Wowwww... Inapropro.

So, there's a church in New Zealand that thought these billboards would be an awesome idea to make people think about "what Christmas is all about"....

(source)

I'm sorry, but I'm going to agree with the person quoted in this article and say that Christmas is not about God impregnating Mary, but about Jesus, our Immanuel, bringing hope, peace, and salvation into this world! This literally just kind of blew my mind... Sorry, I just thought that was too crazy not to post.

On a separate note, I have spent a lot of time in Carrier this week, and it hasn't been all that productive. But hey, what can you do? I forgot to include this picture from last night:

Yes, there have been a lot of people dressed up in Christmas-y costumes/attire, many of whom have been handing out candy. Good stuff right there! Everyone could use a little pick-me-up while cramming for finals :) As for tonight, I spent about 5 hours with Jenn, Hannah, and Lauren in our study room behind the elevator. We really are ridiculous, haha! Us being together is not at all conducive to studying, but at least I can say my time is enjoyable! This poor guy kept coming in to charge his cell phone, and he must have thought we were THE most awkward people ever! Haha! Between the obnoxious hip hop songs being blasted, awkward stories/conversations being walked-in on, and our instant silence whenever he walked in the room to cover up how crazy we were being... After a while he just decided to laugh at/start conversation with us! Haha! He has an Arabic final tomorrow; I am so thankful I'm not in that boat! God speed to Him!

I have a final in SOWK 287 in less than six hours. I need to shower and get ready for bed. I'm waking up in less than five hours... Ugh. But, on a happier note, I'LL BE HOME IN APPROXIMATELY 17 HOURS!!!

Oh! And I also got excited today because 1) I got $121 back from selling my books and 2) I won $10 off of a scratch-card! Holla!

Goodnight all :)

Friendships are not about obligations...

They are are about decisions and sacrifice.

More importantly, they require love.

In times of stress, it is so easy to shift into a mode of hypersensitivity. It is understandable, but I think what is important is that we remain understanding. Being slow to anger can be difficult in times where you may feel a sense of irrationality, but bear in mind the circumstances. Be mindful of the stress and anxiety that may serve as an emotional trigger, and judge not the victim of such emotions. Decide to forgive and let live. Sacrifice pride by not embodying a defensive stance. Love those whom you may be in conflict with, or may be struggling to reciprocate that love. Admit your wrongdoings, despite whether or not your intentions were focused on harm or upset. Strive always to be supportive, and be a friends that bears no conditions in giving that support. When encountering each of your friends, consider this: If today was their last, would you be happy with where your relationship stood? What conflicts would be left unsettled? What feelings would be left unexpressed? Would they know how much you loved them?

Let us not be foolish and take our friendships for granted. We are due nothing and entitled nothing. Acknowledge these relationships as blessings and care for them as such. Though effort and work are required, the reward is beyond worth the upkeep. Do right by your friends. Reflect the love and compassion of Christ that lies within you; it is meant to be shared and freely given. Goodnight loves :)

We never walk alone.

"²³ Yet I am always with you; 

   you hold me by my right hand. 

²⁴ You guide me with your counsel, 

and afterward you will take me into glory. 

²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 

²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever."

{Palm 63:23-26}

Only day one, and I am left physically exhausted. The combination of an anthropology final exam and a 4.5 hour work shift have put my into a physical slump. But aside from physical tiredness, I am okay. Truly okay, and some might say "oddly" at peace. Though by looking at this scripture it is far from odd. God is with me in every brain pulsation and hyperactive nerve. Even when panicked breathes and an accelerated heart rate begin to monopolize my functioning, God is reaching out His right hand to me to guide me into serene bliss. He will lead me to where He wants me, knowing full well that I am clearly unable to determine that place of splendor by my own will. The most beautiful thing we have in this earthly life if a relationship with Christ-- our Father and Savior that deemed us worth dying for. His love was that strong. We are weak and feeble-- highly unstable. But God lends us strength and serves as the Rock of our stability. We need nothing apart from Him. His presence in and provision of our hearts allows us to persevere through life's obstacles that may cause us to stumble. But rest assured, dearest brothers and sisters, those who walk with the Lord and live for His purpose shall always be lifted up {Proverbs 24:16}. God will not trample us. His outstretched hand will bring you to your feet once more, when all seems hopeless, and He will accompany you on the glorious path He has set before you. None of us walk alone, and we shall not endure alone. Goodnight loves :)

