The Little Things: A tasty morsel

I sometimes find it hard balancing my many callings. Being a good student, a hard working employee, and a faithful daughter is sometimes an interesting balance. But today, I tried to serve my family (and maybe my CS--computer science--friends) by making cookies.

Here are the results:

Don't they look yummy?!

Happy Birthday, Mama!

My mother's 46th birthday was Thursday. She and my father went on a trip Wednesday and came back just in time Thursday for the birthday dinner.

God's faithfulness to my family is evident each day... be it a birthday or any other.

Stretching a bit: Prince Caspian and the Book of Acts

In devotions, my family has been reading the book of Acts. Specifically, we have been reading chapter 10. The roman Cornelius, described as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually" (Acts 10:2), sees a vision telling him to send for Simon called Peter... Peter in turn sees a vision of many different animals, and God tells him to take and eat. Peter is abhorred at the thought of eating unclean animals, but God shows Peter all these animals are now clean. Peter then goes and visits Cornelius and explains his vision: "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him" (Acts 10:34,35). Amazing words! The gentiles were now welcome into the covenant. It wasn't exclusively for Jews...

I also am reading Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis in anticipation of the new movie coming out. Last night, I was reading of Caspian's tutelage by Dr. Cornelius about Old Narnia, and this line struck me: "For I know that you also, Telmarine though you are, love the Old Things" (Prince Caspian, p. 49).

This reminded me so much of the book of Acts. In both stories there is a man/boy who loves the old things/old ways (even though some of those ways are changing). There is the man/dwarf who will share the good news/stories of Old Narnia with the man/boy. Also something that struck me as curious, is the name of the Roman is also the name of the dwarf: Cornelius. Was C.S.Lewis being clever in these connections? Or is it the crazy imagination of an English minor? I don't know, but I was interesting in this connection... Please feel free to share your thoughts (even if you think I'm crazy).

Do Hard Things

"Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect you to last. WE DO." - The back cover of DO HARD THINGS

I finally picked up DO HARD THINGS by Alex and Brett Harris. Yeah, sure I told myself... It's for teenagers, but that doesn't mean I can't learn anything from it. It was one of my brighter moments! This book is one that every teenager should read. Whether you have just turned thirteen, or you're a nineteen (almost done) year old. It even can teach something to us "old" college students. Don't be defined by a culture with low expectations. Be defined by what you DO, not what you don't. Go out and do HARD things for God.

The Stance of the World

Today, after dealing with two professors that were hostile to Christianity, I wanted to find these verses:

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." (Matthew 5:10,11)

While my professors didn't attack me directly, I was greatly bothered by what they had said. But God reminds me daily that He is in control, and everything is for His glory.

Understanding God's Ways

On Monday morning, my father informed me that my grandfather has prostate cancer. I was shocked and saddened. As Dad and I prayed, I wondered why God allows things like this to happen. I know that sin is in the world, and it has horrible effects, but still I questioned God.

Then I remembered God's words to Job:
"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you and you instruct Me! Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth. Tell Me, if you have understanding, Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning starts sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy? (38:2-7) "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it." (40:2) "Will you really annul My judgement? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified? Or do you have an arm like God? And can you thunder with a voice like His?" (40:8-9)

Job's reply was my own:
"Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth. Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; Even twice, and I will add nothing more."(40:4-5) I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know... Therefore I repent in dust and ashes." (42:3,6).

Conclusion:
"As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God." (19:25-26)

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

The Calm after the storm

It is so good to have Dad home again after a long tax season. This evening, we had a wonderful family dinner, I sometimes don't realize just how much I have missed my Dad until after he comes home.

Doesn't the meat look good? Of course, mine was medium. :P

Even Grandpa was here for the fun...

Sense and Sensibility

Some of you may be wondering what happened to the JA club. It did falter a little bit, but this past Friday night, we all met to watch the new adaptation of Sense of Sensibility.

Sense and Sensibility used to be my favorite Jane Austen novel. This was before I had read Mansfield Park or Persuasion. However, this story still holds a special connection for me. I was really excited to see a new version of it! (and my friends were scarcely less excited). This new version did not disappoint. It was the same beautiful story that I have come to know and love, but it was given more time to fully do the story justice.

My friends and I were delighted by the choices of actors and actresses (though, Col. Brandon did take some getting used to... I remembered him as Bradley Headstone). The costumes were beautiful, though as little familiar. There were some classic lines missing: "F Major!", but new favorites came about: "If she comes to live here, I might even poison her." Overall, this version did outshine the Emma Thompson S&S.

I'm sure I will watch this movie again and again over the years to come.

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell is soon coming to PBS... perhaps the JA club will watch it too...

I believe it's here...

Spring has finally arrived! Okay, I know that the OFFICIAL start of Spring is March 21st; however, until the artificial cherry tree in my front yard starts to bloom, it doesn't look like Spring to me.

