Honesty and depth are vital to our relationships and conversations. If there is one thing I have learned about relationships, this would be it. How can a relationship grow or flourish if there is no transparency? 

This morning I was reflecting on my relationships and found a common theme- all the relationships where I have experienced the most growth or those relationships that are the deepest have all been where both people are transparent, honest, and open. They are safe relationships. Do you know what I'm talking about? There are so many people, Christian and not, that think they need to look perfect and disguise their struggles and/or hardships...but why? Just a reminder: we all have them. 

Something I often have to remind myself when I look at my struggles and imperfections is that I am still in the process of being sanctified by Christ. No matter how extravagant our sin is, God's grace and love is always more extravagant. We have nothing to prove. 

I can't believe it's been so long since I've written....guess things have been pretty busy.

Anyway, not a whole lot is new in my life. I will be finished with school by Saturday night after my last final, and then will have a little less than a month to continue preparing for New York. I am such a dork...2 nights ago I literally packed my bag to see how much I could fit, as I am trying to only have one bag and 2 carry-ons. I decided I should ship my coats and shoes, since there is no way I can fit those in one bag. Hopefully it won't be too expensive to ship them...or I may have to re-consider my packing style. I can't believe I will be there in 29 days!

Tonight we are having our 3rd-annual Christmas dinner at the Dodds house. Seliece, Anne, Mallory, Allie, Jordan, and Christy are all coming and it will be great to all be together before everyone heads back for the break and then I head out for the semester.

Something I read this morning that really hit me in a new way was the Parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15. Basically, there are two sons whose father divides his property between them. The younger brother sets off for a far-away land and "squanders his wealth in wild living" while the other brother stays and works on his father's field. The younger son spends everything he has and at about the same time a severe famine sweeps across the country. He begins to work for for a man, feeding his pigs, but is given nothing to eat. He discovers that his own father would feed his hired workers and so he decides to return home, but will tell his father: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to become your son; make me like one of your hired men.". But as the son approaches his home, the father sees him and is filled with joy and compassion at the safe return of his son. He runs to him and hugs him, while the son begins to say what he had planned to say. The father ignores him and tells his servants to bring him the best robe and to kill and bring the fattened calf. As they celebrate, the older son hears the music and wonders what is going on. A servant tells him that his brother has come and they have killed the fattened calf because he has come back safe and sound. The older brother becomes angry and reminds his father that after all these years of never disobeying his orders, the father never had even given him a young goat to celebrate with his friends, yet when the son who had "squandered his property with prostitutes" comes home, he kills the fattened calf for him. The part that I loved the most in this story is the father's response. "My son, you are always with me and everything I have is yours. But we must celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and now is found."

What a powerful story and demonstration of Christ's love for each one of us. He desires so much that we know Him and cares so deeply about our heart. Yesterday I listened to a podcast by Matt Chandler called "After the Heart". He made a comment saying that what makes Jesus so difficult is that He goes straight for our heart. Rather than treating the symptoms, He is more interested in where our affection lies. Does our affection lie with Him? Or does it lie in other places? Do I busy myself with religious activity, without having a heart that is transformed? These were all questions that made me think and re-evaluate my heart. I am so thankful that He cares for my heart.

Well, I'm off to study for Español!

I have had such a wonderful weekend that I decided it's worth writing about. And I'm kind of procrastinating on studying....typical.

First of all, me and Seliece went to the Greenbelt Friday afternoon and went on a great hike/walk. Then I came back to the Tridelt house and read Twilight (oh peer-pressure...) until Christy came back from babysitting. She picked me up and we went to Jason's for dinner and both got delicious spinach wraps and soup. Then we returned to the house and grabbed our stuff to go study. She hadn't been to the Cafe Medici on West Lynn so we went there. Erin was working so we chatted for a while and then Christy helped me a little with making a resume, since I figure I should have one on hand while I'm in New York....and I guess just in general. Anyways, while she was helping me she realized that she had a really great connection for me. Last summer Christy worked at a PR agency in New York City called Edelman and worked with a woman named Autumn. However, after the summer Autumn left Edelman and went to work at the American Bible Society, whose main office is right there on Broadway. Both of us went to the website and I immediately realized this was the type of company/non-profit I would want to work for. I loved their mission statement, "to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message." Lately I have left really confused/frustrated on what I want to do when I graduate, even though I know that God is in control,  I also want to be intentional with pursuing what careers might interest me. Anyways, Christy said she would definitely e-mail Autumn on Monday and ask her if I could possibly intern with them while I'm living there in the Spring. It's so neat too, because I looked up where exactly the office was in relation to where the Hovnanian's live, and it is 0.9 miles away....and my walk would be right across Central Park! I thanked the Lord this morning for being good and faithful, despite the inconsistency of my trust in Him to provide. 

