Yay!

First week of school last week really did put things back into perspective! The workload is crazyyyyy but do-able. It's always good to have conversations with the second-year students or w/those who've had some prior experiences. It's going to be A SEMESTER....so I ask that if you're reading this to pray for me!!

Fellowship [w/Potluck/get-together] (all day Sabbath) + Adventure [w/friends, calls, songs--mercy!--lol, texts..thank you!] (Sunday) = fantastic first school weekend. Wouldn't trade that one for anything.

And so begins the second week....homework all day today since I did nothing academic-related Saturday night and Sunday all day...but I'm not complaining...when celebration calls you answer, right? right!! ha ha ha. anyways, yes yes keep me in your prayers!! :)

summer's over!!!!!!!!

and so, the beginning of weekly or bimonthly updates begins!! :) Summer's officially over. Oh no! Looking back at the last three months, it feels like everything happened ages ago (good thing or bad? not sure), and looking back at the last couple of weeks, feels like I did not NOTHING and EVERYTHING (good or bad?...not sure either). Either way, whatever didn't happen, it is now too late, and whatever did happen...good! living in the past doesn't help with enjoying the present and aiming higher for the future. Overall, it's been a really really great summer!! I don't think I would trade it for another... It's bed time!! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. =) ---- Hebrews 12:1 ---> my little sister's text signature line. {missing my family of course!!}

huge [generational] gap

Yesterday was Sabbath. yay! =) I had a great Sabbath yesterday. It is kind of cool that since the campus' main church has two services every Sabbath, I don't have to wake up super early in the morning. I can just catch the 10 o'clock Sabbath school and 11:20 worship service :).

The past couple of Sabbaths, my friends have introduced me to the Sabbath school of their preference. So far it's been good. It's been focusing on a DVD series on relationships for college-age students and married couples. All we do is come to the Sabbath school, and after a brief introduction and prayer, we watch the DVD. I am not going to lie. It's been really good so far, although I do miss the discussion side of Sabbath School. The guy is hilarious. It seems as if the main theme in all the churches I have been to this year has been relationships. But then again, everything is based on relationships, right? So that's good. It's really cool listening to others' different perspectives on that.

After church fellowship, I went over to their house to hang out {as it has been the case since I've been here.[ummm ummmmm delicious food always awaits lol]. During my stay, I (along with friends) received an intensive, serious lecture on texting and using the computer...and what our generation has become. Boy, my mom has tried to express her frustration with my sisters and I texting so often or always being on the phone or a computer, but I've never had it given to me so badly. lol. Even though the way the conversation was presented to us was hilarious, and we were laughing our way through it while trying to play it down, the truth and the reality is....it is a huge problem. No matter how much we try to downplay the concern by suggesting our parents to stop complaining and get "in" the texting business, etc...it is still a huge problem. Don't drink and drive. Don't talk on the phone while driving. Now we can add, no texting while driving. I can remember not being able to really enjoy serious time with a friend when hanging out because I was either interrupted by a text or was having a full blown texting "conversation".

Texting has replaced meaningful conversations, it has undermined person-to-person quality time. I remember seriously being home with my family and findind myself either constantly checking my email on the computer waiting a response from somebody about something, or online checking out this or that (whether it's news or other). By the time I am done with that, it'll be 4 or 5 hours later. Forget TV. I can't even remember the last time I turned on the TV myself (before I came here) to watch something. Then when I'd be done with that, or even while doing that, I'd check my phone and realize that I have new texts or I'd feel like I need to text someone about something. Before you know it, the day's over. What happened to quality and laid back time with family without any outside distraction? I have no idea.

