tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62316288542564749292024-03-21T09:01:55.447-04:00He Leads Me To Acres of HopeDianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-37962116241303111872012-05-21T11:34:00.000-04:002012-05-21T11:34:09.520-04:00For Our Greater GoodBeyond a doubt, Joseph was a beloved son. Reading his story in Genesis 37-50, I can't help but think how Joseph would make a great guest on any talk show if he were alive today. The title of the TV program might go something like this: From the Pit to the Palace.
Joseph's story begins much like ours. He came into this world an innocent child. He didn't ask to be born. Joseph, like any of us, deserved to be cared for, loved, and nurtured by his parents. On the other hand, so did Joseph's brothers. But in the eyes of their father, they were second best to Joseph. The rejection of their father caused terrible sibling rivalry until one day Joseph's brothers threw him into a pit.
While Joseph's brothers were eating supper and discussing what to do with him, the opportunity of a lifetime arose. A caravan of Midianites passed their camp on the way to Egypt. Seizing the opportunity, the brothers sold Joseph as a slave for twenty pieces of silver. In U.S. money, that amounts to about $1.28.
Is that where you are right now, friend? Have you been rejected by someone and thrown into the pit? Don't fear. You're not lost. God has not abandoned you. He knows your whereabouts. He is using your circumstance as a stepping-stone for a greater plan just as He did for Joseph.
Several years later during a life-threatening drought, many traveled to Egypt to buy grain, including Joseph's brothers. It was Joseph who had foretold the drought and prepared Egypt for survival. By now, he had been promoted to second in command in Egypt.
In his powerful position, Joseph could have taken revenge on his brothers for betraying him. Instead, he chose to forgive them and reunite with his family.
As his brothers bowed before Joseph in fear of their lives, Joseph said in Genesis 50:20, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." This verse is often compared to Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
When you and I let down those walls of fear and trust God for the greater good, we'll find a measure of healing and restoration just as Joseph did. Instead, we often want to cling to the pain. That kind of thinking only keeps us in the pit and allows our wounds and fears to fester and grow. God has so much more for us.
What was meant for evil in your life, God wants to use for your good.
The Lord wants to bring you and me out of the pit and place us in His palace. The choice is ours. We can focus on our bad experience and miss the joy that can be ours. Or, like Joseph, we can take the risk, venture out, forgive those who hurt us and truly believe that God has a greater good in His plans for our future.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-59237202428683093822011-12-31T16:56:00.001-05:002011-12-31T16:59:14.239-05:00New Year's Eve!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRbNqSVQMRU_SKNXClfu_11VgkclhYO5GiZKXt0hAspt6PK95Va7zICNtu0UCglWjRO0TbxxbCHlNxxC0cYjWQxSPPiIjoWQZckcqMkbtSwHtwdNYaF_By72kZtEBRCOueW9wpWpaJtRf/s1600/New+Beginnings"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRbNqSVQMRU_SKNXClfu_11VgkclhYO5GiZKXt0hAspt6PK95Va7zICNtu0UCglWjRO0TbxxbCHlNxxC0cYjWQxSPPiIjoWQZckcqMkbtSwHtwdNYaF_By72kZtEBRCOueW9wpWpaJtRf/s320/New+Beginnings" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692415376456293074" /></a><br /><br /><br />“This new year had better be better than last year!” “Maybe I will meet the love of my life this year.” “Maybe this year I will have true friends.” “Maybe this year I won’t screw up my life AGAIN.” “Maybe this year I won’t be such a failure.” “Maybe this year no one I love will die.” “Maybe... Just maybe this will be my year….”<br /><br />These were just some of my new year's thoughts as a young child and a young adult.<br /><br />The new year was a FRESH start, a new hope – a new beginning to this life that I so frequently messed up or regretted.<br /><br />I anxiously anticipated “ringing in” the new year! I celebrated at midnight with great relief that the past year was FINALLY OVER.<br /><br />Today…I read on facebook about all the great plans people have and their anticipation for the new year, but I don’t seem to care. I don’t care that it’s New Year's Eve. I don’t care that it’s a new year.<br /><br />I am asking: Why?<br /><br />Since I truly fell in love with Jesus Christ, every day… every minute… every breathe is a new day, a new year, a new start, a new beginning in Him!<br /><br />I don’t need a new calendar year to begin again. I'm not in bondage to man's timing. I don’t need a party to start over.<br /><br />ALL I need is the Truth that sets me free! Jesus!<br /><br />Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free! John 8:32<br /><br />So...when you feel crushed, when someone you love dies, when you fail, when you hurt someone, you can CHOOSE life. Embrace a new beginning every day! Choose a new start in the love of Jesus!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-75405164763246103192011-08-04T13:55:00.001-04:002011-08-04T13:57:15.403-04:00Ministry Encouragement!Hey friends!<br /><br />Please take 15 minutes to watch these 4 videos and read the passages from James below. (Who doesn’t love music?!) These songs are all written by Christian artists who participated in missions overseas in third world countries, and God changed their hearts as a result.<br /><br />Sara Groves – I Saw What I Saw<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt_WpluguwE<br /><br />Meredith Andrews – What It Means to Love<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6iuKyXdqfg<br /><br />Brooke Fraser – Albertine<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGx-xU6TnU8<br /><br />Swoope ft. Lecrae, Tedashii, and Jai – Actions Speak Louder<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDIqXEfh56U&feature=player_embedded<br /><br />“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-16<br /><br />“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:22-27<br /><br />Also, take a few minutes to read through this article from The Resurgence with practical ideas about how to do missional living. Perhaps you can incorporate this into your devotional time!<br /><br />http://theresurgence.com/2009/05/04/simplified-missional-living<br /><br />I am sure that many of you who have been on mission trips or participated in urban mission projects have had similar experiences! I can’t help but thank God for all of the work that He is doing in other parts of the world. He invites us to join in with that work. Pray and consider how you might be able to minister to the lost, broken, hurting, sick, poor… anyone who might need love.<br /><br />Maybe you are that broken person looking for some love today. Read this passage and be encouraged! <br /><br />“The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’ The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love.” Lamentations 3:22-26; 31-32<br /><br />Even if you aren’t able to go overseas and serve, you are called to love people in your town, in your workplaces, in your families, in your church, and to share the gospel every chance you have. Engage the church, engage the city. Sometimes that takes sacrifice of time, money, gifts, and yourself. It requires that you live unselfishly and realize that you are part of something bigger than yourself-God’s plan of redemption! I encourage you to consider how you might love as Jesus first loved us. Share the gifts that He has given to you with others! Live out the gospel in your daily life. Let’s seek to glorify God with our entire beings and lives!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-75260406055601844112010-12-18T21:08:00.005-05:002011-01-09T23:37:39.538-05:002011 New Years Resolutions!At this time of year, many of us are thinking about making New Year's Resolutions to change things that haven't been working for us for in a long while. Have you made a list of the ways in which you’d like to change your behavior and the choices you make each day?<br /><br />Make a commitment to the “New You” and the world will quickly start feeling quite different. You might need some help in staying motivated to manifest your dreams, so recruit a Success Team – a group of friends, family, or colleagues who can help you stay focused and accountable, and who will cheer you on towards your goal.<br /><br />Work on an Action Plan, or a road map for this new journey that you are about to take. Include a timeline so that you know how long each part of the plan will take to manifest, and when you will eventually reach your goal. Celebrate each successive step by giving yourself little rewards along the way. It will make the journey so much more fun, and will definitely keep you motivated!<br /><br />Here is my list of New Years Resolutions!<br /><br />1. Read through the entire Bible.<br />2. Exercise 3 days a week for an hour.<br />3. Find a part time job that I enjoy.<br />4. Read 1 book a month not related to school.<br />5. Cook at least 3 times a week.<br />6. Take more pictures and use them in scrapbooks.<br />7. Relearn how to play the flute, piano, and guitar.<br />8. Brush up on Spanish and Sign Language.<br />9. Go on at least 2 mission trips.<br />10. Use my dancing background in ministry.<br />11. Make all A's in the rest of my seminary classes.<br />12. Travel to at least 3 states I have never been to.<br />13. Memorize Romans and Philippians.<br />14. Save more, spend less.<br />15. Spend more time with friends and family.<br />16. Give more time and money to help people in need.<br />17. Donate things that I am not using.<br />18. Compliment someone at least once a day.<br />19. Love everyone as Jesus first loved me.<br />20. Fall more in love with Jesus every day!<br /><br />There you have it! I plan to post them on my bathroom mirror so I am reminded of them every time I brush my teeth!<br /><br />What are your New Year's Resolutions? How do you plan to stick to them?Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-28862346621616367212010-11-27T01:16:00.007-05:002010-11-28T15:19:51.626-05:00You Are Here<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWc0ucej_yIuGWhDw8SIAzVhUU9iyPDM_v3Fbim21QstREId2SVA4AqEfNFGi086-qV4fABXa6rdtTK0DFZTSoMzCV1DD77kbRsxMsOjBwgnu5G0wo_WiOgmqGiTZEG5XMrNxKmJRE-8hj/s1600/hugs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWc0ucej_yIuGWhDw8SIAzVhUU9iyPDM_v3Fbim21QstREId2SVA4AqEfNFGi086-qV4fABXa6rdtTK0DFZTSoMzCV1DD77kbRsxMsOjBwgnu5G0wo_WiOgmqGiTZEG5XMrNxKmJRE-8hj/s320/hugs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544120599332053778" /></a><br /><br />The world is filled with bad news and desperate situations. The natural response is to want to do something, to go and help. To make a difference. To save a life.<br />Sitting in your cubicle or your lecture hall or your bedroom, life as you know it cam sometimes seem meaningless. Especially when you compare your life with the lives of those who are in need. After all, when so many people are dying every day, crunching numbers on a computer screen can seem unimportant.<br />Have you ever noticed that those desires to "go and help" always involve going to a faraway land where life is totally different from here? What is it about our desires to just do something that inevitably take us away from home into desperate and horrific situations demanding a hero? Is there a dash of escapism and savior complex mixed in with our altruism and compassion?<br />I am definitely in support of foreign missions and I support those who give their lives for the sake of sharing the gospel of Jesus in other countries. However, missions abroad can become an attempt to disconnect from anything and anyone familiar. It's as if by escaping the ordinary, life will automatically become extraordinary. What are we running from? Behind the banter of good deeds is a common desire to prove something, not just to others, but to ourselves. We all want to be different, to see evidence we're not just another number out of the 6 billion on Earth, and to know we're really alive. Is flying 9,000 miles to Zambia and feeding starving children the best way to go about meeting those inner needs?<br />For many in our generation, television and movies and the Discovery Channel have created a need in us for extreme experiences. When you add to that the ease with which we can take short-term mission trips abroad (now a standard for all youth groups), and our culture's emphasis on the big and heroic, it all leads to an inevitable disappointment with "normal" life.<br />We sometimes think only of Pakistan or Kenya as fertile ground for "going out and making a difference." Heroism belongs at least as much in the little town or big city where you grew up as it does in exotic locations.<br />It's not by chance that God used the word neighbor in His second greatest commandment in Matthew 22:39-"Love your neighbor as yourself." That means the people on your beaten path. If your path happens to lead to the Philippines or Haiti, by all means serve God and love people there. More likely, your beaten path looks more like an ugly brick office building, your 10 year old car, or even your parent's house.<br />If you can't be extraordinary in your ordinary life, with your own neighbors and family, it's highly unlikely that you'll amount to much, no matter what baby orphan you have kissed. Stop, and know the people on your path.<br />We are a transient people addicted to newness. New media, new fashion, new stories, and even new friends. Connecting to those who live, work, worship, and play near us requires us to learn to listen. We need to stop looking for the new and become even more familiar with the already familiar.<br />If you ask most pastors today what they would like from the committed Christians in the congregation, one of the things you would probably hear would be a call for people to get to know each other deeply. Do you know the people in your church, your neighborhood, and your city? Have you really listened to them or committed yourself to knowing them beyond the surface level? Churches need people who are not just there to sing some nice songs, hear a funny sermon and head out afterward for lunch with friends. Hang out with people from every generation. Get involved in a small group where people actually get to know each other and meditate on God's words.<br />Need some ideas? Play all-church hide-and-seek. Have choir practice in a nearby park with a picnic afterward. Do hip-hop dance in a retirement home. Organize an ultimate frisbee tournament. Get some friends together to decorate the educational rooms. Stage an all-night prayer event for local and global issues. Organize a Read Through the New Testament Day and read the whole book out loud. Have a chili cook-off. Make a point of building community.<br />Don't just commit yourself in your church-dig into your neighborhood. Invite your neighbors over, even the weird ones. Run for a position in city government. Organize a neighborhood block party. Join the Rotary Club. Find out if there is a community-supported agriculture near you and take a bunch of people along to volunteer and get some great fresh food out of it. Help out a 4-H club. Organize a Free Hug Day. Go without electric lights in your home for a week and have people over for candlelit dinners or poetry reads. Buy a pizza and take it to the park where the people who sleep on the street hang out. Eat with them.<br />All of these things avoid the "holy huddle" mentality that plagues a lot of U.S. churches. When we are engaged and connected in the life of our place, we can really know and be known by the people we seek to serve and reach out with good news. Don't wake up one day and realize you can't remember the last time you had a friendly conversation with someone who didn't use the words "Praise the Lord!"