So that was Friday. Today has also been great. Me and Jordan both woke up at around 10 and since she needed to go get her car at the house she had left it last night, I took her and then we went to Pacha to get some breakfast. I got 2 breakfast tacos with coffee and she got an acai bowl with granola and a coffee. We sat on the back porch since the weather was perfect and had such a good time talking. I am so thankful that God put us together this semester- she has been such a blessing! After that she went to watch the football game at a friend's and I went to Town Lake. I decided that even though I am currently very out of shape, I am going to try building up my stamina and start running again. It's always super hard the first week or so, but it always gets easier. I decided I was going to do the 4 mile loop, and I did it, even though I probably ended up walking about 85% of it.....baby steps, right? After this I made my way over to Cafe Medici again to "study"....which I will begin doing in about t-5 minutes. They had blueberry bran muffins, my all-time favorite, so I decided this could be my lunch/reward for some intense spanish phonetics reviewing. I need to find other rewards for my behavior besides food....still working on that one. Tonight I think me and Mallory are going to hang out and possibly go to dinner or see a movie, so I'm looking forward to being with her. 

Nana is in town this whole week helping my mom recover from her back surgery, so I'm excited to spend some good time with her! 

New York update: 60 days!

Hasta. 

I get an e-mail sent to me everyday called the "Catch of the Day". I usually delete it, unless I have a few extra minutes or the title "reels" me in.....no pun intended.

Today I found what I read very interesting and refreshing, especially in light of all that has been going on lately with the election. 

Wrong ideas about Christians 

by John Fischer 
Thanks to Marc Drayer for this quote from one of my favorite writers, Dorothy Sayers (1893-1967), who has written on education, women, and Christianity, not to speak of her smashingly famous English mystery novels starring the aristocratic amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey. 

"It is more startling to discover how many people there are who heartily dislike and despise Christianity without having the faintest notion of what it is. If you tell them, they cannot believe you. I do not mean that they cannot believe the doctrine; that would be understandable enough since it takes some believing. I mean they simply cannot believe that anything so interesting, so exciting and so dramatic can be the orthodox creed of the Church." ["The Dogma is the Drama," from Letters to a Diminished Church, by Dorothy Sayers.] 

In that the life and work of Dorothy Sayers spanned the first half of the 20th century, it tells you this thing about people rejecting Christianity for all the wrong reasons certainly isn't new. It could be that Satan knows he can keep people from hearing the good news of the gospel by sidetracking Christians into all kinds of diversions that then become how the world defines us. If so, it appears that it is an old trick of his. 

For years it was all the things we didn't do that had the world believing that a Christian was basically a killjoy. Then Satan got us fighting with each other over doctrine and the world got the idea that a Christian was a nitpicker. Then he got us looking for Satan everywhere (that's right, he diverted us with himself) and we boycotted Halloween and skewered Harry Potter, which caused the world to assume we were freaked out on fear. Then we got into politics and they thought Christians were all conservative Republicans trying to take over the country. 

See how valuable all these diversions are to forming the wrong idea about what a Christian is? The enemy will get people to believe anything about Christians but the truth, and the problem is, we cooperate too much by not staying focused on who we really are, merely sinners saved by grace. 

It's a diabolical strategy to keep the world sidetracked into thinking that Christianity isn't what it is, because what it is is simply too good to be true, and the story of how we came to be saved sinners is still the greatest story ever told. 

I pray that Christians would rise up during this time and not fall into these traps, but be lights and beautiful reflectors of Jesus Christ. 

Today marked a huge day in the history of the United States of America as Barack Obama was named the 44th President of the United States of America.

Even though I don't know exactly what to think about the outcome, I know that God works for the good in all things, so He will do so in this. I also know that He is sovereign over all things and allows things to happen because He is God and not only can see the "big picture", He is the big picture. 

I keep remembering something I heard at church a few weeks ago, and that is that social justice must be coupled with the cross of Jesus Christ to succeed. No president is going to fix our human nature and all the change and hope and love and peace and unity in the world won't either. 

My prayer for America is that through this, we would not focus on the inabilities or inadequacies of the president elect or divide over issues which will never fully be resolved or settled, but rather we would unite in the fact that we are all humans in need of a Savior. 

