A Prayer for Direction

Memories

So Troy and I are starting to work on a wedding powerpoint to show the best we can visually of how our lives came together over the last 28-32 years:) (32 being Troy's years.) lol. Looking through lots of old pictures wonderful memories have come up and sometimes I think I even wish just for 1 hour I could go back and spend a moment in those times again. Just to remember the joyfulness of my childhood and all the wonderful times.

But instead I will just take a moment to post this picture and share some simple childhood memories.......pink fuzzy slippers, two pigtails on either side of my head tied with fuzzy ribbons, a small toy piano to amuse myself for hours in my room, Strawberry Shortcake sheets, and my little pony dolls.

Thinking upon God's love

The other day I was reminded of the depths of God's love through the love of His creation (other humans).

It all hit me as I sang the lyrics to a popular praise song.

"You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same"

"You are amazing God"

There are times when I feel that those close to me put up with a lot. I might be grumpy one day, or I might just lie around and complain and moan other days and somedays I might be just plain out mean.

What do I really deserve? Surely not their love. And yet I get it.

And many days I am nowhere near a point of deserving God's love but He graciously bestows it upon me no matter what.

God's love is truly amazing and I am humbled by it and I am also humbled by those who love me through this same kind of love reminding me of the true source of where it comes.

The end of summer

So I realized just the other day that summer is over.

Labor Day has come and gone, I started my first day of teaching, and it is getting dark around 8pm:(

Summer has come and gone and so much has happened.

And since I posted at the beginning of the summer expressing the excitement over what God would bring in during this season of my life, I suppose I should take a minute and share.

My sister came and spent much of the summer with me, which is always nice since I don't see her much during the year.

Love you sis!

I finished my last summer of graduate classes at Penn State University and only have to finish my graduate research project within the next 3 years to complete my masters.

Lots of work but so worth it in the long run.

I learned how to play guitar hero and became an expert:) Several hours of practice until 1am can be a lot of fun.

And I became the fiancé of the most wonderful man in the whole world, bought a wedding dress, and began planning for a very special day when I will be able to wear that dress.

The beauty and warmth of summer brought much warmth and beauty to my heart this year and I am thankful for the creator of summer and the creator of me for all of the wonderful blessings He has shone down on me.

Saturday - August 18th, 2007

ANOTHER SPECIAL DAY!

Happy Birthday!

Friday - August 10th, 2007

A VERY SPECIAL DAY!!!

The Last Day

The day is finally here!!! My last day of graduate classes at Penn State University. It seems like just yesterday that I was coming up to start (actually 4 years ago). I sit here before heading to my last two classes excited for sure, to get sleep that has been neglected the last 3 weeks and to relax before starting another school year. But there is a slight emotion of sadness hanging around me too. Each summer that I have attended classes I have left energized and excited to teach another school year. I have learned so much about myself and my teaching and have really come to understand how to impact my students even more with music. I will miss these inspiring summers. But I will remember how they have encouraged me and how learning has brought me rejuvination and I will continue to strive for that in my future. And who knows, maybe someday my brother won't be the only Dr. in the family. But I won't discuss that much now because I need a BREAK!