I was just thinking about this recently.
I guess I've always thought of babies as cute and cuddly and a great blessing from God, but I never really viewed them spiritually...if you know what I mean.
When I held my nephew for the first time, I saw a little soul there in my arms. He wasn't just a lowly little baby...he was a new soul, pure and unharmed by the world.
I don't know if this really makes sense to anybody else because my way of expressing my thoughts is so insignificant when I try to use words.
The point is, I'm viewing things differently each day because I know that God has control over everything!

1. I am an almost obsessive Lord of the Rings fan

2. I hate running but love how I feel after I run!

3. I love to sing loudly and out of tune!

4. I collect ladybug paraphenilia.

5. One of my favorite things to do is look at the night sky.

6. I love being cold! whether I'm sleeping, driving, etc.

7. My hair has a mind of its own. Some days it is naturally curly, other days it is just wavy, and still other days it is flat and straight...I'm not in control.

8. I hate other people's hair being in the shower. GROSS!

So...my life is pretty much amazing thanks to God! He is truly my best friend and He does so much for me that I could never repay!
I haven't really been all that homesick. I've missed the simple things in my life like hugs, my mattress at home, vegetables!!
What I didn't know that I would miss so much is my church family at Pine Lane. Every Sunday, it's just not quite the same without them. I feel like Pine Lane is the most stable, grounded group I've ever been with and I have a bond with each and every person.
That is what I'm looking for down here but I don't want to make that decision too quickly. I would still like to visit around since I have only visited with 4 congregations. I don't just want to go where everyone else goes or where my closest friends go. I need to go somewhere for me.
My mom has been encouraging me in that realm. Being a preacher's kid, I didn't have options growing up. Not that I don't love my family or that I don't think my dad is an amazing preacher...I just need change.
I've been hurt a lot in the past by the people in my church family that I have loved the most and it has made me a little distrustful of people. I really wish that I didn't have to say that, but the truth is, it's true.
I just want to be somewhere where I don't have to worry about things and leave those issues to the elders. Pine Lane has great elders but being in the preacher's household, you learn a lot more than you would like.
I really do need prayers as I make this new and exciting spiritual journey into what for me is quite like the unknown.
God really is AWESOME!

In Christ Alone My Hope is Found.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on that sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

THEY ARE!
I have had the wierdest experiences the past few days. You see, I have never NEVER been nominated for anything at school. Well, the other day I got a letter in the mail saying that one of the faculty members had nominated me for the Bob Finley Outstanding Character award. I was of course flabbergasted and at first thought, "are you sure this is for me?" but my name was on it and everything. Then yesterday I was sitting in English class and this girl walks in with 3 blue sheets of folded paper. I was given one; of course, I had no clue what it could be. I found out that I had been invited to this honorary breakfast for people elected by teachers for: The Most Improved Student, Outstanding Classroom Participation, and/or Great Character in the classroom (or something to that nature). The big deal is, guys, that I never expected to get any of those honors because I never perceived that people were observing my character. I don't want to seem boastful like a Pharisee, but I'd like everyone to know that the smallest things can be seen by those around you and they can make a big difference. So, even if you never get some great award, if you have good morals and good character, you'll find your shining crown in heaven one day. I don't need the praises of men. All I want is God's approval and I'm excited about these opportunities because they help me feel more on track with where I want to be as a spiritual character and as a light to the world.

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose."

WOODROW WILSON (1856-1924)
"If you will think about what you ought to do for other people, your character will take care of itself. Character is a by-product, and any man who devotes himself to its cultivation in his own case will become a selfish prig."