Many years ago tomorrow....

Merry Christmas friends,

Crazy that it's Christmas, huh?? It honestly seems like graduation was yesterday. Crazy!! Anyway, last night, I found myself journaling for quite some time. It's weird to have all these mixed emotions around the holidays. Mostly because any emotion other than joy seems trivial in the light of what Christmas actually is. Anyway, I was journaling and then turned my journal entry into the lyrics to a song. I dont really have a tune for it, or a chorus... but the verses are there. I guess I just wanted to share those verses with all of you.

Watching lives around me and wishing they were mine
I fear I'm quickly losing all I've, slowly, come to find
Time flows like rushing waters yet seemingly stands still
It's now I hope my faith is far stronger than my will

I wrestle with the knowledge that I am meant for more
If only You could move in me the way you have before
Many years ago tomorrow You came into this world
and later died in agony to save this lonely girl

It's hard to know the future is not for me to know
and still be surely certain there's a place for me to go
But, many years ago tomorrow you assured me that was true
and living in that trust today is the least that I can do.

I hope you all have a great holiday weekend and I'll talk with you later! Love you!

"For unto you a child is born..."
Tempa

It is well...

Good evening,

Now I know this may sound silly, but lately I am finding myself being moved by music more than usual. More than usual...you say to yourself... Is that possible?? Well, I'm here to tell you first hand that it is not only possible... it is happening. As I was journaling last night, one of my favorite hymns popped into my head. Well, actually, just the words popped into my head, I had to call Kate for the tune. But anyway, I wanted share the lyrics, and quite possibly some of my thoughts, with you.

"It is well with my Soul"
When peace like a river, attendeth my way;
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan shall buffet, though trials will come
let this blessed assurance control;
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate
and hath shed His own blood for my soul.

He lives--oh, the bliss of this glorious thought;
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Oh my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when our faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trumpet shall sound, and the Lord shall descend;
Even so, it is well with my soul...

Seriously, those words penetrate my life with a comfort and peace that is beyond explanation. I read the background of this hymn, it's origin and whatnot. The man who wrote it lived in Chicago during the Fire of 1871. He spent the few years following the fire helping and serving the more than 100,000 homeless. After two years of helping those who fell victim of the Great Chicago Fire, he and his family decided to travel to England for what they then called an "evangelistic crusade". Due to business affairs, he was forced to send his family over the Atlantic first. Their ship never made it, it collided with an English sailing ship and sank within 20 minutes. His wife was able to cling to a piece of floating wreckage (I know, I know... Titanic style!), but his four daughters were killed instantly. Before his departure, he received a telegram from his wife. This telegram read only two words: "saved alone." He then, wrote this beloved hymn.

That, my friends, is faith. That kind of sure-footed, without-a-doubt, Christ centered faith is something that I can only strive for. "Though Satan shall buffet, though trials will come, let this Blessed assurance control. That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and shed His own blood for my soul" I'm not sure if it could be stated better than that? Though Satan will tempt us, and we will suffer... be comforted by the fact that Christ is in control and He's got if figured out. He took my temptation and my suffering and it was nailed to the cross on the Hill. I think the best part of the whole hymn, by far!, is verse three. "He lives!- Oh the bliss, of that glorious thought. My sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross. I shall bear it no more. Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Oh my soul!!" Again, does it get better than that?? Christ lives. How great is that? My sin... not just the quasi-bad stuff... ALL of it... was graciously taken from me and nailed to the cross with flesh and blood. It's not mine anymore. I don't need to carry that weight with me. PRAISE THE LORD!


Goodnight, friends.... and a good night it indeed will be.
Tempa

I'm done!

Hello there,

Well... that's it! Remember back on May 31st when I posted that I wasn't sure what to wear on the first day of my internship?? Well, I do. I remember it as if I posted the sentence last night. I didn't though, I posted it 6 months ago and now my internship is over. Today was the last day of my employment at New Avenues to Independence, Inc. It was kind of sad to leave all my clients behind. Although there is a steady intern turnover every six months, they still get pretty upset when people leave them. Especially now, around the Holidays and whatnot. I wish I didn't have to be "just another intern" to them, you know? I wish I could stay and really watch them grow and progress and all that good stuff. Alas, no can do. I knew this was a 6 month thing when I started it, so I'm not that upset. It's just nice to know I was handing them off to someone that is capable of the job. Erin, the new intern, is really good with all the clients. She makes them comfortable, which (I believe) is the most important thing. It's crazy as crap that I'm finished, though. Six months flew by like it was late for the after-Christmas sales at Barney's. It's also crazy as crap that I have ABSOLUTELY no idea where I will be six-months from now. At first, I was a little freaked out by that idea... basically walking blind through the door labeled FUTURE. Now, I couldn't be more thankful! How great is this time in life, you know?? The "early 20's not really knowing what your future holds flying by the seat of your proverbial pants" time of life. That's where I am and that's where I am happy to be. Not knowing where I'll be in a year, in a month!, isn't scary... it's exciting and knowing that I am relying 100% on the Lord to put me exactly where I am supposed to be makes it the best place I could be right now.

