}

Why is it

that every time I brush my tongue {while I'm brushing my teeth of course} I hit a gag reflex? It's annoying. And anyone who sees that is probably wondering what the heck is wrong with me. Oh well, haha.

Today was another long day. I managed to stay awake in my SOCI class, despite the cup of chamomile tea that I consumed. My luck didn't last long in that department though, because I could barely keep my eyes open in my writing class. The only part I was really awake for was when we looked up JMU on urban dictionary {to prove that it isn't a credible source}. Curious as to what it said? Here ya go:

1.	James Madison University
	JMU is what dreams are made of... its not just a school, its a way of life. If you are privileged enough to go there or to experience its greatness, you are truly one of the lucky ones! so many dimes its unreal and the 70/30 ratio aint bad either JMU stays poppin..... we gets busy
2.	James Madison University
	A prestigious research university located in Virginia, that is known for having the hottest girls and relentless parties. I went to James Madison to get layed by a calender girl. I got an HIV from a girl at James Madison.
3.	James Madison University
	A school defined by it's 70/30 ratio: the average female is 70% desperate and 30% wasted, while the average male is 70% 'bro' and 30% rapist. Commonly, both males and females are 100% stupid. Students are commonly victims of "JMU Delusion Syndrome", an ailment characterized by the victim's staunch belief that their school is in fact, not lame. As the victim falls deeper and deeper into the throes of the disease, they will refuse to acknowledge basic facts, primarily the blatant repetitiveness of their party scene. They will also find females who go to JMU more attractive than they would be elsewhere in the world, apparently to rationalize their belief that the campus is brimming with "dime-pieces". This tragic affliction is only in the beginning stages of study, and as such, any person who has someone they care about attending James Madison should watch carefully for signs of JMUDS. Remember that they will simply not be able to understand how lame James Madison University is (owing to the JMUDS), so you cannot be offended if they react in a hostile manner to intervention. LETS GET OUT THERE AND FIND A CURE

Yeah, that was entertaining. Haha! Anways, I enjoyed lunch with Taylor-- one of my SAO gamma sisters. It was super chill and not at all awkward, which was awesome considering we've never hung out one-on-one before :) She had to be at Carrier pretty early though, so I got to the building where my government class is almost an hour early. What did I do for that time? That's right, I took a nap on the sofa in the lobby. That's true college-kid status right there, haha. Anyways, gov was whatevs. I got a B on my first paper in there! Not bad considering I did it the night before! Plus, I'm pretty sure it's a high B because I got "A" marks in most of the grading categories. It's a little confusing. But yeah, that paper is 15% of my grade. All things considered, I pretty proud of myself. From class, I came back to the room to hit the PSYC book. Yeah, I spent basically three hours taking notes on one chapter; it was awesome... only not really. Anyways, I went to small group around 6, and it was our first Bible study night! We're reading the book of Galations, and I think I'm really going to enjoy it :) We discussed chapter one tonight, and I don't think I've ever felt so inclined to be involved in the conversation. I almost worried that I was talking too much! But it made me realize that I feel more confident discussing scripture now than I ever have before. I always felt like I wasn't Biblically savvy enough to make a valid point, but I don't feel like that so much anymore. That makes me happy :) I was kind of sad when we reached our ending time, but I got to laugh and chit chat all the way back to Lakeside with Kim and Taylor, so that was lovely. I went with Taylor to the hot chocolate vending machine on the ground floor, and it was the coolest thing EVER! I was just expecting a packet of the powder mix to pop out. Oh no, this machine placed a little cup down and straight brewed that thing right in front of us. And, when it was done, the little door slid open so that she could grab her drink. My mind was blown, and I loved it. The rest of my night consisted of working on my GCOM speech, talking to Brianna and Brittany, signing up for on-campus housing next year, showering, and writing this blog. And now, I believe my bed is calling my name. Goodnight, sweet loves! You make my heart smile :)

Kirsten's favorite verse:
In his heart a man plans his course, 
       but the LORD determines his steps.
{Proverbs 16:9}

Hmmm :)

Today consisted of church, lunch with Kim, greek alphabet studying, SAO class, dinner at Festival with my Gamma sisters, skyping with Heather, and GCOM homework. It really has been quite exhausting, today has. But I did witness something beautiful today. I saw how great of an impact God's word can have on someone. I won't go into too much detail, for the act isn't what's important; it's the occurrence. But I will say this: God's grace, compassion, and peace can make a person's day. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that our Father is here for us no matter what-- in struggles, anxiety, and tears.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

{John 14:27}

We are loved :) Share His word with your friends, it might be just what they needed to hear.

