Friday, October 30, 2009

Costumes and Lost Sponges

I know that God has been laughing a lot this week. Mostly because I've been doing dumb stuff. So God has been laughing and going, "What on earth is she doing?"

First, I think that He really laughs at Halloween. I don't believe He thinks it is worshipping the devil or anything weird like that. I think God watches us dress up, looking like fools, and just laughs and laughs and laughs. For example, we got extra credit for my music class to dress up. So in my lameness, my costume for this year is simply a cowgirl. I have a plaid tunic, brown leggings, cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat. It looked good. But one kid in our class was a plug. He literally had a big cloth plug wrapped around him. It was hilarious. We had to sing to another class in our costumes. While they laughed, I think God was definitely laughing.

Then last night I asked my roommate if she used my sponge. She said no. I couldn't figured out where it went because I had used it this week. So I literally tore apart my closet looking for it. Looked in my shoes and everything. I stood up, very confused and realized that it had managed to fall out of the closet and was placed conveniently right beside my bag, BEHIND where I was sitting.

Sarah and I just laughed. A lot. Because really, it was dumb.

I'm really blessed. It's been a good week and I love my friends. This weekend is going to be a great weekend. Campfire tonight, Bible study retreat in the morning with muffins, tea, and fabulous ladies, and then a fun, safe costume party tomorrow night. It'll be a great weekend.

Blessings!!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

God enjoys my sarcasm...I think.

God has laughed a lot in the past few days.

Not at me, but with me.

Wednesday...he laughed when I slipped on an apple and nearly wiped out in the middle of the walkway. I laughed a lot at this, I bet He did too.

Yesterday- I KNOW God was laughing watching our ACMO rehearsal. We are people who love music and who love to be goofy. If anything, He was getting a sneak peak into the show and into our true selves. (As if He didn't already know what that actually looked like.)

Today- As I was panicking about missing trains (I missed two opportunities because the train I was on was severely delayed), God was laughing at how all things work out. Because I had time to go to the bathroom and buy a snack before getting on a train. Instead of running, I could walk.

I need to remember that HE is in control...not me.

As I attend two funerals this weekend, I know that my happy, joyful God will walk with me too. Only this time, He won't laugh...He'll cry with me.


I'm blessed...I hope you see that you are too.
Alyssa

Monday, October 19, 2009

Mountain Top

This weekend I went on a retreat with University Christian Fellowship, the Christian group that I am an active member of on campus. A lot of my friends were going so I was excied to spend time with them and with God.


Seriously, I haven't felt that close to God in a very long time. We had a great band worshipping with us, a great speaker, and just fabulous people to fellowship with. I truly felt God working among us and think that it was a powerful experience for many people gathered.


I was especially blessed to connect to my friend Radi because he was in my small group. Although we are friends, God truly brought us together this weekend. We are now connected on a much deeper level and for that I am so thankful.


The funniest part of the weekend was definitely playing the game Curses...with my pastor. :-D It is a fun game where you get to curse another player with something ridiculous to do for the game (like: speak like a pirate, howl every time someone claps, say something that rhymes whenever you speak...etc.) So one of the UCF pastors decided to join in our game on Saturday. It was one of those moments when you know that God is laughing with you. One of his curses was to act like a pro wrestler everytime someone gave him a curse card. When I gave him one, he stood on a chair and tackled me. True story. We all laughed so hard and it was just a blessing to share in some laughter and joy.




here's my pastor, Duane, and friend Kylee...they are cursed.


My girls...Brooke, Kate, Sarah, and me






Thursday, October 15, 2009

Not All the Humorous, but Worthy of Noting


So it's been a little while. I am back at school after fall break. Breaks are always too short. Enough said.

Yesterday I learned that my great-uncle Ray passed away after battling pancreatic cancer for the past 6 months. In no way was it funny to hear about this, but I know that he was in pain. I would bet that his wife will be soon to follow him. She's very sick as well. I only ask for prayers for his immediate family, especially my pop-pop who was very close to him. However, in receiving the news from my mom, we couldn't help but laugh at the drama that goes along with our family as well as reminiscing about the happy moments with Uncle Ray. I guess I will count our laughter as God sneaking in some joy among the sadness.

Another moment of God trying to be funny is with today's weather at Millersville. This evening I have to lead a care group lesson (which I just planned an hour ago), do musical blocking for an hour, go to a meeting for an hour, and then go back to musical rehearsal and do more blocking. Why is this humorous? Because it is about 35 degrees outside and pouring down rain. I guess God will enjoy the sight of my dancing in rainboots.


