i love finals, yes i do

I would be able to handle finals if I didn't have a major headache all day on Dead Day.
Roommate blaring rock music isn't' exactly soothing, either.
Ouch ouch ouch.
I am also lacking in the motivation department.

Oh well. At least I've already completed 2 of my 5 finals. So I'll stop complaining and tough it out. Woman-up, Georgia.

Finals? Psh, please. I can so do this.

I need wisdom like I need air.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, because it marks the beginning of the Christmas season. My break seemed to fly by, but it was good to see my two best friends from home, sleep in a full-sized bed, eat lots of good food with my family, and hit the road to Hot Springs. Each year during the weekend after Thanksgiving, Brookhill has it's famous "Turkey Day Retreat." It was awesome, of course, and it felt good to be home and to catch up on the lives of some amazing high schoolers, as well as my summer co-workers.

But now, Thanksgiving break is over....

• Finish reading In Cold Blood
• Read Astronomy CH 19-20
• Mastering Astronomy assignment
• Educational Media essay and final--due Thursday!
• Math study guide
• Study for Government test
• English paper
• Astronomy sunset and shadows labs
• Pretty self up for Wesley banquet
• Sleep
  

Where to begin??

Did I ever mention that I have a twin sister?

.replentish.

Bethany Dillon has been one of my favorite artists since I was first introduced to her at the age of 14 (she, at the time, was only 15.) Because we're so close in age, I've always been able to relate to the lyrics of her songs. I've found this to be especially true for her latest album, "Stop & Listen." It's ridiculous how much this cd has blessed me in the past few weeks. Many of the songs on the album talk about busyness, an issue that, as a college student, I definitely struggle with.

"Stop and Listen"
I wake up, start the rush and pour some coffee
Things to do pile up oh so quickly
Too many days I feel like I run on empty
Does anyone else out there feel like me?
But I’d be a fool to forfeit
The chance to take a moment
For You to rise like the dawn
Over my cold, tired heart
What I thought I had lost
Finds me when I stop and listen
It’s the same slowing down lesson we all learn
But I don’t pay much attention 'til I crash and burn
So all together
Let’s stop and sit at His feet
My sisters and brothers
He will rise like the dawn
over my cold, tired
What I thought I had lost
finds me when I stop and listen.

This semester, I have had to significantly give up things and simply say no, which is very hard for me to do. Yet, it seems that the more thing I give up, the busier I am. Lately I've felt that commitments to schoolwork, ministries, and relationships seem to suck me dry. And I'm not even a "real adult" yet! In a few years, I will (hopefully) have to balance a very time-consuming career and a family on top of all the above listed things. Tonght I bought a devotional book called "Devotions for Women on the Go." Go ahead, laugh. Because I even grimace at the name of it*. The book is not "quick" grab-n-go readings, but slightly more in-depth studies for 'the 21st Century Woman.'* Even though this book is probably designed for ladies 30+, I am excited. And again, I am starting to feel old.


I was flipping through my bible the other day, and I ran across a passage with the words "Replentish" written out to the side (notes from a staff meeting at camp this past summer):

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, 'Everyone is looking for you.' But Jesus replied, 'We must go on to the other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.' So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagouges and casting out demons. Luke 4:35-39

Even Jesus had to take time to replentish. Rejuvinate. Refuel. Refresh. We are not Energizer bunnies. We can't just keep going and going without time spent resting and recharning through the Word of God. So take a breather. Slow down and talk to God. Stop and listen.*


*I have a hesitation for 'cheesy Christian products' that I often refer to as 'Toliet devotionals'. You know, those awful tiny devotional books with nature scenes and cursive script on the cover that people keep on top of their toilets, right next to the Guideposts. That sounds awful, I know. But seriously, yuck.

*Also known as the tired woman who tries to please everyone and feels like a failure when she can't. For a more in-depth opinion on this woman who strives to live up to Proverbs 31, read Captivating.

*This post was too long. If you read the whole thing, I am very impressed.

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Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it."
Luke 9:23-24

I've felt really down lately. A combination of many little things has all accumulated to one big ball of Bummed Out. A few nights ago I was even considering transferring to another school, because I just didn't feel happy here anymore. That's when it hit me, and I felt like a selfish idiot. The reason I've felt so "unhappy" is because I been so selfish. I haven't been a servant to anyone. I haven't been showing love. I've been so concerned with school and my own well-being that I haven't even put into consideration the lives of others.

Satan knows exactly how to keep me from taking up my cross daily. He tells me lies. That I'm lonely, that I have to be perfect, that I'm always right and other are the ones to blame. That I'm doing fine on my own.

How often I forget that I've already been set free from all that. How often I forget, I'm Yours.

"In fact, Satan, here's to you: a toast with my fist, and then with my shoe! You'll regret the day that you ever messed with me, with my brothers and sisters, because we're an army you see!"

Consume me, God.
I must become less. Way less.

Dear God,

Please help me pass the Mathematics section of the Praxis tomorrow. Because I find basic math and no calculators really really intimidating.

Indy Rock

I spent most of last week at the National Middle School Association conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. At first I was a little worried that I would feel out of place, not knowing any of the other four girls(who are all 2 years older than I am) very well, and not becoming a teacher anytime in the near future. I was proved wrong; I had a blast! I enjoyed getting to know such great girls, as well as learning information and gaining free materials for my future classroom. I'm pretty sure I laughed more and I laughed harder than I have all semester! Teachers (and future teachers) are probably the most ridiculous, hilarious, crazy, and fun people ever (I witnessed this scariness growing up, seeing as my Mom is an Educator. It was nice to be reminded of it). In other words, my future career is going to rock. :)

Colt's Stadium!

My very own street!

Our group outside the Capitol


Downtown Indianapolis

The trip was well worth it, but I now have so much to catch up on. I've realized that there is only two weekends left until Thanksgiving Break. This is both exciting and scary. I have oh so much to do. I best get on that.