Wow! I have been extremely delinquent! It is hard to believe that it is nearly June, and I have not posted since January!! My way bad! I will endeavor to keep up much better.
Hmmm. Let's see...what has happened since I last posted? I think I remember something...
It seems to me that something very special happened on February 10th...something I was expecting but was a surprise to most people I know. Tim asked me to marry him! I emphatically said "yes!" We enjoyed sharing the news with family and friends and have since (and before then) received much support from our friends, families, and church families. So, now in much less time than that which has passed since my last post, Tim and I will be married! (I'm very excited if you can't tell.)
The rest of the semester finished up well too. God has been teaching me many lessons and blessed me deeply by close friends in Him. Many things didn't turn out the way I wanted them to, but I see that God is working things out according to His plan...and it is much better for me than the way I would have chosen.
What I am currently thinking on is words. The words we say and the words we don't say can cause much harm or good. I am trying to be careful about what I say now, apologize when I say something bad, and make amends for the things that have gone unsaid in the past. We don't have yesterday anymore to fix, but we have today, and God is eagerly waiting for us to ask Him for help.
Something else has occurred to me. Thinking of God's amazing redemption and freedom and singing about it in songs doesn't usually connect with my life...at least not as it should. God's act of rescuing us from sin frees us not only from the punishment and from the sins we struggle with but also from our natural tendencies. Some struggles seem to be handed down from generation to generation, and some even seem to stem from our personalities. God is much more powerful than those. He has freed us from sin ultimately and from Satan. Ourselves are not more powerful nor harder to conquer than sin and death!! He reigns, and He reigns over me. That is not to say that He will give us victory as we would like. He holds the victory in His hand. He has that power and will work together all things for His purposes.
So, now I am busy working this summer and making wedding decisions and arrangements. Keeps me busy...sometimes too busy. Now is the time I have...to seek God, to love those around me, and to prepare for my marriage to Tim. May God reign in every moment.
So, thank you for seeing if I am still here...feel free to remind me when I haven't posted.
Until next time
-Beth
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Wishing you a truly good day
While writing an e-mail today I realized what I really want to say when I tell someone I hope they have a good day. Here it is...
I hope you are having a good day even if not so good things are coming your way! (I find wishing someone a good day difficult because I don't really mean that I hope their day goes exactly has they would choose, for I find that the best of days have in them the elements which could make the worst of days, but they become the best days when I run to God and praise Him instead.) I don't usually make such random statements, but this is what occurred to me when I wanted to wish you one of the best days.
I hope you are having a good day even if not so good things are coming your way! (I find wishing someone a good day difficult because I don't really mean that I hope their day goes exactly has they would choose, for I find that the best of days have in them the elements which could make the worst of days, but they become the best days when I run to God and praise Him instead.) I don't usually make such random statements, but this is what occurred to me when I wanted to wish you one of the best days.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Check, Check, Check....
Here they come, off my list...
Wow, it is Saturday afternoon, and I have been doing homework for a really long time. On the bright side, I have done my laundry, my dynamics homework, my materials engineering homework, and reviewed my notes from those classes. (Last night I did my differential equations homework and wrote a computer science program as well.) I have also had a few conversations with people who are important to me...and whom I often neglect.
You reading this, yes you, I'm sorry I have neglected you as well. Sometimes school is so frustrating. It is where I am supposed to be right now, but I just want to invest you people, in my relationship with you. (Yes, I am an engineering major.)
One of my profs said the other day that due to the nature of school, a student's life is out of balance. It should be that way. We are so focused on learning and working hard to learn during these years. How out of balance should life be? I don't want my life at my balance point (well, yes I do). Really, I want my priorities and the actions which reveal them to be the same as God's priorities for my life.
I think I will take a couple of minutes break or start in on my speech reading. Then, when that is done, I just have materials, CS1, and dynamics reading left. What do I need to do? All of this is what I want to do. What should I do? Where do I draw the line and say "good job, you are done."
When it comes to the end of my life, I just hope and want to work towards being able to hear from my wonderful Father and Savior, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Let me please You, Lord. Not myself or other people. Just You.
Wow, it is Saturday afternoon, and I have been doing homework for a really long time. On the bright side, I have done my laundry, my dynamics homework, my materials engineering homework, and reviewed my notes from those classes. (Last night I did my differential equations homework and wrote a computer science program as well.) I have also had a few conversations with people who are important to me...and whom I often neglect.
You reading this, yes you, I'm sorry I have neglected you as well. Sometimes school is so frustrating. It is where I am supposed to be right now, but I just want to invest you people, in my relationship with you. (Yes, I am an engineering major.)