The verse that just came to my mind is a verse that many people have heard and read a million times, but holds so much truth and hope. The truth is not hidden, we just have to seek it. 

John 3:16-17

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

I love countdowns...

I'm in Spanish class, but just thought I would give a quick update. 

There are 6 weeks left of school.

There are 56 days until Christmas.

There are 70 days until I'm in New York.

I'm babysitting the Bryant kids 12 more times. 

There are 5 more days until the election.

There are 174 more days until I am  21.

I think that's it....

Oh, and Texas has been ranked #1 three weeks in a row...and hopefully will remain there after we beat Texas Tech this weekend...

I love countdowns. 

Oh, and just an update: 80 days til New York!

Yaneth

This morning I went to church with Yaneth (for the longest time I just called her Yanet, but after about 3 months she finally let me know it's pronounced and spelled "Yaneth"). Yaneth works at Pure Austin, so I met her this summer and even though I don't work there anymore we have kept in touch since she lives in the St.John's area of Austin, which is only about 10-15 minutes away from campus. The church was off Cesar Chavez and called Iglesia Pentecostal Unida Hispana. It was such a great experience and reminded me of the church my family went to in Costa Rica called Principe de Paz (Prince of Peace). 

One of my favorite things was seeing their reverance for God. Each time someone came in and sat in one of the white pews they knelt and prayed on their knees. I think if it had been a few years ago I would have thought it was over the top and probably a little strange, but seeing it today I really understood and admired it.

After church me and Yaneth went to P Terry's and got a hamburger and fries. It was delicious and a perfect day to eat outside as the weather has been beautiful the past couple of days. Yaneth teaches me so much everytime I see her. She told me today that even though she doesn't have much and has been separated from her son in Honduras for almost 7 years now (he's 16), she knows that she has everything just by knowing Christ in a personal way. 

This week my prayer has been that God would break and humble me in different ways. I feel like He has done this in the way I view people....and hope He continues to, as I know I need it. 

"How deep the Father's love for us

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only son

To make a wretch His treasure."

These are a few of my favorite things...

Raindrops on roses and wiskers on kittens, warm paper packages tied up with.....

No, but really.

Top 10 Favorite things about Austin:

(in no particular order)

1. "Keep Austin Weird." I mean, where else in Texas are you going to find that for a city's slogan? No where.

2. Favorite coffee shops: Pacha, Cafe Medici, and Quack's

3. Favorite restaurants: Z Tejas, Chuys, Upper Crust Bakery, Vivo's, The Steeping Room, FoodHeads, Moonshine, and Vespaio

4. 360 bridge 

5. Town Lake

6. Congress St. and the Capital

7. Texas football games

8. Alamo Drafthouse

9. Live concerts at Stubb's 

10. Being able to wear absolutely anything anywhere...because it's Austin. And no one cares.

It's October....and 100 more days until I'm in New York!

I love the first day of each month. You get to start over and feel fresh. Just like Monday's, but better. And Monday's are just like mornings, but better. Get the sequence? 

Today also marks the 100-day countdown until I am living and breathing New York City. Ahh....so excited! 

Well, nothing more to say for today, just wanted to give an update. 

I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!

Top 10 favorite memories from Summer 2008

In contrast to last summer, where I was in San Diego and pretty much in heaven with 120 other college students who loved Jesus, this summer felt a little more like reality. I definitely did not have the same amount of fellowship or encouragement as I did last summer, however God was still faithful and good, as always, and blessed it. 

So here we go, in no particular order, my top 10 favorite events from the summer of '08:

1. Reuniting with SDSP'ers at David & Britta's wedding- being able to be a part of such a wonderful and God-honoring event!

2. Walking on a gorgeous trail by Michelle Miller's house in Milwaukee- just talking to her and learning so much....she will definitely be a lifelong friend!

3. Visiting Epikos church in Milwaukee with Jon and Michelle- amazing sermon and exciting to see the heart of a modern, but smaller church.....and going to Kop's afterwards for the best custard ever....

