a walk in the dark

tonight, i found peace while walking home in darkness.

a long, bustling, busy, crazy, day (yes, that was redundant).

but tonight, walking home...it was quiet. still. dark. peaceful. 

solitude. yes.

November 17th

Just trying to figure it all out and not get lost along the way.

It's been a pretty crazy month (as you can tell by my blogging...or lack thereof), and it's not promising to get any calmer. The semester is nearing the end, which means one thing- the workload is towering over me like a giant mountain. Not only do I need to finish the semester in good standing, but grad-school/life-decisions are knocking on the door. I know I can't do this alone. At least not in the best way possible. I'm so thankful for these promises:

Proverbs 16:3- Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Jeremiah 29:13- You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Colossians 3:23- Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Psalm 131: 2- But I have calmed myself and quieted my ambitions. I am like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child I am content.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

I know that whatever happens this semester, whatever happens next semester, and wherever I end up next year...if I commit it to the Lord and trust him with the outcome, I'll be exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I need to be doing. It's hard at times. It's painful. It requires a lot of trust. But I know he'll be there for me. When all else fails- when I fail, when people fail, when plans fail...I still have him. And he keeps me on the ground.

Despite the challenge of it all, It has been a great month. It truly has. The weather has been absolutely beautiful for November. Although the first snow is bound to be nearby, I am thankful for what we have had so far. God is good, life is good, and yes, I'm even thankful for challenges.

Thank you, Dad.

1. Remember who's you are.
2. Don't get bitter, get better.
3. One thing at a time.

Words.

Some lessons learned, we learn the hard way. -Melody Gardot (and countless others)

currently

gearing up for a crazy last half of the semester.
chaos.

life.

blessings.

short visits with family.

a clever small-town "terror" maze.

long drives.

watching a certain someone run cross country. 

work.

papers, projects, exams, and evals.

bedtime routine: reading a couple chapters of the mitford series.

observing therapy.

empty fields and dwindling leaves.

one of the last warm streaks of the year.

on and off fever.

figuring out life. or..at least accepting that we can't.
finding order.

re-learning how to pray.
1 peter, 2 peter, 1 john.
jason gray- good to be alive.

new coldplay album coming out tomorrow.

to do list the length of an elephant's trunk.

sunday nap time.

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness

October

The beginning of October is consistently the time when the leaves are at their best. The red, yellow, and gold have definitely started their gradual take over of the green. The green is doing it's best to hang on, and is surprisingly succeeding. The tree outside my window, however, is beautiful, crisp gold. I feel so lucky to have such a "view" from my apartment window. Most have parking lots or a street. What do I have? A tree! Well...with a parking lot in the background. But still, I enjoy it. 

This weekend was spent driving down to Kansas City for a Vikings vs. Chiefs game. Driving by the colorful hills of Missouri and the time spent with friends (and eating BBQ) made for a great, unforgettable weekend. 

Now, once again, it's Monday and back to reality =)

This week and the next two to follow will be quite busy. There's a lot to think about, and unfortunately I think studying is going to keep me inside more than I would like to be. The forecast says 80 degrees all week...what? For now, I'll sit at my desk working away at homework, occasionally getting distracted, and remembering this:

Matthew 6:31-34: So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has trouble of its own.