Brownie Bites (the dust)

Alright, I'm going to admit it right now: I want to be Ree Drummond. There, I said it. I want her life. It just sounds so fun. She shoots guns with her husband, homeschools her kids, takes pictures of her basset hounds, and somehow manages to have time to crank out ridiculous amounts of delicious recipes. Of course, the grass is always greener on the other side of the internet. If you don't know who Ree Drummond is, then you should. She's the woman behind the Pioneer Woman blog. You should leave here right now, and go read every post she's ever done. Not only will you learn some fantastic new recipes, you'll be in tears from laughing at her stories and quick wit. She's just wonderful!

Anyways. Since falling in love with PW, I've attempted several of her recipes. One evening, my dear roommate and I decided to be adventurous and make Brownie Bites. I purchased all the ingredients, and got to work. Shouldn't be too hard, right? Ha.. ha.. haha... riiiiight.

We started out alright.. chocolate was melted and ready to go..



While we waited for it to cool, suddenly a tall, handsome man came bursting through the door, swept me off my feet and offered to chop up the chocolate for the icing for me.



Okay, that's only mostly true. A tall, handsome man did offer to chop up the chocolate for me.. but he pretty much just came through the door like a normal human being and offered to help. He also knows that I probably shouldn’t be handling really large, really sharp knives.

By this time, the chocolate was mostly cooled, and I proceded to complete the rest of the steps of the brownie batter. I was getting ready to grease the pans, when Roomie jumps in and decides she wants that to be HER job. (She had already given up on my miniature chocolatey dreams and moved on to making some PW cinnamon rolls, which are very, very, very, very, very good.) I was hesitant, because the pan needed to be generously greased and floured so the bites would pop out easily once they came out of the oven. Then, the handsome guy that chopped the chocolate for me decided to step in and try his hand at the baking game as well. So, we each greased a pan how we thought they should be, constantly critiquing the other pans and arguing over whose would be better. We filled the mini-cups with brownie batter, and IN they went, with all our hopes and dreams along with them. (And Kayla went back to her cinnamon rolls.)



Anxiously, we waited for the oven to give birth to our new precious little brownie bites. Suspense hung in the air. The tension was thick. The drama was real.

15 minutes later, the moment of truth arrived. What was the verdict...?






FAIL. Not only did they stick to the pan, they were very dry and just overall... bad! After a brief period of mourning, we gave up and made a normal pan of brownies with the remaining batter.

So I salute you, Ree. Not everything is as easy as you make it look. However, my brownie baking days are far from over. I fully intend on trying this again one day, hopefully with a better outcome.






Oh, and in case you were wondering... Kayla's cinnamon rolls came out perfect. I'm not bitter at all. Really. Promise.

Home Again.

It's been several weeks since I returned back to the States from Romania. I have started my fourth semester at UNT (crazy!), and with it many new adventures have arisen! Over the last several weeks I have become more and more involved with I Am Second UNT, as well as CollegeLife at Denton Bible Church. I have been filled with so much joy and complete THANKFULNESS for all the new friends I've made, and how I've already seen God work through them. But more on that later. :)

I left Romania with an idea in my head of what I thought God was calling me to do here in the states. Since then, my plans have changed many times, and sometimes it's hard to know which "voice" is really God's. However, He is teaching me more on how to daily depend on Him, to die to myself and live to Him in the small things. His rod and staff comfort me!

All that to say, I sense that life is going in a new direction this year, and I hope to use this blog to track whatever happenings the coming days bring. I have quite a lofty list of goals to pursue, including cooking, sewing, Bible study, journaling, and of course blogging. ;) I hope to use these short-term goals as means of reaching my long-term and daily goal, which is to grow as a godly woman in Christ, and pursuing His glory above ALL else.

Bring on Fall 2011!

Otniel Orphanage

My time at Otniel Orphanage has ended, and I'm so very sad to say goodbye. I learned so much just being there with dear friends and sweet kids. I've been wanting to post something new for a long time, but I couldn't find the words fit for a simple blog post. What the Lord teaches deep in my heart is often so hard for me to describe. In the coming weeks, hopefully I'll be able to unpack a lot of the Spiritual side of things that I've learned and wrestled with while I've been here.

