Who's really in control?

I went through these verses last night with a girl that I meet with every week.  I think they are just great reminders of how 'in control' of everything God is.  How often do we forget that He is faithful, has our best interest in mind, and everything that is good and profitable for His glory will be done.  
 

Matthew 6:27  
"And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span?

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

My Current 'Covet'

So I have been searching for teal shoes for my wedding for awhile and can't seem to find any in my price range, size, and without a GIANT heel.  I have come across these shoes many times and covet them every single time I see them. 

Too bad they're $126.00. Oh well.  Have a splendid day!!

Performing?

(Warning... no real flow to the thoughts below... I am just processing on paper which means no flow)

Now this may be a bit of a shock but I LOVE performing.  I don't do it much but every time I think about it or see a big production I just want to be a part of it.  Now this is not choir performances such as my choir concerts but MUSICALS, and OPERAS, and things that have a plot/characters/music/etc.  I love being able to get out of my comfort shell when i have to be someone else.  I love dancing around and being crazy. 

I was the lead in 2 musicals in High School and had some other roles in our variety shows and I think that these are my best memories from high school.  I also remember watching my sister in an opera here at UNI and wanting SOOOO bad to get to be in something like that someday. 

But why haven't I?  I know that you have to work your way to the top but when I get assigned a chorus role I just think of all the time that is going to be invested for "just a chorus role" and I think that my time can be better invested somewhere else.  Plus what is my motive for wanting to perform?  Is it Pride? Attention? Success? Enjoyment? Selfish Gain? Or for God's glory?  Now honestly, it is probably for my own selfish desires but I want my heart to purely be desiring to bring God glory and to be a witness to those within the performance who don't know His saving grace and His abounding love and faithfulness. 

But now what?  Where do I go? I have dropped out of a few operas here at UNI because of time commitment, which gives me the name of 'unreliable' and how do I build this back up?  I would LOVE to perform as a career but you can't make any money as a performer (at least at first) and I am going to be the 'monetary support' for Matt and I when he is still in school.  And since my MAIN desire is to be a wife and mother who builds a household who loves and honors the Lord, is it even worth trying to pursue these things?

Also, because of my quiet personality, people don't see the passion for these things.  So how to I convey it without being given a part first? 

I just feel pulled in a million different directions and I don't know which way to go. Overall, I am very humbled tonight and can't decipher where the Lord is wanting me and how He desires me to use the passion for performing that He has given me.

Uhhhh... if only Broadway weren't so far away and didn't consume your entire life!  And it were easier to get into.... I'd be there. 

FREE...

Airplane Tickets for our Honeymoon!  

We booked our honeymoon flights tonight and we're blown away with God's goodness to us.  Matt's mom had a bunch of built up airline miles from her work and graciously said that we could use them.  We had checked the airline awhile ago but there weren't enough airline miles for us to get TWO airplane tickets.  But tonight the 'black out dates" or whatever must have been different because we were able to book 2 flights and still have left over miles!!!  God has just blown us away with His faithfulness and provision so far.  He is so good to us!

First Week of Classes!

Well, classes have started and my second semester of my junior year is underway.  Oh Boy!!! 

I am not one who loves school and I always seem to be in a weird "funk" for about the first week of every semester. But I think that this is going to be a pretty good semester!

I don't have class until 10 MWF and 11 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I LOVE THIS!  That allows me to get up at 8:00, work out, do devotions, eat breakfast, and get ready before I even have class.  It is WONDERFUL!  Me and my roommates are doing Jillian Michael's "30 Day Shred" work out video in the mornings.  It's pretty sweet.  It only takes 20 minutes but it SOOO good!

Classes have been pretty exciting.  I think that I'll enjoy them for the most part.  I really like my conducting class.  Our professor is amazing and he does some really cool things.  I'm excited.

I am still working at the computer labs on campus.  10 hours a week.  This job is the best!  I get paid to do my homework!  It's sweet!

I am also involved in the Navigator ministry on campus.  We meet as a group once a week and then I have a bible study through them as well.  This semester we are going through 1 Peter.  I'm pretty excited!  I also disciple a girl and am being discipled by one of the Navigator staff women.  It's great!

I am in a ton of music classes this semester and so I am around quite a few of my good friends from the music department.  I actually have every class with this girl named Kate who is a really strong Christian and so encouraging.  I am really excited for that!

Other than that, this semester should be filled with wedding prep!  I got a ton done over break but still have quite a bit to do.  I'll have a few showers this semester so that should be really fun!

So, although I don't enjoy school that much, I think that this will be a fun semester!  Only 2 more after this!

I thought it only happened on Windex commercials.

The other day I was going to put some food outside to keep it cold and guess what I found out side our back door?!?

Oh wait you can't quite see what it is?  Let me zoom in...

Yep... a bird had ran into our back door and died.  Matt had heard the 'thump' but didn't know what it was. In case you were wondering, the food I was about to put outside, didn't get there. 

House Update!

Just a bunch of pictures... they don't really need explaining so enjoy!!!  It's coming along quite nicely!!

There will be pictures in the frames eventually.

All the kitchen cabinets are in and I think the counter tops are ordered.

Mom & Dad's room... painted wall

Papa's Bathroom tiling almost done!

2011 Goals

Sitting here in Panera, I look across the table at my beautiful sister. As we sip on our Peppermint Hot Chocolates, we begin to talk about 2011 and our goals.  But I have a problem.  I am not a goal setter, in comparison to my 'go-getter' sister.  So here is my small attempt at starting this proactive lifestyle. 

1. Paint a giant picture for my sister's kitchen wall.
2. Cover my sister's ugly teal recliners.
3.

And I just started a to-do list... hmmm...

Goals:  what does this even mearn?!?

Ok here we go...
1. Learn Guitar "Fluently"
2. Learn how to Drive a Stick Shift.
3. Get Married.
4. Complete my Senior Recital.

And I'm done... this is just not me at all.  Too bad the last two goals are definitely going to happen and don't take much outside of normal life work.  Oh well.  Do you have any 2011 goals?