But no matter how much I was downplaying the effect of technology on our generation, when I put myself on the receiving end, I'd have to agree. I, too, can get seriously frustrated when I am trying to have a conversation or spend time with my little sisters and get "rudely" interrupted (hey! stop texting my sisters while I am trying to spend time with them!! hahaha lol) by these new means of communication. So, as I walked out of their house that day (aka yesterday), I made a promise to myself to go back to the old days when quality time with others truly meant "quality time with someone." NOT saying that I am giving up texting (ooh nooo.) or the computer, but what I am saying is re-learning how to focus on the task at hand and also when spending time with others to show respect by giving undivided attention (ummmmmmm unless they start texting back and having a full texting convo ...I'm just saying...=))

I've learned throughout my life that, whether or not you like someone, or you like something, it's always good to listen to advice or what others have to say about a certain topic. Chances are you'll learn something new. Proverbs 19:20 ---> "Let your ear be open to suggestion and take teaching, so that at the end you may be wise." (Bible in Basic English) When I finally decide to tell my mom about this decision, I know she'll be thrilled!! Happy Sunday!!

little things in life

You know, I am really getting used to living in this apartment by myself, and also enjoying having free days--no specific time to wake up in the morning or sleep at night. And it's hard to believe that it's been about 2 weeks since I have been here, and so far I've not had any "wasted" days. Praise God.


My apartment-mate is either gonna love me or she's gonna....well,... love me.....when she gets here at the end of August (ha! at least I hope. :D).....because I've come to the realization that air-freshners and I have a thing going on. Get in my car, guess what? There's a car-freshner AND air freshner Walk in the living room- hi air-freshner Kitchen- you can't escape it...it's looking right at you! Bathroom- yup. Another air freshner awaits you. Not just one, oh no, but there's also a toilet bowl cleaner/freshner too. whoa...another air-freshner? you kid not! no, I kid not, check my room. :) ummm don't hate me because I'm fresh and so clean clean. ...[lol hahaha c'mon I really couldn't help it!] But seriously, I've been noticing and learning alot of things about myself, especially this past year, and one thing is for sure....I really like air-freshners!!!!!!!!!



Speaking of things I like and things I have a "thing" for....I have seriously been thinking about naming my car. It's starting to grow on me, and I know that because lately I've been going online trying to learn more about its kind. I am starting to really care for it [maybe because I am starting to realize just how MUCH it means to me]. It's the only possession here from home that I wouldn't want ANYTHING to happen to. It's my new passport to adventures, my door to opportunities, my window to the outside world. It is the test of independence and responsibility. It is the one possession that I have that forces me to be extremely considerate and really caring. If something's wrong with it, I can't just hang around and watch it suffer, because--besides the fact that it sounds just wrong!-- finding a replacement is impossible......For instance, I have a computer, but if my computer stops running, or crashes, I can go to the library and use a computer there, or go to the university or even borrow a friend's. It's not the end of me using a computer and getting what I need to get done (but hold on now, I APPRECIATE my computer too! don't get me wrong. ) But my car? no, not the same. I am required to learn how to be truly responsible. I am require to respond to its needs no matter how busy life gets, how tired I am, how crappy I feel, how impatient I may be. That's my personal business as far as it's concerned. I am require to think of it often, to treat it right and to use it wisely. I am required to care for it and its well being. It's no longer just me and my needs...I actually have something of my own to think and care for. You have no idea how much I am learning by having this car, and I am not talking about how to take care of a car and yadee yadee yadee ya, but actually applicable life lessons. It's amazing.


So yes...a name. A name means so much.Have you ever taken the time to give someone a nickname? Really, if you take the time to NAME something, it really shows how close/ meaningful or significant that thing/person is or has become to you. For some reasons (I STILL don't know why), I've always felt the name "Ty" or "Tye" (I haven't really thought about the spelling, but the sound rhymes with "Tie"). I am still thinking of a name for him (yes, my car has been personified)but I know for sure his middle name is going to be "Ty." So from now on, I will refer to my car as "Ty." His first name will come in due season. His first name is going to be one that embodies his character and personality. awww :)


