Hello There!
My, it has been a while, hasn’t it? Seeing as my last update was in June, I’m sure stuff has happened in-between. Hmmmm, let me think for a moment….
Well, July was pretty quite—housesat for 2 weeks for the Hogans and continued training for my second triathlon. Worked for Grovespring and tried to do some work on my on-line course, but that didn’t really happen…which meant that after my triathlon (on August 1st—a whole15 minutes faster than last year!), I spent the next two weeks crunching to get all of my Biblical Literature homework in on time. There were many late nights in those weeks and much help from mom (Thanks mom!). I somehow managed to get it all turned in, and after housesitting for another week for my boss, mom and I made a weekend trip to NYC! That was amazing and we were able to visit Zach and share a pizza with him. We also got to go to Ellis Island AND see the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. So incredible. That was probably my favorite part. After a short week back home, I packed up and took a plane to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where my roommate, Nicole, picked me up. We made it to Taylor and unpacked our room (which feels pretty “cultured”—I think we have every continent represented in there…). We then started year 2 (or for me, 2 and ½) in Upland, IN!
My normal M/W/F looks like this:
8:00-World Literature
9:00-Breakfast
10:00-Chaps
11:00-Foundations of Psychology
12:00-Life Span Development
1:00-Lunch
2:00-Intermedite Spanish
(P.S. Officially changed my major to Psychology and minor to Political Science. That was such a good move—and my advisor is V. Maloney. He brings in M&M’s to class. That’s why we love him!)
I also work on Monday and Tuesday nights (at the Writing Center) and have my lesson (I’m on the equestrian team!) on Monday nights. Furthermore, I have a Lifeguard Training class at 6:30 a.m. (That’s right—in the morning!!) on Tuesdays.
It’s been good and crazy busy with Airband practices (2:00 a.m. to get a chance to practice on-stage?!), but now that that’s over, we’re all breathing a sigh of relief. While I’m thinking about it, youtube “Taylor University Ariband 2010 Hey Hey”. That was the song (by Superchic[k]) that my wing performed. But now that Airband and homecoming are over, we have a semi-normal schedule again.
Exciting things coming up…Our Hick-A-Date next Saturday! The boy I asked works with me in the Writing Center, so I figured I should ask him in a clever way—here’s what I did: I wrote him a (short) paper about why he should go with me. Yeah…It was tacky, but I did it and I’m proud of my work. I actually don’t really know him, but some girls on my wing do and they told me he’d be a great conversationalist. I knew he was working last Wednesday night, so I purposefully took that shift with him to catch him before he left. As he was getting ready to leave, I stopped him and asked him to edit this paper for me when he got the chance. I don’t think he had a clue as to what it really was. My paper had a heading “Erin Flathers, Creative Writing, 10/6/10, Paper One—Rough Draft”…and then the paragraph had all the details about the pick-a-date (pumpkin carving, pumpkin shooting, hayrides, horseback rides, corn hole, volleyball, etc). I didn’t give him a date to return it by, so this last week was…exciting, to say the least, while waiting for the news. Well, this past Wednesday I saw him at dinner and he told me that he had finished going over my paper and that he had put it back in my folder at the Writing Center. I high-tailed it to the library and checked my folder, where, lo and behold, my paper had been returned with edit marks and notes in the margins about where to use a word only once and so on. On the bottom of the paper he left a note about the paper overall (saying it was well written) and then at the very bottom of the paper, he drew a little arrow, indicating more on the back of the paper…which was his answer (yes!). Anyway, I think we’ll have a blast and I’m looking forward to shooting these pumpkins.
I’ve got some field trips and horse shows coming up that I’m also looking forward to, as well as real food at Thanksgiving break! This semester has flown by and it’s hard to believe it’s halfway through October! Some days fly by faster than others, and occasionally I just have to remind myself that it’s one foot in front of the other…but I always make it in the end.
I’m writing this from a farm in Iowa on fall break (although I have a test Monday I should really be studying for….). I went home with Brit (her farm, used to live on my wing), Carol (Brit’s roommate), and Meagan (My PA in Olson). We spent all yesterday roaming around the farm—racing over round bales, riding horses, wrestling hogs, driving the gator (and getting it stuck!), eating good food, and going to a local concert venue yester-evening (at the Stockyards!). Today we made 50 apple pies and drove over some of the property to take pictures (And I lost my camera—sad day!). We’ll had back to school tomorrow (6 ½ hour drive) after lunch to continue furthering our education! Ha…but really, we’ll work hard.
All my love!
-Rinny
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Indiana, Colorado, Virginia...!
Hello All!
