25/66

Lamentations was a short book, but very sad. The author is mourning the fate of Jerusalem after it fell to Babylon. His people are scattered and the city is in ruins. Yet in all this, he stops to remember that the Lord is faithful and will restore His people. God promised redemption to Israel and Judah, and that redemption will come in the form of His son, sent to die for our sins. I need to remember to praise God, no matter what season of life I'm going through.

Also, if you could be praying/sending good thoughts my way, I'd really appreciate it. I have a job interview today and tomorrow, and I'm really hoping to get one, if not both of these jobs. Thanks so much!
Loves

23-24/66

Wow, its been a while. I've had a lot going on in my life recently, big transitions and the like, but I'm going to try and be more consistent with blogging this semester. I do have a lot more of the Bible to read, so I will continue to be documenting that, as well as more of my day to day life (I hope). Speaking of reading the Bible, I have finished both Isaiah and Jeremiah on schedule. These were tough books to get through, mainly because of their length. They were also on some difficult themes, especially Jeremiah. God's people have ceased being faithful to Him, and so he exiles them to Babylon. Jerusalem falls, as do kings. Jeremiah spent his time calling out to the people, asking them to repent, but his message fell on deaf ears. It was a good reminder for me because I am often guilty of the same thing in my life. If something God puts on my heart is not what I want to hear, my first instinct is to ignore it and do my own thing, which eventually gets me into trouble. Isaiah and Jeremiah challenged me to not only pay attention to what God is teaching me and telling me, but to follow through and actually act on those things. It's not an easy thing to do, but it's very rewarding.
Loves

21-22/66...and Currently

Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs are both complete. Ecclesiastes can be pretty depressing for those who are new to their faith. It says that there is nothing new under the sun and everything is meaningless, but it also says that we should enjoy the life that God has given us. Song of Songs is a love letter, describing how a man should love his wife, but it is also referring to how Christ loves the church. I found both books to be very encouraging.           

I'm currently in San Diego for a family reunion, and these are some pictures from the weekend.

Reading: Not a lot. I'm rereading some old favorites in my spare time, but I've been super busy working, which doesn't leave much time for reading.
Watching: Nothing. I've watched hardly anything at all this summer, and it's kind of been a nice break. I did go see The Dark Knight Rises, which was absolutely fantastic. I think another trip to the movies is in order to witness the awesomeness all over again.
Anticipating: Staff banquet at the end of this coming week. I've been working hard this summer, and there are still two weeks of work to go, but our giant staff party is this Friday. I get to get all dressed up, and hang out with the awesome people that I've met this summer. It's going to be a great time.
Listening To: At this very moment, the conversations of 27 family members that are gathered for this reunion. My dad's side of the family is huge and crazy and one of a kind. I love them to death, but I'm ready to go back up to camp tomorrow.
Eating: Far too much. Camp food is getting tiring, and so I tend to pig out any time I can eat something other than that. Right now, I'm munching on one of my mom's awesome chocolate chip cookies.
Working On: Organizing my life from camp. I move back to Albuquerque on August 17, and camp is over August 10, so I have seven days to take care of business in California and prepare to move my life back to New Mexico
Wishing: That we lived in a perfect world where I could have my cake and eat it too. But we don't live in a perfect world, but I am loved by a perfect God. He's got my back, and I trust Him completely. Life is good because God is good.
Loves

20/66

Proverbs=complete. There's a lot of good advice, tips and tricks in this book. It's full of wisdom, but the understanding comes from God, and it depends on each individual and where they are in their walk with God. It was awesome.

So, camp is starting to wind down. There are three weeks left and then I go back to school. I love this job so much. It's been so rewarding. I'm going to miss it a lot.
Loves

19/66

Though the numbers say I'm far from being half-way done, length wise, I'm half way done! I finished the book of Psalms last week. The Psalms are beautiful and honest. They are a reflection of the human condition and reveal the nature of our great God. God is good, and I'm thankful to be reminded of it every day.
Loves

18/66

I'm a few days behind posting, but I finished Job right on schedule. In this book I learned that God is God, and we are not. He is the ultimate authority, and we need to remember that when tragedy strikes. I also learned that it's okay to express frustration to God, that He listens when we talk to Him. That was a comforting lesson to learn.
Loves

life lately via iPhone pictures

I went to Phoenix for a few days last week to attend a conference with my leadership group from my college youth group. It was a great couple of days and I learned a lot of valuable things to bring back to school for next semester. We had a lot of fun too.

For example, we walked around Ikea, one of my favorite stores,

hung out with the fish at the Rainforest Cafe,

and ate dinner at the T.G.I. Fridays inside the stadium where the Diamond Backs play.

When I got home, I went to my old high school to watch my friend graduate,

and then I had a sister date the next day. All in all, not a bad week. If this was any indication of how the rest of my summer will go, then I can't wait. 

Loves