Monday, February 25, 2013

God and His greatness!

I just ended week 7 for winter term! Time is flying! I keep hearing people say that they are registering for their last term of school. In all honesty I wish that was me. If I were on a four year track, that would have been me last year. If I were on a five year track, that would be me this year. God has me on a different track. Each day when I face this fact I become more aware and learn to accept it this truth. It is something on my mind a lot, and I just don't want it to consume my every thought. So far I am doing an ok job!

This past week I have gone to classes, worked and chatted with people. I also finished Crazy love, yay me! Oh man was it good, and makes you want to change. Change for good. Change the way you buy things and what you do with your money. I want to be someone who trusts God with absolutely everything. I do know He will give me strength, courage, and patience. I have a tough time believing He will supply me with the money I need. I know it is true, but I do not act or think in that way. I don't down size what I have so I can give my money away. I buy things I do not need. What are these things anyway. Just something to pass my time, or feed me bad food for my body. Why can't I survive on fruits, veggies, grains, and dairy. And read only my Bible, or have a flip phone that doesn't do much more then call people. It is because I live in a world that thinks these belongings makes us better off and more popular. I am so ready for a world of change! One that loves each other. Picks kindness and forgiveness over anger and hatred. A world that puts others first and doesn't hold grudges. This really isn't a fairy tale world. This is a world that was intended by God. All I can do is share the wonderful truth that about our Savior, and live a life that expresses the truth!

This weekend I went to Canyon to be a wrangler. A wrangler who was going to work in the dinning hall. By God's glorious grace, He decided that Kaila and I should not be working in the kitchen. Praise God, we were scared we would drop a tray, and we didn't have to think about that any further. We get to camp, and we are told we are being pulled from the kitchen and will work in the sports center and at the swing! How awesome is that! Things only got better from there. I loved working at the swing and helping all the middle schoolers with their harnesses so they could get on the ride. It was so cold outside and we were out there for 4 hours. The cold didn't even phase me! I was constantly moving, and talking so the day went smooth and fast. A little too fast in my opinion. We got to go to club before the sports center and we worshipped with middle schoolers and their leaders. Man what a site, a site to see so many youngsters Praising our God!! Here comes the good part. My new buddy , RiAnna was telling me she was going to train my on the rock wall so I could belay the campers. In my head I was freaking out. Something new to do, and have others lives in my hands. Not my idea of fun. Wow was I wrong. It was so great. I got to learn so many new names, and was able to encourage these campers and leaders that they could climb the wall! I am so glad I did it! Sunday morning Kaila and I woke up early! Ok it was finally like 6:15 and we were headed to the Sassy to work the espresso. So middle schoolers don't really drink coffee, (thankfully, otherwise they would be way off the wall!) so we ended up making a bunch of hot chocolate. Another great experience here, this weekend we were able to be in close communications with the other wranglers :) Shout out to my Ocean Shores peeps that were there. I was so excited to see Kristy, Bob, Bill and Ken. I will hopefully be seeing you all soon at home!! Thanks for making my weekend just a bit better. Of course there are more details to the weekend, but this is already a book long. We made great timing home, and thanks to Kaila for driving!
Good weekend! Good friends! Good food! Good times!

Here is to another week, and hope that week 8 isn't getting to too many people. Almost done for the term :) and then I get to see WAFARA again! :)

Alyssa

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Winter Term Week 6 OVER!

This term is going by super quick! Thankfully this term hasn't been a super stressful one! Thanks God :)
The beginning of the week came and went and here I am on Saturday night sitting in the living room with two of my roommates. We don't always get times like this. I had a lot to do this week and have a lot to do in the following week. 

This week it started with church. Always a good place for me to start my week. And after that time I got some homework done ahead of time (which rarely happens) and cooked roommate dinner! And I made tater tot casserole, thanks to Debbie's recipe! So yummy, I ate leftovers for a couple different meals. As the week went on I was finding myself in a bit of a daze. And you know what, not each week is perfect and my week got turned around into a good one! I did the things I needed to this week and God answered prayers. 

Thursday was Valentine's Day. "Extra" holiday's just aren't my thing. Not that I don't celebrate them, but I get a little frustrated with the fact that there are days devoted to loving people. Why can't we love on people everyday?! Or if I want to do something special for someone why not do it when that person is least expecting it. It should be more of an appreciation of everyday for that person. That is my little rant on it. 

