"Turning Over a New Leaf"

That is what I write every time I have no idea what happened to the concept of balancing my checkbook. I just write in my current balance, hoping its correct, and reprimand myself by saying "Turning over a new leaf" to remind myself not to let it happen again. This now applies to blogging. It's been so long. What shall I write about to wow the world with my witticisms? (That was alliterative:)
I'm a senior this year. I think I should have some clear ideas about where I go from here. Instead, I have alot of vague fuzziness. I trust God to lead me, though, and I know He won't let me down. Its kind of like living life on the edge, this Christian walk. Many times when I've most tried to control my life, its gone pretty rottenly. The most successful times of my life have been the decisions that were sorta haphazard. My college choice was based on getting far enough away from home so that I couldn't easily return every weekend and a Christian college so I wouldn't feel like a total weirdo living in the dorm. Looking back, I can see that GBS has been one of the best things ever for me. I've grown so much here spiritually. In about 5 years, I'm gonna look back and be amazed by where all God has taken me. I can't wait!

Dead Kitty:(

I work off campus for a family as basically a laundress and part-time homework policewoman. My duties also include light housework and babysitting. The newest event of interest in the Weimeyer (identities have been changed to protect privacy:) household is the adoption of a stray cat and her new litter of 6 kittens. Unfortunately, little Sox passed away today much to the chagrin of Gretta and her friend who had planned to adopt the kitten when it was weaned. They took the little corpse to the church to have prayers for it. Gretta's friend then carried the body around all afternoon petting it like a good luck charm. After picking up the girls at the church, I asked them why they wanted to tote a dead kitty around. The concept seemed rather gross to me. Gretta informed me that, "The kitten may not be dead yet." When I gave her a single raised brow 'whatever' look, she said, "You just need to think more positively."
Well, there you have it. Never assume that a kitten which is not breathing is dead. With the power of positive thinking, anything is possible!

Are Those Ducks Real?

I brag on and on about my cute nephews and here is proof of that fact once again. When I noticed the pictures with the ducks I was like "Wow! That is so cool! How did they keep Jacob (the younger one) from squashing them to death?" I quickly noticed that the little ducks looked pretty much the same in all pictures. Then I realized how preposterous it would be to use real ducks especially around little boys:) I can be a little ditzier (is this really a word) than I like to admit sometimes.

Watching such a young family take the role of First family is quite intriguing to me for some reason. In some ways I feel like I should be worried about the lack of wrinkles and gray hair evidenced by Barack and Michelle Obama. These characteristics generally signify wisdom, experience, and security. Although I am definitely not at peace with the all the positions our new president holds, I'm still very happy for African American people across our country and what Barack Obama's swearing in signifies to them. These two aspects of Tuesday inauguration make me really curious about what will happen during Obama's term.
I watched some news clips about Mr. and Mrs. Obama's debut as Mr. and Mrs. President at a series of inaugural balls. What interested me most is the fashion statements the First Lady has been making so far. The white ball gown she wore has been a hit all around. One thing I thought was cool was how she kept her plans a secret and then chose to wear the designs of little known American desinger Jason Wu. When asked what labels she often chooses to wear she replied that J. Crew is a favorite of hers. American women love the fact that they can mimic their First lady in affordable fashions. I think it's great that she doesn't think she has to have hoity-toity labels to make her family look good.
I like the novelty of observing this young family including daughters only ages 7 and 10 take the White House. I pray they will do the best things for this country and always remember that there is a sovereign God they will have to answer to for their great responsibility.

10 Things I'm Thankful for Right Now

1. Christmas gifts especially new clothing (my closet and drawers aren't doing so well)
2. Hot drinks (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate:)
3. A really great college
4. Easy access to the Bible
5. Really really cool friends both at GBS and at home in PA
6. The ability to walk
7. A family that cares about me
8. My VW Jetta that has carried me so many miles
9. My jobs as an RA and part-time housekeeper/babysitter
10. Jean skirts- it doesn't get much more comfortable than that
*the purpose of this post is to remind me to look at the glass as half full as admonished by a good friend, namely Brittney Brander. It feels good- I like it!

In Defense of Snow

I have certain friends who do not share my passion for snow. Whenever they get all "Bah, humbug," about snow, I feel like a little child who has been told that Santa Claus does not really exist. Who can't enjoy fluffy whiteness falling from the sky and making the city and country look beautiful and clean for at least a little while? The dancing snowflakes hold stories and memories of cups of hot chocolate, families laughing around a fireplace, people whipping down slopes on skis, and many a great scene from book or movie savored from childhood. My mind always travels to the Laura Ingall Wilder series and how Laura and her sisters would do these awesome things in the snow like sledding, sleigh riding, and snowball battles. I wish I had time and enough snow to enjoy these activities myself.
The cool thing about snow is that each snowflake is different. To me that reminds me that I don't have to just savor past wintery memories. Each new winter and snowfall is a fresh chance to try some new memory-making method. I am still hoping for that chance to sing "Jingle Bells" as I'm really riding in a sleigh on some snowy evening. I hope I have convinced at least several people that snow is worth it for the fun and beauty that it provides. Now bring on the SNOW!

Friday's Musings

The effect of a rainy Friday is not near what the effect of a rainy Monday would be. Sitting here in the DOW office of GBS, I feel peaceful and happy and the rain seems only friendly and comforting. Would it be a Monday, I would feel out of sorts and depressed by such weather. When I got back from a coffee run, I noticed that the birds are singing as well even though the rain is rather cold and uncomfortable. If I were a bird I don't think I would feel that good, but it was definitely cheering to hear them singing. This made me think that I should never ignore chances to reach out and encourage others no matter what the weather of my life may be like at the time. It may mean more than I can ever realize. Others have done that for me, and it is so cool when it comes at a time that you feel totally stressed and downhearted. So go out and be an encourager even in the cold, rainy times:)