flizabeth's Xanga

The song of my heart for today:

Sat, 24 May 2008 14:50:32 GMT

You are the star of the morning
Unending hope in the night
One righteous prayer from anywhere
Carries the promise of light

You give the wings of an eagle
If we are willing to wait
One single word, forever heard
Calls us to rise and not faint

Chorus 1
You are God of the highest mountain
You are God in the deepest sea
You are awesome in power and glory
Great is Your love for me
Great is Your love for me

Oh Lord, You have searched me
And You know my ways
You perceive all my thoughts from afar
Your hand is upon me wherever I go
Before I form each word You already know

Chorus 2:
If I rise on the wings of the dawn You are there
If I rest on the far side of the sea
Your love hems me in both behind and before
You have laid Your hand upon me
You have laid Your hand upon me

Where can I flee from Your presence, Oh Lord?
If I sleep in the depths You are there
Your day will consume all the shadows of night
The dark cannot hide from Your brilliant light

Chorus 2, Chorus 1 twice

--You are God Medley..... Twila Paris, Eric Grover??
Sung by Adam and Laura Bell on their CD "Testimony of Grace"

Thanks, Rach, for the lyrics!!

Sin palabras

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:19:40 GMT

The Dominican Republic is amazing.

Do I believe in love at first sight?

Without a question, I do now!!

Monday, June 25, 2007

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:14:03 GMT

Well, my fair damsels and courageous lads that care to read a blither about my life upon occasions...

By God's great kindness, my passport arrived on Saturday afternoon!

The next exciting, momentous 6 weeks of my life will be spent in the Dominican Republic! I presume that I will have internet access from time to time, and so I hope to communicate via email, Facebook, and periodic xanga updates as is possible! I will have my cell phone with me, but please don't call me as it costs $1.29 a minute for me, and it costs international roaming fees for you guys since I'm out of the country! Scary! Texting is just fine at the regular price, they told me. Or you have my full permission to completely forget about attempting to communicate with me, as long as you promise to keep me in your prayers!

I love and will miss you all!

Isn't it ironic...

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 04:00:55 GMT

Monday, June 18th, 2007 was International Panic Day. Google Calendar's Unusual Holidays commented the following on the special momentous celebration:

" This is a day for everyone to be worried and concerned. "

Well, let me tell you, I was a little worried and concerned yesterday. The story goes something like this:

For those of you who didn't already know... a week from this moment in time, I sincerely do hope to be on a jet plane flying to the Dominican Republic! A plethora of events led to the conception of this trip, this dream of mine for countless numbers of years. In mid-April, it seemed evident that the Lord was opening a door of opportunity for me to make summer plans outside of the country! I had the time, the money, the encouragement, blessing and support of family and friends, and definitely the desire to better learn the Spanish language, and travel and minister to anyone, anywhere, in any way possible...

...So I raced to the Post Office, applied for a passport, and then purchased some excellently-priced tickets to Santo Domingo! Since then, a flurry of contact has taken place between me, my pastors, a dear Dominican lady at my church, and Pastor Salvador Gomez of IBSJ to work out the details regarding this self-initiated, solo missions trip of mine. So far, the only information of which I'm aware is that housing has been most graciously supplied for me by 3 families in the church during the 6 weeks I'm scheduled to stay there, and I'm bringing lots of presents with me! The rest... literally every other detail of the trip.... has yet to be discovered or disclosed to me!

Including my passport. I left a 10 week gap between applying and my scheduled departure, hoping that would be ample time for processing and mailing... but due to the massive increase in the demand of passport applications... it has come to my attention that there is a good possibility it won't naturally arrive by Monday's mail delivery at the absolute latest. So I've spent the last few days contacting people, getting as much information as possible, figuring out enough worst-case-scenarios and game plans that it seems very clear to me:

This situation is out of my control! Once again, you'd think I'd have this tattooed to my memory by this point in my lifebut.. it seems to be a truth I cannot apply to my thoughts and mindframe enough. Truly though, this is the perfect opportunity for me to pray the Holy Spirit will refresh my wandering heart- what good will it do for me to participate in International Panic Day? I was kindly reminded tonight: God is in control of that little booklet floating around somewhere in New Orleans. How much more good it will do for me, and for the glory of God, to lay this simple matter at His feet, trusting that if it is His will for me to travel on the dates I thought best, He will enable my passport to arrive! However, if His Greater Will is that my trip be delayed or postponed- no matter how I fret and frump over having to contact people and bother them and changing whatever generous plans have been made- then that is my greatest wish! It need not be any more complicated than that.

