A couple of weeks ago I received a letter from my new sponsored child (through Compassion International), a beautiful young woman named Allen who lives in southern Uganda. She wrote that she wished to visit America so she could see "my place," that she was thankful I had chosen to sponsor her, and wrote of her family and favorite things (her favorite food is fish). Her favorite Bible verse is Hosea 6:1, which says, "Come and let us return to the Lord, for He has torn so that He may heal us; He has stricken so that He may bind us up," (Amplified). When I got to the very bottom of the page, I stopped and stared, and began to cry. It was then that I knew the Lord had specifically directed me to this young woman. For what purpose, I do not yet know, but it was clear the Lord had done something special. Why was this part of the page so important? Because it is where she had written her dream for the future.
Her dream is to be a nurse. Just like me.
Praise You, Father.
[[Revelation Song]]
Worthy is the
Lamb Who was slain,
Holy, holy is He.
Sing a new song
To Him who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God almighty,
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore you!
Clothed in rainbows
Of living color;
Flashes of lightning
Rolls of thunder...
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To you the only one King!
Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of your name!
Jesus, Your name is power,
Breath and living water!
Such a marvelous mystery!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hello, Mr. President
We have a new president now. George W. Bush, after 8 years of working what is arguably the toughest job in the nation, and perhaps even the world, has passed the torch to Mr. Barack Obama. As I despise all the commentary surrounding such events, the only coverage I watched (on the Internet rather than the television as I do not have cable) was the beautiful "Air and Small Gifts" composition by a diverse and talented quartet, the swearing-in, and the speech. The speech was very well-crafted, and I hope he can live up to at least some of its promises.
I also hope, that as the "honeymoon" phase ends and the weeks wear into months and we struggle to turn the Titanic of this nation around and head in a better direction, that all those who've placed such hope in him will not be disillusioned. I hope they will remember that he is just a man; like any other, he is subject to shortcomings and human failings, and he will make mistakes-it just comes with the territory of humanity. I do hope that Mr. Obama is able to enact change, that our economy stops its downward slide and starts back in an upward direction, that we are able to bring peace and stability to the Middle East and bring our brave service men & women home, that reforms are made to such ailing giants as healthcare, education, and social service programs. I hope these changes can be made without conceding too much power to the government and without socializing or nationalizing too many programs-especially with healthcare, which is generally even more inefficient and bureaucratic when a government is placed in charge-just take a look at Britain. I hope that we do not have to concede our rights in the name of "progress" and "change."
I hope that people will remember that true change takes time. When civil rights began to be fought for in the early 1950's, most marches and protests were localized, unique events that didn't get much coverage. With the advent of television, the message was able to spread more quickly. But it was not until 1968 that the final anti-discrimination legislation was passed (the Fair Housing Act), and that only after two years sitting in Congress and the death of a certain prominent minister who'd always advocated peaceful change-the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. This was also more than one hundred years after the official demise of slavery. I hope everyone will remember that and not grow impatient with Obama when change does not happen RIGHTNOW as they wish it would. When that happened in the 60's, with the growth of Black Power, the militant Black Panthers and even the numerous urban riots, it damaged the appearance of the civil rights movement-so I hope that those most desirous of change will remember that peaceful activism, though perhaps a bit slower than we'd like, is always most effective in the long run.
I don't know if any of those early civil rights activists, whom I admire for their faith and courage, would ever have thought the day would come that a black man (even half-black) could be president. I know I didn't expect to see it until I was much older, because I felt the United States was still too strongly biased to accept such a man as Commander-in-Chief. For a woman, it's even harder, especially if she has children (yet no-one has said a word about any man's abilities in government if he has children...). But that day has come. A line has been crossed, the bar has been raised, and I hope it inspires more minorities to strive for bigger and better things-because they are fully capable of achieving such things.
Congratulations, Mr. Obama. You have made history today. I hope you are able to keep most of the promises you've made and do not find yourself terribly stymied or limited by those in positions of power who seek only to improve themselves. I hope your tenure as President of the United States inspires others to dream big, to reach above the government "handouts," and make something of themselves-and especially, to ease the suffering of humanity the world over instead of focusing on themselves and what they can accomplish for their own gains.
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."
This quote, from Mr. Obama's inauguration speech, speaks volumes to me about what we, as Christians, should be aiming to do. Bringing the Gospel to all the unreached will not be an easy task-and we were never promised it would be. But if we will willingly give our all to this undoubtedly difficult task, what does that say about our character?
