a snowy Saturday

The snow here this morning is beautiful.  It has for sure brightened my day.  I sit here with a cup of coffee in hand working on a paper.  My paper discusses the different views concerning the interpretations of Genesis 3:16b "Your desire shall be for your husband,and he shall rule over you." Also on my list of "to dos" today includes studying for my History exam on Monday, doing my take-home math exam due Monday, take my Music quiz by Monday, and work on some biology homework also due Monday.  I also have high hopes to get my laundry and dishes done today.  Tomorrow I anticipate making a special treat for my girls for Valentine's Day.  All that to say, I am enjoying the snow very much and hope you have a wonderful Saturday.

a few past due pictures and an update on life

Hello all,

Another weekend is here.  I am so thankful for weekends and the break from a regular class schedule that they offer.  This weekend has been a bit different as last night the girls (as an award for winning the Penny Wars) were allowed to stay up all night watching movies in their room.  After dinner, I went to some married students home with Kari as she 'babysat' (the twins had already gone to bed and were sleeping when we got there).  We watched one and a half movies and enjoyed some double chocolate brownies and milk that Katie had made for us.  Yummy.  We cried through the first movie, Though None Go With Me.  It was a very good movie, but brought back some memories of Grandpa.  And well, it just happens when there are two close friends (both of which are female), and you are overtired from school.  The tears just flow all too easily.  We came back and watched the rest of the half movie, and watched another.  Aah, the joys of friendship, young life, and good clean entertainment to unwind from classes.  Needless to say, I got no homework done.

 The end of a fun evening together

Today I took the morning off, and this afternoon have been working on history.  I am thankful to have finished the written assignment as well as a collage of the Growth of American Society.  Sounds fun, huh?

Mission's Conference went very well.  It wiped a fair bit of energy from me, but I had such wonderful conversations with so many of the missionaries.  Each year, I appreciate Mission's Conference more as I get closer to hopefully one day being on the mission's field.  It is so good to share with them my hopes in serving on the mission field later in life, and how I want to serve.  They were very encouraged and helped affirm there is the need.  I am sad it is over and my Mission's Conference planning is done.  It is by far the highlight of my college career.

In between things, I have been taking pictures off my camera card and putting them on my computer.  Here are some random ones (and some I promised a ways back)....

 Here are some of the photos from the Fiesta Hannah and Laura put on a few weeks ago.

 The hot pepper eating contest.  Jalapeno was the most mild one there that night.

 Pin the tail to the donkey.

 Laura with the Pinata her and Hannah had made.

 The lovely hostesses.

Photo booth

 Brother Sister Devos: Cheryl and Leslee (above), and Mike with his Minnie Mouse mug (below)

 Our first snow!  It wasn't much, but was still fun!

The countdown for break is 6 days, and I have a long list of things to do while home.  I can barely wait.  I don't know why, but I think I am most eager for break that I have ever been.  I have already told Mom that when I get home, I am going to spend half my time sleeping (I am utterly exhausted), and the other half cooking and baking in the kitchen.  That is 75% correct.  25% of my time I suppose I should spend doing some homework.  It shouldn't be too bad though since I am growing to enjoy most of my homework because I love education so much.  Anyways, it is almost here.  There is lot still standing between me and break, but it will be here soon enough and the Lord will help me get to that point.  Let me know what is going on in your life, please.  I blab all about my life, but would love to hear what is going on with you.

spring break

Thankful for the time I am having at home.  I met up with my parents in NY, and we arrived safely home about 4am Saturday morning.  We all went right to bed, and got a few hours of shut eye.  I have enjoyed my time so far at home.

My three exams are done and behind me, and for that I am so thankful.  Last week went well, but it was insanely crazy.  I had a lot going on with projects and exams, and kept quite busy.  We got to the school Friday afternoon for our observation to find that our host teacher was sick, so I got an extra half hour of time to get ready.

