Happy Leap Day!

This is the year 2012, and it is February 29th! This is exciting for multiple reasons.

I only have 2 classes today.

Small group is tonight! SO EXCITED.

Spring Break is in 3 days! …midterms tomorrow and Friday.

I feel like I have an extra day to catch up (yes, I know the week goes on as usual, just making this year 366 days).

But I do have an extra day to catch up, PTL! My sociology midterm is online (aka, it’s going to kick my butt), but I discovered last night that it isn’t due until this weekend!

I have a paper due this afternoon (completed!) and a midterm in my Intro to Elementary Ed class on Thursday, so this is a huge relief. I feel as if I’ve been given an extra day to live by it being Feb. 29th, but also by realizing I have an extra day to study for a midterm!

Thank You Lord for the small blessings–for more time to glorify You and not me. Show me how to use it well.

As I fret over and celebrate time, You hold time in Your hand.

40 Days of Prayer

This is the packet I received last night when I attended my church‘s Night of Prayer.  Members are to utilize this packet as a guide to set aside time everyday to pray (with 2 days of fasting).  The idea is to foster collective prayer and enhanced unity in fellowship via increased adoration for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection–all for the sake of His renown.

Yesterday, being Monday, was a bit crazy (and rainy), and having to embarrassingly leave a class early, praying my car wouldn’t be towed where I parked it, and driving in the rain on the way there with my gas light on while on the phone with an upset girlfriend–I was not in the mood to pray.  I can be really mature at times…

Worshipping and praying with close friends is incredible.  While I sat with a lot of fellow college students, I was able to pray with my best friend and co-small group leader, Bailey, her awesome boyfriend Justin, and the man who is courting me, Bradley.  Such power in those relationships; so many relationships for which to pray; so many people in our lives who have yet to be raised to life in Jesus.  Come, Lord.

The Gospel manifested between believers is literally Heaven on earth. Move us, Spirit.

Our pastor read a passage toward the beginning of the night, Psalm 126:

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

We rejoice for our own salvation and weap for those who are still lost. But those who labor for Christ’s fame with a broken heart for sin will not return empty-handed.  May I recall the depth of which Jesus pulled me out, so that I will ask and expect Him to do the same for other people.  Use me; send me.  You took my place–You will be glorified for eternity.

Snail Mail.

I love Valentine’s Day. I love that our culture sets aside a day to celebrate and acknowledge those we love.

I love also love snail mail.  Despite the kind of day I’ve had, getting a letter in the mail, just for me, is the sweetest thing.  So my love for stamps, envelopes and pretty pens, coupled with my love for lots of people, always produces Valentine’s Day cards!  36 this year, in fact.

Since I always send many, it is essential that I keep them simple.  PTL for Pinterest. 

This was my inspiration:

So I collected my materials from Target, of course:

I picked out cute Valentine-themed googly eyes (LOVE that they were different shapes!) : 

And some cute heart stickers (which I didn't realize were stickers until half-way through the assembling process) : 

I re-created the "eye love you" Valentines from my pin:

And added scripture to the inside of the cards:

Target was OUT of standard envelopes--they only had security!  Thankfully I had forgotten about some cute colorful envelopes I had tucked away.  Crisis averted.  

Address writing takes forever.

The finished 36!

On this day, however, I can’t help but be reminded of the original Lover.  He didn’t bring me a dozen roses, or chocolates, or even a lovely candle-lit dinner.   He asked for my love on the Cross.  And He proved that He will always be faithful and powerful by resurrecting Himself.  For me.  Kind of mind-blowing.  I will only find that kind of love in Him.