<br />When the people came to John the Baptist and asked what on earth they should do with themselves now that they had been dunked in a river and heard about a Messiah on the way, he didn't tell them to go off and volunteer in an Ethiopian refugee camp. He told them to give away their extra food and shirt. He told government people and soldiers to stop cheating people and accusing people falsely. He didn't tell anyone to quit their job. What would he tell you to keep on doing? How could you do what you do, and do it better?<br />Perhaps you complain about your job to your coworkers and roommate. Maybe there is someone who drives you crazy at work, or someone who does strange things. Challenge yourself to treat computer geeks, homosexuals, coupon-clipping ladies, and horribly muscular bodybuilders all the same. There are very few people who are actually "normal." Abnormal is normal, so act accordingly.<br />Probably even more challenging than living well in your work is to live well in your own home. Love your wife, husband, parents, or roommates. Respect them. Be considerate and submissive to them in little way, like doing the chore they hate doing and asking for forgiveness when you aren't loving. Hug them everyday. Speak highly of them to others. Honor them throughout life.<br />When you're overhauling your daily life, take time to examine your spending habits. Stop caring about money-that will make you radical indeed. Maybe you spend money on things you don't need, like jewelry, Wii games, or shoes. Make a budget that includes giving away money, and stick to it. Thank God you don't have more money to stress you out. Surprise someone by buying them a meal. Look how God takes care of the dandelions and the pigeons-surely He will take care of you, too.<br />Rest, don't vegetate. Ask yourself what you do to turn off your brain, and cut back on it. Turn off the TV or computer more. Go for walks. Sit outside at night. Read for three hours some afternoon. Plan ahead to have a retreat day. Sleep. Pray.<br />There are plenty other things you can do to change the world, the world that in other countries, even. There's a myth that it's lame to send a check to Samaritan's Purse or World Vision instead of going across the ocean to hold someone's hand while they are dying. Sending that check may actually have a much greater impact than spending the money on your own plane ticket. Support the people and organizations you believe in financially and in prayer. Find ways to directly support small community organizations, local churches, or children in low-income spots around the world. Let someone else be the hero. If we say we believe in prayer, aren't our prayers from a North American home just as effective as prayers while we are off visiting a foreign land?<br />We Christians are supposed to be the ones who follow Jesus. The tough news is, it's not going to be any easier or more fulfilling if we magically teleport ourselves to new circumstances and surroundings. We need to keep walking with Jesus in the day-to-day wherever we are. That's where it's hard. That's where it's most extraordinary.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-32312545670596150662010-09-18T09:11:00.003-04:002010-11-26T15:14:45.363-05:00Songs For Encouragement!<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI4NDgxNTQzNjUzNiZwdD*xMjg*ODE1NDk*Nzk1JnA9Njk*MzAxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz*xYzVhMWEyZTQzNjY*/ZGNmODE1YjFmYzU3ZjRiYzNmYSZvZj*w.gif" /><div style="text-align: center; margin-left: auto; visibility:visible; margin-right: auto; width:450px;"> <object width="435" height="270"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.musicplaylist.us/mc/mp3player_new.swf"></param> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <param name="flashvars" value="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_blue.xml&mywidth=435&myheight=270&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musicplaylist.us%2Fpl.php%3Fplaylist%3D69649498%26t%3D1284815433&wid=os"></param> <embed style="width:435px; visibility:visible; height:270px;" allowScriptAccess="never" src="http://www.musicplaylist.us/mc/mp3player_new.swf" flashvars="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_blue.xml&mywidth=435&myheight=270&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musicplaylist.us%2Fpl.php%3Fplaylist%3D69649498%26t%3D1284815433&wid=os" width="435" height="270" name="mp3player" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" border="0"> </embed> </object> <br/> <a href="http://www.musicplaylist.us"><img src="http://www.musicplaylist.us/mc/images/create_blue.jpg" border="0" alt="Get a playlist!"/></a> <a href="http://www.musicplaylist.us/playlist/17830271499/standalone" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.musicplaylist.us/mc/images/launch_blue.jpg" border="0" alt="Standalone player"/></a> <a href="http://www.musicplaylist.us/playlist/17830271499/download"><img src="http://www.musicplaylist.us/mc/images/get_blue.jpg" border="0" alt="Get Ringtones"/></a> </div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-63164101240942399672010-09-08T14:30:00.006-04:002010-10-20T23:04:56.071-04:00Worship Jesus Forever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXdzrqEXs0i_AjaldU8Z5MvMETqFulzRXG5OhyDmWTYaeW1yeR5PwhMP-clu-uVlAck6H3IuBPU4CU66ezNRJfopqU4lx3mfk4ba023aBG0C1PBaQ-FAsXbB_qka6WCmUWJSoBFAMSHf6/s1600/Worship+-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXdzrqEXs0i_AjaldU8Z5MvMETqFulzRXG5OhyDmWTYaeW1yeR5PwhMP-clu-uVlAck6H3IuBPU4CU66ezNRJfopqU4lx3mfk4ba023aBG0C1PBaQ-FAsXbB_qka6WCmUWJSoBFAMSHf6/s320/Worship+-web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514616150206194738" /></a><br />I have a way of getting through something tough and then wishing I could go back and do it again. It’s not that I enjoy torturing myself. Rather, it’s that I usually learn a lot under such stress. Since I knew more coming out of the experience than I did going in, there are some things I would do differently.<br /><br />There is one lesson in particular I wanted to offer that might benefit others who are considering seminary. When I walked into the classroom this fall, I had a drastically different mission than I did last year. This new mission hasn’t displaced my earlier reasons for going, but it has put them in perspective.<br /><br />For one thing, I have transferred from the Campbell University Divinity School in Buies Creek to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest. Both schools are centered on God, based on Scripture, and focused on ministry. I have gained a great deal of knowledge and personal growth at both schools, and I am confident that God is going to teach me equally important things in each location. I’m still considering pursuing doctoral-level work after an M. Div., and my ultimate goal is still to work to further God's kingdom through counseling, social work, teaching, and ministry.<br /><br />So, what’s the lesson? What’s my new mission at seminary? I’m going to learn about Jesus. And I am going to learn about Jesus so that I can worship Him.<br /><br />Now you’re disappointed, aren’t you? You thought I was going to say something really important and earth shattering, didn’t you? Here’s the thing: this is important. I know that, by itself, it isn’t really memorable, but it’s still important. Yet it’s easily forgotten, probably because it seems so obvious. Most of the important things I have learned recently have been things that seemed so obvious that I didn’t even think about the fact that maybe I wasn’t actually there.<br /><br />If you are a seminary student, you run the risk of seminary being merely about preparing for ministry. That’s important. Or maybe you’re the type that is more tempted to think of seminary as a time to think big thoughts. That’s important too. But, who are you preparing to serve in ministry? Who are you hoping to think big thoughts about? As it turns out, Jesus doesn’t want (much less need) merely our service. What about our big thoughts? Try to imagine the big thoughts of the Divine Son as the world was created through Him.<br /><br />In the introduction to this famous book, Desiring God, John Piper tweaks the first answer to the Westminster Shorter Catechism so that it reads, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.” That’s why I was created. That’s why I want to be in seminary right now.<br /><br />Tim Keller helpfully points out (though, now that I think of it, I’m sure I’ve heard it from others as well) that ministry can be a kind of moralism. It’s possible to think that your acceptance before God is based on the fruit borne out by your ministry. In fact, the danger is that, even in knowing this, it’s still an easy trap to fall into. What if seminary is the same way? What if, rather than going to seminary to learn about God (so you can worship Him more passionately), you’re going to make yourself acceptable to God?<br /><br />It’s because that danger is so subtle that I’m going to risk stating the obvious, but I will say it again. I am going to seminary to learn about Jesus so I can worship Him. He must increase and I must decrease. Preparing for ministry is just as important, but I want to know Jesus in a more personal way. I’m pretty sure that in the end I might just be a better minister for it. So, win-win. :)Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-27056114685153904342010-04-18T11:30:00.001-04:002010-04-18T11:31:35.910-04:00Oh Pickles!I have not blogged in so long. I think I'm long overdue for a new post! Coming soon....Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-63337247059074295362009-10-10T16:15:00.005-04:002009-10-10T16:45:59.707-04:00Divinity SchoolI am in my first semester of divinity school at Campbell, and I am loving it so far! The professors and students are so amazing, and I have learned so much from them. I have made new friends and kept the old. I am enjoying the diversity in the classroom. Many of the students are quite a bit older than me, but I enjoy hearing their perspective on various subjects. I have also had a chance to talk to many of them outside of class, and it is a privilege to hear about their families and career interests. I am taking Intro to Theological Education, Worship and Spiritual Formation, Old Testament, Church History, and my favorite, Pastoral Care. For worship and spiritual formation class, we have been divided up into precept groups for our time in school. We meet once a week as a group and have a time of prayer and discussion. This past week, I had the opportunity to lead the time with my group. We had an interesting discussion about moving from the wilderness to the promised land, just like Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land. This caused me to ponder my own journey to begin theological education. Last year, I started out doubting if God was calling me to pursue this new undertaking, wondering if I should stay at Campbell or go to another school. I asked for the advice of trusted friends, and I received a plethora of responses. Some said I should seize the opportunity, and some said I should look into other avenues. I prayed about my decision, and ultimately knew God was telling me to return to Campbell. I wasn't sure where I would live or what concentration I would pursue in school, but I knew that He wanted me to be here. I have been working as a Resident Director on campus, and I love it. At times the job is tiring, but it is so worth it because I have the chance to interact with girls who are only slightly younger than me and to assist the residence life office. It has also opened up doors for ministry that I wouldn't have seen before. Also, in the past couple of weeks, I have received more confirmation in my calling in ministry. I have felt God calling me to be a counselor and teacher for a long time, but I have been pushing those thoughts aside because I was afraid that it wasn't the right thing for me and my future. Those doubts and fears have subsided as I am reminded that my future is in His hands, no matter where I go to school or what career I choose. He has great plans for my life, and has brought me this far and will continue to carry me through. He has brought me back here to Campbell for a reason, and I am going to make the absolute most of my time here. So here I am, in the middle of classes and studying, sifting through books and notes, thinking critically about my beliefs, and I couldn't be more content. I want to gain as much knowledge as possible and be so deeply in love with Jesus so I can share that knowledge and love with as many people as possible. Being at CUDS has also encouraged me to think a lot about the sacrifices that I should be making for the gospel of Jesus. I want every decision I make to be made for Him and not my own delight. For a selfish person, that is a hard pill to swallow, but He is the only person worth living and dying for and I should be able to wholeheartedly lay everything down and trust Him in all I say and do. I want my time, money, and heart to be genuinely dedicated to Jesus, so that more people can know Him as a friend, savior, and Lord. I am truly thankful to be at such a wonderful school, and I am anticipating great things for this year! :)Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-81808841459157262602009-09-28T09:07:00.025-04:002009-09-28T16:09:30.697-04:0020 Fun Things to Do Without Spending a Dime!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61bdSXMRBOsIJeum0SpJ1uXStzw64Cf3CsGO2fn2ksk-tzPCuz4AX_FhhzEYJob5ie5emEXGmSMtXlibxesVt3my1mshMP8leHy8qOCBrrVNinmhKulvi71fPlOJgvrIwLoy3crZjKSMG/s1600-h/brunette.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61bdSXMRBOsIJeum0SpJ1uXStzw64Cf3CsGO2fn2ksk-tzPCuz4AX_FhhzEYJob5ie5emEXGmSMtXlibxesVt3my1mshMP8leHy8qOCBrrVNinmhKulvi71fPlOJgvrIwLoy3crZjKSMG/s320/brunette.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386504806249299842" /></a><br />The best things in life are…actually, yes, they are free. At least, creativity is free. It’s only in recent times that recreation and entertainment has been sold to us for a very high price. But do you really want to spend $30 for a movie and popcorn with a friend? Nah, you can do better, especially if you’re trying to save money these days, like most of us. Check out these ideas and step outside of the expensive, prepackaged entertainment box.<br /><br />The Outdoors<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdKuDtbAXKngisHD7zIolEm_sqh6CXettsgJhGoxDvQNPN4QsQlAJChz8MWd1bFOgcGGcvGu-Oj2KFmXIvFBsF2ZITxQExEQg4s8Y5ow9hrZ0oalHhdWMzKSUzBkvIrELk7R02cK51AR-/s1600-h/path-in-woods.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdKuDtbAXKngisHD7zIolEm_sqh6CXettsgJhGoxDvQNPN4QsQlAJChz8MWd1bFOgcGGcvGu-Oj2KFmXIvFBsF2ZITxQExEQg4s8Y5ow9hrZ0oalHhdWMzKSUzBkvIrELk7R02cK51AR-/s320/path-in-woods.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386505382946676818" /></a><br />Hiking, biking or walking in a local natural area or park. Yes, this is obvious, but sometimes we forget how free and easy some of the best pleasures are!<br /><br />Concerts<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQUgK00bGhjNVQUaZNZh3EtBViDVhci3z6lVvn0rBscW5VtRBk7bo681OFQM6DlMgnKB9McTNPZZ80AtoKxLjzRmDxUc_2Pu4aC9hVQfi1atOPrfqvaRiW7NA0lmPzSZlzB2KvNjIWwem/s1600-h/concert-park.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQUgK00bGhjNVQUaZNZh3EtBViDVhci3z6lVvn0rBscW5VtRBk7bo681OFQM6DlMgnKB9McTNPZZ80AtoKxLjzRmDxUc_2Pu4aC9hVQfi1atOPrfqvaRiW7NA0lmPzSZlzB2KvNjIWwem/s320/concert-park.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386511719558416306" /></a><br />Keep your eyes peeled for free concert and theater-in-the-park series starting in late spring and summer.<br /><br />Picnic<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGygQ-Yub_oqoZkKQYaqXZdHVsQG0wM9ZLBqJv_AuMOTG0nQWW8A0q2AjwxVKiMaKBy58xvHoxCctWRWh4_3kHGJ7XmuC6uT5GP3nZ0kQyvXVgmQjI-8At1Q4a53pNzEW9UhmeSkh91jn/s1600-h/picnic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGygQ-Yub_oqoZkKQYaqXZdHVsQG0wM9ZLBqJv_AuMOTG0nQWW8A0q2AjwxVKiMaKBy58xvHoxCctWRWh4_3kHGJ7XmuC6uT5GP3nZ0kQyvXVgmQjI-8At1Q4a53pNzEW9UhmeSkh91jn/s320/picnic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386506162420760450" /></a><br />Take your honey or some friends on a good, old-fashioned picnic.