Mr. Obama, I hope the Lord meets you right where you are, and that He grants you wisdom in leading this flawed but great nation of ours.
Bethany
I also hope, that as the "honeymoon" phase ends and the weeks wear into months and we struggle to turn the Titanic of this nation around and head in a better direction, that all those who've placed such hope in him will not be disillusioned. I hope they will remember that he is just a man; like any other, he is subject to shortcomings and human failings, and he will make mistakes-it just comes with the territory of humanity. I do hope that Mr. Obama is able to enact change, that our economy stops its downward slide and starts back in an upward direction, that we are able to bring peace and stability to the Middle East and bring our brave service men & women home, that reforms are made to such ailing giants as healthcare, education, and social service programs. I hope these changes can be made without conceding too much power to the government and without socializing or nationalizing too many programs-especially with healthcare, which is generally even more inefficient and bureaucratic when a government is placed in charge-just take a look at Britain. I hope that we do not have to concede our rights in the name of "progress" and "change."
I hope that people will remember that true change takes time. When civil rights began to be fought for in the early 1950's, most marches and protests were localized, unique events that didn't get much coverage. With the advent of television, the message was able to spread more quickly. But it was not until 1968 that the final anti-discrimination legislation was passed (the Fair Housing Act), and that only after two years sitting in Congress and the death of a certain prominent minister who'd always advocated peaceful change-the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. This was also more than one hundred years after the official demise of slavery. I hope everyone will remember that and not grow impatient with Obama when change does not happen RIGHTNOW as they wish it would. When that happened in the 60's, with the growth of Black Power, the militant Black Panthers and even the numerous urban riots, it damaged the appearance of the civil rights movement-so I hope that those most desirous of change will remember that peaceful activism, though perhaps a bit slower than we'd like, is always most effective in the long run.
I don't know if any of those early civil rights activists, whom I admire for their faith and courage, would ever have thought the day would come that a black man (even half-black) could be president. I know I didn't expect to see it until I was much older, because I felt the United States was still too strongly biased to accept such a man as Commander-in-Chief. For a woman, it's even harder, especially if she has children (yet no-one has said a word about any man's abilities in government if he has children...). But that day has come. A line has been crossed, the bar has been raised, and I hope it inspires more minorities to strive for bigger and better things-because they are fully capable of achieving such things.
Congratulations, Mr. Obama. You have made history today. I hope you are able to keep most of the promises you've made and do not find yourself terribly stymied or limited by those in positions of power who seek only to improve themselves. I hope your tenure as President of the United States inspires others to dream big, to reach above the government "handouts," and make something of themselves-and especially, to ease the suffering of humanity the world over instead of focusing on themselves and what they can accomplish for their own gains.
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."
This quote, from Mr. Obama's inauguration speech, speaks volumes to me about what we, as Christians, should be aiming to do. Bringing the Gospel to all the unreached will not be an easy task-and we were never promised it would be. But if we will willingly give our all to this undoubtedly difficult task, what does that say about our character?
Mr. Obama, I hope the Lord meets you right where you are, and that He grants you wisdom in leading this flawed but great nation of ours.
Bethany
Friday, November 14, 2008
Having Compassion
For about a year and a half, I have sponsored a child through Compassion International. Her name is Scarle, she is six-and-a-half years old, and she lives in Peru. According to the info on my sponsor account, the average monthly income in her community is about $96. Lately the Lord has been challenging me to expand my faith and take on a second sponsorship (something I've wanted to do for a while but have been afraid to do because of my extremely unpredictable income). Last night I took the plunge.
I wanted an older child who'd been waiting for a long time for a sponsor, so I did a search. Only about half-a-dozen faces popped up, and one in particular drew me. She was the only young woman who showed up in the search. Her name is Allen, she is seventeen and lives in Uganda. She is in about seventh grade (when I was seventeen, I was in the middle of a challenging high school curriculum!) and the average monthly income in her area is $3. Yes, I said three dollars a month. That's less than I pay for a Starbucks cup of coffee, which only lasts about half an hour if you drink it slowly! All I could think was how incredibly privileged we are here in the United States, that we'd spend more on a single drink than some people make in a month. Incredible! I can only imagine how far my measly $32 per month will go in Uganda. From what I could tell, Allen has been waiting since at least last December for a sponsor, and I am glad to be able to meet her need. I just wish I could see her face when they tell her she's been sponsored.
