Graduation Celebrations

Kebab's - My favorite dinner ever!

An official graduate

Good Goodbyes

Is is really possible to make goodbyes good? As much practice as I have had in my 29 years of life, I never seem to get good at goodbye. Honestly I just want to avoid the reality that my time here in Wake Forest is almost over. I have been blessed beyond measure in the last two years. So now as much as I am looking forward to this summer in Canada I am equally sad to leave this part of my life behind.

So to clear my mind so that I can focus on a few more papers that need to be written before they will actually give me that diploma I was thinking it was time to write a blog, next post will hopefully be pictures of me in a funny hat with a diploma in my hand!

Instead of thinking about all that I am leaving behind, I want to focus on all that I have been given, all that I have learned and experienced, and all of the friendships that will continue on. I want to REMEMBER all that God has done and celebrate all that is yet to be seen as I go to a new new place. So yes this is going to be a good goodbye.

Happy Easter
He is Risen!

I was reading in Romans this morning and remembering once again the gift of the Gospel. As I sat outside enjoying the beautiful Spring morning Paul's boldness and clarity in expressing the wonder of the gospel that brings us out of darkness and impurity into the light of grace by faith in Christ Jesus. What hope and peace I have safe in the power of God.

I was also thinking of last year and celebrating the arrival of Selah Elle to the family. So just in case I don't blog again before the 10th - HAPPY BIRTHDAY #1 SELAH!

And Happy Birthday David!

Something New I am Trying

This month I have set several goals for myself, one of them being to be more diligent about hiding the Word in my mind and heart.

I have been working on one verse per week (a small goal for some a huge goal for me in consistency) I found a few fun online sources to help me out in this goal the first being www.memorizenow.com and then www.wordle.net

where I was able to create this:

The FINAL List! 29 of 29 - Success

For my final blog - more about me - I know you are already excited

"Lethaology"

- Again I took this idea from Heidi so check out her blog to see her version.

FOODOLOGY:
1. What is your salad dressing of choice? Ranch
2. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Something Ethic? definitely something Indian
3. What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Sonic or Arby's
4. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Apples and Peanut Butter
5. What are your pizza toppings of choice? ham and pineapple.
6. How many televisions are in your house? One (but what does this have to do with food?)

BIOLOGY:
7. Are you right-handed or left-handed? Left.
8. Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Teeth.
9. Have you ever been knocked unconscious? I don't think so
10. Have you ever fainted? Nope.

RANDOMOLOGY:

11. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No.
12. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Never I have always LOVED my name because I was named after Letha Bishop and because I never knew anyone else with it
13. How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Too many to count, I just got a new pair they are fabulous and only 5$
14. Last person you talked to? My roommate, Nikki

FAVORITOLOGY:
15. Season? Anything but Winter
16. Holiday? Christmas.
17. Day of the week? Any day with friends - Friday is always good
18. Color? Purple.
19. Drink? Strawberry Limeade in America - Fresh Lime juice other places

CURRENTOLOGY:
20. Missing someone? All my family
21. What are you listening to? Taylor Swift and my roommate and Jonathan talk
22. Worrying about? My car and therefore money
23. What's the last movie you saw? Watched Return to Me last night
24. Do you smile often? As often as possible
25. If you could change your eye color what would it be? Grey
26. Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Both.
27. Do you have an accent? No, I don't think.
28. Plans tonight? Just got home from visiting Autumn, going with Lauren out for dinner and dance class, and now about to watch Star Wars with my roommate and her boy.
29. Have you held hands with someone today? Nope.
And extras just for FUN:

30. Who was the last person you took a picture of? Tasha and Lane at Autumn's Shower
31. Do you like pulpy orange juice? Yes.
32. Last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? Sadly, I have no idea
33. What were you doing at 12 a.m. last night? Sleeping in bed.
34. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Get up - you have stuff to get done today!