Yesterday I went to math class, then to the library and scanned a bunch of papers. Little bit of a frustrating job because I was on a Mac and didn't understand how to use it. But I finally survived that. I went and saw Safe Haven finally! So yeah, I loved it! I really want to watch it again and can not wait till it comes out on DVD, then to the cheap bin so I can buy it :) Later Friday night I went to Kelsey's to do some math homework. Well whenever I get together with her and Jamie a lot gets done ;). It was nice to hang out. I had a really good long talk with Kelsey which put me home late, but it was way worth it! Love to see how God works in peoples lives and can talk to people about how he is working in mine. It was time to have that "good" cry and am still waiting for the rest. Eventually it will come. 

Today, I worked on my third art project for class. It is due Monday so I wanted to get it done so I didn't have to worry about it any more. I ended up really liking how it looked. Not perfect and hopefully will stand up for the Professor, but either way I am proud of it. In that time I watch A Goofy Movie, Harry Potter 3, and Angels in the Outfield. All great movies and I don't get a lot of time to sit and watch movies. I am pretty sure the paint started getting to my head and am glad that is done for today. 

The end of my week has come and a new one begins tomorrow. (Yes my week starts on Sunday)! I am so so so excited for this week. I finally have quizzes in my classes, those I am not excited for, but that is ok. In my education class we are working in an elementary school for a few hours, and I am waiting for another week to sign up for classes. But this week I get to focus on the fact that life is good. What is there really to complain about. Overall I am healthy, have loved ones in my life, have food on my table (or usually just in the fridge) a nice warm bed to sleep in and good books to read. I am more then content with life and others should be too. We have so much more then other people. My roommate showed me a video that I will one day figure out how to post, but it opens you eyes. The things we say, complain about and consume our minds with is nothing in the big picture. Be thankful for what you have and that we get so much. This upcoming weekend I get to go to Washington Family Ranch and serve middle school students with a friend and friends from back home. Man am I looking forward to that. Kids get to hear the gospel and I get quality time with people. Thank you Jesus for who you are and what you stand for. You stand for love and so much more!

This week was mostly thoughts going on in my head. Know that what I think is crazy stuff and I am ok with that. Also know that you are loved and deserve so much for yourself. Be content with the state you are in because things could always be so much worse. I pray everyone had a great week and this week to come will be filled with many blessing and amazing opportunities!
Random exciting fact for the week, my Grandma got married! Go Grandma. Miss you lots and hope to see you sometime soon :) 

Love you guys!
Lyssa


 Here is my sweet motif I did for class. It is not in the right position, but you can at least take a look!


Saturday, February 9, 2013

He always deserves Glory!

The Lord is always there, in our times of suffering, and happiness. We should always be giving glory to God. Especially in our times of being troubled, The Lord shows himself even more. Relying on the Father and not ourselves is important to remember.
That is being evident to me this week. I don't know the plan God has for me. I see glimpses of what could be. Somedays I make myself think I see what will be my future. I'm not the one that is right as much as I tell myself I am at times.
I've had a really busy week, but nevertheless a blessed week. I am blessed to have a relationship with the people in my life. People in my classes I talk to and get to know them more and more each day. At work my coworkers can make me laugh! I get so excited to share the glory of God with people twice during the week through Young Life and Wednesday night bible study. And I so wish everyone I knew could come to Wednesday night and see the radical change these people can make on my life. This is a place like no other. College kids, worshiping, praising The Lord in all he does. Words can't even describe what that place is like on Wednesdays.
I sometimes get caught up with the fact that I am busy, but I try to make time for other things. Things that are important and that need to be apart of my everyday life.
I've had a handful of people on my heart lately, knowing some of what they are going through both good and bad. The Lord gives me opportunities to share with people or pray for people. Somedays for myself it is hard to ask for prayer when it is needed the most. I am so thankful I have people in my life that I can ask that of and they will respond.
The Lord is putting it on my heart right now that life is a beautiful thing, there is no need to have a bitter heart. It's ok to be sad, hurt, tired and whatever else people feel that is "negative" it's what you do about it in your everyday life. Life does have ups and downs. I look for something good in each of those days.
I feel a new chapter opening in my life. I have no idea what it holds and I accept that. I know I am here at school, doing what I do. I have a lot of decisions to make for the next 6 to 7 months. Lots of prayer on my half will be done and lots of prayer by others is always appreciated.
This week has been interesting and some details don't need to be disclosed. I am maturing into someone I never knew I could be or would be. It is all by the grace of God. I am so appreciative for the people the Lord has placed strongly in my life for the last 6 months. I wouldn't take anything back that he has shown me, brought to me or in a sense taken away. Right now I feel like something is missing, but devoting even more time to His goodness will help me know that things happen for a reason.
I hope everyone has had an awesome weekend. And can find goodness in everything they do :)

