Classes, classes, and more classes!

March 11th...In 11 weeks, school will be much different for me! Since school is the main thing taking up my time these days, I've decided to blog about it! How interesting, right?!?!

This is week one of the 11 weeks of craziness! I am currently at Liberty University for an intensive class on Consultation, Collaboration, and Referral as it pertains to school counseling. Because my master's is in Professional Counseling, I could not obtain a license in school counseling. I am working towards my LPC in Virginia; however, to be a school counselor, you apparently need education classes in addition to the counseling classes. So...here I am! Once I am within nine credits of this educational specialist degree, I will be able to reapply for the school counseling license. It is my goal to be within the nine credits by March 11th...hence the craziness of 15 credits in 11 weeks!

During intensives, you come to class from 9:00-5:00 each day and turn in work after the class. This is my second day in this class but it isn't that bad. You knock out three credits in about a month's time with prework, the one week of intensive class, and the postwork. I'm looking forward to the day that I can hold that school counseling license in my hand:)

     

Tis the busiest season of the year...

So it has been over a month since my last post!! I definitely underestimated the amount of work I would have in this educational specialist program. For those of you who don't know, an Ed.S. is about 27 credits away from a doctorate (including the dissertation) so the majority of classes are doctorate level. I have stayed extremely busy working full-time, going to school full-time, and being married! Today I finally finished all the PREwork for my next two classes. I'll be spending two weeks in Lynchburg from December 27 to Jan 7. I'm excited to go back to Lynchburg and see my friends but I'll definitely miss being at home!

This Christmas season has flown by. It is easy to forget the meaning of Christmas with all of the shopping, parties, and baking that needs to be done. If we aren't careful, it'll be January 1st before we know it and we'll all be making new years resolutions in hopes of improving something in the coming year. To remind myself and others of the meaning of Christmas, I like to go back to the Christmas story.



Luke 2: 1-20

1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2(This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

New Living Translation

At the close of one of my classes in Lynchburg this semester, a man presented a devotion about Christ dying on the cross. Jesus said, "It is finished" right before giving up his spirit. The devotion presented was about how Jesus wasn't actually finished because his ministry continued after he was resurrected. It is so easy to think "It is finished" when i'm done with school work or "it is finished" when winter break has FINALLY arrived, or "it is finished" when the busy season of Christmas is over; however, our true priority is not to work until everything is "finished," but instead we the priority is to focus on the impact we can have after our tasks are done. I don't know what the future holds but I do know that there is a reason I am back at school and even when my work is finished, the impact it will have on me and the impact I will have on others will not be finished when the diploma arrives. The Christmas season may come to a close quickly; however, it is important to remember the birth of Christ and the miraculous signs that God displayed so that we can not worry about "finishing" the tasks at hand but focus on how we can carry the Christmas spirit with us throughout the year to serve those in need and glorify Christ in the process.   

Another birthday!

It's hard to believe that another year has gone by and I'm officially a year older. As a child, the age I couldn't wait to be was 22. I just knew that I'd graduate from college and get married when I was 22 because that's what my mom did. Of course I had no idea at a younger age what would happen when I was 22. As is turns out, I did graduate from college and I did get married. I don't know why I never thought past the graduation and marriage but now I'm living my life without knowing what comes next! Twenty three was a good year for me. It was different from others in that I feel more "settled" with life, whatever that means. Everyone probably knows by now that I love pictures so I'll post some pictures that highlight my 23rd year of life:)

It started with finishing my MA in Professional Counseling

And celebrating our first anniversary

And throwing lots of baby showers for friends

Walking for graduation

Being the matron-of-honor for my best friend's wedding 

Taking weekend trips with girlfriends

Spending the 4th at the park!

Visiting Philly

Rocky steps

Chincoteague

Hiking

 

Getting a new cat

And finishing my 23rd year with the annual turkey dinner!

Excited to see what happens in my 24th year!

It's been a while since my last post...things are really picking up at work (9 and 10 hour days) and then the class I'm taking right now has a lot of work to do each week. I'm starting to get reallllly tired and am wondering how in the world I am going to be able to take two winter intensives and then three 8-week classes from January to March. I've already started taking four hair vitamins a day so that my hair doesn't fall out from stress! That's pretty sad! It'll be over quickly and for some reason I just keep going back for more!

