dead of winter but it feels like june with a smile i can't hide

Well, my third week of finals is past, which means my lower division work at FC is 3/4 over. Crazy. I feel like my whole life before FC was centered around FC, and now I live there, and I'm a little freaked out in realizing eventually this phase of my life will be past and I'll have to have a life that doesn't involve being around FC all the time. Scary.

Finals week was good, stressful and exhausting but my teachers allowed me to spread my finals out from all being on one day to being over the course of 3 days. And I am grateful for the grades I was able to get on the finals. Despite Greek's efforts to kill me. I moved home last Thursday and came back to work Friday morning, so I whine to myself that I haven't gotten to get a break yet, but it's nice to go home to good meals at night and see my family in the evenings and have my own room to hibernate in without (as many) interruptions. I'm grateful for the change of pace. (I'll keep telling myself that.)

Grateful for the examples and friendships of Katie and Emma and William, especially, over the past few stressful weeks, and grateful for the studies and devos that are available at FC to help us focus during busy times. Grateful for Dunkin Donuts and Jose. Grateful for chapel and the alma mater. Grateful for being a Camp Friends alternate if someone isn't able to participate. Grateful for Plant City people making me feel welcome even when I've been gone for a while. Grateful for an awesome family and the excitement that Christmas-time brings, and that gifts aren't what makes it special. Grateful for the chance to be in two weddings in the next 3 weeks, and for the family and friends I'll get to be with. Grateful that I get to do S.I. again next semester. Grateful for this job and that I'll have it over the summer also.

We are all so blessed.

William and I are studying Kings, and the theme is reaccuring that in everything Solomon was given and everything he did (before he got old) he found ways to express gratitude to God or glorify God. That's definitely something I need to work on, but I hope that this next year will bring me opportunities to show other people what God's done in my life and in my soul.

Classes next semester: OTP with Mr. Peeler, Civil War with Dr. Crispell, Women of the Bible with Mr. Ward, Epistles with Mr. Hamilton, Intro to Business with (my boss) Dr. Knight, Greek with Mr. Longstreth...It'll be fun and hectic and busy and interesting.

Already wishing I could slow down time after saying goodbye for Christmas break, I know summer and next year will be tinged with a lot of sadness for the friends who won't be back at FC (that means you, roomie), but it's pretty amazing that we'll all meet again in a place where we'll never be seperated and there'll be no petty drama to contend with (see what I did there?).

"O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like You, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart." -1Kings8:12

Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be light :)

Love.
ELB

For all that You've done I will thank You

.thanksgiving.

my earthly family. my roommate. my best friends. my sister-in-laws. my house. my school. my teachers. the church at lutz. delicious food. air conditioning. good health. family quilts. sweet tea. genesis studies. singing hymns with my family. pecans. sweaters. pen and paper. emotions. books. forgiveness. compassion. memories. love. the chance to be grateful every day.

how great is our God?

oh, what can you do with a sentimental heart?

Things I loved about banquet week:
1. Going with my best, kind, hardworking pal Clay
2. Free Chick-Fil-A and Sourpatch Kids for GBNTGD
3. Experiencing the ridiculousness that is Puss in Boots
4. The Melting Pot
5. Benji Payne's emceeing
6. Flawless clothing coordination
7. Having fun to look forward to after every stressful day
8. My wonderful dear friends Hannah and Katie being with me through it all
9. Second year in a row of doing GBNTGDs with Daniel Broadwell
10. Seeing the servants at FC help set up and take down banquet without being asked

Things I am looking forward to this week:
1. GOING HOME. For more than 3 hours.
2. Sleep.
3. Eggnog
4. Cooking with my Mom
5. Seeing my long lost brother Ben (oh, and Cara)
6. Singing with my family on Thanksgiving
7. Leaving my room clean
8. Sleeping in my own bed
9. Seeing Plant City people
10. Spending time with Grandma and Grandpa

Sometimes when I have scholarship essays to write, a 5 page paper, a Greek test, an incredibly messy room, and cry every time I think about a Thanksgiving without Mamaw, I just need to take a break and count a few of the reasons I have to be joyful. I'll miss these days before long, and I'm so grateful for them. No matter how stressed I get about money or friends or school or boys or the future, today is a blessing that I won't wish away.

