Much Awaited has Arrived

Sitting Here

So I am sitting here in the Staff Lounge enjoying some Cocoa Wheats with the last 50 minutes of my 24 hours off. Man, I really cant believe that today is Thursday and that come Saturday the youngins I've been hanging out with for the past 3 weeks are gonna return back home. It's also sorta hard to take that summer is pretty much half way over. It's Crazy!!

I am really excited about Crazy Dress Dinner tonight, I finally have an actual costume that I am going to wear rather than just throwing plaid and polka dots together and calling it crazy. It should be a good one.

My kids are shadowing resident counselors today and it's Luke's day off, so I am assuming I will just be doing support staff stuff, which is cool with me.

Alright I really have nothing constructive to say right now, so I am going to go finish my breakfast but remember...

My address is:
226 Camp Rockfish Road
Parkton, NC 28371

Just in case you guys forgot ::wink wink::

24 Hours Off

So I have finally arrived at the much needed 24 hours off that I am being granted as a reward for doing the three week camp thing. I need it. I'm tired and worn out and really just need a day to have some "me time" before I will be any good to my kids.

I hate when I get this kind of worn out tired sorta way because I lose a lot of my patience and then can just not be a very fun person to be around. My kids are tired too, so we all could really use some time off.

Anywho, so Sunday I woke up to the sweet serenade of the Cape Fear river. It was quite awesome, I must admit. We took a 9-mile canoe trip down the Cape Fear over Saturday and Sunday and then camped out, right on the river bank. It was soo cool. I had never done that before, I had been down the Cape Fear when I was a senior high camper, but it was just so freeing to just pick a spot and pitch a tent. Our kids were really awesome too, they didn't get on each others backs or down their throats, so it was good. Luke and I read "Why the Cross" to them and talked about surrender. We really wanted to hit them hard with what it means to really surrender to God. I think they are starting to get it.

AHH...we're going to the mountains this weekend. I am so excited, not only will it be like 20 degrees cooler BUT it will just be more relaxing. So yeah...

I'm off .

Hurray!!

So as of Saturday I am officially 19-years-old...whoot whoot for me. I must say, I want to give major major thanks to all of my super awesome friends who really made my birthday awesome...this includes everyone from my personal chefs Stephen and Jordan to the WU kids who came all the way to Rockfish to play with me...Seriously...thanks, it was awesome.

So pretty much this is the deal...for the next three weeks I am with the CITs (Counselors in Training) and man, that's a l-o-n-g assignment. It's exciting, on the one hand because we get to do a lot of trips and special activities and whatnot, but at the same time, it's a pretty demanding assignment as well, but it has all been prayerfully considered and approached and so I know that God has put Luke and I with these kids for a reason.

I canoed today for the first time since my first summer working and that made me very happy, seeing as how canoing is my favorite camp activity.

Well I am off for now...

P.S. This whole sending me mail deal hasnt quite panned out, I mean, I'm not mad, but guys...I put the address right up so you didn't have to work too hard...::wink:: just kidding, or maybe not

My Kids Totally Dominated

Well let me tell you, my kids are a whole mess of fun. We have five girls and three boys and we have been going non-stop since they got here yesterday and it has been so much fun.

Last night we had opening campfire and then played this game called Ultimate (which is pretty much like capture the flag and flashlight tag where you sneak all over camp at night) and whoo day, my kids totally dominated and by dominated I mean we were the only group to successfully capture a flag (which we totally swiped from the staff) and we almost got another one with a great joint effort between our boys and girls.

It has been raining ALL DAY LONG but luckily we have been making the best of it which includes lots of rainy day songs and puddle stomping. My kids are bouldering right now (climbing a rockwall in the lodge) and I'm on my hour off...even though they're good, its a nice break.

I'm gonna jet.

The Day Has Come

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it....

Camp starts today!I have a group, which is of no suprise because there are only four female senior staff, one of which is currently not here. I am really excited though. I have Pathfinders, which is 3rd-5th graders with Levi...so I feel we are going to be having a good week. One of the girls in my group this will be by third year in a row being her counselor. We are going to be going going going all week long and are gonna be super tired, but thats ok, we'll just see how things go without an H-Hour.