In other news: Since the beginning of this year, I have been the Phone Prayer Line coordinator/leader for my church (LIGHHHTTHOUSE!). Every Thursday, 9:05pm (Central Time), I've been leading (or have someone lead on my behalf) the Prayer Line ministry--- a ministry where members call, share quick testimonies, share prayer requests and pray together. I've learned so much through leading this ministry. It's interesting because before then, my prayer has always been to be a woman of faith and a woman of prayer, so when I was asked to lead this ministry, it was God's way of giving me that opportunity to start working on that! Well, tonight, being away from home (and one hour ahead), I asked both of my little sisters to lead the prayer line on my behalf. They agreed to do so, thankfully, and boy! did they do a great job! It really shouldn't be a surprise to me, but it really warmed my heart. Last week's Prayer Line Food for Thought was led by another member I had asked to the same (also a blessing!), we focused on our future and the plans that God has for us. This week, my (baby) sister's Food for Thought text is found in Isaiah 55: 8-12. (<---click on it!).You should READ THESE VERSES NOW! :) Need prayers? Don't hesitate to call! It's open to all. The number 218.844.8230 Access Code: 201-102#. I'd love for you to join when you have time on Thursdays, 9:05pm Central Time. Anyways, it's getting pretty late here and I need my sleep. I pray that you too had an amazing day. Be thankful you're still alive to see another one!! blessings!!

tiiiiireeeddd!

so tired!! :(.... And because of that, this blog is going to be to the point. It's not going to be as interesting or as flow-y/smooth as my previous and future ones....bare with me! I am really trying to keep up with this blog for real. for real. 1. So today I went to Pennsylvania! Yes, I went there today and came back...today. Quickest roadtrip ever taken. 

A friend of mine who had a grad school interview had asked me if I could make the trip with her as a supporter and helper. I didn't want her to drive all the way there by herself when I really had no plans for the day. So I said yes. It was a very smooth ride there and back--always great to have music and conversations going. Out of our entire conversation driving to Penn., the following snip-bit definitely is worth sharing.

 "Ok, once we get there. We're going to try to find a printer so I can print some things for the interview. I really hope we won't need an ID or something in order to use and print at the university." (-Friend)
 
"Yeah, that's one thing I really liked about my college. We didn't have to pay to print anything when I was there! Even the community members could come and use the computers whenever they needed to"

"Yeah. Andrews is so stingy!"
 
"Well, I mean. I think all SDA colleges/universities do the same"  


"But I don't understand [with perplexed innocent face and voice] ....I thought we are suppose to be giving. We talk about it all the time in church when we're collecting offerings..."  

I don't know why that was funny to me, but it was hilarious. Possibly because when she said the last statement, she really was wondering.....she was so serious.

2. Another friend of mine was accepted into the Peace Corps program this summer. She is going to serve in a country in Africa for the next 2 years, Lord willing. It was super great to hear from her last night for (maybe) the last time until we see again. I am so proud of her!!!! and her willingness and courage to go out and make a difference in the lives of so many for the next 2 years!!! I should totally consider visiting her before the end of the year 2011...eh eh eh. :)

3. I decided to check my voicemail this morning since I have not been able to do so in days...It was good to hear familiar voices :) thanks for calling and leaving messages! Out of the voicemails I heard, guess who called and left a message!?!?!!!??!?!!?!?/!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!? <- excitement, can't you feel it!??! you want to know you want to know you want to know? okay. A STUDENT that I tutored last school year!! Being the kind of person I am, the last day of school, I gave all my students all the work that they have done throughout the school year, along with a letter addressed to them on top of the packet. In that letter, I highlighted their strengths, improvements and successes, and gave recommendations on how to use the summer to improve on their weaknesses. I also left them my cell number so that if they felt comfortable, they could call and keep me updated on how they were doing over the summer. So. Not only did that student call me over the summer to let me know that he had read the books that I gave him for the summer, but he also let me know that he was doing better! Receiving another phone call again to let me know that he was determined to keep in touch and keep me updated gives me hope beyond hope itself. His life goal is to become a doctor. I made sure I emphasized that throughout the school year to boost his academic motivation. You have no idea how this phone call made my day!! I was ecstatic. awwww!!