One of my profs said the other day that due to the nature of school, a student's life is out of balance. It should be that way. We are so focused on learning and working hard to learn during these years. How out of balance should life be? I don't want my life at my balance point (well, yes I do). Really, I want my priorities and the actions which reveal them to be the same as God's priorities for my life.
I think I will take a couple of minutes break or start in on my speech reading. Then, when that is done, I just have materials, CS1, and dynamics reading left. What do I need to do? All of this is what I want to do. What should I do? Where do I draw the line and say "good job, you are done."
When it comes to the end of my life, I just hope and want to work towards being able to hear from my wonderful Father and Savior, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Let me please You, Lord. Not myself or other people. Just You.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Friday afternoon...
Well, it is Friday afternoon again. This week has been good. I am absolutely starving! (And about to go get some supper!)
My Calculus is nearly done!
I am thankful for...
Early Saturday mornings!
Backwards sunrises!
Beautiful music - guitar today!
Hugs from K!
My Good Shepherd!
My Calculus is nearly done!
I am thankful for...
Early Saturday mornings!
Backwards sunrises!
Beautiful music - guitar today!
Hugs from K!
My Good Shepherd!
Friday, September 7, 2007
Content...
School is done for the week, (officially that is,) the southern sun is warm (okay, some may say hot), and today is a beautiful day. Why?
Well, first of all, it is beautiful because God created this day - specifically chose to make it and to accomplish His purposes in it. But, were it a rainy Monday filled with failed test scores and a bad case of bronchitis, would it still be a good day? Yes!
God whispered something to me yesterday I think. Regardless of whether my homework is done, I am passing or failing, it is raining or cloudy, I am bereaved, or maybe horribly ill, God has created this day, and I am to rejoice in Him and it. I have found myself extremely frustrated a lot recently. I have been frustrated that I haven't been getting the sleep and excersize I want/need, haven't been feeling well, don't have my homework done the day it is assigned (and at a decent hour). With all of this in the background, I think God "woke me up" and asked "Why are you looking at your life from your little hole?" I have been viewing everything from my little selfish perspective. God has blessed me abundantly, but I have refused to see it. Now I am looking...
First, maybe I am not well, things are hard, and I'm not getting the sleep and exercise my body needs. Okay. And maybe my homework isn't where I want it to be. And maybe I don't understand every little thing about the internal circuitry of VOM's. Okay. But, maybe I am where God wants me to be. Not just at the college He chose for me, but maybe exactly where I am. Maybe He has but me here in the midst of these things for a reason - for His glory and His purpose.
Maybe is not the right word. I do believe that God has placed me where He wants me to be. (I do have the responsibility to take care of myself and work hard.) God is so much bigger and sees things in such a different light. My (what a funny thought) life is not and should not be what I want it to be or think it should be. God works all things together for His glory and purposes. It's bigger than me.
So right now, as I take a minute's break from Calc III homework (which I love, by the way!) I praise God for this day and this semester and this life He has chosen and blessed me with - and all of the wonderful people He has sorrounded me with. I pray that He will arrange it (and help me to obey Him and do my part in arranging) as He sees fit - all to His glory!
May I see every day and every person and every hardship and frustration in light of my Sovereign and Loving God. To Him be glory both now and forever more!
Well, first of all, it is beautiful because God created this day - specifically chose to make it and to accomplish His purposes in it. But, were it a rainy Monday filled with failed test scores and a bad case of bronchitis, would it still be a good day? Yes!
God whispered something to me yesterday I think. Regardless of whether my homework is done, I am passing or failing, it is raining or cloudy, I am bereaved, or maybe horribly ill, God has created this day, and I am to rejoice in Him and it. I have found myself extremely frustrated a lot recently. I have been frustrated that I haven't been getting the sleep and excersize I want/need, haven't been feeling well, don't have my homework done the day it is assigned (and at a decent hour). With all of this in the background, I think God "woke me up" and asked "Why are you looking at your life from your little hole?" I have been viewing everything from my little selfish perspective. God has blessed me abundantly, but I have refused to see it. Now I am looking...
First, maybe I am not well, things are hard, and I'm not getting the sleep and exercise my body needs. Okay. And maybe my homework isn't where I want it to be. And maybe I don't understand every little thing about the internal circuitry of VOM's. Okay. But, maybe I am where God wants me to be. Not just at the college He chose for me, but maybe exactly where I am. Maybe He has but me here in the midst of these things for a reason - for His glory and His purpose.
Maybe is not the right word. I do believe that God has placed me where He wants me to be. (I do have the responsibility to take care of myself and work hard.) God is so much bigger and sees things in such a different light. My (what a funny thought) life is not and should not be what I want it to be or think it should be. God works all things together for His glory and purposes. It's bigger than me.
