The night finally came! It has been so hard for all of us to keep this a secret (even though we’ve only known for a day or so)…Stuart proposed to Leslie tonight–and we are SO excited!! Two amazing people, entering into a lifetime together…

I have posted some pictures below from the evening…it was amazing…she was shocked…and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for these two!!

Stuart and Leslie

The girls: (top, left to right): Ananda, Christina, Jessica, Leslie, Sara, Kirsten, Paige. (Bottom): Christie, Allison, Lesa.

Where it all began…our suite, Freshman year, Engstrom Hall…Leslie, Allison, Sara and Lesa.

Colorful leaves…frosted grass…cool, brisk mornings, filled with the smoke from woodstoves and fireplaces…the hope of a “White Christmas” (that never happens anyway)…waking up, wrapped up in blankets…Such fond memories of Fall.

And that’s all they are: Memories. I live in Southern California, land of eternal sunshine, practically…and no seasons either.

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

The longer I am in SoCal, the more I dislike it, and I long to be back where there are seasons, where smog isn’t in the air constantly…where there is OPEN LAND between cities…and where I can enjoy the seasons individually–unlike two years ago when it was 85 degrees (Spring) in January (Winter) and the leaves were just turning colors and falling (Fall)…

Speaking of NorCal, I will be home for Homecoming this year–thanks to my parents. They bought me a plane ticket to come home and be with the family, and while I’m home I might check out the festivities. Homecoming is a HUGE deal in my town–with thousands of dollars worth of fireworks each year as well (I was the ASB treasurer, so I know these things, LOL)…

So, any Red Bluff people reading this, let’s hang out that weekend! Drop me an email or something, because I’d love to see you!

Back to dreaming about a REAL Fall…Sigh… 🙂

In the past few weeks, as God has prodded me, I have been making many changes in my life…and last night closed a chapter in my life that has needed to be closed for awhile.

Paige, Leslie and I went to Huntington Beach to have a picnic and a bonfire, and it was seriously unforgettable. There is just something about the beach, about the tranquility and the natural beauty, that just makes healing happen so much easier. There, as we shared stories while sipping hot apple cider and roasting marshmellows, it was just so amazing to me that God has blessed me with these friends…and even more astounding that there are several other girls in my life who are so special and so amazing. I know that I have done nothing to deserve these friends!

These girls have been there for me through so much, and as we closed a chapter in my life last night, I realized that I couldn’t have done it without them…without their support, without their constant love and encouragement. Thank you, girls, for being my friends…you mean SO much to me!

Today I spent the day reading, laughing, and hanging out with my best-friend of 16 years, Bethany. Yet another person with whom God has blessed me. She has been there through SOOOOOOO much over the years…and she is still there for me now. What an incredible friendship we share! I can’t believe she’s put up with me for 16 years, LOL. 🙂 I love you girl!

Life this semester is new for me, with many changes left to make…and I am so thankful that the Lord has enabled me to make these changes.

The freedom, the peace that I have felt in the past week have been so refreshing–and I have realized those things are what I have been lacking in the past few months…with one chapter closed, another can begin…

“Our God is an awesome God…”

If you would like to read the commentary that I wrote about the Presidential Debates, click here. Thanks to Todd for asking me to write the commentary, and for getting me back into the political groove.

I am awaiting tonight with great anticipation…for it will be yet another step in the direction of becoming a whole person. Paige and I are going to spend the evening on the beach, with a picnic dinner, a thermos of hot cocoa or cider, and a bonfire. It is going to be an incredible time of fellowship and healing, and I can’t wait!

My commentary on the debate will be posted soon. It is written from a unique perspective, I think, because prior to last night I had not heard John Kerry speak at length, just sound bytes here and there. It is, therefore, my first impressions, my critical analysis of his POLICIES, not his party. My commentary is based on facts and factual errors, not partisanship.

Our hot water was restored this afternoon–finally!! It felt SOOO good to take a nice, hot shower. Praise the Lord for the little things in life!

Also, note the new links on the sidebar to blogs of my friends. More and more people are expressing themselves through blogs, and it is exciting!

*May this weekend be filled with productivity and rest, and may the Lord bless those who seek Him.*

Short post–because I’m tired.

I will be posting a commentary on the debates on my friend Todd’s blog sometime this weekend (whenever he posts it), so be sure to check that out. This is my first commentary, but it was so easy to write after watching the debate–can anyone say “Flip-flop?”

Also, I was invited by the chair of the Political Science department to be one of two Republicans on a panel later this month…wow…kinda shocked by that, but I am intrigued. So I might participate. After all, I should use my major and my knowledge for something!

One more thing–never take for granted hot or warm showers…NEVER. We have had cold water for 3 days…no wait, not even cold, ICE water. Every once in a while the hot water will decide to come back on…anyway, yeah.

I want a hot shower…:)

Our discussion on Plato continued today in my Classical Political Thought class…

And one thing stood out to me in particular as being applicable to the Christian walk.

In Book III, the men are discussing censorship, and what should be allowed in education. They point out that the things you teach your children will indicate what kind of adults they will be. The tales you tell them will stick with them always. And concerning heroes, they note that people should try to imitate the right heroes.

My professor stated that: “It’s hard to return to who you once were after you have been filled with imitations of others…”

Shouldn’t we, then, as Christians, strive to imitate Christ so much that we forget who we once were? And, shouldn’t we teach our children–not only in word, but by example as well–the ways of Christ, so that these things are deeply implanted within them?

Hmmm….