According to His Riches in Glory

A Long Awaited Update

2009-03-05T13:00:00.004-05:00

It has been quite sometime since I have made any one-way correspondence with my readers, although they probably don't frequent my site any longer since my absence. However, lives change so much in a week and it has been a year or more since I have relayed my happenings. The best news I must share is that on September 13th, 2008 I was married to the love of my life, Benjamin Shockey. The wedding day was absolutely magical and serene. I am so thankful for Benjamin and the love he bestows. He brings me joy each day!

Currently, we are living with Benjamin's parents and attempting to grow our wallets. Benjamin's current profession is that of a baseball player. He is a pitcher and to say that he works hard at what he does would be an understatement. He is out on the field everyday throwing, working out, tweaking his mechanics, running, and completing 400 lunges every other day! It makes me weak in the knees just pondering it! Yes, that was me attempting a little repartee. This is a great example of why he received the Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award from the Golden Baseball League. I'm allowed to boast! I'm his #1 fan and that's what people do when they talk about their heroes! :)

So, you may be asking yourself what I have been doing? Nothing. Again, attempting a little humor. We'll see if you catch on by the end of this post. On the contrary, I have been working part-time (because there is nothing else to be had) and teaching art to a young autistic girl one day a week. I have been painting canvases left and right (please don't make me say, "get it?") and assuming the very difficult job of reading from the Lord of the Rings to Benjamin each night. Yes, you guessed correctly, that's not a difficult job at all! It's been great to discuss the writing with him since I have to put off Graduate school a while longer and I feel as though my brain is turning to mush. My part-time job lacks challenge and therefore I feel utterly useless. Woe is me!

Change is about to happen though and it's received with open arms! Benjamin and I will be moving to California in the beginning of May so that Benjamin can play another season with the California Chico Outlaws! Please don't blame me, they didn't consult me with the name! If they had, it would have been much more literary and fans would have diminished due to lack of understanding. No, that was not a cut on the fans, merely a cut on people who think reading is stupid (cause they're stupid). I'm sorry, that was really boorish! :) I never waste an opportunity to stress that reading is important and I'm not talking about magazines, because we all know that people don't care about politics, literature, and the world, they just care about how they're supposed to look and what Brad, Jen, and Angelina are up to! I'm talking about a book, essay, or manuscript; something that awakens all the brain cells I know you're all storing somewhere in there!

How do I get so off-topic (and don't reply that it's because I'm a girl)? So, Benjamin and I are about to embark upon a mini adventure, but let's hope it turns into much, much more! Let us hope that Benjamin will continually improve in baseball and that he makes it all the way to the majors. That would be something, now wouldn't it? What a ministry that would be! Baseball is quite a different culture of its own and there are definitely men there that need the Lord. I'm thankful that the Lord decides our course and will use us where He needs us most.

Well, I hate to disappoint you all, but that's really all I wanted to relay. I know it's a far cry from being descriptive but really, I think short and sweet is best. Yes, I'm being funny again. Blessings to you all and most definitely keep us in your prayers!

Rachel (Snow) Shockey

This Is How It Goes.

2007-07-16T22:14:00.000-04:00

I've been sitting here in the exact same spot and pretty soon this cushion will have my rear written all over it. Watching videos on YouTube of my long-lost home. I'm meloncholy and cold. How does one describe it, this feeling I have? I remember excitement coupled with fear and anxiety. The damp air and the burning back. I remember the sleepless nights, the tears I cried, and the miles I walked. Oh but the sounds and the sights, the familiarity. The people, the cobblestones, the never-ending supply of hot brewed tea. I imagine myself sitting there in my room, at the kitchen table, on the sofa with a book, walking to church each Sunday night; I want that back.

Life's full of choices aye? Wish I could have it all. Wish I could find myself holding onto that pole on bus number 7, climbing that same large hill, and coming home. Guess I'll never be the same. It's so hard to let go...

2007-06-04T23:40:00.000-04:00

Yes, I've typed in my journal

2007-03-19T12:17:00.001-04:00

I am sadly disappointed in my lack of writing over the course of these two months. I believe that December 15th was my last post and that, my good friends, is a tragedy indeed. I barely find time to convey to my parents the happenings of my life, let alone sit at a computer and type. I promise that I will not bore you with the little details of my life that I so aptly find myself stressing over, but instead I will say that this semester back at Warner has been an adjustment. It is drastically different from my previous semester abroad. The challenges are different, actually-I wouldn't call it different-I would call it all fluff. That's right, fluff is the best word I can come up with at the moment. Instead of reading and writing continually I am working three jobs, have 15 credit hours (and Communication classes require many additional hours for projects), and balancing my church duties as well as my relationships with others. So, there's a lot of stuff, a lot of fluff, or as some like to call it-busy work! Basically what I am saying is that the challenges are much different this semester and drives home even more the desire for graduation! Oh that glorious day! Hahaha

Well...this was a very informational five minutes of typing. I promise it will be better next time, I just wanted everyone to know that I am still alive and kickin'! To be continued . . .

My Continued Life After Oxford

2006-12-15T12:17:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that in just a day it will be a week since I flew away from England. When I wake up in the morning, I keep expecting to open my eyes and see my blue comforter or the high ceilings in my room at The Vines. I went walking in the drizzle to Warner's campus and I donned my raincoat and flipped open my umbrella, but it wasn't the same. I expected to see the cobblestone pathways and the little narrow streets that wind up-and-down and side-to-side. Instead I saw the flat, bleached-out pavement and palm trees of Florida. I don't miss the crowds and the smoke but I miss the quaintness of Oxford, and I miss walking in the drizzle.

As it is, life goes on. I had a nightmare last night that I still had papers to write for Oxford. Thankfully, Benjamin had yummy pancakes waiting for me to cheer me up! :) It's been so nice to come and stay with the Shockeys for a while before Benjamin and I head for Ohio. I have missed them all so much. I don't think I've laughed so hard in one day as I did yesterday. Benjamin and Daniel are so hilariously entertaining and it's fun to join their stupidity. :) Benjamin gave me two birthday gifts today: runts (my favorite candy) and Leigh Nash's new cd, Blue on Blue (Benjamin and I love the song, My Idea of Heaven). He is so sweet; they were the perfect gifts! :)

I'm looking forward to this next semester back at Warner. I am taking an independent study with Dr. Sheneman on English Theory. I attended a lecture at Oxford called Practicing Criticism so Dr. S thought it would be good to teach me more. I didn't know what the lecturer was saying half the time, so it will be good to study it one-on-one with Dr. S. Please be praying for my living arrangements, I don't know where Warner can put me on-campus and I don't know of anywhere off-campus that I could live and it be affordable and pleasant. Well, I've spent enough time on the computer today, I will save whatever else I have to say for the next journal entry. May you all have a blessed week! :)

Reflections of Oxford

2006-12-08T17:24:00.000-05:00

It has finally come: freedom from my studies at Oxford! :) It has been the most strenuous and the most unbelievable experience that I've had thus far. Easy will never be the word to describe my time here. It has been a stressful time, full of tears and sleepless days. The amount of work and the time in which to accomplish it has been my most challenging task; but the knowledge and experiences I take back with me were worth it. I must say that my scheduled professional massage sounds so amazingly wonderful! :)

One thing that I have learned this term is to truly glorify God in everything, even school work. Whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord! I must say that I haven't always taken that approach, especially when I was literally shaking with stress. God wants us to glorify Him by being diligent students in our studies but there comes a point when it can detract from God. That point was my enemy. I desire to find my Lord in everything and I have found Him in prayer. On those nights when I was completely distraught and angry at my work, my only release was prayer. My favorite experience this semester was when I walked to tutorials and lectures and spent the time in prayer. I realize that you were all going on with your lives while I've been away; you were never far from my thoughts. Prayer was my most precious connection to all of you during this term. To my utmost sadness I hardly read my Bible this term; but my times of prayer and reflection were just as meaningful and encouraging. God has shown me again how communion with Him through prayer is just as important as the reading of His holy word.

I am so excited to hear what you all have done in my time away and I am excited to share my stories with you, whenever asked. I look forward to seeing you all soon! May you be truly blessed! Break out the lights and bring in the cheer for Christmas is almost here!!!!

Life on the run

2006-11-26T09:40:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry that I haven't been posting anything lately. I am so overwhelmed with work that I have only enough time to write for my papers. I will be done in two weeks! I am very excited to be done and say that I survived a semester at Oxford! :)

I have some more photos, so please follow the links to my new facebook albums:

This is my album from the weekend trip to Austria with my friend, Danielle:

http://warner.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001577&l=c768a&id=186300065

This is my album of my baby nephew, Hayden Michael Snow, born on my birthday!!!:

http://warner.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001587&l=d7f1c&id=186300065

This is my album of SCIO's Thanksgiving celebration (11-25-2006):

http://warner.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001631&l=ab7b5&id=186300065

I hope you enjoy the photos! I will be able to tell you about the events later, either in person or through my journalling. :) Love to all! Happy Belated Thanksgiving!!!

Always in Christ Jesus Our Lord,
Rachel

Harvest Masquerade

2006-10-21T15:34:00.000-04:00

Recent photos...journal will come soon!!!

http://warner.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001447&id=186300065&l=4c83a

Oh, the agony

2006-10-08T09:08:00.000-04:00

*crying* "I need Orbit gum!"

Busy-ness is not fun business!

2006-10-04T14:50:00.001-04:00

After a long absence, I have returned to report to my loving readers that I am still alive! I apologize for the lack of writing and I appreciate your patience on the matter. The past week has included two all-nighters and moments of freakish misery!!! Also followed by moments of insanity and pacing. Not to worry, I am still somewhat my sane self. Although, the level of that sanity is up for debate. My friends have found it comforting to know that I am ALWAYS this crazy and that I do not have a split personality. Relief abounds. Please do not anxiously ask the screen about what I am referring to because I will elaborate in some detail on the matter, later on in the post.

