Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Updates

Hi everyone! It's time for a bloggy update. Lots has happened here lately, as is usually the case. I spent this past weekend at Reformed Theological Seminary, going through the final stage of their application process. I got to take a tour of the campus and hear all about their Masters of Counseling program, as well as have 2 group interviews and 2 individual interviews. The weekend concluded with all of us taking a psychological personality test. It was very intensive but really cool as well. I walked away being more sure than ever that I definitely want to go into counseling. I should find out if I am accepted in about 2 weeks. They only have 20 spots to fill and just because they have that many to fill doesn't mean all spots will be offered. They work really hard to put the right group of people together and want to choose people they feel are ready for the program. So we'll see! I will definitely let you all know when I do find out. I have also applied at another school that offers classes at night, and once I hear from the seminary, I will have to make some decisions. The financial side of things is obviously a huge piece of this - not only the cost of school but also how to go to school and still be able to pay bills. It will be interesting to see how things play out.

When I was in Massachusetts for Michael's wedding, I managed to sneak in a quick visit to the rocks and ocean where I spent so much time when I lived there. It truly is so beautiful there, and I can't help but see God in the magnificence of His creation. The rest of my post shall have some of the favorite pictures I took while there. :)

It was really cool to be back by my ocean for a little while and just remember all the ways that God took care of my heart while I was there. One of the things I realized during my time in MA is that beauty can be found in every season of life. Even when it's winter and everything is dark and stark, beauty still resides.

There is a lot happening in life right now that is unknown. It helps to remember the faithfulness of God and how He has cared for me in so many different ways these last years. Even though I am anxious at times about the future, I am excited because I know that Jesus has plans for me that I can't even begin to imagine.


I will keep you posted in the coming days as life continues to unfold! And I would appreciate your prayers along the way. :)

Friday, April 2, 2010

Queen Ellie

Happy Good Friday to you all! I know we are all thankful for the darkest day in history so that the best day could be made possible. Thank you God for your unimaginable gift.

In other news, I thought I'd just share some fun pictures with you this evening. My cat cracks me up. I have had her for almost six years now, and for those of you who have pets yourself, you know how they become part of the family. Things that other people might think are crazy don't even make you blink. At the risk of adding to the number of people who think I'm crazy, here is the zaniness that is my cat.

Ellie loves people and loves being close to people. At night, she doesn't just sleep at the foot of the bed or lay nicely beside you. She likes to sleep on a pillow. Preferably yours. Curled around your head. Sometimes eating your hair. This is not conducive to a good night's sleep. And trust me, I have pushed her off repeatedly and tried all sorts of things to no avail. I would lock her out of my room but I'm afraid she would meow loudly, at which point my roommate might follow through on her threat to punt her over the balcony.

So....how is this problem solved? By giving Ellie her very own pillow! She is so happy to have it. She sleeps on it at night. She sleeps on it during the day. She sits on it when she is feeling queenly, which is quite often. Here are some pictures to prove this...



Yes, I may have issues, but at least I am sleeping better at night! And now that the weather is nicer and we have had the windows open, Ellie is also spending time on her perch. She is a fan of the Florida breeze...

Speaking of nice weather, we are having temps in the low 80's, and it is absolutely awesome outside. Everything is in full bloom, which is beautiful, but allergy inducing as well. My head does not like whatever is creating pollen right now, but at least there are lovely things to look at. This is a picture from downtown Orlando that I took the other day. I have never seen bright yellow flowers on trees like this before, but they are everywhere and quite pretty!

Well, I must go for now but I hope you enjoyed seeing some fun pictures. More to come soon. Next weekend is a big weekend with a lot of interviews at the seminary I have applied to. I also have some other pictures to share with you from Massachusetts. For now, I must go watch the Braves spring training game. Can't wait for opening day!! Have a great weekend, and Happy Easter!