Some wonderful insight

that comes from my dear friend Luke. He texted me:

"My constant back pain is a clear sign of how temporary our bodies on earth are. It's glorious to know. For the first time I'm excited about pain because earth is temporary! I don't have to live with this pain for long!"

This very mindset is what I needed a dose of tonight as I was studying for my anthropology exam (and borderline freaking out). All of this stress is temporary. The worry is temporary. I won't be living with this forever. And truly, when this overwhelming time has passed, there will be far more glorious things to behold. Soon and very soon, we will be in our true home, living and rejoicing in the presence of our true Father :)

Do not panic, fretting college kids. This too shall pass :) Goodnight loves!

A Timeless Hope

After Stephanie dropped me off at my dorm this morning, I immediately started rushing to get ready. I put real clothes on, straightened my hair, made sure I had everything together, shoved some breakfast down my throat, quickly put some gas in the car, picked up Hannah, and we were on our way to Richmond by 1 o'clock! We stopped by my house, where Hannah took a short little nap, before meeting up with Julie for a Starbucks date! That was enjoyable :) And I was so glad that there wasn't any sort of awkwardness, despite the fact that Hannah and Julie had never met. That made me very happy inside :) And it was really cool because Julie is also a distant SAO sister! Yay for common bonding ground! From there, I delivered Heather some green tea with honey before Hannah and I went to Champ's for some dinner. Now you may be wondering why exactly this endeavor to Richmond occurred in the first place. Well, I shall tell you why...

GLORIOUS CHRISTMAS NIGHTS!

{Pat Porter Photography}

Although it's sad not being able to be in the show, it made me so happy to see so many people I love up on that stage using their talents to bring glory to God. Their singing/dancing/acting/performing is done so that others can be poured into and come to learn more about Jesus Christ, and they do so wholeheartedly with every ounce of their energy. It is so breathtaking to watch, and I cannot begin to describe the joy and pride that welled up in my heart while watching this show. My youth loves singing and dancing their hearts out with the biggest smiles on their faces, sounding so awesome and looking so incredible. My dearest friends dancing so beautifully, singing so wonderfully, and miraculously pushing through the exhaustion I know that they were enduring. I admire them so much, and they truly are my biggest inspiration. These amazing individuals are my family, each and every one of them. Just being with them brings me such a peace, a feeling of love and of joy. Being in WEAG tonight I was one again struck with a truth that I have realized countless times before: When I am here, I am home. Tonight was incredible. Were it possible, I would repeat it one thousand times over :) I love you all! Goodnight.

This one time... at Steph's house...

Or apartment, rather, but you know what I mean :)

Yeah, so I ended up crashing at Steph's last night! It wasn't planned out... at all...

but it was a good time! I love spending time with Steph :) We watched Morning Glory, ate chocolate/skittles, and sipped on hot tea! (Mine smelled soooo potent! Cinnamon scent errywurr! Haha)

But yeah, so that was my night last night! Before that, my day went as follows:

• Last anthro class of the semester!
• Ha=ung out in TDU for a bit.
• Checked out the Carrot Mob that was spearheaded by my beautiful little!
• Starbucks date with Leslie :) She is so wonderful :)
• Talked to Tom for a little bit.
• IV fun night!
• Other people actually laughed at our video too, so that was good!
• We were worried we'd be the only people who thought we were funny... Haha!

That is all :) Love you all!

True life: I want this kid to be my friend.

There are so many things that are wonderful about this.