I suppose I should start at the very beginning because that's a very good place to start. Hehehe. Well, I will begin by explaining a little about what kind of semester I am up against. This term is called the Michaelmas term and it starts the first week of October. For schools in the States, semesters normally begin the third or fourth week of August. The SSO (Scholar's Semester at Oxford) began the first week of September, in order to balance out our regular semester. This past month we had the British Landscapes course. In the beginning, my fellow students and I would meet every day at Wycliffe Hall for this course. There are colleges and halls that are a part of Oxford University, Wycliffe being one. Wycliffe is a school of theology, and somewhat like a seminary except for the fact that you do not have to go into priest-hood. So, until the students started arriving, we met in the Lower Common Room (LCR) and watched the BBC History of Britain by Simon Schama. Each day we looked forward to humming along with the theme song and anticipated what animals Schama would use to depict a story. We are all amazed at his ability to put emphasis on anything by simply moving his head and shoulders. Wow! I must admit, we love you Schama! We will miss you. You brought delight to each of our days.

After we had our Schama fix, we would go into the dining room and have a spot o' tea! My favorite is the Earl Grey or the Cranberry. A little bit of cream and some sugar is how to do it! Next, we would all return to our seats in the LCR and hear a lecture given by one of the SCIO staff or a guest speaker. It varied on different days. We would then have lunch in the dining hall and most often, it was followed by another lecture. Some days we would have a field trip with Dr. Baigent to locations within Oxford. Those trips were made to Oxford Castle and cathedral, Broad Street, St. Michael in the Northgate, Martyrs' Memorial, St. Mary Magdalen, Pitt Rivers Museum, and The University of Oxford Museum of Natural History. On Thursdays we went on field trips with Simon Lancaster, Jonathan Kirkpatrick, and sometimes Dr. Baigent. These field trips were outside of Oxford. We went to St. Albans, Winchester, Bath, and the Imperial War Museum. On two Saturdays we had the option to go with Simon and Jonathan on field trips. They went to London (I did not go) and Dorchester. You can see photos from almost all of these trips on the links to my facebook albums, from previos posts.

Normally for the British Landscape course we would write three, 6-8 page Case Studies. But, since there was a delay on obtaining our University Library cards, we were instructed to write two, 9-12 page papers. We were given a little over a week to familiarize ourselves with the topic we chose to study and gather up all the information we would need to write the paper. The only drawback is that many other students were doing the same case study and although Oxford has over 8 million books, there may be only one or a couple of copies of each book. The other drawback is that Oxford's library system is split into several private Libraries. Some of these Libraries can only be used by certain halls or colleges within the university. Also, only two libraries, the English Faculty Library (EFL) and the History Library allow you to check out books. The others like the Old Bodleian, the New Bodleian, and the Radcliff Camera did not allow books to be checked out. If there was a book that I needed to read, I would have to go onto the online library and request it from the stacks. Books requested from stacks are put on a conveyor belt and sent to a reading room of your choice. I would have that book under my name for a week. Some books were easily pulled from the shelf but, it's first-come first-serve. So, that freakish misery that I spoke of earlier was my newfound experience with the library system. Thankfully, many of my books were at the EFL and I was able to check them out. For some, I had to go to Blackwell's or Borders and buy them. Searching for the right information while trying to educate yourself on the subject is no easy task. For me, writing the papers was so difficult. I tend to be a slow writer because I am so critical. After days of reading and research, I took three days to write my first paper. The paper was on Shakespeare and was due September 25th (Monday). I almost pulled an all-nighter. I had about 2 hours of sleep. I went through a stage of narcolepsy later that afternoon after I finally ate something. My stomach was so messed up from not eating and staying up so late. I had to begin right away on my next case study because it was due Friday morning. I wrote my second paper on Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn. I really enjoyed what I learned. I pulled an all-nighter on the second paper. That was not fun! I finished it about 5:15 am and then the printer wasn't working. First it wasn't printing at all and then we found out that the ink was really low. My paper was a little faded in the middle, but it was still legible. I was of course panicking because I had to be ready to leave with my group to go to Scotland at 5:45. I hadn't showered or packed and we had to be down at the bus stop at 6:00. Jennifer, one of my friends that was also going with us, was experiencing the same problem. We were frantic!!! Hahaha. Our group ended up waiting on another person to be ready because they had slept in, but we still made it to the bus stop in time to make the Oxford Tube. It was a CRAZY day!

I felt better about the second paper than I did about my first one. We all got our papers back yesterday and the comments look good. We don't find out what our marks are until next week. We had the orientation for the actual term yesterday. I found out who my two tutors are: Jonathan Kirkpatrick for my Primary Tutorial on Classical Literature and Emma Plaskitt for my Secondary Tutorial on English Literature from 1740-1832. I have to meet with them to arrange when I will be meeting with them for the term. I meet with my primary tutor once a week and my secondary tutor once every-other week. I will be getting advice from them on what lectures to choose. I have to attend a lecture per week for each tutorial and two lectures a week for the Integrative Seminar. So, about 4 lectures a week and 32 total for the term. That's a lot! I have an essay assignment each time I meet with my tutors. The essay will be based on a question that the tutor will ask me and I must research, compare concepts, and write a decisive answer. Sometimes tutors will assign a number of pages to write and some want you to answer the question in however many pages it takes. One semester, a student from SCIO that was studying History was made to write 20 pages a week!!!! Outrageous! I must meet with my Seminar Leader, Dr. Santha Battacharji next week and present a proposal for my long essay. The long essay must be written over the course of the term and turned in near the end. It must be 3,000 words or more and I must come up with my own question or idea to address. I will be deliberating over that today and this weekend. The last week of the term is reading week, when I will be writing an essay for the final. The final will be a question that I will pick and write on. It has to be 1,300 words in length. Needless to say, I will be doing quite a bit of writing. But, as you all can see, I have no problem writing to great lengths. Yet, it is obviously different writing a journal than to write scholarly works.

I hope to write soon about my experience in Scotland. It was absolutely beautiful! But, until then, please enjoy some of the photos that I have put up on facebook:

http://warner.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001375&id=186300065&l=2673d

If I could ask anything, I ask that you would continue to pray for me. There are so many things I have to remember and so much work laid upon me. I know I will make it out of this alive but I need the prayers of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to continue to uphold me! Also, I want to hear from all of you. I would love to get mail! I may not be able to reply as quickly as I would like, because of how busy I am, but I will always take the time to read letters! Look below for my mailing address. I continue to pray for my family members, for my dear friends in Ohio, and for my friends in Florida. I love you all so dearly! Choose to see God's blessings! :)

~Rachel

My mailing address:

My name
SCIO
2 Frewin Court
Oxford
OXI 3HZ
United Kingdom

Pictures

2006-09-15T11:35:00.000-04:00

I have more pictures from Oxford, for those of you in my family that are not able to have access to facebook. Please follow the links to my photo albums:

http://warner.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001272&id=186300065&l=3c142

http://warner.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001239&id=186300065&l=fd5d8

I will post a journal soon!

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday's occurrences.

2006-09-09T06:29:00.000-04:00

It's the morning of the 9th, a beautiful Saturday. My vision of outdoors was blurred this morning from the precipitation on the windows. The thought of staying in my nice warm bed and looking out on the cold of Oxford, England makes me exceedingly glad to be able to relax today. The entire group, save but some, have gone with Simon Lancaster and Jonathan Kirkpatrick on a trip to London. Therefore, apart from the boom from a circuit breaking, the house has been extremely quiet. This is the perfect atmosphere in which to write. I assume that you would want to know more about the circuit, but let's just say that Danielle and I discovered the limit that our British plugs can take. Being made apparent by the blue burst of a flame and as I said before, a loud "BOOM." Danielle, eyes wide open and feeling that she came within an inch of her life, and me...inhaling what smells like a powered, race car track. Some of you know what smell I am referring to. After these events, we came to discover that it had blown out the circuits throughout our room. But, thankfully we know what to do in a case like this: write a maintainance report! Haha. Soon, Jackie came to our rescue and pointed us to the circuit breaker panel and our room is up and running normal again!

It is time for reflection on this week. I can sum it up in one word: tiring! We definitely met the first week of orientation in full force. Walking to Wycliff Hall each morning takes about 45 minutes or more, depending on traffic, which is about 3 miles. Then we walk around the city of Oxford to scope out what's around us. By the time we've made it home, we've walked near 10 miles. It's like that every day, so needless to say, my body has been aching. I have been consuming a banana a day, trying to make sure that I have the necessary nutrients. Water is a constant companion as well. My calves are becoming HUGE! I don't think I've seen them look this way since highschool! Haha. So, due to the rigorous week we have experienced, Danielle and I chose to skip the group trip to London today. We have opted instead, for a day of relaxation and organization. It's nice to finally take a break to breathe.

Now that I finally have time to journal, I thought I would give you a summary of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday's occurrences, as stated in the title. Please prepare yourselves for a long post. I will have photos to include as well.

Wednesday:

Today's lectures were about Anglo-Saxon Literature, led by Dr. Santha Bhattacharji. As well as a lecture on St. Albans: Celts, Romans, and Christians, led by Jonathan Kirkpatrick. Both were equaling fascinating. Dr. Bhattacharji led the class through an old English writing called The Gospel Book:

Some enemy deprived me of my life
And took away my worldly strength, then wet me.
Dipped me in water, took me out again,
Set me in sunshine, where I quickly lost
The hairs I had. Later the knife's hard edge
Cut me with all impurities ground off.