List #28 - 29 Things from my 28th year

1. Went to Virginia in the spring to see Dad! He took me for my first time to the Atlantic Ocean!

2. Went to Portugal in the summer to see the Bustrums! They took me for my first swim in the Atlantic Ocean!

3. In Portugal got to see the new world of my sister, brother-in-law, and amazing nieces

4. Toured Lisbon visiting historic sites, castles and museums

5. Learned that I love Portuguese Cafe - nothing compares

6. Moved two doors down (to live with Autumn)

7. Went to at least 4 weddings this summer

8. Went to the Happiness Retreat as a chaperon - loved it!

9. Went to my first "dance" at the retreat

10. Explored and learned more about Raleigh

11. Moved up with my two year olds at church and became a Puggles leader

12. Finally got me nose pierced and my best girl friends came along for the event - fun memories

13. Backed up my car into a Sonic sign and broke my car window (I am just now able to enjoy my Strawberry Limeades again - And I love them!)

14. Studied a lot but probably not as much as I should have

15. Started working at an intern at Pregnancy Support Services of Wake Forest

16. In South Carolina met my beautiful niece Selah for the first time!

17. DeLaughter's came to visit me in Wake Forest, NC

18. My car had multiple issues

19. My computer stopped working - got a new one

20. Moved again, this time around the corner (Autumn's Getting Married!)

21. Got hit by a deer on the way to the airport

22. Went to Washington to see family

23. Spent a Sunday in Downtown Seattle - took my picture at the original Starbucks

24. Ate an oyster - YUCK!

25. Was introduced to the world of Wii Fit by my nephews and sister

26. Went to Vancouver for Christmas

27. Said goodbye to Grandpa Enbody, until I see him again in heaven

28. Spent New Year's in Longview, Wa with family

29. Snow day in Wake Forest - house church, sledding and hot chocolate

#27 Things I want to do in my life

1. Go to Disney World

2. Take a proper road trip

3. Go to Six Flag Amusement Park

4. Climb another mountain or the same mountain for that matter

5. Finish all my scrapbooks

6. Graduate from Seminary (so happening in May!)

7. Visit the Eiffel Tower

8. Learn to drive stick shift

9. Be able to speak Arabic (or another language) effectively

10. Fall in love and get married

11. Have kids

12. Live focused on Jesus more every day

13. Go to a proper museum

14. Be in a place longer than a few years

15. Build a home

16. Go down 1 or 2 more dress sizes

17. Have a collage made of my door pictures

18. Have all my belongings in one place

19. Stay in contact with friends as we continue spread out over the world

20. Travel the world with someone

21. Go back overseas

22. Hide in my heart more Scripture

23. Hear Sara Groves sing in concert (I know I heard her before, but I didn't appreciate the value of the moment at that time)

24. Visit Zanzibar again (the best beaches anywhere!)

25. See a show on Broadway

26. Visit every continent (Australia, South America, questionable about Antarctica)

27. Write a book that is worthy of reading

28. Begin to sew things again

29. Work to educate women in health, life skills and the knowledge that they are worthy to be a daughter of the loving King.

List #26 - A few of the many roommate I have had

Starting with the most recent...

1. Briana

2. Nikki

3. Autumn

4. Allison

5. Heather (Hodges) Susee

6. Judith

7. Esther

8. Bekkah

9. Becca

10. Ami

11. Ann

12. Lori

13. Julie

14. Debbie

15. Bambi

16. Sarah

17. Krista

18. Joanna

19. Bekah

20. Heather Akins ( I think I roomed with you the longest)

21. Leah

22. Kristie

23. Karen

24. Jasmeet

25. Kelly

26. Joan

27. Jeanette

28. Nellie

29. Heidi

#25 - 29 I am Statements

I am

1. a girl

2. a daughter

3. a sister

4. a student

5. a learner

6. a reader

7. a follower of Christ

8. an "MK"