4. Enjoying my time in Boulder- the gorgeous flatirons.....my hike with dad and Jared....my bike ride with mom....spending a full day with Elise on pearl street and laying out on the green lawn, getting good time with Nana and Papa

5. Car-tripping to Dallas on July 4th weekend to visit Seliece's sister- driving around on July 4th at 4:30 p.m., wasting time before Truluck's opened at 5 for dinner....then driving 45 minutes after dinner to find a frozen yogurt shop which resembled Pink Berry, getting to spend time with Annie Shamoon

6. Cruising with the fam- sharing a room with Michelle and Jared...having great family time and laughing a lot....eating amazing food, meeting Anna & Dave

7. Spending time outside of work with Pure Austin people- our cooking night when Tiffany, Yanet, Ashlee, and Anne all came over and we cooked a delicious dinner...seeing Yanet laugh hysterically on the trampoline, going to see the Dark Knight with Katy....and having to work the opening shift 5 hours later

8. Having a 2-week sleepover with Anne- being able to talk about pretty much everything with her...

9. Being encouraged by older girls- me and Paige's movie night/coffee date, seeing Adrianne and being able to re-connect with her, meeting Kristina at Pure Austin and having her pursue spending time with me....

10. Loving my time at home (overall)- my talks with mom....being cooked for again...rearranging my room and sleeping in my comfy bed....having a family that loves me and wants the best for me, but also challenges me to grow

Thank you, Lord, for blessing my summer! 

Psalm 136:1

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever."

Goals

Goals are great. and necessary. And since the fall is about to start, what better time to assess where I am and assure I continue to grow and move forward in every area of my life.

I will divide my goals into 4 categories:  Spiritual, Mental, Physical, and Social. 

Spiritually, I would like to continue to spend daily time in the Word and in prayer. I cannot neglect this sacred time with the Lord. It will be crucial in providing me with fuel to get through my day and walk in the Spirit and not the flesh. I must connect with Him daily....this is non-negotiable. 

Mentally, my goal is to get a 4.0 this semester. I know it's going to take work, but after having a rough year last year school-wise and lacking focus, I really am ready to hit the books, even though I may have to be reminded of this many times throughout the semester...

Physically, I would like to be fit. That's all. No more, no less. We'll see how long it takes me to reach this/ find some form of working out that I actually enjoy.....

Socially, I would like to enjoy and get to know more of the girls I'm living with in the Tridelt house. I am so thankful for the fellowship God has already blessed me with! 

 My prayer is that no matter what I am doing or how hectic things get, the Lord would give me the strength and diligence to press on, asking him simply to help me do "the next thing". 

Oh how I love rainy days!

This summer I have been living with my family, which has been great not only because the place I work is so much closer than it was from my apartment, but it really has been wonderful just hanging out with them and having a nice place to stay. Anyways, but on Wednesday, everyone left for Houston. Michelle and Jared are coming back this afternoon and my parents won't be home until Sunday. 

So, the past 2 nights I have held it down with Tico (our 10-year old chocolate lab, and guardian) and it has been sooo relaxing. At first I wanted to spend the night with Anne, who is subleasing my room at the apartment for the summer, but then I realized that what I really wanted to do was just be quiet and rest. Anyways, on Wednesday night, after having dinner at Chuy's with Angie and hanging out a little afterwards, I just watched some tv, read for a while, and went to bed. 

But last night was even better! After having coffee with a girl named Adrienne in the morning and then working from 11-3, I decided that I was going to have a movie night all by myself. All day yesterday it had been raining in Austin off and on and therefore last night was just screaming movie night. So this is how it went down:

1. Blockbuster to rent 3 movies: The Way We Were, Bella, and Super-Size Me (this was the wild card...the only one I hadn't seen and had been curious to watch something that may make me question the next time I'm tempted to drive through McDonald's for their delicious breakfast sandwiches and french fries...)

2. Pick up dry cleaning next door to Blockbuster...ah how I love convenience....

3. Order take out from Pei Wei- orange chicken, fried rice, and 2 spring  rolls....mmmm

4. Come back home, turn the A.C. down, change into my p.j.'s, and snuggle up on the couch to watch The Way We Were....this one had to be first, it makes me cry like a baby and I just love the story and looking at Robert Redford's young, beautiful face...

I wish it would rain more, because it really does the body/soul good to have a night like this once in a while....

Purpose

As many of you know, the word "verdad" means "truth" in Spanish. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is when Jesus says in John 14:6 that He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life". It really is comforting to me that despite the twisted world we live in, where we are constantly given lies to believe and  truth is disguised, Jesus says that He is the Truth. 

I want this blog to be about Jesus and hopefully encouraging those who know Him, to encounter Him daily and grow deeper in their relationship with Him, and for those who don't, to perhaps explore more of what this guy, who said he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (a pretty bold statement in my opinion...), is all about. 

Although my blogs will inevitably dabble in many topics and everyday life scenarios, I hope that I can still remain Christ-centered and focused.