It certainly has been a while…but not without sound justification. As soon as school ended, I really “hit the ground running” if you will. I had a few days at home before flying off to Colorado Springs to spend some quality time with my sister before heading to Summit (take-two). Caitlin and I had some good times in the Springs—while she worked (and worked out!), I was a bum. I waltzed around the Olympic Training Center like I owned it, I wined and dined with Michael Phelps (well, not really—it was more like he walked past me as I was chowing down on a Cliff Bar), and I met most of Caitlin’s great teammates. While she was working a few evenings in Josh and John’s Ice Cream Parlor, I enjoyed the “family discount” (a.k.a “free”) on many different flavors of cow custard, and then I strolled up and down Navjo Drive, Colorado Spring’s Main Street. Cute town. On Saturday night, we were able to get to Denver just in time for a wonderful dinner at the Lebanese restaurant she used to work at. The food was incredible and we were headed home with full tummies before we knew it. The next morning, she shipped me off to Manitou so I could sign-in for my Summit session (this time not arriving two days late!!). We parted ways and I began my (long) ascent to my room on the fourth floor. I was out of breath on my second step. How these people live with no oxygen is a miracle to me. Anyhoo, I made it up there and met my wonderful roommates (all of whom I still talk to at least three times a week). Summit was great the second time around—I really feel like I was able to absorb a lot more this time. It wasn’t quite as similar to “drinking from a fire hydrant” as it was last year. The speakers were wonderful and I enjoyed hearing a few from last year speak again. Manitou was a blast (as always) and I definitely helped their economy with my regular visits to the local ice cream shops. However, not much of the weight that I could have gained made it to my hips—between rock climbing, whitewater rafting, Frisbee, hikes, and the trek up to the hotel from the bottom of town, I did fairly well on ensuring my muscle maintenance. At the end of those two weeks, graduation was, well, bittersweet. I think everyone was ready to go home and get a good night’s rest, but with all of the new friends made, people were reluctant to leave. There were lots of hugs and tears and snapping pictures that were happening late Friday night. After catching the 6 o’clock bus on Saturday morning, I parted ways with good friends and beautiful country.
When I got home, I immediately started triathlon training, house-sitting, an on-line summer course, and work. Since then, I’ve been trying to catch my breath. In the near future, I’m looking forward to traveling to Illinois for Grandma’s birthday over the Fourth of July weekend, my second triathlon, a (albeit) short birthday trip to New York (5th Avenue, Brooklyn Tabernacle, Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, Ellis Island!), and then maybe an end-of-summer getaway to N.C. to visit Meghan, Jonathan, and those cute babies! Before I know it, I’ll be back at school and logging those long hours and late nights on homework (and a few shenanigans).
Well, since I managed to forget that I am in summer school until a few hours ago, I should go work on those projects.
Ciao!
It certainly has been a while…but not without sound justification. As soon as school ended, I really “hit the ground running” if you will. I had a few days at home before flying off to Colorado Springs to spend some quality time with my sister before heading to Summit (take-two). Caitlin and I had some good times in the Springs—while she worked (and worked out!), I was a bum. I waltzed around the Olympic Training Center like I owned it, I wined and dined with Michael Phelps (well, not really—it was more like he walked past me as I was chowing down on a Cliff Bar), and I met most of Caitlin’s great teammates. While she was working a few evenings in Josh and John’s Ice Cream Parlor, I enjoyed the “family discount” (a.k.a “free”) on many different flavors of cow custard, and then I strolled up and down Navjo Drive, Colorado Spring’s Main Street. Cute town. On Saturday night, we were able to get to Denver just in time for a wonderful dinner at the Lebanese restaurant she used to work at. The food was incredible and we were headed home with full tummies before we knew it. The next morning, she shipped me off to Manitou so I could sign-in for my Summit session (this time not arriving two days late!!). We parted ways and I began my (long) ascent to my room on the fourth floor. I was out of breath on my second step. How these people live with no oxygen is a miracle to me. Anyhoo, I made it up there and met my wonderful roommates (all of whom I still talk to at least three times a week). Summit was great the second time around—I really feel like I was able to absorb a lot more this time. It wasn’t quite as similar to “drinking from a fire hydrant” as it was last year. The speakers were wonderful and I enjoyed hearing a few from last year speak again. Manitou was a blast (as always) and I definitely helped their economy with my regular visits to the local ice cream shops. However, not much of the weight that I could have gained made it to my hips—between rock climbing, whitewater rafting, Frisbee, hikes, and the trek up to the hotel from the bottom of town, I did fairly well on ensuring my muscle maintenance. At the end of those two weeks, graduation was, well, bittersweet. I think everyone was ready to go home and get a good night’s rest, but with all of the new friends made, people were reluctant to leave. There were lots of hugs and tears and snapping pictures that were happening late Friday night. After catching the 6 o’clock bus on Saturday morning, I parted ways with good friends and beautiful country.
