{The Post That I Can't Think of a Good Title For}

So I said I had something exciting to share with you all so here it is....

Because I am earning my degree through Collegeplus I have met many of my closest friends online (gasp).

Some I have had the pleasure of meeting in person, and some I am still hoping to have that opportunity.
One of the people I have been waiting and wishing to meet was Katie over at Bursts of Sunshine.
A mutual friend was getting married, and I knew Katie was going to the wedding. But I didn't tell her that I also was going to be there, so it produced just a little bit of excitement when I showed up. Okay, maybe a lot of excitement! :)

Katie, it was such a joy to actually meet you in person! Your laugh and smile are contagious!  I am so excited to get to spend two weeks with you at Summit! Summit better be prepared for lots of giggles! :)

Katie, and I! Kudos to Amanda B. for taking the picture! 

Here are a few more pictures with me and some of my Collegeplus friends:

Alison!  Photography credit goes to Jason Manion

Alison, you heart for Christ and serving challenges and encourages me! I am blessed by God giving me the opportunity to know you! 

This is actually from about a month ago, but these are some of the (former) Collegeplus students who are in my "area" (meaning in the state). 

Even though many of us in Collegeplus live thousands of miles apart, it is a joy and blessing to see how strong the bond is in the body of Christ! I truly am blessed to have such amazing friends!


May God bless each of you this week!
I miss you all!
Marie

Random Wednesday: 2

This week most of my family is out of town camping, so it has just been one of my brothers and I at home.We've had a good time with just the two of us, although we both wish we didn't have as much school this week, so we could have done more things together. We need another whole weekend! We got in the Ultimate Frisbee, but didn't have time for the Repelling that we wanted to do. Oh well, his Spring Break is next week. :)

I drove a manual for the first time this week, and well let's just say we made it home and so did the car.
Probably need a little more practice with that one. ;)

The Piano Guys are currently my favorite study music, so they've been on replay while I've been writing papers. This one always makes me smile. Charlie Brown Medley


Made these for dinner the other night. Mhmm so good, and easy too! Definitely going to make them again!


Did some observations at the Women's Center today! Things from all the training are coming together, and I'm starting to see the "flow" of things. I still have more training/observing to do before I will be in the counseling room by myself, but it's coming together!

I have some super exciting news but......(wait for it)




.....I can't share it yet. So, you'll just have to look back. I promise, I will be sharing it soon! ;)

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So yeah, thus ends this random post. Take care y'all!

Random Wednesday

First full day in Oregon; woke up to it being rainy/snowy. Then I find out that it was a beautiful 70 degrees at home today, what a bum deal! But oh well, it's nice seeing my Grandma again!

Went to two little coffee shops with my mom. Had lunch at one, and checked out the book store in the other.

Waited in the car for my mom while she got a few groceries. She came back all smiling, and excitedly tells me that she won a Kindle Fire! Now I kind of wish I had gone in for the groceries. No, seriously I'm really happy for her. I know she's been wanting one, and I can tell she's already enjoying it! :)

My Grandma took my Auntie, my Mom and myself out for Moroccan. That was the first time I'd had it. I liked it, and would say that the "dinning experience" was very interesting. I always find it fascinating to see how other cultures do things.

Worked on some of the never ending homework. I have several papers that I need to start and write tomorrow. This semester has been going well, but I do get tired of always having to do lots of reading and writing. But I guess that's kinda part of being in college....so can't wait to be done!

And yes, I know it is now Thursday, so I am going to bed!

Day of Thankfulness: Week 2

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This week I'm thankful that God has given me the ability to study and learn, and I'm also thankful for random breaks! :) I'm not really sure why, but for some reason this past week I had a whole week long break. But hey! I'm not going to complain about getting a break! I was able to spend time with my sisters, and sister-in-law who was visiting, without having to worry about assignments needing to be done.

Trusting- Even When it's Hard

Sometimes you may think you have everything lined up for what you want to do for college, what classes you will take, and what kind of job you hope to have. Then sometimes God likes to come in a change our plans up!  

The past few weeks have been a time of stretching me, and teaching me to trust God more. I was planning to take a couple music classes online this fall, and was excited about starting them. Things didn't go as smoothly as I would have hoped though, facing just one complication after another. I finally was able to get into the classes, but not until after they had started.  

Seeing that I was having a lot of challenges getting into my classes, my parent's reminded me that sometimes God brings roadblocks along for a reason. So, last night I sat down and discussed with them whether they thought it would be best for me to stay in the classes or just drop them. After discussing many aspects of my college education, I headed for bed, pretty much planning to drop both the classes, but still not quite sure. As I was getting ready for bed, God brought to my mind what I had read in my Bible reading from Amos chapter 3 that very morning. In summary, God was trying to get the attention of His people, but they didn't seem to be listening. For awhile I was just in awe, seeing how God was speaking to me! I felt like He was just giving me a conformation, that at least for this semester, I should not take those classes. I don't really know for sure why, and may never know, but I do know that He has a reason!  

One other little part to the story; in this morning's Bible reading (Amos,4) I noticed that for times it reminds us  to seek the Lord, and three of them add on the thought, "That you may live". God is good! He knows just how to give us the food we need at just the right times! I don't know where all God will lead me or how much this decision will change things up for me, but I know one thing! I'll be seeking the Lord!