Tonight I was in the first session of my developmental psychology class. Dr. Crews emailed us the first reading assignment a few weeks ago and I knocked it out immediately. Tonight he uttered those dreaded words... please put everything away except a pen.
After a pop quiz which killed the spirit of the entire class I did better than many people around me, but nowhere near where I'd like to preform on my first test of grad school. Dr. Crews began to speak. He said that the grade didn't count and that we could retrieve our aper after class. He said that he didn't want to pass out the papers and see the grades at all.
Dr. Crews spent the next minute talking to us about our purpose in grad school. He told us that the only people in our program that care about grades we us, the students. Our professors care about facilitating our learning and leading us on the path of learning about ourselves and discovering how to be effective counselors. He assured us that we would have academic successes and failures while we were at Winthrop, but that those weren't the most important aspect of our experience. He told us that he was going to give us just enough information to make us dangerous as a counselor. Its our responsibility to make the most of our learning experience and to work toward being a responsible, competent practitioner.
Throughout this encouraging talk I kept thinking of a passage in Colossians...
Colossians 3:23 (The Message)
22-25 Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.
How hard is it for us to remember to do everything as if for God when we are forced into doing things we do not like? I mean sometimes you just don't feel like finishing the dishes, getting up on time, heading in to work, reading another chapter before class. This is especially daunting for those of us who like to be in control. The simplest task can become enormous when we dislike it. But, when we approach the task from a different place-- when we do it out of love for the Lord, we often find that the task is not as bad as we thought.
For me, things aren't difficult because I don't like them... but no matter how much you appreciate school or a job, sometimes you'd rather just get some sleep or see your family. I'm finding that sacrifice and discipline are easier when you keep in mind why you're doing what you do. Even in the midst of suffering, if we approach it from the standpoint that there is a purpose in it from and for God, we can endure anything.
I found encouragement in an unexpected source today, and just wanted to share.
Friday, May 27
Thursday, May 26
A brief brief.
This is going to be a relatively short post. Thats mainly due to the fact that I have zero time to spare these days. Just wanted to post a quick update since I started grad school classes this week. God REALLY blessed me with this opportunity, and I thought i was well aware of that until I went to class. Then I really realized what an experience this is going to be. My professors are intelligent and accomplished and seem really passionate about preparing us to be good therapists. My classmates have all been really friendly and seem like a great group of people to go through this process with. I've already been assigned a healthy amount of work, but honestly, I am SO excited about all of it that I don't even mind sacrificing to get everything done. I can already se that this is going to be difficult at times, but that I'm not only going to learn a lot about helping others, but about God, and myself too.
Thanks to everyone who has been praying about this with me. Love you!
"Did you ever observe to whom the accidents happen? Chance favors only the prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur
Thanks to everyone who has been praying about this with me. Love you!
"Did you ever observe to whom the accidents happen? Chance favors only the prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur
Tuesday, May 24
IN LOVE...
... with Justin Timberlake. But you already know that. Posting a clip from him on SNL last week. ENJOY!
My favorite sketch from the night...
My favorite sketch from the night...
Friday, May 20
Blessings.
Hey guys. Happy Friday... at least I THINK its Friday. Since I've started working nights I'm a little confused about what day it is. haha
Anyway, I've been thinking about some things and I'd really like your input. There were several things that I've been praying for since the beginning of 2011. These mainly included getting promoted at work to a job with more hours each week, getting into grad school, finding an apartment once April got married, and paying for school. God has blessed me beyond measure as each and every thing I prayed about has happened. I really am just in awe of the way things have happened in 2011 so far.
Ok, so here's what I'm concerned about. Working nights is really taking a toll on me. I am getting plenty of sleep, but I'm not at all into a routine. I've not seen family or friends much. I didn't make it to small group last week either. I've slept, read for class, and worked this week. I really don't want to neglect people or things in my life... especially the people who so diligently prayed and supported me while I was in the process of getting to where I am now. I'm praying that I'm able to fit everything new into my life without sacrificing any of the people or things that I already love.
Ok, so this is where you come in. I've been looking for some scripture or a blog or maybe a sermon about making the most of God's blessings in your life. I've spent a lot of my life thinking about where I wanted to be... and God is really providing a way for me to get there. I'm really passionate about making all of this work together. So, if any of you readers can provide some words of wisdom I'd be GREATLY appreciative!
Love you guys!
