A bit more than a bit of tomato

I've gone mucking and I've been in a pretty big shaving creme fight, which I almost avoided, but tomato fight to the extreme....I don't think you could avoid this if you tried....

Wow

Gives me chills

A view from the window

I love windows. They make life so bright. When I was picking a room for this year, my only request was that my room have a window (thankfully all the rooms have windows but I just wanted to be sure!) Anyway, my room overlooks the Gillespie pond. It is quite green and a bit gross but it does have two pretty fountains. And the best part? We have turtles and fish! You can even get some bread and feed the fish which is pretty fun! The turtles crack me up because they just kinda float. They have to surface every now and then so you see one or two and then they disappear into the water.

Awe

Yesterday in rehearsal, (that's so different for me to be able to say but so exciting that I can participate in this incredible work Aaron Chen is choreographing for dance ministry ensemble....its one of those things that I know its God that placed me in it because it had nothing to do with me and is so out of the ordinary for me) Chen shared two bits of really challenging and neat images. The first was related to praising God.

He said, if Jesus, on the cross cried out-It is finished! for you, then all the more should we cry out his praises-loud and unashamed!!

He also shared about a visit he had, when dancing in a nursing home. Many people know that nursing homes are quite the mission field as many incredible souls are forgotten. He was remembering how they were just spending time with the members there, wheeling them through a little human tunnel and more. The neat thing was to witness the awe of those individuals. He said, many had hard lives and still do but they were past the point of pain and had returned to that state of awe that innocent children have. The challenge? Live every day with that joy and awe (being cast in this piece kind of brought me a little bit back to that awe).

I've got a bruise that kind of engulfs my whole knee and my body is sore because it didn't realize what 7 hours of rehearsal felt like but it's so worth it! We are pumped and excited to dance for the King and share in worship with others as we do so!

If you want to check out the song its called With Everything by Hillsong. We were learning movement for the whole 8 minutes but then he cut it down to 5.

A little bit of climbing

God is good. I am a work in progress. There are so many thoughts that I'd love to share but somehow Im not sure what to share.

People keep asking me if I miss/will miss being an RA. Well, I do. I miss the people. However, I knew at the end of the semester and I really know now, that God will always work in and through his kids no matter where he leads them. I don't have a title anymore but God still gives me a soft listening ear. He's there when someone comes looking for an ISBN number and I ask what brought them to Belhaven and I learn that an awful lot and a hard road brought them to Belhaven. That's when you realize that God is at work, that His plan is greater than mine could ever be.

A lot less people may know me by name but they'll see me smile when they walk by. As I watch my friends step into leadership roles, I will rejoice and cry along with them through the happy and sad times. After all, isn't that what the body of believers is called to do?

I only have one year left in the dance department. Yes Dr. McCardle, my advisor, it seems like I have taken 60+ dance classes but its really only like 19. Every year placement is challenging. If you ever need a good dose of humility, try dancing with 100 other incredibly talented dancers. But the best part is to watch all the talent God has blessed them with and rejoice in their successes. It is a lesson of hope. You always hope you'll reach that next level and whether or not you do, you learn to work hard where you are and look forward to the next one! And somehow God adds a special little touch and you realize, this is the right class for me. These are the people He has placed me with. These are my fellow brothers and sisters who we'll grow and share with.

We always have something to say at the beginning of the year and sure there are disappointments but one must learn that those disappointments can't be halting. I was talking to a friend and we were realizing that everyone has different gifts. Its so easy to compare in dance but thats when you have to stop. You say look, she can do a double pirouette but she can capture an audience with a turn of the head. And that one, she's got a smile that will make anyone's day a little better. Oh and so and so, they will teach. She'll encourage, she'll speak, he'll lead. Figuring it out seems to be half the battle sometimes.

The other lessons God are showing me revolve around the fact that He is enough. Two of my friends shared two really neat things. The two pieces shared were 1. God satisfies. He is the only one who satisfies. 2. Trust, relax, enjoy (Isaiah and Hope were vessesl just sharin' God's heart with us)

It was one of those nights where I was brought to tears realizing that God is concerned about me. He knows my secret thoughts. He knew my worries and stresses and he picked them out and reminded me that I'm his daughter. As a daughter, I am provided for, I am loved, I am taken care of, I am comforted, my tears are washed away, my worries are calmed, my daddy's proud of me. With all that being said, why don't I give him my trust? Why don't I relax? Why don't I have the time of my life? Because I get caught. It's time to climb out and let go. Remember you are a child of the King! Are you stuck? You think its time to climb out?

