See yourself? Saturday: roomies!

These are some pictures that I found from freshman year--little did we know that we would all end up living together this year!

Have I told you that I have the most AMAZING roomies in the entire world???  

Okay.  Just checking.

This weekend, all three of them are busy--Cat has been at a Desiring God conference, Amie is home for her sister-in-law's baby shower, and Abbie is at home for her sister's engagement party!  Though I'm so happy for all of them, I kinda get a little bit of separation anxiety when they are away--especially now that we only have less that ONE week left all living under one roof.  I figured that it is fitting to feature them on this week's "See yourself?" post  :)

To start off, Abbie is the only roomie that I have yet to share an actual "room" with.  Haha.  However, that will change next year, because she will be my RAR (RA roommate) in Engstrom Hall!  I am so excited to live with her and see how God uses us to edify one another as we serve Him together.  Abbs has great style, an AWESOME haircut and a beautiful voice!  Basically, she's great  :)

Amie is my current "room"mate.  She is spunky, loves to laugh and loves to sleep.  Blogging is her thing and she's about the nicest person you'll ever meet!  Aims just got back from traveling Europe over Spring break and has some incredible pictures posted on her blog.  Amie loves the Lord with her whole heart and I'm so excited to see how God will use her in her role as an RA next year!  Basically, she's awesome too  :)

And last, but not least, Cat!  Cat was my freshman year roomie...we go wayyyy back.  Haha.  Cat has a joyful spirit, a heart for people and a love for God.  She is engaged to Trevor and we are so excited to get to celebrate the start of their life together in less than ONE month!!!  I have so enjoyed getting to live with her for two years now, and I look forward to getting to visit her throughout next school year.  Cat's laugh is contagious and her love for life is great!  Basically, she's great  :)

The next 5 days are our last ones spent together, as roomies.  You guys are the best.  I miss you already. God has done great things in my life through these amazing friends.  I love you all  :)

(Courtney[on right] is our RA from freshman year  :)

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

Proverbs 27:17

Thoughtful Thursdays: finals, sleep, boxes.

My thoughts right now:

Outside my window...

People are laying out by the pool.  Jealous.

I am thinking...

"I am starting to get a headache.  Hmm.  I should fix that."

I am thankful for...

Good friends.  Not just friends, but good friends.  

I am learning...

How to pack up an apartment when I still have a week left to live in it.  Tricky tricky.

I am creating...

A list of events that I want to do with my residents next year  :)

I am going...

To my professor's house this weekend.  Only at APU.  Only at APU.  

I am hearing...

The hum of the refrigerator.  It's dead week in our apartment, and we are, well, DEAD.

I am hoping...

For finals week to go as quickly as this week has gone!  That would be just grand. 

Around the house...

People are sleepy.  Stuff is messy.  Boxes are packed.  It is hot.

One of my favorite things...

Is coming home from a looooonnnnngggg day and having a DNM (deep 'n meaningful) conversation  :)

A few plans for the week...

Move into the storage unit tomorrow.  Pack.  Enjoy the sun.  Pack.  Study.  Pack.  Finals.  Pack.  

ohhh, did I mention PACK???

A picture...

I'll be honest.  I have no pictures for you this week.  Sorry!   Next week for sure.  I promise.

Worshipful Wednesday: A living prayer

In this world I walk alone
With no place to call my home,
But there's one who holds my hand
Through rugged roads, through barren lands.
The way is dark, the road is steep,
But He's become my eyes to see,
The strength to climb, my griefs to bear.
The Savior lives inside me there.

Chorus:
In Your love I find relief,
A haven from my unbelief.
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer, my God, to Thee.

In these trials of life I find
Another voice inside my mind.
He comforts me and bids me live
Inside the love the Father gives.

In Your love I find relief,
A haven from my unbelief.
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer, my God, to Thee.

Take my life and let me be
A living prayer, my God, to Thee.

Random Tuesday: countdown.

Did you know....

I will be HOME in 9 days????

