When Life Slows Down...

Hello friend,
I apologize for the leave of absence... I've actually started this post three times in hopes of finishing it and now it's finally happening. 
I have an announcement! As of thirty minutes ago, marching season is officially over! My life can stop revolving around the marching field. I can take a sigh of relief as my life slows down for a brief moment in time.
I'm sitting in my living room with the TV on and my roommate curled up on the couch relishing this new-found freedom. I'm not sure if I'll know what to do with all my time. Well actually I do: school work, friend time, and I can finally fully focus on the youth group once again like i should. Bliss!
As I look back over the past month, I see a definite roller coaster. It's been full of fun, good times but there has also been tears and stress and tension. But through it all, I've learned so much.
The past month has been full of Fall Break, Homecoming weekend, Tiger Tunes, Mid-Terms, an Exegetical Paper, Fields of Faith, Battle of The Ravine, Middle School Youth Retreat, and normal social life/school responsibilities. [Each of the links goes to the pictures on the Picassa Web Album that corresponds, somewhat, to each word. :) ]
I wish I could tell you everything that's happened this month, but my feeble words won't be able to catch just what it's been like around here. Why don't I just list off some words and let them describe the month and then you can see pictures and visualize it? 

Sunshine. Spirit. Family. Rain. Prayer. Lots of Prayer. Band. Hillsong. Faithful. Exegetical Paper. Relationships Ended. Projects. Sadness. Conversations. Tears. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. Relationships. Healing. Packages. Trust. Stress. Loss. Beauty. Life. Forgiveness. Mended Relationships. Youth. Service. Home. Tiger Tunes. Learning. Battle of the Ravine. Rock Shops. Picnics. Refuge. Thankfulness. Music. Spanish. Games. Friendships. Bonds. Love. Laughter. Lots of Love and Laughter. Chocolate. Pictures. Tests. Romans. Scripture. Letters. Coffee. Star-Gazing. J.J. Heller. Journaling. Movies. Waffle House (For the first time ever!). Bible Study. Schedules. Future. Chai Tea. Lady Gaga. Peace. Meetings. Logos. Perspective Students. Sunrises. Best Thai.  Joy.

As I leave you, I want to share with you two of my current favorite songs. These have been a comfort and a help to me throughout the month. In the good times and the bad ones. They have helped me to re-focus and remind me of Psalm 62.8 says, "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." I know I can pour out my heart and praise God no matter what. I also know that God is faithful.  If there's one thing I've learned lately, it's that God is faithful through all things. And no matter what goes on, He's got a plan-a perfect plan-and although I may not see why something happened or is happening, God knows and is control of anything that will happen. And in the end, despite rainy days and sadness, Christ overcomes anything and the sun does come out and laughter happens once again.  There's a strong sense of peace that comes when I'm at the point where I can only completely trust God.
Anyway, I'm off my tangent now, here are my songs:


[Forever Reign, by Hillsong]



[Healing Is In Your Hands, by Christy Nockels]



I hope to update you on other things soon, and not wait so long to post things. :) Much Love to you all.

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

-Hebrews 13.20-21