I wanted an older child who'd been waiting for a long time for a sponsor, so I did a search. Only about half-a-dozen faces popped up, and one in particular drew me. She was the only young woman who showed up in the search. Her name is Allen, she is seventeen and lives in Uganda. She is in about seventh grade (when I was seventeen, I was in the middle of a challenging high school curriculum!) and the average monthly income in her area is $3. Yes, I said three dollars a month. That's less than I pay for a Starbucks cup of coffee, which only lasts about half an hour if you drink it slowly! All I could think was how incredibly privileged we are here in the United States, that we'd spend more on a single drink than some people make in a month. Incredible! I can only imagine how far my measly $32 per month will go in Uganda. From what I could tell, Allen has been waiting since at least last December for a sponsor, and I am glad to be able to meet her need. I just wish I could see her face when they tell her she's been sponsored.
Monday, November 3, 2008
election time
Elections are tomorrow. Many people are voting, many especially who have never done so before. In a day or two, we'll have a good idea of who will be our next president (though I understand there has to be some wait to know for sure, something about the electoral college). And we may have made the gravest mistake we could possibly have made.
I have held back for some time on discussing my concerns about this election, because I believe in examining evidence (NOT rhetoric) and coming to a conclusion based on those observations. And while my observations may not lead me to be excited about the candidate I am voting for, they do lead me to have deep concerns about the candidate I will NOT be voting for.
This candidate, for whom I am not voting, has incredible charisma, the likes of which have not been seen perhaps in decades. He speaks words of hope and change, all the while failing to openly disclose just what "change" he intends to make.
This candidate has caused an unease in my spirit for months, since long before it was decided who would be the actual candidates for the parties. This candidate's meteoric rise to political stardom is stunning, and disconcerting. This candidate would, I believe, create hardships for Christianity not yet seen in America. Perhaps the prayers of the Chinese church will soon come true-perhaps we will soon be facing strong persecution, and perhaps the church will begin to pray and fast and return to her first love. Why do I say he would create hardships for Christianity? Well, Christianity and Biblically-based beliefs oppose much of what he stands for, and even much of the far-left agenda. I have already seen his supporters attacking those who oppose him, and have seen many good people appear to have "the wool pulled over their eyes" regarding this candidate. His rise to prominence is unprecedented...and that, too has me concerned.
Father, I pray you'd hear my words and the words of so many of my brothers & sisters in You. I pray You'd move on the hearts of the people of this country to vote for the candidate who will allow Your work to continue unhindered, that we may continue to spread the Gospel over this earth. Please place Your hand upon this election, please move the hearts of Your people, please uncover their eyes that they be not deceived! And more than anything else, Father, I pray You would have mercy upon this nation...for what I fear we are about to do.
I have held back for some time on discussing my concerns about this election, because I believe in examining evidence (NOT rhetoric) and coming to a conclusion based on those observations. And while my observations may not lead me to be excited about the candidate I am voting for, they do lead me to have deep concerns about the candidate I will NOT be voting for.
This candidate, for whom I am not voting, has incredible charisma, the likes of which have not been seen perhaps in decades. He speaks words of hope and change, all the while failing to openly disclose just what "change" he intends to make.
This candidate has caused an unease in my spirit for months, since long before it was decided who would be the actual candidates for the parties. This candidate's meteoric rise to political stardom is stunning, and disconcerting. This candidate would, I believe, create hardships for Christianity not yet seen in America. Perhaps the prayers of the Chinese church will soon come true-perhaps we will soon be facing strong persecution, and perhaps the church will begin to pray and fast and return to her first love. Why do I say he would create hardships for Christianity? Well, Christianity and Biblically-based beliefs oppose much of what he stands for, and even much of the far-left agenda. I have already seen his supporters attacking those who oppose him, and have seen many good people appear to have "the wool pulled over their eyes" regarding this candidate. His rise to prominence is unprecedented...and that, too has me concerned.
Father, I pray you'd hear my words and the words of so many of my brothers & sisters in You. I pray You'd move on the hearts of the people of this country to vote for the candidate who will allow Your work to continue unhindered, that we may continue to spread the Gospel over this earth. Please place Your hand upon this election, please move the hearts of Your people, please uncover their eyes that they be not deceived! And more than anything else, Father, I pray You would have mercy upon this nation...for what I fear we are about to do.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Reflections on a year gone by...
I'm 23 today! Yay! Yikes! Yay!