9. white

10. a high school graduate

11. a university graduate

12. a nurse

13. an American

14. a sister-in-law

15. an aunt

16. a "support specialist" employee

17. an English speaker

18. a Puggles leader/teacher

19. a church member

20. single

21. a friend

22. made in the image of God

23. a worshiper

24. an intern

25. a licensed driver

26. a sinner

27. confident in Christ

28. saved by faith

29. alive

#24 - 29 Songs worth turning up louder

1. Sara Groves - When the Saints

2. Getty's - By Faith

3. Faith Hill - This Kiss

4. Jamie Jamgochian - Love Irresistable

5. Amy Nobles - Sing to the King

6. Taylor Swift - Our Song

7. Foote - You are God Alone

8. The Corrs - So Young

9. Ace of Base - The Sign

10. Chris Tomlin - Everlasting God

11. Alli Rogers - If I'm Brave

12. Nicole Nordeman - What If

13. Kari Jobe - I'm Singing

14. JJ Heller - Your Hands

15. Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas

16. Bebo Norman - The Only Hope

17. BarlowGirl - Harder than the first time

18. FFH - Daniel

19. Caedmon's Call - There you go

20. Chantel Kreviazuk - Feels Like Home

21. Toto - Africa

22. SheDaisy - Lucky 4 You

23. Moulin Rouge - Your Song

24. The Beatles - From me to you

25. Dr. Bombay - Safari

26. The Cranberries - Dreams

27. Dirty Dancing - She's like the Wind

28. No Doubt - Just a Girl (so heard it on the radio recently!)

29. Colbie Caillat - Realize

February 23rd - Happy Birthday Heidi

29 Things about my Heidi

1. Heidi is the youngest of 4 girls

2. Heidi is my only little sister, though I don't think she ever understood or went with the stereotype of what that entails.

3. Heidi was born February 23, 1983 - I don't remember that day

4. I don't think anyone could be more different than me in the world

5. I shared a room with Heidi for a large portion of my life, and I am a better person for it

6. Heidi used to get mad at me a lot, and dig her fingernail into my arm - I have scars to prove it

7. I used to make Heidi play the crazy lady when we played Barbie so that she won't mess up my plot line - and she made a really good crazy Barbie

8. We used to spend hours dividing up the Barbie stuff for each household, sometimes Heidi would choose letting me have what I wanted - that always made me happy

9. I used to be jealous that Heidi got more attention, especially related to school. I wasn't smart enough to stop getting up before everyone else to do my schoolwork - I could have slept in like her and gotten more attention

10. Heidi has skills at asking for things, seriously I don't know how but if we really wanted something as kids I would send Heidi to ask for it

11. Heidi once predicted "Letha you will be a book when you are 25 and a geeck" I still have it in writing.

12. Around the same time Kara also wrote "Letha I think you should were [wear] matching clothes and not live in books. Thank your for sharing a room with Heidi"

13. Heidi loves her animals (I try it's just not in me)

14. Just so it's been said - Heidi loves her husband - Doug - he has been a good addition to the family

15. Heidi got married, correction Heidi eloped - that's the way she does things - always unexpected

16. I never know what Heidi is up to, always something new (note' I'm the opposite, always doing the same things)

17. Heidi came to visit me in Yemen

18. Heidi got to met some of my friends, see some of my favorite places, and relax at the beautiful Elephant Bay with me

19. Heidi drank a Fizzy Wizzy, and tried all the "ethnic" foods

20. Heidi has been to Pizza Hut is a lot of countries

21. Heidi sent me great packages while I lived overseas

22. Heidi now lives in Washington, not far from where she was born, but she has traveled all around the world in the 27 years of her life