When I got home, I immediately started triathlon training, house-sitting, an on-line summer course, and work. Since then, I’ve been trying to catch my breath. In the near future, I’m looking forward to traveling to Illinois for Grandma’s birthday over the Fourth of July weekend, my second triathlon, a (albeit) short birthday trip to New York (5th Avenue, Brooklyn Tabernacle, Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, Ellis Island!), and then maybe an end-of-summer getaway to N.C. to visit Meghan, Jonathan, and those cute babies! Before I know it, I’ll be back at school and logging those long hours and late nights on homework (and a few shenanigans).
Well, since I managed to forget that I am in summer school until a few hours ago, I should go work on those projects.
Ciao!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Hello Rain
Greetings from a wet, dark Saturday afternoon in Upland!
The weather really has been a lot better recently, but this weekend, it decided it should rain. Oh well—I love the smell of rain.
This weekend has been a bit busy for me—I have homework out the wazoo (Paper and test on Monday, speech on Tuesday, test on Thursday, paper on Friday). I’ve been chipping away at it slowly, but still have lots left to do. I enjoyed a lacrosse game with one of the girl’s on my wing this morning, and then watched a few track events at our home meet today to cheer on some friends. Now I’m back to hitting the books (and I think they’re winning).
Last night, Laura and I ushered for the play “Crimes of the Heart” so that we could get free tickets to take some friends next weekend. Technically, we watched the whole show last night, and we decided that ushering is a good way to watch a play for free. We’re planning on helping out more in the future=)
Tomorrow, we’re having a Bro/Sis Wing cookout with our brother wing. That should be fun. The next weekend, Megan and I are racing in Taylor’s Taylathon Bike Race. We’re secretly hoping for a few scars from it…The weekend after that, Megan and I are heading up to Grand Rapids to run in the Fifth Third River Bank 5k. It’ll be good to get away a bit before finals.
Well, I am all registered for classes for next semester—looks like I will be taking Principles of Genetics, College Chemistry, Foundations of Psychology, Intermediate Spanish, and Lifeguard Training. Also, I will be an official member of the equestrian team!
I know this was short—but unfortunately, I still have that mountain of papers to start going through. I know it’ll be over before I know it, but for now, I’m just gonna keep living one day at a time.
Enjoy this springtime!
-Rinny
The weather really has been a lot better recently, but this weekend, it decided it should rain. Oh well—I love the smell of rain.
This weekend has been a bit busy for me—I have homework out the wazoo (Paper and test on Monday, speech on Tuesday, test on Thursday, paper on Friday). I’ve been chipping away at it slowly, but still have lots left to do. I enjoyed a lacrosse game with one of the girl’s on my wing this morning, and then watched a few track events at our home meet today to cheer on some friends. Now I’m back to hitting the books (and I think they’re winning).
Last night, Laura and I ushered for the play “Crimes of the Heart” so that we could get free tickets to take some friends next weekend. Technically, we watched the whole show last night, and we decided that ushering is a good way to watch a play for free. We’re planning on helping out more in the future=)
Tomorrow, we’re having a Bro/Sis Wing cookout with our brother wing. That should be fun. The next weekend, Megan and I are racing in Taylor’s Taylathon Bike Race. We’re secretly hoping for a few scars from it…The weekend after that, Megan and I are heading up to Grand Rapids to run in the Fifth Third River Bank 5k. It’ll be good to get away a bit before finals.
Well, I am all registered for classes for next semester—looks like I will be taking Principles of Genetics, College Chemistry, Foundations of Psychology, Intermediate Spanish, and Lifeguard Training. Also, I will be an official member of the equestrian team!
I know this was short—but unfortunately, I still have that mountain of papers to start going through. I know it’ll be over before I know it, but for now, I’m just gonna keep living one day at a time.
Enjoy this springtime!
-Rinny
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Here Comes Springtime!
…Since it’s been a while…
Life here is going great. All the snow has melted and should STAY melted. Everyone says that Upland always gets one more big snowfall before it decides to stay springtime, but we’re all hoping that passed us by this year. On the first day of “nice weather” (low around 50, overcast, windy), I swear every girl on campus pulled out her stack of “summer clothes” and showed off her favorite skirt. Fortunately, we’ve had very nice weather the past week, which has allowed the girls to continue their skirt wearing (I’ve joined in on this trend) and the boys to break out the skateboards and scooters. People are running the loop and biking all over campus (something I’ve also taken to) and lots of people have been studying outside on towels on the grass. It was sunny and about 60 degrees today, so that drew out everyone. The sun has also helped everyone’s mood about homework and early morning classes in general-the day just goes more smoothly when you don’t have to spend 20 minutes getting bundled in coats and scarves to make a 10 minute trek across campus in snow and wind.
