Ephesians 2:1-10

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But, God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved-and raised up with Him and seated in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Update (for lack of a better title)

Hello everyone,

School is continuing to go well, and the homework has been manageable thankfully. All of the teachers seem to be pretty good, and the topics have been at least fairly interesting if not more so. I have also officially joined the Aikido club at ODU which has been a lot of fun (and good exercise too).

My church (or our church depending on if you are someone who also goes to Sovereign Grace Church or not) recently had a meeting where they announced many new changes that will be happening. One of those changes has to do with care groups; they will be separating the singles into singles only care groups rather than having them integrated with the married care groups. I think that this will be good, and I believe the pastors are doing what they believe is best (and what God wants them to do), but it will be somewhat hard to leave my current care group. The church is also going to be starting adult Sunday School classes (before the main service). I am excited about this, and am planning on participating. Those are just some of the several good changes at SGC.

So long for now!

First Week

So I have survived the first week back in class. : ) It has gone really well; here is a quick summary about each of my classes.

Social and Cultural Foundations of Ed
Like the teacher and the TAs, laugh often in class (helpful for an 8am class :). Seems like this class may be a lot of work, but not too difficult, and I get to do observations in an elementary school!

English Linguistics
The teacher for this is kinda strange, but funny. She definitely has an accent/dialect that she does not try to change for class (for example while talking about a previous student who made a video about her class she says "and he had already finished my class; he had done been gone"). She says this class will be difficult but interesting...we will see :).

World Regional Geography
Haven't done a whole lot in this class yet, but the professor is nice and also funny.

Native American History
Pretty interesting so far. Quite a few papers though :P

Teaching Health and Phys Ed
This is an online class. Pretty interesting so far.

So that pretty much sums it up. I haven't had too much homework yet which is nice, but I have no expectations of it staying that way : ).

School and Work

School starts tomorrow! I am so excited! I hope that I will like all of my professors this semester.

As for work, it is looking like I won't have my current job much longer, so that means I need to start looking for another-any ideas?

I will update again soon after my first classes to let you all know how they go!

It's about time for an update

Wow, I haven't updated this thing in a while. Well, better late then never I guess : )

Joel is doing great. He is getting bigger, and can almost hold up his head on his own! Some people have claimed that he has smiled at them...I have only seen him smile (a real smile) once...at the ceiling fan : )

My Summer class (Language Acquisition) is finally over! I wouldn't say it was a terrible class (in fact the book was rather interesting), but it is nice to be done with it :). I start up fall classes on Sept 1st! I am looking forward to starting; I do enjoy school for the most part. I am taking; Social and Cultural Foundations of Education, English Linguistics, World Regional Geography, Native American History, and Teaching Health and Phys Ed (this ones online). In addition, I will be doing observations in elementary classrooms for 30 hours over the course of the semester. That will be fun!

After my self defense class ended, my Shihan (the title that we call my teacher by) said we could keep coming when the other martial arts people are there to practice. I have been able to go once a week and keep practicing and learning new things. It has been so fun. In the fall I am planning on joining an Aikdio and a Karate club (both will meet at the same time so I will switch each week). For that I had to buy a gi (the white uniform that you see karate people wearing). I wore it for the first time last Saturday. It felt kind of weird at first, but I suppose I will get used to it. : )

C.J. was at church yesterday! He spoke on our adoption by God. It was such a great message; if you didn't get to hear it, I suggest you download and listen to it

Well that's all for now. Hopefully I won't go so long without updating next time : )

More of Joel

School Update

Hey all, here is a little update on where I am at with school. My self defense class is over, and I have a class (Language Aquisition) that starts on the 10th. Next semester I am probably taking: Native American History, English Linguistics, Foundations and Assesment of Ed, World Regional Geography, and Teaching Health and Phys. Ed. I am looking forward to starting these classes, though it is nice to have not had any homework :)

Introducing....

...Joel Christopher Morrison my newest baby brother! My mom and Joel are both doing great.

Summer

My summer so far has been great. It is nice to have a break from a full-time school schedule. I have been able to spend time reading, sleeping in, going to Busch Gardens, going to the beach, etc. My self-defense class is over now; I am disappointed that it is already over, but I will be able to still go there and practice (my teacher said we could come for free on certain days). It won't be the same as a class, but I hope to still have fun. :) My other summer class starts on the 10th of July. This one will require some actual homework :).

The other day, I went to Ashley and Ray's wedding! It was a beautiful wedding, I had a lot of fun, and I am so happy for them!