23. Heidi loves children

24. Heidi got a new vacuum for Christmas, it was purple - she is getting domesticated

25. To prove #24, Heidi planted a garden

26. Heidi has a blog and is making lists this year too!

27. Heidi turns 27 today

28. Heidi does not like Math (I do)

29. I am excited about living near Heidi again (as least for a short time) and making more memories

#22 - 29 Colors
1. Red
2. Orange
3. Yellow
4. Green
5. Blue
6. Violet
7. Purple
8. Gold
9. Silver
10. Bronze
11. Brown
12. Black
13. White
14. Ivory
15. Pink
16. Lavender
17. Turquoise
18. Baby Blue
19. Navy Blue
20. Magenta
21. Burgundy
22. Lime Green
24. Grey
25. Coral
26. Forest Green
27. Kelly Green
28. Khaki
29.Teal
I promise to be more creative tomorrow - L

#21 "Big Words" that I am stilling learning the full depth and width and significance of their meaning in Christ and for my life

1. Love

2. Sacrifice

3. Grace

4. Joy

5. Hope

6. Faith

7. Wrath

8. Justice

9. Holiness

10. Compassion

11. Perfection

12. Mercy

13. Light

14. Salvation

15. Patience

16. Gentleness

17. Kindness

18. Faithfulness

19. Goodness

20. Everlasting

21. Blessed

22. Freedom

23. Redemption

24. Unity

25. Fellowship

26. Adoption

27. Inheritance

28. Glory

29. Peace

Saturday #20 - 29 Restaurants Most I have been to, some I have not

1. 5 Guys - went today for the first time, fun roommate +1 dinner!

2. Panera Bread

3. Sonic

4. Wendy's

5. Arby's

6. Applebee's

7. Chick-fil-a

8. Zaxby's

9. Olive Garden

10. La Foresta

11. Fiesta Mexicana (not as good as Los Portales but it works)

12. Subway

13. Chili's

14. Olde English Tea Room

15. Las Margaritas

16. Steak and Shake

17. Logan's

18. Carrabba's

19. Neomonde Mediterranean Deli

20. Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant

21. Taj Mahal Indian

22. Shish Kabob

23. Taco Bell

24. Mellow Mushrooms

25. Milton's

26. Papa John's

27. McDonald's

28. Carolina Ale House

29. Quizno's

#19 29 M.A.S.H. Options and for your amusement I share with you my options, but not #1 unless you of course have a suggestion or suggestions

1. Guy

2. His Job

Doctor, Teacher, Engineer

3. Her Job

Rock Star, home health, housewife

4. Pets

Dog, Fish, Lion

5. Wedding Location

Portugal, Cruise, Longview

6. Wedding Month

June, September, April

7. Dress color

Ivory, White, Tea Stained Satin

8. Tux color

Black, Khaki, Blue

9. Money/Income

Rich, Really Rich, So-So

10. Kids

5, 10, 2

11. Honeymoon

Europe, Yemen, Cruise

12. Place to live

Middle East, South Asia, China

13. His car

Piki, expedition, truck

14. Her car

volvo, new crv, station wagon

15. Maid of Honor

Heather, Stephanie, Julie

16. Best Man

his brother, his best friend and his old roommate

17. Firstborn boy name

Zebulun, Jeremiah, Jonah

18. Firstborn girl name

Jocelyn, Ava, Kelly

19. House color

Brown, Brick, red

20. Wedding colors

Lavender and Buttercup, Turquoise and brown, sea blue and sea green

21. First Date

Putt Putt, Six Flags, Dinner on a boat

22. Our song

Two is better than one, At last, Somewhere Out there (American Tail)