Anyway, I've been thinking about some things and I'd really like your input. There were several things that I've been praying for since the beginning of 2011. These mainly included getting promoted at work to a job with more hours each week, getting into grad school, finding an apartment once April got married, and paying for school. God has blessed me beyond measure as each and every thing I prayed about has happened. I really am just in awe of the way things have happened in 2011 so far.
Ok, so here's what I'm concerned about. Working nights is really taking a toll on me. I am getting plenty of sleep, but I'm not at all into a routine. I've not seen family or friends much. I didn't make it to small group last week either. I've slept, read for class, and worked this week. I really don't want to neglect people or things in my life... especially the people who so diligently prayed and supported me while I was in the process of getting to where I am now. I'm praying that I'm able to fit everything new into my life without sacrificing any of the people or things that I already love.
Ok, so this is where you come in. I've been looking for some scripture or a blog or maybe a sermon about making the most of God's blessings in your life. I've spent a lot of my life thinking about where I wanted to be... and God is really providing a way for me to get there. I'm really passionate about making all of this work together. So, if any of you readers can provide some words of wisdom I'd be GREATLY appreciative!
Love you guys!
Tuesday, May 17
slack.
Ugh. Remember when I used to be really committed to my blog?! I have no idea why I'm so slack lately.
I just started working as the team leader on third shift. I'm trying to get all the reading finished for my first week of classes. Adjusting to a new schedule of sleep, eating, and all that is KILLING me.
I'm not sure exactly how most people who work weird hours schedule their time. I personally have found myself sleeping a lot more than I did when I was working first shift. Oddly enough, I was told that the opposite was more likely.
I keep getting emails from professors with reading assignments for class this summer. So far I'm keeping up pretty well. I've found that reading a few pages every time I have a free minute (waiting in lines, on break at work, right before bed) has made it pretty easy to get everything done. Hopefully I'll continue to keep up with the pace of grad school. I'm sure its likely to get more strenuous, but I'm actually pretty excited for this particular challenge.
I'm already looking forward to getting through this stage of my life though. I can already see that working full time and going to school full time is going to be a long, difficult process. I know that it will be worth it in the long run, but I'm beginning to see how much I'm gonna have to sacrifice for the next few years.
I just started working as the team leader on third shift. I'm trying to get all the reading finished for my first week of classes. Adjusting to a new schedule of sleep, eating, and all that is KILLING me.
I'm not sure exactly how most people who work weird hours schedule their time. I personally have found myself sleeping a lot more than I did when I was working first shift. Oddly enough, I was told that the opposite was more likely.
I keep getting emails from professors with reading assignments for class this summer. So far I'm keeping up pretty well. I've found that reading a few pages every time I have a free minute (waiting in lines, on break at work, right before bed) has made it pretty easy to get everything done. Hopefully I'll continue to keep up with the pace of grad school. I'm sure its likely to get more strenuous, but I'm actually pretty excited for this particular challenge.
I'm already looking forward to getting through this stage of my life though. I can already see that working full time and going to school full time is going to be a long, difficult process. I know that it will be worth it in the long run, but I'm beginning to see how much I'm gonna have to sacrifice for the next few years.
Tuesday, May 3
Fried Pickles.
Good afternoon everyone. Its Tuesday... which means new music. =)
As such, I thought I'd take a minute and shout out one of my favorite singers (and a GREAT real life friend) Rayen Belchere. I fell in love with Rayen's acoustic southern rock tunes a few years back when I saw him open for one of my favorite artists, Corey Smith. So, why did I instantly take a liking to Rayen's music? Simple. He's got something for every mood. Feeling in love? In the mood for a drink? Sad after a breakup? He's got a song for that.
Anyway, these days Rayen is releasing music under the name Early Ray. His new stuff is fantastic. So, take a listen to this track from his latest release, Highway to Jail.
Ok, so now that you've fallen in love, go to iTunes and get this record.
As such, I thought I'd take a minute and shout out one of my favorite singers (and a GREAT real life friend) Rayen Belchere. I fell in love with Rayen's acoustic southern rock tunes a few years back when I saw him open for one of my favorite artists, Corey Smith. So, why did I instantly take a liking to Rayen's music? Simple. He's got something for every mood. Feeling in love? In the mood for a drink? Sad after a breakup? He's got a song for that.
Anyway, these days Rayen is releasing music under the name Early Ray. His new stuff is fantastic. So, take a listen to this track from his latest release, Highway to Jail.