That's all for today. I truly am exhausted. I love you all :)

Taylor's favorite verse:

When times are good, be happy; 

but when times are bad, consider: 

God has made the one 

as well as the other. 

Therefore, a man cannot discover 

anything about his future.

{Ecclesiastes 7:14}

"Indoor plumbing..."

"It's gonna be big!" Haha, I love hearing things in old Disney movies that you didn't pick up on as a child :)

Okay, so today was quite fun! Kelly got here around 9:30, and we immediately started our day's festivities. We had breakfast at Panera, went to Target {where I got jeggings!}, and then we went to the mall! We bought a few things, sampled red lipstick, tried on ridiculous Claire's accessories, and even found a photo booth!

 {Why yes, I did buy them :) Only $2.50 suckaaa! Yay Target!}

 {Claire's!}

{Haha, made in the 90s :) Love you Kelly!}

So exciting :) We then ventured back to campus. We ate lunch at Duke's {where I consumed too many sushies}, and hit up the Starbuck's in Carrier. Not too long after that, we met up with Heather(!!!) as well as the rest of the Tobey clan! {Well, minus Andrew and Adam.} Heather, that hug was epic, just saying :) We went back to Starbuck's and chatted before doing some shopping at the book store. Sadly, Heather had to take her leave, and Kelly shortly afterward. So what did I do with myself? Well, I did some homework in my room before I decided to go get dinner. I thought I was going to be eating by myself, but I ran into my friend Rachel and we went and picked up food together. I brought it back to the dorm though, and I ate it while I watched Aladdin. I want to be Jasmine. And that's all I'm going to say about that. A few of the girls from my floor came in here and decorated the room for Danielle's birthday. She's going to love seeing that when she comes back :) I talked Brittany and Brianna into watching a movie with me, and that movie was Hercules of course! It made me happy :) We sang, we laughed, and we had a costume idea for halloween; haha! Anyways, now I'm typing this and I really need to study for my quiz tomorrow on the Greek alphabet. Goodnight my loves! Kelly and Heather, I'm so glad I got to see you today!!!!!

In closing, here is my sister Jenna's favorite verse:

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

{Philippians 4:13}

How true it is!

Feminist.

Well, I have felt rather feminist this week in my SOCI class because we are discussing global gender inequality. Guess what ladies, we are a crucial aspect of society. Some of you may be thinking, "duh." But seriously. Here are some snippets from one of my readings, and a video that we watched in class.

Hello October :)

I discovered this morning that Kendra, one of the leaders of IV's justice team is in my social issues class, and she invited me to sit with her from now on. I thought that was very sweet of her :) It certainly made me feel nice inside, at any rate :) My writing class wasn't too bad. I decided to be a very active participant in the class discussion so I suppose that gives me brownie points. I went straight to Top Dog after that to meet Betsey for lunch :) I love talking to her; I find it comforting. She was asking me about my life, my family, and things of that sort, so we talked about Matt quite a bit. It's still hard to talk about all of that sometimes, but it's good for me. And the fact that Betsey is praying for me about that brings me a sense of relief. It's just nice to know that, even though we don't know each other really well yet, she cares enough to do that for me. You know? But yes, I'm really glad we had our date. Next was government, which was a synch as usual. I kind of dawdled around until 6, which is when I met up with my small group for dinner before going to large group. I do love my small group :) Kim, Melissa, and I were SO wound up! Haha. Between hopping around like a squirrel, eating candypump, and just being loud in general.... let's just say we draw attention to ourselves, haha. I really like large group tonight. We dove into Romans 14, talking about how we should never act or present ourselves in a way that hurts any brother/sister in Christ--or anyone for that matter. The same principle applies to non-believers because they too are loved by God and they too are His creation. I particularly like these verses:

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
{Romans 14:13}


It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.
{Romans 14:21}

And we sang this song during worship. It really struck a chord in me...