Don't know if it deserves a drum roll

I don't know if it deserves a drum roll as I wasn't too successful but, here it is!
the official summer reading list....what i actually read.
After I got a job, time kinda flew out the window and I did not read nearly as much as I had hoped but here's what I finished:

lisa wingate-drenched in light
a heart for home-snelling
harry potter
the teacher's funeral-richard peck
Royal Blood-rhys bowen
missing may
the keys to the kingdom mr. monday
Dining with Joy-Rachel Hauck

Man! I didn't even make it to 10, oh well. There's always next year!

Can you guess my favorite?

Tomorrow is....

Tomorrow is the first last day of school....well sort of! Tomorrow is my first official college school day of senior year. I'm not exactly ready but ready or not, here it comes! Had dance placement class today and lets just say my body probably is working on not being happy with me because I put it through something called Ballet. Turnout, extensions, balances, oh its been too long since you've visited.

Last night we had our annual Square Dance. There's this gentleman who is a bit ancient but is great at calling out all the dances and he comes every year! He's precious, I should've taken a picture but we did some line dancing and even threw in the Macarena!

I finally got my room mostly put away. It took me a while. My mattress is too long and doesn't fit the frame and my smoke detector beeps so we had to take the battery out. But hey, its college! Oh and my bed was also stuck but thankfully I roped two big strong boys in to help me and they got it, but they did have some trouble!





Mom I finally used my bulletin board I bought Freshman year and am trying the makeshift jewelery holder :)



Please note the mountain dew...this is not regular mountain dew but voltage! Its pretty good...I have a feeling student teaching is going to require lots of mountain dew, just a hunch...



The room in my quad is a lot smaller than the other rooms but we have a bonus room in our quad that we are still trying to figure out how to furnish and decorate. Two of my quad mates have been peer leading all week which basically means they welcome all the new 'peers' also known as freshman and transfer students. Here's a video of the crew....look for annie and kimber (my quad mates)



I did it one year and it is wonderful but very time consuming, so they have been incognito for a few days but hopefully once school starts we'll see them more :) I know they are ready for a break! So Katie and I have been hanging out in the meantime...

Simple solutions with high heels

You learn a lot when you attempt to hang up a first grader's art work

1. apparently I'm mindless-
Ms. Schreck: Uh oh, I put the tape on the bottom and not the top.
Students: Why'd you do that? You're mindless.

2. If you are short, wear high heels-
Students: Why do you put the tape on the top?
Ms. Schreck: So it will stick when i put it up high 'cuz I'm kinda short.
Student: Well you just got to put on some high heels.

First Graders give the BEST hugs

Today I got a lot of hugs. I know God has a special place in his heart for little ones, "Let the little children come to me...." and I do too.

Sometimes I think God speaks through precious little ones. He must have told them I needed something because I got a whole lot of hugs today and there's nothin' like 'em!

I even got a hug in the hallway from a student in another grade I think I just may have smiled at in passing. It's a good reminder you never know who you'll run into, who you are influencing, and what someone is going through.

Thank ya Jesus for the little children, may we show them your love today and every day!

Unofficially Senior Year

I'm finally back in good ol' Jackson, Mississippi. It's hot. I wore a black shirt to school and at about 4:00 when I left and went to get gas in my car I was rather unpleasantly wet with sweat. So I discovered that its not very wise to wear black clothing in Jackson in August unless you want everyone else to know that you are just as sweaty as the next person.

It has been nice to be back. I am seeing old friends again and I'm sure I'll meet some new people in a few weeks too! I am staying at a lovely family's house from church and it has been so fun. We've played wii, watched movies, and of course enjoyed some good home cooking!! It's such a blessing to put off caf food for a little while longer ;) Oh and how could I forget the desserts: ice cream and popsicles!!

I started school. No, I didn't start my school, I started Elementary school. Yep, I didn't do so well and still managed to get into college but now I have to go back and retake everything. Just kidding!!!! As an education major you have to do a week of school at the beginning of the year so you are prepared for the start of the school when you are on your own. It's called SOS experience and whenever I hear it I think of that song "SOS, please someone help me..." It's always hard to explain because I'm like I have to do SOS and I'm sure no one would understand so usually I just say its part of student teaching, which is true because I have to have it to graduate and it is in the same classroom as my student teaching experience.

The first day was rather crazy as my teacher was unable to come so we had a substitute. Let's just say I got to practice teaching a lot earlier than I had thought. The kids are very cute and very Southern! I don't know how many times I heard, "Ms. Schreck....." but I suppose I should get used to it :)

So not only am I doing SOS and staying with the family from church but my old roomate is an RA again and doing SOS which can be cause for a bit of chaos and an awful lot to do. Sooooo that means her friends get to help out a little! We all pitched in to help her get her hall decorated.