It has been quite a year, with many changes, both good and bad. I was Initiated into my [women's] fraternity. My sister moved back to Tennessee and then back to North Carolina a few months later. I experienced joys and frustrations, happiness and sorrows, love and extreme dislike, and most everything in between. I never got to go to Texas as a 22-year-old, the first year since I was 18 that has happened. I made some friends and said goodbye to others, found myself (mostly unexpectedly) in leadership roles, was prophesied over and prayed over, watched friends marry or give birth (mostly from a distance), prayed for my someday beloved and learned more about the One who calls me Beloved. So, now that this crazy-hectic-never-to-be-repeated year has ended, where does birthday number 23 find me?
Here, for now. A few weeks ago I applied for a Global Expeditions trip and two Saturdays ago, I was accepted to go-to Azerbaijan. I wasn't sure it would be able to happen, but since that day, the Lord has been working on me, as I've spent more time with Him, awakening within me things that have long lain dormant-wishes, desires, dreams, and hopes, but most of all, and more importantly, Love.
When I was at the Honor Academy, and after I graduated, one of my most frequent prayers was, "Lord, break my heart for the things that break Yours. I want to see people as You see them, not as I see them, I want to feel for them what You feel for them, and I want to love them as You love them." The Lord taught me a great deal about brokenness in that year, and grew within me a deep, abiding love for the nations-all nations-and the people within them.
It's been a long time since I prayed that prayer. I wish that weren't true, but it is, and my heart has been toughened & hardened since I stopped praying it. I'm not even sure how long it's been since I stopped praying that prayer-months, perhaps a year or more. But in recent days, the breaking has begun anew. Little cracks in the wall, the dam that my heart has somehow become, and I know that soon the cracks will become bigger cracks, and bigger ones, and finally break the whole thing down if I allow Him to do it-and I want Him to. The deeper His love within me for people and for the nations, the straighter I'm able to keep my priorities. Otherwise, other stuff creeps in-stuff I'd like to have, and stuff I want-because I forget ever-so-quickly that this life is not about me.
Back in December, after a night of great presence of the Lord in our church, I was prophesied over, and this is what was spoken: "The nations are to become your priority. No longer are relationships to be your main priority, but the nations, and what I am calling you to." That thought has been within me, growing roots and taking hold, because I would be content to remain here in the States for years doing one thing after another, before I'd do what I know I am called to. But souls hang in the balance, and they are too important, too precious, too beloved for me to ignore the calling on my life. Yes, it means I'll have to make sacrifices, and yes, it means I don't get to do all I want, have all I want, gain the recognition I'd like to have for my achievements. Yes, it's going to hurt to give some of those wants up. But people's lives are too important for me to care the most about me.
As I face the growing possibility of a transfer to another school, the possibility of going to nursing school within the year, the possibility of being on the mission field (part-time or full-time) within as few as five years (after gaining nursing experience in the States first), the possibility of paying off my student loan debt (and hopefully not gaining any more), my heart steps slowly out of the timidity to which it is accustomed and begins to step into this new season. It's been a long time since I've had to trust the Lord this fully. But as He's spoken to me several times the last week or so-and will likely speak to me again-"You only see all that you are giving up, but I see all you have to gain."
It's time to stop thinking logically and start thinking faithfully. And I want to do that, in ever greater measure, because it is required for the life God has in store for me-if I obey him and follow His leading. My dad started my birthday off by having us take Communion at midnight-a very auspicious beginning to a new phase of life-the phase where I begin to move into my calling. To close, I want leave you with what my dad emailed me-right after midnight on this, my 23rd birthday-with only a tiny part cut out because I'm not authorized to share it with the world yet. :)
"My Dear Sweet Bethany!
"I want to take this time to wish you a very, very Happy Birthday! Your 22nd year was full of adventure and interesting developments. May your 23rd year be the very best you've ever had. May you find joy, peace, contentment, and lot's of fun as you enjoy life, friends, family, and the world around you. I bless you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. May you be blessed in your walk with God, your friends, your family. May you find strength and joy in His presence. May you increase in your knowledge of Him, may the joy of knowing Him increase in you. May you be blessed in all you do.
"We love you,
"Mom & Dad
"(This of course, is from Dad.)"
Blessings,
Bethany
P.S. I'm looking forward to Azerbaijan next summer! ;-)
It has been quite a year, with many changes, both good and bad. I was Initiated into my [women's] fraternity. My sister moved back to Tennessee and then back to North Carolina a few months later. I experienced joys and frustrations, happiness and sorrows, love and extreme dislike, and most everything in between. I never got to go to Texas as a 22-year-old, the first year since I was 18 that has happened. I made some friends and said goodbye to others, found myself (mostly unexpectedly) in leadership roles, was prophesied over and prayed over, watched friends marry or give birth (mostly from a distance), prayed for my someday beloved and learned more about the One who calls me Beloved. So, now that this crazy-hectic-never-to-be-repeated year has ended, where does birthday number 23 find me?
