12 hours of grad school classes
+ no intro classes
+ over $500 worth of books
+ work 20 hrs a week
+ planning a wedding in less than 7 months
+ wanting a social life
+ needing at least 6.5 hrs of sleep a night to function
______________________________________
priceless

Wow, I really need to update on a lot of things!

The end of the fall semester was great. I was really pleased with all my grades, and besides the week after Thanksgiving when I had one final and 2 research papers due it wasn't too stressful.

In even bigger news...Steven and I are engaged! We are getting married July 11th in Austin at First Baptist where I grew up. I'm so excited with all the planning, but am really glad my mom is helping out as much as she is, especially since class has started up again. More info to come on this soon!

Class started this week and so far it looks like it is going to be a busy semester, mostly with reading. I'm taking Baptist Identity, Scriptures 2 (Old Testament prophets and the wisdom literature), Text and Traditions 1 and a policy class for social work. It's exciting to finally be done with the intro classes and digging in deeper to the the writings and doctrine of Christianity. I'm sure I will have lots of great things to discuss on here throughout the semester.

Well I think that about catches everyone up. I'll post more soon!

I am a mere 8-10 pages (plus a title page and bibliography) away from temporary freedom!

I've organized all my notes for my Social Work research paper on domestic violence and victim services that is due on Wednesday and I think I might just go ahead and write a rough draft of it tonight. Seeing as how it is already midnight, that could mean I'll be getting minimal hours of sleep tonight...but hopefully I can get more sleep tomorrow!

I can't believe the semester is almost over! I hope to have some time soon to write down some of the interesting things I've learned this semester, but now is not the time.

Time to hit the books...or the word processor...whatever :)

People joke about the "Baylor bubble" but it truly showed it's ugly head the night of the election. I am embarrassed by the actions of some of the students on our campus. I know that if you take the campus as a whole, the students that committed these hate crimes only make up a fraction of a percent of the people on campus, but isn't it almost always a minority that give organizations/universities/groups/etc a bad name?

I just can't believe that students, in an institution of learning, would be so close-minded and ignorant that they would act out in hate based on the fact that our country elected a black President. Do they realize how much they are paying for their education? Put it to good use! There are thousands upon thousands of people out there who would give anything to have the opportunity to attend a university and get an education; and then there are those who completely take it for granted.

Ignorance comes from being afraid of what you do not understand. Education is the key to understanding. Pick up a book, ask questions, use your time here wisely.

People say that racism does not exist anymore. I am ashamed to say that my alma-mater proved that statement incorrect.

I pray for the safety of the Obama family. I praise God for giving President-elect Obama the strength to be a pivotal figure in our country's history. I especially pray that God will continue to work through the people in this world, to educate them, and open their minds.

Close-mindedness not only brings about ignorance but can be dangerous.


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/05/ap/national/main4576929.shtml

So many people are posting their reactions (mostly negative) to the election on facebook and it's irritating me. Instead of retaliating back and making the situation worse I decided to post my views on here for two reasons: 1. it will get my irritations off my chest and 2. not many people read this so it wont seem like I'm attacking those whose views are different than mine.

In response to other people's comments:
1. Socialist? Communist? Muslim?...seriously? Is that what you really believe? If so I missed the definitive proof for any of that...
2. I don't understand people who all day long boast and brag about how patriotic they are because they voted and then once their candidate loses they say they are going to move out of the country.

My own thoughts:
1. I'm happy about the results. I think we need change. (If you want me to list the reasons and how Obama will accomplish those ask me personally)
2. There is not a "Christian" way to vote.
3. I wish people wouldn't get so divided about these elections. Yes they are important but they should not separate us. We are Americans first and foremost. Especially in the crucial time we are currently experiencing we need to be uniting, regardless of party lines, to try to figure out what is best for our country.

OK I feel much better now. I think I'm going to be avoiding facebook for a few days. It's probably better for me anyway!

Love and peace to you all!

We sang my favorite hymn in church today, "Living for Jesus". At my Papa's funeral about 5 years ago all of the grand-daughters sang this before the service, needless to say that adds a special connection for me with this song.

It's been in my head all day, I'm pretty sure I drove Steven crazy randomly breaking out into song, especially in the grocery store...oh well :)

I was searching youtube (when I should have been studying for my test this Thursday...) and found this great up-beat version of the hymn. Love it! Hope you enjoy!





Living for Jesus

Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please him in all that I do,
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
this is the pathway of blessing for me.

(Chorus)
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to thee;
For thou, in thine atonement,
Didst give thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for thee alone.

Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv'ry my sin and disgrace,
Such love constrains me to answer his call,
Follow his leading and give him my all.

(Chorus)

Living for Jesus thro' earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of his smile,
Seeking the lost ones he died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in him

(Chorus)



So simple, so profound, so great!

Have a blessed week!

I think I want to be a chaplain. At a children's hospital. St. Jude would be my dream...we'll see.

Apparently there is a process to this...although I'm not exactly sure what it is...trying to find info on the internet...no luck yet. I should try Wikipedia.

Thinking about doing an internship at a hospital...or a children's home...maybe this summer? How do I do that?

Do they make manuals on life? (besides the Bible) If so is there a "How to be a chaplain" tab? Perhaps in the index?

I should just ask people for help...I'm sure they know how to do this.

My head is literally spinning...but in a good way

Like an excited for the future way....like I'm opening the door to my future and so far it's limitless

...awesome :)