While the sun has certainly helped ease the mood around here, the fact that mid-terms are a week away has not. Those sort of jumped up on us, because we were all so excited about the weather and spring break. We don’t really know where the mid-terms came from-all of a sudden they were in front of us on our syllabi…Oops! Mine don’t look too miserable, if that’s possible (but anything is better than finals!). Mine are kind of spread out over the next two weeks, so that helps a bit as far as the studying goes. Funny thing is, I think I have the hardest time in all of my non-major classes. Which is good, I suppose, to a point. Anyhoo, prayer over those would be GREATLY appreciated.
This week in chapel we have a few different speakers and our topic (it is Relational Enrichment Week here) “Sex and the Cornfields” (not to be confused with “sex IN the cornfields). Our SGA set up some really funny people to talk to us about enriching our relationships, growing in God, and standing firm. Quite good, really.
This week-end should be relatively quiet-especially in consideration of the next two weeks. On March 20th, my floor is doing a pick-a-date in Fort Wayne at a Putt-Putt Palace! Afterwards, we’re going to Coldstone for ice-cream (yum!). Our theme is “It’s Good To Be A Kid Again” (how cute-we have very clever Pas). I don’t have a man yet, but I might ask that cute guy that sits behind me in class=)
It looks like I’ll be staying on 1EO next year (which is GREAT! I love those girls!), but Megan and Leah might be moving off. Megan was looking at moving to English (which would fit her to a “T”) and Leah was thinking about Swallow Robin (which is also perfect). I’d be the only 2009 FISPer left on the wing, but most everyone else already on the wing is staying. I might even have a roommate and we could “squat” the room I’m in now, which would rock.
Well, that’s all I have for now. Time to study for these mid-terms!
Happy Spring!
-Rinny
Life here is going great. All the snow has melted and should STAY melted. Everyone says that Upland always gets one more big snowfall before it decides to stay springtime, but we’re all hoping that passed us by this year. On the first day of “nice weather” (low around 50, overcast, windy), I swear every girl on campus pulled out her stack of “summer clothes” and showed off her favorite skirt. Fortunately, we’ve had very nice weather the past week, which has allowed the girls to continue their skirt wearing (I’ve joined in on this trend) and the boys to break out the skateboards and scooters. People are running the loop and biking all over campus (something I’ve also taken to) and lots of people have been studying outside on towels on the grass. It was sunny and about 60 degrees today, so that drew out everyone. The sun has also helped everyone’s mood about homework and early morning classes in general-the day just goes more smoothly when you don’t have to spend 20 minutes getting bundled in coats and scarves to make a 10 minute trek across campus in snow and wind.
While the sun has certainly helped ease the mood around here, the fact that mid-terms are a week away has not. Those sort of jumped up on us, because we were all so excited about the weather and spring break. We don’t really know where the mid-terms came from-all of a sudden they were in front of us on our syllabi…Oops! Mine don’t look too miserable, if that’s possible (but anything is better than finals!). Mine are kind of spread out over the next two weeks, so that helps a bit as far as the studying goes. Funny thing is, I think I have the hardest time in all of my non-major classes. Which is good, I suppose, to a point. Anyhoo, prayer over those would be GREATLY appreciated.
This week in chapel we have a few different speakers and our topic (it is Relational Enrichment Week here) “Sex and the Cornfields” (not to be confused with “sex IN the cornfields). Our SGA set up some really funny people to talk to us about enriching our relationships, growing in God, and standing firm. Quite good, really.
This week-end should be relatively quiet-especially in consideration of the next two weeks. On March 20th, my floor is doing a pick-a-date in Fort Wayne at a Putt-Putt Palace! Afterwards, we’re going to Coldstone for ice-cream (yum!). Our theme is “It’s Good To Be A Kid Again” (how cute-we have very clever Pas). I don’t have a man yet, but I might ask that cute guy that sits behind me in class=)
It looks like I’ll be staying on 1EO next year (which is GREAT! I love those girls!), but Megan and Leah might be moving off. Megan was looking at moving to English (which would fit her to a “T”) and Leah was thinking about Swallow Robin (which is also perfect). I’d be the only 2009 FISPer left on the wing, but most everyone else already on the wing is staying. I might even have a roommate and we could “squat” the room I’m in now, which would rock.
