Is it over yet?

Lately, I've been swimming the ocean of Melville. Traveling in space with C. S. Lewis and through time with A. Huxley. Meeting the Bayou people of old Louisiana, courtesy of Kate Chopin. And just finished exploring the world of philology with Webster and Murray. 

Meanwhile, I'm also anticipating three exams next week, all while writing, revising, rewriting and editing papers on all the above topics. Yeah, I'm ready for the semester to be OVER! 

That's when the fun will begin..... only fifteen more days!!!! 

Breath of Fresh Air

We all have times when we wonder what others think of us.

What do people think when I leave the room? Is there a smile on their face that wasn't there before? Or do they breathe a sign of relief that she's finally gone? Do I leave them happier or more irritated and tense? 

I know what I'd want them to say, but is that really what they're thinking? 

Been pondering about this a lot lately... 
God's given me several opportunities recently to be His hands and feet. It's easy to live life for yourself and forget about all the people surrounding you that need a friend. God's been redirecting my attention and opening doors into people's lives. (for which I am very grateful!) I want those people to feel better when I leave... not because they are glad I'm gone, but because they could sense true joy from God and that has spilled over to bless them. 

My desire is to be a conduit of grace, truth and joy. That can only happen if I am truly filled with the Word of God and his grace and joy has penetrated my soul. Only then can it flow over into the lives of those around me. 

I want even strangers to feel as if they inhaled a breath of fresh air after my departure. They may not know my name but hopefully they know my sincerity and joy. My name is not important, but the name of my Saviour is. And that's who I want them to know. 

Are you fresh air? or stale, stuffy air? 

Quick Trip to the States

At the beginning of the semester, I had planned on using my week of Spring Break to work more and spent a chunk of time on homework. I have several large papers coming due in April, so figured I could spend some valuable time researching for those papers. However, those plans changed. For some time now, God has been reminding me over and over that people/relationships are more important that school and good grades. Not that good grades should just be thrust completely aside, but in the grand scheme of life, it doesn't really matter if I earn my B.A. with a 3.5 or a 3.2 or even a 2.8, does it? 

The end of January I got word that my dear friend, Trina was battling Lymphoma. She isn't just a dear friend, but practically family. I've lived with her family, taught her kids, made precious memories with them all, went to her oldest son's wedding, worked in the ministry with them, etc. and etc. As we have told people, we are family, just not blood related. :) 

Anyways, I used my Spring Break to spend a few days with Trina and her family in CO, where she is undergoing Chemo treatments. It was a blessed time. I was able just to relax and spend time talking with each of the family. I love this family immensely. They have been with me in some of my hardest days and I'm glad I was able to return the blessing. God is good. 

hanging out with my "siblings" 

our #epicfail of making a heart :)

On my way home, I stopped in Seattle for breakfast with my brother, sis-in-law and new niece! My bro and his wife made a fabulous breakfast, thanks guys! and I just got to sit and hold Lanie. After a few hours with them, Zeb dropped me back off at the airport. But I was flying standby and wasn't able to get on the afternoon flight. Next flights weren't until hours later and the next one was already oversold. So Zeb came back to pick me back up. We spent hours in traffic to go a friends house for dinner. But it was worth the time on the road. I got to meet some awesome people and have an amazing dinner! Side note: my new contacts/place to stay in Seattle, since my brother is moving. 

Then back to the airport I went. Went through airport security three times in one day for two flights... yeah, some people call me crazy. :) 

Lanie Rae

chilling with Aunt Barrie