The Famous GBS Volleyball Semifinals

The edges of the gym and the balcony level were filled with screaming GBS students last night. Some I'm sure would claim to be fans while others were doing what they do best- just creating a spirit of excitement by yelling raucously at each other, the ref, and the teams playing. Adrenaline was running high on both sides as two well-matched teams duked it out on the court. I know from personal experience that it was the most intense volleyball I have ever played here at GBS. This was not necessarily due to the quailty of the playing but the intensity of the players. Everybody was pulling out all stops, sacrificing elbows and knees for the sake of the team.

During the two semifinal matches last night, there were brilliant saves on both sides. My team's opposition presented a wall-like force against the powerful hits of Bennett and Jesse. On the other hand, however, we would not take losing as an option. After a very close first game that we lost, we handed them a 21-3 victory. What an upset! But I was impressed with the Disciples resiliance as they proceeded to match us point for point in the deciding game. Due to Brian's solid serves we were able to build a 5 point lead which led us to a 15-9 victory. Go Defenders! I am so proud of you!

After my heart stopped beating double rhythm and my face lost its beetlike quality, the reality of what had happened set in. I was in the perfect mood to do something crazy. But all that was available to me was watching the other semifinal match in the gym. This turned out to be the perfect release for my excess adrenaline-induced energy. So I joined the screaming maniacs surrounding the volleyball court. The spirit of excitement was so prevalent nobody noticed how nuts I was acting. The team I was supporting managed to pull out two wins following a loss, and this provided the icing for the cake of the evening.

Now, I'm ready for Friday night. I have this feeling it will be somewhat anticlimatic since the energy and excitement of last night will be somewhat diffused as students will be more spread out and focused on their own agendas for the evening. I think the game will prove to be worth the effort that it took to get there. May the best team win!

Spring

How in the world do you capture the delicious feelings of watching the world coming back to life after a long, cold winter? It is an infectious blossoming of flowers, human spirits, animals, and insects. Even the most depressed, bogged down, and sleep deprived souls respond to this panacea know as spring. People crave sunshine and gentle breezes as much as the growing flowers and trees. The parks so recently dead both in plant and people life are now filled with the delicate scents of blossoming trees and the footsteps of people trying to walk off their extra winter weight. Somehow there is a release from the grip of fears, old burdens, and fatigue. New resolves are formed, and any task seems surmountable.

In the face of all the projects I have to finish, I am so thankful for this change in weather. God knew I needed this divine motivator to be able to finish out the semester with a smile on my face. Thank-you God!!

Spring Break

My spring break was much different than the stereotypical spring break activities. It was probably alot more tame than the normal college student's break but no less enjoyable (at least to me). Vita was able to visit my family, and we had a party spending time with her before she leaves us to return to Ukraine. In that aspect it was bitter-sweet because this was just the beginnings of the lasts we will have with her. She was my first friend here at GBS and next year she'll be gone. That pretty much stinks! I hope some day I can go visit her and her soon-to-be husband Steven in Ukraine:)
We put her through pretty much a continual whirl of activity that usually accompanies a trip home. She was able to experience a family get-get-together complete with pumpkin pie and lots of other good food. She met my very cute nephews Camron and Jacob, and they both promptly fell in love with her. We went out for desserts at Damon's with a bunch of my friends to celebrate some birthdays and did some shopping as well.
I think one of the most memorable moments was our unofficial whipped cream battle. I was kindly trying to help her top off her meal with a little dessert by squirting whipped cream straight into her mouth. Apparently, it comes out alot faster than you think and Vita was drowning in whipped cream. She then decided it was my turn and I got whipped cream not only in my mouth but on my shirt, hands, and glasses. I tried to return the goodness to her by flinging it back at her. Don't worry-things fortunately did not get out of control as these things often do. We ended the fight amiably enough and helped each other clean stray cream patches off the walls and floor and me. What fun!
My friends are so awesome. I really treasure the chance to catch up on their lives when I'm back home. My friend Genet had her monumental 21st birthday and my friend Jan turned 22 so of course, celebrations were in order. We planned to go to Coldstone at the mall which was closed for some reason so we decided on Damon's instead. With 9 crazy girls all trying to talk at once, we made quite a commotion. The giant chocolate chip cookie sundae was phenomenal!
Well, anyway enough said for now. I'm hoping I can get enough momentum now to finish out the year.

Something Positive

Somewhere on my to do list is the reminder to look on the sunny side of life more often. In contrast to my last blog, I want to uplift spirirts and renew hearts with my council. The other week when we had a chapel about the importance of time, I was really convicted about this concept. As much as it may seem like I have a long life ahead of me and plenty of time to get serious about being used of God to help others there is no time like the present to start practicing His love.
I think I often fail to realize how every day is a gift from God to serve Him by serving others. I allow the responsibilities I have to weigh me down and get me grouchy at my to-do-list. Not to be morbid but I could die tomorrow in a tragic car accident. I want my last thoughts on earth to be joyful because I'm going to see my Savior, not remorseful because of all things I failed to do for Him.
The beautiful thing about it is that each day is exciting and rewarding in its own way. If I strive to follow God's will to the best of my ability, my life will be so fulfilling. I am very thankful for that!

Reasons Why I'm Ready for Summer

1. Alright.... enough with the snow already!
2. I miss flip-flops (in the sense that they can be worn for occasions other than just showers).
3. I think I need to get a tan. I'm starting to look sickly.
4. Homework is no longer fun (not like it was ever really actually fun but I am horrified at the excuses I have lowered myself to to get out of doing it).
5. It would be fun to watch a good movie.
6. The cash supply is perpetually running low while in school.
7. I miss my cat.
8. Totally kidding about the cat.
9. I want to be able to want to eat ice cream to cool down (not just because there are no other desserts available).
10. I love driving with the windows down, the sunroof open, and the tunes cranked. O yeah!

Here Are the Promised Profound Thoughts

I was babysitting the other day, and I was reminded of the delightful nature of children. But just when you think they couldn't be any cuter- they wind up and kick you in the shins. I love observing their little carnal natures mixed with true sweetness that an adult can never hope to imitate.

I've also been observing lately that some parents, grandparents, or other close relatives seem to think the way to keep a child happy is to shower them with all sorts of expensive gifts. Though this does serve that purpose for at least 5 minutes or so, many of these kids just become more and more demanding. "I'm booorrreeedd!!!" -is a common quote heard from these children. I feel bad for these kids because they learn to depend on things to entertain themselves instead of using their imaginations to have some truly exciting adventures. This is the reason why kids should not be given everything they want.

I have also observed that when kids are always denied what they want it can be just as detrimental. These are often extreme cases where kids are denied even basic needs like love and food because their parents don't care about them. This has far reaching affects on the emotional and mental health of that kid. It breaks my heart to see situations like that. I also think the second part of this quote can be applied to parents who strictly control all the activities of their children. Although this is not nearly as harsh as ignoring them all the time, I think it still is detrimental to a child's development. For one thing some of my fondest memories as a little kid were when my sisters and I were out roaming the neighberhood with our friends and having all sorts of clubs and adventures and bike races. And for another thing how are kids supposed to be able to think for themselves if they are never allowed to? No matter how much parents want to shelter their children from pain, the best way for most people to learn is through experience.

Anyway, just some random thoughts. And I totally can't wait to see my nephews in 3 days!

Interesting Quote

"Two worse things for a child: 'Always to have their own way or never to have it.'" from The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Bernette

Great thoughts on this quote will follow later.