I am supposed to be observing this week at a local middle school, but today was a snow day, so I got an extra day of break, which was much needed and wanted.  I have enjoyed being kind of lazy around the house, cooking, and working on my art portfolio (homework, I promise).

I hope to post some pictures on here soon, but just not in the mood currently.  I hope you all have a lovely week, and are able to relax some.  I look forward to my week, and what the Lord has in store!

the happenings of this week...

I would say that overall, this has been a good week. I got a lot accomplished, the kiddos at church were well behaved, I have laughed, slept, and had some good time with the Lord! This afternoon and evening, the biggest thing that has been on my mind is how much I miss my sister. Related to that topic, I signed up for my school to observe at over break, and it is only a couple of miles from my sister's high school, so I am hoping to be able to drive her to school and pick her up, and add some special sister time in there too.

As I mentioned above, the kiddos at church did so well on Wednesday. Taco Bell was on the menu, and the children were just much more calm and listened so well. I am so proud of them. I taught about Joseph and so we did a craft of making his coat colorful with various items: felt, ribbon, pipe cleaners, etc. I was a little nervous about giving them so many options, and the glue. Anyone who knows 4-5 year olds know they are at the stage of becoming independent so they want to do the glue. Instead of just saying "no, I will do it" I try to watch them and encourage them so they can do it by themselves, but they can do it responsibly. Another thing I love is the respect those children give me--I am an adult to them, and they look up to me. I love being able to teach them more then just stories, but stories from the Bible, and teaching them life lessons. I just love all those kiddos so much and am so thankful for the opportunity God has given me at this dear church.

This week I have been working super super hard on drinking more water, and good granny. Do you know how hard it is to drink the amount of water you are supposed to? Well let me tell you, it is very hard! My faithful pink nalgene has come in big handy as I try to keep track. I challenge you, try it!

I am super excited as well, because I get to go home in 21 days for spring break and to do my week of public school observations. If it is like last spring break at a Christian school, it is an absolute blast, but it is extremely exhausting. I love being being a teacher, and in the classroom. Praying that the classroom I am placed in works out well and I learn lots of positive 'stuff' over break. Also, in 29 days, I get to see Daniel. I decided to fly down to VA to see him at the end of my break, and the beginning of his break. I am looking forward to that time with him and his parents!

Last weekend, the weather was beautiful, I had my window open, with the crisp spring breeze blowing in, but Tuesday night, I walked to dinner, and this is what I found...

I will give it credit that it is beautiful, but after having the taste of spring, I am more then ready for spring to come and stay.

Anyways, I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I am looking forward to a productive day tomorrow working on an art lesson plan, and a few other projects. Remember that our sole purpose in life is to bring glory to the Lord! Feel free to send me a note-I would be more then happy to reply.

Christmas week

I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas remembering the true meaning. The last two weeks, I have been teaching here at home, and talking about the Christmas story. I have been impacted in a new way of what Jesus went through because of His love for me. God Himself loved me so much that He sent His only son, Jesus Christ, here. He didn't come down as a king, but humbled Himself to be born of a woman, in a messy way. He was not only born as a human, but was born in a cold, damp stable. I was even given better conditions then that. The thing that gets me the most though is that He knew His life was not going to be glorious, He knew from the start that His purpose in life was to die. He died for me, because He loved me--Wow! I encourage you to think through that.

Daniel picked me up from school on Friday and we started our long trip home. I am so thankful for the clear weather we had. The worst roads we had were in town before we left. We got in about 12:30 am. We had a lovely week together relaxing. We baked several cookies, and helped mom make other Christmas goodies. We were also able to make it to three of Sarah basketball games, which was especially nice for me! He surprised me with a Cricut! I have had lots of fun playing with that and trying to learn all of the amazing things it can do :) Sadly, I had to allow Daniel to go back to his family early Christmas Eve. After an eventful (no one was hurt) morning, he was getting on the road shortly after 7am. I so enjoyed his visit!

