One step closer

Again I must announce with glee that my second final paper is completed... 11 pages... power point... everything... coming to a close :)

I must admit that I could have done better on both of my final papers. I feel a bit internally conflicted about that because I know that I have better insights to share, but I don't have the desire right now to come up with them or push myself to integrate one more article or perspective. I confess...

But, I know the work is good enough to pass (or at least I hope). I even think my presentation is going to be good.

So, what's left?
2 Final Exams
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can

The tip of a new foundation?

My life has taken some unique twists and turns over the past couple of years...

Marriage
Grad School
Planting a church
Brother moving to Raleigh from seminary
Friendships across culture, race, religion, sexual orientation
Learning about human trafficking
Buying a house
Thinking about starting a family
Identity crisis: externally and internally
Fear, shame, guilt, anger, pain
Grace, joy, freedom, healing

On of things I am thinking about now is what it means to truly follow Jesus. I feel like God says, there is more than you think... there is more to ask, more to learn, more to seek, more to become...

Corey and I were talking the other day and I asked a question about assurance of salvation... he said thats not the main question that bible seeks to answer... the bible is teaching us about God, knowing God, and understanding a world made new in his ways, Jesus is "God made known" to us... His message is revolutionary for the world, more than understanding that we can be forgiven individually. We can and are forgiven and redeemed as individuals, but thats not the entire point...

So what is the point? Where does the message start now? I am seeking and wondering...

Prayer:
Jesus I trust you. Jesus I want to know what your life was like when you walked on the earth. Thank you that you are alive and your Spirit lives within me. Help me to walk in step with your Spirit. Bring me closer in relationship with you. Show me how to breathe your Spirit in every part of my life. Help our community to truly seek your face and show it to the world. Amen

Thanksgiving

In my family we have a Thanksgiving tradition... the tradition takes place between the main meal and dessert... at first people are hesitant to share, but after we get into it we are all very "thankful" that we take the time to do it...

I start by placing unpopped, unbuttered popcorn kernels in napkins. Then I tie a ribbon around each one to keep the kernels in. We then place them around the table. Each person finds a bundle at their seat. Some people feel the pouch and trade for fewer kernels and others ask for the hefty portion. At some point we all open our napkins and count the kernels inside. The tradition is to say one thing that we are thankful for for each kernel.

We started this tradition because its so easy to get together over the holidays and talk about nothing or everything besides what are gathered to remember... how thankful we are... we are truly blessed.

This year we laughed a lot! My Uncle Melvin and cousin Bobby were particularly entertaining and sincere. I will share some of things that I am thankful for here:

My husband
changing leaves
my nieces
tailgates
a loving family
being part of the church
friends
nc state
rain
our washer and dryer
the Bible
forgiveness
my health
and much more...

Friends with Babies

I know Jessica is waiting to see this picture of her little girl. Enjoy :)

Extended Family

Last night Matt and I got to share dinner with my brother and his wife and Danielle's brother and fiance. My highlights will follow:

1) John Michael and Ann Parker are super fun... I think its even more than sharing a double name (Traci Rae :)
2) Lots of laughter about memories from our past that may be only appropriate to share with other family members.
3) Delicious meal... Thanks Danielle!
4) Bedtime hugs from Hannah
5) Razleberry pie that made me think of my mom... whom I get to see real soon.

I could go on and on and but, this experience just adds to things that I am thankful for.

One Down, One to go!!

I just finished one of my final papers!!! This is the best feeling. I can't believe I actually eeked out 15 pages with my level of motivation these days, but I feel good about it and can move on to the next topic.

I really feel like running outside and shouting for joy, but its really cold and I'm only wearing my husbands bathrobe, so I think I will restrain myself and just shout for joy here...

YEAH. Can you feel my smile ? :)

Joining a Revolution

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


Lately I have been struggling with why the "gospel of Christ" is so important... I know it may be taboo to say that, but I have been so caught up in doing and going and seeing things in my own life and others lives that are difficult that I have felt distant or angry or unsettled in my faith... this morning I asked God to remind me what seeking him is all about.

He whispered the words above

High School friends

We recently got to attend a wedding for Scott, one of Matt's best buds from high school. It was a lot of fun and good to reconnect with people we hadn't seen in a while. Its tough to keep in touch with everyone that we would like to (even family). Sometimes I get sad about that and then other times I just know thats the way things go.

My mom recently went to a baby shower for one of my best friends from Roanoke and got to tell me how everyone was doing. I wish I could've been there, but its alright. I think we are all going to be in town for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to see everyone!

N--C--State--- NCState!!!

Wolfpack Fans had a great weekend! I am glad to be one of them. We are now on a new path... 4-0 record for the second half of our season and I am hopeful.

This week's tailgate was a ton of fun! I love the early morning ones (I'm a morning person) so, I get to cook the pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs with cheese and drink champagne and OJ at the same time. There is not much better... okay there are several things that are better, but it is a lot of fun.

I got to bring a friend from school with me. She is great! I love making new friends and sharing life with those around me. Hopefully our tailgate crowd will only frow and grow. (Not necessarily for planning purposes, but for fun and friendship purposes).

Oh, yeah... back the football game. I took a picture of every time we kicked off after scoring. Final score 31-27 Wolfpack!!! It came down the wire, but I would expect nothing less from my team.


PS> on another note, I have been away from the blog world for a bit and hopefully will be back to include more than just my football musings this week... lots going on, but not processed enough to share with cyberspace yet.