23. Diamond cut

Princess, Round, Marquee

24. Ring metal

Platinum, White Gold, Silver

25. Length of Engagement

2 days, 4 months, 1 year

26. Flavor of Wedding cake

Vanilla, Cheesecake, chocolate praline crunch

27. Flowers

Yellow Roses, Daisies, Wildflowers

28. Size of Bridal Party

3, 29, 12

29. Length of Honeymoon

3 days, 2 weeks, 1 year

Happy Birthday Wesley

#18 - 29 Fruits

1. Passion Fruit

2. Grapes

3. Strawberries

4. Oranges

5. Apples

6. Bananas

7. Kiwi

8. Pomegranate

9. Lemon

10. Lime

11. Pears

12. Peaches

13. Cherries

14. Grapefruit

15. Mango

16. Papaya

17. Blueberry

18. Blackberry

19. Raspberry

20. Plum

21. Star Fruit

22. Lychee

23. Pineapple

24. Guava

25. Cantaloupe

26. Apricot

27. Tangerine

28. Cranberry

29. Gooseberry

#17 - 29 Things that irritate/upset me or get on my nerves

1. Being late

2. Waiting

3. Yelling

4. Disrespect

5. Back Talk

6. Car breaking down

7. Broken things - things that do not do what they are made to do - their entire purpose for existing!

8. People ignoring you

9. Lying

10. Too much talk

11. Fake friends

12. People who do not appreciate all that they have

13. "Experts"

14. Rude people

15. People who do not believe me

16. People who look down on me

17. People who treat me differently

18. People who are inconsiderate

19. Impatience

20. Not trusting

21. Discouragement

22. People talking bad about others

23. People treating my friends badly

24. Stress

25. Stinky towels/sponges (gross!)

26. The COLD - how was this not the first thing I thought of!

27. Not knowing what is expected of me

28. Not having a plan

29. Bad movies

P.S. I had some help with this list, I hope to have the same person help me with a list of things that make her happy today.

#16 29 Movies that I own

1. Sweet Home Alabama

2. 13 Going on 30

3. Moulin Rouge

4. The Wedding Planner

5. My Best Friend's Wedding

6. 50 First Dates

7. Mr. Deeds

8. Music and Lyrics

9. Catch me if you Can

10. Sky Captain the the World of Tomorrow

11. Emma

12. Luther

13. The Last Sin Eater

14. One Night with the King

15. Magdalena - Released from Shame

16. Kal Ho Naa Ho

17. Jab We Met

18. Veer-Zaara

19. Pride and Prejudice

20. Space Camp

21. Blue Crush

22. Enchanted

23. Sleeping Beauty

24. X-Men

25. A Knight's Tale

26. Bend it Like Beckham

27. Princess Bride

28. Radio

29. Anne of Green Gables

And so many more!

February 15th - President's Day
List of 29 significant women who have throughout my life impacted how I see the world around me.
1. Pat
2. Letha Bishop
3. Martha Schmidt
4. Linda Witte
5. Renee Crane
6. MJ Grossman
7. Bekah Good
8. Laura Berge Jones
9. Miz (Ms Evans)
10. Heather Akins
11. Leah Swart
12. Krista Propst Clermont
13. Dana James
14. Julie Propst
15. Debbie Garland
16. Sarah Mann Ward
17. Bekah Crane
18. Lisa Sipes
19. Nancy Parish
20. Andrea Breland
21. *Eunice
22. *Rachel
23. *Abigail
24. Becca Ruppel
25. Bekkah Peabody
26. Jen Stewart
27. Lori
28. Ami
29. Beth Corzine

