Smith Library

This is where I live. As in, I am positive that I have physically been in this building more this week than I have been in my own house. And there's not even flowers outside anymore. It's a high of 34 and the water fountain is frozen (which is actually kinda cool). Also, due to my life revolving around this building, I have not gotten more than 5 hours of sleep on any given night. And 5 is the absolute max. I have a final tomorrow morning at 8:30am, so I will be getting 7 hours tonight. Woo hoo!

Surprisingly, I am actually doing pretty well. Besides the random things that make me overly emotional (like reading some particularly sad research for my counseling paper), I feel like I'm functioning rather normally. (And by overly emotional, I mean that it makes me want to cry. And not because I am hormonal. Because I am extremely sleep deprived.) God definitely created an amazing thing when he created the human body. Just watch a few episodes of House and you'll understand. My ability to cope with things is amazing. Now obviously, I attribute this to God's grace and provision, but I also recognize his pre-provision in creating me with such an amazing stamina. I mean, you don't realize what your mind is capable of until you hit a hard exam week your senior year of college. This is truly amazing to me.

P.S.- I am writing this while waiting on Chris to finish making copies. In the library, of course. I will be going home and to bed as soon as he's done. Unfortunately, he will not be going to bed. 10-page paper due tomorrow night = very little sleep for Chris. We're almost done!

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!" - the little blue engine that could

A Christmas Extravaganza!

This past Saturday, I made plans to take a break from my never-ending school work and celebrate the Christmas season. I refuse to listen to Christmas music or do any activity that resembles Christmas before Thanksgiving. BUT as soon as Thanksgiving is over, my Christmas comes out in full force!

First, Chris and I went to pick out a Christmas tree!



God must have really been in the Christmas spirit too, because it started snowing!! What a perfect day for Christmas-y things!





Then, we went to Heather's to bake Christmas cookies! Yum!





Then, we went home to decorate our house for Christmas!! I love Christmas decorations!





And to end this perfect day, we went to the Lucas' and watched Elf! Perfection!

Machias, Maine

45 Hours in a Car

It takes approximately 21 hours to drive from Asheville, NC to Machias, ME. This does not include stops, traffic, and the like. For spring break a couple years ago, Chris, his mother and I drove the whole way back all at one time. I would not recommend this. So, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Chris and I joined both of his parents and his 25-year-old brother for a trip to Maine in a very compact Hyundai Sonata. (thank you, rental car company for not having the size car we asked for)




Of course when I was driving, everyone fell asleep. :)

The two days of driving there and the two days of driving back were rather long, and I think some of my leg muscles have deteriorated due to lack of movement, but our stay in Maine was wonderful! It was very cold and wintery, of course, but Chris' aunt's house was warm, there was tons of great food, and wonderful company.


Blueberry Pie!!



The biggest adjustment that we had to make was that because we were so far north, it started getting dark around 3:15 and was completely dark by 4:00pm. Not only did this totally throw us off, but it meant that we had to start our activities early in order to make sure we finished by dark-time (it wasn't night).

Hiking





Shopping in Eastport







Sightseeing in Machias






Chris' aunt's house

It was a very relaxing, enjoyable week. We had our Thanksgiving meal at Chandler River Lodge, built in 1795. It was probably the fanciest Thanksgiving I have ever had - multiple courses and wine! All in all, I can say that I am very thankful for such a wonderful "new" family. God has blessed me with such loving in-laws, and I very much enjoyed getting to spend time with them.

Maine in a Photo

This picture describes Maine very well. Especially this time of year. There will be blogs to follow about my trip to Maine for Thanksgiving with my in-laws!

First Apartment

So yeah, we've been in our first apartment for over a year already, but sometimes it takes that long to fully set up and get things the way you want it. :) It is truly a blessing that we get to live here, in the basement of a lady's house. It does have its quirks and its difficulties, but it continually reminds me of God's provision and graciousness. Let's just say that I am learning a great lesson about contentment!

Living Room/Dining Room/Office




That brown thing is a space heater - we don't get any heat downstairs. :)


(fyi, that is Chris' electronic dartboard on the wall)





Kitchen Cabinets (a.k.a. hall closet)



Bedroom/Kitchen




Yes, that is my kitchen. Complete with two burners and a mini fridge! (oh, and did I mention that the electricity can only handle one burner on at a time?)

Bathroom





Storage (a.k.a. water heater room)



Our Little Porch





Like I said, it definitely has its difficulties, but we do the best we can with what we have. We are truly blessed, and will always look upon our first place with fond memories. Shoot, I won't even know what to do with myself when I have a real kitchen! And an oven!! Oh my goodness! Don't even get me started about the dishwasher ... :)

Hopefully, we will continue living here until we graduate in May. After that, we'll be moving to another apartment in the High Point/Greensboro area. If you know of any good places, let us know!!

"I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether full or empty, with plenty or little. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:12-13

Church Family

God has been more than faithful in providing Chris and I with the most amazing church family. Church of the Redeemer in Greensboro, NC is an amazing place. There are only 100 or so attendees, we don't have our own church building, and yet for the first time in my life I have truly come to understand that term of Christian "family".

I have always been involved in church, starting from my very earliest memories. I have been in choirs, plays, worship teams, sunday school, Bible study, etc. Our church now doesn't even have a choir or sunday school, yet the amount of welcome and acceptance and belonging that I have experienced here surpasses anything I have felt before.

This belonging has come at a crucial point in my life (most definitely due to the hand of God), as I transition from young girl in college to married young woman. The women in the church have opened their homes and hearts to me, offering their wisdom and guidance. The pastors all take the time to teach me and help me learn, furthering my understanding of theology and philosophy. The young children with their bright eyes and beautiful smiles warm my heart and love me in a way that only children can. This is my church, and this is my family.

Happy 1st Anniversary!

In addition to my previous post on my anniversary weekend, I wanted to do another quick reflection on my first year of marriage.

No, marriage is not easy. Especially being married and still in school. Marriage is not perfect either - especially mine. But is it worth it? Absolutely and unequivocally yes! Let me tell you why:

Although a marriage does not make you "fulfilled" or "complete" you (total myths propogated by society), it definitely brings you an abundance of joy and a chance to grow in ways you never have before. I believe with all of my heart that God created the institution of marriage so that we could catch a glimpse of what it is like to be loved by Him. Christ loves me much more fully and unconditionally than Chris ever could, but having Chris as a husband gives me a new and deeper appreciation for what Christ has done for me. And even though I do not like certain things that come with marriage - extra laundry, planning and cooking meals, etc. - doing them brings me a joy that makes my heart happy.

Over the past year, having someone who knows me as intimately as Chris does has given me the opportunity to grow and be stretched. He can point out things in me that need change or encouragement that no one else could. He can lovingly show me when my thoughts or motivations are not glorifying to God, and I can do the same for him. It's not always easy, but I thank God for such a strong Christian husband who loves God first and me second. Times are not always easy, there will be fights and disagreements, there will be trials and hardships, but I am confident that God will give me the strength to be the wife that He wants me to be. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

We saved the top of our wedding cake and ate it on Sunday. Chris was extremely skeptical and was convinced that it made his stomach upset (although I ate it too and was just fine), but it really wasn't that bad. Not fresh, of course, but not too bad. :)





Year 1 was amazing, and I am so excited to see what God will do with all of the rest of them!!