How deep the Father's love for us 

How vast beyond all measure 

That He should give His only Son 

To make a wretch His treasure 

How great the pain of searing loss 

The Father turns His face away 

As wounds which mar the Chosen One 

Bring many sons to glory 

Behold the man upon a cross 

My sin upon His shoulders 

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice 

Call out among the scoffers 

It was my sin that held Him there 

Until it was accomplished 

His dying breath has brought me life 

I know that it is finished 

I will not boast in anything 

No gifts, no power, no wisdom 

But I will boast in Jesus Christ 

His death and resurrection 

Why should I gain from His reward 

I cannot give an answer 

But this I know with all my heart 

His wounds have paid my ransom

The remainder of my night was spent in Brittany and Brianna's room. I do love them :) Yes, that was my day in a nutshell. I am quite excited for tomorrow. I get to see Kelly and Heather! Yay!!!! I'm stoked :) Goodnight my loves! Sleep well!

One last thing. This is my sister Katelyn's favorite verse:

Teach us to number our days aright, 
       that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
{Psalm 90:12}

Curiosity doesn't kill the cat with nine lives.

I'm skipping the run-down. My apologies to the few who enjoy stalking my daily activities :)

Okay, so some of you may have read my blog post that mentioned a friend of mine who thought that posting scripture verses religiously on blogs or facebook was inappropriate or came across as "shoving Jesus down other people's throats." That thought kind of intrigued me, and I wanted to see if it legitimately made people feel uncomfortable, so I asked my friend Andrea about it. Andrea is one of my closest friends here, and she practices the Jewish faith. She told me that no, it didn't make her feel angry or that I was trying to force my beliefs on her. She simply said that it wasn't something that she couldn't relate to, but that people can post whatever they want to. Okay, so if my friend of a different faith is accepting of that, then why aren't certain christians? I'm not trying to convict or condemn anyone; I'm just morbidly curious.
Kind of switching topics... While I was talking to my friend about that, she mentioned that she thought it was weird when celebrities or famous athletes thanked Jesus for their talents/accomplishments. She doesn't believe that said talents are God-given. I wasn't going to argue with her. That could have turned into me coming off as rude or offensive, and I would never want to do that. However, I think it's important to remember that none of who we are is self-credited. God knew every inch of us while we were still in the womb; We are His creation. Every gift, blessing, talent, etc. is indeed from our Father. He endowed us with these things, and I think He definitely deserves all of the praise for our successes in those area. {Of course, He deserves praise for all of the glorious work He does, but I'm focusing strictly on this scenario.}

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

{James 1:17}

Like I've said to quite a few friends, we don't have to agree on everything for me to love you. I'm not willing to compromise my beliefs, but I do love Andrea :) Very much in fact!
New topic! Haha. I had dinner with a bunch of my SAO Gamma sisters tonight to interview each other and whatnot, and one of the things we ask each other is what our favorite scripture verse is. I think what I want to do is share one each day with you all. I always love hearing a new verse, especially if it's favored my someone. I just like wondering why it's their favorite or what about that verse spoke to them. I don't know, maybe I'm odd; haha. At any rate, this is Leslie's favorite:

¹ They have greatly oppressed me from my youth—

       let Israel say-

 ² they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, 

       but they have not gained the victory over me.

 ³ Plowmen have plowed my back 

       and made their furrows long.

 ⁴ But the LORD is righteous; 

       he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.

 ⁵ May all who hate Zion 

       be turned back in shame.

 ⁶ May they be like grass on the roof, 

       which withers before it can grow;

 ⁷ with it the reaper cannot fill his hands, 

       nor the one who gathers fill his arms.

 ⁸ May those who pass by not say, 

       "The blessing of the LORD be upon you; 

       we bless you in the name of the LORD."

{Psalm 129}

And one last thing. This is a lovely screen shot that Elizabeth took of me while we were skyping for over an hour and a half. She got a kick out of it; maybe you will too.

Goodnight my loves :) I love you! I miss you!