Ok, so now that you've fallen in love, go to iTunes and get this record.
Monday, May 2
new music.
First allow me to point out that this is my second post today. As far as May is concerned, I'm 3/2. I don't at all expect to continue posting at this rate, but so far I'm doing better than last month.
Today I had a not so great day. For reasons that I'll not go into now (they deserve their own post... and when I sort things out I'm sure I'll fill you guys in) I was just a little melancholy all day. Nothing was really helping to cheer me up. THEN, I remembered that I had a 15 dollar balance on my apple account. You know what that means... NEW MUSIC. I've been so busy with school stuff, moving, and various other life changes that I've not been keeping up with who was releasing music. As such, when I discovered that one of my favorite bands, Augustana released an EP last week, my day got exceedingly better!
I first heard of Augustana when their song Boston was on the radio. They sort of disappeared from my radar though, until they played on the Rock Boat in 2009. I saw 3 or 4 or their sets and they were fantastic every time. Then last summer I saw them from the front row of the Uptown Amphitheater when they preformed with the Counting Crows. That was one of the best shows I've ever seen.
So. Why am I writing all this? Because despite already having a soft spot for Augustana, I was blown away by how good this record is! I read a review that said "Imagine Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty had a child, then Bob Dylan adopted said child during its formative years. The music eventually produced by this kid?That sound that makes you feel so good, so wistful, so happy? That’s Augustana’s latest self-titled album." I completely agree.
The lyrics on every track are killer. Dan Layus has the PERFECT voice for folk rock, and there is just something about the simple feel of the record as a whole that seems to say timeless. I can TOTALLY see myself still diggin' this record in a few years.
I tell you all this as a public service... go get this record now... that way when MTV picks it up and everyone is playing it this summer you can say you've been listening to it since the beginning of May. Or, when one of your friends gets dumped (that sort of thing is inevitable, right?) you can provide this gem of an album. It'll help, and you'll be the hero.
I've listened to all the tracks a few time, and as of right now I'll leave you with the lyrics that are currently my favorite:
"Counting Stars"
Everything has a reason
Everything has a start
Anything that ever burned
Had a spark
Anything I ever wanted
Anyone I ever needed
Always seemed to leave me standing in the dark
Suddenly I'm caught in your light
Opened the door, and you stepped inside
And I'm watching the hours
Looking for reasons
Find that I'm missing every beat of your heart
'Til you're back in my arms,
I'll be waiting up, counting the stars
Counting the stars
Nothing could ever touch us
Nothing gonna shake my faith
Nothing in this big, bad world will ever take you away
Like a rolling hurricane
Nothing's standing in our way
Full of life, full of grace, in a perfect place
Suddenly I'm caught in your light
Opened the door, and you stepped inside
And I'm watching the hours
Looking for reasons
Find that I'm missing every beat of your heart
'Til you're back in my arms,
I'll be waiting up, counting the stars
Ooh, counting the stars, ooh
Like a rolling hurricane
Nothing's standing in our way
Full of life, full of grace, in a perfect place
Suddenly I'm caught in your light
Opened the door, and you stepped inside
And I'm watching the hours
Looking for reasons
Find that I'm missing every beat of your heart
'Til you're back in my arms,
I'll be waiting up, counting the stars
Counting the stars
Counting the stars
I'll be waiting 'til you're back in my arms
And I'll be waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting up
Counting the stars
Today I had a not so great day. For reasons that I'll not go into now (they deserve their own post... and when I sort things out I'm sure I'll fill you guys in) I was just a little melancholy all day. Nothing was really helping to cheer me up. THEN, I remembered that I had a 15 dollar balance on my apple account. You know what that means... NEW MUSIC. I've been so busy with school stuff, moving, and various other life changes that I've not been keeping up with who was releasing music. As such, when I discovered that one of my favorite bands, Augustana released an EP last week, my day got exceedingly better!
I first heard of Augustana when their song Boston was on the radio. They sort of disappeared from my radar though, until they played on the Rock Boat in 2009. I saw 3 or 4 or their sets and they were fantastic every time. Then last summer I saw them from the front row of the Uptown Amphitheater when they preformed with the Counting Crows. That was one of the best shows I've ever seen.