Here, for now. A few weeks ago I applied for a Global Expeditions trip and two Saturdays ago, I was accepted to go-to Azerbaijan. I wasn't sure it would be able to happen, but since that day, the Lord has been working on me, as I've spent more time with Him, awakening within me things that have long lain dormant-wishes, desires, dreams, and hopes, but most of all, and more importantly, Love.
When I was at the Honor Academy, and after I graduated, one of my most frequent prayers was, "Lord, break my heart for the things that break Yours. I want to see people as You see them, not as I see them, I want to feel for them what You feel for them, and I want to love them as You love them." The Lord taught me a great deal about brokenness in that year, and grew within me a deep, abiding love for the nations-all nations-and the people within them.
It's been a long time since I prayed that prayer. I wish that weren't true, but it is, and my heart has been toughened & hardened since I stopped praying it. I'm not even sure how long it's been since I stopped praying that prayer-months, perhaps a year or more. But in recent days, the breaking has begun anew. Little cracks in the wall, the dam that my heart has somehow become, and I know that soon the cracks will become bigger cracks, and bigger ones, and finally break the whole thing down if I allow Him to do it-and I want Him to. The deeper His love within me for people and for the nations, the straighter I'm able to keep my priorities. Otherwise, other stuff creeps in-stuff I'd like to have, and stuff I want-because I forget ever-so-quickly that this life is not about me.
Back in December, after a night of great presence of the Lord in our church, I was prophesied over, and this is what was spoken: "The nations are to become your priority. No longer are relationships to be your main priority, but the nations, and what I am calling you to." That thought has been within me, growing roots and taking hold, because I would be content to remain here in the States for years doing one thing after another, before I'd do what I know I am called to. But souls hang in the balance, and they are too important, too precious, too beloved for me to ignore the calling on my life. Yes, it means I'll have to make sacrifices, and yes, it means I don't get to do all I want, have all I want, gain the recognition I'd like to have for my achievements. Yes, it's going to hurt to give some of those wants up. But people's lives are too important for me to care the most about me.
As I face the growing possibility of a transfer to another school, the possibility of going to nursing school within the year, the possibility of being on the mission field (part-time or full-time) within as few as five years (after gaining nursing experience in the States first), the possibility of paying off my student loan debt (and hopefully not gaining any more), my heart steps slowly out of the timidity to which it is accustomed and begins to step into this new season. It's been a long time since I've had to trust the Lord this fully. But as He's spoken to me several times the last week or so-and will likely speak to me again-"You only see all that you are giving up, but I see all you have to gain."
It's time to stop thinking logically and start thinking faithfully. And I want to do that, in ever greater measure, because it is required for the life God has in store for me-if I obey him and follow His leading. My dad started my birthday off by having us take Communion at midnight-a very auspicious beginning to a new phase of life-the phase where I begin to move into my calling. To close, I want leave you with what my dad emailed me-right after midnight on this, my 23rd birthday-with only a tiny part cut out because I'm not authorized to share it with the world yet. :)
"My Dear Sweet Bethany!
"I want to take this time to wish you a very, very Happy Birthday! Your 22nd year was full of adventure and interesting developments. May your 23rd year be the very best you've ever had. May you find joy, peace, contentment, and lot's of fun as you enjoy life, friends, family, and the world around you. I bless you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. May you be blessed in your walk with God, your friends, your family. May you find strength and joy in His presence. May you increase in your knowledge of Him, may the joy of knowing Him increase in you. May you be blessed in all you do.
"We love you,
"Mom & Dad
"(This of course, is from Dad.)"
Blessings,
Bethany
P.S. I'm looking forward to Azerbaijan next summer! ;-)
Friday, September 19, 2008
arrrgggh!!!
Since today is apparently International Talk Like a Pirate Day, I thought I'd do a small pirate-y post in honor of that. Ahoy mateys! I be needin' ta know how you're doin' so you'd best be a-lettin' me know!
Okay that's all. I'm not very accomplished at Pirate-speak, as I am not a pirate and never wanted to be (I wanted to be a gypsy, which is similar but somewhat different than a pirate, as gypsies do tend to be thieves and pickpockets but rarely shoot or stab their victims or send their ships to the bottom of the ocean). I myself have been very busy of late, hence the lack of posting, but I would like to begin posting more frequently, the way I used to before I stopped getting comments on my blogs. ;-)
Here's hoping that you and yours are blessed and well and finding favor with our Lord.
