He has my best interest at heart!

Ever opened up your devotional or Bible and been like "Wow, God knew exactly what I needed today!"?  That happened to me this morning, and I just thought I'd share a couple of cool things God showed me.

The key verse was Exodus 20:17 where God is giving the commandment not to covet, and the writer proceeded to explain how dangerous covetousness really is in our society today because we are so material centered.  But the last paragraph was what really got me:  'We don't have to compete for what other people have.  What God has for us, faith says, He will make sure we get.  And if we don't get it, then we don't need it." And so you might ask well what exactly is faith?  Hebrews 11:1- "What is faith?  Is is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen.  It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see."  (so crazy because this is our memory verse this week for my small group!)  God has my best interest at heart!  How cool is that :)  I can know that if it's His will, then it's going to happen, but if it doesn't happen, then it can't be in my best interest (He loves me (and you) that much).  

This was just really encouraging to me today, and hopefully it offers a little encouragement to you as well; have faith.  Be content.  God has your best interest at heart.

 I've been taking a couple pics throughout the week because we've been having some pretty colorful sunsets.

Yeah, I'm still here

What a busy week and a half it has been!

Didn't get much of  a breather this weekend as I had a pretty lengthy study abroad orientation from 9-5 on Sat.; very informative but alot of info. (actually ended up with a headache at the end of the day).  Today, I got my actual JCU offer letter, which brings me one step closer to being in Australia next semester.  I have to return my offer letter saying that I accept their offer of admission, pay their overseas student health coverage, receive a firm offer of acceptance, and then apply and get my student visa.  Alot of work but well worth it!

I cannot believe how fast the fall semester has flown; I believe we only have about 4-5 weeks left, not including exams so we are trucking right along.  Fall has definitely been showing its colors around here in Greensboro, and it has been a bit chillier as of late.  

Party Time

Made it back to Greensboro from fall break on Wednesday and am really missing momma right now to be honest :( I've been in a funky mood for the second half of the day or so...

Something that should put everyone in a good mood:  Sadie is getting baptized tomorrow!! :) So very excited for her and proud of her.  

I got the opportunity to use my camera over fall break as we celebrated Megan's b-day; it's not till the 22nd but since she will be at school we went ahead and celebrated early (I'm not turning down a good dinner and ice cream cake-no way!).  

It's SUPPOSED to say "Meg" but Megan said it looks more like a swamp monster vomited on the cake (that's a direct quote)

Just a preview....I'll post more eventually.

Home

Feels like I have been gone from home for more than a month....more like 3 months.  Grateful for the sleep-in time, the dog-sleeping-with-me time, the drinking-coffee-and-watching-tv time, and the hanging-out-with-friends time.

I went out to dinner with best friend Cathy tonight and we went back to her house to play Super Nintendo; the last time I touched a video game console was proooooobably at least 5 years ago; we played Mario Brothers (made it to level 3?) and then I attempted (key word: attempted) to play Starfox which was a very popular game for me and Steve back in the days of the Nintendo 64.  Good stuff, good stuff.

Since I am going to Australia next semester, I was kind of contemplating buying a new camera.  However, I don't know if I can really afford to shell out $3oo when I have a $2,000 plane ticket to pay for. So, I took a closer look at the camera I have currently (Sony Cybershot) and realized that there is a ton of stuff on it that I didn't know about; partially because I lost the owner's manual several years ago.  I think if I mess with it a little, I can actually improve the quality of my shots.  Along with knitting, photography has been one of those hobbies I have always wanted to pick up, so I wouldn't mind taking a photography course online or at a community college somewhere in the distant future.  Part of the reason I fell in love with National Geographic is the photography (the articles were always super long anyway); I could spend hours sitting around, looking at the pictures in their magazines.  Photos carry so much weight, and many times, they speak louder than words.

I'll leave you with a few pics of my own that I have taken in the past. (The one I put at the top of my blog was taken a couple years ago when I lived in Kitty Hawk)  

Packing my Bags and Heading to....?

Queensland, Australia!

That's right folks, I will be heading to James Cook University in Queensland, Australia next semester to study abroad.

JCU was my first choice so I am very excited to say the least.  The process of even more paperwork begins, and I have a couple of orientations and workshops to attend that will get me all prepped to leave.  The good thing is I already have a passport (the process of getting one can be kind of a pain), so that is a def. plus.

Here are two pics of the beautiful place I will be visiting for 5-6 months (maybe more....)

JCU has two main campus locations, one in Cairns and the other in Townsville; both these pics are of Townsville since that is the location I will most likely be at.

Where I'll be.

I Know

Such an uplifting song for a Monday! 

Salvation Is Here (with lyrics)

It Has Arrived

Open windows

A care package from mom with fall related items

Fall Break= 6 days away

Leaves on the ground

Apples in the caf (that are actually crunchy).......

Can only mean one thing.....

OCTOBER!

I would strongly encourage you to visit two hilarious creatures: Hoops & YoYo because they have a very funny take on September....I know I just said it was October BUT still.....

http://www.hoopsandyoyo.com