Well, that’s all I have for now. Time to study for these mid-terms!
Happy Spring!
-Rinny
Monday, February 22, 2010
Day-In-A-Glance
Hello Friends!
Well, it is really beautiful out right now because the campus has that “earthy springtime” feel. We’re not trying to get too excited about the fact that it is 40 degrees and (to us!) warm, but we will remain optimistic. It has showered on and off today and the sky has been gray, but the breeze is wonderful.
Anyhoo, I figured I haven’t up-dated you all yet on my “normal” life here, so I’ll give a day-in-a-glance…
Monday: Expos @ 8, Fit For Life @ 9, Chapel @ 10, Plant Biology @ 11, Lunch @ 12, and Animal Biology @ 1. Most days are like this and it seems to work well. Since I (almost) live in the science building, I get to leave my books and such in a coatroom so I don’t have to lug 20 pounds around to chapel and meals. That brings up another wonderful part of my day: meals! I love eating lunch and dinner because it is the one time I have to drop everything I am doing and thinking about, and I simply enjoy the conversations with my wing. It is really great to connect with the girls throughout the day, but meals are definitely a time of learning and discussing. Quite enjoyable.
If people thought there wasn’t going to be enough to do around here, or if they ever thought that I’d be bored, they were terribly, terribly mistaken. It is actually a matter of deciding what NOT to do…especially on the weekends. For example, last weekend, I went to Payne’s (THE local coffee shop) to celebrate a friend’s birthday on Friday, participated in Grant County’s annual Walk-A-Mile (for homelessness) on Saturday, went to Indy for a rock climbing pick-a-date on Saturday night, and watched the Olympics with our brother wing on Sunday night. Whew! It was great fun (and I managed to get some homework done…), but now I am sore and tired.
Before I forget, on Thursday night, I went to “Nostalgia Night” (similar to Taylor’s notorious “Airband”, but with older songs and acts, think Chicago and James Taylor). It was A BLAST! All the songs were really well done and the commercials in-between acts were hilarious.
Here’s a link to my favorite commercial (watch it and laugh!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8q3GNpm1x4
If you need help understanding some of the jokes, I’ll explain…
1. This commercial is based off of a SNL act and the guys that made it are communication majors, which is why it is so good!
2. “Mrs” degree…duh!
3. “The Loop” is what couples walk when they first “step out”.
4. English (a dorm) girls are famous for being good “marriage quality”.
5. DTR-Define the relationship
6. “Steve-o” is the dean of students
7. President Habbs=President Haubecker
8. Pick-A-Date…pretty self explanatory
9. “Ring by spring”, “junior jumble”, and “senior scramble” are all referring to dating and/or marriage!
Anyway, you should really check out all of the videos from Nostalgia Night (just YouTube “Nostalgia Night” Taylor University 2010) and be prepared to be amazed.
On that note, you should really check out any of our chapel speaker’s messages. They are always amazing and usually on-line for reference. They should be on Taylor’s website. The guy that spoke today was hilarious (and smart!)
I am off to do some homework and eat dinner with my girls, but just wanted to drop in to say hi!
All my love,
Rinny
Well, it is really beautiful out right now because the campus has that “earthy springtime” feel. We’re not trying to get too excited about the fact that it is 40 degrees and (to us!) warm, but we will remain optimistic. It has showered on and off today and the sky has been gray, but the breeze is wonderful.
Anyhoo, I figured I haven’t up-dated you all yet on my “normal” life here, so I’ll give a day-in-a-glance…
Monday: Expos @ 8, Fit For Life @ 9, Chapel @ 10, Plant Biology @ 11, Lunch @ 12, and Animal Biology @ 1. Most days are like this and it seems to work well. Since I (almost) live in the science building, I get to leave my books and such in a coatroom so I don’t have to lug 20 pounds around to chapel and meals. That brings up another wonderful part of my day: meals! I love eating lunch and dinner because it is the one time I have to drop everything I am doing and thinking about, and I simply enjoy the conversations with my wing. It is really great to connect with the girls throughout the day, but meals are definitely a time of learning and discussing. Quite enjoyable.
If people thought there wasn’t going to be enough to do around here, or if they ever thought that I’d be bored, they were terribly, terribly mistaken. It is actually a matter of deciding what NOT to do…especially on the weekends. For example, last weekend, I went to Payne’s (THE local coffee shop) to celebrate a friend’s birthday on Friday, participated in Grant County’s annual Walk-A-Mile (for homelessness) on Saturday, went to Indy for a rock climbing pick-a-date on Saturday night, and watched the Olympics with our brother wing on Sunday night. Whew! It was great fun (and I managed to get some homework done…), but now I am sore and tired.