Anyway, last weekend I was driving home from Lynchburg by myself and had some time to think about random things. I had seen some of my Europe travel buddies over the weekend (so exciting!!) and started thinking about Ellie in Korea and how badly I want to see her while she's there (We didn't win at monopoly so basically I didn't win a trip to see her)! As I was thinking about Ellie, I started thinking about traveling in general. Those of you who know me well know that traveling is my favorite thing to do in the entire world. I love going places that I've never been and I started analyzing (of course) what it is with me and traveling. This is what I came up with:

Ever since I can remember, I have been a go-getter. I see something I need to do, and I do it (I wish this applied to cleaning our house!). I've always felt like I needed to be grounded, practical, and predictable to achieve the things I've been going for and it has worked. It didn't seem like a big deal to me that I finished my Master's in the time I was supposed to finish my Bachelor's and honestly it gets embarrassing when people tell others about that! Then I started thinking how traveling to a new place is anything BUT predictable. I think that's why I love it so much. I like the challenge of figuring out where I am and I love seeing new things and having these experiences that I would miss if I didn't let myself take some time out and explore! God's creation is amazing and then he allowed men to have the knowledge to build these incredible things all over the world. It's fascinating to me! I feel like I thrive when I see someplace new and I feel so excited and giddy when I think about going someplace new or remembering places I've been. I even get excited about little trips close to home when it's something new. I am very blessed to have traveled as much as I have and I look forward to any other experiences of traveling in my future:) It's also a great feeling knowing that you have a place to call home when the traveling is done! Maybe one day I'll be a traveling counselor or something:) Who knows what God has in store for me but he knows my desire and I know he will provide when it is his will!


Since it's November, I'll attach some pictures of things I am thankful for!

Luther and me at the 4th of July- my favorite celebration!

Chincoteague with Kara

Mawmaw

Mom and Dad- and the opportunity to go to school

Grandma

Being able to sit on marble stairs on a Greek Island

Having a birthday party on a rooftop in Greece

Parthenon

For meeting four amazing girls who also have a passion for travel

Celebrating our new marriage in Jamaica

Family

Trying to find Smith Mountain Lake

Virginia Beach

Winston-Salem, NC

Maine

Being able to explore Maine from a boat and see amazing creatures!

A spontaneous trip to Philly!

My cats!

Luther's parents

My nieces 

Celebrating our first anniversary in Hagerstown, MD

College friends:)

And family!

I'm obviously thankful for a lot! God has blessed my life tremendously!

Monopoly...it seems so easy

Monopoly has always been one of my favorite games. As a kid, I would literally sit on the floor and play by myself (using four or more pieces of course) because my parents and siblings hated to play the game. Tiffany even bought a Patriots monopoly set for my 22nd birthday:) I used to play it with friends when I was growing up. Then I was introduced the the McDonald's monopoly game. In the second grade, Tiffany and I searched for spare change at both of our houses so we could buy things from McDonalds to get pieces. Then one day, we pulled allllll the dandelions at my parent's house because mom HATED dandelions. It took us probably four hours and we worked and worked so we could get money to buy more pieces. Mom gave us two dollars! She didn't realize until years later how long it took us and why we were trying to get money. I've played the McDonald's monopoly game since that time, although i've never won more than a free breakfast sandwich or an order of fries. Now here I am, age 23, and still playing. Tiffany and I still put our pieces together to try to win. Last night, we were talking about which pieces we had and I thought she had the piece we needed, Pennsylvania. We could have won $50,000 to share. Turns out she had Pennsylvania railroad haha. We now are in the position where we could win with every color if we could find the missing piece. It seems so easy. Then I started thinking about what we would do with the money...we wouldn't buy a new car or a new TV (although Luther might argue for the new TV). We would go see Ellie in Korea and the rest would go to school loans. How nice would that be? Well for now, we'll keep searching for the missing pieces. Vermont, Boardwalk, Pennsylvania,  Short Line, Marvin Gardens, Ventnor, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and St. Charles. I'll let you know if we win!

