I don't have a title for this post. I don't even have concrete ideas to articulate in typing... but having Cait here today restored a vision that was being lost. A vision of God and dreaming and pursuing that which He calls me to. Learning about dreaming... wondering at what God wants to do with it, and yet hopeful all the same time. Sometimes it means closure. Sometimes it means movement. Sometimes it just means a change of heart. Anyhow, I'm thinking a lot. And while I am dreaming and thinking and pondering about God, I am praying this prayer: God make me tender.

Just because it makes me laugh ;)

50's Housewives, roommates, etc.

101 Girls... Annie, Hilary, Lauren (P-Tay), Anna

Because we aim to be domestic... oh wait. ;) Here is a pic of the roomies in our housewife garb, doing our respective chores as one often does in stilletos and pearls. Let me introduce you to the lovely ladies of 101:
Hilary- history major, jewish studies minor and will one day be profficient in reading Hebrew because of her many hours of homework each day dedicated to the language. She can always be seen at Maloney's on a Sunday, burps louder than anyone I know, and loves to bake. Hillarina, as we like to call her, is from the lovely town of Oakhurst (my second home for 3 summers) and shares a passion for needlework with me.
Lauren- now here's a girl whose sarcasm leaves us in stitches. Also a history major, Lauren freaks out if she ever gets a B and puts us all to shame with her GPA. From Simi Valley, P-Tay will work her way into the entertainment industry after graduating this June. She spent the fall in Spain and has finally joined us to make our home complete. Another fun fact about P-Tay... she plays lacrosse really really well and is progressing quite wonderfully with the art of burping.
Anna- English major, history minor and may always be counted on to use big words even when discussing climbing (and she uses them quite correctly I might add... she and Palotay might be competing for the best GPA). Anna joins the fun climbing and swimming workouts quite frequently and is a beast. When we hiked Mt. Whitney in the fall, Anna charged up the mountain with no sweat while the rest of us took frequent breaks... On Wed. she climbed a 5.9 rating on her third time climbing ever. She makes me sick, but I love her.

Anyhow, I hadn't written in a while and I figured I'd just let you know I'm still alive... and for those of you who enjoy a glimpse of my life here, here's a picture of the roommies:

Well, I mean... JD doesn't technically live with us by any means, but he does live upstairs (as he has for the past 2 1/2 years) and we affectionately call him the 5th roommate. P-Tay and I share a room; Anna and Hil share the other bedroom. It's a party all the time!
~Sorry for the randomness of this post - I just don't have anything pressing on my mind to share, but I do like these pics!

Happy National Ferris Wheel Day!

Who knew but Feb. 14th is also known as Ferris Wheel Day. Here's to Ferris Wheels!

Check out writing

Just an FYI because I know I don't update my writing blog much. At the beginning of fall quarter I was preparing a talk for AIA women's night on body image. While I was preparing the talk I started writing about the nature of the body, and in that moment God spoke to me. I recorded the conversation word for word as it happened. This conversation freed me from a 4 year struggle with my body and accepting it... So I posted the conversation (word for word). Enjoy. I pray you might see a glimpse of Christ in it.

Back Here.

I remember attending her concert in jr. high. Just a gal with a guitar on stage, her presence was meek compared to Supertones and Audio Adrenaline, the big named bands that followed her. And yet years later it is her voice that continues to bring me on my knees in the reminder that I have a Savior who loves unconditionally. Jennifer Knapp's song "Martyrs and Thieves" has spoken to me at different times in my life, and has always shed light on a certain truth of our great God... there is peace and joy in the light. Whenever I am afraid to be on my knees with ears turned to Him, I am reminded that His voice and His will, whether hard, confusing, gentle, easy, etc... is always good. Whether the command is painful or whether it is a voice of reassurance, we bear the mark of the cross and are His. We ought not to fear the process of refinement that God calls us to - for there is peace in His call. Terrifying, awe-inspiring, joyous, redeeming, and wonderful is His voice.

Chorus:
So turn on the light and reveal all the glory
I am not afraid
To bare all my weakness knowing in meekness
I have a kingdom to gain
Where there is peace and love in the light, in the light
Oh I am not afraid
To let Your light shine bright in my life, in my life
Oh I... am, I...

I say this as I am being refined. "Do not conform any longer to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will." Romans 12:2. The verse that speaks to the state of my heart, of y whole being right now. There is no quick fix. There is no command. There is nothing but God renewing my mind. In totality and in completion is He making things new. The old is gone... The old pattern of my life, of my faith and the way I approach God, the way I approach school, work, relationships, friends... all being refined. Renewed by His holiness. 10 days of being in bed and knocked out from all activities, and God will have His way with me. I have no clue of the direction I'm heading. I don't know how or where I am being renewed. I have no answer for you... nothing concrete from God but this verse. And so I wait in expectation as He beckons me closer. Daughter of His that I am, I will not fear the process. It is His, and in it there is peace and glory and joy... Fear not the light - it is the absence of darkness.