Lent.

Since the introduction by my friend Katie in High School, Lent has been an inconsistent part of my Easter celebration.   For fourty days before Easter the Catholic Church designates a time to sacrifice something in order to practice discipline and concentrate on the cross.  Throughout college and High School I gave up things like coffee, soda, sweets etc.  This year I have given up some semi-ambitious things (meat, caffiene...) but I quickly find myself replacing the things I have given up (with cookies, sweets...).  This seems to cheapen the experience.  I think I'm mainly writing this so I can be aware of what is going on.  Part of this year too I've challenged myself to some disciplines that are proactive.  I find that being disciplined in things such as prayer, other parts of my life seem to become more disciplined as well. 

Let me just tell you, the fact that Girls Scouts cookies were delivered right at the beginning of Lent has not helped my cookie intake!

Full.

Life is full.  It's in these full times that the moments of joy seem even more...joyful.  Today walking with an 8th grader outside...just enjoying being with her.  Talking on the phone to my friend in California who is 6 weeks away from having her first child.  Playing with some children at practicum trying to ready them for a transition to a new home.  I feel as if each day is so full with so much potential, all I can do is surrender the day to the Lord.

60's, 70's, 80's...

tonight i was listening to the radio with the kids i am watching and i said..."these songs remind me of high school". 

sure enough the announcer said "your listening to Friday Night 90's!"

so weird.  my music is becoming a "genre". 

all i have to say is...
"i saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes, i saw the sign"
"i've seen better days..."
"what if God was one of us..."

May 15

Ballet work out video +   macaroni and cheese  +   chocolate protein drink = sick stomach

In case anyone was wondering...yuk.

I still wanted to update and say, I now have a contract signed for my practicum.  Meaning, I am one step closer to graduating in May.  You are invited to the party! For my practicum I will be volunteering with an organization called Safe Families in Chicago.  As part of my responsibilities I will shadow a case coach  and work in the office.  It is an incredible opportunity and I am so grateful.  I'm sure I'll share stories and updates along the way.

yeah!

friday night review.

it's almost as if i'm being led by something Bigger than me sometimes.  it fills me and keeps me going.  especially when i am so drained of myself.  this has been a big week.  lots of growing, praying, worshiping, trusting.  Whew. thank you Lord. my friday night consisted of wandering through the art show at school, printing off syllabi in the library and running into old friends followed by good conversation. 

i loved today. 

here is my favorite picture i looked at today...

sometimes i wish i was...

...up in the air. today was a hard day. it started off as a deceptively innocent day, but it was a tough one. anyone else? i decided to catch the 4:45pm showing of Up in the Air at 4:43pm which ended up being a great choice. and then home to create a dinner of Quinoa, black beans, spinach and salmon seasoned with cayenne pepper. delicious!

surrender

remember last night when i talked about surrender? the theme continued today...

a.m.

the day began by susan reading aloud job 37 as part of our spontaneous morning devotions. the chapter talks about the greatness of God.

(Ok, so maybe it doesn't have to do with surrender as much as knowing God is in control)

p.m.

this afternoon i got to spend some good time in the ocean. being more of a lake girl than an ocean girl, i quickly learned that fighting the waves or even trying to avoid the waves is not always a good idea. i most enjoyed the ride when i surrendered to the wave and let it just carry me.

p.m.
then tonight josephine, susan, courtney and i all walked down to the beach at 11:30 just to see it again. we missed it. while there susan said "everyone must think of one thing to surrender this year and throw it in the ocean!" i know that though i "threw" something in the ocean, it will be a process of daily surrender. not a one time toss.