We had a day off yesterday which was nice...went to Wal Mart (twice) and then Jordan and I had a hot date with Steve Smith ::wink:: lucky us. I also finally got more than 7 hours of sleep which was much needed and good so I can be pumped and ready for the youngins today and the hot bowl of Cocoa-Wheats is definitely a good start to my morning.

A lot has been going on but I don't realy have time to catch up everything now, I need to get dressed and scoot to church.

Internet at Last

Most of you are well aware of my slight amount of internet addiction, well I would like to point out that I have successfully gone almost a week without ANY form of internet and I have been quite alright without it, but I figured I would take advantage of this internet access to do a little updating.

Oh man...they are running us ragged here this summer but in a good way...

The past few days we have been doing this "Great Amazing Race" deal which has had us running (Micah is the coolest guy) all over the place and doing all these crazy challenges. My team definitely came in last BOTH days but what we lack in athletic ability we make up for in encouragement and incredible good looks. We also have been going through Bible studies which are going to be more intense then past summers and we had (whoot whoot) awesome worship last night. Oh, and I have also been learning sign language from one of the guys here (I can sign all of "You are my Sunshine") and I got CPR certified...Go me...

Man though, I have been having such a great time, this summer is going to be so awesome (I am still expecting mail)

Yes, this is not a very good post, perhaps I shall write something better later, when I am not as tired and worn, but that is a little insight into what I have been up to. Hopefully I will get some pictures up soon.

Aching

I want to note...my E-N-T-I-R-E body hurts at this very moment. Why you might ask? Well there is a very simple answer to that. Upon arriving at camp to camp to do what I thought was going to be working for Dads, Lads, and Gals I totally got told that I wanted to be a lifeguard and therefore must complete lifeguard training.

Yes, so for the past three days I have probably spent more time in the pool than I ever have in all my years here combined, I am sun burt all over, and I just ache from all the swimming and skills that I'm just not that good at.

I'm telling you now...Brooke isn't going to actually get certified, but for now I am enduring the training for it.

So moral of the story is...I hurt...and my lips are chapped...and I am hungry but everyone is playing Halo, therefore dinner has been postponed. That's it.

High School

Today, I had a marvelous sandwich in a sack lunch prepared by Natasha. Thought I would let you know.

I always knew high school was never really my thing. It wasn't something that I particularly was excited about after middle school and after my first day my freshman year I was pretty much ready to graduate and move on. But despite the fact I was far too cool for high school, even after moving to the Academy, I dealt with it, had a few good laughs, and despite the handful of caring and inspiring people I was priveledged to meet, I walked across that stage, without a tear, knowing I was never really going to wish I was back at high school.

Today only confirmed these feelings.

Today Tasha and I went back to the Academy and looking around at the kids there, how they interact, what they value, how they think...I don't miss any of it. Yes, the jokes and the little spats and behaviors are their own form of cute, endearing, and entertaining, I had no desire to spend more than a few hours there visiting some cool cats.

Then for some odd reason, I managed to get myself roped into spending an hour at Myrtle Beach High School for a chours, band, orchestra thing. Just being in that building makes my stomach hurt.

Sigh.

Not much good dwelling in that. Trust me kids, college is much better.

Oh yes, and by the way a Happy Birthday to Ben Moser...who turned older today ::wink::

All Letters, Gifts, Packages and Other Things Sent Through the Mail Are Accepted and Appreciated

Because I know you are all just DYING to know, I am posting my summer address, do with it what you will (although I will note you will be forever blessed for any and all parcels of mail sent my way ::wink::):

Brooke Currie

226 Camp Rockfish Road

Parkton, NC 28371

And while you are at it...check out this cool link to see where I will be:

http://www.rockfishoutdoorcenter.org

Your #1 Match: INFP

The Idealist You are creative with a great imagination, living in your own inner world. Open minded and accepting, you strive for harmony in your important relationships. It takes a long time for people to get to know you. You are hesitant to let people get close. But once you care for someone, you do everything you can to help them grow and develop. You would make an excellent writer, psychologist, or artist.