Mom and I had fun spending the day together on Christmas eve baking up a storm. I so miss the time in the kitchen while at college, so I enjoyed making a strawberry pie, homemade cranberry sauce, and a breakfast casserole.

We kept out Christmas day traditions by going to Grandpa and Grandma Hewitt's for breakfast. We had a very yummy breakfast and then a wonderful time of visiting with them. Thankful they are still here to celebrate Christmas with! About 1:30ish, we drove the quarter mile to go to Grandpa and Grandma Meigs'! We enjoyed opening gifts together, and I was excited to add to my teacher supply collection! We had an absolutely delicious lunch/dinner. After dinner we did stockings, watched Mom open her mother-daughter box (one of our favorite traditions as we try to guess each gift). We had dessert (my family loves to bake a little too much...we had five pies for seven people), and then headed for home. What a wonderful Christmas Day we had!

The 26th has always been our family day that we celebrate Christmas as an immediate family! For several years now, us kids have made breakfast for Mom and Dad. This Christmas was not an exception. We had a yummy breakfast, and then headed off to church. After church we enjoyed the lasagna Dad had made and opened gifts as a family. I would have to say the highlight of our family Christmas was the lap quilt my mom made me! It is a bright purple and teal with flannel! After evening service we watched The Ultimate Gift and opened stockings. We had an awesome day as a family!

Last night we got about 12 inches of snow, and the wind has been blowing like crazy. It has been fun to be home with Sarah and Mom and just enjoy being inside. Sarah and I carried firewood in this morning, so I expect to be inside the remainder of the day warm and cozy. I hope you all had a lovely Christmas remembering the true meaning of why we celebrate. I am home for roughly another two weeks before I go meet my niece. Have a wonderful day!

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

The Christmas season has arrived, and I am loving every minute of it. I brought lots of Christmas music back from break, and have enjoyed listening to it immensely. The countdown is coming to an end, as I am already past the one week mark. I can already feel the warmth of the fireplace at home, and the smell of goodness of the Christmas Season. My room here is quite festive with Christmas lights, a plate of Christmas cookies (from a dear woman at church), and peppermint pinwheel candies. Most of the time, I have my pine candle 'burning', but nothing beats the smell of a real Christmas tree mixed with pies baking. I don't think I have looked forward to Christmas this much since I was a child, and I don't really know why or what makes this one more exciting then the last, or the one before the last, but trust me, I am excited.

When I snap myself back into the reality of my life as a college student, I am thankful the Lord has gotten me thus far in the semester. I look back on several points of my semester, and have no idea how I survived, besides the fact that I serve an awesome God, and have many prayer warriors backing me up each day. This past week was one of those times, I don't know how I made it through. But God is good, and has carried me through on those eagles wings as He talks of. I have experienced the truth behind the verse that states "when I am weak, He is strong" (Becky paraphrase).

Wednesday night, I had the fun of being able to go over to the Peterson's home after church. Mr. Peterson teaches here at the school and was the staff advisor for the Mission's Conference Steering Committee. He and his family have taken the four of us students on the committee under his wing, and graciously welcomed us into their home. I had fun proclaiming the arrival of my sweet niece, and they all shared in my joy, which was much appreciated. While there, we enjoyed sweet conversation with some yummy Swedish treats (they used to be missionaries in Sweden). One of the things we had was a spiced drink that you drink in a tiny cup and put almonds and raisins in it--it was SO good! We also had some delicious Swedish cookies that reminded me a bit of a gingersnap, but they were very thin--again, very yummy! Once our bellies were full, we enjoyed sharing Christmas traditions, and I felt largely outnumbered as I was the only one who had not been on the mission field in the past. We left just in time to be back in our rooms by curfew, but what fun we all had.

Thursday was study day which means no classes. I didn't allow myself to sleep in too much, and got right to work on reading, projects, and other random assignments coming due. I worked studiously all day, and ended up having to pull late lights because of the pile of things due on Friday. My mind was so heavily into my work, that I completely forgot about devos, and after they had done all of their gift exchanging, they noticed I was missing, and sent Kelsey to come get me, haha.

