anticipation!

Anticipation sums up most of the emotions at present:

I'm still waiting on a niece/nephew who is officially 3 days overdue. I can't wait to meet her/him! Any moment now. :)

Along those lines, I'm also anticipating the baby shower we're holding for Jane and the baby on August 5 at our house. What fun that'll be :)

My birthday is in just 11 more days, too. Woohoo! I'll be 20! (FINALLY!)

I've been seeing a lot of Calvin, lately, by visiting L-schel over in the Knollcrest East apartments, so I'm even more excited about moving in 3 weeks from tomorrow! It'll be great to be back on campus. I've missed it this summer.

I'm looking forward to the growth and adventure of being on the Barnabas team. I can't wait to meet "my girls" in Kals! I've become more aware of my "gauges"-- emotional, spiritual, physical-- and it's easier to know when I need to recenter myself. I don't feel guilty when I don't study a discipline like I've been trying to do, or when I skip a reflection, but I definitely feel a nudge towards those things. My conscience (and the Spirit) is gently bringing me back to the things that truly bring me peace.


Speaking of which, I'd like to share a little bit of another puritan prayer that I found a good reminder:

May I scandalize none by my temper and conduct, but
recommend and endear Christ to all around,
bestow good on every one as circumstances permit,
and decline no opportunity for usefulness.
Grant that I may value my substance,
not as the medium of pride and luxury,
but as the means of my support and stewardship.
Help me to guide my affections with discretion,
to owe no man anything,
to be able to give to him that needeth,
to feel it my duty and pleasure to be merciful and forgiving,
to show to the world the likeness of Jesus.

--Jesus My Glory (second half) from "Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions" by Arthur Bennett

And speaking of books, I would HIGHLY recommend The World is Flat: A brief history of the 21st century. It is unbelievable. I have learned so much. (And when I'm done with that one, it's on to Harry Potter :) Hehe)


Love,
Betsy