Fire Drill or Alarm?

As students, we all go through times of our lives when assignments are due and they seem to be a part of a pile that never ends.  Recently, I've found myself answering, "How are you?" questions with how many papers, projects, and tests I have yet to finish.  I don't want to do that.  Yes, being a Junior in college is going to provide those "under the gun" times in my life, but I want to be encouraging.  I want to answer this questions with what the Lord has done and continues to do in my life.  I want to be the joy that God puts in us and exemplify it to those around me.

That is why I had to stop.  Don't worry, I didn't drop out of school or anything.  But sometimes the noise around you gets too loud and you need to retreat.  On Wednesday night, I was staring a paper deadline in the face after having a test and 3 projects already due this week... and I just couldn't do any more.  On Wednesday, I decided that I just needed time to be with the Lord and bask in His presence.  I went to hear Donald Miller (the auther of Blue Like Jazz) speak on my campus.  He was hilarious!!!  He had amazingly profound things to say about the consumer culture we live in and statements about ultimate truth.  I was blessed to hear him speak.  Then, I got back to my room and celebrated my roommate's birthday for a bit.  After that, I spent time enjoying myself in the Word and praying (really just communicating) with the Lord.  It was exactly what I needed.  Yes, the paper is due much later this afternoon and I have not finished it yet, but the Lord provides.  He wants us to spend time with Him... and I don't know about you, but I need to spend time with Him.  No work I could have done would have been sufficient.  I needed God to do all of it with me.  That's why I needed to take the time to "just be" with the Lord.  During my quiet time with the Lord, He spoke this verse in Habakkuk over me (I know, Habakkuk?  what lead me there?  the Lord!)

19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
       he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
       he enables me to go on the heights.

This is what I needed to hear in times of "busyness".  That's what I know the devil can use to distract me.  It makes me feel productive, but most of all, I get more and more disconnected with the Lord if I don't choose to plug in to Him.  The Sovereign Lord is my strength. He has helped me and enabled me thus far, and He continues to prove Himself faithful in every area of mu life.

I know, I know!  It's long overdue.  I hope that I am talking with all of you individually, so that you don't feel left out if I don't post on Xanga.  I do read the Xanga posts every day, so it's about time that I post my own.

What is going on in the life of Kristen?  A fun-filled, energetic spring break flew by for me last week.  I had a blast spending time with friends and family... oh wait... I mean family and family.  I was able to substitute teach at ECS and do a Read Aloud assignment.  I love that God provided ECS as a field experience opportunity for me even though I did not *officially* attend that school -- but I was the 10th 2003 ECS senior right?  My Read Aloud went super well, and I was actually excited to complete a transcription and a 5 page observational paper about it. 

I was able to spend great times with my brother, mom, and dad.  I am so blessed to have them.  Kyle and I went for ice cream, but shared much more in conversation and encouragement.  I love him.  Mom and I had a great time cooking together, laughing together, and sharing together.  Dad and I got to spend time sitting around the kitchen table talking and laughing... this is what I like to do best with him. 

Also, I had the best time with 3 amazing ladies: Sarah, Monica, and Callie.  Bless the Lord, we were finally able to have a picnic together.  The beautiful, unexpected 80 degree weather in March was a gift from God so that I could enjoy a great afternoon with these ladies.  Following this time, I was able to spend more time with Monica and Sarah individually... and let me tell you something, they are the biggest blessings!

In the latter part of my week, I was able to visit my incredible boyfriend at his pad in Baltimore!  What fun!  I loved engaging with his groups of friends, walking the campus, going to events, getting lost in museums, and going to Peabody Conservatory to see a sax recital and "A Little Night Music" with the whole Lasko extended fam.  I had a blast!!!  And then, Tahn and I were able to go to dinner with my parents Saturday night, which was such fun!

Now, being back at school, I realize that all the work I had to turn in before break was met with the same amount due right afterwards.  I love being in the professional semesters of my Elementary Education major, but reality is setting in and the bar is being raised.  I ran for an elected office to be the Messiah College Education Associate Teacher Education Committee Rep and won.  Also, I am applying to be a Boyer Scholar for Messiah, so I have been spending extra time outside of my school work trying to live the life of academia and what it takes to be involved in my school.

This weekend, Tahn is coming to spend my birthday weekend with me!!!  I will be turning the, dare I say it, BIG 21!!!  It's hard to believe, but nothing will change (in drinking that is because we have a Community Covenant at Messiah, so I won't drink.)  We are going to spend good time together this weekend and top it off with a day in Phillie to go to free museums and to see ... WICKED at the theater in Phillie!!!  Yay!  Does he know me or what!?  

I hope that this was a comprehensive, summing up post for all of you.  Thanks for encouraging me to post.  Remember that in the fullness of life, we can always stop, breathe, and praise the Lord!