I promised pictures of my new room! So here they are.
Enjoy. I'll try to find some pictures of my room before it looked like this!
Peace,
Alyssa







Monday, October 12, 2009

Revamp and Remodel

You may notice that the title of this blog has changed. As I fell asleep last night, I realized that I wanted this blog to actually connect to people. I didn't want it to just be about my rambling on. I wanted people to read it and be able to relate. Or in this case laugh.

I often say when something ironic, creepy, or a little off-color happens, that it's God's sense of humor kicking in. I know that someone besides me has to think this so I decided that it's the focus I want to take with this.

Often times when things are rough or not really all that funny, it helps to find something light about the situation. My hope is that I can do that even when the situation's I am in are not the most uplifting or pleasant.

So here's to a new start...of a pretty new blog. Advice, comments, and thoughts are always welcome.

Peace,
Alyssa

Friday, October 9, 2009

Wicked Dance Moves and New Paint

So I am finally on fall break! It has only taken this week super long to get to this point, but finally, we are here.

Yesterday was insane. I had three classes, care group dinner, care group, ACMO rehearsal, SWAT meeting, then back to ACMO throughout the day. However, we worked on our dance moves for One Short Day. I love it! It is like our own Glee Club. When I got back to my room though, I basically crashed. After a day like that though, you know that you used your time wisely.

When I came home today I was greeted by a whole new bedroom. Before I left for school, I realized that I really wasn't happy with how my room looked. So my mom took it upon herself to redo it. It is truly beautiful. I love it! I will be sure to post pictures soon.

It feels great to be home. Time to relax, recharge, refocus, and regroup. I love my family so it's great to be back with them.

I am so blessed. I love that I can always see that, even among the stress.

Peace.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Solfege Syllables and Crazy Swedes

It is amazing how as fall break (or any break) is on the horizon, the days seem to drag on without end. That is how this week has been going. I can't wait to see my wonderful family this weekend so therefore, the days are slowly inching by.


This morning started off with my roommate and I having to take our music performance test. After an hour of practice on Sunday night, two hours last night, and run throughs this morning at breakfast, we ROCKED it. Our professor was really impressed with our ability to nail everything he threw at us. I felt great when I walked out of that room.


The rest of my classes actually went quite fast but this afternoon was a little blech. I didn't feel so well and some things got moved around. But my friend Mike, a fellow Orientation Leader, had invited me to a young adults thing at his church. They meet every Tuesday and this one happened to be a game night. So I decided to go.


I hear game night and I think: Parcheesi, Sorry, Pictionary, Apples to Apples...like this.


What we played: A Swedish game called Kimball.


This game involved lots of running, colored shirt teams, an enormous ball, and yelling. It was athletic, which I did not expect, nor was I properly dressed for. However, it was some of the most fun I've had doing something athletic. The people at this church were really wonderful and I really am looking forward to going back.



Here's Mike and I...we didn't look like this at the end of the game. We were gross.




So it turned out to be a pretty great day.

Simply put, I am so freaking blessed!

Peace,
Alyssa

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Breadsticks, Dressing Rooms, and Fame

This has been a fabulous weekend in my life.


Last night I went out to Olive Garden with 3 of my best friends. We ate our way through 4 baskets of breadsticks, a bowl of salad, and our meals. We then went to the mall and had a lovely time shopping. Retail therapy exists. My roommate and I had a great time trying on clothes and both managed to find some really great pieces. Then we went out for frosties and ended the night with some singing in the car.


After a day full of homework and productiveness, a group of us girls went to see Fame tonight. I loved it. It makes me miss music though. And all of the things that I had one time hoped to accomplish. By the end of the movie, I was literally crying. It's hard to realize that you have no idea what you want to do with your life.



Who do I want to be? Where do I want to leave my mark? Who will I be?


These questions I will continue to ponder.


Here's us girls by the Fame sign.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Cancelled Class, Apple Dumplings, and Dancing

Today, my last class was cancelled. So I had 1 hour and 15 minutes more of life than I expected. What a blessing!


Then I went to dinner and it was Apple Festival night at the dining hall. I had an apple dumpling. It was very delicious. This is one of many reasons why I adore the fall. (I shall list these at some point) But alas, that was a great part of my evening.


And then to the not so fun, but still kind of fun part of my night- the crazy stuff that is going to ensure in approximately 35 minutes. I have to: lead a care group lesson on Samson from 6:30-8, then run across campus to musical rehearsal for an hour, then run back to this side of campus for a work meeting.


While the busyness of this may seem like the bad part, it isn't half of it. Why?


Because rehearsal tonight (only my second ever! for a musical thing) involves choreography.


They may as well stick me in the middle of a muddy ice skating rink in high heels because that's about how good I'm going to look dancing. I guess I'll just have to get by with my singing.


Somehow I think my musical friends (below) will be able to help me.

Simply put, I am truly blessed.

Peace,
Alyssa