Well, I will.  

Pick-me-up Monday: amazing grace.

I feel like since I took a break from blogging yesterday, I can tell you about Easter, being that it certainly falls under the category of "pick me up."

Yesterday was resurrection Sunday!  It is my most favorite holiday of the year!  As I celebrate the resurrection of my Lord, I am reminded of my utter dependence on him.  Without him, I have nothing.  With him, I have everything I need for life abundant...especially grace.

At church, Pastor Jeff spoke on grace, a message I so desperately needed to hear.   The grace of Jesus Christ can cover any sin a million times over.  WOW!!  Isn't that incredible?!

Yesterday was also my twentieth birthday.  I'm not a huge fan of birthdays, so I had expected this one to be the usual--me being put in front of a group of people only to hear an awful rendition of the "happy birthday song" and feel overly embarrassed.  To my surprise, there was no "happy birthday song" at all yesterday.  Instead, we spent our time focussed on Easter and the saving work done on a cross so many years ago.  

My birthday could not have been better!  I spent it in awe of the very One who gave me life...the One who continues to give me life.  Not only that, but I was reminded of the greatest gift that anyone could ever give--amazing grace.

See yourself? Saturday: A Beautiful Journey

Not only do I have real friends, but I have imaginary friends. 

I know.  THAT takes talent, right?...wrong.  

I follow many blogs, and there are a few that top my list.  

A Beautiful Journey is one of them  :)

Arielle is a sweet young wife to Jay and mommy to Leeland.  She lives out in the country (love) and loves God, her family and photography.  I love her pictures, cute stories and reading about how God is moving in her life. You should go visit her blog!

{all pictures taken from A Beautiful Journey Blog}

Hope you enjoy her blog.  I sure do  :)  

Funny Friday: Fruit salad fail.

Alrighty, so here's the deal.  This is one of those "it's been a long week and THIS is hilarious" kind of videos.  I crack up every time I watch this, mainly because the first girl you see reminds me SO much of me when I was little.  

[NOTE: Watch the WHOLE thing.  Seriously, trust me.]

Now...didn't that make you chuckle?  :)

Happy Friday everyone!!

Thoughtful Thursday: gardening, breakfast date, empty space.

My thoughts right now:

Outside my window...

Is a garden that is about to get a MAJOR makeover  :)  (More to come on that)

I am thinking...

"I really wish I wasn't home alone right now."

I am thankful for...

My time spent with my mom last night in our garden.  As we dug through the dirt together, I was reminded of how much I miss home and the people at home.  Only two more weeks 'til summer.

I am learning...

That I need to slow down and take time to enjoy the little things in life.

I am creating...

A plan for studying for finals.  Ick.

I am going...

To hang out with my brothers!  We have a breakfast date in an hour  :)

I am hearing...

The deafening silence of my house that can only be heard when I'm home alone  :(

I am hoping...

That the last half of my break doesn't go nearly as fast as the first half.

Around the house...

There are empty chairs, empty couches.  There is just open space.  I miss my family.

One of my favorite things...

Is making dinner for my family.  Last night I got to make everyone dinner: homemade garlic chicken strips, broccoli and rice.

A few plans for the week...

Breakfast date with the brothers, hang with some girlfriends this afternoon and evening, sit in on teacher interviews tomorrow morning, and "melissa-time" tomorrow  :)  I'm looking forward to spending this weekend celebrating the resurrection of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A picture...

{Left to right: Abbie, me, Kari, Amie}

THIS...was first semester of Freshman year.  

We decorated our hall as a jungle and then kids from around the community came and trick-or-treated through our building.  Good memories  :)

Worshipful Wednesday: You never let go.