Then fingers folded me; the bird's fine raiment
Traced often over me with useful drops
Across my brown domain, swallowed the tree-dye
Mixed up with water, stepped on me again
Leaving dark tracks. The hero clothed me then
With boards to guard me, stretched hide over me,
Decked me with gold; and thus the splendid work
Of smiths, with wire bound round, embellished me.
Now my red dye and all my decorations,
My gorgeous trappings far and wide proclaim
The Lord of Hosts, not grief for foolish sins.
If sons of men will make good use of me,
By that they shall be sounder, more victorious,
Their hearts more bold, their minds more full of joy,
Thier spirits wiser; they shall have more friends,
Dear ones and kinsmen, truer and more good,
More kind and faithful, who will add more glory
And happiness by favours, who will lay
Upon them kindness and benefits,
And clasp them fast in the embrace of love.
Say who I am, useful to men. My name
Is famous, good to men, and also sacred.

This is about a lamb who has given up its life for a manuscript. At the time this was written, lamb skin was the best to use because it was whiter than other animal skin. The skin from the manuscript was used from the back of the lamb, because it had a natural crease from the spine with which it was folded. It could then be folded twice again and bound with wood panels and leather, in this case it says "Now my red dye and all my decorations," red leather being the best kind of binding. This could be kept in the coat pocket. The quill pen was the "bird's fine raiment." The "useful drops" are the marks of the pen and they would look like bird droppings from the consistent mattern. The part about how the quill "swallowed the tree-dye" is being symbolic of a bird drinking. The quill would be dipped in an animal horn, which would serve as an inkwell. Needless to say, this was extremely interesting to me. I took Dr. Sheneman's History of English class and he led us through several Old English works in the same manner.

We also had our first seminars with our department tudors. The rest of the English majors and I studied/discussed Chaucer's The Parson's Tale. This was also a very exciting meeting.

Thursday:

Today we went to St. Alban's Cathedral and to the Roman Verulamium. The Cathedral was beautiful beyond words! Never in my life have I beheld something so huge and incredibly detailed! It was breathtaking! Many of us from the group ate at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, which is the OLDEST pub in ALL of England. See the photos below. I was so hungry, I ordered their famous cheeseburger, and it was HUGE! I ate all my chips (fries) and finished off Danielle's sorbet, because she was full. Those sitting around me couldn't believe that I had actually eaten it all. I sure packed it in, and walked it off in an hour! Haha

When we returned, we went to the Crick Road House and had a very deep discussion about God's work in our lives with Nicola (a graduate of Oxford and staff member of SSO) and some other girls. This was enjoyed over a nice cup of hot tea. Yumm!

Friday:

Today we had our Library orientation. It's very confusing, so I won't attempt to explain it to you all. It would be better to do that when I return. We got out from seminars early today, so Danielle and I went walking around Oxford city. I purchased a drawing book and conte crayons from a little art shop. That made me very happy! Then, Danielle and I shared some very delicious raspberry icecream. :) We bought post cards at Clinton's, which I will send out soon. Then we came home and crashed upon our beds. I had a long relaxing shower and took care of beautifying myself. Haha. Because my feet have been so sore, I lathered my feet with cocoanut oil and put my cotton socks on. It was bliss! Haha

This catches you all up on what I have been doing. I'm sorry it's so terribly long. I hope you're all doing well and don't forget that I love and miss you all! :) Cheers!

Pictures from the Tea at Crick Road

2006-09-06T16:43:00.000-04:00

So, I have pictures from the tea from Sunday. Please follow the arrows to where Danielle and I are. :) I am sorry I am not posting a journal today, we have a field trip tomorrow and I need sleep. I have SO much to write in the next journal though! I can't wait to tell you all about the English Seminar discussion that I had today with the other English majors! It is being led by Dr. Santha Bhattacharji and it was so stimulating!

Tea at Crick Road house.

2006-09-03T16:37:00.000-04:00

Today Danielle and I had our own little worship time. We sang several worship songs, ate our new cereal, and took videos with my camera of The Vines and its grounds. Soon, you should be able to see them on YouTube, for those of my family that care to see them. They're funny!

At 2:30, Danielle and I, and a large group of the students from the Vines, walked 45 minutes to the Crick Road house for afternoon tea. It was delicious! I had two cubes of sugar and milk in mine! I will never drink tea the same way again. There were cheeses, cakes, fruit, and little British made snacks. It was all very good. I spent a good hour talking with other English majors about British literature and linguistics. So fantastic! Can you all imagine a bunch of English nerds getting passionate and excited about British literature? I could not have been happier today! I spoke with Mr. Jonathan Kirkpatrick, Junior Dean of the Crick house and SCIO lecturer for the Classics Tutorial, I believe. It was completely fascinating! He might very well be my tutor for the Classics Tutorial that I am taking. I am so excited to study the Greek and Latin texts! Although, that won't begin until about a month.

Then we all traveled to St. Andrew's, Evangelical Anglican Church (www.standrewsoxford.org), where Mr. Kirkpatrick attends. The service was the contemporary service, geared more toward youth. It was led by the Curate, Will Pearson-Gee. It was wonderful! Very spirit-filled and we all took communion together. We walked up to the front and knelt at a huge altar and the Vicar, Andrew Wingfield Digby, broke our bread and two women held up the cup for us to sip. They took a handkerchief and wiped after each person sipped. I almost choked because I wasn't expecting wine. The alcohol was very strong and very bitter. But it was only a sip. No, I am not tipsy. Hahaha

Then, after the service, we all walked back, another 45 minutes to The Vines. Our feet called for freedom! Danielle and I, who had acted as normal college students, forgot to eat and so opened our new bag of kettle chips and ravenously ate the whole bag within minutes! And now, as I sit here and write of all the day's occurrences, I am delightfully looking forward to tomorrow's events.

For all of those who care to know my schedule for the first week, here it is:

4 September Monday: Wycliffe Hall

8.15 Vines students leave to go to Wycliffe Hall
9.00 Coffee and Tea
9.30 Orientation commences
10.50 Morning Break
11.15 Orientation continues
12.30 Lunch
1.30 Orientation continues
3.00 Afternoon tea
3.45 British landscape programme commences
5.00 Finish

5 September Tuesday: Wycliffe Lower Common Room, the Frewin Court

9.30 British landscape programme
10.30 Break
11.00 Bibliography session
11.30 Editing session
12.00 General Q&A
12.30 Lunch
1.15 Introducing Wycliffe Staff
1.30 Tour of Wycliffe
2.00 Chapel
3.00 Frewin Orientation and afternoon tea

6 September Wednesday morning: British Landscapes: Wycliffe Lower Common Room

9.30 British landscape programme
10.30 Morning tea
11.00 British landscape programme
12.00 Lunch
12.45 British landscape programme
2.30 English Seminar
3.30 Afternoon tea
4.00 English Seminar
5.00 Finish

7 September Thursday field trip

8.45 Field trip to St. Albans
5.00 Return to Oxford

8 September Friday morning: library orientation, then British Landscapes programme: Wycliffe Lower Common Room

10.00 Library orientation
11.30 British landscape programme
12.30 Lunch
1.15 British landscape programme

9 September Saturday: London
Field trip to London with Simon Lancaster and Jonathan Kirkpatrick

So, that's it for now! I'm going to go eat and get much needed sleep! Love you all! Cheers!

Four hours of walking around Oxford! What Fun!

2006-09-02T19:57:00.000-04:00

Today is Saturday. I woke up around 10:30 and ate breakfast. The Tesco brand of bran flakes. Very good, I might add. I assisted in the chopping of bananas for our 2:00 lunch with the Crick Road residents. So, I met some more new people today. I am afraid I haven't been very sociable. It's been a lot to take in. I've been contemplative and quiet. Observing has been my choice activity. Haha. There has been a game of Mafia in the living room and it has been going on for the past few hours. I'm not even playing that, so you know that I'm being shy. Haha.

Danielle and I left at about 4:30 and went walking to the center of Oxford city. We walked about 30 minutes and found the Tesco grocery store that we were looking for. We spent about an hour inside and we were busy reading labels, checking prices, making a mental list of the things we could buy and how to budget. We were given 150 pounds each and we have decided that since we eat the same food, we would join our money together and share the food we buy. We are given this food money once at the beginning of each month. Jackie and Clint, our Resident Directors, told us that two students lived off of 60 lbs a week and ate very well. We think we can do it too. Maybe even better! A lot of prepackaged things are expensive, but we prefer to buy plain things like rice and pre-bagged veggies and make our own things. Especially because Danielle is allergic to wheat, gum, and stabilizers. Interestingly enough, she knew coming over that her type of allergy is more common in England than in the States. So, there is a section in the groceries all for her kinds of foods. Praise the Lord! Also, on packages in England, there is lots more information on the ingredients, there's an allergy notice about gums and wheat. So, that helps Danielle not eat something that will cause a reaction later.

So, we walked and walked today. We stopped to eat at Mando's, a Portuguese restaurant. We shared chicken, corn on the cob, and chips (fries). It was so good. I got the chicken down to the bones! I've never done that before! Haha. So, we walked back about 8:00 and got home safe and sound....and tired. It was a good, four hour walk. :) We took pictures again today. So, I hope you enjoy. There are pictures of houses and things along the road we live.

Okay, so the photos are taking a while and I am going to go to bed. So, I will post the rest tomorrow and if there are any spelling errors, I am truly sorry. I can't bring up the spell checker right now either. So, bear with me. :)

Our Lovely home!

Walking along Pullens Lane, the road we live on!

Can you believe that C.S. Lewis walked past this house??? Ahhhhh!

Ahuh, another back shot! Please look at the beautiful scenery AROUND me!

There's Nell!

Gorgeous scenery!

I've Arrived!