Your #2 Match: ISFP

The Artist You are a gifted artist or musician (though your talents may be dormant right now). You enjoy spending your free time in nature, and you are good with animals and children. Simply put, you enjoy bueaty in all its forms and live for the simple pleasures in life. Gentle, sensitive, and compassionate - you are good at recognizing people's unspoken needs. You would make a good veterinarian, pediatrician, or composer.

Your #3 Match: INFJ

The Protector You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity. Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is. You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience. You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them. You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher.

What's Your Personality Type?

How sweet

hand holding - you like to be in constant physical
contact with your special someone but you don't
want to take things too quickly.

Because who doesn't need to look at a cute lil' baby?

Church Happens

As my friend Rique would say "this is church" whenever a group of believers gather together...and tis true...sometimes church just happens.

Saturday Erica and I went to Chic-fil-A (suprise suprise) and as we filled our little bellies with chicken and sweet tea we really got to talking just about how amazing God is and how He can work through people and pull people through things and where He places us in our lives and that ministry isn't always just working for some church but its a matter of everyday living. Food and God just go together I guess.

Then this Sunday I finally got the opportunity to go to St. Mary's (the gospel Catholic Church) and the entire time I just sat there thinking "This is what church is supposed to be." I walked in and just felt the warmth and was taken aback by the diversity...black, white, young, old, rich, poor, everyone gathered into this one little building in the ghetto of Rock Hill, talking, hugging, smiling, kissing, and greeting each other. There was life in this church, that is how it should be. At one point, this older white man leaned over and gave a kiss on the cheek to this elderly black woman and I couldn't help but smile. Not to mention, people sang, clapped, and just had an energy about them. It was amazing. I left knowing I had been in the presence of God...it was good.

When Bordom Strikes...

...there is very little that you can do other than appease that gnawing sensation telling you to get up and do something.

Such was the case this morning around 12:30 when we realized after a night of sitting around doing nothing, there was really a need to go out gallavanting and have an adventure. The night continued as follows:

Ready for Action

Sneaky Sneaky

We're Dead!

Strike a Pose

Fly Katie Fly

Katie "breaking into" Little Chapel

We took that tank!

I pretty much conquered this rock

The Proposal

Lil Hobos sleep on a bench

I decided on Redhead

Heh, so I dyed my hair tonight. Well Maggie did it, but it was my hair.

Yeah, I've never done it before and I have been pondering it over for awhile, so I found this stuff that washes out in like 8-10 shampoos so I figured it was pretty safe, nothing to permanent. But yeah, I's got reddish hair now. It's a fun little change. I need to buy a new towel though.

Taken by accident but looks cool

Not a good picture, but you can see the color

Can ya see the red?

Yeah, it was a little messy

Midnight Madness

I must say, the excitement is never lacking on Metro nights when the Winthrop kids are involved.

See, once a month the Charlotte Metro Campus Crusades meet for a big meeting, with worship and a speaker, plenty of laughter and fellowship--good times. So, a big group of us head out to Charlotte for the meeting, having a good time, and whatnot and after the meeting is over, as usual hang out in the hallway for a bit. Coke bottles fly, Katie and I are about to brawl, there's dancing, jumping and the like, conversation, pizza, you know. Now the only logical step from this point is to head to Krispy Kreme as usual, so we did, but it being a Friday night and all and us all being college kids with nothing else better to do, we were not content to end the night there.

So, where do we decide to go from there? Good question, the answer is Toys-r-Us. Now normally they close at 9 and by this point it is definitely moving into the 11 o'clock hour, but apparently there was this event going on and we all (all 14) decided to go check it out.

As some of you may have known, that at 12:00 this morning, as in midnight between the first and second of April, there was a little event called Midnight Madness as the local Toys-r-Us in which the brand new Star Wars toys were going to be sold. Not an event I would normally frequent, I am not even much of a Star Wars fan, but we had nothing better to do. It turned out to be quite an experience. When we got there, there was already a line forming, and the whole squad of us made quite a crowd. Soon kids is costumes showed up, there were businessy people, girls, fathers and sons, people of what seemed to come from all different walks of life, all gathered in the name of Star Wars. How nice.

