Hug Time

Have you ever noticed that if you are open and willing, God reveals Himself in marvelous ways? Sometimes, it is as simple as the Sunday morning sermon at church, or perhaps a song on the radio that speaks directly to your heart. Other times, it can be more complex. I love these little wake-up calls. They are unexpected jolts that jar us out of our comfortable rhythm and remind us that there is more out there if only we are receptive to it. I know that we all get bogged down with school, work, life in general. We play the, "if I can just get through ______ everything will be great" game. What we fail to realize is that while we are busy waiting for the future, we miss all the miracles of today.

I am not a prophet, and I am not a minister. I cannot claim to have all of the answers, and I am certainly not an authority on theology or Scripture. I am just a young woman who is trying to make her own way in the world. There is much that I do not know, and more that I am eager to learn. Still, I know one thing for certain. I know God. I have seen Him more times than I can count, and I am sure He was there even when I didn't see Him. Now, I am not like Mary. I have never heard an Angel speak to me in prayer. I can't say, like Moses, that God spoke to me through a burning bush (although, I did see a burning bush while on tour.) Nor do I expect a verbal reply when I pray. I have faith and hope, and I know that God hears me. I trust that my life will be richer because He is a part of it, and I am thankful for every moment that He blesses my life.

I am not perfect. I frequently falter. Just today, I was sitting in a bit of a funk, for no particular reason at all. Perhaps it was an end of the semester thing, or perhaps it was because the sky is a tad gray. Or maybe it was because I am literally living paycheck to paycheck. I was sitting at my computer, talking idly on IM, and basking in my melancholy mood. And, then I saw that David Vaughan was online. I don't know what it is about David that brings out my good side, but instead of typing some self-pitying message to him, I sent him a smile. It was a turning point. I then went online to catch up on my friend's blogs, and I ended up on Alex Joyner's blog. Alex was my minister at the Wesley Foundation at UVA. He inspired me in a lot of ways, and though he is no longer at UVA, he still continues to inspire. He has a series of stories about two UVA undergrads, Vera and Grayson. Today, I reread those stories, and while I read, I found my black mood lifting, and felt the Grace of God move over me. It was a wake up call. One that I needed. I can't tell you that life is always going to be sunny and easy, because it won't. But, trust in God, and it will be okay. And learn to look for God in the things around you. Your spiritual alarm clock is ringing. Do you hear it?

Ok, it's not really snowing at the moment, so perhaps the blog title is a little inaccurate. The Snow Kept on Falling was one of my favorite books as a child, though, so I felt it was appropriate. And, it did snow last night.

So, what is new in Elizabeth land? To start, I gave my first graduate recital on November 5th. It didn't go as well as I would have liked, but that just leaves lots of room for improvement for the next one. My second recital will be April 23 at 7pm in the Chapel. Plan accordingly. :) Secondly, I got a new job at a horse farm. Basically this means that I spend a lot of time mucking out stalls, grooming, and sweeping the barn. I love it. My favorite horse is a huge gelding named Cezzane. (I think that's how you spell it.) He's a sweetheart, and he always makes me laugh when I groom him. I also have a soft spot in my heart for Symphony, a huge black mare that I let out into the pasture every morning. She likes to give me trouble, but she's sweet. I always fall for the really big horses. Go figure. Lisa will probably laugh when she reads this, but it's true. If I ever own a horse, I am totally getting a Clydesdale.

Speaking of Lisa, her wedding was beautiful. I am so honored that I got to be a part of it. She was absolutely stunning, and she looked so happy. I enjoyed the weekend a lot, and I am so glad I was there to stand with her on her big day. If you are really lucky, maybe I'll post a link so you guys can see the pictures. :) On a purely self-centered and vain note, I looked amazing too.

On another happy note, Luke is coming to visit next weekend. I am very excited. :)

Currently, I am playing in the pit orchestra for Two From Galilee at the Apollo Civic Theatre in Martinsburg, WV. I think it's going to be a lot of fun. Kelly, Kristen K., and Ben are doing it too, and Cathy is directing. It's a little SSMT reunion. I just hope I don't let Cathy down. I better practice this afternoon. :)

The Highroad Christmas party is the 20th, and I can't wait. I haven't been back since I got OLS trained. It will be great to see everyone. Carla told me she is thinking of coming, and as I haven't seen her since two summers ago, I am beside myself with excitement. Everybody else better be there too!

On a somewhat related note, Winchester is getting a Coldstone Creamery. This means my Big and I will probably be thirty pounds heavier by the end of the semester. Okay, maybe not, but I will be giving them my business.

Speaking of my Big, Kappa Epsilon welcomed seven new brothers to our chapter last Saturday. I am so proud of them, and I am especially happy that my little, Jarrel, passed. Welcome Lambda class!

I guess that's it. For you Annandale folks, I'll be home December 22nd through January 1st. I want to see you guys, so give me a call. To you all, I'll try to be better about updating this blog more frequently. But now I must be off; it's time for a walk in the snow.