Bless the Interruptions

Today's QT, perfect timing.

Title: Bless The Interruptions

If your life is anything like mine, it’s pretty well planned out. I have a calendar that reminds me of appointments, meetings, and other “to-do” items. Inevitably, interruptions change my day dramatically; and while they can be frustrating, they also can be productive.

Some of the great advances in God’s plans have come through “interruptions” to the normal routine. Take Mary, for example. An angel interrupted her life with the announcement that she would have a son named Jesus. Since she was a virgin and engaged to be married, this news was undoubtedly shocking and deeply troubling (Luke 1:26-31). And Saul, the Jewish zealot who persecuted early Christians, was on his way to Damascus to arrest more followers of “the Way” when he was blinded by Jesus Himself (Acts 9:1-9). This life-changing interruption had huge implications for the future of Christianity.

The psalmist reminds us that the Lord can make “the plans of the peoples of no effect” (Ps. 33:10). Yet all too often we respond to the interruptions of our well-ordered lives with attitudes like frustration, irritation, fear, and doubt. God’s surprises in our day are full of opportunities. Let’s welcome them as a new “to-do list” from Him.

Look for God’s purpose in your next interruption.

Invitacion Fountain

All who are weak,

all who are weary

Come to the rock,

come to the fountain

All who have sailed

on the rivers of heartache

Come to the sea,

come on be set free

If You lead me Lord I will follow

Where You lead me Lord I will go

Come and heal me Lord I will follow

Where You lead me Lord I will go

I will go

Last night I attended my very last Cafe Night at the Grove, and all the giving that happens in this one night amazes me. Every single person is responsible for some sort of contribution (other than that given at the door), making the experience so incredibly valuable. Though sadly ironical, it was fantastic to see broke college kids willing and eager to support missions.

Cheers to a night of giving! (and to TTP)

He gives and takes away

Two deaths, one summer, the result? devastated people left behind. My Auntie Elsie passed away last weekend and her funeral was today. Anyone who met her would be able to tell you that she was such a good woman. She always was thinking of others and was so loving.

This is the last photo I could find of us, I believe I was a sophomore in high school. The last time I saw her was the summer before my freshman year where she was offering me all types of wisdom. She is already missed but we all know she's in a better place.

Count Your Blessings

This past weekend I was in Boston for a wedding and I called a cab to get from the Milwaukee airport to my place. I have a habit of conversing with cab drivers as I hate awkward silences, even though they get paid to not speak really, but during this time I realized how blessed I have been this summer.

As embarrassing as it may be, I don't have a car or drive, yet somehow, the Lord still made it possible for me to survive out here in the midwest. This opportunity with GE was one I considered a far reach. When I got here and met other interns at orientation, everyone spoke about their interview processes and where they go to school etc. At this time I knew that I had a little help from up there. I mean yea, I'm a good student, but I realized that at no point in time was my gpa ever asked for. Of course I had to send my transcript, but it was not until AFTER I received my offer.

Then I find out Angela also got a fantastic internship offer in Wisconsin in Madison, just an HOUR away. I must not forget about dear friends in Chicago either! which is also just an hour away! July fourth weekend was surreal having so many friends in the midwest.(I know, incredibly cool).

The wedding I attended this weekend was nothing of what I expected. Originally i was even unsure if I wanted to attend as I'd have to take a day off and I was only close to the groom, and it had been a couple years since I had any major contact with the bride. I thought it'd be awkward for the bridal party and I didn't want to be a burden on anyone. As the groom's side are good family friends, I was fortunate enough to fly there cost free. I had to take a 6 am flight on Saturday morning after a Friday working from 5:30-5. I was tired, a tad cranky, and had a layover in Chicago. When boarding I was asked to be switched to a direct flight to Boston as they had overbooked (great news!). As I was given my new boarding pass, the flight attendant says, "By the way ma'am, United would like to provide you with 400 dollars worth of travel vouchers for the inconvenience." Now, I could understand this compensation if I would have had to wait, but I got to switch to a direct flight AND I got to Boston an hour earlier than expected.

The moment I walked into the groom's home I knew I was wrong to have questioned attending, I have never seen or felt so much love under one roof. Though small, the wedding was a great success, and reminded me of the importance of love, even if it means you have to fight for it.

First posts in Wisconsin

June 4, 2010

Thankfulness

I am nearing the end of my second week in Wisconsin. I’m twenty one years old, but it’s no shocker that there are some life lessons that can never be learned enough.
At the end of last week I found out a recent SU grad-a friend from freshman year, was swept away by the ocean. Marinna was beautiful and bubbly. Once you met her there’s no way you wouldn’t remember or recognize her, even if the two of you were only acquaintances.
I heard this news in the midst of being homesick and wondering what I was doing here and how I would be able to finish up my planned twelve weeks after not being home for a year. It’s sad to say that after freshman year my interaction with Marinna was always in passing, but if there’s one thing Marinna believed in, and could be spotted a mile away, is that life needs to be lived.
There is so much to be thankful for, but why is this a lesson that I must continually learn?

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June 3, 2010

Land of Cheese

Now that I’ve arrived in Wisconsin, I have finally jumped on the blog wagon.
Waukesha, WI is both nothing like, and everything I expected. There is absolutely nothing around, my allergies are raging, and funny little white things fly around ALL the time. People talk with a strange accent, one that resembles canadians and southerners, and i LOVE how kind everyone is. I live in an apartment that obviously hosted a past chain smoker as I cannot escape the stench, and I avoid the strange demographic of people who are my neighbors. It takes approximately three times the amount any toilet I’ve ever used takes to flush (I find this particularly strange).
I have purchased one, three drawer unit, a lamp, a plastic chair, and 1 each of: a bowl, plate, fork, knife, and spoon. I was living on the floor for a week until I couldn’t take it anymore, and ordered an air bed from amazon.
Never have I felt so outside of my comfort zone. With this said, I’ve had a great first week and am thrilled with work. Part of the excitement (which also brings anxiety) is that I’m living in a place I know nothing about in a shabby apartment.