Don't go to Chipotle for the leftovers

Currently picking: cilantro out of my teeth
Recently discovered musician: Andrew Bird
Current mood: hopeful

Although Chipotle can do nothing to lose its place as my favorite place to eat, I took a second try at eating it on the second day today. Even if you cover the chips in a steel box, they still get chewy and stale-like. The rice gets dry and even though everyone warns me, lettuce, sour cream, and cheese aren't good warmed up in that thing. It took me a few times to figure this out. But I think I did.

Alright, Starbucks customers, listen to me. I don't post too much about the ways of Starbucks in my posts simply because blog posts always find a way to backfire in some way. But I can say this: do not talk on your cell phone when going through the drive thru. 90% of the drive thru customers rave on their cell phones will giving me the "oh hi, give me my triple decaf 3 pump no foam soy skinny vanilla latte, but please don't interupt my phone call which I am probably faking anyway to look cool as I buy my beverage at Starbucks." It only makes my job more stressful than it already is. Americans can seem to turn off the radio, put down their cell phone, or look another human being in the eye.

I have finally come to terms with my summer, 2 months into it that is. Things have finally sunk in, I have finally begun to enjoy things, and oh wait, summer is now almost over. Isn't that the way it is though? Just when you start to get used to a new season in your life, it's over before you know it. A wise woman in my life instructed me once in saying: The only thing that doesn't change is the fact that things are always changing. This is true, oh so true.

I really like Kansas City. I really like my friends in Kansas City. I really like my church in Kansas City. I've figured that much out. Perhaps this will affect my future in a very specific way. Perhaps.

So long, blog friend. And happy Saturday.

Let's read and listen to music or something like that

Currently chewing on: fruit snacks
Currently discovered: eggs in the microwave
Currently enjoying: some FREE time

I am listening to Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap. MMMM whatcha say?

I have a stack of books on my desk, ready to read:
The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World by John Piper and Justin Taylor
Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge
Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan

Just finished The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller, you should definately read it.

My recent musical discovery: Jimmy Needham

I finally get free time, and then I am tired and want to go to bed. I might do that.

zzzzzzzz

A joyful expression

Currently.....

I was reminded today that even as the past events in my life have been guided and ordered by the Lord, so are the very moments that I am breathing now and the paths of the unknown future. To see the decision I made to follow the Lord at L-Bar-C camp in 7th grade turn into this beautiful portrait of defeat and victory, sickness and healing, sadness and joy, being lost and found, has made be reassured and thankful for the past 8 years of running this race. I have become more and more confident that this is where my strength, my identity, comes from. I had a moment today at church: I sat, meditating about Christ before communion, and was overcome by this great joy...the kind that is described as the "joy of our salvation." It hasn't shown up in a while. But I think I was reminded about that joy today. My selfishness and brokenness many times leaves me somber and paralyzed in guilt. But today, I rediscovered joy; the celebration that comes with knowing Christ. It was similar to the encounters with God that I experienced as a new believer, all giddy-hearted, young, and eager. May I never lose my childlike faith. May my heart ever burn for You and You alone, My God.

Wow, my heart is full. So then, I will leave you with just that. My random and meandering thoughts will take a back burner, showing up here another day and time, so come back.

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." Psalm 105:1

A Tuesday afternoon

Currently into: hummus and peanut butter, not together.
Currently experiencing: a back ache, thanks work.
Currently listening to: Boston by Augustana

Just got back from work. The 5:00 a.m. shift at Starbucks has become easier to manage. My summer has started to become a busy one between work and school. It's alright though; learning time management. Am a little worried about how well I will manage next semester. Final and most crazy semester of my college career. It's like the rapid fire finale at the end of a fireworks show.

You know, it's so interesting how music correlates with seasons in life. I have intentionally avoided emo-like music recently because of its baggage. It's always nice to return to music you enjoy after getting rid of the memories that go along with it. So know I can enjoy the sad and depressing lovesick Secondhand Serenade and Augustana if I want to.

Personality realizations: I need words of affirmation often, I am a big believer in doing what you say you are going to do, I need alone time, I can get to know people very quickly. I.can.cry.so.easily.

Alright, to you dear readers, thanks for the visit.

-Boom Boom Pow.

Another midnight post.

Currently smacking on: peanut butter by the spoonful. Grocery shopping tomorrow.
Currently digesting: way too much coffee
Currently reading: The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller
Current action besides blogging: Facebook catching up

Good early morning to you. I tend to take advantage of early hours because it's when I can find my thoughts honest and clear enough to articulate them to you.

I have been thinking about the future a lot lately; about what I want; where I want to go, and also; what's important to me. All that to say, I really don't know any cool answers to any of those. But I have become at peace with some things, clear about some others, and excited about some job hopefuls. I finally found a job description that explains what I want to do. I realize I just said that and you want to know what that is, but I don't feel like explaining it right now. Not my point. Ask later.

There are just a lot of choices at my disposal right now. About who I want to be and what I want to do. Where I want to invest my time and in whom I want to invest in. I am having to seek God with a little extra effort, but like promised, finding Him....in some of the most unexpected things and people. He knows exactly what I need. And He can provide that for me.

I realize that in front of me lies a leap of faith, into destination unknown. I am soon going to leave a lot of people I love and situations and ideas I deem comfortable. And I guess that's just the way it is...the way it's going to be.

Now I am going to get up, brush my teeth, and dream.

'Night.

Some Favs

Here are some people and experiences I have been thinking about and thankful for lately.