Psalm 23
"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
  He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.
  You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Random Tuesday: sports smarts



Did you know....
1. All major league baseball umpires must wear black underwear (in case they split their pants on the job)
2. Tug of War was an olympic event between the years 1900 and 1920.
3.  The state sport of Maryland is jousting.
4.Pittsburgh is the only city where all major sports teams have the same colors: black and gold.
5. Most NASCAR teams use nitrogen in their tires instead of air.
6. It takes 3,000 cows to supply the NFL with enough leather for a year's supply of footballs.
7. From a complete stop, a human is capable of outrunning a Formula One Racecar for about 30 feet! 
8. Basketball great Wilt Chaimberlain never fouled out of a game.
9. Table tennis balls have been known to travel off the paddle at speeds of up to 105.6 mph.
10. The referee tossed a jump ball after every basket in basketball until 1937.

Don't you just feel so much more informed?  I thought so  :)

Happy Tuesday!!!

"Pick me up" Monday: God of Jacob

I thought for the first "pick-me-up" Monday, I would love to share my most favorite passage of Scripture  :)

"Why do you say, O Jacob,

and complain, O Israel,

'My way is hidden from the LORD;

my cause is disregarded by my God'?

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

evne youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

~Isaiah 40:27-31

YOU are never alone.

The God of Jacob will give you strength day by day as you choose to trust Him  :)

Sacred Sunday: friend(s)

I am learning that more is not always better...especially when it comes to friends. 

I am learning that true friendship is when two souls connect in pursuit of a Most Holy God.

I am learning that those kinds of friends are hard to find, but worth the search.

Sometimes I learn the most about God when I'm NOT sitting in a pew at church.

Most of the time I learn the most about God when He shines through other people.

And when He shines through other people, it always makes me smile.

Today, I'm smiling.

{photo credit}

"A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

~Psalm 18:24

See yourself? Saturday: Brittany

Let me introduce yourself to one of my best friends, Brittany.

We met while preparing for a mission trip to Montana last year, 

and haven't stopped hanging out since.

Brittany loves the Lord and strives to honor Him each day.

I could say a whole lot more about Britt, but I'd rather have her just tell you ;)

p.s. Isn't she G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S.?!

The Stats:

Name: Brittany Nicole App
Birthday: August 2nd 1993

Biological sibliings: Jeremy

Other Siblings: Morgann (:

Randoms:

Dream Vacation: Germany to explore the concentration camps. Then to Euorpe for sky diving, then zip lining and swimming with the dolphins (:

Dream Job: an ASL interpreter for Marlee Matlin, Or the President of the United States

Weirdest thing I've eaten: Cactus

Hidden Talents: belching? lol just kidding!hmmm...

Most Hated Chore: Cleaning the backyard poo

Kindest thing: come and picked me up from my house at 2 in the morning then let me stay at their house for the night and just was there. O ya and someone brought me lunch for the first 2 months of school.

Jesus "stuff":
Favorite Book of the Bible: Either Romans or Ephesians. Both books are very encouraging and demonstrate Gods' Greatness and sovereignty and shows me that no matter what, God still love sme and I am still his daughter.

Latest Answered Prayer: Finanical Aid. One year of school paid for except for one loan the scholarships should cover!

The greatest influence on my christian life: Carley Fonda or Stacey Forbes. I have been doing Bible studies with both of them, Carley first until she moved, and now Stacey. They have both helped me realize that no matter what God still loves me. Stace holds me accountable and is always there for me no matter what. She also demonstrates Gods love so fantastically and shows me what a true christian should look like. There are so many other people that have helped me with my walk in Christ, Morgann, Dani, Grant, and Dori. All of these people have helped me be who I am today and realize the love of God even more!

First thing that comes to mind when you think about God? When I think about God the first thing that comes to mind is his forgiveness. Through everything that I have gone through I know that God has forgiven me and still wants me as his daughter in Heaven one day. Sometimes I forget that God will forgive EVERYTHING I have done, but reading the Bible (Eph,Rom) helps me see again and again how great and gracious our Loving Father is!