As of now, my little brother or sister has not been born yet, but I hope that that occurs very soon! I cannot wait to hold him or her, and see what he or she looks like.

I hope everyone else is enjoying their summer as well!

Any day now...

...I will be holding a little brother or sister! I cannot wait to meet him or her!

Beach

Sunday night was Access Commnity Groups. All the groups met together, and we went to the beach! It was a lot of fun. I went in the water a little bit and it was surprisingly warm. We played ultimate frisbee, ate Dairy Queen, and spent some time worshiping, and then had a time for people to share about what God was doing in their lives (especially through Next). I ended up getting home really late that night (by the time we dropped some people off back at the church, and then drove another girl back to her house), but it was a wonderful time!

10 Random Memories From When I Was Little

1. I remember having a birthday party with clowns

2. I remember when Alexandra and I would play doll house for days on end.

3. When we played doll house it almost always ended up with the humans finding out the pets could talk and/or the humans having to leave for some reason, and the animals taking over the house. : )

4. I remember getting a Bible and a stuffed Barney for "graduation" (probably from Kindergarten).

5. I remember going to Florida for Christmas, and my Dad having to go to the thrift store to buy us some cooler clothes!

6. I remember playing with my siblings that we were "dogs", "wolves", or some other kind of animal.

7. I remember actually getting a real snow fall : ) and making real snowmen (and one time having some neighborhood boy whom we didn't even know knock the head off of our snowman!)

8. I remember going to the park and then to Sonic for milkshakes (yummy!)

9. I remember when I hated chocolate (my tastes have changed by now though : )

10. I remember having a baby doll who I think I named "Jonah"

Now its your turn! On your blog (or in the comments section if you don't have a blog) write your own 10 random memories from when you were little.

Self Defense

I thought I would give you all a little update on my self defense class that I am taking at school. It is going really well and I am having a lot of fun, but one thing is sure; it is a workout! The first day of class wasn't bad, but the morning after my second class I was so sore it hurt to move! : )
We have learned a lot of stuff. Three types of hits, three kicks, and this whole series of movements (that included getting to flip our instructors :) to do if someone were to try to grab you from behind. We have also learned break falls (so if we are pushed down or against something we don't hit our head and get knocked out) and other miscellaneous stuff. Like I said, it is a lot of fun, but boy am I tired by the end of class! : )

Pictures from NEXT '09

These are not really in any order, but I hope you enjoy!

Me and my roomates' room; way up on the top floor!

We could see the Orioles baseball stadium from our room!

Roomates + Debbie

We got to meet Joshua Harris!

Down by the harbor

Laura and I

We decorated the Suburban (who we also dubbed Big Bertha, or BB for short)

Our Navigator

Busy, Busy, Busy

This past weekend was busy, but fun. My friend Laura came over on Friday, and we both went to see Kaitlin's gradutation (congratulations friend!), then Laura spent the night both that night and Saturday night. Saturday was the Access Coffee House/Open Mike Night. It was fun and there were many wonderful performances. Sunday after church, Laura, Liz, Alexandra, and I went out to lunch at Firehouse subs (yummy), and then Laura, Alexandra, and I went to Wal-Mart to buy some snacks to take to NEXT. I can hardly believe it; only 6 more days!

This coming week is going to be busy as well. My self-defense class at school (for PE credit) starts tomorrow so I have that tomorrow and Wednesday. I work Tuesday and Thursday as usual, and Wednesday is Ladies Meeting. Then on Friday some of the girls in our carpool will be spending the night, and on Saturday morning we leave for NEXT!

Zoo Pics

John Piper on the President's view of abortion

Watch this video; it is so good, and also a reminder to not just disaprove of wrong beliefs/actions in our leaders, but to pray for change in our leaders.

http://twentytwowords.com/2009/05/13/john-piper-addresses-president-obama-on-abortion/

WhooHoo!

As of last Thursday, I am done with school! That is, until next Monday when my Self Defense class starts :)

Summer...

...is almost here! Today is my last day of class and then I have a final on Friday. Next week I have a final on Monday and one on Thursday and then I am done with the semester! I am taking two summer classes this year, but those do not start until June so I have a little bit of a break which I am looking forward to very much.

Summer weather is also here! I have so enjoyed the hot temperatures. Saturday I went to the beach for several hours. I didn't go all the way into the water, but even though it was freezing it was still nice to get my legs wet and enjoy the hot outside temperatures and the beach itself. Yesterday was the church picnic and it was great (although hot) weather for it. I had a lot of fun there, and came home worn out. :)

Anyway, that's all for now. I will hopefully post some pictures soon.