<br /><br />Trade Entertainment<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOioX73pQyiqEGY5M8YmMvLjNgas5-njvq3zJDPww_SaGTCwPLapNm7adQbTjdzesC_948LDh16OIpN9BgPYHXHX8gZO_GNuh0PKAq1doMazG3HaC09R5FLtkSaUxRTKE3Lpdr86XxigzD/s1600-h/books.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOioX73pQyiqEGY5M8YmMvLjNgas5-njvq3zJDPww_SaGTCwPLapNm7adQbTjdzesC_948LDh16OIpN9BgPYHXHX8gZO_GNuh0PKAq1doMazG3HaC09R5FLtkSaUxRTKE3Lpdr86XxigzD/s320/books.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386506364788353970" /></a><br />Scour your books, CD’s and DVD’s for those items you just no longer need and trade them in for credit at a local used CD or bookstore. Spend the afternoon browsing for new reads and new tunes you’d never find otherwise. If there’s no used media store in your area, try a website like SwapTree or Title Trader.<br /><br />Stargazing<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYuaPUHLkbKkJFozYLQLbF98mvpHmCqdWKk5IdPiEi7J6QcquCXrsNe7QxHW53ABOtUL7oAbcLxX_vBLEN9SCEJHPaKI_N5euKj8a0_7c2yOsb1MMd1TbYWC0mVJA1-lCbhfIWmWtOh5m/s1600-h/star-trails.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYuaPUHLkbKkJFozYLQLbF98mvpHmCqdWKk5IdPiEi7J6QcquCXrsNe7QxHW53ABOtUL7oAbcLxX_vBLEN9SCEJHPaKI_N5euKj8a0_7c2yOsb1MMd1TbYWC0mVJA1-lCbhfIWmWtOh5m/s320/star-trails.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386506594207016658" /></a><br />Spend a night stargazing. Find star maps online or in the library, then scout out the darkest part of town and learn the constellations. Watch as they change through the seasons.<br /><br />Podcasts<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MZZtoRJ3H3cSuyER5Bb75RN_M639vhM7UuRtJ2SxWnuRPKfwYJmRodVglgAh55i5cu7fLGGx5Aen6OgK3lh3eeuoog1_iCFOCNkmUUSW-F78MRorMLPvo9cyQHjJ3rytx0tqizsJMmt7/s1600-h/speakers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MZZtoRJ3H3cSuyER5Bb75RN_M639vhM7UuRtJ2SxWnuRPKfwYJmRodVglgAh55i5cu7fLGGx5Aen6OgK3lh3eeuoog1_iCFOCNkmUUSW-F78MRorMLPvo9cyQHjJ3rytx0tqizsJMmt7/s320/speakers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386506878605940626" /></a><br />Explore the vast world of podcasts. I myself am a podcast addict, loving to enrich my mind with interviews and sermons. You can find storytelling and comedy podcasts too if you prefer something a little lighter, or podcasts featuring music you’d never hear on the radio.<br /><br />Volunteer<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheV3V80ClDc3oUPWhAFHD0kCuOPhx57LaJGdH4j-FdXTjDViccIXik0Bh9zAPHsmipJcc9QBDmolGIa-JzARMA9qJnwdPZA_EmLNX_9GUAYSIsuepvDwiY3ivjD38eiZE3zCOb8bjMAwsc/s1600-h/volunteer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheV3V80ClDc3oUPWhAFHD0kCuOPhx57LaJGdH4j-FdXTjDViccIXik0Bh9zAPHsmipJcc9QBDmolGIa-JzARMA9qJnwdPZA_EmLNX_9GUAYSIsuepvDwiY3ivjD38eiZE3zCOb8bjMAwsc/s320/volunteer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386507410334484066" /></a><br />Try volunteering. I know, I know, this is not what people usually think of for fun, but serving others is one of the best things you can do. It's a great way to meet new people and do things for the benefit of other people.<br /><br />Craigslist (and more)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1p9_LEEYZ8RY19PldOrN8caKyfYjvCTZYSDD3zVBV_BMCztKcb5JOmafVWKO6AKqq-h_uKxxkTpunT-74B_nBcuFg9SblhVboCQxBLlfGkGPX-OG0pCeiI9mEO4XBrvLcoVlhX_GB6G4/s1600-h/craigslist.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1p9_LEEYZ8RY19PldOrN8caKyfYjvCTZYSDD3zVBV_BMCztKcb5JOmafVWKO6AKqq-h_uKxxkTpunT-74B_nBcuFg9SblhVboCQxBLlfGkGPX-OG0pCeiI9mEO4XBrvLcoVlhX_GB6G4/s320/craigslist.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386507615544805010" /></a><br />Check out your local Craig’s List free section or Freecycle. This is a fun way to pick up free things you need, and maybe some fun items you can redecorate or make art with. Surprising things have been known to turn up…I’ve seen soap-making kits, antique roll-top desks and even a hot tub! It’s definitely worth a spin.<br /><br />Clothing Swap<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRi7EEgQzNVnpZdvxNNbDhpO1mDbFXmZKTCHTv1Pgt_3vsw0Vf0AasN5WjnYouV_x6zC5azhn5RNA5l_5vFZSL6J-g0m6ayipJVAPr4K2_IV39GkDIvFRCEs8fru_RgrfKQPF-jxhOq1M/s1600-h/shoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRi7EEgQzNVnpZdvxNNbDhpO1mDbFXmZKTCHTv1Pgt_3vsw0Vf0AasN5WjnYouV_x6zC5azhn5RNA5l_5vFZSL6J-g0m6ayipJVAPr4K2_IV39GkDIvFRCEs8fru_RgrfKQPF-jxhOq1M/s320/shoes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386508004112193362" /></a><br />Call your friends and organize a clothing swap party. Tell them to bring all the clothing, shoes and accessories that no longer suit them (or fit them) and spend an evening hanging out and shopping for free.<br /><br />Garage Sale<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlphq8628BSgZLNAMCv-hD-estlZkYyu7BibzcWVMA1XWkaMZ7-BtabsX02DSUxxLRqgwKC_MaDmgjv3QcZgrbDjk6KDuIAN5sJEwxfxcMUYsTx1zsjUobBi2p1uTm8lvkUhXZdLAvpAz/s1600-h/garage-sale-sign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlphq8628BSgZLNAMCv-hD-estlZkYyu7BibzcWVMA1XWkaMZ7-BtabsX02DSUxxLRqgwKC_MaDmgjv3QcZgrbDjk6KDuIAN5sJEwxfxcMUYsTx1zsjUobBi2p1uTm8lvkUhXZdLAvpAz/s320/garage-sale-sign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386508237119957122" /></a><br />Have a yard sale. You know you have lots of stuff you could do well to pass along, and make a little extra cash while you’re at it. If the weather is still too cold where you live, start putting things aside now and you’ll be ready for yard sale season.<br /><br />The Library<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35MTB85c0Xu83z7f8N0V7i5-UqQgePLr4V4q_Mhj1hwxeAmwTln_5njZ7AUstXvCqa0b-eixKjwSNUlCicvUy0Jt58p025q_YVLikG_S5WumcDQqULBf3W418KVUdCZRUDv8nJMIwDvoh/s1600-h/san-francisco-library.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35MTB85c0Xu83z7f8N0V7i5-UqQgePLr4V4q_Mhj1hwxeAmwTln_5njZ7AUstXvCqa0b-eixKjwSNUlCicvUy0Jt58p025q_YVLikG_S5WumcDQqULBf3W418KVUdCZRUDv8nJMIwDvoh/s320/san-francisco-library.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386508456947508514" /></a><br />Make use of the public library. This has been one of my favorite free things since I was a kid. I mean, c’mon, books, movies, music – all for free!?! Depending on how extensive your local library system is, you will have an amazing amount of resources at your fingertips. Your taxes already paid for it, might as well take advantage.<br /><br />Potluck<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQQofroQOyexanWhYXFRSaT7B-HJJnN7QwVgEk7bI99cXKx8YvUsrNCau1WHhd8LUfJi0hyVsiyF443DUFWR0HG7Qg2q8vBIsLaspZ5WCC3wpvgsxaiDLMzQFok0ENH0MLK85X_tynf63/s1600-h/pot-luck.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQQofroQOyexanWhYXFRSaT7B-HJJnN7QwVgEk7bI99cXKx8YvUsrNCau1WHhd8LUfJi0hyVsiyF443DUFWR0HG7Qg2q8vBIsLaspZ5WCC3wpvgsxaiDLMzQFok0ENH0MLK85X_tynf63/s320/pot-luck.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386508635869861378" /></a><br />Host a potluck. Humans are social animals, and we all love to eat. Food is a great icebreaker.<br /><br />State Fair<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa9Ty9PX5kNm6LHcefmfxP9Rm67l7NZkgHv-ekGbr0CgTed8mBijO9LsY1LHyC32FSFJ5YxK52ZVRn16kTcKfh7RowtxYCvJ2pESVaSUwRm16dEWL5aXOEHfYu1o9Kw41cvepLspeMC5c/s1600-h/090707_state_fair.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa9Ty9PX5kNm6LHcefmfxP9Rm67l7NZkgHv-ekGbr0CgTed8mBijO9LsY1LHyC32FSFJ5YxK52ZVRn16kTcKfh7RowtxYCvJ2pESVaSUwRm16dEWL5aXOEHfYu1o9Kw41cvepLspeMC5c/s320/090707_state_fair.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386510680070884658" /></a><br />Visit the state or county fair. http://www.ncstatefair.org/2009/<br /><br />Get Creative<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmT6BgnmSTpU_6j_2-Q7CHUVl7CentbgrKK2FRwwPV7TCfzaby5OcUD_5n87vWAwLmJGVwWn5IXMSx2gExbMEsetJZ-Do8-GCy2uzNsehs5wQEFxEoRz-V-m1OdldwH_IXD_xWoANA1_vn/s1600-h/crayons.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmT6BgnmSTpU_6j_2-Q7CHUVl7CentbgrKK2FRwwPV7TCfzaby5OcUD_5n87vWAwLmJGVwWn5IXMSx2gExbMEsetJZ-Do8-GCy2uzNsehs5wQEFxEoRz-V-m1OdldwH_IXD_xWoANA1_vn/s320/crayons.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386508902382741474" /></a><br />Pull out a sketchbook and draw. If you’ve got colored pencils or watercolors, play around with those, too. Looking at something deeply enough to draw it can be a powerful exercise in perception – and recognizing beauty in surprising places.<br /><br />Nature Knowledge<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDrCbWKN02XBEYJlxjyVqiLkCEC4JR8yGpu18UInPdtbC_8mkjEaHWCd6RzQIHaf3eCNbzEHPjEqW7VRaAeA2MDCaZtVBH0DddVOXAk5R74Lxz3EJH9jvSldG-cww8QMX5bPhLUEMYxwL/s1600-h/trees.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDrCbWKN02XBEYJlxjyVqiLkCEC4JR8yGpu18UInPdtbC_8mkjEaHWCd6RzQIHaf3eCNbzEHPjEqW7VRaAeA2MDCaZtVBH0DddVOXAk5R74Lxz3EJH9jvSldG-cww8QMX5bPhLUEMYxwL/s320/trees.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386509151791644002" /></a><br />Get a regional plant identification guide (from the library, of course) and make a point of learning the names of the trees and plants in your area. It’s even more satisfying if you bring a sketchbook along and create your own personal botanical book.<br /><br />Send a Note<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n-fHzzfl1OcTcmfhKeUUqACs-XZXVar-ShFtiuRl96hiiGj3_fI811iztExlUYWOcibLJ-MxQO2Z5xPEvjX28FHMumD8JZVbXOOwRlfBynEZp7uNvwSO2HljrRAqU2nm46fETzkpX38N/s1600-h/handmade-card.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n-fHzzfl1OcTcmfhKeUUqACs-XZXVar-ShFtiuRl96hiiGj3_fI811iztExlUYWOcibLJ-MxQO2Z5xPEvjX28FHMumD8JZVbXOOwRlfBynEZp7uNvwSO2HljrRAqU2nm46fETzkpX38N/s320/handmade-card.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386509397487928274" /></a><br />Make homemade greeting cards for upcoming holidays and birthdays. You can use fabric scraps, magazine cut-outs and odd bits of beautiful paper. People love to receive snail mail.<br /><br />Get Fit<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ivEIrklKMdgjs6e2QvJds3udhJo17CAFNf7AlS_ul7ztme80RXzK8FSPMr0h-D62O5fzeNgOH8y4qgQUMLAZrqYBVsPfPZbcC8tJNcW9hQ4ParBWBWeT-TbrjAAVRDQamNBjPxRy5Rf-/s1600-h/woman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ivEIrklKMdgjs6e2QvJds3udhJo17CAFNf7AlS_ul7ztme80RXzK8FSPMr0h-D62O5fzeNgOH8y4qgQUMLAZrqYBVsPfPZbcC8tJNcW9hQ4ParBWBWeT-TbrjAAVRDQamNBjPxRy5Rf-/s320/woman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386509638068270434" /></a><br />Develop a workout routine that you can do without equipment (or minimal things you might already have, like a jump rope or dumbbells) and then do it! It’s most fun if you find a sweet spot outside, with the fresh air and shade under a tree.<br /><br />Write<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijf9Kj54NWHPjRhXAhXJgjuGT7qg_mwQuuHsXUQnrCZVoGCtGopK223hIUy47F02Ul-2cIDAJ-4MwDqS9rjvGDk2wvVpWi8abCaRpFGMj2esHbW8DMrjq5tjq5qOlRIgtk4Bb85g1JC_xE/s1600-h/peregrineblue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijf9Kj54NWHPjRhXAhXJgjuGT7qg_mwQuuHsXUQnrCZVoGCtGopK223hIUy47F02Ul-2cIDAJ-4MwDqS9rjvGDk2wvVpWi8abCaRpFGMj2esHbW8DMrjq5tjq5qOlRIgtk4Bb85g1JC_xE/s320/peregrineblue.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386509819447763922" /></a><br />Start keeping a journal. If you don’t like to write, don’t be dismayed. One of my favorite journalers simply does one small watercolor painting per day, and that’s all she needs to record the progress of her life. If you’re a crafty DIYer, you can easily make a journal yourself with simply things you have around the house.<br /><br />Is that enough to get you started? What do you do for dollar-free fun?Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-46606824531513056892009-09-27T08:14:00.007-04:002009-09-27T10:18:25.953-04:00Hymns are timeless<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsYZzR4anIl9Xh2dlSAzjv_eUid8gQOIZnMms_HgsKd6JmHHDzhqkMOUBUbP5ppunt3_BrXRXZ9BYEpoAJlJNqVjqCRxZ1KRVAyCSNLtlF-n3YnQzR65Dt1nfLj6Or0n9yx7tAKiJqono/s1600-h/sheetmusic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsYZzR4anIl9Xh2dlSAzjv_eUid8gQOIZnMms_HgsKd6JmHHDzhqkMOUBUbP5ppunt3_BrXRXZ9BYEpoAJlJNqVjqCRxZ1KRVAyCSNLtlF-n3YnQzR65Dt1nfLj6Or0n9yx7tAKiJqono/s320/sheetmusic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386121262514504226" /></a><br />I recently bought a Sandra McCracken CD, "Live Under Lights and Wires". I LOVE this album. Sandra is such a talented artist. A lot of her songs are hymns that have been reworked, much like many of the Shelley Moore Band songs. She did a really cool rendition of "Thy Mercy My God" that sounds like a completely different song, but the words are exactly the same as the original hymn by John Stocker. In hearing the same powerful words sung in a different tune, I was reminded of the strength of hymns to this day. Even though the tune and rhythm may change, the words always remain the same. There have been countless artists that have changed the rhythm and tune of a hymn, but the importance of the message behind the song, both spiritual and historical, lingers behind. This lead me to the realization that while Sandra is an amazing singer and artist, the words she sings are not hers. They are the Lord's, and will forever be the Lord's. As a dabbling artist myself, I tend to lose this train of thought easily. Instead of thinking, "what can I write?", I should be thinking "what will you have me write, Lord?" This is a challenge, but it is worth the toil.<br /><br />Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song,<br />The joy of my heart. and the boast of my tongue;<br />Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last,<br />Hath won my affections, and bound my soul fast.<br /><br />Without Thy sweet mercy I could not live here;<br />Sin would reduce me to utter despair;<br />But, through Thy free goodness, my spirits revive,<br />And He that first made me still keeps me alive.<br /><br />Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart,<br />Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart;<br />Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground,<br />And weep to the praise of the mercy I’ve found.<br /><br />Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own,<br />And the covenant love of Thy crucified Son;<br />All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine<br />Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.<br />All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine<br />Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-42053940500761527072009-07-25T14:15:00.023-04:002009-08-30T20:50:40.589-04:00Summer in a NutshellI realize that I have not written anything about my summer, suffice to say that I have had a very out of the ordinary past two months! I lived at home this summer with my family. I was not working, I was not in school, and I didn't travel to any extraordinary places. I decided to just be this summer, to let life happen day by day. It was such a freeing experience, and God taught me a lot through it. He taught me patience. He reminded me of His grace. He taught me to slow down and enjoy the beauty of things. He showed me more about the importance of family. He brought new friends into my life. He reconnected me with old ones. I was certainly busy reading and traveling and catching up with friends and hanging out with my family and attending weddings. However, I had no set agenda. I took a sabbatical without feeling guilty for doing so. It is a summer I will remember for the rest of my life.<br />Here are some pictures that show some of the things I did this summer:<br />The big Ben & Jerry's rocking chair!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOvZS1Bcq7Nrrgd19EKkOQOCZiXhK6UyipwSFWIl5FRJlUEiDNPI8Dxbou6wv2flgiupGkrRtkzEltFUrjTdOvuPujVHJrz4DmIdI0Xw-Ibk7dUgBDslc0WdvkTS7mWiy77ReHVkLrjui/s1600-h/IMG_0854.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOvZS1Bcq7Nrrgd19EKkOQOCZiXhK6UyipwSFWIl5FRJlUEiDNPI8Dxbou6wv2flgiupGkrRtkzEltFUrjTdOvuPujVHJrz4DmIdI0Xw-Ibk7dUgBDslc0WdvkTS7mWiy77ReHVkLrjui/s320/IMG_0854.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375916708153343426" /></a><br />Excited about the Hedgpeth renovations!