What is God currently teaching you? God is teaching me to Fully rely on him and realzie that he sends people to help us out through our life. Also that life can be difficult at times, but in the end, it is all to glorify God and realize he is the soul purpose of living and we could not do ANYTHING without the grace and strength of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Any last words? Ummm God is amazing! Even if you feel alone in the world and that everything is crashing down on you, God is still there. He has a plan for your future and work on trusting everything that happens is for a reason. Not saying that I have this down to a 't' but I am learning everyday more and more about God and that everything I am going through is for a purpose.

I think maybe now you might understand why I love her soooo much.

Friday Funnies: The Tragedy of First Position

This just cracks me up every time!

I took ballet when I was younger and I'm pretty sure I looked something like this.

This girl better start practicing for her wedding day NOW--talk about two left feet!

Haha.  Love it!

Happy Friday!!!

Thankful/Thoughtful Thursdays

My thoughts right now:

Outside my window...

The sun is shining!!

I am thinking...

I wish my 1 o'clock Spanish test would be over.

I am thankful for...

SPRING BREAK  :)

I am learning...

well, I am supposed to be learning Spanish right now...but instead, I'm blogging!

I am creating...

hmmm...reasons for not studying (are you beginning to sense a theme?)

I am going...

HOME!!!  In just a little over 24 hours.

I am hearing...

kids screaming outside from the schoolyard next door.

I am hoping...

to spend quality time with my friends and family next week!

Around the house...

Things are a little messy, but very comfortable.

One of my favorite things...

Is getting a good night's sleep and waking up feeling rested and ready to face the day.

A few plans for the week...

Hang out with some of my favorite people, have lunch with my Daddy-o, observe some elementary school classrooms, spend time on prayer walks.

A picture...

Cat's bridal shower last weekend in Santa Barbara.

I heart these girls.

Blog idea taken from Arielle

A new look :)

Today I thought to myself...

Since everything around me is starting to look like spring/summer, why shouldn't my blog???  

The answer is...IT SHOULD!!  

So, I hope you like the new look  :)

Worshipful Wednesday

"Everything" by Tim Hughes

"So whether you eat, drink or whatever you do, so it all for the glory of God."

~1 Corinthians 10:31

Random Tuesday: Number wonders.

Did you know....

1. In the average lifetime, a person will walk the equivalent of 5 times around the equator?

2. The 57 on Heinz ketchup bottles represents the number of varieties of pickles the company once had.  (p.s. that's a LOT of pickles.)

3. Cats sleep 16 to 18 hours a day.  (p.s. I've never been jealous of cats before, but as finals are approaching...this kind of sleep sounds b.o.m.b...yes, I just used the word "bomb.")

{photo credit}

Confession: I'm a slacker.

{photo credit}

So...I'm sure you've noticed my inability to keep up on this blog business.

This. Must. Change.

You see, I'm a planner.  So in order for me to succeed, I must have a plan.  My roomie, Amie on the other hand, is the best spontaneous blogger I know.  As far as I go?  I suck.

That said, I'm coming up with a plan.  Yes, a PLAN for blogging  :)  I shall succeed.  Here's the deal, each day of the week will have a focus.  It may start a little rocky, but summer is coming up and I am determined to make it work  :)

The [tentative] schedule:
Mondays--"Pick-me-up Mondays"
Who doesn't need a great way to start the week?  Mondays will be filled with encouragement  :)

Tuesdays--"Random Tuesdays"
I'll post a random fact/joke/riddle/something that will make you go "hmmmm."  You'll love it.

Wednesdays--"Worshipful Wednesdays"
I will highlight a specific band, song, or something that has led me to worship.

Thursdays--"Thankful Thursdays"
You get to read about things I'm thankful for: serious things, funny things, inconsequential things.  Whatever is on my mind  :)

Fridays--"Funny Fridays"
You get to read about something that made me laugh, smile or even dance  :)

Saturdays--"See yourself? Saturdays"
On Saturdays I will highlight one of my friends, mentors or favorite blogs!  You'll get to learn a little bit about someone/something else in my life.

Sundays--"Sacred Sundays"
My thoughts on what God is doing in my life, in the world or in the lives of those around me.

~Enjoy~