With that.... I am off to watch the Season Finale of the Apprentice. GO JEN! ;)

Blessings,
Tempa

Ah, Memories

Hello,

So, I am not really in the mood to write anything deep or super meaningful tonight. Sorry to all those who wanted me to expound upon the fact that the Today's American portrayal of Christianity is loosely based on anti-abortion and gay marriage and not nearly enough emphasis (if any at all) is put on Loving and being loved by Jesus Christ... which, in fact, is the most important (if not only) component. I may get into that some other time, who knows. Tonight, however, I have decided to continue with the "list" theme and since I am finding myself missing my girls from college, I will make a list involving them. Actually, I will make a list involving Betsy, and only Betsy (not that I miss all the other girls any less!)

Tonight's list:

MY TOP TEN FAVORITE BETSY MEMORIES:
10) Human Relations with Kevin Fiene
9) Singing in the stairwell/Knight Trax
8) Denver Field Experience
7) "Smells like Plastic"
6) NYC (both times and the many times to come, hopefully!!)
5) Ensemble ;)
4) Super Duper MASH
3) Talking with no vowels!!!
2) Pachabel's Cannon Duet ;)
1) CHURCH BELLS!!

Love,
Tempa

member...

Remember how I said I would update this now??? I lied. Till tomorrow~

Postponed...

Hello friends,

I am writing this short blog update tonight as I prepare for a good night's sleep (here's hoping). I had told a few friends (kate and christian, that is) that I would be writing something about the clients I work with and how we can learn from them...etc.... However, I didn't do it last night and I am far to tired to write tonight, especially about something that I have become quite passionate about. THEREFORE, I will attempt to write tomorrow after sessions, so this thing should be updated by tomorrow evening. In the meantime, I'm sure I will think of 7 other things I could easily ramble about on this internet safe-haven we call a Blog.

So, for now, I will bid you all adieu. Goodnight, and have a pleasant tomorrow.

Blessings,
Temp

Georgia on my mind...

Ok, well maybe not Georgia, but there isn't a catchy song title that says "Tons of unrelated jumbled thoughts about nothing specific on my mind", ya know. Anyway... I have a lot on my mind tonight. And, if I do say so myself, there is no better way to express those thoughts than on the ever trusty Blog. So, let's get blogging!

I worked all day today and, although I am sad to say this, I am soooooo sick of Christmas music. I've been hearing "Oh Holy Night" and "Jingle Bell Rock" since early November and seeing Christmas decor since far earlier than that. I'm still filled with the Christmas Spirit, mind you, I could just do without the Home Alone soundtrack played on permanent repeat in my brain!!

Recently, I started reading a book called "Searching for God knows what". It is written by Donald Miller, the author of the AMAZING book 'Blue Like Jazz'. Granted, I am only on the fourth chapter, but this book has already forced me to think about some things that I would have otherwise ignored. That's what happened when I read Blue Like Jazz earlier this summer. Donald Miller has a way of writing that really makes you comfortable with what he is saying. It makes you feel like you are two old friends sharing life over a cup o' joe, and that really allows you to actually think about what you are reading (as opposed to just reading it). I guess I don't have that much else to say about the book. I could probably talk for quite some time about the first four chapters.... so I won't even start. I do, however, encourage you to go purchase one (or both!) of Donald Miller's books. Especially if, for you, faith and the idea of a relationship with Christ is a difficult thing to grasp.

Speaking of a relationship with Christ, that is something else I want to talk about. I am beginning to get a bit honked off about the way Christians are being portrayed in America. Don't get me wrong. I am happy that we live in a country where faith can be expressed and where people want to express it, but I'm finding that those who are expressing it in the media aren't really expressing what it actually is. When Christianity is portrayed as "good ol' boy" politics and judgmental TV evangelists, It's no wonder that people renounce the actuality of our Savior on a daily basis. Christianity is hardly a list of "Thou shalt not's" or a "Holier than thou" mentality. The meaning of Christianity isn't "religion" it's Relationship, and I think that is what Jesus' 12 best friends understood, but what we have a hard time coming to terms with today. Being in a relationship with Christ isn't a burden to bear or a privilege to earn... it is an invitation to be accepted... and I don't think enough people express that.

Ok, as I climb down from atop my soapbox, I should warn you that this hasn't been the best week for me. I've been sick for a few days and I received yet another "Position has been filled" letter from a prospective employer. That's 3 for 3 so far. Rejection sure makes a girl feel special!! I'm finding it rather easy to lose faith in the fact that the Lord has an amazing plan in store for me. I see those around me whose plans are slowly unfolding and I can't help but wish my plan weren't still neatly put away in the linen closet of life. But then I stop and think about it for a moment and realize that this IS my plan. Yesterday.... today.... tomorrow.... it's all part of my plan, or should I say The Plan and, regardless of how much I don't understand( or how much I think I do understand), it's perfect.

Oops, looks like I made a stop on some sort on mini-soapbox on my way down from the other one. Oh well. No harm done. With that, I think I will retire to the sofa and watch me some Trading Spaces.

Walkin' on Sunshine~
Tempa