I think my Texas politics professor is Chuck Norris's brother.
This dude is hard core, and let me give you a few reasons why.
By the way, it took almost an entire class session for him to give us his resume.
He's a marine.
He's a pilot.
He's a scuba diver.
He worked on Capitol Hill.
He worked at NASA.
He worked in the Texas Capitol.
He is a park ranger for the eastern part of Alaska.
Oh! And he's a professor at three different campuses.
I have a feeling this class will not be boring.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Goodbye, Christmas break.....
Hello, spring semester!
As much as I have enjoyed being out of school, working part time, cooking, and being the occasional lady of leisure, it's time to go back to school.
Truth be told, I am looking forward to the routine. I tend to be more productive when I have a routine....and I am less prone to snacking.
Ah, there's the rub!
It took me three months to lose ten pounds last semester and about five weeks to put it plus five more back on! Evang-elastic-ly speaking, of course. I've not gotten on a scale but I can feel it. UGH!!!
So, since my classes are mainly in the mornings, getting out around noon, I will have coffee and a granola bar for breakfast. On days I will stay on campus to study or for my afternoon lab once a week, I will have carrots, string cheese, and an apple for lunch. This way, I am not spending money for lunch on campus and they do not require refrigeration or microwaving. Plus, I have my handy reusable water bottle that I fill with my Brita water system I started using last semester. I love that thing!
Dan and I will also be taking advantage of using the campus gym, although he is doing very well on his own. He's lost about 25 pounds. I'm so proud of him! He's looking good! We finally had to break down and buy him some new jeans because I told him that it looked like his jeans were gathered in the back because his belt was so tight.
So, that's our health care plan we'll be working on. As far as classes, I'll be taking the chemistry class I dropped last semester, statistics, technical writing, and Texas politics.
Here we go!!!
As much as I have enjoyed being out of school, working part time, cooking, and being the occasional lady of leisure, it's time to go back to school.
Truth be told, I am looking forward to the routine. I tend to be more productive when I have a routine....and I am less prone to snacking.
Ah, there's the rub!
It took me three months to lose ten pounds last semester and about five weeks to put it plus five more back on! Evang-elastic-ly speaking, of course. I've not gotten on a scale but I can feel it. UGH!!!
So, since my classes are mainly in the mornings, getting out around noon, I will have coffee and a granola bar for breakfast. On days I will stay on campus to study or for my afternoon lab once a week, I will have carrots, string cheese, and an apple for lunch. This way, I am not spending money for lunch on campus and they do not require refrigeration or microwaving. Plus, I have my handy reusable water bottle that I fill with my Brita water system I started using last semester. I love that thing!
Dan and I will also be taking advantage of using the campus gym, although he is doing very well on his own. He's lost about 25 pounds. I'm so proud of him! He's looking good! We finally had to break down and buy him some new jeans because I told him that it looked like his jeans were gathered in the back because his belt was so tight.
So, that's our health care plan we'll be working on. As far as classes, I'll be taking the chemistry class I dropped last semester, statistics, technical writing, and Texas politics.
Here we go!!!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
God is great, God is good.....
Yesterday we were supposed to leave around two for Livingston, TX. We had planned a Fine Arts workshop a couple of months ago with the youth pastor and were so looking forward to it.
Well, as you all know, it's been down right frigid here the last few days. As a result, our water froze night before last. Without boring you with all the specifics, it was apparent that the water pump had gone out in the trailer. As Dan was working on it, trying to figure out what the next step to do was, there was an extremely loud pop out behind the trailer. Scared us to death. I thought it was a gunshot, but it was the transformer about twenty yards behind our house that had blown...and left us and our neighbors without electricity.
By this time, it is two o'clock, and we were already supposed to have left for Livingston. We have no water or electricity. I finally got a hold of Oncore and they sent someone out to restore the power. Dan had been talking to the repair man about the water pump and made arrangements for him to come to the house while we were gone to make the repairs.
We finally pulled out of Arlington around five, not feeling very confident whatsoever.