Gorgeous

As I write this the weather is absolutely gorgeous outside! I wish that I could be going out there instead of heading to History class in a few minutes. I am hoping the weather is great tomorrow. A few days ago was my brother Simeon's 6th birthday and as his gift I am taking him to the zoo tomorrow!

School is winding down. It is so nice to see my mental list of projects and homework assignments get smaller and smaller; slowly but surely. My last day of finals is on May 10th; it's not that far away! Just a little over 4 weeks and I will be d-o-n-e with the semester!

Next

Hello all, I am getting so excited for Next! I am already registered and signed up for my hotel room. I just want to let you all know that the deadline to get the early-bird rate for the conference ($150 for a single and $225 for a married couple) has been extended to April 20th! So its not too late to register and get the cheaper rate. What are you waiting for? :)

Spring, Summer, Next Semester

I am getting so excited about Next! I am already registered and will be signing up for the hotel on Sunday! The only problem is that Alexandra has yet to find a room so if you could be in prayer for that (the deadline is April 4th) that would be great. And also if you or someone you know needs a roomate please give Alexandra or I a call!

It is so hard to believe that this semester is already beginning to near its end; and I am already considering classes for next semester! I already met with my advisor and went over which classes I wanted to take. I will be taking 2 this summer and then 5 next semester. Hopefully next semester I can get on a Tues/Thurs schedule as I will also have to make time to observe in an elementary school! That will be fun.

I will try to update the blog more often; things just get so busy :)

Valentine's Day Girls' Night

Some Pictures I Took Just For Fun

This sign made me laugh; I mean do they really need to specify what size the button is?

Busy

Just a quick update on my life. Things are going well. School is good, and it is almost half-way done with the semester! I am working and doing Church things. Volleyball is really fun (even though my team is in like 5th place out of 6 currently).
Next week I have a project due Monday, a test Monday, and a midterm on Wednesday! So that will be keeping me pretty busy!

Hope you are all doing well.

Next Video

Out of the mouth of babes (or in this case a 13 yr old)

Psalms

For this week's Care Group, my Care Group leader asked us to read our favorite Psalm out loud. I do not really have a favorite, but when I got his email letting us know that that is what we were going to be doing, I flipped quickly through Psalms and this is one that stood out to me, and the one that I shared at Care Group

Psalm 139
"O LORD, you have searched me and
known me!
You know when I sit down and when I
rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying
down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it
altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful
for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your
presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are
there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the
sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall
cover me,
and the light about me be night,'
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.

For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my
mother's womb.
I praise you for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the
earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of
them,
the days that were formed for me
when as yet there were none of them.
How precious to me are your thoughts
O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I could count them, they are more
than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
...

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way
in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!"

SALE!

This is from www.worshipmatters.com (Bob Kauflin's blog).

"

27 Jan, 2009
Crazy Sovereign Grace Music and Book Sale
Posted by: Bob Kauflin In: —Books —Sovereign Grace Music

We’re doing it again. Having a ridiculous sale, that is.
Last year, during the month of February, we reduced the prices of our CDs and books. The response was overwhelming. So we decided to repeat the lunacy. Here’s the deal:
From February 1–28, at the Sovereign Grace store, you’ll find these prices:
Sovereign Grace books (23 of them, including Worship Matters, Worldliness, and Living the Cross Centered Life): $7 each
all CDs produced by Sovereign Grace Music (including Together for the Gospel Live, Psalms, Come Weary Saints, Awesome God, In a Little While, and Valley of Vision): $6 each
all books in our Pursuit of Godliness series (Why Small Groups, This Great Salvation, and others): $4 each
But wait…there’s more!
During February, we’re offering our normal free shipping in the continental US (library rate). But on all international orders we’re offering a discount of 50% on USPS First Class International shipping.
Why are we doing this? Well, we figure that most of us have been affected by the present economic crisis. We want to do whatever we can to make it easier for people to benefit from what we produce. We want to serve churches and individuals by providing biblically informed, gospel-centered resources at a low cost. And we’d really like to give it all away, but for now, that’s not financially feasible…
So we offer the February sale. Enjoy.
And feel free to tell your friends.
"

What's Next?

http://www.thisisnext.org

It is the new name for New Attitude! All the conference and registration info is now on the website!