You're on my side, right? I didn't deserve this, right?

Student A

And back in the 1600's they couldn't dance; they didn't have music. Do you think they could date? No. Marriage was a business contract. If I had a daughter and Cameron is my neighbor and he had a son, we'd meet up and say, "Hey - lets marry off our children and then our families would own all this land together." So marriages were arranged, and not for love...





"Aw! So you's-ayin' my woman could be butt ugly!"

a season of want

It's just a phase

Time will tell

It's Friday, but Sunday is coming

And so it goes

It's crazy how this life unfolds

A missed pill

Nothing in life is static

How much time can show




Here's hoping we can be renewed

Someone wise once said, 'If you don't have peace, don't move forward."



...does crazy anticipation count as peace???

Psalm 57

I never believed people before or realized until this year how important it is for you to find yourself as a person before beginning a relationship. This year I became my own individual: I have a job, I am responsible, I clean my own toilet, I make my own means, I have my own bedtime, this is the kind of music I enjoy, this is what I do for fun, these are my ministries, these are the days I run and work out, this is what I believe, these are my friends, this is who I am. I am established. I have my own life and now I have something that I can invite someone into. In college, you have no idea what you want your life to look like or where you'll be. I had no idea if I would be teaching, working in the hotel business, sitting at home depressed :), continuing on for a masters, going to Bible school in England - whatever! If I had a boyfriend before now, he would have shaped me into being his life -- I would be but a shadow, a follower, a leech.

This is me. This is what I do. If you want to fit into a part of that, feel free. Let's do it.

I love the fact that I am here making my own meals, dancing around to my own music in my own house that I paid for with my own money. I love the fact that by the time a boy weasels his own way in, I will have my own pots and pans, fly-swatter, vacuum, stereo, everything. I have something to offer -- something to give.

I know that I have established myself as an individual that gives to the surrounding community. My students know me and like me. My parents trust me with their children. My pastor supports me and is proud of me. My hip-hop team laughs with me (and teaches me how to move!). I have friends, I have interests, I have admiration from my community that I have a place in. And I would expect the same from any man I would choose to date; it is the number one clue into who you are getting involved with if they are known and respected in the community.

I love the fact that I know who I am and that he will too before he commits to cherishing me.





I am confident that the Lord will fulfill his plans for me.

Lover, love me.

Healer, heal me.
Lover, love me.

Cause I'm so tired of living for the kind of love that only lasts for a while.

The pain. The shame.

So I fall on my knees to get back on my feet again. and I cry out for you - would you please speak to me.

Healer, heal me.
Lover, love me.

Cause I'm so tired of living for the kind of love that only comes and goes.

But your love. Your love lasts forever.

I am the one who's been forgiven much.

You ever just get blown away with God's love?

The My Epic concert last night was phenomenal. Passionate screaming out, making sense of this life. When the music would die out and a tiny, packed, sweaty, stinky room full of men and women crowded in together would continue to sing on with the lyrics, I would stop and close my eyes. I wanted to hug every single one of those people...my brothers, my sisters. I get so excited for heaven some days. The music will be incredible. The concerts phenomenal. The crowds packed in. We'll all be together - we won't be missing Andy.

I had Tom on one side and Kavin on the other. Watching those boys worship was a blessing to me. I can't believe we all get to carry on like that forever. It'll never grow old. We'll be beside each other forever.

Teachers Show Up To Work...No Matter What

Apparently it takes two days for a goose egg to fully bruise over. Today I am a raccoon...and I thought the worst was over. This is also accompanied by a new swollen lip from falling over in the porch swing with two other beautiful girls: a hilarious moment that I would not take back. Since breakfast is not going down easily this morning without blood interfering, I get these additional moments to blog my thoughts. ...And to prepare for a whole day of brutal teaching.