Kinda defeated, actually.
We came to the conclusion, though, that for all the trouble we had, something good MUST come out of this workshop!
And it did!
It wasn't any one thing that I could put my finger on and say "that" was what made it good, but it was just good! The kids were receptive, and we even got them to sing a song that they are going to perform tomorrow in church. They are pretty excited about it.
AND we found out that the water pump did not go out. The motor had just frozen up in the cold. We have water!
Thank you, Lord, for your provision and favor. You are so much more than I deserve.
Well, as you all know, it's been down right frigid here the last few days. As a result, our water froze night before last. Without boring you with all the specifics, it was apparent that the water pump had gone out in the trailer. As Dan was working on it, trying to figure out what the next step to do was, there was an extremely loud pop out behind the trailer. Scared us to death. I thought it was a gunshot, but it was the transformer about twenty yards behind our house that had blown...and left us and our neighbors without electricity.
By this time, it is two o'clock, and we were already supposed to have left for Livingston. We have no water or electricity. I finally got a hold of Oncore and they sent someone out to restore the power. Dan had been talking to the repair man about the water pump and made arrangements for him to come to the house while we were gone to make the repairs.
We finally pulled out of Arlington around five, not feeling very confident whatsoever.
Kinda defeated, actually.
We came to the conclusion, though, that for all the trouble we had, something good MUST come out of this workshop!
And it did!
It wasn't any one thing that I could put my finger on and say "that" was what made it good, but it was just good! The kids were receptive, and we even got them to sing a song that they are going to perform tomorrow in church. They are pretty excited about it.
AND we found out that the water pump did not go out. The motor had just frozen up in the cold. We have water!
Thank you, Lord, for your provision and favor. You are so much more than I deserve.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
For a couple of days...
I'm home!
At my mom and dad's, that is.
Got here this evening, in time for the Tech game, I might add! We will have our family Christmas tomorrow, spend some much needed time with my best friend in Lubbock Monday, then leave again on Tuesday. It always goes by too fast. :(
Speaking of my best friend...
I forgot to mention that she graduated from nursing school in Lubbock on December 18! I am so proud of her. I know most of you don't know her, but Kristi and I have been friends since we were 12 or 13. Our dads are both pastors, we've covered for each other, got in trouble together, we both have an addiction to peanut buster parfaits from Dairy Queen, got engaged and married within 3 months of each other, we actively compete to see who can move around the most (not really, it just seems that way!), and she is my inspiration for going back to school.
Congratulations, Kristi!!!
At my mom and dad's, that is.
Got here this evening, in time for the Tech game, I might add! We will have our family Christmas tomorrow, spend some much needed time with my best friend in Lubbock Monday, then leave again on Tuesday. It always goes by too fast. :(
Speaking of my best friend...
I forgot to mention that she graduated from nursing school in Lubbock on December 18! I am so proud of her. I know most of you don't know her, but Kristi and I have been friends since we were 12 or 13. Our dads are both pastors, we've covered for each other, got in trouble together, we both have an addiction to peanut buster parfaits from Dairy Queen, got engaged and married within 3 months of each other, we actively compete to see who can move around the most (not really, it just seems that way!), and she is my inspiration for going back to school.
Congratulations, Kristi!!!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
My Almost-Perfect Christmas Eve
This was the first Christmas Eve I did not work in eight years!
I literally had to stop and think about how long it's been, but I think eight is correct.
Most of my shopping was done, but I went to the Rally Store with my sister-in-law to get Dan a couple of Texas Tech things. That is the coolest store! They have the most Tech stuff I've seen outside of Lubbock, TX! They also carry as much stuff for Baylor, OU, UT, A&M, Mavs, Cowboys, and Stars.
I finished wrapping up Christmas treats for co-workers and got them delivered.
Finished wrapping gifts.
We went to the Studio Movie Grill for dinner and a movie. It was the first time we'd been there. Not a lot of people were out, so we ended up having the theatre to ourselves. We saw Did You Hear About the Morgans? It was so-so. We had fun, though.