Bethany
Okay that's all. I'm not very accomplished at Pirate-speak, as I am not a pirate and never wanted to be (I wanted to be a gypsy, which is similar but somewhat different than a pirate, as gypsies do tend to be thieves and pickpockets but rarely shoot or stab their victims or send their ships to the bottom of the ocean). I myself have been very busy of late, hence the lack of posting, but I would like to begin posting more frequently, the way I used to before I stopped getting comments on my blogs. ;-)
Here's hoping that you and yours are blessed and well and finding favor with our Lord.
Bethany
Friday, September 5, 2008
hurricane a'comin!
So Tropical Storm Hanna is moving right this way, and the college has suspended all activities for today and tomorrow, which means that I, effectively, have nothing to do! Well, after classes and work tonight (which hopefully shouldn't go late enough to be affected by the storm coming). I guess that means it's time for me to update.
This summer, I have: been given a car (have I mentioned this already? I forget-that's what happens when you don't blog very often, you forget what you've blogged about!). I have been gifted with some surprise money; given an additional scholarship; had a job fall into my lap; made new friends; and started the ball rolling on the Honors Club of which I am president. And it's only the second week of school! Granted, the last 2.5 weeks have been enough to make anybody feel a little crazy, but things are starting to fall into a routine and I am adjusting my schedule so I hopefully will not continue feeling overwhelmed. I also, after a very bad day Monday, discovered an amazing (and now favorite) drink: a Starbucks white chocolate mocha (decaf) with raspberry flavoring added and whipped cream on top. Mmmmm!
I also realized about three or four weeks ago that I have not given generously in quite some time. The tighter money has gotten, the more I have held onto it rather than giving it as I should. I decided to change that and began giving more (beyond my tithe, which has been given all along) and gave an amount that was fairly substantial for me (i.e. I couldn't really afford it). However, within days of doing that, I recieved a good bit of surprise money and literally had a job fall into my lap-one that fits well within my schedule. So now I work as a cashier at a little restaurant less than a mile from my house.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are at the Museum of Natural History in Raleigh. I am going to try to put together a trip for the Honors Club to go and see them. How awesome would that be?
I guess that's enough for now. It's not particularly funny or exciting or interesting, but that's basically life in a nutshell right now (the post, not the funny/exciting/interesting). I am also trying to decide the best way to continue my education, but keep going back and forth on my choices. Hmmm.
Bethany
This summer, I have: been given a car (have I mentioned this already? I forget-that's what happens when you don't blog very often, you forget what you've blogged about!). I have been gifted with some surprise money; given an additional scholarship; had a job fall into my lap; made new friends; and started the ball rolling on the Honors Club of which I am president. And it's only the second week of school! Granted, the last 2.5 weeks have been enough to make anybody feel a little crazy, but things are starting to fall into a routine and I am adjusting my schedule so I hopefully will not continue feeling overwhelmed. I also, after a very bad day Monday, discovered an amazing (and now favorite) drink: a Starbucks white chocolate mocha (decaf) with raspberry flavoring added and whipped cream on top. Mmmmm!
I also realized about three or four weeks ago that I have not given generously in quite some time. The tighter money has gotten, the more I have held onto it rather than giving it as I should. I decided to change that and began giving more (beyond my tithe, which has been given all along) and gave an amount that was fairly substantial for me (i.e. I couldn't really afford it). However, within days of doing that, I recieved a good bit of surprise money and literally had a job fall into my lap-one that fits well within my schedule. So now I work as a cashier at a little restaurant less than a mile from my house.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are at the Museum of Natural History in Raleigh. I am going to try to put together a trip for the Honors Club to go and see them. How awesome would that be?
I guess that's enough for now. It's not particularly funny or exciting or interesting, but that's basically life in a nutshell right now (the post, not the funny/exciting/interesting). I am also trying to decide the best way to continue my education, but keep going back and forth on my choices. Hmmm.
Bethany
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
a confession...
I am a posting slacker. There, I admitted it.
In other news, I have lots to catch up on with you guys, but I will do it later...after class, dinner, our recruitment party, and the homework I haven't done for my statistics & research methods class that's due tomorrow.
And with that lack of an update, I bid you adieu.
In other news, I have lots to catch up on with you guys, but I will do it later...after class, dinner, our recruitment party, and the homework I haven't done for my statistics & research methods class that's due tomorrow.