And so I would ask you to join in praying for me and with me in this situation. And I would covet your prayers concerning the time I have there, that I would be able to serve those dear people, who are such servants themselves, and minister to their needs. My heart is so full I can't even put into words what my desires and hopes are- I truly am putty in the Lord's hands. I am so excited, humbled, awed, uncertain, sympathetic, passionate, overtaken.

No more worries and concerns, my friend. I have a powerful God at my side. I have an all-knowing God in New Orleans. I have a Protector and a Tower of Defense in the Dominican. I have immediate access to a Strength, a Healer, a Welcomer, a Communicator, a Comforter and a Friend within me as I interact with the dear people there. May panic be for those who are unstable, for those who have no Living Truth, no Hope, no Purpose, no Strong Confidence.

May I not return unchanged... may my life and passions never be the same.

This is my 'just because'

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:31:53 GMT

Sometimes as a child I dreaded to hear my parents tell me "just because"... because I knew they were exactly right. They didn't have to give me a reason... they had the authority and I trusted they knew what was best for me.

Here, finally, I have found a perfect a opportunity to exercise my "just because" power... bet your bottom dollar I won't pass it up!

because I thank the Lord for Rachel...

because Rachel is a true friend...

because Rachel is a testimony of God's grace and an example to me in so many ways...

because I just heard Rachel play a lovely violin solo at a recital today...

because I take too many pictures (and Rachel endured it this evening)...

because I love to surprise Rachel...

because I want to remind Rachel how much she means to me...

... and so I am going to post pictures of her! Just because.

...because we have the best quality times and conversations on our coffee dates at Starbucks...

...because we're both more than a little insane, in our own special ways

... because she's my beautiful sister in Christ- inside and out

...and incredibly talented and entertaining as well

...because we've been friends for quite some time now

...because I like taking pictures and playing with them on Picasa

...and for a tad bit more insight into my dear Rachel...

...just so you get a glimpse at how wonderful and fun she is in person, and how much I enjoy her company, even for the tiniest of moments...

I love you Rachel Sue Jodrey!

Happy May Day!

Tue, 01 May 2007 14:50:52 GMT

(said with much Italian gusto)

Hello people and peoplenesses! It gives me great pleasure to welcome the bright and sunshiny month of May, because accompanied by May are such wonderful goings ons and happenings!

A quick overview:

Fun stuff this week, like studying, making appointments to spend quality time with people, studying, attending all sorts of meetings for responsibilities in preparation for next year (ANS, University Marshalls, Nursing School Orientation), studying, taking an SAT test in History on Saturday (I really need to study!)... work work,

Next week come my final 2 exams and a revised paper due by Tuesday, and then Lord-willing, my friend Maggie is flying in to visit me on Wednesday! Thursday night is my small tea party, Friday is UNCG's Commencement, a concert in Charlotte featuring Mae, Reliant K, and some other people I don't know, Saturday may contain visiting Gardner Webb, and then back home again for Mother's day on Sunday!

After that, Maggie returns to Texas and Jake and Erika Griswold visit! And then after that Mom and I are flying to Florida for my Uncle's baptism!

May is going to be such an exciting month. I just feel it in my bones. Hooray! God is good!

I'm sure a more interesting post will come later- squeezed in between some event or another... but until then, I hope everyone enjoys the final days of their semesters- finish well! Glorify God!

A very happy birthday to me

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 03:37:26 GMT

I had the most wonderful 20th birthday week! There was so much delicious celebrating, but most importantly there were so many opportunities to experience quality time shared with so many most wonderful people in my life. I come away from the week with a heart brimming in praise and wonder at how good is my God! Several times I've said to people this week that "my heart sang" over something or another that we were discussing or something I was sharing with them that meant so much to me.... My heart has been singing so much lately... such songs of praises. And that song, that new song, can only come from Christ.