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAK07XUD8vz_tC2LBO2IgIxB1JSLEiTyzoR5plP2L0wMhodk7bMH7kC6SiNtdSG4HDJE3oUN45s9dN8rVWBZAUAsJOJRcoVc93NB8m8anPWEUYuj2ZRNM35bqfAPf04Pqoee4YpV6AFss/s1600-h/IMG_1238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAK07XUD8vz_tC2LBO2IgIxB1JSLEiTyzoR5plP2L0wMhodk7bMH7kC6SiNtdSG4HDJE3oUN45s9dN8rVWBZAUAsJOJRcoVc93NB8m8anPWEUYuj2ZRNM35bqfAPf04Pqoee4YpV6AFss/s320/IMG_1238.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375917008762082802" /></a><br />"The Color Purple" musical with camp friends!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y9ZPug49aVaMhKg1r1rFuhEdyM0H8HRVBrNwA01FhL2aLhkqB_ZuuZaBCxNq8Q62tMUecWh69xi9Ij76vDSuR_NGjk0mAfA4mRqFtIDCYWb5H1JR6rKT0EmETdZBca5qGWt7I0CN5Jxz/s1600-h/IMG_0788.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y9ZPug49aVaMhKg1r1rFuhEdyM0H8HRVBrNwA01FhL2aLhkqB_ZuuZaBCxNq8Q62tMUecWh69xi9Ij76vDSuR_NGjk0mAfA4mRqFtIDCYWb5H1JR6rKT0EmETdZBca5qGWt7I0CN5Jxz/s320/IMG_0788.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375917255116915378" /></a><br />Trying on long dresses with Jilene!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBandrd9E0EdKZny-6oq2y9GXuCBDQkAPwkF6pJfC8phdFM6B81CsgXp-1U1KTmVQcqHVaiYx4Qa8Hc_3gv3K6IO1KKFoiCChg7Zwn88MUGoLSHU8fcegxwakYWiRmRwEQ1vsacBLgJ9tM/s1600-h/IMG_0815.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBandrd9E0EdKZny-6oq2y9GXuCBDQkAPwkF6pJfC8phdFM6B81CsgXp-1U1KTmVQcqHVaiYx4Qa8Hc_3gv3K6IO1KKFoiCChg7Zwn88MUGoLSHU8fcegxwakYWiRmRwEQ1vsacBLgJ9tM/s320/IMG_0815.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375917470873360130" /></a><br />Campbell with Abigail!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6jTqIPSxgBwQRU09nLR6cln4iY79fPrRgImCvGqwzy-NVg7qsBclD1RC4FWGSgMy03i3ZGNhXY6hRC0y_Kee3b143mLH7wYGYYtCemFWzlJCQn4t0RU-ESowVcHzja0hrq15eYLEykwF/s1600-h/IMG_1711.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6jTqIPSxgBwQRU09nLR6cln4iY79fPrRgImCvGqwzy-NVg7qsBclD1RC4FWGSgMy03i3ZGNhXY6hRC0y_Kee3b143mLH7wYGYYtCemFWzlJCQn4t0RU-ESowVcHzja0hrq15eYLEykwF/s320/IMG_1711.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375917713844257794" /></a><br />Davidson, NC<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVrp6nhA7chUaoIz6VFHIUHVOSaQTr5zUVJZplSFDvqEN6ylWUeLTFAjO41mRJvlG_uMoMZcGSLGdlxnZwmaLJru-IRi_nc3vIOJjOW1CZ3BSCxaav4E3Co3Oc2emrJmbX-F9xJDoBAdj/s1600-h/IMG_1734.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVrp6nhA7chUaoIz6VFHIUHVOSaQTr5zUVJZplSFDvqEN6ylWUeLTFAjO41mRJvlG_uMoMZcGSLGdlxnZwmaLJru-IRi_nc3vIOJjOW1CZ3BSCxaav4E3Co3Oc2emrJmbX-F9xJDoBAdj/s320/IMG_1734.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375917906619669186" /></a><br />White Lake with friends!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2O4gxY3uVfAXav_fiMaOVH9aa4H8_z4TxlGt9GpOsT9SJFxVXwAKFBg-oI6_0dH47hdrMHKh22Q2I7ZvCYFAvtasdv57PapM89ebESYf3av3tMOyGAAGAMDqbKawRF0GeGHy8xTfaA5u/s1600-h/IMG_0889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2O4gxY3uVfAXav_fiMaOVH9aa4H8_z4TxlGt9GpOsT9SJFxVXwAKFBg-oI6_0dH47hdrMHKh22Q2I7ZvCYFAvtasdv57PapM89ebESYf3av3tMOyGAAGAMDqbKawRF0GeGHy8xTfaA5u/s320/IMG_0889.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375918094587534658" /></a><br />The guys at White Lake!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJbkqXFqZFiNzHznAgt7TInYNuHxtUUoKuv8Wh1vN4Sbc2vKFejnLePTg0GG-7ckBe7XAO0CquN6jmqnTYM5uiNMaVd3X0FG3XQeUAPTxhqHlA-2kn0fSUpzNDL4ymZWrgOwxm4SxNaP-/s1600-h/IMG_0891.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJbkqXFqZFiNzHznAgt7TInYNuHxtUUoKuv8Wh1vN4Sbc2vKFejnLePTg0GG-7ckBe7XAO0CquN6jmqnTYM5uiNMaVd3X0FG3XQeUAPTxhqHlA-2kn0fSUpzNDL4ymZWrgOwxm4SxNaP-/s320/IMG_0891.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375918229496764034" /></a><br />Abigail and I had lunch with Melynda and Billy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQGoITN6OFH0I_lGwhxojSH-HpKHTReXn1qSHOHW6p6-1EbfRvG4Eu-B2_9d-GD9Sy8haWXoMrf0CB56HxgyAk0ghyphenhyphen2ekfpTqfb269_Saw8-p4vUZ7islxxJ4jKj-v33yH6rMxnY3ZdAM/s1600-h/IMG_0896.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQGoITN6OFH0I_lGwhxojSH-HpKHTReXn1qSHOHW6p6-1EbfRvG4Eu-B2_9d-GD9Sy8haWXoMrf0CB56HxgyAk0ghyphenhyphen2ekfpTqfb269_Saw8-p4vUZ7islxxJ4jKj-v33yH6rMxnY3ZdAM/s320/IMG_0896.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375918351685710386" /></a><br />Visiting Robyn in Raleigh!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRDiO4F1Vwz6XZqvKh0mc0xCorC2snsY9zih-5sDV0sHWWddDanPgvx3KS0aOzK00PhS54se6GT2yIkbbWODcJXuOjo3P1c8O8OE2ukPVvjqfpKm2uiAmP1orGSWRxk0TVJmfg7hIaWvM/s1600-h/IMG_0898.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRDiO4F1Vwz6XZqvKh0mc0xCorC2snsY9zih-5sDV0sHWWddDanPgvx3KS0aOzK00PhS54se6GT2yIkbbWODcJXuOjo3P1c8O8OE2ukPVvjqfpKm2uiAmP1orGSWRxk0TVJmfg7hIaWvM/s320/IMG_0898.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375918479814399202" /></a><br />Me and Robyn at the Thad Cockrell concert!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMRJEShb4xRfAMlexOBQJVDCZB-tb_65CWYhJdIuNYkZ_SfcmBFRYWF1cUdTLV4ED658fFQXszVxm-8q6_xOpe1KhFtJ5RZsV6Hxz_MP3_1HQXCnslmTAP6JlrUib_gd5NkwOLSX2o5Gz/s1600-h/IMG_0905.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMRJEShb4xRfAMlexOBQJVDCZB-tb_65CWYhJdIuNYkZ_SfcmBFRYWF1cUdTLV4ED658fFQXszVxm-8q6_xOpe1KhFtJ5RZsV6Hxz_MP3_1HQXCnslmTAP6JlrUib_gd5NkwOLSX2o5Gz/s320/IMG_0905.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375918611670421042" /></a><br />Me and Robyn at Advance09!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFfKiGjE4Dw1HovriYlrdxgEh6lg4Zu9FmLOlp_Vqmi6hbNU9rIfSaa-cPEqPYAEwJG2HMvoD_vPHuCE_A-etZc6OChb6o3JZRKpid3pilUTL9vb-XThCqQTiU7tmG8Out5xsf-X4JYiP/s1600-h/IMG_0914.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFfKiGjE4Dw1HovriYlrdxgEh6lg4Zu9FmLOlp_Vqmi6hbNU9rIfSaa-cPEqPYAEwJG2HMvoD_vPHuCE_A-etZc6OChb6o3JZRKpid3pilUTL9vb-XThCqQTiU7tmG8Out5xsf-X4JYiP/s320/IMG_0914.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375918735238416690" /></a><br />Charleston with Mom!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzNCFFC9uK_BzREIKuSNitK86e2cNtowty3x0scwwicnFoiPZ0Y3pdAapkHqZNQWI-dRBb43OtX8oHFYMVvyHzpSg13ni7u_w9qljs7QaxaHYr4XYXk53yqA35DPZ8FdqI3JUYGu8Q3yj/s1600-h/IMG_1024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzNCFFC9uK_BzREIKuSNitK86e2cNtowty3x0scwwicnFoiPZ0Y3pdAapkHqZNQWI-dRBb43OtX8oHFYMVvyHzpSg13ni7u_w9qljs7QaxaHYr4XYXk53yqA35DPZ8FdqI3JUYGu8Q3yj/s320/IMG_1024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375918994002002050" /></a><br />Rainbow Row in Charleston<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7_P7n540k0hXYxIUoFzrTBOBGTxHWlMEtYviL6KXvWJTZSl69XN8Jt0UP4KvT5R2XUg60w7aZ-vQo9iUOsRAu75ptauTNvZwoCa7R9TZzkf3xQ2p6eykrv41rQsv5HryKeIB7opuUVp5/s1600-h/IMG_1830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7_P7n540k0hXYxIUoFzrTBOBGTxHWlMEtYviL6KXvWJTZSl69XN8Jt0UP4KvT5R2XUg60w7aZ-vQo9iUOsRAu75ptauTNvZwoCa7R9TZzkf3xQ2p6eykrv41rQsv5HryKeIB7opuUVp5/s320/IMG_1830.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375919226190360002" /></a><br />Lazy 5 Ranch with Ruthie!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU95Z03-SY1ML7qdo5CzU1C4CbJxxKj5HlfRGB-s6l41_zsSsnwLQlJlT_CwN4hyrXwFGhtVqm__HNjL6yF_mT6_LzLPGjty7WJtnETREhYa3ZcQVc3gtLQYFBoXx9H13B5wbijtbX_Xvm/s1600-h/IMG_1080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU95Z03-SY1ML7qdo5CzU1C4CbJxxKj5HlfRGB-s6l41_zsSsnwLQlJlT_CwN4hyrXwFGhtVqm__HNjL6yF_mT6_LzLPGjty7WJtnETREhYa3ZcQVc3gtLQYFBoXx9H13B5wbijtbX_Xvm/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375919465062228354" /></a><br />Feeding the camels at Lazy 5 Ranch!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaC4cJmgUcNuvdYA5A1t6mmi1_D0GiSCVZDPM5qPTFoeJP3mKpk7M2O8YA3-4209nDJnr5Lo4sHaVrBnin-1qk2NS0KHbjfWUKN2CJApUDFZBmL7ouWevNFKbidHmXrJ3gciDZlngVssc-/s1600-h/IMG_1078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaC4cJmgUcNuvdYA5A1t6mmi1_D0GiSCVZDPM5qPTFoeJP3mKpk7M2O8YA3-4209nDJnr5Lo4sHaVrBnin-1qk2NS0KHbjfWUKN2CJApUDFZBmL7ouWevNFKbidHmXrJ3gciDZlngVssc-/s320/IMG_1078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375919606740530978" /></a><br />Sarah Trezise Sweeley's wedding<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EXN4ijtr2ZkIBThJ1uyjobIsOh8ZpaD5SXxtqIatu_7yDBYPybpZD0Z1ueiC0mbUb-nHpt-kH0K6tiEW81fkqnntHcesNEmL0AFydlJ5ZLtU5zoK8wezxRga19Susd25pUthBfRxb6kD/s1600-h/IMG_1096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EXN4ijtr2ZkIBThJ1uyjobIsOh8ZpaD5SXxtqIatu_7yDBYPybpZD0Z1ueiC0mbUb-nHpt-kH0K6tiEW81fkqnntHcesNEmL0AFydlJ5ZLtU5zoK8wezxRga19Susd25pUthBfRxb6kD/s320/IMG_1096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375919749536697426" /></a><br />Me and Kevin at The Fray concert! This picture made it into a aviators blog.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJ93rG0g3QYQzdmatBEfxfHylaoHgamjyuGvJjW9lG9SVjHWmtFS0FGYb9FXlvUBNVc5qe1Fg2aj4wDVeohZuZ_wB8h1rNDjGRHpMvKZA8RiP_AMQKGKWOcveLsK0qXqWrXyVFAqmMYfT/s1600-h/IMG_1111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJ93rG0g3QYQzdmatBEfxfHylaoHgamjyuGvJjW9lG9SVjHWmtFS0FGYb9FXlvUBNVc5qe1Fg2aj4wDVeohZuZ_wB8h1rNDjGRHpMvKZA8RiP_AMQKGKWOcveLsK0qXqWrXyVFAqmMYfT/s320/IMG_1111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375919891928096642" /></a><br />Mike and Kelly Puckett's wedding!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6b61RR_pYZcACEOTWrGp-4qemHDPV_ER8542nBAZ5qP5tA0coS5iOa4ecVR1mvK3CVpwIOrv15H4tspvXqXn-t9tIEQFHXu7jERhk1QGIaMeCt-klgoLjUclCqa7cFczX86vGv-6NvWS/s1600-h/IMG_1185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6b61RR_pYZcACEOTWrGp-4qemHDPV_ER8542nBAZ5qP5tA0coS5iOa4ecVR1mvK3CVpwIOrv15H4tspvXqXn-t9tIEQFHXu7jERhk1QGIaMeCt-klgoLjUclCqa7cFczX86vGv-6NvWS/s320/IMG_1185.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375920088141570946" /></a><br />Best reception site EVER<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy72lb0zxPtCgOL_VQudYelQ4IKMUviVGbfuDfTTrx6cUp5kT5knmhf1p7t6WQ2JyKWOoXdOLTck-oReDmTXIh01iSC3qBgI9RUhaO4vmn68FG3E8nxQSeqCb32U16cqlwFeaz-cNLe4U/s1600-h/IMG_1154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy72lb0zxPtCgOL_VQudYelQ4IKMUviVGbfuDfTTrx6cUp5kT5knmhf1p7t6WQ2JyKWOoXdOLTck-oReDmTXIh01iSC3qBgI9RUhaO4vmn68FG3E8nxQSeqCb32U16cqlwFeaz-cNLe4U/s320/IMG_1154.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375920220405813538" /></a><br />Reunion with youth group girls!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2kLM4gDAOChYBhLt-Dr9Zu6IgYNseqo11AO-fcdCqNl7fqZ8y6-CtWphrS_Fnz-cLs-qoXdAN14EZdh7kNyorNfq90ax3vlNdi7tnKqb4q_-qkZJ95X0wiliRyRtG_n_sqOFVDFH-tsg/s1600-h/IMG_0827.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2kLM4gDAOChYBhLt-Dr9Zu6IgYNseqo11AO-fcdCqNl7fqZ8y6-CtWphrS_Fnz-cLs-qoXdAN14EZdh7kNyorNfq90ax3vlNdi7tnKqb4q_-qkZJ95X0wiliRyRtG_n_sqOFVDFH-tsg/s320/IMG_0827.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375920523645445538" /></a><br />Another reunion with more youth group girls!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPqZwRpjHmFZ2KbaGJvEMBCTy-hLTNaX-yBLqnsi7TbmfA2dHcWVWootKiyQiez5JtKpDB_VPq6ruIw_cTZ0oeC7qB4GAwg2kZP8BnfoRRjU1d9GLTWVXgOkiFyPlEH4vDkocHCg_GiLk/s1600-h/IMG_1139.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPqZwRpjHmFZ2KbaGJvEMBCTy-hLTNaX-yBLqnsi7TbmfA2dHcWVWootKiyQiez5JtKpDB_VPq6ruIw_cTZ0oeC7qB4GAwg2kZP8BnfoRRjU1d9GLTWVXgOkiFyPlEH4vDkocHCg_GiLk/s320/IMG_1139.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375920645405295666" /></a><br />Hanging out with Amy in Greensboro<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4C-opQ6e73DbsQKsx2SSiAO3fdnHxK6g1stA5jY1i4KlyCGQEFx_JGLUWSyffcB59gXrVHJVF1vGVmIJSqoDgxCcgX7O6lImaCiE4YAWFl4kF-IW48Uvzz3SJ0S7xndWssVRe3lB44o_/s1600-h/IMG_1145.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4C-opQ6e73DbsQKsx2SSiAO3fdnHxK6g1stA5jY1i4KlyCGQEFx_JGLUWSyffcB59gXrVHJVF1vGVmIJSqoDgxCcgX7O6lImaCiE4YAWFl4kF-IW48Uvzz3SJ0S7xndWssVRe3lB44o_/s320/IMG_1145.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375920783951198514" /></a><br />Chillin with Deanna<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dx1Mmcm_lOQZ2uhZRLDptLcYAc70-U2rPPmUx8WbmjWFVlinaLfOiHfC2Cm9V9f-VsjJDwo7ezpgw8Rj7StJH9Ghh4GTE2-RCf7CRueeXNMzLr0x1DIgJQZCze5bshMDwiCwy-3EqFD8/s1600-h/IMG_0820.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dx1Mmcm_lOQZ2uhZRLDptLcYAc70-U2rPPmUx8WbmjWFVlinaLfOiHfC2Cm9V9f-VsjJDwo7ezpgw8Rj7StJH9Ghh4GTE2-RCf7CRueeXNMzLr0x1DIgJQZCze5bshMDwiCwy-3EqFD8/s320/IMG_0820.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375920929426825058" /></a><br />Babysitting for Dunn, the cutest little kid ever!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjeK6avA7TQCcd7zY1HlXqVdfRUth48lK149c3YmLrYXJcfy8e2X-6KTYZGREUzbXXkO4Pzmyez3kMfKaIdNiDqVjb6LrEaodlKA1xI7O86slznSiT3zibfjUN0MZqFoiHDmO8W_r-VvH/s1600-h/IMG_1210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjeK6avA7TQCcd7zY1HlXqVdfRUth48lK149c3YmLrYXJcfy8e2X-6KTYZGREUzbXXkO4Pzmyez3kMfKaIdNiDqVjb6LrEaodlKA1xI7O86slznSiT3zibfjUN0MZqFoiHDmO8W_r-VvH/s320/IMG_1210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375921050791511106" /></a><br />The shirt I got Daddy for Father's Day<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEu7uF-psLGDiUi6OjJJ4DUhlF52ewZwIQgXOJRWglEGpEnQY4ZoZ61qgV90pI0OUzoE843a7UtE_vcK_TxSGAwXNW2skW-vgb3yvYyNbaARDolRP3hkNAmEq7iyzMuc-jbLy3OhbAF-S/s1600-h/IMG_1205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEu7uF-psLGDiUi6OjJJ4DUhlF52ewZwIQgXOJRWglEGpEnQY4ZoZ61qgV90pI0OUzoE843a7UtE_vcK_TxSGAwXNW2skW-vgb3yvYyNbaARDolRP3hkNAmEq7iyzMuc-jbLy3OhbAF-S/s320/IMG_1205.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375921182838691106" /></a><br />Veteran's Memorial in Broadway, NC<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zC0QBGvCUcf0QKLj0q92TsyG2xfSudtyx35TD7O52G176BLWpfYxRJ49sAGmWF0QthRbEXpkGOEyKmda-4fo1AP77J5FgfpUIXIKQ0q3esoa8InS1F6r1UNJPLaPuT7n3ZPPjJrV_jXs/s1600-h/IMG_1276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zC0QBGvCUcf0QKLj0q92TsyG2xfSudtyx35TD7O52G176BLWpfYxRJ49sAGmWF0QthRbEXpkGOEyKmda-4fo1AP77J5FgfpUIXIKQ0q3esoa8InS1F6r1UNJPLaPuT7n3ZPPjJrV_jXs/s320/IMG_1276.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375921337197500162" /></a><br />Hanging out with Scott and Amy at Ikea<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHGrb-ZJO6sroEENjxoGJk2OtjUFS7cpPTMT_zvPfQlUuZwVQz0_zVR0fmGS3OZGgie9YU8JW9t5W3F0NzeQpc7YR-CJpSSZ6dBAmoOg7-KhrTqd6DdmZJa8LoLE7V3BssHJkw164-Y5r/s1600-h/IMG_1300.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHGrb-ZJO6sroEENjxoGJk2OtjUFS7cpPTMT_zvPfQlUuZwVQz0_zVR0fmGS3OZGgie9YU8JW9t5W3F0NzeQpc7YR-CJpSSZ6dBAmoOg7-KhrTqd6DdmZJa8LoLE7V3BssHJkw164-Y5r/s320/IMG_1300.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375921615837561010" /></a><br />After the Davidson parade on the 4th of July!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyu2T35E-v1VOf18g0G-hLamfGtTCt0jdIGdLnsApwUih6DmahXJBXaRQJXm7wAvgJZwI4fERy_edTzNN9bmJnRlXMl1KKaHaKUQx1eCojjN1NySzCx7YiX1qVsh_fD8S6MF4oMH46U2V2/s1600-h/IMG_1314.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyu2T35E-v1VOf18g0G-hLamfGtTCt0jdIGdLnsApwUih6DmahXJBXaRQJXm7wAvgJZwI4fERy_edTzNN9bmJnRlXMl1KKaHaKUQx1eCojjN1NySzCx7YiX1qVsh_fD8S6MF4oMH46U2V2/s320/IMG_1314.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375921794484076338" /></a><br />Watermelon!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnKf8LqABWAG58ad-KD3Kqqh0PBFZ2PlsCkl6UHXRsHGphakHLj1KnIDAJaw4CzizXSrXmjGjio0Phj6TIzPbckDnq4aO3Cnc98Ytbfcg1J0IYdZ9HJb_KHwOvMLlHmAiw5tuYa-hXhMW/s1600-h/IMG_1388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnKf8LqABWAG58ad-KD3Kqqh0PBFZ2PlsCkl6UHXRsHGphakHLj1KnIDAJaw4CzizXSrXmjGjio0Phj6TIzPbckDnq4aO3Cnc98Ytbfcg1J0IYdZ9HJb_KHwOvMLlHmAiw5tuYa-hXhMW/s320/IMG_1388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375922155774911474" /></a><br />Barefoot in the Park play with James<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UD27NCVYpqaLzhqu3xPR95P0dlgmpsxM_Ygg3KVLEfKKKraFlEV_8hKrAtC6f80DRvA7junyGzo_t7DdQ_U3xR8wV5Ie5WIpRrxyS81s-4Zr6u1ZSgySYnxeJCd62SnLTyOTLMT8B_9f/s1600-h/IMG_1448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UD27NCVYpqaLzhqu3xPR95P0dlgmpsxM_Ygg3KVLEfKKKraFlEV_8hKrAtC6f80DRvA7junyGzo_t7DdQ_U3xR8wV5Ie5WIpRrxyS81s-4Zr6u1ZSgySYnxeJCd62SnLTyOTLMT8B_9f/s320/IMG_1448.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375921946806105570" /></a><br />Lake Norman boat ride with Mom!