2006-09-01T16:54:00.000-04:00

So, I have safely arrived in Oxford, England and I am comfortably situated in my room with my other three roommates, Gina (20), Hosanna (19), and Danielle (20). Danielle and I had a very tiring day travelling but we managed just fine. No troubles at all, thank the Lord! We didn't have to pay for our bus fare today, so that is a huge blessing! It just so happened that something was broken so that we didn't have to pay a fare. The driver just put our luggage on the bus and told us to get in. There were several other Best Semester students travelling with us at this point. Danielle and I were thankful that we were able to save the money for the one hour bus ride. Otherwise, it would have been expensive!

So here are just a few photos from the first day:

My sweet Benjamin and I before I left Lake Wales. Parting is such sweet sorrow. :(

Danielle and I at the Orlando Airport. This is where our journey began. :)

Representing Warner Southern College!

With Daddy and Momma, just finished eating some yummy Chick-Fil-A! :)

Sitting on the plane, awaiting the take-off!

And, along the bus ride we saw...

The bus driver forgot to stop at the Gypsy Lane bus stop so we ended up getting a taxi to take us straight to The Vines. Pictures of The Vines will be coming soon. It's gorgeous! For now, just enjoy the pictures of our lovely room:

Saturday will be much more exciting and eventful. We are going around and looking at different grocery stores. We should be pretty sore of walking by the evening. I plan on purchasing three phone cards tomorrow for a very good price!

I have been very contemplative today. I am a bit overwhelmed with the course load but I look forward to all the challenges I am determined to overcome! :) Continue to pray for Danielle and me! I love you all!

The Journey Begins

2006-08-23T10:32:00.000-04:00

The time for my departure is quickly approaching. In less than 8 days, I will be walking up the steps of a plane that will fly miles and miles, across the sea to England. I cannot believe that it is almost here. It seems impossible somehow. I woke up today, feeling it become more real than the morning before. There is no backing down now! While I am undoubtedly certain that there will be an ample amount of things to capture my attention, while I am in England, I will nevertheless miss my family and friends greatly. That is indubitable. I will have thousands of new experiences of my own, but I will miss being a part of the experiences at Warner. All the funny things my friends will do and the many class lectures by Dr. Sheneman, these are just a small part of what I treasure about my college life.

This year has brought about new and exciting things into my life. One of which is my relationship with my boyfriend, Benjamin. He already knows how much I will miss him. It has been a luxury to be able to communicate by phone with him while I have been away this summer. While I am in England, phone conversations will be few and far between. I keep reminding myself that it is only for three months with which I must bear the separation, and that time will fly by due to my intensive studies. Three months of separation have already been a wretched time to bear. At least I am granted a few days of visiting before I must rip myself away again. Haha.

I am excited though. I want to walk toward this experience with an open heart and an open mind. I want to look back on this time in my life as I look back on my experiences in Peru. I want to recall these times over and over. Treasure each opportunity, and each day, be thankful for what the Lord has given me.

This is the beginning of my journey to Oxford. Remember to visit my blog frequently, as I will be writing often of my experiences and posting many pictures. I hope they will delight you and entertain you! To all of those who have contributed to my education overseas, thank you! I hope you will all be reading and seeing how your contribution is furthering my higher education. Thank you.

Until my next post, be blessed! :)

~Rachel

Inspiration from Christa Wilson

2006-08-17T12:55:00.000-04:00

Go to this site: www.earnestlyseeking.blogspot.com This is a site belonging to my friend, Christa Wilson. Read her blog from Tuesday, August 08, 2006. She and Dan inspire me! :)

Spiritual Quotes

2006-08-09T13:35:00.000-04:00

O Love, that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee; I give Thee back the life I owe, that in Thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be. ~ George Matheson

One thing I of the Lord desire, for all my life hath miry been -- be it by water or by fire, Oh, make me clean, Oh, make me clean! So wash me now, without, within, or purge with fire, if that must be, no matter how, if only sin die out in me, die out in me. ~unknown

If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad. ~Ruth Stull

Prayer:

Almighty God, you alone can bring unto order the UNRULY wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to LOVE WHAT YOU COMMAND and DESIRE WHAT YOU PROMISE; that among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever! Amen.

Gap Girl

2006-08-05T12:43:00.000-04:00

The image is kind of small, so click on it to see a larger view. :)

Hehe, you know how much I love Gap!

Scripture: The Lord's Goodness

2006-08-02T10:15:00.000-04:00

Micah 6:8
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Nahum 1:6-7
"Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."

Psalms 25:8
"Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way."

Psalms 33:5
"He loveth righteousness and judgment; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."

Psalms 34:8
"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him"

Hearty Bean Soup!!!

2006-07-30T22:10:00.000-04:00

Washed Kidney and Gorbanzo beans....yumm

The finished product!!!

Hearty Bean Soup:

So, can I serve you up some?! Yumm!

More Drawings

2006-07-29T22:47:00.000-04:00

More pictures for your enjoyment.......

"Stylish"

"Thoughts"

England approaches

2006-07-27T13:48:00.000-04:00

As July comes to a close, I am in awe of how quickly it has flown by. I await August with deep anticipation of all it will bring. I am so thankful to God for this opportunity! It has always been a dream of mine to travel to England. Growing up and watching classics like Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice (the older version), Emma, Princess Bride, Ever After, and other films set in the English countryside- these are just some of the stories that have written this dream within me. When I first read C.S. Lewis', "The Chronicles of Narnia" I was so obsessed! Anyone who has ever been near me during or after I read a very good book, knows how engrossed I am in the story. I can go for weeks thinking and talking about it. England holds a mystical, magical feel to me. Great writers such as: Chaucer, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Ernest Hemingway, H. G. Wells, Charles Dickens, as well as countless others- they have given me appreciation for the written language. How can anyone argue that anything (aside from the Bible) is more beautiful, more genius, than British Literature?! I am so thrilled to be able to study Literature in the country where such geniuses existed. Just think, were it not for the gift of printed word, writers' works, such as Shakespeare, would be lost to us! What a very boring world that would be. :) But, that being said, I am so excited to study at Oxford University! Although it has been many years since C.S. Lewis walked its halls, I know I will be overcome with the brilliance of it all. I can't wait!!!

Failed Attempts

2006-07-17T19:50:00.000-04:00

Guitar: the first instrument I attempted to learn. I quit my classes after a year because I was sick of playing the same children's songs. If the Barney theme song had been our next piece, it might have prompted me to continue.

Piano: the second instrument I attempted to learn. I quit my lessons after a year because my teacher wouldn't teach me fast enough. I believe that I learn quickly and I want to know everything!

And now, I regret that I didn't stick with it. I wish I knew how to read music easier, play the piano, and have a better understanding of the components of music.

Karate: quit after a year and a half because I was bored. I wanted to kick some booty. Hehe

Volleyball: two years in highschool and still love it!

But, the most important thing that I could stick with is my relationship with Christ. I will never be bored or give up on my Savior. :)

The Here and Now

2006-07-12T09:21:00.000-04:00

This summer has been an interesting experience, and it's still not over. Living with my Sister has its ups and downs, which is to be expected. I have enjoyed our laughs and the different things we have done together. I'd forgotten what it was like to be annoyed with a sibling. Thankfully, after we have argued and pouted off, we still make amends like we used to: come to each other with hugs and sorries. Haha. It's wierd having not seen her very much for almost 4 years, besides the summers when she came home between semesters. But, even then, she was always working. It's strange how much people change during college. Especially when you aren't there beside them to see it all happen. Different thoughts have been obtained, different behaviors, different tastes, and it's hard sometimes to take it all in because we want so much to remain the way we were as children. Hanna and I wish sometimes that we could be kids again and play legos all day! Haha. I miss riding my bike every summer with my brother and sister. But, there are so many things now that I am experiencing that I wouldn't trade for another moment of childhood: college, my relationship with Christ, becoming an Aunt, traveling to Europe (dream come true), and growing in the awesome God-led relationship with Benjamin! I can not give enough thanks to the wonderful Savior who is working in it all!

More Paintings

2006-06-25T21:55:00.000-04:00

This is by far my most favorite painting that I have made. It has taken me a while to get a photo taken of it to post on here. I must say that it is not an original, it was a painting in the book that I was studying. I learned a lot about colors and which hues compliment each other best. It was SO much fun to paint! I love doing landscapes! This painting is in my brother and sister-in-law's office. I can't wait to have more time to do more! I am keeping a book of people's orders and requests...if you have any, please don't hesitate to let me know! I really would like to begin a freelance business and devote more time after college. :)

This is my most recent painting. It's called, "Daydreaming." It's not the best photo of it because there is a bit of a glare. But, I hope you enjoy the bold colors!

Lessons on Sin

2006-06-21T16:11:00.000-04:00

I want to share some thoughts from my personal devotions from this morning:

1 John 1:5-10 "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not known in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim to we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

Pride is a deceiver. Pride makes us believe that we are "fine" or "without need to change." Do not let pride deceive you into thinking that because you are a Christian, you are therefore perfect. It is true that Christ's blood purifies us from all unrighteousness, yet we still sin. If we confess those sins, God will forgive us. If we let pride get in the way, the word will not seem needed, it will have "no place in our lives." I do not want to live a life without the word.

Prayer: Lord, crush my pride and help me to see my need for you everyday.

Listen to this PRINCIPLE:

1 John 2:15-17 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For EVERYTHING in the world-the CRAVINGS of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and boasting of what he has and does comes NOT FROM THE FATHER but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God LIVES FOREVER!"

When people question whether or not they should be doing something or they try to justify their choices, they are trying to love the things in the WORLD! With God, we have principles and commandments. We have the tools that show us how to live well for the Lord! With God and His Word in our life, the choices we make will be clearer. We won't linger on, "Is this right? Or is this wrong?" It will be an automatic response to guard our hearts, our minds, and to place our desires in the will of God. Let us reach for the crown of eternal life!