Before I forget, on Thursday night, I went to “Nostalgia Night” (similar to Taylor’s notorious “Airband”, but with older songs and acts, think Chicago and James Taylor). It was A BLAST! All the songs were really well done and the commercials in-between acts were hilarious.
Here’s a link to my favorite commercial (watch it and laugh!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8q3GNpm1x4
If you need help understanding some of the jokes, I’ll explain…
1. This commercial is based off of a SNL act and the guys that made it are communication majors, which is why it is so good!
2. “Mrs” degree…duh!
3. “The Loop” is what couples walk when they first “step out”.
4. English (a dorm) girls are famous for being good “marriage quality”.
5. DTR-Define the relationship
6. “Steve-o” is the dean of students
7. President Habbs=President Haubecker
8. Pick-A-Date…pretty self explanatory
9. “Ring by spring”, “junior jumble”, and “senior scramble” are all referring to dating and/or marriage!
Anyway, you should really check out all of the videos from Nostalgia Night (just YouTube “Nostalgia Night” Taylor University 2010) and be prepared to be amazed.
On that note, you should really check out any of our chapel speaker’s messages. They are always amazing and usually on-line for reference. They should be on Taylor’s website. The guy that spoke today was hilarious (and smart!)
I am off to do some homework and eat dinner with my girls, but just wanted to drop in to say hi!
All my love,
Rinny
Monday, January 25, 2010
There Is Love, Love, Love...
After the last tear falls
After the last secret's told
After the last bullet tears through flesh and bone
After the last child starves
And the last girl walks the boulevard
After the last year that's just too hard
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
After the last disgrace
After the last lie to save some face
After the last brutal jab from a poison tongue
After the last dirty politician
After the last meal down at the mission
After the last lonely night in prison
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
And in the end, the end is
Oceans and oceans
Of love and love again
We'll see how the tears that have fallen
Were caught in the palms
Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all
And we'll look back on these tears as old tales
'Cause after the last plan fails
After the last siren wails
After the last young husband sails off to join the war
After the last "this marriage is over"
After the last young girl's innocence is stolen
After the last years of silence that won't let a heart open
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
And in the end, the end is
Oceans and oceans
Of love and love again
We'll see how the tears that have fallen
Were caught in the palms
Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all
And we'll look back on these tears as old tales
'Cause after the last tear falls
There is love
-Andrew Peterson
What a fascinating concept-When all else fails, there is love. When the world failed, there was love. When Christ had to die for us, there was love. When sin pursues and entangles us, there is love. When to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be, there is love. When I've made mistakes, there is love.
When I'm broken on my knees, there is still love.
The love of God is something that no man can comprehend or even begin to imagine. It is deeper than any ocean on earth's surface, higher than any mountain on any planet, and wider than the universe's whole expanse. It is pursuing, captivating, encompassing, and enduring. It follows us on whatever path we choose to take.
As I sit here in my room on a Monday afternoon, I'm watching the snow fall thick and fast. Watching snow has never made me think about it this way before: There is a covering so white-white as snow-that hides our blemishes and faults from a just and mighty King. And the only reason we are covered by this holiness is because of a man that hung on a bloodstained cross for our iniquities. By His stripes we were healed. By His wounds we are forgiven. And by the thorns that pierced the skin on His head, we will be called sons and daughters of Christ. Watching this Indiana snow fall, I am more and more enthralled by the idea of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness-By the idea that grace falls like rain and His love covers our sins, to give us the purity, innocence, and wonder of a child that sin stole away. We're made white as snow through a sacrifice of blood.
Someone loves us an awful lot.
Faithfully Waiting,
-Rinny
(This weekend has been really fantastic! On Saturday, I did the boring ins-and-outs of dorm room cleaning, weekend homework, and reading assignments. Then a few girls on the wing watched "Up" and we talked til wee hours of the night. On Sunday, I went to church at IWU's College Church (a bit of a traitor thing to do, I know) and actually loved it. Really great message and wonderful worship. At lunch, I talked with Jamie, our DA, and it was really awesome hearing about her experiences at Taylor over the last four years. She encouraged me to put my roots in Christ, and not in Taylor-something she said she learned the hard way. Later Sunday night (besides celebrating the Colts play-off win!), Megan and I went to a Latin/Zumba dance class at The Well (our on-campus fitness center-super nice!) to get our "dance bug" out. It turned out to be really, really fun and we're hoping that we can make it a Sunday night work-out! I believe that's all the fun stuff for now-Please be praying for us as we have a final on Wednesday, then we head to Michigan until February 1st. Thanks!)