And with that lack of an update, I bid you adieu.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
fireflies dancing in the dusk
So, it's hot. Summer is here in Carolina in full force and the sweltering heat makes it easy to want to stay indoors and drink cold drinks. It's rained a good bit this summer, more than the last couple summers combined, I think, which is wonderful. We've needed the rain badly. Sometimes the rain comes in dreary clouds that turn the sky gray and it drizzles down, soaking the ground gently. Other times it comes roaring in ferociously, putting on impressive shows of light and sound, falling with such intensity it's as if someone were dumping giant buckets of water over the earth. Either way, the rain is a welcome relief from the bright sun and heat. And of course, it's a delight to watch the fireflies come out to play after the sun has gone to rest.
I've been working a bit (though I could use more) and relaxing, preparing for the coming school year that will start in August. I still have many things to do before then, when I will assume more responsibility and leadership in some of my organizations. I do look forward to seeing my friends and sorority sisters again.
My sister and her husband have moved back from Tennessee and have been trying to get work and living arrangements worked out. We also dog-sat for a friend of my parents who moved from halfway across the country. All I have to say is that dog is cute but stubborn, and I'm glad I'm not responsible for him anymore.
My fishies are doing well, though I've had a few casualties. My betta Josiah, who came with me from Texas last summer, passed last month, as did Kate the snail, who also came from Texas. One-eyed Willie is doing great, and I have a new betta who doesn't have a name yet. He's gorgeous though. I feel kind of nerdy talking about my fish in my blogs, but they are my pets and I love them. They're lots of fun and very interactive. Maybe sometime I'll post a link to the video of my mom's fish who allows us to pet him. He's a character.
For the first time in four years, I am not in Texas. By this time in the summer, every summer since 2004 when I first went to Panama with Global Expeditions, I've been in Texas (or otherwise with Teen Mania). In 2005 I was an intern, working in the SAC (Student Activity Center), serving meals to all of the missionaries and campers who came through there. That was my favorite job of all time at Teen Mania, and I loved it.
In 2006 I returned to volunteer and spent the summer mostly on custodial, but occasionally on K-crew. I cleaned lots of toilets, swept lots of floors, and served lots of food. It was great. I went to as many GE sessions as I could manage, saw Skillet in concert, and heard Tim & Will from Travel the Road speak. That was a fantastic summer. I also went to Mexico for two weeks, which was a very stretching experience-more so than even ESOAL, because it lasted for two weeks. Being sick for two weeks before the trip (and trying desperately to get well), then going full speed ahead into GE mode where we were going continuously from early morning to late night and getting an average of five hours of sleep (which brought the cold back in full force) did NOT make that a fun trip. Regardless, the Lord did a lot, taught me a lot, showed me a lot, and I grew to love a lot of people. And the upside is that I couldn't smell anything when we were at the dump! (I still remember the day I sniffed and realized my sinuses had cleared enough for me to smell the stench as we drove past-I was so excited, and told everybody, "Hey, I can smell again!")
Last summer, I went to The Call in Nashville, staying with my sister who lived near there, and a week later went to my old roomie Lisa's wedding. It was beautiful. Then I drove to Texas, expecting four more weeks of toilet-cleaning, floor-sweeping, and food-serving. I did a grand total of one day of toilet cleaning, then was unexpectedly pressed into service as a volunteer counselor. Now that was an adventure. I was a little surprised, because that was the first leadership position I'd been put into at Teen Mania (excepting my experiences as a missionary advisor with GE), and it was, again, totally unexpected. I loved it. Well, most of it... I had a delightful group of volunteer girls and fun hanging out with my fellow volunteer counselors. I didn't have as much time as I'd hoped to spend with old friends from my intern days, but it was okay. I knew before I came that the Lord was bringing me to Texas for a specific purpose, though I'd had no idea what it was, and I think my "take life as it comes" attitude was helpful in making the necessary adjustments. I also saw the wedding of my first brother core CA Brandon (also a beautiful wedding).
Now we are up to summer 2008. It's hot, it's beautiful, and I've no money to go to Texas. I was pretty heartsore when I realized that would be the case, but sometimes things just don't work out the way we'd wish them to. It would have been wonderful to return to my favorite little corner of the world, see a few old friends, make new ones, and eat as many sno-cones as I could hold, but hey-there's always next summer! By then, most of my friends from Teen Mania will be gone, having moved on to the next stage of their lives, and I won't know much of anyone there, but there will be new friends to make.