If you are a college student at Belhaven, no the walls don't always look that nice and it does take quite a lot of planning and work to make them the lovely place you see every day. Her building's theme is Disney Princess movies. The movie she chose was Enchanted so half of the hall is Andalusia and half of it is New York. Though she's still tweaking and changing some things, its lookin' great! I was pretty tired but we still had fun :) Here's a few pics from my friend Annie who made some amazing and very realistic music notes out of foam board





Also side note....yes I am wearing a jacket. That is because places in the South like to crank the AC way up, which is nice when it is hot outside and you come inside but only for about 2 minutes til your body catches up and decides that blast of cold air is actually rather frigid. I think I need to invest in some jackets because you might possibly always see me in one in the dorms. I went from being an Egyptian princess (the sweltering heat of 3rd floor Caldwell, even though I complained secretly i liked living up there) to an ice queen (4th floor Gillespie), this should be interesting.

It's an anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary to my brother and his beautiful bride! We love you two and rejoice with ya'll as God continues to bless your lives together.

Testify

Every now and then you just have to sing the praises of the Lord!

Coming home from Hiltonhead we had quite the evening. From Hiltonhead to our home, it takes just about a full tank of gas but you never quite know if you can make it so you usually have to stop. Well mom was driving, since we split the driving this time (seeing as both of us have driven a ton this summer and for some odd reason my knee and leg don't like long drives) and we were trying to decide when to stop for gas. We were on back roads because somehow we managed to live in the country. We kept putting off stopping for gas.

Well right when it started to downpour, and I mean downpour, like you can't see and should probably pull over, we found a QT. Get gas, get back in the car and the car won't start. I tried it so many times. It was rather dead. Mom tells me she'll go get help and I roll down the windows for bear.

First I must say I am so thankful for nice guys with jumper cables.

Mom said a nice guy offered to help but didnt have jumper cables. Have no fear! The gas employee whipped a pair out from behind the counter and said let me get my manager to cover my post and I'll help.
I have to admit I felt like a helpless innocent girl as I couldn't figure out how to open the hood of my car. I knew about half of it. But I really did know how to do it, as I figured it out when I got home. Dad has often showed me how to jump a car but I feel like until you actually HAVE to do it, you don't really know how to do it.

So the gas station man got us all set and I drove the rest of the way home. We tried it again at home and it had to be the battery as my lights and automatic locks stopped working. So we went to good ol' Walmart and found out about jumper cables, batteries and oil.

Jump started the car in the morning (after the rain stopped)-mom and I were so proud that we did it!! And Walmart took care of the rest. It was even good that it rained because that meant there weren't a lot of people at the shop and we got serviced right away!

My poor little car had to be pushed into the shop and when the guy tested it and said, "You have a dead battery." We said, "Yep its very dead!"
All in all, it turned out really well. We were stuck at a pump so we kinda had to get help, it was a nice gas station, and seeing as how I have to take a 6.5 hour trip back to school this week, I'm thankful I shall not be stranded in Alabama with a dead battery. And now I have officially added jumping a car to my list of hat tricks. See, God really does work things out for good!

A little bit o sunshine

Beach! I discovered that spray suntan lotion probably should not be my lotion of choice unless I want splotchy and speckled sunburn ;) Dad was laughing/joking as he said, Im sorry you like the beach because i somehow always manage to get burned. At least Im somewhat used to it! We still enjoyed a lovely day at the beach though. This time it wasn't too hot and there was a breeze! The tide was in but we still managed to watch some snails and crabs when it went back out.

Dinner and a Movie

Dinner and a movie is one of my favorite things to do at home. I love to get some pizza and pull out a dvd at night. Last night I was blessed to do that with my family! It's funny too, I was going to do some multitasking and do some things on the computer but before I got a chance mom said, no lets just watch a movie. I didnt even have my phone with me and it was a good reminder that I think I've forgotten over the years. I get so busy and multitask so much that sometimes you just need to sit, breathe, and focus. So often Im texting or half listening to a conversation because I'm in two other conversations and I know that is not the best scenario and something Id like to work on!

So our movie for the night was The Adjustment Bureau. I don't think the movie got a whole lot of hype but it was very well done. It's one of those thinking movies, kind of like Inception. The idea is that there are these people, kind of like angels, who make little adjustments to the plan of your life. They have books that show your path and its constantly changing, hence the reason they always have a job. The story comes in when one of the adjusters misses an adjustment and the main character starts causing all kinds of adjustments. His plan was to be a politician but he runs into a girl in the men's bathroom the eve of him losing an election and he falls in love with her. The problem being, he is only supposed to meet her once because she inspires him to have an excellent speech that puts him back on track to be a successful politician. The thing is, he can't let her go so he tries to find her despite the warnings from the Adjusters. I don't want to spoil the ending so you'll have to watch it to see if they end up together.