Dressed Rosie up as an elf. She looked so cute. She didn't mind the outfit because it was so cold, it was just the hat that she wasn't a fan of. Needless to say, the hat didn't stay on long!
Speaking of the cold....it snowed!!! I mean, SNOWED!!! It was incredible. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.
Well, almost....
Christmas Eve is also my daddy's birthday.
It would have been perfect if we could have all been together.
I literally had to stop and think about how long it's been, but I think eight is correct.
Most of my shopping was done, but I went to the Rally Store with my sister-in-law to get Dan a couple of Texas Tech things. That is the coolest store! They have the most Tech stuff I've seen outside of Lubbock, TX! They also carry as much stuff for Baylor, OU, UT, A&M, Mavs, Cowboys, and Stars.
I finished wrapping up Christmas treats for co-workers and got them delivered.
Finished wrapping gifts.
We went to the Studio Movie Grill for dinner and a movie. It was the first time we'd been there. Not a lot of people were out, so we ended up having the theatre to ourselves. We saw Did You Hear About the Morgans? It was so-so. We had fun, though.
Dressed Rosie up as an elf. She looked so cute. She didn't mind the outfit because it was so cold, it was just the hat that she wasn't a fan of. Needless to say, the hat didn't stay on long!
Speaking of the cold....it snowed!!! I mean, SNOWED!!! It was incredible. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.
Well, almost....
Christmas Eve is also my daddy's birthday.
It would have been perfect if we could have all been together.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Psalm 73
Psalm 73
The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God
A Psalm of Asaph, Truly God is good to Israel. To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought of how to understand this, it was too painful for me--until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. Thus, my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God. That I may declare all Your works.
Our pastor preached on this scripture several weeks ago. It was almost as if he was preaching right at me! I can identify with this Psalm. It seems that the wicked in this passage have all the comforts and their lives are grand while it's not going so well with the righteous.
When we were at the retreat I told how one day while I was looking for a parking space at school, and I just lost it because I was convinced that God did not love me anymore because if He really did love me I would not be in want for anything...my own family, good grades, steady income...a parking spot! The Lord did a great work in my heart during the retreat, and, YES! I know He loves me. It wasn't long after the retreat that Pastor Jeff did this sermon and it pricked my heart even more.
There were two things in particular he said that I haven't forgotten:
1. Worship cures envy by giving us a proper perspective.
When I thought of how to understand this, it was too painful for me--until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
It's amazing how He communicates to us through worship...how He gives us His peace as we focus on praising Him.
2. This is the only Heaven some people we envy have.
Has it sunk in yet?
Some of the people we envy are living the good life now, but are bound for an eternity in hell because they don't know Christ. We may not be keeping up with the Jones's, but we have the blessed hope that better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere.
You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God
A Psalm of Asaph, Truly God is good to Israel. To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought of how to understand this, it was too painful for me--until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. Thus, my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God. That I may declare all Your works.
Our pastor preached on this scripture several weeks ago. It was almost as if he was preaching right at me! I can identify with this Psalm. It seems that the wicked in this passage have all the comforts and their lives are grand while it's not going so well with the righteous.
When we were at the retreat I told how one day while I was looking for a parking space at school, and I just lost it because I was convinced that God did not love me anymore because if He really did love me I would not be in want for anything...my own family, good grades, steady income...a parking spot! The Lord did a great work in my heart during the retreat, and, YES! I know He loves me. It wasn't long after the retreat that Pastor Jeff did this sermon and it pricked my heart even more.
There were two things in particular he said that I haven't forgotten:
1. Worship cures envy by giving us a proper perspective.
When I thought of how to understand this, it was too painful for me--until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
It's amazing how He communicates to us through worship...how He gives us His peace as we focus on praising Him.
2. This is the only Heaven some people we envy have.
Has it sunk in yet?
Some of the people we envy are living the good life now, but are bound for an eternity in hell because they don't know Christ. We may not be keeping up with the Jones's, but we have the blessed hope that better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere.
You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
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