Stabs of Joy

This is a spin-off of what my preacher, Randy Harling, does every December to remember the past year. These are things that have just shown me how much God loves me and has the best in mind for my life!!

1. Roomates!!: First, I'll start with the second semester of my Junior year, since that was part of this year also. My roomate Ashley is an AMAZING roomate and one of my best friends. In the two years that we roomed together she taught me so much about what a Christian young lady should be. If you happen to read this Ashley, you will never know how much you taught me by example in your own life! I love you an miss you so much! My other roomate was Amanda! Wow- what an awesome blessing from God that we ended up rooming together. She is such a smart, talented girl who also shows me every day how to be a better follower of Christ! Seeing how she handles her relationship with her now fiance in a godly way has also been a great example to me! I am SO glad I get to room with you this year again! Nadine was a blessing to me in so many way also. Those who know me would probably question this and ask how I could say that. We definitely had our moments of frustrations, but God has a purpose for everything. I learned patience, kindness, and so much about the German culture from living with her! Now on to this semester. I still live with Amanda, as I mentioned before! Next is Lauren. It blows me away how God puts people in my life that are so amazing. Lauren is SO funny and yet another awesome example of a Christian lady. I just have one word to say, that has been adopted by all the girls of 186F UV... "PRECIOUS!" Another stab of joy is the perspective that I get from both Lauren and Meg. They are both a little older than I and give me great advice when I need it. Now on to the last, but certainly no least, roomate, Meg! She is absolutely one of the funniest, craziest girls I've met. Every day is an adventure hearing her stories. My biggest joy is learning from her how to stand up for what I believe in Christ and do it with great poise and resolve! Thank you to all of you girls, you absolutely blow me away!

2. Summer Job: Working at Simpsonville First Baptist this summer was one of the best times I have ever had. I got the great opportunity to be the Children's intern. I was coerced into applying for the job very last minute, and didn't think I would get it, but I can see that God completely wanted me to be in that position this summer. My stabs of joy in this area were: being streched out of my comfort zone when having to speak or pray in front of the church, praying every morning with the staff, Staff meeting where I got the chance to see where all the ingenious ideas come from :), working with GREAT people... I love you all!, Adventure camp-- I have never been so tired but so happy and excited in all my life, and Creative Arts camp-- SOOO much fun... and to see the finish product after only 1 week was amazing!!

3. Wren: I had no idea going into the first semester how my practicum experience in a 2nd grade class at Wren Elementary would go. Of course, I was a little scared. Looking back on the experience, I would never ever ever trade it for the world. The students that I got to work with were a challenge, but I love all of them. Admitedly, I cried a little the day I had to leave because I had such a great time with the kids and Mrs. Jones, the teacher.

4. David: I met David for the first time in choir practice this summer. I had no idea that in about 4 months we would be dating. But then again, that's how God works, he doesn't always reveal his plans ahead of time. I wasn't looking for a boyfriend at the time, but that's what makes it special. Because I know you'll read this-- I can't really put into words what you mean to me... but I can say that you are a HUGE stab of joy for me every day!!! Much love :)

5. Random things: These things everyone may not understand, but those of you who do will enjoy this:

Solving the "tomato" mystery
Dancing to Madonna (or Beyonce, Usher, whoever :))
Crusade!!
Late night chats over IM when you're right next door!
Police calls for noisiness
Cheesecake, wahoo~
Gingerbread men on Apple pie


There's probably more that I can't think of at the moment, but I'll add em if I do! --Peace out