After the last secret's told
After the last bullet tears through flesh and bone
After the last child starves
And the last girl walks the boulevard
After the last year that's just too hard
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
After the last disgrace
After the last lie to save some face
After the last brutal jab from a poison tongue
After the last dirty politician
After the last meal down at the mission
After the last lonely night in prison
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
And in the end, the end is
Oceans and oceans
Of love and love again
We'll see how the tears that have fallen
Were caught in the palms
Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all
And we'll look back on these tears as old tales
'Cause after the last plan fails
After the last siren wails
After the last young husband sails off to join the war
After the last "this marriage is over"
After the last young girl's innocence is stolen
After the last years of silence that won't let a heart open
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
And in the end, the end is
Oceans and oceans
Of love and love again
We'll see how the tears that have fallen
Were caught in the palms
Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all
And we'll look back on these tears as old tales
'Cause after the last tear falls
There is love
-Andrew Peterson
What a fascinating concept-When all else fails, there is love. When the world failed, there was love. When Christ had to die for us, there was love. When sin pursues and entangles us, there is love. When to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be, there is love. When I've made mistakes, there is love.
When I'm broken on my knees, there is still love.
The love of God is something that no man can comprehend or even begin to imagine. It is deeper than any ocean on earth's surface, higher than any mountain on any planet, and wider than the universe's whole expanse. It is pursuing, captivating, encompassing, and enduring. It follows us on whatever path we choose to take.
As I sit here in my room on a Monday afternoon, I'm watching the snow fall thick and fast. Watching snow has never made me think about it this way before: There is a covering so white-white as snow-that hides our blemishes and faults from a just and mighty King. And the only reason we are covered by this holiness is because of a man that hung on a bloodstained cross for our iniquities. By His stripes we were healed. By His wounds we are forgiven. And by the thorns that pierced the skin on His head, we will be called sons and daughters of Christ. Watching this Indiana snow fall, I am more and more enthralled by the idea of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness-By the idea that grace falls like rain and His love covers our sins, to give us the purity, innocence, and wonder of a child that sin stole away. We're made white as snow through a sacrifice of blood.
Someone loves us an awful lot.
Faithfully Waiting,
-Rinny
(This weekend has been really fantastic! On Saturday, I did the boring ins-and-outs of dorm room cleaning, weekend homework, and reading assignments. Then a few girls on the wing watched "Up" and we talked til wee hours of the night. On Sunday, I went to church at IWU's College Church (a bit of a traitor thing to do, I know) and actually loved it. Really great message and wonderful worship. At lunch, I talked with Jamie, our DA, and it was really awesome hearing about her experiences at Taylor over the last four years. She encouraged me to put my roots in Christ, and not in Taylor-something she said she learned the hard way. Later Sunday night (besides celebrating the Colts play-off win!), Megan and I went to a Latin/Zumba dance class at The Well (our on-campus fitness center-super nice!) to get our "dance bug" out. It turned out to be really, really fun and we're hoping that we can make it a Sunday night work-out! I believe that's all the fun stuff for now-Please be praying for us as we have a final on Wednesday, then we head to Michigan until February 1st. Thanks!)
Monday, January 11, 2010
When The Blessings Continue To Be Poured Out...
…We shall continue to praise Him.
Wow! What a crazy few days it has been! After arriving on campus on Saturday, going to church on Sunday, and then reuniting with all the FISPers Sunday night, I’ve had lots of laughs and little sleep. First of all, the blessings I’m receiving are continuing to be poured out, and I’m so grateful. It was wonderful seeing all of my Ireland friends again, and we’ve been able to remember quite a bit about the good old days, when life was perfect and homework was really non-existent.
Honestly, the first two days here were…downers. It wasn’t the same as Ireland, it was really cold, and we had more homework over the last few days than all of our finals combined for Ireland. So, there was (and is continuing to be) a culture shock.
But God is good, and His blessings are endless. The wing that Megan, Leah, and I are on is FANTASTIC (“EIEI 1EO, We came here to let you know, We’re rough, we’re tough, we’re beasts, and you’re gonna be our dinner feasts! 1EO!”) The girls have been super welcoming and encouraging, and almost half of them have been to Ireland through Taylor, so they know where we are and where we’re coming from. Whether it’s the prayer time every night before dinner or the movie watching in our PA’s room, these are women of God and they are such a blessing. Our chapel services have been incredible so far as well and I can’t imagine skipping one for any reason. They’re very real and very insightful.