Since we arrived at 11:30ish we had some time to kill, which for an easily entertained group, was not much of a predicament. I was teaching some people how to waltz in the parking lot for some of the time. Other times we were just talking and laughing. It was good...then the magic hour came and we were all allowed to enter the store and behold the beauty.

Heh, there was no mad rush or fist fights or anything, but definitely a large crowd of people all searching frantically through the racks and boxes of action figures. It was incredibly entertaining, I must say, an experience to remember. You can check the pictures out below, us Cru kids know how to have some fun man!

Well, I could elaborate more I suppose, but I am quite tired now, so I am going to get some sleep.

Yes, we definitely had 14 people in line for this glorious event

Maggie, Lauren, and Laura checking out Easter baskets

Do you know where we were at midnight?

Ahh yes, this is the release of the new Star Wars toys

Patrick and Stephen got their toys

Dave and Katie striking a pose

It's me

Brooke Currie--Teen Sensation

Turn Up the Latino Heat

Geez oh man what a night!

I do not think I have laughed so incredibly hard as I did tonight in a really long time; especially of my own self-entertainment, no real outside stimuli, unless you count Maggie.

Not only did I rehash an old addiction and turned on some professional wrestling tonigh, yes, as in WWE and as in I definitely still remembered HBK's finishing move (sweet chin music). So I was thoroughly entertained by myself and the middle school version of myself who was incredibly addicted to such a thing, not that is bad, and I admit, it's still quite a fun diversion, but still. So that in and of itself was entertaining.

But that is not all.

For some reason, I actually know the reason but it's far too complicated to explain here, but Maggie and I got on this "latino" kick which involves poorly executed Mexican accents and many a comment on "latino heat" and "latin lovers".

Man, I have not laughed so hard...I was definitely crying, not just watery eyes, but tears rolling out and laughing out loud to the point of no noise. Ahh it was great. Surely people must have thought we were high or something due to the fact that one of us would mutter some comment, barely getting it out, and then laugh uncontrollably for 5 minutes or so.

Good times. God blesses us with laughter that is so for sure.

P.S. And I learned that there is actually an official pot smoking magazine today called High Times...steve hurley is a fountain of infinite wisdom ::wink::

Friday Afternoon

I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my time after such a stressful week locked up in my room. Ahh sleeping in the sunshine, playing model, movie and dinner. Good times.

Why not climb a tree in a skirt?

Under the tree

Me and Erica

Debutantes

Get her Erica

Katie and Me in the sunshine!

Lil Katie

How beautiful does Erica look?

Done

I can't even really fathom why I would sit here and spend any longer in front of my computer screen when that has been where my face has been glued for this entire week.

I have been an academic hermit, completely locked away in my little room, coming out only for food and class. It's been rather horrible, but I feel incredibly accomplished.

So I am sitting here having successfully written a TWENTY ONE page paper. Holy cow, I didn't think I had that in me. It has been stressful, that's for sure, but I wouldn't say it was by any means a horrible experience and for some reason I don't think this will be the last time such an assignment or project lays on my shoulders.

Sometimes I really hate how consuming academics can be. This has always been a fault of mine, that even though I don't really see myself as an over achiever or perfectionist, I tend to get very, Very, VERY focused and consumed with my schoolwork. And a lot of the times it's not neccesarily that I desire to be so involved in my work, but it's so unavoidable. I mean, I am paying to be here, I am investing time and money into these classes and therefore I have to do well. I am capable of doing well and I can't allow myself to only put in any less than my best work.

Sometimes that kind of work ethic is as controlling my overactive conscious ::wink:: even though I would say both are for my good and I appreciate them in the long run.

I am ready to get back to normal life though. I am ready to live off of something other than processed sugar and caffine. I am ready to be able to just visit with people again, hang out. I am ready to be able to pick up my cell phone or get on Instant Messenger and not feel guilty about what I should be getting done. Heck, I am dying to get back to Cardio Sculpt and ::gasp:: even going running with Maggie. And please God let there be sunshine next week because I am ready to spend a few hours soaking up those rays.