I made it through Friday, which is totally a God thing. My day started with me freaking out because it was 7:19 instead of 6:00, which is what I had set my alarm for. I am proud to say I was still able to get ready in time! Several projects were handed in, and we wrapped the majority of our classes up in lecture. As soon as my classes were done, I raced back to my room to work on my Learning Center. If you don't know what a Learning Center is, let me just tell you it is a ton of work and time. Thankfully, I had the idea in my head and at about 11pm, I finished that up.

Saturday morning, I woke up and immediately got to some reading. I got to talk to my Dad on the phone for a bit, and skype with my niece. It was fun getting to see her in action. My Saturday was full, and I was thankfully able to start and finish my OT Survey notebook. My day crashed at about quarter of midnight when I was more then ready for sleep!

Today has been an interesting day weather wise. When I woke up, it was pouring rain, and at about 12:30, it started snowing. We are expected to get a bunch of snow between now and Wednesday. I was able to wrap up a few assignments, put some last minute touches on my Learning Center, and enjoy a cozy nap!

Now that you have heard about my last several days in extreme detail, let me give you a heads up about the next several days. We have classes Monday and Tuesday, but those will pretty much just be reviewing before finals. Final exams start Wednesday, and my last exam starts at 10am on Friday! The plan is for Daniel to drive up and pick me up, and then together we will head up to VT. Please be praying with us for good weather. I keep hearing rumors that we are to get a storm Thursday and Friday, but then others say it should be clear. We know the Lord has it in His hands, and are resting in that.

If there is any way I can pray for you this week, please let me know. I would be overjoyed to be able to pray for you in a specific way!

Isaiah 1:18

Once again, we are getting snow. Nothing new with that. According to one of my professors, this is a record for Beckley, WV for total snow accumulation for this winter season. While I was on Christmas break, they got 2 feet plus. Last week, it snowed Tuesday afternoon, was blizzarding (is that even a word?) all day Wednesday, and heavy snows on and off throughout Friday. Rumor has it we had a total of about a foot and a half accumulation from those three days. We had a little break over the weekend, and it started back up again today. At times, it is snowing so hard you can barely see across the parking lot, but other times, it is just a very graceful snow.

It is fun though to hear everyone here on campus go crazy about how much snow we are getting, and how ready they are for it to be done. For the most part, I am loving the snow. It is so beautiful though. It does make it a little more difficult though to walk from class to class though in dress shoes and a skirt, but it is just absolutely beautiful. Another minor disadvantage to this snow, is student drivers- agh! I am used to being home where if it was really bad, my Dad would spoil me and drive me to work, or we would take his 4x4 truck where we needed to go. But here at college, hardly any students have 4x4 and they don't know how to drive in the weather. Oh well, it is teaching me trust.

I have to laugh a little bit though too, because at home, they are almost totally bare, and here I am getting it in WV, and they are getting it in TX, but not in VT.

When you think of snow, and the beauty of it, remember how God has washed us white as snow: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool (Isaiah 1:18). We do not deserve to be washed as white as snow, but God has, and I know I need the constant reminder to thank Him for washing me as white as snow!

SNOW

I was bored the other day in between studying.

Apparently this has been a big year for WV in getting snow. Last week we got a ton of freezing rain and slush, and then over the weekend some snow. This morning, I walked to class through an inch and a half (or so) while wearing my flats. It is snowing pretty good today, but is so beautiful. On my way to class (which ended up being cancelled), I had like three snowflakes fly into my eye- yikes! A couple of weeks ago when the same thing happened to my friend, I joking told her that that wasn't possible, because that is why God created eyelashes. So when I was walking to class with that same friend this morning, I made sure to tell her that my eyelashes had failed me, lol.