Flavors of my week: Peppermint Mocha at Starbucks, Sour Patch Kids, Chicken Alfredo,  Maroon 5, Genesis, Blue Like Jazz, Alfred Hitchcock.

"Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise. I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all."

-ELB

when she was just a girl, she expected the world. but it flew away from her reach so she ran away in her sleep and dreamed of paradise.

Currently...

...listening to: Paradise, Coldplay

...obsessed with: Scarves and high heels

...thinking about: Getting my ears pierced again

...studying for: Greek and Epistles tests tomorrow

...wishing: Starbucks delivered

...with: Danae, Kelly, and Emma A. in the 4th floor study room

...excited for: Asking Clay Day tomorrow

On my mind?

-My wonderful wonderful friend Hannah surprised me and came Wednesday. Perfect end to a rough day, and such a fun part of this weekend.

-The Andy Grammer/Colbie Caillat concert Thursday night was amazing and so fun. I got to go with some of my favorite people and everything about it was fun.

-Studying Genesis Friday night was another incredibly interesting and challenging night. I'm so grateful for Micah and Daniel and the knowledge and effort they contribute and for God who has given us such an amazing story to learn from. Read Genesis 12 and 13 and think about these things:

• How if Sarai hadn't been fulfilling her role as a supporter and helpmeet and hadn't trusted Abram's lead as they travelled the world, his job as a leader and his job in trusting God's will for him would have been much, much harder. The fact that she isn't mentioned a lot shows me that she wasn't trying to make her wishes the focus of their family life, and allowed Abram to focus on God's wishes and promises. Impressive.
• When Abram travelled, he pitched a tent for the family but he built an altar everywhere they went. We should live like that, not focused on leaving behind our earthly accomplishments or comfort, but focused on merely leaving a legacy and reminder of God's glory everywhere we go.
• God told Abram "I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." The blessings we are given aren't just for our benefit so we can sit back and enjoy them, they're given to us so we can share them and spread God's glory and influence to those around us. Don't just be grateful, ACT.

-Saturday I got to sleep in, I did homework, went to chat with my lifelong BFF David, went to a great play, had a homeschooled supremacy date with friends to Taco Bell, watched a movie....

-Today I heard a wonderful lesson on Philippians (JOY) and one on John 4 (TEACH), got to eat at Moe's with fun friends, napped, did an SI session, and began panicking about the week.

-Tomorrow: Greek test, Epistles, piano lesson, Bible study, Zeta delivery, study for Psych test Wednesday, work on paper, prepare SI sessions. . . .

Coffee and I are going to get very close this week. I've been cutting back, really.

Also, Mamaw's been free from pain for 6 months now. I miss her, and it hurts, but I'm so grateful for the peace she has and the chance that I'll get to see her soon.

Food for thought today: 
It's not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.


Life is wonderful.


-ELB

Grey sweatpants, no makeup, so perfect, our love was comfortable.

College definitely fills my time up enough that every time I even think of something deep or interesting to post, I don't have time. So this post probably won't have either deep or interesting thoughts. But I felt like updating and I am sitting in the library "leading an S.I. session" that no one came to.

Lately.

It's been a crazy month-or-so, very busy with school, getting to know great new friends, going on Fall Break, and experiencing countless of God's blessings daily. This year has been so different and so good and so hard, combining for lots of growth (hopefully) and lots of fun. 


Highlights since I posted in September:
.A week in which I had 5 tests and Falcon Days and thought I was going to die but didn't
.Getting a high B on the Pacific War test that I thought I failed
.Several wonderful Genesis studies at Micah and Kathryn's apartment
.Several wonderful Luke studies
.Madeline Bunting's beautiful wedding
.PTK conference at Stetson University. Nerd herd unite!
.ZetaBeta Halloween party (I went as Daniel Broadwell)
.FALL BREAK.

Speaking of which, Fall Break. Let me just tell you about that. It was wonderful. Here's how it went.