I went to Otniel wanting to serve. I wanted to "help." However, God had different plans. He taught me, through those kids, what it really meant to serve, to work hard, and to be joyful in all things. Within those pink and blue painted walls, it was not an "orphanage" that needed some American girl to come "save the day." It was a family, in need of God's new graces for each day, just like everyone else. Most of the kids there are around 14-15 years old, with a few younger and older. Many have been there for 10 years together. I saw some of the pictures from when they first came to the house. All of them have grown and matured into much healthier and happier children than they were so long ago. Praise the Lord for renewed life!

Days started with breakfast (bread with butter, cucumbers, and cheese.. or cereal with milk fresh from the cow that morning), then a "nugget" from Scripture, a few songs, and then chore time. Chores were of course the least favorite, but they were completed with minimal complaining. ;) One of the main spiritual lessons I've learned so far in Romania is that God desires humble obedience over grand sacrifice, and He sees us when we do the seemingly "small" things. He delights in us when we joyfully wash dishes, sweep floors, and milk cows. ("Whether you eat or drink, do it ALL for the glory of the Lord..") After chores, if it wasn't a school day, it was time to play, watch a movie, or swim! I swam twice in their huge underground concrete pool.. Once on purpose, and once thanks to some "help" from the kids. ;) It was cold, deep, and occasionally you found yourself swimming next to a friendly "broască" (frog)! He would then kindly be asked to exit the pool (a.k.a.. captured and thrown into the field). :)

I became very close with a little boy named Darius, who graduated kindergarten AND turned six while I was there. I was so happy to celebrate him! He has only been at Otniel for a few months, and is the sweetest little toot ever. Naturally he ended up
in most of my pictures from the orphanage. :) You could hardly find me without him!



Darius wasn't the only new friend I made. There were several more that I loved to laugh and try to speak Romanian with. One 14-year-old boy that has been at Otniel a long time, gave me a very sweet gift as I was pulling out of Otniel for the last time. He ran up to my window and in Romanian said, "Don't forget me." Then, with a smile, he handed me his "WWJD" bracelet that he received as a prize for perfect attendance at their church group. This is just a small example of the generosity and joyfulness I saw in these precious ones! Of course I will never forget him, or any of the kids at Otniel.

Now, it's time for beddy-bye. ;) Tomorrow is an early morning and a long day of travel. Goodnight, world!

One Week. Part B.

I have now been in Romania for one week. It seems so strange, to be back here again. It's been a great week of rest and spending time with my parents, and now I'm ready to go to the orphanage. I just wanted to write a little about the past seven days, at least for my own sake. I know by the end of my time here I'll be struggling to remember everything that I've experienced and learned during these first few weeks!

At first, being in Romania again was bittersweet. I was so happy to be here, but at the same time it made me miss a lot of old friends and teammates that used to travel with us. It was strange to reminisce about memories from years past, but not have the same friends here to laugh with. It was my first reality check: this is going to be different. Not bad, just different. :)



The first few days we spent roaming around Timisoara, exploring downtown, and visiting the mall. Everywhere we go is either on foot, by taxi, or by bus. The taxis are fun to take, because that means we get to speak a little Romanian. Well, TRY to anyway.. :) We are learning more a little bit every day, thanks to my parents' sweet Romanian Profesoara Emma at Areopogus!



Mom & Dad have been meeting with her several times a week since they moved here, and she has graciously allowed me to come sit in and participate in the classes with them. I absolutely LOVE going. Emma, while sometimes intimidating, is such a good teacher and I've so loved learning to speak and understand a little more of the language. Areopogus is about a twenty minute walk from my parents' apartment. Since I have been here it has been pretty hot, but the Lord sent rain to us, and it has cooled off a LOT! Mom and I even put on sweaters today.


We made the walk home in the rain, hurrying along under our umbrellas and enjoying the refreshing 60 degree gift from the Lord. :)

I talked a little bit about the church in my last post. Oh, the sweet church! I love it so! I wish I had more pictures. I'll try to take some more Sunday if I get a chance. Tuesday night we went to Bible study, which was entirely in Romanian of course. I could hardly understand a word, and my butt hurt really bad from the chairs haha, but I just love being there.


Sunday night after church (I know I'm not writing about days in order! bear with me!), some of the girls called and asked me to join them while they went to the Centru. Of course I said yes, and I was so blessed to spend an evening eating dinner and walking around Timisoara with them!