So. Why am I writing all this? Because despite already having a soft spot for Augustana, I was blown away by how good this record is! I read a review that said "Imagine Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty had a child, then Bob Dylan adopted said child during its formative years. The music eventually produced by this kid?That sound that makes you feel so good, so wistful, so happy? That’s Augustana’s latest self-titled album." I completely agree.
The lyrics on every track are killer. Dan Layus has the PERFECT voice for folk rock, and there is just something about the simple feel of the record as a whole that seems to say timeless. I can TOTALLY see myself still diggin' this record in a few years.
I tell you all this as a public service... go get this record now... that way when MTV picks it up and everyone is playing it this summer you can say you've been listening to it since the beginning of May. Or, when one of your friends gets dumped (that sort of thing is inevitable, right?) you can provide this gem of an album. It'll help, and you'll be the hero.
I've listened to all the tracks a few time, and as of right now I'll leave you with the lyrics that are currently my favorite:
"Counting Stars"
Everything has a reason
Everything has a start
Anything that ever burned
Had a spark
Anything I ever wanted
Anyone I ever needed
Always seemed to leave me standing in the dark
Suddenly I'm caught in your light
Opened the door, and you stepped inside
And I'm watching the hours
Looking for reasons
Find that I'm missing every beat of your heart
'Til you're back in my arms,
I'll be waiting up, counting the stars
Counting the stars
Nothing could ever touch us
Nothing gonna shake my faith
Nothing in this big, bad world will ever take you away
Like a rolling hurricane
Nothing's standing in our way
Full of life, full of grace, in a perfect place
Suddenly I'm caught in your light
Opened the door, and you stepped inside
And I'm watching the hours
Looking for reasons
Find that I'm missing every beat of your heart
'Til you're back in my arms,
I'll be waiting up, counting the stars
Ooh, counting the stars, ooh
Like a rolling hurricane
Nothing's standing in our way
Full of life, full of grace, in a perfect place
Suddenly I'm caught in your light
Opened the door, and you stepped inside
And I'm watching the hours
Looking for reasons
Find that I'm missing every beat of your heart
'Til you're back in my arms,
I'll be waiting up, counting the stars
Counting the stars
Counting the stars
I'll be waiting 'til you're back in my arms
And I'll be waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting up
Counting the stars
single.
I read this today and I thought it was something all my single girl friends could relate to.
"My Every Day Single Girl Prayer"
by Evelyn Worthington
Lord you know my heart, you know every part of me,
Help me to live this life, please fulfill this need.
I have this longing Lord, and you know what I mean,
I'm just praying you'll fill it up, so I can be freed.
Lord, I want your timing, but lately I'm lonely for only you know who.
That longing, that desire, that missing someone, who knows? only you!
So Lord, I pray he's out there, help me be patient and strong,
Help me to not struggle with this, and help me not to long,
Teach him what he needs to know, help me, Lord, depend on thee.
Help me not to be conceited, and not to depend on me.
Help me to be wise and lead me in your ways.
Help me to trust in only you and follow you all my days.
Some days are harder than others, but today I feel so alone.
Help me to find my strength in you, and in you to find my home.
If he's not out there, then Lord, my prayer's the same.
Lead me, guide me, help me to feel your love, and trust in Jesus' name.
God I come to you as your child, lead me, make me like you.
Teach me your holy ways O Lord and make me wholly devoted to you.
On another note... I'm thankful today for my friends Cristina and Rachel who both took the time to ask me how I was doing, and truly listened when I told them. You ladies are wonderful, and I'm glad God blessed me with you.
"My Every Day Single Girl Prayer"
by Evelyn Worthington
Lord you know my heart, you know every part of me,
Help me to live this life, please fulfill this need.
I have this longing Lord, and you know what I mean,
I'm just praying you'll fill it up, so I can be freed.
Lord, I want your timing, but lately I'm lonely for only you know who.
That longing, that desire, that missing someone, who knows? only you!
So Lord, I pray he's out there, help me be patient and strong,
Help me to not struggle with this, and help me not to long,
Teach him what he needs to know, help me, Lord, depend on thee.
Help me not to be conceited, and not to depend on me.
Help me to be wise and lead me in your ways.
Help me to trust in only you and follow you all my days.
Some days are harder than others, but today I feel so alone.
Help me to find my strength in you, and in you to find my home.
If he's not out there, then Lord, my prayer's the same.
Lead me, guide me, help me to feel your love, and trust in Jesus' name.
God I come to you as your child, lead me, make me like you.
Teach me your holy ways O Lord and make me wholly devoted to you.