So right now, as I take a minute's break from Calc III homework (which I love, by the way!) I praise God for this day and this semester and this life He has chosen and blessed me with - and all of the wonderful people He has sorrounded me with. I pray that He will arrange it (and help me to obey Him and do my part in arranging) as He sees fit - all to His glory!
May I see every day and every person and every hardship and frustration in light of my Sovereign and Loving God. To Him be glory both now and forever more!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Extremely Delinquent...
Unfortunately, and to your grave disappointment ; ), I have been extremely delinquent in updating my blog. Well fast forward through finals. I made it through, didn't quite make the grade I wanted, but am content. God uses disappointments and things we really wouldn't have chosen for ourselves to bless us, change us, and glorify His name.
This summer I had the amazing opportunity to intern for a company that improves piston designs and manufactures pistons. I learned SO much and was greatly affirmed that mechanical engineering is the right major/field for me. Actually doing some real engineering work was very enjoyable and educational! I had not really been wanting to change majors, but I wondered if I would actually like engineering once I finished school since working in the real world is so different from classes. Now I know!
I also had the opportunity to take 8 hours of Chemistry at a community college this summer. I learned a lot, thoroughly enjoy chemistry, and am grateful for the chance I had to meet and get to know some new people back home.
Now, I have been back at school for 11 days. I prepared for and then worked new student orientation. Working with others and preparing for all of the new students was great fun, exhausting!, and worthwhile. I was definitely pushed physically but am so grateful for the honor of serving the new students with a group of amazing people.
I have not only been delinquent in updating my blog but also in contacting one of the most important people in my life. (When she reads this she will know who she is.) Let's just say, expect a call from me this evening!
Well, classes start tomorrow. I am a little eager, a little scared, and a bit sad. I don't like change, and I miss those who are now gone from school. But, I also have the privilege of meeting many new students and continuing to build friendships with those who have returned. God said there is a time for every event under heaven. I trust Him and praise Him for that.
Please feel free to send me an e-mail, reply post, or whatever. I would love to hear from you so I can better pray for you.
Take care and until next time,
-Beth
This summer I had the amazing opportunity to intern for a company that improves piston designs and manufactures pistons. I learned SO much and was greatly affirmed that mechanical engineering is the right major/field for me. Actually doing some real engineering work was very enjoyable and educational! I had not really been wanting to change majors, but I wondered if I would actually like engineering once I finished school since working in the real world is so different from classes. Now I know!
I also had the opportunity to take 8 hours of Chemistry at a community college this summer. I learned a lot, thoroughly enjoy chemistry, and am grateful for the chance I had to meet and get to know some new people back home.
Now, I have been back at school for 11 days. I prepared for and then worked new student orientation. Working with others and preparing for all of the new students was great fun, exhausting!, and worthwhile. I was definitely pushed physically but am so grateful for the honor of serving the new students with a group of amazing people.
I have not only been delinquent in updating my blog but also in contacting one of the most important people in my life. (When she reads this she will know who she is.) Let's just say, expect a call from me this evening!
Well, classes start tomorrow. I am a little eager, a little scared, and a bit sad. I don't like change, and I miss those who are now gone from school. But, I also have the privilege of meeting many new students and continuing to build friendships with those who have returned. God said there is a time for every event under heaven. I trust Him and praise Him for that.
Please feel free to send me an e-mail, reply post, or whatever. I would love to hear from you so I can better pray for you.
Take care and until next time,
-Beth
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sleepy
After studying really hard and taking a Calculus II final, I am exhausted! I have three more finals this week, but my most difficult one is now over! Yeah! As I was walking to the class for the final, I saw one of my favorite people. She stopped me and asked how I was doing. (When she asks, you answer, because she REALLY cares!) Well, I was feeling a little negative about the exam, and she told me that I had been faithful and worked hard. All I needed to do was to do my best, wrap it up, put a bow on it, and give it to God! That is all God wants. He isn't concerned about grades; He just wants my best. So, I took the test, did my best, and gave it to God. I can't guarantee grades, but He doesn't want that!
As Luke 12 says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV) I want my treasure to be in heaven, not in some transcript or grade book! I am abundantly grateful that God sent this dear friend to cross paths with me when I needed her. It was truly a God appointment.
I hope you are having a good day, and maybe you are going through finals too. I pray for you, that God will give you peace and help you to do your best from where you are. God will meet you there.
Take care,
Beth
As Luke 12 says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV) I want my treasure to be in heaven, not in some transcript or grade book! I am abundantly grateful that God sent this dear friend to cross paths with me when I needed her. It was truly a God appointment.
I hope you are having a good day, and maybe you are going through finals too. I pray for you, that God will give you peace and help you to do your best from where you are. God will meet you there.
Take care,
Beth
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