2006-06-18T17:14:00.000-04:00

Happiness is a reality and a fairy tale. The only way that the princesses in the stories can have happiness is if the author decides to. In reality, happiness is attainable. It's just not achieved through easy ways. We can't depend on our Writer in Heaven to write us OUR ideal, happy, fairy tale. It's His story but we have a choice in how it goes. Just like everything in life is a choice. We choose what makes us happy. Food, clothes, entertainment, and relationships are just a few examples of choices we make in regards to our happiness.

What about the times when we aren't happy? Like the days when we have woken up on the "wrong side of the bed." How did that phrase start? Did some husband get too greedy with the mattress and upset his very grumpy wife when he rolled upon her in the early morning? Grumpiness is such an easy and yet stupid way to behave. What makes it so appealing to the person who's being grumpy? Do they honestly LIKE being grumpy? Even though being happy is better! Sometimes we get lazy and don't make the choices we should.
Just remember, people are going to have their bad days. Their "woke up on the wrong side of the bed" days! Help people make the CHOICE to be happy! Be patient with them. They could be in that mood because of certain factors that have affected their thought processes. "Patience is a virtue and a virtue don't hurt you!" :)

Drawings

2006-06-09T18:48:00.000-04:00

Those who know me well, know me as a very passionate artist. And since I have shown the world of Facebook my drawings...I figured that I would put them on my site! I hope you enjoy the work that I LOVE creating! :) And I hope this helps you know more about me and the things I enjoy doing!

Oh, and most of the drawings are not fully showing since the scanner that I used wasn't large enough...but, you should get the same effect nevertheless...

For those of you who are Lord of the Rings fans...the following three might interest you! In order: Galandriel, Arwen, and Aowyn :)

These are drawings of photos out of a hair book entitled, "The Mane Thing" by Kevin Mancuso. I love, love, love hair and I couldn't resist making some of the photos my subjects! The first drawing is my mother's favorite! :)

The next drawings are just some that I have come up with on my own! :)

The following are entitled:

The Stare

Window Shopping

Beautiful, Breezy Day

Peek-A-Boo

Flare

Study of Eyes

The Eye

Chewy

(Chewbacca, Chewy for short, is my brother and sister-in-law's dog...he is one of the cutest!)

Precious Love

So, I hope you enjoyed a sample of my work. This is definately not all of it. I've been drawing and painting since I was old enough to hold a pencil! :) It's kind of sad but, I have so much going on these days that I have to limit myself to my hobby.

Well, enjoy the weekend everyone! Tell someone about Jesus and what He's done for you!

Attitudes

2006-05-18T20:29:00.000-04:00

Upon observing my character, I realize that there are definitely things to improve. I tend to take the defense (especially with my family), I see my mistakes and shortcomings instead of my accomplishments, I can be stubborn, and my most frustrating is that I am not as great of a friend as I want to be. Being a friend to someone doesn't just include those outside my immediate family, instead, it includes them. The way to change your behaviors starts with how you treat your family. This includes how you talk, listen, and think. Being patient and letting someone complete their sentences instead of assuming what they are going to say. They may surprise you! Really hear them out! What kind of tone you use when talking plays a vital role in how people are going to listen to you and perceive you. And instead of thinking about someone's worst characteristics, think about their best...and go from there. Be uplifting, don't tear down.

This is a process, it isn't easy. I struggle with communication within my family. It's been a problem since before I was born. Behaviors are taught by our parents and learned. I don't want my future children to have difficulties communicating with each other or with me and my future husband. I want a home of peace, joy, and love. But, the only way for my attitude to change is to take the Bible and search like crazy for every single verse pertaining to attitudes. Peace, patience, understanding, joy, love, kindness, goodness, mercy...and the list continues. Even looking up verses about attitudes that aren't good. I want to memorize each, speak them daily, and put them at the forefront of my mind. With the word of God on my mind, I know that I will be able to correct my attitudes. It is not easy in any way; I tell you the truth. I struggle with them every day. But, I know that God commands me to honor my parents and part of that includes how I talk to them. So, putting all of that out there...pray for me. Pray that the change that has been long overdue will begin to take place in me as I strive to seek God's help. Love to all of you!

Second Year at College Completed!!!

2006-05-03T18:25:00.000-04:00

Celebrate! Yay, I've made it thorough another year at college. So, the final grades haven't come through yet but I am confident that I got, at the most, 5 A's and 1 C. I know, I know, I got a C. Everybody rub it in my face! Hahaha...no, I've learned that life goes on. ;) Plus, it was my first time ever taking Chemistry. At least I walk away with the desire to learn more about it. I love science!! Others in my class probably wouldn't think I liked Chemistry but that's just because I was on a time schedule and pressed down by having to learn it so fast. I really want to finish studying it on my own. So, although I finally got a grade lower than a B, this will never happen again if I can help it!

The toughest part of my education will begin this fall!!! Ahhh! Be praying for me, I found out the other day that one semester at Oxford is $15,000. A semester at Warner is about $7,000. And get this, although Warner promotes this program and encourages its students to apply, the stinking financial aid department won't help to cover the difference. Yeah, it's a very long story but basically they told us it would only cost around $1- $2,000 more but they were quite mistaken. I know that Warner could help us if they really wanted to (because two of their students going to Oxford for a semester will make this college look even better). One thing is for sure, they have money that they could pull but they won't. Heck, they pull enormous amounts of money for their athletes but they can't come up with at least a couple of thousand dollars for Danielle and I to help us pursue our Academics!!! Can we help it that we're nerds and not athletes?!? This is often the problem with Warner...Athletics take precedence over Academics...anyone will tell you so. So, if you're reading this post, pray for me and Danielle Stuart (Danielle got accepted into Oxford's science program and will be my roommate there). Or, if you know of any scholarships from outside organizations...or anyone that would care to be donors to two upstanding students with GPA's in the 3.8 range...please let me know! :)

In other news, I am coming home in exactly 8 days! Yeppie! I am excited to see my family, yet I am so sad that I have to say goodbye to my church family, to my friends, and of course...to Benjamin. Yes, yes...begin the Awwwws...Blah ;) Okay, enough with all that mushy crap. Hahaha. "I will survive!" The question is...will he? Hahaha...yes, Benjamin is a big boy and as long as there is Baseball...he's "good ta go!" ;)

I plan on going home for two weeks and while I am there I want to take a trip to Cedar Point (I haven't been since 1999!!! Yeah I know, that's sad)! On the last weekend in May my parents, Aaron, and I will be going to our family reunion in Kentucky. We will leave for Nashville on that Sunday and stay with Hanna until Tuesday. My parents and Aaron will head back home and I get to stay with Sissy!!! Yay!!! I am so stoked! I will be taking a College Algebra class this summer and working. I also will be trying to accomplish a lot of reading for the fall. I have enormous amounts of literature that I want to be familiar with so that I am prepared for a rigorous semester. Can I just say that I love learning?! When I was younger, I never thought I would say that..hahaha.

Well, I need to finish packing my belonging in tubs for storage. :) But, I leave you with this:

"I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye harkend not unto me." (Jeremiah 35:14) Don't let things distract you from listening to God...He listens to you!

He loves you and His grace will cover you if you ask and believe. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13)

Keep the faith brothers and sisters, grow in Christ continually, dare to be different, dare to challenge others, and stand up for righteousness!!! :)

Seasons in Life

2006-04-17T16:22:00.000-04:00

I was pondering on my life today, which I do often, and was again struck with amazement in each beautiful season that God has led me through. Each chapter of my life has been a challenge, a blessing, and a HUGE learning experience! I approach new opportunities full of presuppositions and thinking that I have everything "figured out" but, God continually shows me that I can't have my life all neatly arranged the way I THINK it will work. Thankfully, God is patient with me and loves me. He shows me everyday that He cannot be contained to this world. He reaches down into my very soul and works wonders. He is grieved when I fail, but He's ready to use that failure to make me into something better and more useful for His kingdom. The important thing to note is that in each season, God is continually challenging me to excellence. I look forward to this summer and this fall as I embark upon new and exciting experiences. Pray for me, pray for my continued growth and that I may be an evangelist for Christ continually!

New Pictures

2006-04-15T19:33:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken on campus.

In this photo is Benjamin Shockey, his brother Daniel, and me. Daniel and Benjamin were goofing off. We went to Palm Beach, Florida to see the Senior voice recital of Barbara Weatherill (hopefully I am spelling that correctly), the sister to Benjamin. She was incredible!!! Absolutely beautiful voice! It was nice to skip school, seeing as I never do it! Hahaha. I had a lot of fun and I enjoyed spending time with the whole Shockey family. :)

This picture was taken at a Warner vs. Webber baseball game. Benjamin is a relief pitcher for Warner and it is safe to say that he's their top 4 pitcher. Go Royals!!! Whoop! In this photo is Mrs. Shockey (Karen), Daniel, and me.

In this photo, Daniel and I are demonstrating the handshake pose! You can tell that I was trying very hard not to laugh. Daniel is such a goon! He loves all this attention!

This photo was taken over spring break, a couple of weeks ago. On the third day after arriving in St. Petersburg, to stay with the Shockey family, we all went to Busch Gardens and spent almost 10 hours there! This was taken before we had ridden any rides. We were all tuckered out after a long day of walking and being windblown! It was so much fun though. :) In this photo, from left to right: Kevin (Daniel's best friend), Karen, me, Benjamin, and Daniel. Mr. Shockey was taking the photo.....

And on the left is Mr. Shockey to whom I was just referring...as well as the beautiful Barbara! She and her husband, Andy, are in the following photo.

