audio post powered by audblog
Keeping time
I’ve got a little habit that I’ve only recently realized is strange.
I celebrate the anniversaries of all sorts of things – mentally, at the very least. Let me give you a few examples.
26 April 2004 – 2 year anniversary of college graduation
24 May 2004 – 23rd birthday of the guy I liked for three years in my early teens
4 June 2004 – 12 year anniversary of that time we went to Disney World in sixth grade
1 July 2004 – 7 year anniversary of getting my braces off
25 Oct 2004 – 2 years since one painful DTR, 3 years since another
2 Nov 2004 – 5 years of walking with the Lord
12 Nov 2004 – 9 years since I performed in a NFL halftime show
You get the idea. Some of these events are rather significant; I’ll probably tally the years since my college graduation and since I got real in my faith for decades to come. Although some of the events I remember are silly, the others have served as mile markers for me. I can look at some major points in my life and recognize how far I’ve come since.
I remember the freedom that I felt at Providence Canyon. That was the day that I decided I wasn’t going on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (two years ago this month). I remember the tears I cried on the drive to Matt Schoolfield’s graduation party. I can’t forget driving through the streets of Trussville and bawling as “Somewhere North” filled my car.
And if I’m wise, neither will I forget the lessons that Jesus has taught me in the time since.
Melancholy reflections
audio post powered by audblog
Ah, spring.
I’m spoiled rotten.
As I drove home from class earlier this week, I spotted daffodils growing alongside a nearby fence. I sported a wide grin that lasted as I drove the final couple of blocks home and climbed the stairs to my apartment.
The next day, I noticed that my entire “neighborhood” (if you will) was covered in flowers. Daffodils had been planted in several locations, pansies were abundant and various other blooms popped up at random.
Spring has come to Alabama. I’m thrilled. 😀
But wait – the story gets better! I went with a couple of guys to pick up my roommate from the airport last night. She had promised me some sort of surprise from California. All I knew was that it was fragile, so when she handed me a Starbucks bag, I was kind of confused.
“Open it,” she urged.
I pushed back the paper to find five bunches of daffodils. 😀 She’d purchased them that morning and carried them across the nation for me. How did I get such a great friend?!
Following some crazy rain dancing in the parking lot, I divided the flowers into a variety of vases. They’re now scattered about our apartment, and I beam whenever they catch my eye. The bunch that has opened the most so far is in my bedroom. 🙂
Oh, but you thought my flower-inspired ramblings ended there? No sir!
I took a walk to the mailbox a few minutes ago, because what I had to send wouldn’t fit in ours. Whoever thought I should have a digital camera just caused the world tons of trouble. (Thanks, Mom!) I’m sure that passers-by found me a bit strange as I sat in the road and on the sidewalk, capturing images of these flowers to bring smiles in days yet to come.
Ah… spring.
Sunny day, sweepin’ the clouds away
audio post powered by audblog
Hope springs eternal
Internship updates:
But in the meantime, don’t stop here. Read the next entry! Don’t skip over it just because you see something newer. 🙂
Sacrilege or sainthood?
You think the sound of Bible pages turning is nice? Try the sound of ripping them out.
Okay, just one page – and before you get your panties in a twist, I should probably explain myself.
It seems that I’m too hard on my Bibles. It’s not that I read them too much (I only wish that were the problem!) – they just have a tendency to fall apart on me.
The pages of my Bible have separated from the binding. The last two pages of maps split from one another, leaving the innards of the book’s bonded leather cover exposed. I’ve had this particular Bible for just under two years. I promise you I haven’t read it that much.
Actually, this is the second time I’ve had a Bible fall apart on me. Two years ago, the end of Revelation fell out of my NIV Student Bible. I was extremely disappointed – that’s the best part! That’s where we win! The deterioration of that text lead to the purchase of my NIV Thinline (eggplant in color. I thought I was so original, and then Alisa came home one day with the exact same Bible! :))
When I realized that both are Zondervan products, I decided that they must be out to get me. Alisa brought home their customer service number for me. This morning, I finally remembered to give them a call in an effort to straighten things out.
That straightening took no longer than the amount of time I spent on hold. After reading the ISBN to the customer service rep, he asked for my name and address. “You’ll receive a replacement Bible in 6-10 business days,” he informed me.
The process was so easy, in fact, that all I’m expected to do in return is to send them a thin piece of paper with the reason for the replacement written on it.
As I ripped the requested title page from my Bible, I thought, “Surely Zondervan deserves a shout-out.”
Customer service in exchange for destroying a small part of the Bible? Whatever works. 😉
(And before you get up in arms about that, realize I am being faceitious. It’s a title page! And a book, for goodness sake – not the actual word of God. Respect it, yes, but I don’t deify it. ;))
It’s Friday night and I just got paid
I think I just figured out why I avoid paying bills until just before they’re due.
It stinks to see my checking balance drop $900 in one fell swoop.
I’ve never been much for the baring of soul/In the prescence of any man
So turn off the light and reveal all the glory
I am not afraid
To bear all my weakness, knowing in meekness
I have a kingdom to gain
–Jennifer Knapp
I’m really dissatisfied with my life right now. But I know that, short of the power of God, I’m the only person who can do anything about that. So I’m hanging in there.
I have all these dreams, and I feel like I’m so far from achieving any of them. I feel like every day is something that I live through just so I can get to the next – and get closer to the future.
I’m not a big fan of this dissatisfaction. I want to do something with my life. But part of that desire (right now) is to get away from here.
Six hours to go… and I’m still not convinced that I’ll be much better for the time and money I’ve invested in this education of mine.
That scares me.
Ain’t it funny how a melody can bring back a memory?
audio post powered by audblog