This past week, God has taught me so much through the books of Hebrews and Romans. I rarely have much time to just sit and reflect on.. anything! These past seven days have given me the opportunity to do that. He has taught me so much about Grace, and about how much I depend on myself for my "right standing" with Him. How funny, that I came to share with an Eastern Orthodox country that Christ has provided salvation as a free gift, and I am the one needing a lesson in grace. Christ is our High Priest, the One who has come and paid the final sacrifice to pay the price for my sinful heart. "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain." -Hebrews 6:19.

In the coming week, it looks like I will finally get to start volunteering at one of the orphanages here in Timisoara! Lord willing, I will go on Monday. I seriously can hardly wait to serve the Lord by spending time with these kids. I have absolutely nothing to offer them but the incredible unconditional love that I have received, but I so want to share it with them!

I suppose that's all I have for now. For those that are praying, thank you so much! I know you are, because I can already see our Savior moving here. He is so sweet to us, to allow us to be a part of His Kingdom.

Until next time,
Hannah

Sunt aici! :)

The Flight

Traveling alone was quite the adventure. After saying goodbye to my amazing Aunt Donna & "Unk" at the airport, (whom I could not have gotten here without!) I went on my own for the first time into DFW airport. I was nervous, emotional, and pretty much ready to barf. Just kidding... but seriously. When we finally boarded the plane, I had a window seat next to a very nice woman from India. She was very friendly, and offered me her cookie from the airplane meal ;) I fell asleep & slept most of the flight to London! At one point, the turbulence was so bad that I woke up, only to hear several passengers ask the flight attendants if "everything is alright.." They assured us that it was only turbulence and that it was normal.. but I still prayed anyway. ;) I decided to "pull an Amy Carmichael" and sing a hymn to myself as we bumped and jolted around. It helped me feel better.. & I prayed that God would put me in a deep sleep so that I would not notice the scariness. He answered, and next time I woke up we were nearly to our destination. :)

Once we got to London, I found out I had missed my flight and would be put on the next plane to Budapest.. which was 6 hours later! At 8:30pm (London time) I boarded the plane and fell asleep, once again. :) I arrived in Budapest, Hungary around midnight where my parents, Liviu, and Daniel met me with sleepy smiles and lots of hugs. They had been waiting to pick me up ALL DAY! When we crossed the Hungarian/Romanian boarder, Liviu said, "Bine ati venit in Romania, Hannah." "Multsumesc!" I replied, and he laughed with surprise that I could understand him. Even though it was 3:30 in the morning, we still had a joyful and entertaining car ride. The sign of a believer, I think, is joy despite any circumstance, and that is exactly what Liviu and Daniel had along the way. By the time we got to Timisoara, the sun was coming up to greet us. As I laid in bed to finally get some horizontal sleep, the birds began to chirp outside the window. Next thing I knew.. it was 3 in the afternoon and I pulled my groggy self out of bed to get some eggs and sausage mom was cooking in the kitchen. :)






Saturday was spent walking around downtown Timisoara, eating dinner, and resting up for church the next morning! The church my parents attend is one that has been very close to my heart ever since I came to Timisoara three years ago. My favorite part of being here so far is going to the church, to try and understand the language and speak a little myself. :) (More on the language part later.. ) The happiest I am here is with these sweet people from the church. I'm so blessed to know them and call them my brothers & sisters!

I'll write more later, but now... it's time for bed. Noapte Buna, y'all. ;)

One Week!

One week! 7 days! 168 hours! 10,080 minutes! I think you get the idea. Eeeeek! :) :) :) In just a matter of 7 days, I will be boarding a plane and heading home to Romania. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to any and all supporters who have so graciously donated funds and/or interceded on behalf of the people of Romania. Your prayers are being heard, answered, and felt by all involved.

A more detailed post to come soon, I am currently without use of my own computer. :)

In His Abundant Grace,
Hannah

Connect to your Source.

Last weekend was Easter weekend. (If this is news to you, you obviously haven't been to church or Walmart in the last couple months!) I just wanted to share a powerful sermon that was given last weekend at Crosstimbers. Pastor Toby Slough presented the Gospel of Christ in a very clear, moving, and relevant way. If you're a believer and you feel like you've just lost connection with the Lord, or you're not really sure about this whole "Christian" thing, I encourage you to watch this video!

http://messages.crosstimberschurch.org/easter-2011/



What a WONDERFUL God we serve! All glory to Him and Him alone!

