I don't even know where to begin on what's been going on in my life. I feel pretty dumb right now, though, because I'm writing as if I'm depriving countless readers of my personal information and endeavors, which of course is just not the truth. But I do feel pretty guilty that I haven't been as dedicated. This is all for my personal growth, is it not?
Anyway, back to me. I was reminded recently... actually COUNTLESS times recently... just how ridiculous I am. Sometimes after I've done something, I look back only seconds (sometimes hours, sometimes days) later and realize what a silly little child I am. And to think that sometimes I actually consider myself mature? Bah. Yah right.
Isn't it funny how wrapped up in ourselves we can get? Yes.
Isn't it strange that we're not praising our God every minute for the blessings that he has bestowed upon our lives? Yes... and yes.
A few weeks ago, my friend Steve Simpson and I decided it was time to make the best of our circle of Christian friends that dwell within the co-ops at OSU. So we decided to form a bible study, and when I say Bible Study I mean a 45 minute or so session in which some of my best friends gather together and talk about where we're at with God, how each of us can pray and help the others in whatever struggles we are facing, and (the very most important) realize just how lucky we are to have each other. This bunch that has joined together is a pretty diverse one indeed, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
We even, believe it or not, have one of my best buddies, Kyson Montague, who is a member of the LDS church (Mormon for those of you who don't follow) apart of the group. In our silly little human minds, we saw this as a way for us to "reach" Kyson and maybe somehow strip him of his Mormon ways... but honestly what has been happening every week since we started these get-togethers is that Kyson shares these amazing Christ-like words of wisdom and contributes comments to the conversation that are so valuable. He may be Mormon, but when Kyson is fellowshipping with us, he's learning and following and contributing as one of us. I am utterly humbled by his presence and can now honestly thank God for putting someone of such inspiring, new wisdom in our lives.
I've also recently become a member of a Bible study that happens on Tuesday nights in this lady's tiny apartment with around 15 other people. The hostess is names Swazy, a kind-hearted generous Thai woman with overflowing love for Jesus. Last night we met, and again, I was completely humbled. I went with the intention of sharing and "blessing" others with stuff I had learned in my daily devotions but was instead shown by God that I have some internal work that needs to be done. I was telling Steve about it a couple hours ago actually...
Joce walks into Bible study with a big mouth and closed ears; Joce leaves with tearful eyes and ears completely ready to listen. This is God's way of pouring cold water on my sleepy face.
Maaan, how is it that I so frequently forget to just shut up and listen? Is there no sweeter sound than his words... even if I'm hearing them through other people's mouths? Absolutely no sweeter sound in the world!
Some other news in my life: Braden DeWitt, bigger little brother of mine :), graduates high school in like a month. It's difficult to explain how amazing it will be to have him on the same continent with me again. I'm ready to pick up our best friendship where it left off when I graduated and left two years ago. He'll finally go from being my distant best friend to being just best friend all over again... I am just so stoked.
People usually tell him he's the better-looking one. I tell them they're right but only because he can distort his face into
any shape or expression.
I scored an internship at the Keizer Times for this this summer a few weeks ago. I've already written one terribly intimidating feature story on storage unit auctions and plan on doing more in a couple weeks. I still can't believe that I landed this opportunity- obviously only by God's graces.
He has also provided me with the chance to coach a 5th grade girl's volleyball team for the Boys and Girls Club. Teaching and coaching these girls has definitely been... an experience. I think they're all at that age when they have learned that "No." can very easily become the most-used in their vocabularies.
Me: "Hey Carmen, will you please try to have a positive attitude?"
Carmen: "No."
Me: "Hey Kennedy, stop distracting your team mates while the other coach is talking."
Kennedy: "No."
...
Me: "%&*$#@^!&* DROP DOWN AND GIVE ME SIXTY-SEVEN PUSH-UPS!!!!"
Just kidding, that last line never happened, but the rest do... EVERY SINGLE PRACTICE. I'm learning the virtue of patience- slowly but surely.
Anyway, it's getting late and I must go clean the bathroom. I feel much better about myself now that I've gotten all that down on paper/keyboard. I hope my thousands of readers can now get a good night sleep knowing that I haven't forgotten about them.
On that most-likely failed attempt at sarcasm, good night to all! May the Lord bless you and keep you.
