Let's Make a Weekend of It

This weekend I went to Kutztown to visit some friends. It involved piercings, spending time with my man, new & old friends, "lunch meat casserole", Man on Fire, a Matt Reffie original sermon, and sushi. Getting away from the midstate for a few days was hugely rejuvenating. My life has been lacking challenges as of late, and it was a breath of fresh air to get away from home.

On Sunday morning Reffie preached on engagement - in particular, Jesus' parable on "the kingdom of heaven is like a bunch of bridesmaids waiting for their friend's groom to show up." Half of them didn't have enough fuel for their torches, so they went to the store to get some and ended up missing the party. Engagement isn't about waiting around for your wedding day, it's about preparing: calling the caterer, making hair appointments, getting facials, working out to look good in your gown [and out of it, afterward]; renting a tux, working hard, saving money, preparing a home for your bride. Jesus told His disciples that He was going to His Father's house to prepare a room for us. He's getting ready for us, His bride. Are we getting ready for Him?

That sermon was refreshingly challenging & convicting. Thanks, Cornerstone.

I spent today resting after a crazy weekend, and in studying the Word, especially in preparation for girls' small group on Wednesday. Our discussion topic is prayer. What would be your input about it?

For your listening pleasure, a beautiful snippet of a John Piper talk:

So begins another sub-chapter...

Crushed fragments of a stoneware mug lie on my desk and remind me of what an incredible summer I had. Today was the first full day of classes in the second-to-last semester for the class of 2008 at Kutztown University. 9 months from now looms the dark cloud of what many call the "real world." And that's something I intend to avoid for as long as possible. So, for now, from August to December of this year, THIS will be known as the "fun semester." What adventures these 4 months hold are yet unknown, and that excites me.

Today I rode a bicycle for the first time in two years. I also joined a friend in eating ridiculously old coffee beans. They tasted like old. They'd been in the same spot since at least my freshman year. Yesterday the 102 girls created the beginnings of our personal menagerie: 2 fish, F. Pauly Shore and Javi Hoff [yes, both partially named after our university's president]
and a golden mystery snail, Toshare. Let me tell you, that snail is wicked awesome!!

Question: does God still use dreams to speak to people, like He did Joseph? Should I be wondering what He's trying to say through the dreams I have been having over the past 6 months?

I've been praying and waiting and waiting and praying for something big. Praying big in expectation of big results. However, the anticipation has been killing me!!! I really hope the Lord allows this change in my life soon, so I can relax about this!

On my plate for the semester: Cornerstone college group leadership stuff, SENIOR ceramics major duties [run. the. shop.], get a job??, spending the most time possible with my very best of friends, culinary adventures - making sandwiches and beyond!