Christmas party!

Last night was our Christmas party for CRU it was a blast!
Eggnog Chugging contest
White elephant gift exchange
Gingerbread House contest
Carolsand so much more:
So here are some pics from it.

Last night I went to an acapella concert. I enjoyed it and afterward I realized how much I miss singing with a Choir. I miss performing: the excitement and joy of pleasing a crowed...However what is even greater than that is being able to use an ability God has given me for him. To be used by God to center peoples hearts on Him is something so wonderful words can not express it.
I was listening to a John Piper sermon the other week about worship. The passage was in 2 chronicles chapter 20. It is the story of King Jehoshaphat overcoming the armies of the Ammonites, Moabites and an army from Mount Seir. Once the king heard the armies were on their way he went directly to the Lord in prayer. Yet it was not just a prayer for deliverance, But one of praise and worship...As King Jehoshaphat was seeking the Lord, along with all the men, women and children of Judah, a man prophesied they would all be delivered from the attacking armies.

"Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed." And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy array, as they went before the army, and say,

"Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever."

And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, destroying them utterly, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another." (2 Chronicles 20:18-23)

Much of the emphasis of the sermon was about the worship of God through song. I have never thought of myself as a warrior, but I guess am as I worship the Lord on the front lines powerfully, joyful and obediently. Thanks be to God for the victory given to us through the worship of Him.

I will soon, in only 2 days, be on a plane to fly back to Reno~then drive to SoCal for a short visit with my family, relatives and friends. I am so excited to see everyone, as well as the SUN!!! I can't wait. Rumor has it, that CA will be a sunny 70-80 degrees!!

Overheard "Normal" Conversation Greeting

Student A: Hi

Student B: Hi

A: How are you?

B: Good. How are you?

A: Good. How has your semester been?

B: Good

As I listened to this in my mind I was thinking what does "good" mean? I know I respond the same way when asked those questions, yet why? Very few people are ever real with one another. It is as if we are the human race are walking around with shields around us as to not be expose in any way. There is such a lack of vulnerability and truthfulness..."Good" is the safe, expected answer...I wonder what would happen if we really did want to know how others were doing...anyway I just wanted to write my thoughts about hearing this conversation...

I love the ocean! I went yesterday and it was awesome...
Wet, rainy, but oh so beautiful. When I got to the shore I saw a family flying a kite.
I walked out onto the wet sand conformed into various designs from the ever
present rain and waves. At first it was just sprinkling, but only after a few
minutes a gust of wind blew across the ground picking up the water on
it and bringing sheets of rain to pelt me with.
I stood with my back to the enveloping storm, but inevitably
I was soaked as I was only in a hooded sweatshirt and cords...But it was worth it...
Here are some of the pics I took while I was there...

Celebrate good times come on!
Today is my one year anniversary of having a blog! Yeah!
This is also a commemoration of my time in Croatia.

Today it is rainy and cold, it reminds me of all the good days in Rijeka walking around with pants that are soaked to the knees...I guess some has not changed for me, my pants are currently soaked and my feet are cold...Although I miss Rijeka and all of those who were there, I also love the adventure that is here for me in Corvallis; so I wouldn't change anything...I am here for God and his Glory. I am excited to see His plan and purpose during the next year of my life...I praise the Lord for his provisions and ultimate guidance for my life...I love you Lord!