4. Finally, one of the best news ever! I learned that JACI VELASQUEZ is coming to perform!!. Oh.Em. Geeeeezzzllllleeeee. For those of you who didn't know...Jaci Velasquez was my first FAVORITE christian artist. Actually it was through her that I became aware of the Christian Contemporary genre... (Thanks cousin for giving me that CD). I can not WAIT to see her in concert!! It was also amazing to see Jeremy Camp and The David Crowder Band perform live this past weekend! Seeing artists live does have a lasting impression on you. It was very inspirational.  

....AND WITH THAT. I shall go take a shower and sleep. sleep. sleep. sleep. sleep. ummm-hummm.  

walking on water!

oh yah. So far so good. Keeping up with this. :)
 
Nothing exciting really is happening in life right now. 

But I am proud of myself for being productive yesterday...sort of. I woke up and went to the library for the second time. [two points for me.] 

Went to check all the things I would need for my classes. [two points]. 

Learned that you could pretty much use the computers w/o having to log on, etc. [one point]. 

Also learned how the whole printing/copying process goes....[one point].


Printed all the things I needed to print for the time being.....[two points]  

Went online and found out that one of the required books for one of my courses was available at the library. [two points for me.]  


Went upstairs (without guidance! :)) and found the book alll bbbyyy mmyselllfff. [okay now, I am going to give myself 2.5points for that] 


 Went to a table and opened to book so I could start reading. [two points] ............but do tell me why after one hour of sitting there, I didn't make it pass page 3?............ nuff said. ummm, next story?.  


Oh okay, this one is a good one. :)


After the "whole library thing," on my way out of the door. I met an old colporteuring friend. ha ha. The memories. Anyways, simply reminisced a bit about our colporteuring days and started going through the list of those who were there with us that summer. To sum it up, either married, engaged, working in the ministry, going to school, or traveling.....yup that's about it. The highlight of yesterday, however, was a quite interesting discussion with a family friend, who is a pastor, and is currently working on his PhD. I never knew how fascinating a theology dissertation could be. I wish I had the time to expound on that. But after about 45 minutes (or more) of discussion (and him telling me some of the arguments out there), I've come to the conclusion that, truly, if you are not grounded in the faith, do not pursue a PhD in Theology. You may not make it through...and he totally agreed. The arguments are "interesting" as always, but can lead to serious doubts. I know from a similar experience (yay to liberal arts education....) . Once you get to the PhD stage, the goal is to break-ground and bring something "new" to the discussion table. Whatever that means for that person, he/she will do whatever it takes to do that. One thing to always remember is that 'doubting' God and His works is the first mental step to destruction. Isn't that what Satan did to tempt Eve..."“Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”. But, anyways, let's just say if it weren't for my own experiences with God, I probably would not be a Christian today. True story. I am sooooo grateful & thankful that I made it through. God is beyond amazing. That is why once you get me started, I won't stop! 

[This blog post is getting longer by the minute, so I'll save this for another time. TRUST me. There will be another time]. Anyways, I am ending this right now!! but check this song out. A newly discovered artist of mine today. If you're doubting yourself, abilities, the plans that God has for you.....this might help. Enjoy!! What are you waiting for? Step out in faith. You can walk on water too!! :)

okee dokee

So this weekend, I have decided that I am going MIA for the next 4 months or so...a decision that was mainly reinforced and encouraged by the fact that I am going to start school (although there were other reasons). After hearing the following statement over and over again, I told myself that I should probably be pro-active in my efforts to do the best I can this academic year...."oh wow, really? Congratulations. This is the most rigorous degree in our field here. It's tough (serious look) but it's definitely do-able (flashing a smile)." how tough could it POSSIBLY be? I don't know, but what I do know is that for the next 2 years (including summers!!!) I'm booked and must stay focused. even though, school doesn't start until about a week .5 from now.. it doesn't hurt to start now, I guess. Besides, i am now phoneless. lol. As a friend, I don't necessarily like the whole completely "disappearing off the earth" ordeal, so I have decided to provide an alternative way of keeping in contact. I'll try my very best to keep this updated....as I am known for starting blogs and never following through. yikes. This will be different. It should be. I have to stay committed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I can't guarantee daily updates, but weekly updates should be feasible, or monthly....! [I know there'll be many times I'd want to take a break from studying/working] happy Monday!