simple joys

"All the loveliest things there be, come simply, so it seems to me."

While I don't necessarily agree with this fruity statement, there is some partial truth to it. When I am on campus for long periods of time and can't escape the rigors of academia, it absolutely makes my day to walk outside and see it raining. Or how about finding Sharpies in between the couch cushions, or an old note wedged inside of a notebook. Scheduled life is thrown into an incredible adventure simply because of a few simple pleasures.

A few days ago, my cousin and her fiance challenged some of our family members, via a youtube post, to a Muddy Buddy race in Dallas this October. Of course, Blake and I were already registered and training, but the challenge gave us reason to respond with vigor. For your enjoyment, here is our response, Team Ferrari.

Muddy Buddy.

And while you're at it, take a look at my favorite pick of the week:

Tracy.

Two things.

Two things.

One. I ate dinner with my left hand tonight and it was surprisingly hard. Playing the game "bullmoose" should become a regular occurrence at roommate dinners, in my opinion.

Two. My ornery roommate insists that I mention her in my blog, hence, here lies crucial information about Lindsay Mitchell that I have acquired over the years, simply from observing her existence on a daily basis.

1. Generally, she comes in the door on her phone, keeping up with the rest of the world (I am pretty positive it is always people from camp, judging by the smile that's on her face when she hangs up).

2. She could spend hours playing Word Warp or Text Twist - and sometimes does.

3. She shamelessly loves LOST. Fast Forward is an upcoming new favorite as well.

4. She's a deal-maker.

5. Differential Equations got NOTHIN on her. I have never seen another person so intently focus on a page full of numbers in one sitting.

6. She prefers to study with headphones in and Alias or Rent playing in the background, and still manages to somehow focus.

7. She loves being intentional but hates scheduled intentional time.

8. She is one of the coolest people I know.

Also, I've been chewing on this. Enjoy.

"Oh that I might apprehend that for which also I am apprehended." -Jim Elliot

more on change...

You know, the first time I smoked hookah I broke the resevoir.The sheesha went flying and ashes spread all the way across some dude's living room floor. As if my coughing at every puff wasn't sign enough that I was out of my usual circle of comfort, my uneasy giggle and shoeless feet screamed "newbie."

It was an adventure. Everything about it was new and exciting. This obsession with fresh, change, might get me in trouble soon. It is not too conducive to solid schedules or disciplined lessons learned. It does, however, make for a few unplanned excitements (as long as interruptions are deemed opportunities) - Like LJ's trip to the hospital, or Schnook's need to saran wrap the FJ in the middle of the night. ..
And as exciting as late night endeavors are, the next morning always kills. It is a matter of deciding whether the "buzz" is really worth it. . .
Last night I had the privilege of sharing in a room of strangers, all singing freely to our God, strumming guitars, painting canvases, some were having intentional conversations, and others reading scripture. And while I didn't know the ins and outs of these people's lives, we shared a common bond. We all serve the same God.

El Roi. The God Who Sees Me.

Despite change of circumstance or attitude, despite efforts and failed attempts, he sees me as HIS.

I will no doubt continue to enjoy change on a daily basis in my life, but I hesitate to forget the grace that places me in the position I am today. Redeemed. No matter how many new artists rock my world or flavors of sheesha there continue to be, I will rest in the fact that my God remains the same, and his view of me does not change based on how exciting or new I am.

"Hagar called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "A God of seeing," for she said, "Truly here I have seen him who looks after me." And the well was called this, The God who sees."
Genesis 16:13-14