While going through a storm, I am commonly reminded of how no two snowflakes are the same. What a creative God we serve. I might be able to be creative enough for a handful of snow throughout my lifetime, but all the snow that ever existed, exists, and is yet to exist, wow! Enjoy these snow pictures from campus.

(it was really hard looking into the snow.)

Check out the lyrics to the song "SNOW" sung in the movie, "White Christmas":

http://lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/xmas/snow.shtml

Watching God at work

I am so excited. Today has been such a good day, and I am so thankful to the Lord for it. It has been fun being inside watching it snow outside. It has been a productive day. One of my tasks for today was to study for my lesson for Children's Church tomorrow. I must confess that it has been a little exhausting lately. I work with the children on Wednesday nights, and am supposed to teach the first Sunday of the month, but because last Sunday was the fifth Sunday, it was my week to cover, and then of course I have this Sunday. I enjoy teaching and working with the children, but I have been missing the fellowship with adults.

Yesterday in Personal Evangelism and Discipleship, we watched a movie by Ray Vander Laan talked about what a disciple is. I was really impacted by this movie that I am not living the life of a true disciple. A disciple would ask to follow a Rabbi. If the Rabbi allowed, this young man would watch everything he did, and mimic it. Take for instance in the Bible: when Jesus went off to pray, his disciples went to follow him. The disciples spent all of their time with the Lord. Why do I find it so hard to give God just a small portion of my day? Towards the end of the movie, Ray Vandar Laan asked, "How badly do you want to be like Jesus?"

What would you know, tomorrow's lesson for children's church comes from Matthew 4:18-22; 10:2-4. I think God is trying to say something to me. These passages have to do with Jesus choosing his disciples.

At the beginning, I was kind of bummed to be put with the 4s and 5s because they don't understand things as deeply as say, a fourth grader. God is definitely softening my heart though, and I feel this experience is helping me grow more then if I were working with older kids. I am having to stretch myself and become creative on how I will present the lesson to the kids so that they can understand the truth of the Bible, and then be able to apply it throughout the week. I am having fun (most of the time) trying to find activities to get the point across. One of my goals is that every activity we do throughout that time, that it relates to the story. Sometimes it is a bit challenging to find a craft that has to do with the story. Some of my challenges have been a craft to do with offering (Mark 12: 41-44), and the story of Lydia (Acts 16:11-15). I didn't particularly like the book's craft idea for tomorrow because it was just something like decorating one of the disciple's names. So I got to thinking and decided to make my own coloring sheet. It was a lot of fun thinking up, and watching as the thoughts evolved into a more in depth craft. Here they count the fish and count that there are twelve, their memory verse is on there, and they can remember how God said, "I will make you fishers of men". I am pleased with the end result and can't wait to share this excitement with the children in the morning. To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

I'm back!

I have completed my first day of classes, and am over half way through my second day. I think I will enjoy my classes, but they will definitely be requiring more work then those last semester. One nice thing about that, is that I get to watch God work and how He helps me make it through this semester and provides for my different needs. Sometimes I need these little pushes in being forced to trust God.

It was exciting driving in two nights ago and finding out that we have snow here! I was expecting to have all melted, but no such thing. Yesterday afternoon warmed up a bit and melted the snow on the pavement, but that meant that this morning it was ice- I have yet to fall, but we shall see how long that goes for. I am enjoying the space and privacy of a room to myself, but also missing having someone in the room with me. I am hoping to be able to use this as an opportunity to more freely have other girls into my room without the fear of interrupting my roommate's studies or time.

I am sure many of you have heard about the earthquake that hit Haiti. Please be in prayer for the people there, and especially for the people in Limbé (which is where we went to). I have gotten word that the missionary family is safe, but not positive on how much damage was done to the area. The people of Haiti left a lasting impression on me, and I hurt when I see what they are having to go through as I sit here at college. Please be praying for the Haïtiens physically and spiritually as they face the after affects of the natural disaster. Haiti is a beautiful country, but with some very lost people.