Now I didn't agree with all of the philosophies and ideas in the movie but it definitely had some good points. It is also one of those movies that makes you think twice. You know the kind where you watch and your like, who do I trust, everyone is under cover :). The Adjusters have a line where they say every spilled cup of coffee or missed phone call is an adjustment that changes things.

A few thoughts I had when watching this. The adjusters reminded me of angels and mom and I were joking saying, we must wear our angel out! But praise the Lord God and his army doesnt get tired!

The other thing that I was reminded of is that our actions not only affect us but other people too. If this politician stayed with the girl, she would settle down and not achieve her potential to be a famous dancer. Now don't get me wrong, I believe being a wife and mom is just as much a needed and valued profession as any other, and that is a whole other conversation in and of itself, but the point being, if she chooses him, if he chooses her, they may not achieve their fullest potential. Would he be a leader of a country or would it take him somewhere else? She wouldn't marry this other guy and what would that do to the other guy's plan? When you start to think about it there are so many 'what if's' in life.

Practically, it was interesting because in the movie, if they had a reall kiss, the plan would be adjusted almost permanently and there would be no changing it. And yes, a 'real' kiss often leads to a whole lot more.

If anything, this movie makes me all the more praise the Lord and claim Jeremiah 29:11.

This summer has been difficult and life is difficult. But that doesnt mean that you stop living because you're so afraid something bad will happen. Mom and I were talking, mom often knows best, about how so many things happen that you could easily go down the road of "I wish that hadn't happened' or 'only bad things happen to me,' but if you stop and turn the tables a little, you might actually see God's providence and hand. Things could have been so much worse if ___________ didn't happen. If that person didn't call. If that deer had hit your car a little harder or in a different spot. If you had stayed with that person. Well hopefully you get my point. Granted there are things we never know reasons for and yet they happen. Thats where faith comes in.....'being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6)."

So next time your coffee spills, you run into that friend from high school, you miss your flight, or you forgot your keys, it may be a blessing in disguise...

Miniature Golf, Putt putt, call it what you will....

So we love to go miniature golfing also known as putt putt. When you are in Hiltonhead, its kind of the thing to do. There's two courses a Pirate one and this other one, maybe the waterfall one. If you get holes in one, you get free tickets! So this time our free ticket was at the waterfall one. Sadly, the water works weren't actually working and it was incredibly hot because it is SC in the dead of the summer. Dad wanted to do the hard course because he' had practice....and it showed! He beat mom by one point and I well lets just say it wasn't my best game....and somehow my golf ball always managed to clunk in the water. We wont even talk about my score. We were a little slow so we paused to take some pictures and let a group pass us.

Timbers for the win!!

Unfortunately there is a 3hr time difference between Portland, Oregon and the East Coast and sleep got the best of me BUT WHAT A GAME!!!!

Curls!

Curls only last for a while but they sure are fun while they last :)
Compliments to Shannon and Shear Expectations!

Job 42:2
“I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

Fish and Ants

"I don't like my fruit cuz it tastes like coke."
Ms. Emily-well eat the other food and then we'll try your coke fruit
Ms. Emily-Lets be fish, show me your fishy face!
"I wanta be a dead fish."
Ms. Emily-No you dont want to be a dead fish!
"I saw a purple ant!" "I saw a blue ant!"
Ms Emily-You've seen ants I have never seen and thats ok.
Alright everyone make a pizza slice with your feet and sticky glue your hands to your hips! like Ms. Julianna taught us





This last week of camp the kids did a ballet piece and a tap piece. They also had pj day on Friday. I've never done tap before this summer but put together a little number to "Allstar" and it was very cute! Also, tap is a great dance style that with a few basics, i think a lot of people could learn. It's all about rhythm and some people are very good and quick! The kids also had a talent show and some of the girls had a little mermaid routine-hence the fishy faces!

Yesterday I assisted in African dance which mostly involved me doing a whole lot of watching because when I attempted it, it was probably rather humorous. I told one of the girls I had never done this until today and said she could probably tell. She said ya but you weren't too bad, you just have to practice. I'm pretty sure she was just being nice :).
I often say dance can be humbling and today it was! You just have to smile and laugh. Let's just say I have a very big appreciation for those who study and perform the art of African Dance. They are very talented, gifted, and free spirits and its so amazing to watch! They have a rhythm and freedom in their dance that is beautiful to watch!





Well little ones, thanks for the memories!