This weekend...last year

Every year we go to Danville to visit Luther's parents on this weekend because it is his dad's birthday. I am excited to see them and go to Danville but I can't stop thinking about what happened last year and hoping and praying that nothing goes wrong this year. This is how the story goes from last year...

We just arrived in Danville on Oct 16. As we're talking with Luther's parents, Beckie (Luther's mom) tells me about her friend who had a massive heart attack and survived because whoever was with her was able to administer CPR until the ambulance came. No more than five minutes later, my dad calls. My dad was traveling to Illinois to visit his mom one last time before winter since it is too dangerous to attempt to drive to the midwest in the winter. I thought he was calling to tell me he made it to his hotel for the night but he actually told me that something had happened to my grandmother and he wasn't exactly sure what at that time but thought maybe it was a stroke or heart attack. I of course freak out inside but am able to stay calm and attempt to enjoy the time with Luther's parents. About an hour later, my dad called back to say grandma had died. No one had administered CPR which made it that much worse. I was feeling all kinds of emotions but mostly I was in denial, angry, and hurt. I couldn't believe what had happened and I felt so bad for my dad who was on his way to see her (she wasn't sick- he was just going to visit) and he didn't make it. God has his timing and it was good that my dad was on his way out. The rest of us began making flight arrangements and it was a whirlwind experience from there. I hate that my grandma is gone but I am comforted in knowing that she is with God and probably being my silly ol' grandma, sticking her tongue out at people, listening to people share their stories, and being a loving friend. Grandma and I became extra close when I was in college and I thought of her as one of my best friends. We had our weekly phone calls (always after gilmore girls to talk about what had happened) and I learned a lot about her during those years. I am really thankful that I was able to form such a close bond with her despite being 15 hours away. It's hard losing a loved one at any time but that was my first real experience losing someone so close to me. It is also hard to go through the same motions of packing for Danville tonight while knowing that I'm spending my weekend the same way I had planned to spend it last year. I'm sure it won't be easy but I have to remember that God has a reason for everything and even though I thought it was too early, God wanted my grandma to be with him at that time. I miss her every day and I even as I type this I am looking at our last picture we ever took together as it sits beside my computer. I hope that she is looking down above and still telling me I'm crazy for working so hard in college and happy that I found love at such an early age. I still feel like she's here with me and I'm thankful to God for blessing me with such an amazing, Christian grandmother. And although almost a year has passed, I feel the hurt just as raw as that night my dad called me. I can only pray to God for his continued comfort and give praise to Him for the time we had together and for the amazing job my grandmother did in raising my dad. If she wouldn't have been the awesome person she was, my dad would not be the amazing father that he is. I am truly blessed!

When grandma and I would talk, she would talk to me about things that were bothering her. One time I mailed her the lyrics to this song and after that, she always talked about how true those lyrics were to her and how much she appreciated having them. I'll post them below and hope they bring comfort to whoever is reading this in a difficult time.

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down 
and wiped our tears away, 
stepped in and saved the day. 
But once again, I say amen 
and it's still raining 
as the thunder rolls 
I barely hear You whisper through the rain, 
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise 
the God who gives and takes away. 

Chorus: 
And I'll praise you in this storm 
and I will lift my hands 
for You are who You are 
no matter where I am 
and every tear I've cried 
You hold in your hand 
You never left my side 
and though my heart is torn 
I will praise You in this storm 

I remember when I stumbled in the wind 
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again 
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on 
if I can't find You 
and as the thunder rolls 
I barely hear You whisper through the rain 
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise 
the God who gives and takes away 

Chorus 

I lift my eyes onto the hills 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth 
I lift my eyes onto the hills 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth 

Adventures, Friendships, and Loving Others

So hiking was definitely an experience! I did not particularly enjoy being out of breath while we hiked up and up to the top of the mountain; however, it was pretty amazing once we got to the top. We were hiking up "The Priest" and at one point, Dane told me that it was flat from there so I felt reenergized...but it definitely wasn't flat from the time he made that comment! The view from the top was incredible. I wish more of the leaves would have been changed already but it was still beautiful. We were looking down on all the trees that form the mountains and could still see more mountains in the distance. We really live in an awesome place. 