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHcyl9pdWI_e8hGsctzW8N212Wi3mage9Qyb3Hp0-ggfaCkbov9eduHMLRaVczEWk5buZnwzQ33Ta3GbIGCnXjm4T75be-BcNZN2XL-qi_w-PLz1ljxUNELgAAQV9VfBMYGVUm6g4eFZm/s1600-h/IMG_1474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHcyl9pdWI_e8hGsctzW8N212Wi3mage9Qyb3Hp0-ggfaCkbov9eduHMLRaVczEWk5buZnwzQ33Ta3GbIGCnXjm4T75be-BcNZN2XL-qi_w-PLz1ljxUNELgAAQV9VfBMYGVUm6g4eFZm/s320/IMG_1474.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375922475318625554" /></a><br />Flowers for Faye at The Well in Pineville<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0LgkOfgnn_cxHc2mM4d8ScQKLiWyztzVaxZYwAZEnW5VDaRh_l8ycU8vIHd85QEo_LZxMYWrk4I2IPf69Uny9Au4kuqg-5flXF4jTSs3xjfVNQN5ydgB_q4_m39oV1J6ixqd_vJI5PDt/s1600-h/IMG_1498.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0LgkOfgnn_cxHc2mM4d8ScQKLiWyztzVaxZYwAZEnW5VDaRh_l8ycU8vIHd85QEo_LZxMYWrk4I2IPf69Uny9Au4kuqg-5flXF4jTSs3xjfVNQN5ydgB_q4_m39oV1J6ixqd_vJI5PDt/s320/IMG_1498.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375922649748860114" /></a><br />Oak Island!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpN8mg1ISrwIM8PnK5GSPwmJbuo3CwwBwadahCiadgAHd9G4DyqK1JPkB_4gCcBdwFwvkGJK8PxD_OFTPU4fMJ9c5mXEDaP3N2yqJOg0UUAs30hMDGMNeOy0RCr2rHznu9rzMRIUFcmL5/s1600-h/IMG_1530.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpN8mg1ISrwIM8PnK5GSPwmJbuo3CwwBwadahCiadgAHd9G4DyqK1JPkB_4gCcBdwFwvkGJK8PxD_OFTPU4fMJ9c5mXEDaP3N2yqJOg0UUAs30hMDGMNeOy0RCr2rHznu9rzMRIUFcmL5/s320/IMG_1530.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375922854249942866" /></a><br />Me, Sarah, and Rachael in front of Hatch Auditorium at Camp Caswell!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EZY2cuEaU-gJJPlCmPB7yp9v235zc9yFhnAPtqUwzHw7xuY67bCbkcmEFgCKY4gFP8cQcJMjbznSyifjfRD-bUsZ4QQNc7W26P_O5abjuosWnpb0pCv5B4hi7M20x8dGHk649CUCLtyB/s1600-h/IMG_1591.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EZY2cuEaU-gJJPlCmPB7yp9v235zc9yFhnAPtqUwzHw7xuY67bCbkcmEFgCKY4gFP8cQcJMjbznSyifjfRD-bUsZ4QQNc7W26P_O5abjuosWnpb0pCv5B4hi7M20x8dGHk649CUCLtyB/s320/IMG_1591.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375923161233044050" /></a><br />Charlotte skyline<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcCdhc7YV2DwOa4JURIS4QwQyR10bcv6_NiaVW420HQxj9F0pLjvPHuIX1Gnu9pPCAvUEQBtGulvl4sSAmhpdc6GhEOo53HRxoqB8mdZRYg7Ngs4jha5pLuxJrFmZVlJhL_rcQzh78muN/s1600-h/IMG_1628.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcCdhc7YV2DwOa4JURIS4QwQyR10bcv6_NiaVW420HQxj9F0pLjvPHuIX1Gnu9pPCAvUEQBtGulvl4sSAmhpdc6GhEOo53HRxoqB8mdZRYg7Ngs4jha5pLuxJrFmZVlJhL_rcQzh78muN/s320/IMG_1628.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375923374628072322" /></a><br />Keri and Dayn's wedding!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQUNIjtKknLjx-dyKsNiMVJf8yOYij8-GLWtUxlHY7E7IVHAZNNNTguWmrJh-cpTUZvIO2s0cQy-rFJ7ytcHkfEf84WWzqjVvNVGsKQswYQ81Zts0k1GY0tYHeYKVqcEq1-q6s5SEWDKA/s1600-h/IMG_1657.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQUNIjtKknLjx-dyKsNiMVJf8yOYij8-GLWtUxlHY7E7IVHAZNNNTguWmrJh-cpTUZvIO2s0cQy-rFJ7ytcHkfEf84WWzqjVvNVGsKQswYQ81Zts0k1GY0tYHeYKVqcEq1-q6s5SEWDKA/s320/IMG_1657.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375923500734925762" /></a>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-28707553715161418092009-05-25T11:02:00.003-04:002009-05-25T11:04:26.443-04:00Literature Quiz (this was actually quite fun!)This is a "quiz" I came across on facebook, and because I enjoy reading so much, I decided to take the time to answer the questions. It was really beneficial for me to do since it brought back a lot of memories of books I had forgotten about, and it allowed me to assess the type of book I want to read more of. I posted it as a note on facebook and tagged several friends, and thought I would share it here on my blog too. Feel free to comment!<br /><br />1) You own the most books by what author?<br />I own a lot of books by C.S. Lewis; he is my favorite author. Literary, theological, intellectual, poetic, amusing... you just can't get much better than that.<br /><br />2) You own the most copies of what book?<br />I have four different translations of the Bible, three of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and I own two or three copies of many books I read in high school. Sometimes I would buy two copies so I could write and highlight in one and also have a clean, untouched copy. Yes, I am a bit of a word nerd.<br /><br />3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?<br />I actually fixed the questions so they don't end with prepositions. :)<br /><br />4) What fictional character are you secretly in love with?<br />My response to this question is quite long, so prepare yourself.<br />This is my first one because I just finished reading Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. Of all of the Austen men, Mr. Darcy will always be my favorite. This speaks for itself: "In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." Sigh.<br />Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables is also at the top of my list. He was a loyal friend to Anne for years before anything romantic developed, and truly cared about her-such a gentleman.<br />Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby is great. I promise I don't have a thing for sketchy literary characters with the inability to cope with their feelings for girls. I just love Gatsby because you had to go through a lot to figure him out, but his life was really centered around Daisy. So sweet!<br />Laurie Laurence in Little Women is another favorite. Little Women has a special place in my heart because it was the very first novel I read in the second grade. I had a completely mental crush on Laurie while I was reading that book. Jo was my favorite character in the book, and I always wanted her to be with him. He was charming, sweet, and just a great childhood boy to fall in love with. It was an estrogen filled book, so there wasn't much to choose from. From one of my literary mentors, Jo, I realized that I needed to follow my heart, and not a man.<br />I also have a small crush on Sherlock Holmes-sexy, sexy brain!<br /><br />5) What book have you read the most times in your life (excluding picture books read to children; i.e., Goodnight Moon does not count)?<br />I prefer to read books once, but I have read Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy a few times through. I have also read Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper three or four times. When I was younger I read Charlotte's Web about ten times, I am embarrassed to admit. I was so mesmerized by that story as a child. I have read Bridge to Terabithia two or three times-such a good story. I also used to read L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables books over and over in elementary and middle school. Those books will never grow old, and I most definitely want to share them with my own children someday.<br /><br />6) What was your favorite book when you were ten years old?<br />My favorite book at that age was a book called Half Magic by Edward Eager. I also loved Matilda by Roald Dahl. Humorous fiction books really got me excited, it was like a whole new world to explore.<br /><br />7) What is the worst book you've read in the past year?<br />This is a tough one to answer. I always try to research a book before I read it, and even if it doesn't tickle my fancy I can usually find some redeeming quality. I guess I would have to say The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker, although I didn't make it through the whole thing. I love Walker, and I liked how she brought in characters from The Color Purple, but this one didn't do it for me. It was a bit too controversial. I really want to read The Color Purple though! I just saw the musical and it was wonderful.<br /><br />8) What is the best book you've read in the past year?<br />One book I am reading right now is, in a word, remarkable. It is a biography about Eudora Welty by her friend Suzanne Marrs. Her life was fascinating and has truly inspired me. I recommend it to anyone.<br /><br />9) If you could force everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be?<br />The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. This is by far one of the greatest fictional stories ever told, and one of the most popular and influential written works in twentieth century literature. Once you pick up the first book, you’ll read them all.<br /><br />10) Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for Literature?<br />Greg Mortenson, who wrote Three Cups of Tea. In addition to writing this bestselling book, he has dedicated his life to promote community-based education and literacy programs in Pakistan and Afghanistan, especially for girls. I haven't read his book yet, but I can just tell he deserves it. :)<br /><br />11) What book would you most like to see made into a movie?<br />I would love to see The Hobbit made into a movie, although I am pretty sure this one is already in the works.<br /><br />12) What book would you least like to see made into a movie?<br />I don't have much of an opinion about this. I would prefer to see books made into musicals or plays over movies! :)<br /><br />13) Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character.<br />One dream I recently had involved myself and some of my friends walking through downtown New York City on New Years Eve. We were walking from the upper tip of Central Park towards Times Square so that we could watch the ball drop. Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye made an appearance, although he didn't have a huge role in my dream. He was just there walking with my friends, and it seemed like we had known him for years. I have tried to figure out what inspired this dream, and I think it may be because I really want to go back to NYC and just be there in the city. I have thought a lot about the last trip I just took there in December and how much I enjoyed being there with my friends. I have also started re-reading The Catcher in the Rye, so Holden is probably just on the forefront of my mind. Who knows.<br /><br />14) What is the most lowbrow book you've read as an adult?<br />As much as I enjoyed the sweet stories of Sparks's The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, I was frustrated by Message in a Bottle. My opinion of him has changed a lot in the past few years. I admire him for continuing to write, but I think he is largely a good storyteller and not a good writer.<br /><br />15) What is the most difficult book you've ever read?<br />A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I have never cried so much in one sitting. It changed my life, but it was difficult because I am really sensitive to sad stories.<br /><br />16) What is the most obscure Shakespeare play you've read?<br />Titus Andronicus, one of his earliest tragedies. If you read it, you would understand, although I do not recommend it. Read Hamlet instead. :)<br /><br />17) Do you prefer the French or the Russians?<br />Honestly, I can't read either language, so I don't have much to say. I enjoy some of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, so I guess I would have to go with Russian.<br /><br />18) Roth or Updike?<br />Updike, if for only his Rabbit novels.<br /><br />19) David Sedaris or Dave Eggers?<br />Most definitely Eggers. I haven't read much of his stuff, but I admire his support of teachers and local public schools.<br /><br />20) Shakespeare, Milton, or Chaucer?<br />Chaucer for his Canterbury Tales.<br /><br />21) Austen or Eliot?<br />Austen, of course! What female doesn't enjoy Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, or Emma? :)<br /><br />22) What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?<br />I have yet to read Life of Pi by Martel. It has been on my book list for a couple of years, and I just haven't got ahold of a copy yet-I hope to get on that this summer.<br /><br />23) What is your favorite novel?<br />I don't have a favorite, although I do have a favorite time period! I love novels that were written in the 1920's. I'm convinced that era would have been a good fit for me.<br /><br />24) Play?<br />Am I allowed to pick a musical? :) I really enjoyed The Color Purple-I saw it last week and I was so impressed, and I would love to get ahold of the screenplay. I also loved "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" play and book when I was younger.<br /><br />25) Poem?<br />I really like "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou and "There is Another Sky" by Emily Dickinson. I'm not much of a poetry connoisseur.<br /><br />26) Essay?<br />The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment by C.S. Lewis, because I am really interested in the topic of capital punishment. I also read an essay by Ezra Pound that I really enjoyed. It was about music, but I can't remember what he titled it.<br /><br />27) Short story?<br />The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, and Flowers by Alice Walker.<br /><br />28) Work of nonfiction?<br />Now we're talking! Nonfiction is my kind of reading. I love, love, love to read biographies, especially about women who changed the world like Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, Eudora Welty, and Elisabeth Elliot. There is something empowering about them, and they are always interesting to bring up in conversation. I also enjoy reading books about photography, music, interior decorating, cooking, marketing, social work, psychology, diseases, journalism, travel, ghost stories, politics, apologetics, theology, etc. I have recently been drawn to books about New York, New Zealand, and Kenya, probably because I want to live in all three places at some point in my life. :)<br /><br />29) Who is your favorite writer?<br />C.S. Lewis and Tolkien are two of my favorites. I want to write a doctorate dissertation about them someday, if I make it that far in school. Did you know they shared a legendary friendship? :)<br /><br />30) Who is the most overrated writer alive today?<br />I apologize to those who enjoy her books, but I have to say Danielle Steele. What a load of rubbish.<br /><br />31) What is your desert island book?<br />I assume this is referring to that book you pick when you need to escape from the rest of life, like a book you would read while you are on the beach. I would have to say my journal is my desert island book. I journal all the time, and have filled up dozens in my lifetime. I think I would go crazy if I couldn't write my thoughts down on paper!<br /><br />32) And... what are you reading right now?<br />I'm one of those people who reads twenty books at one time. I have good intentions to finish them all the way through, but sometimes I get sidetracked and end up picking up another book. It's something I'm working on. :)<br />Right now, I have a stack of about fifteen books that are required reading for divinity school awaiting me. I have already started two or three and I'm loving them so far, which is a good sign. I'm really intrigued by two books by Foster called Devotional Classics and Celebration of Discipline. I also came across a list of books written by Dr. Braswell and Dr. Hoyle in the Campbell Divinity school that I want to get ahold of and read this summer.<br />I am also reading a biography about Eudora Welty's life, and I literally cannot put it down. I have been reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert for the past few months and I'm almost finished. I have also been working on several books by Elisabeth Elliot. I am currently reading informational books about Lake Norman and Buies Creek that I bought at the beginning of the summer. I think it's important for me to be in the know about the communities I am living in. That's all I can think of right now!<br /><br />I could go on and on but I think this is a good stopping point. I hope you enjoyed reading some of my thoughts! Good thing it was only about literature and books, and not another topic like music, because this thing would have been twice as long. :)Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-397253735648697422009-05-10T00:59:00.007-04:002009-06-23T12:30:08.476-04:00Campbell Alumnus... say whaaaat?! :)This week was one of those weeks that you want to hit rewind and replay over and over again, just to make sure it is etched in your mind. It was Campbell's graduation weekend, and my first week as a Campbell alumnus, and it was wonderful to spend time with family and friends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf68-0QqWifoY3USZVXeVrHCe39XfHjvgIjwNUuNnVLcdxESKqEPjj9GtSrBDvWVjkDgkrT44p1SZrPC_0yDyrjKUfTggNmulJ_PR92rtSiW5B1h5s8R1mZQ_C_odOEYQZDfN4FIanWT3/s1600-h/s53501684_31380750_4600190.