Love,
Hannah

A Romanian Adventure :)

Buna Seara! :) I have some exciting news! But first, a little back-story..

If you've read any of my previous posts, you've seen how the Lord has broken my heart for the nations. He has specifically laid Africa on my heart, specifically the countries of Uganda & Ghana. He has also recently opened my eyes to the need in Kenya, as I pray for my sweet friends the Omondi's who are currently serving in Mombasa. The church I attend, Crosstimbers Community Church, is currently building a highschool in Uganda. The video updates of Pastor Dongo's work in Kampala send shivers up my spine in anticipation of one day seeing the fruit of their labor in Heaven!

If you've ready any of my past ramblings, you've ALSO read about my struggle with desiring not only to go to Africa, but to Romania as well. I've taken several trips there when I was in High School, but have not returned in nearly 3 years. I prayed and cried long and hard over the decision I would make. I had an intense longing to visit Africa, but I knew in my heart God had something different in mind. Over the weeks, Romania kept coming up in different random places. I knew this is where I would be sent this Summer.

So, needless to say, I decided to purchase a plane ticket to Romania in faith that the Lord has a plan. (Actually, I used the ticket I didn't get to use for France last year..) Lord willing, I will be spending two sweet months in Timisoara, taking language and working with kids (of course) in some form or fashion. I have a couple options open to me, so I'll be excited to see what I end up doing! I will be staying with my parents in their apartment, which should be fun. ;) (I'm very thankful to have a good relationship with them so we can all stand to live in such close quarters for 8 weeks ;)) I will be leaving June 2nd and returning sometime in July. :)

Starting now, I intend to keep track of this Summer's adventures! Especially for my/my parents supporters, I'd like to use this blog to keep you in the loop on what the Lord is doing in Romania, so hopefully you can have a taste of the work you're making possible. (On that note, I just have to say.. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support!!) I have renamed my blog, "Little Gypsy Soul." The word "Gypsy" is defined as: "a person held to resemble a gypsy, especially in physical characteristics or in a traditionally ascribed freedom or inclination to move from place to place." They live with the freedom of a feather, able to come and go wherever the wind takes them. This is the kind of life my heart longs for.. to be able to move from place to place with nothing holding me down. Romanian gypsies are called the Romani people, and sadly, not everyone is as romanticized by these people as I am. They tend to be the poorest of the poor, and the most unreached in the country. I pray that one day (maybe even this summer!) I will be able to reach out to these people!

So, welcome to my gypsy journey. :) I hope and pray that this Summer Christ may be glorified and the Body encouraged to love Him and His people more. And, if you are not a Christian and all my lingo sounds like silliness, I hope that the stories you read inspire you and broaden your perspectives on the world. :)




I found this picture online, and I absolutely love it. Such a perfect picture of a sweet little Romani (gypsy) baby!

A Thousand Thoughts Tonight.

Hello, Hello. Here I am, my back against the wall in UNT's One O'Clock Lounge, sitting on the floor in a sea of textbooks and midterm study guides.. and all I can really think about is how I've been dying to do a blog post for so long and haven't had the time. So, I'm making time to give room for a little update. :)

The Lord has been doing so many wonderful things in and around me, I can hardly write all of it down. But, one specific idea that has been burned in my mind is the phrase, "Do justly, live simply." This is the prophetic statement for the church that I heard preached at Agape Christian Fellowship in Groves, TX this past Sunday. However, this idea has been bouncing around in my head for a couple months now, ever since Toby Slough preached a sermon over the exact same thing at Cross Timbers Community Church in Argyle, TX. How on earth two pastors that don't talk to eachother and that live hundreds of miles apart preached on the exact same text and exact same concept, was beyond anything that could have happened simply by chance! (At least, in my heart. :)) God has been giving a specific word to me over the last couple months, and I'm slowly but surely learning what it means to be obedient and faithful to that word.