Ahh, I am going to sleep so well tonight, having the peace of accomplishing something so big and putting forth a good effort.

Tomorrow afternoon my brain is farting...BIG TIME.

My Mother

So my mom is going to Las Vegas for Spring Break. For some reason I find that really amusing to say. I'm really happy she is going though, she never really takes any time off for herself and from what I hear this is her first "adult" vacation she has ever been able to go one. I mean we always took family vacations and stuff, but I never remember her and my dad or even just her ever taking a weekend off or anything, so I am glad she is getting to do this with some of her friends. Now, I just have to trust she won't go too crazy and get married or something :) But she is getting a facial...good for her.

You know, my mom is a pretty amazing lady. Now, don't get me wrong, she is one of the few people who can get under my skin quicker than anything, but she's pretty amazing. I mean, not only has she spent WAY MORE than her fair share of hours in the car taking me back and forth to camp and all the other places I've needed (or sometimes just wanted to go) that definitely weren't the top of her to-do list BUT she's also been the perfect hostess to up to seven extra camp kids at a time. She is a single mom with THREE kids in college, and while I'm probably not the best kid ever, my brothers are far more moody and emotional than any girls I know. On top of all the required motherly stuff shes in charge of like a million different committees and organizations, heading up the church fundraiser, and is in charge of both the Cub Scout and Boy Scout groups here. Not to mention, she is pretty easy going as far as letting us do pretty much everything we've wanted to do (within reason of course).

So yeah, this is my little "Ode to Mom. " I could go on, but I shall refrain. I'm glad she gets to take a vacation. She deserves it.

It makes me happy

that our room is always so full of laughter. Whether is it just Maggie and I cracking each other up or if we are blessed with the company of some of the other lovely ladies on the hall, our hearts are light in this place. It's nice.

Man

So it's March 1st.

Holy heck! where has the school year gone. In only two months we will be out of school and I would have officially completed my first year of college. When did I get so old, and so accomplished ::smile::

It just completely baffles me how the year has gone by soo quickly. I guess a good portion can be attributed to the fact that I am as happy as I am, as blessed as I am, and as busy as I am (academically or not).

Sometime in the future...when the end of the year is nearer, I am going to reflect on the many ways I have changed over the past year, but for right now...I will relish in what I've got here.

Man, for some strange reason I really missed the Academy today...who would of thunk it?

Need a pick-me-up?

Recite Dashboard lyrics witha British, Scotish, Australian accent.

Guarenteed to bring a smile to your face...worked with Maggie.

Monday Mornings

Don't you hate it when you force yourself out of bed in the morning in order to get to class and then realizing you could have skipped? That would be my current situation as I am sitting here in my computer lab this morning with absolutely nothing to do because I finished all the assigned work last time and even if I wanted to take some kind of initiative and work ahead I can't because it's a project and he hasn't given us the details on it yet. I look around, however, and realize I am not the only one in the same situation. In fact I only see about 2 people actually working on assignments for this class, but I digress.

My weekend, I would say, was an enjoyable one, lot of quality hanging out and relaxation was accomplished, not at all productive on the academic level, but you know. I will get around to all that stuff at a later date.

You know, I would have to say that I am definitely in the right major because people fascinate me. Not that I really want to do anything in the field of psychology, but I like to watch people see how they carry themselves, interact with others, and so on.

Hehe...I remember when I was younger I wanted to be like Harriet the Spy, go around town following people and writing down what they do. I pretty much do that now, minus the cool belt of spy tools. You can get a lot of insight by just watching and listening to people.

Ahh, the glory of sports bras

Tonight we had an adventure...the girls in Margaret Nance know what all it entails but in order to protect everyone's identity and spare everyone some embarrassment, I shall not go into detail, but I do praise God for the sisterhood I have found here (in a very Beta Kappa 3.14, non sorority kind of way ::wink::). There was a round up, girlish giggling, prancing, and an escape from the deathy heat that has overtaken the Nance.