I'm not really sure why I'm writing all of this, but it's been a very long time since I sat and put my swirling thoughts into order like this (if this can, indeed, be called order), and it needed doing. I still miss Texas and can't wait to return, but the Lord is ordering my steps, even if they don't always lead where I'd wish them to go.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, and may He give you peace.
Bethany
I've been working a bit (though I could use more) and relaxing, preparing for the coming school year that will start in August. I still have many things to do before then, when I will assume more responsibility and leadership in some of my organizations. I do look forward to seeing my friends and sorority sisters again.
My sister and her husband have moved back from Tennessee and have been trying to get work and living arrangements worked out. We also dog-sat for a friend of my parents who moved from halfway across the country. All I have to say is that dog is cute but stubborn, and I'm glad I'm not responsible for him anymore.
My fishies are doing well, though I've had a few casualties. My betta Josiah, who came with me from Texas last summer, passed last month, as did Kate the snail, who also came from Texas. One-eyed Willie is doing great, and I have a new betta who doesn't have a name yet. He's gorgeous though. I feel kind of nerdy talking about my fish in my blogs, but they are my pets and I love them. They're lots of fun and very interactive. Maybe sometime I'll post a link to the video of my mom's fish who allows us to pet him. He's a character.
For the first time in four years, I am not in Texas. By this time in the summer, every summer since 2004 when I first went to Panama with Global Expeditions, I've been in Texas (or otherwise with Teen Mania). In 2005 I was an intern, working in the SAC (Student Activity Center), serving meals to all of the missionaries and campers who came through there. That was my favorite job of all time at Teen Mania, and I loved it.
In 2006 I returned to volunteer and spent the summer mostly on custodial, but occasionally on K-crew. I cleaned lots of toilets, swept lots of floors, and served lots of food. It was great. I went to as many GE sessions as I could manage, saw Skillet in concert, and heard Tim & Will from Travel the Road speak. That was a fantastic summer. I also went to Mexico for two weeks, which was a very stretching experience-more so than even ESOAL, because it lasted for two weeks. Being sick for two weeks before the trip (and trying desperately to get well), then going full speed ahead into GE mode where we were going continuously from early morning to late night and getting an average of five hours of sleep (which brought the cold back in full force) did NOT make that a fun trip. Regardless, the Lord did a lot, taught me a lot, showed me a lot, and I grew to love a lot of people. And the upside is that I couldn't smell anything when we were at the dump! (I still remember the day I sniffed and realized my sinuses had cleared enough for me to smell the stench as we drove past-I was so excited, and told everybody, "Hey, I can smell again!")
Last summer, I went to The Call in Nashville, staying with my sister who lived near there, and a week later went to my old roomie Lisa's wedding. It was beautiful. Then I drove to Texas, expecting four more weeks of toilet-cleaning, floor-sweeping, and food-serving. I did a grand total of one day of toilet cleaning, then was unexpectedly pressed into service as a volunteer counselor. Now that was an adventure. I was a little surprised, because that was the first leadership position I'd been put into at Teen Mania (excepting my experiences as a missionary advisor with GE), and it was, again, totally unexpected. I loved it. Well, most of it... I had a delightful group of volunteer girls and fun hanging out with my fellow volunteer counselors. I didn't have as much time as I'd hoped to spend with old friends from my intern days, but it was okay. I knew before I came that the Lord was bringing me to Texas for a specific purpose, though I'd had no idea what it was, and I think my "take life as it comes" attitude was helpful in making the necessary adjustments. I also saw the wedding of my first brother core CA Brandon (also a beautiful wedding).
Now we are up to summer 2008. It's hot, it's beautiful, and I've no money to go to Texas. I was pretty heartsore when I realized that would be the case, but sometimes things just don't work out the way we'd wish them to. It would have been wonderful to return to my favorite little corner of the world, see a few old friends, make new ones, and eat as many sno-cones as I could hold, but hey-there's always next summer! By then, most of my friends from Teen Mania will be gone, having moved on to the next stage of their lives, and I won't know much of anyone there, but there will be new friends to make.
I'm not really sure why I'm writing all of this, but it's been a very long time since I sat and put my swirling thoughts into order like this (if this can, indeed, be called order), and it needed doing. I still miss Texas and can't wait to return, but the Lord is ordering my steps, even if they don't always lead where I'd wish them to go.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, and may He give you peace.
Bethany
Monday, June 30, 2008
I am a lazy blogger
But I did want to have a post in June, so here it is. :-)
I do promise an update soon.
Bethany
I do promise an update soon.
Bethany
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