Introvert vs Extrovert.

Bringing in the New Year! Seriously, someone tell me to stop wearing that silly hood.

Introvert: to turn inward or in upon itself

Extrovert: a friendly person who likes being with and talking to other people; an outgoing person

Typically, I think of myself as pretty extroverted. I thrive on being around others and love to just have a good conversation. While I definitely like to be around people, I much prefer small groups or even just spending time with one person. Take for example the church retreat I went to last week; after the week was over, I felt completely drained and did not feel like hanging out in big groups anymore! While everyone else was hanging out, playing games, and avoiding sleeping, I spent my last few days in Houston lazing around at Starbucks with my friend Lexie. It's not that I didn't love the rest of my friends who were staying in Houston, I just didn't have the energy to be in a large group of people! There must be different kinds of extroverts.  I love being around people, but I only like big groups in moderation. Also, sometimes, you just need to be alone. There is something to be said for getting a breather from people in general. 

Alone time can be very valuable. It is a time to replenish, to get your thoughts straight, and to simply realize that you don't have to be entertained 24/7.  I feel like when I read the description above, introverts are cast in a negative light and extroverts in a positive light. It may not be true of you, but I have often thought that introverts weren't as nice as extroverts.... I no longer think that is true! Being introverted has nothing to do with being nice or not. It simply reflects whether you thrive on solitude or on big crowds.  

So what are you: introvert or extrovert? A little bit of both?

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!

Character

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Recently I was re-reading a book and stumbled upon this poem. I forgot how much I love it.  Though the language is obviously outdated (mutton, much?), it's truth hasn't faded. While it is directed toward men, I chose to post this as a reminder to women. Girls, remember to seek such a man.  I see so many women settle for men who treat them with disrespect.  Become the kind of Godly woman that a Godly man will honor. As we all have heard, it is about so much more than outward beauty.  Becoming a woman of beautiful character lasts forever and it's reward is true happiness. One only has to look to Proverbs 31 to see that the woman of noble character is one who works hard, cares for her family, and doesn't worry about the days to come. I pray that we all may become such women.  

   A Woman's Question by Lena Lathrop

 

Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing Ever made by the hand above--
A woman's heart, and a woman's life
And a woman's wonderful love?

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy,
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy?

You have written my lesson of duty out,
Man-like you have questioned me;
Now stand at the bar of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart to be true as God's stars,
And as pure as heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef;
I require a far better thing.
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts;
I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called home,
And a man that the maker, God,
Shall look upon as he did the first
And say, "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose will fade
From my soft, young cheek one day,
Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,
As you did 'mid the bloom of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and deep,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give all this, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot do this -- a laundress and cook
You can hire, with little to pay,
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way.

On Graduating.

After being in school for basically my entire existence, I graduated in December. It has been such a blessing for me be able to go to school, which I truly love, because I know that so many people don't have that opportunity.  Or if they do, it is much harder for them.  I am so thankful for my parents who have provided for me and supported me along the way.  I know I have had it so easy.  

Don't get me wrong, I love to learn.  What's crazy is that after completing my BS, I still don't have the ability to get the job I want.  To be a Physical Therapist, I have to go to school for three more years! Being in school my whole life STILL hasn't taught me what I need to know.  It reminds me of the Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 3:18-19:

Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is

foolishness in God's sight. 

and again in 1 Corinthians 1:18-21:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

I am so thankful for the true message of wisdom. By the standards of this world, I know nothing. We are constantly grasping for more knowledge, never knowing enough. But according to God, I have everything I need.  Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

2014

Happy 2014, my friends! It has been far too long.  Life has been busy for me which is why there has been a lack of posts... but now we are back in business.  Lots has been up with me.  On December 21st, I graduated from college with my BS in Kinesiology.  I was so excited that Daniel was able to come for it and for Christmas.  I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and then headed off to Texas for a church retreat last week. It was a great week of fellowship as we studied John the Baptist.  Also, I got to catch up with lots of friends and make a few new ones. The gift of friendship is truly such a blessing. 

Karaoke with Bekka, Daniel and Justin!

Apple pie making with the beautiful Jessica and Lexie

Now that I have graduated, what am I doing? So far, being a bum.  I'm not sure what is up for me now as I wait to hear if I get into Physical Therapy school for the fall.  I have some big life changes ahead, so stay tuned.  Until then, I hope to be spending more time on this here blog.  Hope 2014 holds all kinds of blessings for each of you. 

What We Need



As many of you know, this weekend marked one year since the Sandy Hook shooting.  To this day, I can scarcely think about that day without tears.  I can't even begin to imagine myself in their shoes.  I am humbled and awed at their strength.  I hope this reminds you to tell the people you love how much you love them, while you have the chance.

 

 

I remember watching this video last year and feeling absolutely blown away by this father's words.

 

 

A year later, I watch this video and, once again, am incredibly moved by the strength of this family.  When I am feeling complacent and comfortable with this life, it is something like this that reminds me I need Jesus.  I NEED Jesus. We can talk about working together, loving everyone, and world peace, but without Jesus, there is no peace.  

 

While Emilie Parker's family gets a lot of publicity for their faith, please take the time to also remember the other beautiful children and teachers who died that day.  You can go here to find a list of all of them. 

 

Don't forget to thank God for all your blessings today. 

 

 

 

Adventures in Canada

For Thanksgiving, I went to visit Dan in Victoria, BC.  I had lots of new and exciting adventures!!  To start with, it was pretty darn cold.  Before I went, Daniel told me to bring long underwear (I get cold easily) and then had to explain to me what long underwear are.  So I went and bought myself a pair of long underwear (although I didn't end up wearing them).  But it sure was cold!

Dan's parents live out on this island that requires you take a boat to get to! It's pretty neat to boat everywhere, although I must admit it was a little scary at first.  We went fishing and I caught my first fish!!!! I even touched it and it was quite disgusting!! (;

Another highlight of the trip was going to the Christmas Tree festival in downtown Victoria.  We just happened to stumble upon it but I'm so glad we did! It's this gorgeous hotel that had at least 75 fully decorated Christmas trees.  Businesses decorate them and then anyone can walk by and enjoy all of them (and get out of the freezing cold for a bit).  It was so beautiful! Sadly, I didn't have my camera but I found this picture online. 

 

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Even though Thanksgiving had already happened for the Canadians, we had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner so that I could still enjoy Thanksgiving! My favorite Thanksgiving dish is dressing... mmm, mmm.  Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday, so I was so *thankful* not to miss it. 

On Sunday night, Dan took me to the Butchart Gardens for the Christmas lighting.  Oh my goodness, words can not describe how gorgeous it is.  There are literally thousands of lights EVERYWHERE.  They also had displays set up for each of the twelve scenes of the song "The 12 Days of Christmas." It was so neat!! I loved listening to the brass band play Christmas carols.  This time I actually DID have my camera, but I don't know how to take good night pictures! 

In front of the "Sunken Garden"

Please note our creepy, soul-sucking eyes! (:

I also got to enjoy seeing some of my friends and meeting Dan's little niece, Natalia, who is a ball of energy! And of course, the best part was getting to spend time with this guy!