And I will say this: sometimes you just need to lie down on some cold cement to get some perspective.

Lately I have not felt very inspired, I haven't had much to say on anything. I have had plenty of opportunities and encounters with things that normally inspire great things in me such as sunshine, good spiritual conversation, and Crazy Bread from Little Ceasars, but I don't feel like I have had much to say; but plenty to think about. I guess the mood has just been quiet and reflective, pensive I suppose, as of late. I have tried to write, but just didn't feel called, even when I tried to pray it's like nothing would really come out, I have felt so blocked.

But...I think God is trying to have me hear something, and I am not listening to Him well enough, so He's putting a temporary block on a few things so I will just stop for awhile, stop trying to feel inspired, stop trying to hard and reaching so far to hear Him, but to just "be still" and know that He is God.

I Think...

The first coherent thing Maggie said to me this morning were the lyrics:

"Here we go, one more time, everybody's feelin' fine, Here we go
Yes Yes Yes Here we go, N*Sync has got the flow"

That's right ladies and gentlemen, thats N*Sync's "Here We Go" off of their self-titled debut album that came out in what 1998 or something. But you know what? I liked it.

It was upon realizing that that particular song could still bring a smile to my face after not listening to it in well over 4 or 5 years, that I came to my glorious revelation.

I think that everyone should be willing to embrace the dork they once were, or still are, and stop pretending like you didn't enjoy the things we all know you did as a child.

I'm a dork, and I embrace that because even though it sometimes makes me cringe when I read through old diaries, flip through the unplayed CD section, or go through boxes of collected junk like TigerBeat and Bop, there was a very happy child in all that. It is that kind of stuff that allows you when your older to look back and laugh at yourself, get a little embarassed then thank God for the person you've grown up to become.

So today I challenge you to take pleasure in something slightly embarrassing that you enjoyed as a child, and share it with a friend, chances are they secretly still like it too.

I have to post this beautiful and encouraging message because Crystal (whom I love dearly and suffer with in studying ::wink::) sent it to me when I was having a very crappy day Sunday and I am so thankful. I love how God always sends little nuggets of encouragement when we need them most and least expect it.

Giorno di Amor

Ahh...Valentines Day, the day of love...it's kind of sad that people hate it so much or allow it to get them so depressed. Yes, maybe it is a bit commercialized and yeah sometimes watchings all the couples in restuarants can me annoying, but man I love this day.

And what a great day it was...

I have always been a fan of giving Valentines, you know, the silly little cards with cartoons on them that say fun things like "I'm falling for you" or "You're a great Val Pal." Ahh they are little pieces of cardboard that can bring such joy to people's lives. Sure, most people stopped giving them out in like 5th grade when teachers stopped requiring it, but it's something I have continued to do and plan on doing in the future.

I got all kinds of Valentines love today, most of which is nicely posted on my wall for my constant admiration...I've met good people here at school, and build some really great friendships...Thanks God.

And because today is a day worthy of celebration, what is better than getting all dressed up (which includes pretending like I know how to use a curling iron) and going out with a bunch of equally well dressed kids to IHOP...thats right, the International House of Pancakes. There were 9 of us and only 7 other people in the entire place. It was fun though...pigs in a blanket and hashbrowns...mmmmmm.

It was just nice being able to hang out, laugh, sing, and enjoy people's company, that is what I believe Valentines Day should be about, being with people you love, which doesn't mean you have to be romantically involved.

I for one enjoy spreading love.

Ok its late and I really ought to be scooting to bed, but I hope you all had a wonderful day full of love, smiles and encouragement.

God is love, fool. So if today is the day of love, then I guess it's the day of God too.

Bling Ring!

Me and Andrew (man we looked hot)

Me and Lil Katie

Silly Kids

All Smiles

The Ladies

ARG!!

That's all.

Go Ahead, Feel Inspired

"It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; he is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; he is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is he who provokes you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is he who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is he who reads in your hearts your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal."

-Pope John Paul II

The Notebook

Curse good chick flicks!