Wednesday: Finished classes and left school (it's funny how when we leave for 3 days we have to hug everyone and say bye like it's forever. Ohhh first semester.) at about 4:00 pm, got to our overnight destination in Atlanta at about 12:30. Watched Despicable Me (best movie ever) until late with Jackson and Cole while the other girls caught up, and then got up Thursday and drove to Bowling Green (passed through Nashville for delicious lunch and a hug from cousin Lynn). Got to Bowling Green and GORGEOUS weather in the afternoon, and I got to meet my best friend Sarah's sister Stephanie and brother-in-law Gerald and hang out with her chubby nephew Garrett for some of the evening, which was just great. Hugging Kelsey and Sarah again was wonderful and going to dinner with Logan Spears was great and encouraging also.

Sar.

JP.

Best friend.

Oh Garrett.

Friday Sarah and I got up and went to the mall (she desperately needs cowboy boots but we ended only getting clothes for me) and then went consignment shopping before meeting up with lovely Jenna and Anna and Kelsey for a trip to Jackson's Orchard, where we got to take loads of pictures and see gorgeous fall colors and pumpkins and apples and be children on the playground and drink incredible apple cider slushes. Then we went to dinner at Kyoto, which is so far my favorite BG restaurant, and Sarah and I headed off to Lauren Lamb's for a "western" party where I got to see loads more people I love. Later evening consisted of sweatpants, TV, talking with Sarah, and packing for SATURDAY when the trip back began.

The girls.

Since Sarah's the best friend ever, she got up at 6:20 on Saturday to take me to Nashville to meet back up with Jenna Pepper and Anna, where we (E, JP, A) said bye to her and Kelsey and went to chill with the Peppers for the day. The Peppery day involved Books a Million, coffee, pumpkin muffins, Auburn football, long naps, lots of laughter, and a bonfire in the evening before we headed down to Atlanta. Where we arrived at around 1:30 am, back at the Pettys' house.

Sunday we worshipped at Alpharetta (challenging thought of the Sermon on the Mount class by Mr. Petty: "Jesus will not allow us the comfortable solutions we propose. We have two choices, the narrow gate or the broad.") which was really encouraging and different from always having worshipped at Embry Hills when I visited Atlanta. Mrs. Petty made a great lunch for Jackson, Cole, and me, and then we hit the road (Jack) for a smooth trip back down to Florida where we arrived at about 8:30. Promptly went to eat with Rachel and then went to the devotional and reunited with my suite (it's embarrassing how much I missed my roommate in those 4 days).

Overall, I couldn't imagine anything going better than it did, and I'm SO grateful for the friends I got to see and the beautiful weather we had. It was the perfect taste of fall and crisp weather and beautiful friends, and tiring but relaxing. Both.

So grateful for the chances I have this year, so grateful for the future things that are coming up that I'm getting to take part in, (banquet, Andy Grammer/Colbie Caillat concert tomorrow, worship with my family at Lutz tonight, Zeta girls party Friday night, the list goes on and on.)

A few thoughts that have humbled me lately (from the Luke study, Genesis, reading, etc.):

• "Be fishers of men, not keepers of the aquarium." Reach out. Don't judge who you think will receive the Gospel. Jesus came for the outcasts.
• Blessings are GRANTED, not deserved. 
• "If you're wearing old ratty clothes, you can't just patch the holes with Jesus. You need a whole new garment, a whole new lifestyle. Start over." (Luke 5:36-39)
• "Years of hate from a whole village couldn't bring Zaccheus the tax collector to God, but one day of Jesus' love did."
• Comparison is the thief of joy.

Comfort passage of the week:
"The Lord will fight for you. You need only be still." Ex. 14:14


Thanks for reading another scattered, narrative, ridiculously long post about an insignificant person.


Love you. Pray for me, I pray for you. And pray for the people who are lost and missing out on God's family plan. It's tragic the love they're missing out on.


-ELB

and i will follow you with my whole life

Things I've learned so far this year:

1. There is ALWAYS someone who has life much, much harder. Don't overwhelm yourself with things that aren't important. And don't take for granted that other people's lives are good.