It's hard to believe I'm 20... but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I think I even feel 20, if I am accurately describing what I think I feel. haha. Rachel and I decided it's time for me to be Christine. Or at least begin to introduce myself to the world I don't know as Christine (seeing as I'm generally Christine when I'm mature and Tina when I'm not). We noticed this because when I spent the night with her, every time I would refer to myself, I would call myself Christine. HAHA! I think she's subliminally trying to tell me it's high time for me to be mature now. No more excuses of teenagerhood. lol!

I have thousands and thousands of pictures with the stories captured in the captions on my new online picture database: Christine's Picasa Web Albums. If you would like, feel free to peruse them and find out more details and stories of what I've been up to lately, especially the birthday albums! I've had fun with that, although I'm surely not used to posting SO many pictures of myself. So instead of long, endless picture posts on xanga, check out the web albums! They tell the story quite well, if I do say so myself.

So my birthday week began last Thursday with a gigantic cookout with Chef Setheroni and the charcoal grill outdoors, Friday consisted of a ginormous breakfast/brunch, a morning of Looney Tunes watching, working out, and watching movies. Saturday we woke up bright and early and went to the NC Zoo in Asheboro! We had a FANTASTIC time... you'll see in all the pictures. We then ate out at Pizza Hut for a late lunch- Pizza Hut on my birthday is a tradition for me, and must include the consumption of stuffed crust pizza. It was delicious! Sunday was spent in Mebane in much worship and conviction and wonderful fellowship! Mom and I made a lovely lunch of lasagna and she had made me an exquisite German chocolate cake. mmm! Monday was full of panic and study for my Microbiology exam, but God greatly blessed! I then had a wonderful dinner out with Mr. and Mrs. Jodrey and had a much needed and encouraging discussion with them. Tuesday consisted of opening the most wonderful and surprising presents and having the most beautiful and delicious birthday cake that I've ever been served... and there's pictures of all of that too. Wednesday wasn't too eventful, however, Thursday, I had a wonderful lunch with Mrs. Van Dalen, in which I was much encouraged and excited about nursing and about the Christian walk of faith. Then I ran to class, ran home to pick up the rest of my cake for my logic class and I to share, ran back to class, and then was off to spend the rest of the day with my dear Rachel! I had a wild time on their new trampoline until Jesse did a flip and his tooth fell out. Then we ate dinner, and worked on cutting out craft pieces for the Mom's Coffee Connection the next day. We took a break long enough to traverse to Starbucks, and talked endlessly into the hour of 4 o'clock in the morning (not all at Starbucks... they decided to close at 10. so we went back to her house). It was incredible. My heart sang several times over. Friday morning I helped with the 3 year-olds at the MCC, and then chilled out with mom, met with Jacki for a short while- I was missing her something tremendously and she was a gem to make time in her schedule to visit with me. We had a wonderful time and my heart was so blessed and encouraged. Dad took me out to dinner and ice cream for my birthday after that... any guesses to where we ate? Well, if you know my dad at all, you will smile, nod, and not at all be surprised when I say: K&W cafeteria. teheh! We had a marvelous evening together.

Needless to say, it's been a very busy, tiring, but such an incredible week of God's goodness that... I can't describe. I'm looking forward to what adventures and lessons and plans the Lord has in store for me in the coming year! I trust they are of good and not of evil, to give me a future and a hope!! Jer. 29:11!!

Thank you all for your friendships and for touching my life and being used in the Lord in ways you will never know until we marvel in the workings and plans of our Heavenly Father in the glory of His presence someday!

A Day to Celebrate!!!

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:55:37 GMT

Today... I am celebrating my Creator, Redeemer, and King!

He is alive.... and He has given me life... a beautiful life with which to glorify Him both now and forever, to the glory of His grace!!

I'm 20 years and 45 minutes old... sigh.. I'm not a teeeeeeeenager anymore! I figure I'm more like unto one of the following:

a) two 10-year-olds
b) four 5-year-olds, or
c) five 4-year-olds, or
d) ten 2-year-olds...

which would you pick?

It's a beautiful day....

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 04:24:15 GMT

I had the most positively phenomenal day today. I would like to share. Why, thank you.

First, I went to the Campus Health Center and found out that I do not have Tuberculosis. Or have never been exposed to it. I was, however, late, and missed my physical, but it's rescheduled, so all's well. (Catching up on all the needed medical testing/documentation required for Nursing School)

Second, I put money in my bank, (HOORAY!) and went to the library and found some study books (I really need to pass my U.S. History SAT II test so I don't have to take the class!) and some yummy cds. Like the Goo Goo Dolls new cd: Let Love In. I've heard it before and loved it... and still do.