2006-03-31T11:07:00.000-05:00

"I urge you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2

"But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, PEACE, PARTIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL; against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

"Do not fear for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Sirely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." "For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'" Isaiah 41:10, 13

"Every man's way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts." Proverbs 21:2

Spring Break

2006-03-20T18:03:00.000-05:00

Amen, Halleluiah! Spring break is coming!!! I am so ready not to attend classes! I am so excited because I am doing really well in all my classes, I should have all A's except for Chemistry. I'm sad to say this but I may possibly have a B or even a C (which I will work hard not to get) in Chemistry. The material and concepts are not hard to grasp, it's the memorization that is key. So, knowing that, I am striving harder to memorize the facts.

I get to go home with my friend, Benjamin Shockey, and spend 3 days or so with his family. I'm thrilled! The plan is to attend Busch Gardens on one of the days. I am excited to visit with them. They're a great Christian family and lots of fun to be around. This year has been so stress free and I have experienced a lot of growth spiritually. It's been a nice change from the hectic life that I led my first year at Warner. Moving off campus, surrounding myself with good friends, working at the church and with the children's ministry, going to Baseball games, and visits with the Shockey family are all extreme blessings! I feel so much better having more hours of sleep each night, eating right, and walking EVERYWHERE! Hehe. I have to go shopping this weekend to get new pants, they're much too loose.

Anyway, all in all...what I am trying to say is that God is good and his love endures forever! He will take care of us, shield us, protect us, love us, forgive us, and heal us. It is so easy to get caught up in stress and worry from day-to-day, but God has things in his mighty hand. Would I know or realize the great blessings that He has bestowed upon me this year if I hadn't of had such a trying first year? Our troubles always seem big, but to God they are miniscule. It is my goal to continually surrender all my questions and let the Lord work everything out. :)

Let me put out a challenge to my fellow Christians:

Memorize scripture! Know what you believe and exactly why you believe! The world will try to destroy your faith, your convictions, and will try to make you justify yourself in everything you do! Always reach for something more! You are always in the process of becoming a better servant. Seek God and find ways to better serve Him! We will never know our weaknesses and how best to overcome them if we don't read the Word. It's time to stop living a mediocre life for God! Start reading the word, praising God, see God's blessings overflow, and get excited about living righteously for Christ! BE SET APART! People, there is no better life than the one that God can give you! NO greater joy is found except through Jesus and living our lives for Him! Discover God's plan for your life!

I love to tell the story
T'will be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
of Jesus and His love!

Fantastic News!

2006-03-03T23:46:00.000-05:00

Everyone listen up!!! It is time to praise the Lord for He is incredibly good!!! My brother Michael and his wife Amy are now expecting their first child! This is a blessing from God! After such a long wait, Amy will give birth to a baby boy or girl, expected on November 7th!!! I am going to be an Aunt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I am so excited! I nearly peed my pants! Tears upon tears of thankfulness come from my eyes as I think about the blessing that God is going to bestow upon this couple and upon this whole family! Michael and Amy are going to be terrific parents! Please pray for them and for the precious growing baby!

Could this week get any better!? Praise to God our Father! :)

Guess What?!?!

2006-03-02T22:40:00.000-05:00

I'm going to Oxford!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I found out today at 3:45! I am so incredibly excited!!! My good friend, Danielle Stuart, applied as well and she received notice that she has been accepted! We get to be roomies too! I am SO EXCITED!

I think it all hit me at once, just the realization that I really will be going! I am going to miss my church family, my job, my school, but most importantly...I am going to terribly miss my friends. I know I will be so busy and in an incredibly amazing place that I won't have time to linger on thoughts of what I have left, but it doesn't take away the fact that all those things are dear to my heart and they will be sorely missed. I can't imagine how it will feel to go to Oxford and come back to Florida, but I love the growth that comes from new experiences.

So, the plans are in motion. Lots of preparation will have to occur. But, as I begin to get things ready, I want to enjoy what's left of this semester and do well in all my classes. Please pray for me, Chemistry is kicking me in the stomach. I really want all A's this semester. It just takes a little more studying. :) Please also pray for my continual growth in Christ and that I will take all my concerns to the Lord and use wisdom in all my decisions.

I hope and pray that all who read this are doing well and growing closer to Christ each day. I pray that you are all doing well spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and that you are finding time to spend in the Word. Do we dare to be different? Do we dare to have standards that may seem bizarre to others...but not to God? Do not lower your standards, your values, or your goals. Question yourself regularly (as I am striving to do) and check your motivations. Ask God to show you where you are coming up short in your walk and seek to change those things in your life. Are you content with where you are in Christ? I hope you answered no because, we should never be content with ourselves. We should always be striving to change and allow God to mold our lives (words, actions, THOUGHTS). What are your priorities? What is your main focus? Are they your own ambitions, or are they Christ's?

Updates on the Life of a College Student ;)

2006-02-24T20:29:00.000-05:00

School has been very good so far. I have 17 credit hours which consist of 6 classes: Psychology (currently an A or B), Shakespeare (currently an A), Southern Women Writers (currently an A), Heros in Film and Fiction (currently an A), Liberal Arts Chemistry (currently a low B...suffering people, suffering!), and the Leadership Seminar class (currently an A). I am taking the Leadership class in order to eventually become an RA. I found out today that your room is paid for when you're an RA...that's a nice sum right there! ;) I have determined that it will be very enjoyable to move back on campus, being near my close friends is always nice. But, I will miss the luxury of getting away from it all, my kitchen (although I am told that I might be able to use the kitchen in the new women's dorm), and my privacy. Someday, possibly my Senior year (which is only a year and a half away...ahhhhh), it would be nice to have a private room if it is at all possible. I miss the solitude of having a room to myself. Although, if I don't, I won't complain. It's better to share a room than to not have a room at all. :)

So, I am still awaiting a reply from the Best Semester Programme, they sent me an email saying that I would have an answer by around March 1st...AHHHHHH! I have been praying for God's will to lead the decision. I know that God has incredible plans laid out for all of us and I am certain that if He plans for me to go, I will go. If not, then He has better things to bring me at Warner. I know, England sounds so much better than Warner but, God can use a small school to mold me just as He can use a big university! Whichever direction the Lord leads, I know that there are still many more decisions that I will face and each one will have to be brought under the subjection of Jesus so that I may know the will of the Lord.

I'm still looking for a car. My Daddy wants to purchase a good used car for me, it's just a matter of finding the right one. I am so thankful for the generosity of my Daddy and in the way that the Lord always provides. Before I came to college, my family was desperately struggling financially. I had to take a year off between high school and college to work and save money. The money that I earned was given to my parents, who hated to take money from their own child but, it was something that I didn't have a need of for myself at the time. Well, now my Daddy has a very good job and can pay me back when I need it now. Isn't God's timing perfect? He allowed me to help my family in our time of need, and now He is making it possible for my parents to help me during my time of need. God takes care of all our needs. Isn't He awesome?! I thought I would share that because God proves Himself over and over to be a God who's timing is perfect!

My accountability partner and I are doing splendidly! We are going to begin doing "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore. My mother did the study a while back and said that we picked a great study to do. Danielle has already done the study but she wanted to do it over again and it seems to be the appropriate time to do so. My own personal Bible Study is going very well. My prayer life has increased, and my knowledge of the scriptures is increasing. I love that feeling of drawing closer to the bosom of God!

So, I started waking up at 5:00am two days ago, in order to work out with my friends Emily and Kelly. Yesterday, I jogged 3 miles in 30 minutes!!! 224 calories! Yeah baby! Hehehe. Then I did crunches and about 7 min worth of lunges. And you want to know what? My buttocks hurts SO bad! Hahahahaha. I could barely get out of bed this morning. It was quite funny actually...NOT. It's good pain. I continue to eat healthy foods and proper proportions. I am trying to consume things with a lot of protein so that I can gain more muscle. I don't necessarily want to lose weight, just unneeded fat. I want to tone up and be healthy! I weighed myself yesterday and I hadn't looked at a scale in about a month. So, I was originally at 125-128 and I am now at 112! I was totally astonished! It's not unhealthy for me to be that weight at my height. I've been eating right, walking/jogging at night, and doing my exercises. So, I'm feeling pretty good. Starting good habits for a healthy lifestyle! ;)

So, I always have things on my heart and mind. Who doesn't? But, my post before describes the approach that I want to take with all my decisions and wonderings; my anxiety and my cares. I continue to pray for God's leading to be clear to me. I want to make the right decisions that will bless others and bless God. I pray for the contentment in knowing that God is there, overseeing all that I do and say, and that He will see to every desire of my heart.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11

"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." John 16:13

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." Psalm 25:4-5

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8

Anxiety and the Power of God's Word

2006-02-22T17:37:00.000-05:00

Oh, how often I fret about things! Stress, worry, and anxiousness: these three things love to disturb my life, and I'm not the only one they affect. Men and women both, everywhere, have difficulties with the total surrender of their decisions, their future (questioning), and their present situations. I'm glad I'm not the only one! Hahaha

Instead of bowing to the lies of Satan and the worrisome characteristic that so often plagues our lives, we have the incredible gift of God's word to speak truth into our lives and bow down to the Savior who's, "Got the WHOLE world, in his hands."

I've compiled a listing of verses that address the topic of anxiety, so...read what God has to say:

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all of thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING (got that!?), but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which trandscends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

But seek first his kingdom and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore DO NOT WORRY about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

And here is the verse that I named my blogger after:

BUT GOD WILL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEEDS ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES AND GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS. Philippians 4:19

Lord, this is my prayer today:

Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary; pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I'll be a living, sanctuary for you.

