treasures.

Once again, I'm blogging when I should be sleeping. Considering blogging has become probably one of my favorite things to do when I want to reflect on my life and whats happening in it, it is necessary that I write whenever time permits.

Speaking of time permitting, this week/weekend I haven't obtained much. My first week of classes involved three 4-page papers, one 2-3 page paper, and the reading of a children's novel. Sounds fun right? You guessed it...YES! The joy of all this is that, one- this is my last semester of classes, and two- this is actual information and knowledge that I will need to obtain for the rest of my career. As I sit in class after class, crazy professor after crazy professor, I soak up every word my professors are spewing out. It's vital information. Considering most of my professors have their doctorate and multiple degrees, I've realized that I can learn from the masters. The same with my cooperating teacher, Mrs. Young. Mrs. Young has her masters degree, is National Board Certified, and is 2010 Teacher of the Year. What a great opportunity I have in my hands, and daily I thank Jesus that I have this opportunity to learn from the best of the best. By the way, as a follow up from my last post, my assigned student teaching classroom is awesome. The students are so sweet and smart. I couldn't have asked for any better.

For all you teachers, future teachers, or individuals working with children, you have an awesome opportunity. The greatest thing about a child is their constant growing mind. As you work with the child/children whom you are responsible, find it a joy. Find it a joy that you can influence their lives forever, or get their little minds thinking. Find it a joy that you have a chance to show them something completely new, that their little eyes have never seen. Find it a joy that you may be keeping them from a negative home environment, where attention is not given. Every child is entitled someone who cares for them. You may be that only person. So when days get long and feet get tired, don't give up.

Favorites this week:

-CSU rave-

-time spent with friends-

-Sonic Happy Hour-

-Starbucks Mocha ice cream-

-organization-

-freshman move in-

-koozies-

-CSU womens soccer game-

-photography-

-Love Awakening-

-my planner-

hump-day happies.

I already know what you're thinking... 2 posts in one week?! Yes. That's correct, I'm setting a personal blogging record (although I should be sleeping)!

So, I had been waiting for this week for a month or so- just because of this reason. I knew it would be a time when I would have nothing due, no work- to the exception of residence life training meetings, and lots of time to be spent with friends and resting. And I will say that it has been glorious. Hence, why my blogging stats have increased! Today was pretty awesome. I got the opportunity to share my testimony in front of my RezLife family- keep in mind, this was my first time ever sharing my testimony in front of a crowd. I believe it went well, people seemed to tell me so. The morning continued with RezLife training meetings, then lunch, then another meeting. Afternoon consisted of dorm room shopping with a fellow friend, Melanie and dinner soon after. Next, was group "bonding time" with RezLife dodgeball, of which I refuse to participate in due to the intensity of boys and bruises. Last on the list was the opportunity to go classroom supply shopping with a friend that recently got a first grade teaching job at a local elementary school. I just get so excited when I see nametags, counting cubes, birthday posters, #2 pencils, homework passes, treasure chest sursies, and bulletin board borders. I don't know what it is, but I just want to buy it ALL! I have a feeling I am in the right profession. TrueLife: Created for the Classroom.

Speaking of education fun, you may have noticed that I changed my blog decor. I saw the pink school buses and thought they were the cutest ever, and also appropriate for the next year of my life. Student teaching. I've waited my whole life for this! This time next year, I will hopefully be buying those classroom supplies for myself, for all of my precious students that will be placed in my hands for one whole school year. I cannot wait. In the meantime, I must focus on my last year of college (and wedding planning of course). Tomorrow night, I will be meeting the fourth grade teacher of whom I will be cooperating with for my student teaching experience. I will also be meeting the students that will be in the class at the "Meet the Teacher" event. Throughout the fall semester, I will be working with this class and later, in the spring semester is when I will actually take over the class, full-time, for the short period of six weeks. I am super stoked about being there on the first day of school for the students, which is next week, to get an opportunity to see how things operate on that anxious, exciting day. Keep in touch for funny stories, I'm sure! Never a dull moment with fourth graders!

