Well, this weekend was rather unproductive…but it was good! Time spent with friends, time spent with God…money made…NASCAR watched…passport pictures taken, etc.

I have 4 pages of my senior thesis written–I have to have 10 done by Tuesday! I just have not been motivated to write, nor have I had any brilliant insights for my paper. So, I am going to work on it tomorrow night.

Weekends like this are necessary, I believe, for one’s sanity. We have Wednesday off, as well, for APU’s “Common Day of Learning” (AKA–Common Day of Ditching…). I think that I am going to head to the beach, if it’s not raining. I don’t know what my friends are planning to do yet, but I’m sure we’ll come up with something fun!

18 days until I leave for Washington, D.C.! I can’t wait!

Sometimes, as I cruise through the blog world, someone’s post will make me ponder new concepts…

Monica‘s blog is usually where these insights occur, and today is no exception.

Read this post, about praying in a new way. I have a feeling that I’ll be thinking about this all day, and probably for awhile. What better way to pray than to surrender yourself fully–and in this case, with only three simple words: “Surprise me, God.” By praying those words, you are submitting your life into His hands, allowing Him to do His Will in your life…what a challenge! Am I brave enough to do this?

Much to ponder regarding this prayer…

I love Garfield…

Beautiful AP Press picture of Los Angeles…found at yahoo.com

The sun was shining this morning, up until now, actually…and as I walked around campus I was amazed at the joy that the sunshine brought to my soul! It was a glimpse into God’s grace and mercy, I believe, because we desperately needed that sun and warmth so that the land could dry out a bit before the next big storm. I also know that it will be a long time before I take Southern California weather for granted! i miss the sunshine, the warm temperatures, the cool breezes…soon enough it will return. My Tunisia team is meeting this afternoon to decide where we want to go in Europe after our time in Tunisia. I’m so excited! I really want to go to Edinburgh, Prague and Florence…we’ll just have to see where they want to go. What a great day…may it continue to be so!

According to NOAA, the weather forecast is still grim for the rest of today…tornado warning until 6pm, severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings through the night…

Where do I live again? The Midwest?

My roommates and I watched “The Notebook” last night, and it was so incredible! Wow…it’s been so long since a movie has touched me so deeply! It is such a beautiful love story…I’d highly recommend it!

I don’t know how much more I should say, because I don’t want to give anything away…I’d just recommend seeing it–both men and women.

Lots to think about… 🙂

Wow. I was just told this information, and it hasn’t even hit the press yet.

A friend of mine just told me that his friend just got off the phone with “Jane Roe’s” lawyer, and the Supreme Court will be deciding tomorrow whether or not they will reconsider Roe v. Wade.

Wow. If you pray, this is a great time to do so. This case could change so much in America! I do not know what is going to happen with this, but I wanted to let you all know (since I had permission)…

Please pass the word along!

I know that California needs lots of prayer for multiple reasons, but right now the weather is seriously damaging lives…Here’s one article about it. Please pray for those who have been affected by the storms (and the 31 inches of rain thus far this year)…It is SO sad!

Wow! I am amazed at the discussions taking place in the comments. It’s great to see people dialoguing about these issues. I will try to keep posting about things that stir up discussions.

I just have one request: Can we remember that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, and therefore can we treat each other respectfully? I have sensed a lot of emotions in these comments (my own included), and I realized today that we really should be treating each other with love. I have really learned over the past year that everyone deserves to be treated kindly, no matter what the differences between us may be…I’d really appreciate it if we could be more Christ-like (myself included).

Keep the discussions coming–they are very thought provoking!