Lyssa

Saturday, February 2, 2013

My life isn't in my control

So this last week, ya didn't really go as I would have liked. I had to step up and realize things happen, life goes on, and it's not in my control. As much as I want something to happen, it isn't up to me. And honestly, I know that. Of course, I would rather things go smoothly, but somedays I need to be reminded that God has control.

God was telling me this last week that he has control over my money and to stop worrying because I have everything I need. He also reminded me that I need to be able to ask for help and rely on other people. And when I do, they will prove to be faithful and trustworthy. I wouldn't necessarily say those are problems that I struggle with, but they are things I forget to do.

God answered my prayers and curiosity about school Saturday. He confirmed I wouldn't be applying for the Ed Program to enter in the Fall. I was devastated at the fact that it took time and money to have that answered, but thats when I have to have faith that God will provide. In the midst of my not good couple of days I found a peace with God. I talked to him about what I thought, but also reassured Him that I trust in how He is working my life. He is bringing such amazing, loving people in my presence and I am so beyond words thankful for them! They are all so encouraging about my life and what I am doing. It gets so hard for me to take their words literal, but I am working on it.

I believe everything happens for a reason! Nothing is by chance. I learned that multiple ways recently. Through school, with some special friends. School has been taking me longer then I ever anticipated, but honestly I am excited to be here in Monmouth. It pulls me far from people that I am getting to know better back home and building strong relationships with. But as long as people are willing to work things out anything is possible! I am making lasting friendships in Monmouth, and growing as a follower of Christ.
I think growing is what I am thrilled about most. A few months ago I wasn't entirely sure who I was. In the sense that I didn't know where school was going, who I had by my side, what I had to do to succeed. Doors have been open wide and my eyes have seen glimpses of what is to come. And can I say only good comes from those times. I will find something positive in each of my circumstances. I may not agree with everything that goes on, but every single aspect of my life and the life of others is a learning experience.

Thursday I was very lucky to get to spend most of my day with my beautiful friend Brie. When I confident in making friends last year, she was helping lead me to creating lasting friendships! I got to eat at the Pink Cafe for the first time! Since I visited this town I have always wanted to go there. Man am I glad I finally got too! So yummy, and such a cute building. I am really glad I got to catch up with my friend and can't wait till we get to catch up again.

This week went by, and now it is almost over. A new start tomorrow as it is Sunday. Today I get to accomplish a color wheel for my art class. Ya, it sounds real easy doesn't it ;). Not quite, mixing colors by eye to match other colors. That is what I get to do all day. Luckily it's a task I can do while watching movies!

Recently my eyes have been opened again to who I am growing into. There is something people keep saying they can see a change in me. I feel like life is growing up and my mind is expanding! (I wish it were for school) Expanding for life's events. Having knowledge for what to do and say when people ask me questions. It is really interesting. I keep thinking about how soon I will be 23. I am heading into my mid-twenties. Not sure how I feel about it, but regardless it is happening. Life does not just stop when we want it to. We have to embrace all that is happening around us. I am excited at the same time, for so many things. Last night I was making cookies, and doing random things for my roommates, ha and I said I can't wait to be a mother! In the sense that I want to nurture and take care of other beings. I really like to be there and fix food for others or do things for others if they need it. Ya I am weird.

I just wrote another novel about my life! Sorry about that. A lot of random thoughts, but that's me. RANDOM! Hope you all have a great weekend!!
OH AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL FRIEND Tashia :) Love you girl. You mean so much to me, and you are such an amazing Mother and friend.

:) Thanks for reading!
Alyssa