Favorite things this week:

- chocolate covered pretzels

-Riverdogs baseball game

-Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion, with menthol

- quality time with RAs

-caf's "home sweet home" menu

- Thermafuse hairspray

-greatness of Jesus

Jesus.

I have the urge to blog, but just not sure what about. So, this writing might consist of random odds and ends, or maybe not.

I first want to start off with God's goodness. It is something that baffles my mind. Not only for me, but for others around me. When I began this whole blogging thing, I wasn't sure what it would all unfold to be- like the subjects of which I would write- but I just really wanted to start one. It seems that every time I click the tab "New post" the doings of the Lord begin to fill my mind and all I want to do is write about them. I feel that it is a waste if all I do is talk about myself. So here goes another post involving my Savior.

Do you ever have those days when you just really want to hear from the Lord? Well, I had one of those nights recently. There was something that happened that left me emotionally and physically tired. And the cause of this tiredness- was man's opinions and ways of doing things. Therefore, I was sick of hearing what man had to say and was ready for a word from the Lord. Something that was actually significant. Something that had depth. Something with revelation. And I didn't want to turn to any individual for help. My next step was simply to open my bible. I have recently began reading my Message bible, instead of the usual NLT bible, and it gives a different perspective on verses by the authors word choice. The scripture I immediately turned to was Matthew 5:1-12. And because I like this passage so much, I'm going to go ahead and provide you with the text:

"When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed to a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. You're blessed when you care. At that moment of being care-full, you find yourselves cared for. You're blessed when you get your inside world- your mind and heart- put right. then you can see God in the outside world. You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. that's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. Not only that- count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens-give a cheer, even!- for though they don't like it, I do! and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble."

The awesome thing about this passage is not all of the blessings, although they are a plus. The awesome thing is, is that God is with you in all of these circumstances. I also find it ironic that Jesus decided to teach his disciples at a "quiet place" when he was drawing huge crowds. I believe thats how Jesus still speaks to his people today. In a quiet way. In the midst of "large crowds" and confusion. Almost like he didn't even care if there were large crowds, but he wanted the ones closest to him to know that they are in good company, even through the worst of times. This, once again, reveals to me the greatness of Him. I don't care if everyone doesn't understand why I strive to live a life of worship, because I am in good company. I don't care if everyone agrees with what I believe in, because I am in good company. I know that when the largest storm comes against me, I am in good company. I also know that if I keep my mind and heart right, that I will stay in good company. Hallelujah.

"And if our God is for us, than who could ever stop us; and if our God is with us, than what can stand against..." -chris tomlin

Just Jordan.

So, Jordan and I have set our wedding date for the perfect Saturday of July 9th, 2011. I am getting excited as each day passes. I just keep wondering what it will be like when I am "one" with my husband. I'm anxious to start our lives together and discover what Jesus has in store. We both have have a lot of things we want to accomplish, and I believe as we become a team those things will become even more approachable.

As Jordan's senior year of football approaches, his hard work throughout the past 5 years has already proven to pay-off. He recently got awarded a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, only the second player in Big South history. The award is given to athletes across the nation who are "the best of the best" on and off the field. Another award he recently received is Preseason All-Conference team and has been recognized by different conference officials for his accomplishments. These are awards just from the past few weeks, not to mention the awards he has previously received. For those without significant others who participate in a college-level sport, its tough. But also rewarding. I have supported Jordan with the best of my ability because it is something that he enjoys and wants to succeed at, just as he supports me with my passions. It is awesome to know that he has made a difference, and that people have noticed. Jordan has always succeeded at everything he put his hands on, beginning from a very young age. Although at times success didn't seem in the picture, through multiple injuries and loss of play time because of those injuries, I knew he would pull through. Because of his dedication and perseverance, I love him much.