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf68-0QqWifoY3USZVXeVrHCe39XfHjvgIjwNUuNnVLcdxESKqEPjj9GtSrBDvWVjkDgkrT44p1SZrPC_0yDyrjKUfTggNmulJ_PR92rtSiW5B1h5s8R1mZQ_C_odOEYQZDfN4FIanWT3/s320/s53501684_31380750_4600190.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350560355292819442" /></a><br /><br />On Friday, my mom, dad, brother Kevin, Uncle Mac, and Aunt Debbie came,and the graduation festivities began. We spent about two hours walking around the campus, and even got to see some of the pharmacy graduation. We all went out to eat at Blessed Restaurant, and my buddies who had been there last time were there. The little old man was trying to set me up with one of the young men who was eating in there. Clearly, neither one of us was interested. It was cute though. And the food was scrumptious!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8EpGPNj4riImsLlcXfXvg18r397t6-uVVQeItv-d8t_JDk2A8wqrvNTJuCztTAj0Tb9QFo217s7H0jK4ylxucNggaVr5Pz7XJeljE6EVzP6ojzSnOk9fO5atR1z4Gxx456RFIjoTVS_F/s1600-h/4526_528634146306_53501684_31380798_5441056_s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8EpGPNj4riImsLlcXfXvg18r397t6-uVVQeItv-d8t_JDk2A8wqrvNTJuCztTAj0Tb9QFo217s7H0jK4ylxucNggaVr5Pz7XJeljE6EVzP6ojzSnOk9fO5atR1z4Gxx456RFIjoTVS_F/s320/4526_528634146306_53501684_31380798_5441056_s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350559503673729698" /></a><br /><br />The baccalaureate service was on Saturday morning at 10. Only three Social Work majors showed up, which wasn't too much of a surprise. It was actually kind of nice to have a more intimate service. Provost Greene gave the message, and it was great. He talked a lot about the life and teachings of Jesus, and he is certainly a scholar when it comes to that topic. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and wish I had a tape recorder to record what he said.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjI0yZuSW9_cIyV-FXULpAf3-atpSwgcZxA0DiKkds6uOrZ1_GNYdK1HuN5j9rkLxUu5519-DQoEf7CtolkyBqWVGnwyZotstvJCRS5UU5Y5QVOppUsj8K5W7I3grWgg8YwQY_8sXhEle/s1600-h/4526_528633622356_53501684_31380746_4100794_s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjI0yZuSW9_cIyV-FXULpAf3-atpSwgcZxA0DiKkds6uOrZ1_GNYdK1HuN5j9rkLxUu5519-DQoEf7CtolkyBqWVGnwyZotstvJCRS5UU5Y5QVOppUsj8K5W7I3grWgg8YwQY_8sXhEle/s320/4526_528633622356_53501684_31380746_4100794_s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350559738340968322" /></a><br /><br />After that service, Wee, Travis, and Pawan came over to hang out at my apartment. Wee had come to see some of us graduate all the way from New York City! Talk about a dedicated friend! It was so so fun to see him and catch up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseOqb17co2C4Rxs208tvDZTO1eV4O-Yad7F8Q4j8F6zmv2hsdSOpRrhJxaV4iNprTyKt9yFkbVNpV1P-GY_CrHpuYImrZzRkyG2nYFcUox5znbsUM1fpQ-5LhmRtgHg5-1Bc-xrIputya/s1600-h/s53501684_31380747_7079955.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseOqb17co2C4Rxs208tvDZTO1eV4O-Yad7F8Q4j8F6zmv2hsdSOpRrhJxaV4iNprTyKt9yFkbVNpV1P-GY_CrHpuYImrZzRkyG2nYFcUox5znbsUM1fpQ-5LhmRtgHg5-1Bc-xrIputya/s320/s53501684_31380747_7079955.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350559984880115234" /></a><br /><br />After that, I made my way over for graduation. Before we all walked into the convocation center, we were in the McCall practice gym area. Hand sanitizer was provided for everyone to prevent spreadage of the swine flu, but no water. Kind of ironic, haha. However, the time inside the gym was so wonderful. I saw people that I haven't seen in over a year, simply because our paths haven't crossed. I also got to sit with all of the Social Work majors, which was fun. Amanda Haynes, my roommate from my freshman year, was sitting right beside me. She was with me my first day at Campbell, and she was with me on my last. We came up with an ode to the class of 2009, and Luke Morales was sitting in front of us, so he taped us reciting it. We also did some crazy dance moves and made a few funny jokes. I'll never forget that-so fun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-nCsOMckwPi3JI3y0zH6Ikh2Q4SpmzF2neB7XrtF1hAlVpwLLlZ7_OUiZcAGbrff4LuSmcQctH0EDv-6croiIiHSYXYUvy1XVnx8iJl8hScgq7My87uA1K0vCdgff_KRy9uH2JNr5zym/s1600-h/s53501684_31380744_7572994.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-nCsOMckwPi3JI3y0zH6Ikh2Q4SpmzF2neB7XrtF1hAlVpwLLlZ7_OUiZcAGbrff4LuSmcQctH0EDv-6croiIiHSYXYUvy1XVnx8iJl8hScgq7My87uA1K0vCdgff_KRy9uH2JNr5zym/s320/s53501684_31380744_7572994.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350560215221305938" /></a><br /><br />The graduation service itself was long (almost 4 hours), and there was quite a bit of speaking, but it was at least interesting. I didn't pick up my diploma because I had received honors, but it is in the mail, and my name is spelled correctly. In the program I was Diane Elziabeth McClary. How do you misspell Elizabeth? Oh well. The important part is that I graduated and I got to see my friends walk across the stage!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT1gSQJTnACeCAypF8VADS4tcLhW-mNWZpToauQIbd09ksSSPClyfgZLM2DrqQ_DC5hXgK5E6pGyY73UflscKiD-p0le3Md5SsnnP0qqG2Hn_Gpdjvz_NFg0LbMlWCEoguKfhJaCgokoi/s1600-h/s53501684_31380799_4491562.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT1gSQJTnACeCAypF8VADS4tcLhW-mNWZpToauQIbd09ksSSPClyfgZLM2DrqQ_DC5hXgK5E6pGyY73UflscKiD-p0le3Md5SsnnP0qqG2Hn_Gpdjvz_NFg0LbMlWCEoguKfhJaCgokoi/s320/s53501684_31380799_4491562.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350560541962409314" /></a><br /><br />It was also fun to take pictures with friends outside of the Convocation center after graduation! I got a picture with Alicia Jones. I was the first person she met when she came to Campbell and we worked at Mundo Vista together and have become great friends this past year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz32J2krfsbmI9gV9KNVTjL1DWV89iIVmMo41Mm1ERfyuMZJT07K0giuS1msBW3R41isqPvoP17bYceh1jkLA8ZVBUOOkd057HXG-bf_elZl1s9xnsUs1-rQs77GeHTliML49CDZ1HwVQ/s1600-h/s53501684_31380856_931300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 97px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz32J2krfsbmI9gV9KNVTjL1DWV89iIVmMo41Mm1ERfyuMZJT07K0giuS1msBW3R41isqPvoP17bYceh1jkLA8ZVBUOOkd057HXG-bf_elZl1s9xnsUs1-rQs77GeHTliML49CDZ1HwVQ/s320/s53501684_31380856_931300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350560925057410562" /></a><br /><br />After graduation, I went to dinner with my mom, dad, Kevin, Uncle Mac, and Aunt Debbie at Sagebrush. We had a blast! I am so thankful they were able to come up and see me graduate. Their support and love mean more to me than I could ever express.<br /><br />After dinner, I went to a party at the Patty Tate that Luke, Donald, and Graham hosted. It was so much fun! We had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows and just hung out with each other without a care in the world. I can't say that I am especially close to some of the people who are there, but it made for even more interesting conversation. I love meeting new people!<br /><br />Sunday was Mother's Day, so I went out with my family to celebrate. The morning of, Abigail, Luke, and I went to church together. Luke and I also went to home fellowship at Grace, and it was so great! There were only 6 of us, so we had a more intimate conversation and I really learned a lot from everyone's perspective. Those kind of discussions make me even more excited about starting divinity school! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurRxXONPuXFicxFiVXHFLjcb8E2qrtF0cNdDHAzYBMOw_7QXkGScNBaAkNpUc-ScbHj8aq2gSilxI64lrI34vS1yWL4rTr0tF9oOpzqKLxS6xSKV3d-kgsYNjqEm9aKr-WnLD76E3DRTj/s1600-h/s53501684_31380860_1279015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurRxXONPuXFicxFiVXHFLjcb8E2qrtF0cNdDHAzYBMOw_7QXkGScNBaAkNpUc-ScbHj8aq2gSilxI64lrI34vS1yWL4rTr0tF9oOpzqKLxS6xSKV3d-kgsYNjqEm9aKr-WnLD76E3DRTj/s320/s53501684_31380860_1279015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350561143823783986" /></a><br /><br />Monday, I got a Macbook for graduation. The guy at the Apple store was a hoot. He spent an hour giving me a tutorial. When I told him that I hope he got a bonus for all of the help he had given me, he said "Nope, we don't get commission. I just wanted to help you out. It makes it a much nicer place to work, believe me." I also had a chance to go grocery shopping with Robyn and hang out at the Happy House for a bit before heading back to the Creek. I am going to miss her so much this summer.<br /><br />Tuesday, my mom came to help me move more stuff out of my apartment. I have determined that I own way too much stuff and it is time to seriously weed out the unused items. Yet another summer project. :) Thankfully, my friends Ben and Jesse came again to help me move some things out. It was so nice of them to do that! I am so so thankful to have great guy friends like them.<br /><br />Today, I had the opportunity to go over to the Carrie Rich Memorial library and just read. I also found most of the books that I will need for my first semester of divinity school, and checked them all out. Summer reading, here I come! I also downloaded the new Sandra McCraken CD today. It is brilliant! I have been listening to it all day. She really is such a talented musician. I can only hope to be half as good as her one day.<br /><br />Tomorrow, I have a meeting with the Residence Life Staff about freshman programming for next year. Should be fun! Then I will be heading over to a press conference at the convocation center. Campbell is making the old switcheroo back to the Big South Conference after almost twenty years of being in the Atlantic Sun conference.<br /><br />I can't believe the past four years are over. My friend Dusty posted this on her facebook status today, and I thought it was fitting and want to share it: "Don't cry because it is over. Smile because it happened." :) The culmination of activities, conversations, and thoughts in the past four weeks have been the PERFECT end to those four amazing, fantastic years. Seriously, I could write a book about it. Every day something else happens and I think "Yes, another chapter in the book!" I am going to work on writing out those thoughts soon.<br /><br />For now, I just have to reiterate how thankful I am to have graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a wonderful university, and to be able to say that it was not myself that accomplished those things, but rather the Lord working through me. He deserves all of the praise, for sure!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-53428983418675128242009-05-06T21:19:00.004-04:002009-06-23T12:15:06.536-04:00Fun at Duke!Yesterday Lydia and I went on a road trip to Durham to visit Duke University and to have dinner with my friend Bobby. He was my creative writing teacher in high school, and better known as Mr. Rackley at that time. It has taken me a while to get used to calling him Bobby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtAfxWgPTUL0Xng2chCtOO5DbAqhZbWmyqXpHUHiVF0xBp2g1uMVn4mcKvouLOYyhDrd28jupyLRXe7ifxmJ2iHYv8-v-wSJm3DouO5hZiu9Nmidos-l79uN3etrM-h_UqUY57dbaPPfr/s1600-h/4526_528632943716_53501684_31380682_495942_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtAfxWgPTUL0Xng2chCtOO5DbAqhZbWmyqXpHUHiVF0xBp2g1uMVn4mcKvouLOYyhDrd28jupyLRXe7ifxmJ2iHYv8-v-wSJm3DouO5hZiu9Nmidos-l79uN3etrM-h_UqUY57dbaPPfr/s320/4526_528632943716_53501684_31380682_495942_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350553081905647954" /></a><br /><br />First I picked Lydia up at her house in Fuquay-Varina, and I was able to meet her mom and talk to her for a while. She is such a sweetheart, and prayed for us before we set out on the road. We arrived at the campus not knowing what we were going to do, and ended up at the Sarah P. Duke gardens. All I can say is WOW. Gorgeous. We got some amazing pictures, which are all posted up on facebook.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vPuwXdbyA_3jQscb9SiLGUAWzPw_kzwsavO802zbJ-e5OBl6Szh_HENrRSfibuZhtBT0gTErP90-CyJeoHS2yJRFbEkPEV8YjF1ffiw8hO-f3KKVSm-cFtsCP43ZiXBKW3JTPLx_h19-/s1600-h/4526_528633023556_53501684_31380690_5075509_s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vPuwXdbyA_3jQscb9SiLGUAWzPw_kzwsavO802zbJ-e5OBl6Szh_HENrRSfibuZhtBT0gTErP90-CyJeoHS2yJRFbEkPEV8YjF1ffiw8hO-f3KKVSm-cFtsCP43ZiXBKW3JTPLx_h19-/s320/4526_528633023556_53501684_31380690_5075509_s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350556360258511090" /></a><br /><br />After we explored around the gardens, we drove around the campus for a while looking for the chapel. Must to our dismay, we could not find it, so we decided to head on to the restaurant. We met Bobby and Red Lobster and enjoyed a great seafood meal together, complete with iced tea and cheddar bay biscuits. The discussion we had was phenomenal. We were mostly talking about future plans and theological education, but Lydia and I asked Bobby a lot of questions about Duke and found out some interesting answers. It was so good to catch up with him. I had not seen him in about five years, so that in and of itself was a treat!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYmhgnSEqMdQffZJkBXyDa2spJ4zdFJdu2GPpl-PuIg-zZKRamIXo7GZJ_xtOMpfW8gVLhO7N8ehp52vwSK9BM7c7fy6k7nrSCNQ9OnOtDWQEe_dNu8RlgNGYa8XB5r-4YRPC8XsdWSrz/s1600-h/4526_528633193216_53501684_31380707_3032693_s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYmhgnSEqMdQffZJkBXyDa2spJ4zdFJdu2GPpl-PuIg-zZKRamIXo7GZJ_xtOMpfW8gVLhO7N8ehp52vwSK9BM7c7fy6k7nrSCNQ9OnOtDWQEe_dNu8RlgNGYa8XB5r-4YRPC8XsdWSrz/s320/4526_528633193216_53501684_31380707_3032693_s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350556537025304002" /></a><br /><br />After that, we went back to the campus to look for the chapel. On the way, we realized that we had taken no pictures with Bobby, which is a no-no in my book! I texted him and asked if he could meet up with us again, so he came to the chapel and we took a slew of pictures! Probably enough to fill an entire photo album. The chapel was truly mesmerizing. I have seen it before and been inside, but there is something about being there at night that is special. I will never forget that small snippet of time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EfkfAmK_HDqwjXs5PdOqYIpHRkN1Q6oJjlpN3c1FhI5vm_FfpHTnMzf-1VzWGuGfzzALfRlXNs5suNXpAjb094YY28i6MJVm8oS8_qD1N1Bi1TFuDFGNvp5VHIBNk1jaG96eGJxTu3xr/s1600-h/n53501684_31380713_3184292.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EfkfAmK_HDqwjXs5PdOqYIpHRkN1Q6oJjlpN3c1FhI5vm_FfpHTnMzf-1VzWGuGfzzALfRlXNs5suNXpAjb094YY28i6MJVm8oS8_qD1N1Bi1TFuDFGNvp5VHIBNk1jaG96eGJxTu3xr/s320/n53501684_31380713_3184292.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350557013895768226" /></a><br /><br />Lydia and I headed back towards Raleigh, and when we got back we caught the tail end of the Biggest Loser. Some friends of the family were at her house, and there was a little girl named Jessica who was bursting full of energy. She decided she wanted to teach me some dance moves, and she ended up teaching me all of the moves to a Hannah Montana's Hoedown Throwdown. Lydia got the whole thing on video. It was quite amusing!<br /><br />I absolutely love this week-being out of school and waiting until graduation with no super pressing plans and plenty of time to hang out with friends. I am going to miss being in the Creek this summer and being around close friends. Hopefully I will be able to make several road trips back here and other various places to visit the friends who are most important to me. I am so excited about being done with undergrad, but at the same time I don't want it to end! I am so thankful I will be back here for graduate school. I'm not ready to say goodbye to this place for good; it has become my second home.