2. Sometimes you just have to sleep.

3. I love history. Even taking the same class AGAIN. I love it.

4. I can't survive without lists. I'm a planner.

5. Working with others is hard.

6. God comforts in ways and with people you never expect.

7. Boys think putting mustard on dorm walls is fun and they get in trouble for it.

8. 3rd floor Terrace girls are CRAZY.

9. Life is precious, leave a Godly legacy for people to aspire to.

10. Andy Grammar and Mat Kearney are perfect for every mood.

11. Being busy doesn't really make me any less sad about my Mamaw being gone.

12. My niece is a genius. Also very cute.

13. I love my Mom and Dad and bros. (I didn't learn that this year, I already knew it.)

14. H24 is the best chapel seat in the house. (And by house I mean Hutchinson)

15. He makes all things beautiful in HIS time. Not mine.

___________________

It's gonna be a good year. I love my classes. I'm overwhelmed and challenged, but I love them. Can't believe the first round of tests is already here. Katie Gregory is amazing, and I'm so grateful to know her. The teachers at this school are phenomenal. Nowhere else are they so kind and caring about your soul and grades and emotions. So encouraging.

I'll post a substantial, hopefully useful post soon. Now I should do Greek homework.  I'm reading Erasing Hell by Francis Chan - SO good, so interesting, so sobering. Also Isaiah, which accompanied by my Prophets class has been really interesting and helpful.

Love you all. (Mom, Hayley, JP, and anyone else who stumbles across this scattered post.)

Blessed.
ELB

like ships in the night

Well, it's been a while. Lots has happened since I posted last, and I know that the ~3 of you who read my blog already know about that stuff, so I won't be lengthy. I finished my summer work at the Off-Campus Bookstore, a job which I didn't enjoy but I had the most generous, kind bosses possible. So grateful for Christian leaders at work. I am done working at Cafe Kili also, which leaves me so excited to have my Saturdays at school free for studying/beach/catch-up this year.

I moved into school on the 18th and had a couple of days to get settled and learn how to be an S.I. leader/Alpha Club member before all the Freshman got here, and that was a huge blessing. Alpha Club....early mornings, lots of sweat, lots of places to go and things to do, but so fun and encouraging not only meeting the Freshman right off the bat, but also just getting to bond with the other Alpha Club members through service. I loved it. (After 6:00 am)

Thursday was the first day of classes. Chapel gave me chills, just hearing the energy and feeling and excitement in all the voices around me made me SO excited for the new year. And my incredible chapel surroundings (Kathryn, Nikki, Hayley, Kyle, etc.) make it even better. I love my friends. I'm excited for Prophets, Stretch and Strengthen, and Pacific Wars with some of my best friends. T/R classes are great. Friday was a full day but I'm ready for those classes also, Greek, sitting in on American History for my S.I. job, Psychology, and Epistles are all great. Next week piano lessons start in full swing. The MOSI singing last night was phenomenal, and singing with Rachel by my side was wonderful as always.

Lutz will be great this year, and I'm so excited to see the new people visiting and considering working with us there. Including my most faithful, wise friend David. I know this will be an encouraging year.

Being a Sophomore is so different. In a wonderful way. Knowing that a lot of my friends will be leaving FC for good in just a few months makes me want this year to CRAWL by, but coming in and already being adjusted and having friends and just being able to be excited feels wonderful. I'm sure drama will come, but right now I'm just happy to be back and enjoying every minute.

Today: working out and pool and birthday shopping for my brother and hearing my Dad perform in a concert at school. Tomorrow: Henderson and filming the Zeta video. Monday: the first actual week of classes starts. I'll update you all very soon.

Jams to kick off the fall: Mat Kearney and Andy Grammar.

Pray for my diligence, friendliness, and humility over this next year. Pray for my Mom who has had an exhausting week in TN. Pray for my little (but taller and wiser) brother who turns 15 tomorrow (WHAT?!), and pray for all of us here at school as we try our best to be energetic servants this year.

"Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise."

Thank you, Lord, for FC.

ELB