Second, our Bible Literature class is really, really great. It’s hard, but worth it. Our professor makes the Old Testament come to life and he is challenging us with thoughts, questions, and evidence that will make us think.
Third: Confirmation, confirmation, confirmation has been the theme of this week. This is where I have been especially grateful, as I feel that I have sort of been walking blindly, on faith, about where I’m going. A) Without a doubt, I know I am supposed to be here, now. That has been brought up time and again. B) I am supposed to serve in this community. There are so many options, but I’m looking into a Special Ed program or a homeless shelter/kitchen to be really tied into the community. God has opened door after door for me, and I will no longer wait for Him to push me through. C) I will travel again. Between J-term trips, short missions trips, spring break missions, and the biology pre-med trip to Ecuador, I will go abroad more. The only problem is choosing just one at a time. Taylor has so many options for outreach, and it is unbelievable how missions orientated they are. D) I need to be involved with TWO (Taylor World Outreach) somehow, someway. Again, confirmation has been a big thing this week.
However, our wing chapter is Psalm 40…“I waited patiently upon the Lord”. Megan and I read a devotion about “waiting on the Lord”. I’ve seen it in class and while reading “My Utmost For His Highest”. That’s been another central theme this week-waiting for God. I am also grateful to be at Taylor, because the whole idea is the integration of faith and learning. I feel like it would be so easy to run out and do all those good things at once, but maybe some things God is asking me to wait on. I’m excited to be here, because I want to know how to balance passion and patience.
Well, I have an Old Testament to finish by the 20th, so I have some more reading to do. However, I will keep you all updated about my whereabouts and howabouts!
Enjoy this weather, enjoy this season, enjoy Jesus!
-Rinny
Wow! What a crazy few days it has been! After arriving on campus on Saturday, going to church on Sunday, and then reuniting with all the FISPers Sunday night, I’ve had lots of laughs and little sleep. First of all, the blessings I’m receiving are continuing to be poured out, and I’m so grateful. It was wonderful seeing all of my Ireland friends again, and we’ve been able to remember quite a bit about the good old days, when life was perfect and homework was really non-existent.
Honestly, the first two days here were…downers. It wasn’t the same as Ireland, it was really cold, and we had more homework over the last few days than all of our finals combined for Ireland. So, there was (and is continuing to be) a culture shock.
But God is good, and His blessings are endless. The wing that Megan, Leah, and I are on is FANTASTIC (“EIEI 1EO, We came here to let you know, We’re rough, we’re tough, we’re beasts, and you’re gonna be our dinner feasts! 1EO!”) The girls have been super welcoming and encouraging, and almost half of them have been to Ireland through Taylor, so they know where we are and where we’re coming from. Whether it’s the prayer time every night before dinner or the movie watching in our PA’s room, these are women of God and they are such a blessing. Our chapel services have been incredible so far as well and I can’t imagine skipping one for any reason. They’re very real and very insightful.
Second, our Bible Literature class is really, really great. It’s hard, but worth it. Our professor makes the Old Testament come to life and he is challenging us with thoughts, questions, and evidence that will make us think.
Third: Confirmation, confirmation, confirmation has been the theme of this week. This is where I have been especially grateful, as I feel that I have sort of been walking blindly, on faith, about where I’m going. A) Without a doubt, I know I am supposed to be here, now. That has been brought up time and again. B) I am supposed to serve in this community. There are so many options, but I’m looking into a Special Ed program or a homeless shelter/kitchen to be really tied into the community. God has opened door after door for me, and I will no longer wait for Him to push me through. C) I will travel again. Between J-term trips, short missions trips, spring break missions, and the biology pre-med trip to Ecuador, I will go abroad more. The only problem is choosing just one at a time. Taylor has so many options for outreach, and it is unbelievable how missions orientated they are. D) I need to be involved with TWO (Taylor World Outreach) somehow, someway. Again, confirmation has been a big thing this week.
However, our wing chapter is Psalm 40…“I waited patiently upon the Lord”. Megan and I read a devotion about “waiting on the Lord”. I’ve seen it in class and while reading “My Utmost For His Highest”. That’s been another central theme this week-waiting for God. I am also grateful to be at Taylor, because the whole idea is the integration of faith and learning. I feel like it would be so easy to run out and do all those good things at once, but maybe some things God is asking me to wait on. I’m excited to be here, because I want to know how to balance passion and patience.
Well, I have an Old Testament to finish by the 20th, so I have some more reading to do. However, I will keep you all updated about my whereabouts and howabouts!
Enjoy this weather, enjoy this season, enjoy Jesus!
-Rinny
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