So, what was this wonderful, fantastic, mysterious sermon I keep talking about? I'm glad you asked. :)

Both Toby and Michael talked about Matthew 25:31-46. This is where Jesus talks about the final judgement, where he will "separate the sheep from the goats," which is an analogy he uses for the believers (sheep) and nonbelievers (goats). But I believe there is something a little more to the concept of "goats" that many of us, as "believers" miss. Jesus says this:

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'" (vs. 34-36)

Immediately after Jesus talks about who He considers His "sheep," he mentions the kind of life they lived: generous, sacrificial, and intentional. (Stay with me, I'm not talking about legalism here!) Jesus also goes on to talk about those who live the opposite way.

"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'" (vs. 41-43)

He also says,

"...the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"

Jesus talks about the evidence of a life truly changed by the Gospel. It is a lifestyle that gives and loves the "least of these" without hesitation and despite circumstances. Who are the "least of these" in our/my life/lives? As I sat through the sermon that day, I prayed for an answer to that question. I asked for an ability to see beyond the Kingdom that I see with my physical eyes (the one that tells me I'm too fat, i need more stuff, i need to look/act a certain way to be accepted, etc...), and the strength to live in the Kingdom I cannot see, but my heart longs for (things of the Kingdom, eternal treasure, the ultimate glory of Christ!). I believe He has given a very clear answer, and I'm so excited (and nervous!) to see how it all plays out..

I am fascinated with the idea of "less"... of giving and giving until I can't give anymore. However, when it comes to actually living it.. it's much more difficult to do than it is to say.
Do we give until it hurts, and then give some more? Are we faithful in the small things? Are we faithful in the big, trusting that the Lord will provide? Do we grumble? Do we do these things with a joyful heart, because we know there was One before who gave it ALL for us? Do we bring justice to those who have no voice? Do we make a difference in our families, cities, communities, or the world? Do we love as we have been loved?

Tired of the questions yet? :) I just have a few more..

What if we were more intentional? What if we made the little extra effort to buy things that supported good causes? Or, what if we spent more wisely and bought less, so that we were able to give more to those in need? What if we got rid of that extra space we have in our homes and opened up a little more in our hearts?

The call of God is clear. The Redeemed of the Lord are to bring justice to the injustice in the world. Sometimes that means selling everything and moving to a foreign country, and sometimes it means rearranging our budgets so that we were able to give just a little more. Or a lot more. What if every believer made it a point to throw in some spare change or a couple dollar bills into every benefit collection bin they see? They're everywhere: gas stations, fast food drive-thru's, convenience stores, etc. I wonder how much those small, simple donations would add up and make a difference? Can we find out? Can we give up our "rights" to convenience, comfort, and spare change for the sake of the Kingdom?

"The Gospel is free, but it will cost you EVERYTHING."If we believe this to be true, then we ought to be able to take a look at ourselves and ask.. what is the Gospel costing me? If the answer is nothing, we may need to reevaluate what direction we're heading. What do we really believe?


I'll leave you with the words of Jesus, that I read this morning over some Mi Casita breakfast tacos and a cup of coffee...

"give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." -Luke 6:38

All in His timing.

"Good judgement comes from experience. And a lot of that experience comes from bad judgement." -Jim Horning.

It's strange to think I've lived nearly 20 years on this Earth. Two whole decades! It seems like such a long time to me, but I know it's barely the blink of an eye in the view of eternity. I'm so thankful for the experiences I've had so thus far.. and I'm still definitely enjoying being a teenager while it lasts! (And for the record.. I've found that quote to be so very true!)

As I've mentioned before, I seem to have grown a heart for the people of Africa. I have several friends who have the same desires to go there as well, and I love to look at their pictures from past trips & imagine myself being there. Ahh, just to hug those precious babies! However, as I've learned from past mistakes (aka, bad judgement) that to try to push something outside of God's timing is never a good idea. Last summer, I desired to travel to France for missions. Deep in my heart I knew it wasn't right, but I so wanted it to be that I went for it anyway. The thing is, natural beings can't force the Supernatural to work. Too often I think I know better than the God who created time. Well, I learned that lesson the hard way, as I learned a mere three days from departure date that my passport was expired, and I would have to go to Houston to get it in time. This was impossible for me to do at the time, so I had to withdraw from the team.

All that to say, this Summer a trip to Uganda and Ghana with Visiting Orphans has been on my mind, and I feel an intense longing to go. The more I talk about it and think about it, the more excited I get and the more I want to go! I've applied for the trip, and all that is lacking is 2 reference forms and a $200 deposit. But to be completely honest, I'm just not sure if the timing is right. I am literally moved to tears when I think about going to Africa. My heart longs to be with those babies who walk the streets with no one to love them. But is this God's timing? Is this what You have for me, Lord? I'm just not sure. So, I continue in prayer.

