I get it now...

As I drove away from an incredible weekend in Abilene I was reminded of a conversation I once had with my Daddy (yes I am 23 and still call him daddy). I asked him why he wanted to go back to Abilene all the time and even live there again. He said one day you will get it. Well, I did, I got it. While getting on the loop to head back to San Antonio I got it. At that moment I understood what he was talking about. The love, the community, the hugs, the smiles, the laughter, the friendships, the campus, and the familiarity of the small town. I like Abilene, I said it and I mean it.
This weekend was so great not only to get away but to spend time with people that I used to see everyday on my way to class or on my work "errands" that took me hours. Sing song was wonderful, weird to not be a part of the show, but sweet to look on from the audience and watch a 2 minute segment that I knew had been worked on and toiled over for months to get it perfect and perfect it was, drama and all.
I got to see and visit with old friends that were part of my life for four years and still are in different ways. It is great to go back and eat the food, see the people, and of course sing 'The Lord bless you and Keep you'.
Hall and I soaked up every minute while we were there. We ran back in Moody when we heard of the malfunction, we walked around campus, we went to the mall, we ate with best friends, we stayed with a best friend, I got to eat with an old friend that was there for lectureship and just soak up his wisdom and hear more of his journey, we ate at Rosas, Bueno, Chicken Express, shopped in the campus store, and just saw friends the entire time. I asked a few times if there was anything else Hall wanted to do while in Abilene and all she said was, "walk around campus". Reading this you might think I still live in the old days, the college years, but I do not. I was just reminded this weekend of how great it was and how much it impacted my life and how awesome the friends I have from that experience.
So, friends, thanks for what you mean to me. It was great seeing you all this weekend and catching up on how life is and all that it brings.

Bison Country...

Right now I write to from Harding's Student Center, that is right all you wildcats I crossed over to the other side. I am realizing the differences, the pros and cons and why all people that go to either university love whichever one they are at, most of the time.
I just learned I am actually in the "pit". It is pretty cool all decked out with a fireplace, TV, java city, smoothie company, bookstore, university store, and plenty of food places. Granted they cannot live off campus so they must cater to freshman through senior, but it is a pretty big place arranged very uniquely. Now, Searcy does not have much to speak of except a Wal Mart and those started in Arkansas so I hope every town in this state has one.
The basketball game last night was a blast, this is one thing Harding has over ACU. The gym was packed and all the students wore black, some freaks painted their faces. They have a lot of school spirit and I enjoyed that and listening to them yell different things together after certain plays or events. A few examples: when someone has 4 fouls they all hold up four fingers then yell, "1,2,3,4 uh oh somebody is in trouble" then point to that player and say, "you, you, you, you, you." When they foul out as the player walks back to the bench they go, "left, right, left, right" all the way to the seat, then go, "sit down". It was pretty funny b/c 2 guys fouled out last night so the team caught on to what they did. When the second fouled out he walked to the bench and acted like he was going to sit and went down and they all started to yell, then he got back up. I think I was the only one that was not from the other team that laughed out loud. After a 3 is made they yell, "O-le, O-le, O-le, O-le". It was just fun.
Chapel was a little old fashioned. They take roll by seats, so I cheated for someone today by sitting in their seat when they were gone, you are welcome whomever you are. Pros and cons to sliding in and out. You can sit wherever you like daily. But, it is hard to get others to slide for you. Here, you can just get someone to sit in your seat, a little get my back and I will get yours.
So, saying all of this has led me to believe that it is all about the people you meet. I met amazing people at ACU and would not change that for the world, I will change the world b/c of it though, haha. I also believe that if I were to go to say Pepperdine or Harding I would have met amazing people at those places as well. We are all going to want things to be different wherever we are and most of the time want to be elsewhere. All places have rules and regulations some more than others i.e. Harding and ACU, but both are great. Here is the thing be where you are and be who you are called to be. Sure it is always greener on the other side, but only if you water the other side. Water your side, make it better.
p.s. Anyone see my girl Kelly C. win not 1 but 2 grammy's that is right people. It was a tad disheartening that I did not get a thanks, but whatev.

How Great is Our God...

The title of this blog is absolutely my favorite song right now. I think it will be for a long time to come. It is sung by Chris Tomlin. It is a song that, believe me, you do not want to be in the car with me when it comes on the radio b/c I belt it out as though I were Faith Hill or Kelly Clarkson. The title says it all but it goes beyond that. I have no clue where this is going just work with me here. He is so great. Lately I have tried to look around at the small things and I have realized that He is in it all, I knew that, it is just very evident at this moment. I lose focus when I look at the big picture of things. He absolutely goes before us and prepares the way. I can see that all around me with the friends he has blessed me with everywhere I go and the things he puts in my hand to do or to be a part of. Right now I am overwhelmed with His love and the way he puts it all together for us. Wow. I can think back to even an hour ago and see why He did that. Often times though I do not see the reason until years later. Look around today and see where He has placed you and know it is for a reason. You might think it is crappy and ready to move to the next place, but be there for Him and bless those around you. Love you guys. I could write all day, but I will spare you.
We lost our game, again, Sat. We only have 2 more left. I think I will miss losing, nah, the kids though.
DNow this weekend was great. I got to see many friends and through them were greatly encouraged.
Kami has given us choices for bridesmaid dresses and she got her dress, it is coming together.
Sing song is near. I must fix my speaker before we go b/c I made a promise and b/c it is flat annoying when it acts up.
Encourage someone today.
Thought for the day: I wish it were still cool to tuck in your shirts. Thought about b/c Austin noticed they all have their shirts tucked in on the front of the lectureship booklet.