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-58854298790665278562009-05-04T15:16:00.004-04:002009-06-23T11:58:56.944-04:00Abigail and Diane's AdventureYesterday Abigail and I set out for the adventure of a lifetime (or maybe just of the week). After church we spent the afternoon at Raven Rock, a state park near Campbell. We had a picnic, complete with turkey sandwiches and fruit. Then we hiked for quite some time, and walked around the trails and beside the gargantuan rocks while we talked about life and the future. I love that word, gargantuan. People should use it more often. We also went to the overlook and Abigail read some poetry out loud in her teacher voice. It was so amazing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAgtX70KwZBl3b2C2zNLMRN4Nsk0tUuEn3etG3DX7HFftOZzfelJJvj18sG0C0kLa5D7uVsPGebpLDC50o0oXTqKrQczcV5u7vKpEkCp0vtdxJlHq9ssK1XOK22KiUVgjG242OY5xqeZG/s1600-h/4526_528632853896_53501684_31380673_1042895_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAgtX70KwZBl3b2C2zNLMRN4Nsk0tUuEn3etG3DX7HFftOZzfelJJvj18sG0C0kLa5D7uVsPGebpLDC50o0oXTqKrQczcV5u7vKpEkCp0vtdxJlHq9ssK1XOK22KiUVgjG242OY5xqeZG/s320/4526_528632853896_53501684_31380673_1042895_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350552414367109586" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2zo21CI-QNYRfc-2vAnB9hQ6c6R48K2ZrOvSUlSMoupKXftc8kUvPhXsn-yBrujOS2xKM56klhzM3UBMW9AcGHxcdTRvpSNmCp4Pd7kHUZyR8N6y8hq-BpoO4OTPZEH_AORiNtNBiIoB/s1600-h/4526_528632813976_53501684_31380669_8109300_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2zo21CI-QNYRfc-2vAnB9hQ6c6R48K2ZrOvSUlSMoupKXftc8kUvPhXsn-yBrujOS2xKM56klhzM3UBMW9AcGHxcdTRvpSNmCp4Pd7kHUZyR8N6y8hq-BpoO4OTPZEH_AORiNtNBiIoB/s320/4526_528632813976_53501684_31380669_8109300_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350552681321500258" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZCV0gPdZ9Z7-0qD97XlSG2KgankhcvUx_pupDNOgt3R7kacGWgMCWC4I_E54ji_3RVkEsGVuLXmDX10_Q2QUlTKi0j-yTO7cUVocz1EcVKVAFpswTiNLSSzHCOM4jaEpVweB1z1M622e/s1600-h/4526_528632933736_53501684_31380681_5945445_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZCV0gPdZ9Z7-0qD97XlSG2KgankhcvUx_pupDNOgt3R7kacGWgMCWC4I_E54ji_3RVkEsGVuLXmDX10_Q2QUlTKi0j-yTO7cUVocz1EcVKVAFpswTiNLSSzHCOM4jaEpVweB1z1M622e/s320/4526_528632933736_53501684_31380681_5945445_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350552958682002130" /></a><br /><br />On our way back, we passed by a strawberry farm, so we stopped to pick strawberries! We had a little over a pound, and they were so plump and juicy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtAfxWgPTUL0Xng2chCtOO5DbAqhZbWmyqXpHUHiVF0xBp2g1uMVn4mcKvouLOYyhDrd28jupyLRXe7ifxmJ2iHYv8-v-wSJm3DouO5hZiu9Nmidos-l79uN3etrM-h_UqUY57dbaPPfr/s1600-h/4526_528632943716_53501684_31380682_495942_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtAfxWgPTUL0Xng2chCtOO5DbAqhZbWmyqXpHUHiVF0xBp2g1uMVn4mcKvouLOYyhDrd28jupyLRXe7ifxmJ2iHYv8-v-wSJm3DouO5hZiu9Nmidos-l79uN3etrM-h_UqUY57dbaPPfr/s320/4526_528632943716_53501684_31380682_495942_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350553081905647954" /></a><br /><br />Then, we went over to the Patty Tate and jumped on the trampoline for a bit. I can't remember the last time I bounced that high on a trampoline! We were definitely flying. I felt like a little kid again, and it was so freeing.<br /><br />After bouncing for a bit, we took showers and cooked dinner at my apartment. We made chicken tacos, and I'm pretty sure we had about 6 each. I guess we were just so hungry after all of that walking! They were so tasty though.<br /><br />After dinner, we watched the movie Pleasantville and ate cupcakes and strawberries dipped in powdered sugar for dessert. Both of us fell asleep before the movie was over, with our heads at opposite ends of my bed. I wish someone had been there to take a picture! I'm sure it was cute. We did take plenty of pictures of our excursion though, and they will be posted soon. The entire day was such a treat, and probably one of my most favorite days at Campbell. I will never ever forget it!<br /><br />Tonight the adventure continues-we are having a sleepover at my apartment! Being out of school is just too much fun. I've always imagined what college would be like without classes, and it's nice to have a small foretaste of that and to be able to spend large amounts of time with a dear friend.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-28483684768858796942009-04-30T01:05:00.005-04:002009-06-23T11:53:23.330-04:00College has come and gone...I haven't written here in about a month, mostly because I have been super busy finishing up things in my last month of school and trying to hang out with friends every chance I get! I read through Meredith's blog, and it inspired me to come and write in my own. If you are reading this, thanks for everything you shared, Mere. It made me laugh [the picture of us dressed up like music stars!] and cry [talking about missing people and all.] I can't believe it is all over, but yet just the beginning of new things and great adventures.<br /><br />In the past month, so many amazing things have happened in my life that have made me have to catch my breath. I have called my mom almost every day with something new and exciting to share. I finished my internship at the Salvation Army, gave my senior presentation, took my last undergraduate exam, said goodbye to my Social Work family, decided I am going to attend the Campbell Divinity School, found out that I will be the Resident Director of Hedgpeth dorm, was offered another job on campus, found out about some great scholarships, had coffee with some amazing people, saw my girl crush at a coffee shop, spoke at the Honors Banquet at Campbell, started running consistently with my friend Lori, read through my senior yearbook, played guitar at Monday Night Bible Study and Erwin First Baptist Church, went to the beach, and had all kinds of fun in between! These things have been the ideal end to my senior year of college. Things have not always been easy, but I have completed this book and I am ready to move on to the next one. Even though these four years are over, I am able to look back and see how the Lord has worked it all out and I didn't even have to do anything. He is the one who brought me to where I am now. He has been so faithful all along, and I can't wait to see what else He has in store for me!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9QYD_I_4QbRSpjRpnRVqSww_de3wthDa-YwER0WmsnyJBkF3xn2SPVHzk2vTVITebf4p2pwO5oZ_l2UyILjyJ-wWZehiHLq0py-HPeyy6j_xRzijQabXkzJL89shyzGqmj1SMPRZFssR/s1600-h/n53501684_31380265_4564766.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9QYD_I_4QbRSpjRpnRVqSww_de3wthDa-YwER0WmsnyJBkF3xn2SPVHzk2vTVITebf4p2pwO5oZ_l2UyILjyJ-wWZehiHLq0py-HPeyy6j_xRzijQabXkzJL89shyzGqmj1SMPRZFssR/s320/n53501684_31380265_4564766.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350551367753965122" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ4bhflq8zN1jbDaKgyTFrB97Cb2pzBCXnYGU4TNYeD_peWY8D6J-0zHKASt_acAMVRZgQ9QkOzp4KOoQt05ClbsELe-wFgCZfgKjh5TDwe-clrBsYZ6M6bHPhrnLmx6oo6nFdn_9L_r1/s1600-h/n53501684_31380429_5884335.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ4bhflq8zN1jbDaKgyTFrB97Cb2pzBCXnYGU4TNYeD_peWY8D6J-0zHKASt_acAMVRZgQ9QkOzp4KOoQt05ClbsELe-wFgCZfgKjh5TDwe-clrBsYZ6M6bHPhrnLmx6oo6nFdn_9L_r1/s320/n53501684_31380429_5884335.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350551490673950690" /></a><br /><br />This whole month has been one great conversation after another. Today was no exception. I went to have lunch with Jilene and Terry, two of my friends here at Campbell. We had a really encouraging conversation about strengths that we each see in each other, and some of the things they said were so inspiring to me. They said things about me that I wouldn't have noticed about myself. This evening, I was able to hang out with some of my dearest friends. Abigail, Sara, Meredith, Virginia, Jilene and I all watched The Secret Life of Bees together and spent time telling fun stories about things that have recently happened in our lives. Meredith also played a song she had written on her guitar, and it was absolutely beautiful. She has inspired me to practice up this summer. I can't wait until I buy my own guitar with my graduation money! It was one of my last girly nights with these beautiful women, and what a night it was. I will never, ever forget it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XNu4mXazxGE5ORUOiRaLNnm-rrePSFBdh9OUJVTvlKBa7Vq2n-7LBEsfklaK7eGtbc__efMGOXczs3XClWCdjlb4x7EE_TXXIWVGMyFwYhxGCS8f9IJNyjOyC6Sfm2zOJvHmi9UeLtD-/s1600-h/n53501684_31380610_6824870.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XNu4mXazxGE5ORUOiRaLNnm-rrePSFBdh9OUJVTvlKBa7Vq2n-7LBEsfklaK7eGtbc__efMGOXczs3XClWCdjlb4x7EE_TXXIWVGMyFwYhxGCS8f9IJNyjOyC6Sfm2zOJvHmi9UeLtD-/s320/n53501684_31380610_6824870.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350551632782265474" /></a><br /><br />I know I tend to talk about my friends a lot, but they really are what has made all of the studying and paper writing make more sense. I have been so blessed with so many amazing friends here at Campbell! I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many great things have come about as a result of these wonderful people. Most of them are people I want to keep up with as I graduate and want to continue to enjoy life with. They are all so unique and special. I know that the Lord brought us together for a reason. Each person has helped to shape me into the woman I am now, and I hope I have had an impact on their lives too. So many things have changed for me in the past few years, but one thing that has been constant is the friendship I have shared with these people. They all remain nameless in my blog, but they will always be on my mind. I have grown especially close to many girls, from the girls I lived with in Hedgpeth and had crazy parties with to the girls I live with now at Faculty Memorial. So many wonderful memories are to be had here, and they will only continue for years to come! Saying goodbye to these people is one of the hardest things I will ever have to do. I don't know what I am going to do without them. I have shed several tears thinking about what a strange transition it will be to go from seeing friends on a weekly basis to not seeing them at all. Thankfully, I will still have several close friends in the area, and tons of memories to keep with me for as long as my busy brain remembers them. Things will never be the same, but I am learning to embrace the change and be thankful for it! God's plans are so much greater than my own desires.<br /><br />I came across a verse this morning during my devotion time that really encouraged me. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:20. It iss so cool to remember that through Christ God's promises are made complete.<br /><br />I begin this new chapter of my life with excitement and enthusiasm. Whenever I think about new beginnings, I always wear my butterfly shirt-I think I might just have to do that tomorrow. Even though this is "the end", it is really just the beginning! God is so good.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-17875410804980314182009-04-05T21:35:00.008-04:002009-06-23T11:44:56.791-04:00The Commencement of Holy WeekYet another wonderful weekend!<br /><br />Relay for Life was Friday night and it was SO much fun. The Social Work Club raised about $400 for the American Cancer Society. We also ended up winning the "Best Campsite" award for our Castaway themed booth. I was so proud of Amy Brookshire and all of the hard work she put into the booth. Really, it was a joint effort from everyone on our team. We also had a blast dancing to a bunch of old school music, which reminded me of middle school... the Macarena, Cupid Shuffle, and Electric Slide. I have to say that the Campbell Social Work majors are something else. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_MuUw64wI0IyeWjR_Wwefhg1Iit9HPpTkqG6JqxxAsrtNIBx72Avd5NvNOuaQCOzs1sUF6zVz3xMmionsd4PABytzSQDYp_C7FtTUOMcHGcIKNGD3_tlnNKynCXn66whoRXaPEYj5kh9/s1600-h/4526_528621756136_53501684_31380096_7986472_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_MuUw64wI0IyeWjR_Wwefhg1Iit9HPpTkqG6JqxxAsrtNIBx72Avd5NvNOuaQCOzs1sUF6zVz3xMmionsd4PABytzSQDYp_C7FtTUOMcHGcIKNGD3_tlnNKynCXn66whoRXaPEYj5kh9/s320/4526_528621756136_53501684_31380096_7986472_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350548942003668434" /></a><br /><br />Then Saturday we had the day of service on campus called Operation Inasmuch. I was a team leader and my team made a meal for the Moody family. Cali hasn't been doing well this week, and they were up at Duke all weekend, but it was great that they were able to come down to Campbell for Relay for Life. I was able to deliver it tonight to Chad, and he had Bella and Jazlyn with him at the house. I just love those girls. I noticed that Bella's manners were exceptional tonight, and I commented on that. Chad said "Diane, I don't care what your mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, or best friend tell you. When you have kids of your own, make sure you teach them manners and have a lot of expectations for them at a young age. People may think you are being too harsh, but you will be thankful as they get older." I thought that was pretty sound advice-I might just have to use it. :) He has three amazing little girls, so he certainly knows what he is talking about. I really need to write down all of the things I have learned from Chad and Sara and other married couples like them in my journal-I don't want to forget any of it. The Moody's are such a precious family and I am so thankful to know them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBnNiPaQJ539eoCXa0j015RiGVVWjA5W_W2TDZnYrcRmc2uyycqgAFlVNaWUjLHsuc6alyihf9duPbYJF2Lq2hKCIijs8DMZED4q9pm3G0HAq0VaCEBUdr_0TlvVNNqothZp439IpF0jI/s1600-h/n1585537746_30153411_5119698.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBnNiPaQJ539eoCXa0j015RiGVVWjA5W_W2TDZnYrcRmc2uyycqgAFlVNaWUjLHsuc6alyihf9duPbYJF2Lq2hKCIijs8DMZED4q9pm3G0HAq0VaCEBUdr_0TlvVNNqothZp439IpF0jI/s320/n1585537746_30153411_5119698.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350549481434045186" /></a><br /><br />So begins my favorite week of the year... Holy Week. I don't know what it is about this week, but I just love celebrating the days leading up to Easter. Lent, Palm Sunday, Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday... I love it all! It's so cool to transition from a time of fasting to a time of commemorating the last week of the earthly life of Jesus Christ. It's so cool to celebrate the incarnation. I haven't always been diligent in cherishing every day of the week, but it is a week that I always want to emphasize and honor. Easter Sunday is also the day my wonderful grandfather, Daddy Mac, passed away. Easter was always his favorite holiday, which was fitting because he was a Methodist minister and loved celebrating and preaching on Easter. I am definitely looking forward to spending time with my family next weekend. Hopefully I can go to the Maundy Thursday service at Grace too.<br /><br />This morning the service at Grace was absolutely amazing. Pastor Brad's sermon was about tongues and the Holy Spirit's work in Acts, from Acts 2. He referred to the Pentecost, when people were sharing he gospel in a tongue that couldn't be understood. The Holy Spirit came in very obvious power, and God wanted to establish a new covenant where salvation does no depend on the law but rather believing in Jesus. The manifestation of tongues in the Holy Spirit is confirmation that Jesus is the only way, and the Holy Spirit's role is to magnify Jesus. Just like God provided a way for salvation to come to the Gentiles, God uses the gift of tongues today for the building up of His people. Brad brought it all back to the importance of a personal relationship with God, which is available to all who trust Jesus as their Savior. I really want to study more Scripture that talks about this idea. It is a lot to take in in one day, and is a bit of a mystery to me, just like the Trinity. I thrive on that kind of mystery. It truly is fascinating, and something I don't think about enough.