Lord God, make me wise in your ways. Help me mature in you. Encourage me to lay my thoughts at your altar. Take the wonderings of my heart away, and fill me with your purpose. Make the light upon my path bright, give me strength to always do what's right. God, lead me and move me. Give me patience, understanding, and help me not to be anxious. Jesus, make me ready for all the things you will call me to. Give me discernment in every decision that I face. I pray all these things in your blessed Son's Holy name! Amen! :)

Beauty

2006-02-20T19:44:00.000-05:00

How often do we think on these things?:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

I must admit, that I do not often think on these things. I often think on the lies of Satan and that's not thinking on things that are true. There are times that I linger on the gossip of others and that's not thinking about honest things. I can think on things that aren't pure, which thoughts can sometimes be my worst enemy. I think on bitterness, strife, the sins of others and forget to think about what's lovely...like the forgiveness of God and the purification of His unfailing love. All praise shall be given to God...but often I praise myself, and I am not worthy to be praised. He shall be high and lifted up!

True beauty is within the very heart of a person. It should flow from the desire for God's righteousness, not to be puffed up, but to be sincere and gentle in our faith. "Give unto the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Psalm 29:2

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the UNFADING beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4

I want it to be said of me by God:

"Rachel was beautiful and well favoured." Genesis 29:17

And I know that as with everything, Christ can mold me into the beauty that reflects Him for He has said that, "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Let us all say,

"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us." Psalm 90:17

The Flesh, Temptations, and Our Strength

2006-02-17T07:20:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 6:19 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and full of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

Joshua 1:7 "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withsoever thou goest."

What He Wants For You

2006-02-16T00:35:00.000-05:00

This inspirational writing was given to me by Danielle Dunn on Valentine's Day. She was given this by Cheri Marino (the children's pastor's wife at my church) on Valentine's last year. I don't know who wrote it. I thought I would post it as I was very much moved by it...and I am very thankful that Danielle blessed me with this....

What He Wants For You

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
to have a deep soul relationship with another,
to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.
But God says to a Christian,
"No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled, and content
with being loved by me alone, discovering that only in Me is your
satisfaction to be found.
Will you be able for the perfect human relationship that
I have planned for you?
You will never be untied with another until you are united with me.
Exclusive of anyone else; exclusive of any other desires or longing's.
I want you to stop planning, stop wishing,
and allow me to give you the most
thrilling plan existing.
One that you can not imagine.
I want you to have the best; please allow me to bring it to you.
You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things.
Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am.
You just wait, that's all. Don't be anxious, don't worry.
Don't look around at the things others have gotten or that I have given them. You'll miss what I want to show you.
And then when you're ready,
I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you could ever dream of. You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready
(I am working even at this moment to have you both ready at the same time)
until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me
and the life I have prepared for you,
you won't be able to experience the love
that exemplifies a relationship with Me,
and to enjoy materially and concretely
the everlasting beauty, perfection and love that I have to offer you with myself. Know that I love you utterly, I am God!"

Believe it and be satisfied.

Accountability

2006-02-11T07:49:00.000-05:00

Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
to hear you say that I'm your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
Cause no one else could take your place
I feel the warmth of your embrace
Help me find a way
And lead me back to you

You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know you are near

I absolutely love this song and I haven't been able to get it out of my head this week! Hahaha, I've been singing it everyday.

The splendor of the king
Robed in majesty
the beginning and the end
the beginning and the end
The God-head three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
the lion and the lamb
the lion and the lamb
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD
SING WITH ME
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD
AND ALL WILL SEE
HOW GREAT, HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD

AMEN!

What such great blessings the Lord gives us in each day! The comfort of friendship, of family, of scripture, of prayer, and of encouragement! I will never have words beautiful to enough to describe our glorious King...robed in majesty! How great is our God! I cannot wait for that glorious day when Jesus I shall see,...the one who saved me by His grace...and when He takes me by the hand, and leads me to the promised land...what a day, glorious day, that will be!!! I want to give thanks to God for putting Danielle Dunn in my life. The Lord has supplied an amazing accountability partner! Danielle graduated from the college I am going to, about a year ago. She is from my parent's home-town in Ohio. Danielle is a woman of God! She is passionate about purity, passionate about memorizing scripture, and passionate about prayer! I've been needing a woman here at school that can encourage me in my own desires for those things. I give thanks to God for answered prayer! Danielle and I have decided to meet once a week and stay accountable to each other, and already it is such a blessing!

I just want to encourage whoever is reading this, to pray that God will put an accountability partner in your life, if He hasn't already...I believe that it is needed in the life of anyone that is truly striving after a healthy relationship with Christ. God has never ceased to provide for me in this area. The two accountability partners/persons that God has used in my life are Susan Watts and Christa Wilson. What amazing things He has shown me through my fellowship with them. I am excited about the things He will be doing in my life through my accountability through Danielle. I ask that you would pray for me and pray for Danielle.

Writings

2006-02-05T22:02:00.000-05:00

Me and my Sissy! :)

So, I thought I would post something that I had written a while back now...hope you gain something from it! :)

Trials and misconceptions

By Rachel R. Snow

It is upon thought that we begin to understand something of supreme importance. Although, what we thought was so imperative, after time has gone its course, we look back upon and are amazed that we even spent so much time on the matter. Isn't it ironic then that we do this every time something interrupts the cycle of our life as we would prefer it to be? Given light and time to relax, our problems or situations seem so trivial to the ones we are presently in, and yet the cycle continues. We often assume we are the only humans on earth to experience this trial and do not look to the Bible to help us to sort it all out. We want to remain in control and know what is to happen next, but all the wanting in the world cannot change the fact that we know nothing when compared to the mind of God. We are only given a glimpse into the mind of God, yet it is He that remains in control of our destiny and we must give our cares to the Lord for it is only He that knows what is to come. We wait in expectation of information from everyone, it is in our daily conversations with people, yet the very things that are significant for us to find out about are the outcomes of trials and tribulations. We seek to have the answers in verbal or written form, like the writing on the walls or a voice from heaven, but it is much more often that in the silence we come to know the answers for which we seek. Like a breath of sweet peace upon the soul. The Lord provides our answers but are we ready to accept that the answer sometimes requires us not to know? Is it because He does not care? Quite the contrary, it is because He does care and loves us beyond anyone ever could. That is why He keeps certain things from us, so that we may depend upon Him more. We have seen it proved over the course of our lives that we cannot depend on anyone fully except for the one true God! Would we rather that our answers came from man who is not dependable, who has flaws, and knows not the answers to his own questions? Or rather, should we seek after the peace and guidance that comes from knowing God?

2006-02-04T22:49:00.000-05:00

I know it's late already and I should probably be in bed, but there were things I wanted to write. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 A couple of days ago I woke up in bed and I started quoting that scripture. I didn't know why the Lord had placed that verse in my mind. I didn't even know that I had memorized the verse or even knew where it was found! I reached for my Bible to look it up and sure enough, it was Hebrews 11:1. I had been thinking about a lot of things regarding the future. One of those things was something that every-now-and-then I think about, "How in the world will God be able to grant me a spouse? Will I always be single, will God remove the desire for intimacy...wouldn't it just be easier if He did?" I am so overcome with the desire to succeed in college, to go on and get my masters, and to fulfill my calling to serve in Peru (however long I may be called to serve there, and in what capacity). And I struggle with the idea of how God could even fit marriage in that time. I am so quick to put my wonderful Savior in a box and limit Him with a timeline...telling Him how it's going to be and getting frustrated when things don't happen the way I think He would want them. Then I remind myself that God and I do not share the same mind, and that God has more plans for me than I have for myself. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9
So, I know why God placed that scripture in my mind the other morning. I know what He's teaching me. He's teaching me to have faith in Him, to have faith in His promises, to have faith that everything will work out for those that love Him and seek after Him...to have faith in His plans...to have faith that God will do things in my life that I least expect...that He will remind me who is in charge and His ways are higher than my ways, and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. It's not just about trust...it's about Faith! "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Things I Must Overcome

2006-01-27T20:22:00.000-05:00

There will always be things to overcome in our lives. I need to overcome bitterness and forgive those who have caused grievances in my life. I need to forgive them in my own heart so that I may learn to love as Jesus loved.

I pray that those who God has placed and will place in my life will remember to be patient with me, I am a Christian who still makes mistakes and may not always say or do the right things. I will keep striving after Christ and his righteousness until I draw my last breath, and the Lord only knows when that will be.

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalms 34:19

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for you, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalms 9:10

Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Matthew 21:22

Praise

2006-01-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

Praise the Lord, praise His holy name forever!!! Our God is so good and marvelous and awesome! I just have to give praise to God, for everything He has done in my life. He's always been there and He will always see me through my frustrations and my pains. He has everything in His strong hands and He will never let me go. The things in my life that I think are my problems are not really my problems, because I can give them all up to my Savior! God, thank you that I can lay everything that is bothering me at your alter and that you will take them and work your wonders. You always have, why do I ever doubt that you won't? Forgive me for ever doubting your mighty hand in the midst of my life and in the midst of my trials and tribulations. You are mighty and there is none like you, my Lord and Savior and friend! Take this heart and make it new, may it ever reflect you, take my life and purge within, give me peace and joy again! Thank you for my mother and father, for their love and their wisdom and sound advice. Thank you for Hanna, that I can call and recieve encouragement in my walk with you and have a bond together that nothing can break! Thank you for Aaron, he is my big brother and truly cares about me. Thank you for Abby, she is a motivator and a woman of Christ! Thank you for my job and the people I work for. Thank you for my mentors, my close friends at home and at college (they know who they are...and I love you all), and my teachers who are there to offer a prayer. Thank you for the time to read your word on a daily basis, thank you for time to pray, thank you for time with you...every second of every day. May I ever strive to be like you and honor you with my life. Give me the words to speak and the patience to speak them, and give me the heart of understanding.