Of course, I have also made plans to visit my parents in Romania this summer, where they will be moving (Lord willing!) in a couple of months. I love the people of Romania as well, so very much! I cannot wait to get back to those beautiful mountains and green hills, the dirt roads and the cows walking down the streets! The babies walking the streets there are just as important as the ones in Ghana, and I want to wrap my arms around them as well. But, to be honest.. the tears don't come. Why? Why for one place, and not the other? Maybe because I've been to Romania, and not to Uganda. Maybe because there is more press for helping the poverty in Africa, and not Romania. I don't know.

I don't know, I don't know. I don't know what I'll do. What I DO know, is that God is God. He is in charge, and my only job is to go where He sends me. Break my heart for what breaks Yours, everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause.

I want to leave you with these words from Oswald Chambers, in "My Utmost for His Highest."



February 1st: "The call of God"
"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel." 1 Cor 1:17

Paul states here that the call of God is to preach the gospel; but remember what Paul means by "the gospel" viz, the reality of Redemption in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are apt to make sanctification the end-all of our preaching. Paul alludes to personal experience by way of illustration, never as the end of the matter. We are nowhere commissioned to preach salvation or sanctification; we are commissioned to lift up Jesus Christ (John 12:32). It is a travesty to say that Jesus Christ travailed in Redemption to make me a saint. Jesus Christ travailed in Redemption to redeem the whole world, and place it unimpaired and rehabilitated before the throne of God. The fact that Redemption can be experienced by us is an illustration of the power of the reality of Redemption, but that is not the end of Redemption. If God were human, how sick to the heart and weary He would be of the constant requests we make for our salvation, for our sanctification. We tax His energies from morning till night for things for ourselves-something for ME to be delivered from! When we touch the bedrock of the reality of the Gospel of God, we shall never bother God any little personal complaints.
The one passion of Paul's life was to proclaim the Gospel of God. He welcomed heart-breaks, disillusionments, tribulation, for one reason only, because these things kept him in unmoved devotion to the Gospel of God.




This is a picture my sweet roommate Kayla shared with me from her trip last spring to Niger. So sweet!

Hello 2011!

Seems like my entire life it felt like 2009 would never come. That was the year I graduated high school. Now, here I am, wondering where the heck 2010 went! Considering I have no idea when I'll actually graduate college, I have found it better to live day by day, and semester by semester. But for now, 2010 in retrospect. :)


In 2010, I..

became a UNT eagle!
joined an African Dance Ensemble.
took French.
met my best friend.
became a bridesmaid.
toured the US with said African Dance Ensemble.
went to SXSW, at which Bryce Avery basically held my hand. No big deal. ;)
went to NX35.
got an “Incomplete” in a class. (oops)
performed at the Arts & Jazz festival.
moved 3 times.
fell off a Navajo racehorse.
was baptized by my big brother.
changed my major a thousand times.
chose and declared a major that I’m sticking with. (theoretically)
played cops & robbers til 5 in the morning.
took a ride in the back of a squad car.
dyed dark burgundy strips in my hair.
got my nose pierced.
turned 19.
fell in love with the Lord in a whole new way.
spent two weeks in SETX. (during which I met so many lovely friends!)
joined Mocha Club.
lived one semester of dorm life.
fell off my bike on campus in front of many people.
went to my first UNT football game.
went to my first UNT volleyball game.
rode a motorcycle for the first time.
joined Cross Timbers Community Church - love it!
became a Nanny!
became a “regular” at Jupiter House.
moved into my dream apartment in downtown Denton, TX.
messed up. a lot.
learned that there is more of God’s grace than I could ever use.

Praise God for 2010! Through valleys and the mountains God has been good. Though I stumble, stray, strive, and think of myself far too often, God has been good. He has seen me through all 365 days of 2010; all days that he ordained and knew. And however many days He gives me in 2011, whether it be all or some, He has seen them, died for them, and covered them in His grace. So, as Oswald Chambers writes, I “let the past rest on the bosom of Christ,” and I welcome the new year with excitement and anticipation to see what’s next! So, 2011... Bring. It. On. :)