But, today I noticed that the lovely pink and white blossoms are starting to appear. This tree is my favorite plant at my house. Just another one of God's many beautiful creations.

More Spring Break Pictures...

Before the Kincell's left for TX, the girls did get together with me. :) It was a great time to catch up... Poor Keely and I (Kelsie too?) were buried under school work.

Bite my Tongue

I was listening to music in the car today, and this song reminded me of the horrible things I have said. I stick my foot in my mouth ALL THE TIME. Being angry and frustrated, I blast the other person, rather than praying for patience. But God is gracious; I just need to "Bite my Tongue."

I was going to spell it out in detail,
but I dropped the call before I spilled my guts
And your floor stayed clean,
like my conscience will be
Cause if you heard anything,
you didn't hear it from me
And I'm sweeping up the seconds that tick off the clock
And saving them for later when I'm too Ticked to talk
And I need some time to search my mind
To locate the words that seem so hard to find

'Cause sometimes I say things that
I wish that I could take back
The most crucial thing I lack
Is a thing called tact
And if you're always so intently listening
Then the smartest thing to say
is to tell myself not to say a thing

Yeah, I gotta keep quiet, quiet
Don't let it all come undone
Cause if I dare open my mouth
It'll just be to bite my tongue
To bite my tongue

It seems I'm always close minded with an open mouth
And the worst of me seems to come right out
But I've never broken bones with a stone or a stick
But I'll conjure up a phrase that can cut to the quick

'Cause sometimes I say things that
I wish I could take back
Then the smartest thing to say is to tell myself to keep-

Quiet, quiet
Don't let it all come undone
'Cause if I dare open my mouth,
It'll just be to bite my tongue
Yeah, I gotta keep quiet, quiet
listen to Your voice
Because the power of Your words
Can repair all that I've destroyed
when I finally do
Let it come from You
The peace of understanding grips my soul
You're the reason I've
Found meaning in this life
So I'll swallow up my pride and give You control
give it to You

I gotta keep quiet, quiet
Don't let it all come undone
Cause if I dare open my mouth
It'll just be to bite my tongue
Yeah, I gotta keep quiet, quite
listen to your voice
Because the power of your words
Can repair all that I've destroyed
Yeah, I gotta keep quiet, quiet
Don't let it all come undone
'Cause if I dare open my mouth
It'll just be to bite my tongue
To bite my tongue
-Relient K

For those who want to hear this song: http://youtube.com/watch?v=BV1HFOWggO4

Good Time for a Nap

Being sleepy, George decided to take a nap this afternoon.

The Real Definition of Balk

balk
–verb (used without object)
1. to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified (usually fol. by at): He balked at making the speech.
2. (of a horse, mule, etc.) to stop short and stubbornly refuse to go on.
3. Baseball. to commit a balk. –verb (used with object)
4. to place an obstacle in the way of; hinder; thwart: a sudden reversal that balked her hopes.
5. Archaic. to let slip; fail to use: to balk an opportunity. –noun
6. a check or hindrance; defeat; disappointment.
7. a strip of land left unplowed.
8. a crossbeam in the roof of a house that unites and supports the rafters; tie beam.
9. any heavy timber used for building purposes.
10. Baseball. an illegal motion by a pitcher while one or more runners are on base, as a pitch in which there is either an insufficient or too long a pause after the windup or stretch, a pretended throw to first or third base or to the batter with one foot on the pitcher's rubber, etc., resulting in a penalty advancing the runner or runners one base.
11. Billiards. any of the eight panels or compartments lying between the cushions of the table and the balklines.
12. Obsolete. a miss, slip, or failure: to make a balk. —Idiom
13. in balk, inside any of the spaces in back of the balklines on a billiard table.


Yes, Kiri, Keely, and Tricia -- I DID look it up. :P:D

Spring Break in Pictures

Okay... Finally the story on SB!

I worked a lot (sorry, no pictures! -- yeah, I know you're all so disappointed) But, because I didn't go away for Spring Break, I decided to do something fun and crazy. With the permission of my parents, I went with Dee to get my left upper ear pierced. I was nervous, but pain to an eight year-old and pain to a 20 year-old simply aren't the same. Now that I've done it, I am really glad I did... but it is somewhat hard to sleep. (Rolling onto a new earring can be painful!)

Before
After

I also watched the Knudsen girls for a couple of hours. We enjoyed the movie "Enchanted", made pizza dough (How did that turn out, girls?), and painted magazine pictures. I would have liked a picture of all of us, but I don't do self portraits very well. :( But it was so good to hang out with "my" girls.

Ana and Ineke

Overall, the week was restful. Just what I need before "hitting" the books again.

The Promises of God

Today, the weather in Morgantown was unpredictable. The wind would blow, the sun would shine, and then it would rain really hard. :) But, at the end, there was a beautiful rainbow.

"This is the sign of the covenant which I making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you , for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh." Genesis 9:12-15

These verses out of Genesis always come to mind when I see the rainbow... It is like seeing the promise of God.