Sitting with my bible on my lap doesn't help me know the Word better. I can pray all I want, but to know, really KNOW the Word, I need to read it. And understand it. And question it. And remember it. And meditate on it. And memorize it. And apply it.

I guess I better open it.

Four days of Happiness

I get this happy feeling that makes me tingle all over.

I spent approximately 72 hours seeing some of my favorite people all in the same city.  There are four of us.  We are loud, quiet, disciplined, scattered, nervous, confident, silly, goofy and loving.  They are the kind of people that make getting up early to go to the gym possible!  It's safe to say that we were all pretty nervous about spending that much time together.  But we made it--and loved it.  We lounged around, had intense conversations with my parents, walked around Portland, prayed together, discovered new parts of ourselves and our friendships, sang song after song, and ate the most amount of food.  It was amazing to see them embrace what I love most in life with open arms.  They didn't shy away from my  unique family.  They didn't get too uncomfortable with the hours of singing.  They allowed themselves to be introduced to new people and hugged by strangers.  The main thing that stuck out to me is that they did not make me have to choose which world I wanted, even though I was currently in Gresham.  They understood how much my heart is divided into layers; not sections.  I did not feel conflicted or at war or like I was doing this balancing act by having them there.  It just felt so complete and wonderful and made me so, so stinkin' happy.

I got to hang out with my favorite 7 year old.  We just understand each other.  It is amazing how she grows so much even when I am gone for only two weeks.  I cannot wait to see what incredible things she does with her life.  I was nervous about running 6 miles.  Real nervous.  But Jenn and I got back into the familiar routine of breathing, talking, laughing, jamming and the 6 miles hardly mattered any more.  Add to it the fact that our running posse expanded; I was floating with happiness.

The Easter choir was phenomenal.  They were so full of love and praise, I had so much trouble staying in my seat! The mixed ages were great.  The harmonies were so tight.  The spirit was just so evidently there.  It is fun to see all the hours of work and collaboration my parents and others put into the weekend.  They really make magic happen.  (is it sacrilegious to talk about church being magical when I firmly believe in the power of the Holy Spirit? Maybe I should say "magic" instead.) It is so lovely to see others choose to follow God above themselves.  I know part of it was because of the obedience and willingness of others.  And then they played Glorious Day, one of my favorite songs.  My voice fluttered with happiness.

Today for our one a month, the RA team became a roller posse.  Meaning, we all got on our perspective "wheels" (scooter, roller blades, long board, bike, tandem bike) and rolled all around campus.  The sun was out, most of us wore flip flops and we just laughed and laughed and laughed as we rolled around in the sunshine.  It was so carefree.  Nothing about the past or the future mattered because we were all together having glorious fun.   To finish off the ride we stopped at Jack in the Box for some french fries and hot seat.  We are such a different group of people, yet we can have fun with wheels and french fries and just talking.  My peddling feet, my wobbly balance and my liberally-braking hands could not contain the happiness that was all around me.

Needless to say, these past few days have been a complete blessing.  And, did I mention, the sun came out today?