CT & Blueberry

Howdy! What an incredible weekend! Yes, Dad and I made it to Northland last weekend, and, as you can see from the pics, our visit was successful. :) The play was great, but the greatest thing about the weekend was the fellowship. Our extension team from last year was together for the first time since last May, which was a momentous occassion! Not to mention the addition of several important individuals as well (i.e. Janelle, Dave, & Tim :) ). Saturday morning Jeremiah and my Dad took pics and Scotty, Janelle, and myself had barrels and buckets of fun racing the cars, with Tim standing by as support. There was just enough snow on the ground to make things really, really fun. :) Jeremiah took over 200 pictures which will, Lord willing, be converted into some sort of illustrations for my book (which needs a title... any suggestions?).

So, this is C.T. (short for Cherry Tomato) and Blueberry, the two little Metros made famous by a series of short stories written by yours truly. These two little cars have a little TOO much fun racing each other (always within speed limits, of course) as well as doing spins and donuts in the snow. Fun, fun times and great memories!

This picture (or one like it) will probably end up on the back of the book. Introducing (drumroll, please) the Faith Baptist Church extension team of 2005-2006!!!! (YAY-- applause, applause, WHAA!!! :) ) Last weekend we enjoyed revisiting some of our unique inside jokes (like Whaa!-- don't ask :) ). So, this is us: Ashley, Scotty, Sara, Jeremiah, & Verity.

Photos above courtesy of my Dad. Other photos to come shortly!

Cuvulti! Whaa!

alc

Surprises :o)

I love it how the Lord surprises us, even when we are disappointed when things didn't work out "my way." (When will I learn that God's way is ALWAYS best?!) So, we weren't able to go to Northland to take pictures this past weekend, but, as you can see, I have pictures of C.T. Yes sir, Jeremiah and Scotty took time out of their Saturday to go driving around campus taking pictures for my book. I had NO idea that they were still going to do that, so you can imagine my surprise and delight when I was given 105 pictures of C.T. to add to my computer! I'm not sure if they read this or not, but that gesture meant a whole lot to me... they are great friends! :) The Lord worked other details out for the weekend as well, which only showed me that His hand was upon all of last weekend's events.

I have to be able to brag a little bit, too. :) This is the adorable, cute-as-a-bug's-ear, Rebekah Kay Comstock, who is my little adopted "niece." She is 6 months old and as cute and funny as can be! How one little package can bring so much joy is beyond me, but God certainly has made babies special. She is a joy to us college kids and the light of her mommy's and daddy's eyes. :) Blessings upon you, little one!

It was a good weekend with Sara, Steph, and the guys. We girls had some good fellowship (and even some good naptime-- yay for naps!!! :) ). This week has started off well, though there is much to be accomplished in it! Lord willing, we are headed to Northland this weekend to see the lovely Sara as the leading lady in the fall drama-- yay! I am looking forward to seeing friends I haven't seen in a long time as well as meeting new ones. :)

Don't forget to vote tomorrow, Nov. 7th!!!!

Blessings,

alc

My God is Awesome!

Cuvulti!

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God" Ps. 42:11.

Hope in God... precious words in the midst of turmoil and grief. Our God is awesome... He makes even heartbreaking things work to His glory! It was so cool... I had asked some close friends to pray for my family during this time of loss, and two of them wrote immediately that they were praying for God to be glorified, which I had been praying but had not verbalized to either of them. Well, God answered abundantly! The gospel was clearly presented at the funeral, and we believe that several lives were changed as a result. Praise God! Continue to pray for the family, especially my Dad and my cousins Ryan and Sarah, who have lost their mom.

God makes disappointments to work for His glory as well. Dad and I are not going to Northland tomorrow to take pictures because of a funeral in Pastor's family. Thus, I am teaching school all day tomorrow. I am disappointed not to be able to go, yet I am rejoicing that I am able to serve in this small way. Some things are just more important. But, just for kicks, I put my only picture of C.T. & Blueberry at the top of this entry. :) Lord willing, we will be able to reschedule our photo shoot. :)

The Lord continues to teach me to rely on Him and be satisfied in Him. He is enough... more than enough! I continue to put in about 40+ hours of work each week... that is getting wearing on me. But, the Lord has provided the two jobs for right now, so I will be thankful!

The Christmas program continues to progress... we started seriously working on music this week. It never ceases to amaze me how we go from not knowing a song at all (the initial practices are almost comical because the songs sound so terrible) to having it be a piece that glorifies God! It excites me every time I open up a new piece of music and introduce it to the kids. Sometimes it's hard to believe that it will become presentable, though. :)

Well, that's what goes on in a Chanda Panda world. :) Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Because of Him,
chanda panda

PS-- Donut Day tomorrow!!! ;)