Then I picked up Bungee and we drove to have a picnic lunch with my darling Jacki on the lovely campus of UNC-Chapel Hill (WHO, won their game tonite, woo hoo!)!!!! That's my kind of celebration!!!!!

Then I skeedaddled Bungee to the RDU airport for her adventurous flight to Texas, and then came back to Chapel Hill to explore and catch up with another friend. Then it was time for Jacki to be off work, so I picked her up, we dined dinner with her wonderful family and then we went to the Junior Voice Recital of our dear friend Beth Allen, which was AMAZING!

The evening ended with coffee, a good, long, much needed discussion, tears, and hugs... but most importantly, forgiveness, and peace. And let me tell you, that is pricelessly sweet. And worth the mortification and wounded pride.

I have my Jacki back. I am so .... endless descriptive adjectives of unspeakable boundless joy and humble thankfulness to my Saviour. I have sinned. I have fallen short of the glory of God. I have been a great, great fool. By God's mercy alone has He revealed this to me and brought me to my knees. And I have been forgiven. It is precious. And I love her. I could not ask for a better, more faithful, true and loving friend than my Savior, and then to be blessed with a friend that exemplifies such Christ-like qualities towards me is truly a blessing beyond compare that I yet so easily take for granted and abuse.

I know this is a secular song and the theology is off (or maybe completely nonexistent?), but these words, if applied properly, describe a little of my feelings right now...

Better Days

And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
Cuz I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

<Chorus>:
So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

And it's someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And thats faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child that saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

<Chorus>

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

<Chorus>

And of course, we know and eagerly await those promised "better days" as followers of Christ when He returns,
and that salvation and forgiveness and faith and trust and peace can only be found in Him.
It's glorious.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Tomorrow!!

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 17:21:11 GMT

Rare moments... a cozy, rainy Friday, and I get the luxury of sleeping in, snooggling with the pubbubs, slurping on yummy split pea soup, and reading... fantasy, no less! Delicious....

This past week was insane but went well... my favorite part being the opportunity to escort nervous highschool seniors to their UNCG Merit Scholarship Interviews, and then giving a fun, personal reflection of my college experiences thus far for their luncheon entertainment. TOO much fun. And nice to experience that same event from the opposite side of the fence, two years later. (hard to believe I'm already nearly halfway finished with undergraduate school!)

It's been absolutely breathtakingly beautiful weather lately... so marvelous, in fact, that as I was soaking up some balmy sun and brisk breezes yesterday, I got royally sunburnt. lol.

On a very exciting note, I arrived home from church last Sunday night to find a beautiful beta fish on my dresser! It's been a long time since I've had a pet... in fact, since my last beta fish was flushed by my obnoxious neighbors.. either that or I'm finding out other conspiratous plans possibly carried out by my family... but anyway, the last pet I had was my potty-training awarded beta fish whom was promptly named Alpha Beta Bubble Splash Flynn. May he rest in peace.

Any ideas for names? I've been calling him One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, because he fits 3 of those 4 descriptions (he's not Two Fish, obviously... but... still...), but I've also considered Archibald (which is way too short of a name in my opinion), and then my sister suggested Alpha Beta Bubble Splash Flynn, Jr. Another sister suggested Gamma Delta _____ Squirt Flynn... but we couldn't think of something to complement Bubble. Maybe Hiccup? Wiggle? I don't know, how 'bout let's poll the audience. Which do you like? What would you suggest?

On a small side note... this time of year marks the end of the longest and hardest year of life experiences yet. Unfortunately I see more battles lost than battles won, endless battles, repetitious battles... but God. He has been consistent and ever faithful, and full of gracious gifts: growth, knowledge, humility, and peace, which overshadow the pain and bring Him glory compounded exponentially. It's so enrapturing to feel JOY finally returning, but so tragic to see how long I went without it- and replaced with what I now know was an incomplete, false, pretense, vain and empty happiness. (shudder) Truly, the Joy of the Lord is my strength. And now I better know and appreciate that Joy and my great need of it than I ever have before. And I've been a fool to allow Satan to so easily snatch it away.

Lord, may I better and more fully live a life of Praise to the Glory of Your Grace...