On another note... I'm thankful today for my friends Cristina and Rachel who both took the time to ask me how I was doing, and truly listened when I told them. You ladies are wonderful, and I'm glad God blessed me with you.
Sunday, May 1
Congrats!
I know, I know. I was SUPPOSED to be doing better at keeping up with my blog. Things have just been really busy still.
(This blog is devoted to my wonderful friends April and Jeremy who got hitched yesterday!)
Yesterday was a fantastic day. Two of my best friends got married. It was a BEAUTIFUL day, and I am so glad that I got to be a part of it.
April and Jeremy met a few years back at my apartment. My roommates and I were having people over for drinks and such. April was home from college on Christmas break and I begged her to come hang out at my place and meet some new people. She had recently gone through a bad breakup and I knew she needed some fun. She bumped into my high school friend Jeremy that night and the rest is history.
Anyway, back in those days I made a lot of dumb decisions. I drank too much, thought mainly about having fun, and didn't plan at all for the future. A lot of times I was selfish, impatient, lazy. Sometimes I wonder why I went through those days. Sometimes I wonder why I'm at the place I'm at now. Watching two people I love so much share the happiest moment of there lives yesterday, I couldn't help but think about how amazing it is that God uses us, even when we don't realize it. If I'd gone to a different college, lived in a different town after school, or any number of other things, April and Jeremy might have never met. All day long yesterday I was in awe at how God used seemingly insignificant circumstances in our lives to bring people together. I'm so so thankful that my life is intertwined with the lives of so many wonderful people.
April and Jeremy have been such an important part of my life over the last few years. When April became my roommate in 2009, I had no idea how much fun we would have, how close we would get, and how much God was blessing me by allowing me to be her roomie. April and Jeremy were there for me through a terrible breakup, and there is no doubt in my mind that God allowed me to live with April during that time because he knew how much I'd need her. When I wanted to talk or cry or yell, April always listened. When I needed to hear that I deserved a better guy, when I needed a big hug, or just a cold beer, Jeremy was always there for me. Watching those two crazy kids has always made me want to hold out for a relationship as wonderful as theirs. =) Like I told them at the rehearsal dinner, If I meet a guy half as great as Jeremy and I can be half as good a wife as April, then I will consider myself very lucky. They prove to all their friends that this love thing can still happen.
April, I know you'll see this, so congrats again! I love you!
(This blog is devoted to my wonderful friends April and Jeremy who got hitched yesterday!)
Yesterday was a fantastic day. Two of my best friends got married. It was a BEAUTIFUL day, and I am so glad that I got to be a part of it.
April and Jeremy met a few years back at my apartment. My roommates and I were having people over for drinks and such. April was home from college on Christmas break and I begged her to come hang out at my place and meet some new people. She had recently gone through a bad breakup and I knew she needed some fun. She bumped into my high school friend Jeremy that night and the rest is history.
Anyway, back in those days I made a lot of dumb decisions. I drank too much, thought mainly about having fun, and didn't plan at all for the future. A lot of times I was selfish, impatient, lazy. Sometimes I wonder why I went through those days. Sometimes I wonder why I'm at the place I'm at now. Watching two people I love so much share the happiest moment of there lives yesterday, I couldn't help but think about how amazing it is that God uses us, even when we don't realize it. If I'd gone to a different college, lived in a different town after school, or any number of other things, April and Jeremy might have never met. All day long yesterday I was in awe at how God used seemingly insignificant circumstances in our lives to bring people together. I'm so so thankful that my life is intertwined with the lives of so many wonderful people.
April and Jeremy have been such an important part of my life over the last few years. When April became my roommate in 2009, I had no idea how much fun we would have, how close we would get, and how much God was blessing me by allowing me to be her roomie. April and Jeremy were there for me through a terrible breakup, and there is no doubt in my mind that God allowed me to live with April during that time because he knew how much I'd need her. When I wanted to talk or cry or yell, April always listened. When I needed to hear that I deserved a better guy, when I needed a big hug, or just a cold beer, Jeremy was always there for me. Watching those two crazy kids has always made me want to hold out for a relationship as wonderful as theirs. =) Like I told them at the rehearsal dinner, If I meet a guy half as great as Jeremy and I can be half as good a wife as April, then I will consider myself very lucky. They prove to all their friends that this love thing can still happen.
April, I know you'll see this, so congrats again! I love you!
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