Conversations

2006-01-20T15:57:00.000-05:00

So, I had this really stimulating conversation with a friend of mine last night on the phone about a lot of different things. I am definitely a conversationalist and I like to be goofy and discuss serious issues (in my life, I take the approach that any serious issue, as a Christian, should be important for me to bring under the subjection of Jesus Christ!). Now, my friend is very goofy! And, when certain issues arise or he is prodded, he can carry a conversation very well. Yet, he is only this way around certain people. He's not a huge conversationalist (aka: shy), he prefers to let others dominate the conversations and he'll just listen. I laughed when he said this because I certainly have the capability to dominate a conversation but I don't want to. A conversation with yourself, just hearing yourself talk, is the most boring thing to do. I don't learn from myself, I learn from others! I can't know anyone unless they tell me about themselves. As a girl...hahaha...I think we are always striving for some response to what we are asking or saying. When you ask a guy, "how was your day?" you will normally get, "good". If you ask a girl, chances are she will go through every little detail of the day! Now, that may be exaggerating some, but bare with me. My friend Emily said once, "if you're a laid back person, at what point do you begin to care?" Not saying that you don't, but what things are extremely important to you that you would choose to speak up? I actually started playing 40 questions, as my guy friend would like to call it, and most of his responses were, "I don't know." LOL....I don't mind, really. I thought it was funny. I kept saying, "yes you do, just think!" I suppose because I am a woman and I have the gift of "conversation" that I enjoy asking questions and discussing important issues. This does not include gossip. I believe it to be a vile thing and I have no desire to partake in conversations that are solely begun to air out someone's dirty laundry or put them down in order that we may look better. News flash: gossip only makes us look worse. The Lord tells us in His word that if we do such things, our religion is in vain. Anyway, I like to know my friends. I like to know what makes them tick, what makes them happy, what saddens them (some think that crying, especially for a guy, is wrong), what gets their blood boiling, what issues do they feel most passionately about? Tell me why I should share my thoughts with you. I am not going to share my deepest, most innermost thoughts because those are for the Lord and for my husband someday. What I am asking is, do you want to know? It's not one-sided. A friendship is the exchange of feelings and thoughts with someone that you care about, and as a Christian, it is our duty to serve the Lord by serving people. Part of serving people is understanding their needs, their pains, their joys, and how better to be a friend to them. For me that includes understanding that, with my guy friend, silence can be good...and if you want to talk, bug him until he answers...lol...hahahaha. Naw, I'm just kiddin'. As I said last night, there is a time to talk and a time to be quiet, a time to laugh and a time to be serious....ya follow?

What are you thinking about as you read this? If you don't have blog, write me an email @: ewe571@msn.com.

Paintings

2006-01-05T01:11:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures taken of my oil paintings. There are a few others but they are not my favorites and not worth showing. My two mountain paintings are not shown. One belongs to and is displayed at the house of my brother and sister-in-law, Aaron and Abby. The other has just been finished, this evening actually, and as soon as it is dry (it will be about a week because oils take a long time to dry) it will be framed and sold to a friend of my brother's who enjoyed the painting displayed at the apartment so much that he placed an order for his own. :) I also have a HUGE flower painting hanging in the dining room of my sister's apartment. Maybe she'll take a photo and send it to me (hint-hint). I am almost finished with my second fairy painting, but it will have to be post-poned until after this semester. :( If you have one that you like, let me know! I enjoy feedback. If you want to make a purchase or to place an order for a particular scene to be painted...let me know! I hope you enjoy looking at them.

"Young Maiden"

"Orange Passion"

"Rose in Teacup"

"A Lovely Face"

"Bride"

"The Winter House"

"Night Ride With Fairies"

"A Place to Be Alone"

Christmas Photos

2006-01-03T00:13:00.000-05:00

Here are the long awaited Christmas Photos! :)

Me, Jonathan Julian, and Hanna! As tradition, we always go to the Julians' house on Christmas evening. We had such a blast!

The siblings! As tradition, we always take a picture at Grandma Snow's on her "comfortable" couch...hahaha.

Almost the whole family, just missing Hanna!

Back from left to right: Abby, Aaron, Dad(Mark), Michael, and Amy.

Front from left to right: Me, Santa Clause (real beard too), and Mom(Harriet).

Emily and me at the Weber's Christmas Party!!!

Sonny's Belated Christmas Present

2005-12-28T13:30:00.000-05:00

So, my dog decided to give me a belated Christmas present on Monday. On Sunday evening at 12:00, I suppose it would be Monday morning at 12:00, I was still up and was finally getting ready for bed. My Dad had fallen asleep on the couch and I put a blanket over him. Lying next to him on the floor was my dog, Sonny, still playing with his new toy. I went to my bedroom, closed the door, read for about an hour, and then finally turned off my lights and went to bed. I woke up and found poop on my floor..yes, that's what I said...poop! BUT my door was still closed! How do you explain that!? My Dad said that he let Sonny out to go potty at around 3:00am...but I think that my Dad was delirious or sleepwalking and thought he was opening the door to go outside, but in reality opened my door and then closed it after the little rascal had disposed of his gift! I will never know! When I am on my deathbed, I won't be saying, "Rosebud...Rosebud!" I'll be saying, "How'd the poop get there!?"

Christmas

2005-12-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

Christmas was wonderful. I hope that everyone had a pleasant time with their families and friends. Christmas Eve is always spent at my Grandma Snow's house. My grandma has this tradition to give stockings to the grandchildren. There is one requirement: that you must not be married. So, since my brothers and four cousins are married, it leaves only my sister and me. The great-grandchildren never come up for Christmas so there aren't any stockings for them. Hanna and I were proud of the fact that we still have stockings. We were going to try to make it to the age of 40 but after opening our stockings on Saturday, the contents containing scotch tape and highlighters- we concluded that it wasn't worth it. We have now lowered our age for when we relenquish the beloved stockings to 30.

Always, I look forward to the meal at my Grandmother Ditty's house (my mother's mother). She is the best cook ever! I call her up all the time for tips on cooking, especially with my pies. They always turn out delicious! I love making cherry, strawberry, apple, peach, and pumpkin. Yumm! I recieved some very nice gifts: a new tote, C.S. Lewis daily readings book (phenominal), a much needed hair dryer, money, gift card to GAP (perfect), pajama bottoms, Bath and Body Works products, much needed dress socks, and some yummy goodies.

As tradition, our family goes to the Julian's house on Christmas evening. I love them so much. We have been friends with the Julians for 11 years. Wow! Jonathan is my age and has been a best friend since we first met. He is hilarious! We normally play Catch Phrase when we get together and so, as tradition, Jonathan and I stratigically place ourselves on each other's team. It's sad, because people don't even have a chance when they play against us...we are so good! Hahaha We are still very much alike, it's scary. He and I fabricated this story years ago that we were twins separated at birth...although he is only 16 days younger than me, we still thought it was possible. He's always been my buddy, even if I have had other close friendships and we may not talk as often as we used to...I know he will always be there for me.

Well, I am alone with my parents once again. My sister just left for her home in Tennessee. It's always so nice to see my Sissy, we are extremely close. Now I am going to make something of my day and go out with my Mama. I may go see a movie with my Daddy later. New pictures will be arriving on the next post. Until then...blessings to everyone!

Chipotleholic

2005-12-22T12:46:00.000-05:00

Chipotle
Okay, so...I absolutely love this restaurant! Since it opened several years ago, I have been a constant customer. I thought I would share some photos from my 21st birthday, when I took three of my friends to Orlando to this amazing place called Chipotle!!! God's gift to food lovers...and my reason for exercising! Haha

This is me, about to embark on a truly wonderful experience: devouring the delicious steak fajita burrito! And next is Ben...the genius...the soon to be famous baseball pitcher...and my good guy friend on campus, who is wonderfully mastering the art of eating the Chipotle burrito.

Emily and I (we forgot to get a picture of Emily with her burrito), who are just looking nice. Emily came to stay for 4 days in Ohio last week and I miss her already! :( And then we have Kelly, beautifully posing with her lovely burrito...

Wisdom Teeth, College, and Far-off Lands

2005-12-21T17:17:00.000-05:00

We are the Three Musketeers...always doing something goofy and fun! Hehe

This is a picture from my 21st Brithday! From left to right: me, Kelly Nixon, and Emily Johnson. I positively love these girls! I had a wonderful sober birthday! :)
So, I had my wisdom teeth out yesterday. It was not bad at all. I loved being "knocked" out. I woke up and looked at my Mom, crossed my eyes, and said, "Mom, I think they did something to me!" She about died laughing. It was great.

I am finished with another semester at Warner Southern and recieved three As and two Bs for all my HARD work. So extremely excited!!! Keeping up my GPA! I currently have a 3.739 and hopefully it has gone up from this year's grades. Yep!

I have 16 credit hours in this next semester and after it is completed, I will be a junior!! Yayyy! I will be picking up voice and piano again, because I love music so much. I am also in the process of applying for the Best Semester programme at Oxford. I love living off campus and I am praying that the Lord would bless me with transportation this semester as well. My two favorite girl friends at Warner, Emily and Kelly, are graduating in May, *sniff* and I am looking to further more friendships so that I am not so alone next year. I still have Angela and Ben! Although, if I am in England it will be another year until I come back to Warner! Wow!

I am excited about Christmas and seeing all my family and friends! I love coming home but I love being away...funny isn't it? I enjoy breaks though. It's nice to not have to do anything, but after a couple of days I am ready for more challenges! I love getting to go to far-off places like Florida, Peru, and hopefully England! :)

Well, I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas celebrating our Savior's birth! Dios te bendiga!

Dedication

2005-10-13T00:20:00.000-04:00

This is now my second site in which I may journal and post pictures. I was introduced to it by my great friend, Christa Wilson. Thanks Christa! So, as I do with anything, I dedicate this site and the things said therein to the glory of Jesus Christ my Savior who was, and is, and is to come!