I don't usually cry in movies, and I am not usually one to enjoy sappy little chick flicks, but man, if you havent seen The Notebook, I recommend you do.

Katie told me it would be good...she was right, thanks lady.

I will be the first to admit that I am a hopeless romantic. I long for the fairy tale romance right along with the rest of the world. Well, perhaps fairy tale isn't the right description because I am not looking for that perfectly wrapped little package of love, weighed down with some illusion of easiness and perfection. No, I want the kind that takes my breath away, tells me when I'm wrong, kicks me in the butt, pushes me to be something better than what I'm doing, and demands hard work. The stuff that makes you cry, laugh, melt, scream, whatever, but at the end of the day you wouldn't have it any other way.

That's kind of how the movie is.

But how can you think about love and NOT think about the author and perfector of love. No, the movie has absolutely no spiritual context, it wasn't any form of Christian message, but God is love and I can't see love without turning my thoughts to God.

God doesn't let go of us, He doesn't give up on us, and His love for us will do miracles. His love is fully sustaining and perfect, bigger than anything we deserve, but He goes further than that in providing us people to love and to love us. He has a perfect love story waiting for all (whether it be of the marriage sort or not), and of course our relationship with Him.

There is a reason why people are so attracted to romance and love. God is love and deep down we are all yearning for God.

I can't wait to be married. Just imagining the kind of person God will bless me with. It exciting, something so worth waiting for and something I definitely don't want to taint with a bunch of other relationships-not at all. I'm just not interested, when God's ready He'll send me the memo.

Ok, I have unleashed the emo kid for long enough, please don't leave any ridiculous, sappy comments. I have done enough of that. Just seek God kids, His love with bless you more and fill you more than any relationship ever could...that whole relationship stuff, just a lovely side blessing He choses to send our way.

In a way I feel sorta dumb for writing this. Don't comment on that either.

Tan Left Arm

If I had to narrow down the list of things I love to three I would say they are:

1. Jesus
2. time well spent with good friends
3. and spending time basking in the sunshine

In reality, the list is much longer than that, but I think that narrows it down pretty well.

I can't even describe how beautiful it was today (I'm sure you people are getting tired of beautiful day entries, but hey sunshine is my drug). It was so warm, warm enough for a t-shirt, capris, AND sandals. It's nice to bust out the brown sandals again. I've been everywhere in those shoes.

But anywho, yes, it was beautiful. I spent two and a half hours out in the sunshine today and it was glorious. I had the shoes off, the David Crowder blasting on the MP3 player, and the Word of God right in front of me. I did some school work too, but mainly, just wrote and took in the beauty of it all.

AND the smell of dirt was on the air. That is such a beautiful smell.

Thugs I tell you

THEE MN girls!

Silly

Don't put your foot in the Tillman fountain Katie

Katie B and Amy all bundled up

Cute kids

Fun in the "snow"

Happy

Guess who is absolutely NOT paying the least bit of attention in her computer lab this morning?

Heh.

You know, sometimes it absolutely amazes me how adamantly against coming to Winthrop I was, when here I am, at Winthrop, and insanely happy. Not just content, but happy, really happy.

I mean seriously, I practically (ok literally) came here kicking and crying (I didn't scream, it's not ladylike), swearing up and down that I would be miserable, yet God provided for me in more ways than I can count. I've grown so much and come to understand things about God I'd never realized. I have an AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING group of people to surround and support me. I'm learning and enjoying what I'm doing. Ahh, it's all kind of hard to describe but I guess that just goes to show that God really does know what He's doing.

I don't think that I would be nearly as happy or have grown so much if I had ended up going to NC State (not that waking up to the beautiful Miss Jordan McCoy and getting to see Lukas, the love of my heart, everyday wouldn't of made me happy). I think the combination of it being SO BIG and already knowing people there wouldn't have forced me to branch out and get to know new and wonderful people like I have here.

And I have decided, it is perhaps one of the greatest compliments when people ask you what you're on just because your happy, in a way its kind of sad though, but still, it means joy is radiating and I hope others will catch the fever.