<br /><br />After church, I had some friends over to the apartment for lunch. Luke and his brother Daniel and sister Laura came, as did Rachael Traylor and Kiki Long. We made a potluck style lunch of Spanish rice, fruit, guacamole and chips, hummus and pita chips, corn, eggs, salad, biscuits, and a few other random things that we scrounged up. Very similar to the time the New York City team came over for a breakfast for dinner meal. It was delicious, and so good to sit in a circle and talk about random things while eating random items of food. I will never forget that memory.<br /><br />This afternoon I had coffee with Alexa. It was so so good to talk-I haven't hung out with her in ages! She is one of those friends that I could go months without talking to and we will always be able to pick up where we left off. We had such a great conversation about relationships and things we have learned from them, and we talked about what God is doing in our lives and how He has changed our focus, and how He has closed some doors but opened other ones. For example, I have recently been thinking a lot about doing hospital chaplaincy, which is something I never would have considered a few years ago. I am not a medically minded person, and I have never thought about working in a hospital. However, I have really been praying about it for the past several weeks, and wondering if it's something I should pursue. Also, Alexa said that she has recently decided that she wants to pursue pre-medicine and be a pediatrician, and that she is going to do ROTC. I can so see her doing that-she is so great with kids! I was just so happy to hear that God has placed that on her heart and that she is following His leading. It was just so good to catch up with her and hear about all of he things that have been going on in her life.<br /><br />Tomorrow I will be heading up to Chapel Hill for a Social Work Career Day with my class. Should be fun! Maybe I will be able to network with some potential employers for the future. And maybe I will even get over my dislike of Tarheels. Hehe just kidding folks. :)<br /><br />Alright, I have rambled on enough for the night... just had some things to share with anyone who cares to read! :)Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-80177043783604085402009-04-01T00:13:00.004-04:002009-04-01T00:43:11.202-04:00Greater things are yet to comeTonight Virginia and I went to Campus Christian Fellowship at NC State, where her cousin Nathan is interning at. What a blessing it was! It was so encouraging to see how welcoming everyone there was. We literally could not stop talking about it on the way back. It was also apparent that they really value studying and teaching the Word. The community there was so open and real and willing to discuss Scripture in a genuine way. I crave that kind of community. I have experienced it here at Campbell, but I think it's something that could be improved. I am going to be praying about ways that can change on this campus. I want to have a more solid community and leave a legacy for the incoming freshman each year. I hope to go back to CCF sometime and get to know the people there better. Very, very cool night. :)<br /><br />Aside from all of that, I have had a lot of random things going through my brain tonight. Lots of great thoughts about things of the past and possibilities for the future.<br /><br />I'm not sure why, but I have a strong desire to be in New York City right now. There are times when I step outside of the "thriving metropolis" of Buies Creek and think about the tangible needs that so many people have. I am led to think about all of the people I have met during the time I have spent in New York. I think about Wee and Peiyin and Rocco and Angel. They have each changed my life more than they know. Perhaps I will be able to go back this coming summer. I am still going to go up there and start a coffee shop with Robyn one day.<br /><br />I have also been thinking about New Zealand and Australia quite a bit lately. I learned this past weekend that only one percent of the population there are evangelical Christians. I want the people there to know Jesus in a real way, and I am pretty sure I want to do something about that. I am still trying to figure out what that might be.<br /><br />On a side note, I am in the process of writing a song that I can play on the guitar. Maybe even sing it too. My inspiration: Ingrid Michaelson and Shelly Moore.<br /><br />Jilene and I have decided to work on a song or two for the Monday Night Bible Study Coffee House. I will play guitar and she will sing. It should be interesting and fun. :)<br /><br />I also found out a few days ago that I will be speaking at the Honors Banquet at Campbell next Monday. I am so excited about it! It's so great to have so many wonderful opportunities right before I graduate.<br /><br />Also, in the next couple of weeks I am going to start writing for myMISSIONfulfilled.com, a website for young women that is owned and operated by the Woman's Missionary Union. I am definitely ready to start writing now! My first article will be about Bread for the World and will be in the Social Justice section. I have prayed about this for months now and I can't believe it is actually a reality! What a blessing straight from God. Be on the lookout for my writing in the coming months. :)<br /><br />I am so incredibly blessed. Life is grand, and God is good.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-48694958866893637712009-03-30T00:16:00.006-04:002009-06-23T11:38:33.553-04:00Birthday BlessingsI should be working on a research presentation, but alas, I find myself with a head full of thoughts and the urge to type them out. I admit that I have done a poor job of keeping up with my blog. For the few faithful followers, I promise to be more consistent in my writing. :)<br /><br />The past two days have been absolutely amazing. I turned 22, although I cannot say that I feel any older. Perhaps wiser, and more prepared to conquer the world. It was once again confirmed that I desire to have closer relationships with my friends and a deeper walk with the Lord.<br /><br />This desire became even more apparent as I spent time with some of the most important people in my life. Robyn and Abigail came home with me and were able to meet my family. Mom made yummy food and my family gave me fun gifts. Robyn and Abigail and I braved the rain and went out for lunch and tea, did a bit of shopping, drove around Davidson and Mooresville, talked about Literature, shared secrets, sang and played guitar, attempted a crossword puzzle, went to church, and said and did many things that deserve a good hearty laugh, {or at least a giggle}.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RQ-PQ5LJItj_h-ueexcoR7KYa0IdgAtjMIUQ_ry74KjtrA4Xr8tal7n7O_DUIGyVZP1Z1Gb8Z9qIUY-H-NX5JCGsLi7VQVy3kzxpYWWsQqEgjSkgAKmztYt7WR3IxtvHmicMH8pRrAJP/s1600-h/4526_528587419946_53501684_31378805_8055146_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RQ-PQ5LJItj_h-ueexcoR7KYa0IdgAtjMIUQ_ry74KjtrA4Xr8tal7n7O_DUIGyVZP1Z1Gb8Z9qIUY-H-NX5JCGsLi7VQVy3kzxpYWWsQqEgjSkgAKmztYt7WR3IxtvHmicMH8pRrAJP/s320/4526_528587419946_53501684_31378805_8055146_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350547450493184818" /></a><br /><br />When Abigail and I got back to campus, we went to the free Derek Webb concert on campus. His lyrics and music are so rich. Derek played all of the songs on his twelve string guitar, which was so impressive. I had time to reflect on life and what's behind me and before me. It was the perfect end to an already amazing weekend, or so I thought...<br /><br />When I returned to my apartment, my roommates Virginia and Jilene had decorated the apartment with birthday signs, and had gifts waiting for me on the table. We had a fun conversation about all sorts of things. Tomorrow night, Jilene is taking me out for dinner and a few more friends should be coming too. Tuesday night, Virginia and I are going to Campus Christian Fellowship at NC State. I can't wait! How was I blessed with such great roommates? They are so wonderful.<br /><br />I also took some time to listen to voicemails and read through my facebook wall posts, which was a huge blessing in and of itself. I'm pretty sure those messages would make the most depressed person swell with joy.<br /><br />I wish I could find the words to tell my friends how much they mean to me. They care about me more than I deserve. I am humbled by their generosity and love.<br /><br />As cheesy as it sounds, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes by Albert Camus: “Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”<br /><br />I am so excited to see what God has in store for this coming year-probably more blessings than I could ever imagine. He tends to bring good things into my life when I least expect it.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-65461520782547513612009-01-11T14:28:00.003-05:002009-01-11T14:42:39.484-05:00My Bucket ListI think it is essential for all people to have aspirations and dreams, and I hope that you have a solid idea of your purpose in life and what you hope to accomplish, whether that is work-related, relational, or just plain fun. Recently, I was talking to my friend Peter about things we hope to do in life, and shared some of our "bucket lists" with each other. I thought it would be fun to blog a few items from my list. Comments are welcomed. :)<br /><br />- Swim with dolphins in New Zealand.<br />- Visit three of the seven natural wonders of the world.<br />- Go on a cruise to Prince Edward Island.<br />- Go on a mission trip to Kenya.<br />- Visit Scotland and Ireland.<br />- Go on a cross-country trip to California.<br />- Start a radio station in New York City.<br />- Learn to play the guitar.<br />- Learn to play the hammered dulcimer.<br />- Become fluent in Spanish and Swahili.<br />- Have two children of my own.<br />- Adopt a handicapped child.<br />- Homeschool my children successfully.<br />- Earn my doctorate degree and be a professor.<br />- Start an online ministry for chronically ill people.<br />- Write and publish my autobiography.<br />- Work to combat human trafficking.<br />- Start my own Christian school and be the headmistress.<br />- Open my own coffee shop.<br />- Establish a solid 401k.<br />- Play my flute for an orchestra.<br />- Establish a scholarship fund for students who want to go on mission trips.<br />- Work for Samaritan's Purse.<br />- Get Lasik eye surgery.<br />- Go seashell hunting in Florida.<br />- Design my own clothes.<br />- Design my own house blueprints.<br />- Can my own fruits and veggies.<br />- Go scuba diving.<br />- Run a mini-marathon.<br />- Be an extra in a film.<br />- Form a book club.<br />- See all 50 states.<br />- Drive a McLaren car.<br />- Ride in a hot air balloon.<br />- Tell people I love that I love them every day.<br /><br />Think about it: What's on your bucket list?Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-49714198994791246902008-12-25T12:34:00.002-05:002008-12-25T12:36:27.429-05:00Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas!<br />In the busy-ness of the day, let me remind you to spend a few quiet moments with the Lord, thanking Him for the blessings of gifts and food and family and love. :)Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-40618199056048764612008-12-24T11:55:00.000-05:002008-12-24T12:05:34.438-05:00Joy to the World"The door of repentance opens into the hall of joy."<br />-Charles Spurgeon<br /><br />Psalm 32:5<br />"Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'—and you forgave the guilt of my sin."<br /><br />By now you've probably discovered that even a room full of shiny new Christmas gifts won't bring lasting joy. Once the newness of the gift wears off, the happiness starts to fade. Presents get lost, toys get broken, and dreams of long-lived happiness begin to evaporate. The truth is, nothing in this earthly life offers unending joy.<br /><br />Last night I had a truly terrifying dream. In it I had committed a murder and I was desperately trying to cover up my crime. A crushing burden of guilt weighed heavily upon me. When I finally awakened to learn it was only a dream, the flood of relief I felt was difficult to describe. I was no longer guilty of my sin; I was free from its oppressive weight. What joy filled my soul!<br /><br />Like waking up from my dream, there is a way—but only one way—to be rid of quilt from sin and experience everlasting joy. We must walk through the door of repentance. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." All sin, all unrighteousness—past, present, and future—is washed away by the blood of Christ when we confess our sins and receive his cleansing salvation. Our souls are forever freed from the crushing weight of guilt, thanks to the loving sacrifice of our Savior.<br /><br />If you listen to "Joy to the World," the popular Christmas hymn by Isaac Watts, you will hear a command for every heart to prepare Him room, and for every creature to tell of His joy. What a wonderful calling. I hope and pray that the joy of the Lord will resound in every family and every person.<br /><br />How will you respond to this joy this Christmas? If you've walked through the door or repentance, then you've awakened into the hall of joy described by Charles Spurgeon. This is the message of the Gospel that we celebrate at Christmas—God's pronouncement of everlasting joy to the world!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-66245971326765814122008-11-21T23:17:00.000-05:002008-12-24T11:54:36.411-05:00New York CityTonight we had a meeting to discuss the details of the New York City trip. I was reminded of this quote by Taylor Field from his book "Mercy Streets." It says "Our task is to walk in the cool of the evening with God on the hot subway platform and to make a single dirty park bench an Eden." That is so true. We are to meet God where He is already working to make His grace known to the people in the city.<br />I also thought about how my own vision of the city has changed each time I have gone. My eyes see things differently every time, and inner city life is to blame. The city streets, and more pointedly, the life on the city streets, has brought enlightenment to my eyes. I now see life where I thought there was no life, hope where one would assume there was no hope, and beauty in the ashed of humanity. People are magnificent, even in ruin.<br />New York City, in all its brilliance and decadence, still represents the worst and best Western civilization has to offer. And when we see the souls of the people, we see that mercy and the God of mercy still lives on the streets.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.philanthromedia.org/archives/Homeless-Streets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.philanthromedia.org/archives/Homeless-Streets.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6231628854256474929.post-80189322580408721712008-11-13T07:45:00.000-05:002008-12-24T11:54:56.626-05:00New BlogSo, I have decided to start a blog. I love the new beginnings of things. I have no idea what I will end up writing here, I don't usually like to share my thoughts or writings with people. Maybe I will get a little creative and write a poem or something that's actually worth reading. Who knows. At any rate, I'm excited! Almost as excited as cute little John Brian is in this picture...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8SIIWkG_AaKMzbhWxP1VeJrkx_0s0AC6rHLdVjhkQjNNhGRkDgFA3y-XTNpfPHC6ggJyKNo7VFpGeRhUUBT4-KB4SP3ZXXz73LdPzCt7qh-z3KLNdGAfDd-XNVTMvPN0Uipo3dgnHaRw/s1600-h/IMG_0057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8SIIWkG_AaKMzbhWxP1VeJrkx_0s0AC6rHLdVjhkQjNNhGRkDgFA3y-XTNpfPHC6ggJyKNo7VFpGeRhUUBT4-KB4SP3ZXXz73LdPzCt7qh-z3KLNdGAfDd-XNVTMvPN0Uipo3dgnHaRw/s320/IMG_0057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256604866504487442" /></a>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13728750241693971554noreply@blogger.com1