I feel really blessed to have so many great people in our lives. I hear so many people our age wishing they went to a church that had more "20 somethings" or "young married couples" to hang out with and go through life together. I feel that we've really found that at our church and we are making great friends that we'll be sharing our life with as we grow old together! I love our married friends from our church and I love our single friends from our school days. I only wish everyone lived closer! It's amazing to me how friendships change as you change. I have some friends that have been with me since what feels like forever...other friends only came into my life a few years ago but I know they'll be there forever and I'll be there for them. God has placed these people in our lives for a reason and it is fun thinking about each moment that you've shared together and realizing that God had that specific event written out before we even met. 

Tiffany and Me at the Patriots Game in
New England. January 1, 2006

Grad school/traveling girls in Paris 2008

Bachelorette Party in DC!

Anyway...onto another thought. I have a Bible that goes in chronological order (which is pretty cool to understand things from a different perspective) and the other day I was reading in Daniel. Daniel 12:1 says, "But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued" referring to the end times and Daniel 12:3 says, "Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever."  Those of you who know me know that I have a thing for stars. I've never paid attention to these verses but it hit me that the Christians who really stand out are the ones who don't care what others think and really seek people out to lead them to Christ. I've been praying that God would make me uncomfortable and send me to someone who needs to hear about God so that I can show that person the love of Christ. We don't have to be annoying and chase people around to tell them about God by holding up our signs and telling them about hell and their sins. It would be much more effective if our daily lives reflected that of Christ and if we were open enough to listen to them when they needed to talk and be there for them by loving them and praying for them. That's my new personal challenge. Feel free to join me:) 

Here are some lyrics that I heard for the first time today. I wonder if I heard them because of my new challenge. It seems like a great way to explain the love of Christ to someone who is drowning in their guilt and past sins. 

You Are More by Tenth Avenue North 

'Cause this is not about what you've done, 

But what's been done for you. 
This is not about where you've been, 
But where your brokenness brings you to 
This is not about what you feel, 
But what He felt to forgive you, 
And what He felt to make you loved. 
You are more than the choices that you've made, 
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes, 
You are more than the problems you create, 
You've been remade.

Fall is here!

I absolutely love fall! Not as much as summer but fall a close second. Last night I had my first piece of pumpkin pie this season! I've had my pumpkin spice lattes and have been burning my pumpkin candles. I cannot WAIT for the annual turkey dinner! I don't know how long I've been going but now it is definitely something that I do every year with my family. This year it will be different because Joyce won't be here! Joyce was one of the first people I met at Liberty and I had no idea that she would become one of my best friends. She has come to the turkey dinner every year since we were 18 but now she's back in Saipan for a few years so she obviously won't make it. Last year Mariely also joined us for the festivities:) Fall seems to start the busy times that roll right into winter and then we are busy doing Thanksgiving and Christmas stuff. I am working hard this year to take time and enjoy the beautiful mountains and the colors of the leaves. We are going on our first hiking trip tomorrow and I cannot wait! I feel like there is no better way to see God's glory and His beautiful creation than seeing the mountains and all the details in the changing of the leaves. God is such an artist and I am excited to take in his masterpiece tomorrow!

Joyce, Jayem, and Marco at the Turkey Dinner 2009

Mom and Mariely at the Turkey Dinner 2009

I'll give it a try...

So it seems these days that everyone has a blog! I've resisted for a long time because I feel like my life is really boring and I couldn't possibly have anything to write about! I feel like my Facebook status updates can pretty much sum up my life. Anyway, I've decided to give blogging a try. I'm not exactly sure what I'll write about...maybe a Bible verse that stuck out to me or perhaps about some place in the world that I was thinking about that day. Hopefully I'll come up with something at least somewhat entertaining to write about but I'll save my first real post until I have a little bit more time to sit and write. Until then...

Philippians 2:15
so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe


Make every effort to stand out in a positive light for Christ...