In honor of Valentine's Day - List #14 - 29 things I want in my valentine

1. Willing to get married in Portugal

2. Lived overseas/International

3. Leadership

4. Intelligence - challenges me

5. Humor - good times

6. Can fix things b/c I sure don't want to

7. Likes hot weather

8. Passion for those who have never heard

9. Servant's heart

10. Loves children

11. Approved by my family

12. Love to explore new places

13. Outgoing

14. Encouraging

15. Respected

16. Pushes me to try new things

17. Instigator

18. Guards his words

19. Communicator - Listener

20. Tall, dark and handsome

21. Likes to grill - I love some kebabs

22. Common interests - books, movies, outdoors, group games

23. Charming - brings me simple happy surprises

24. Not Ugly

25. Protector

26. Good family

27. Some Arabic skills would be nice

28. Welcomes and enjoys having others into his home

29. And to end with the obvious - Passion for Christ and the Gospel

#13 - 29 Games I have played and vote as very fun

1. Apples to Apples (Regular, Junior and even the Bible version so fun!)

2. Last Word

3. Whoonu

4. Cranium

5. Quelf

6. Uno (Princess)

7. Phase 10

8. Sorry

9. Hoopla

10. Hullabaloo

11. Zooreeka

12. Battleship

13. Game of Life

14. Connect Four

15. Candyland

16. Chinese Checkers

17. Sequence

18. Catch Phrase

19. Imaginiff

20. In a Pickle

21. Sleeping Queens

22. Clue

23. Marry, Date or Dump

24. Zigity

25. Dominoes (Mexican Train)

26. Jenga

27. Skip-Bo

28. Scene-it

29. Master-Mind

#12 - 29 Things to eat for breakfast - not to mention all the variations of each choice!

1. Oatmeal

2. Pancakes

3. French Toast

4. Omelets

5. Waffles

6. Cinnamon Toast

7. Bagel and Cream Cheese

8. Quiche

9. Muffins

10. Biscuits

11. Donuts

12. Coffee

13. Banana

14. Grapefruit

15. Cream of Wheat

16. Fried, boiled, scrambled eggs

17. Cereal (could make another list of these options)

18. Granola Bar

19. Smoothie

20. Yogurt

21. Juice (Orange, apple...)

22. Tea

23. Cold Pizza

24. Pumpkin Pie

25. Coffee Cake

26. Scone

27. Fried Egg Sandwich

28. Bacon

29. Sausage

29 Little Happy Surprises from my 29th Birthday

1. Woke up to bag of goodies from my new roomies

2. Oreos

3. Twizzlers

4. Peanut Butter!

5. Was told happy birthday via email, facebook, phone and in person

6. Was told happy birthday in at least 4 different languages (Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and English)

7. Car ride with girls to Olde English Tea Room

8. Laura Beth was our server at the Tea Room!

9. Mary Pat, Cindy, Briana, Autumn and Stephanie joining me for "proper" tea

10. Vanilla Tea and Scone

11. Knowing more than Mary Pat about proper tea - who would have thought!

12. Conversation with my girls

13. Carebear sticky notes, tea, recipes and more sticky notes - Thank you Stephanie!!!

14. Laura Beth brought out my scone with a birthday candy and song from the girls - who were pretty impressed with their singing skills

15. Mary Pat's driving skills

16. Class got out early

17. Seeing more friends at the library - Alex, Kate and Meredith!

18. Got to PSSWF and Paige had made me the birthday cake of birthday cakes! The first birthday cake I have had since my 25th bday cake Regah made for me.

19. Got sung to again at PSSWF

20. On the way home talked with Mom and Dad

21. Got home to roommates!

22. Cupcakes from Marsha and birthday card from ladies in my small group

23. In the mail got Birthday card and gift from Heidi and Doug!

24. Birthday call and song from Allison

25. Realized I haven't had a "normal" meal today - think I need to eat something not sugar!

26. My nieces made and sent me birthday pictures! I love them

27. Birthday Call from Meredith

28. Taking the evening off from schoolwork, thanks Mom and Briana for telling me it was a good idea

29. Watching One Tree Hill with roommate Briana

+1 - My Dad said he sent me a new book - it's coming in the mail!

Conclusion: Last Birthday of my 20's very good

#10 - 29 Random things I did today

1. Woke up

2. Made tea

3. Made cinnamon and brown sugar oatmeal

4. Enjoyed tea and reading Matthew

5. "Walked" with a video (it's too cold outside!)

6. Straighted my hair

7. Checked email

8. Worked on organizing/streamlining volunteer training material

9. Picked up copies for PSSWF

10. Answered the phone

11. Went to class

12. Handed in homework

13. Went to Panera's

14. Ate soup and bread for dinner

15. Went to a cooking class

16. Talked about plans after graduation

17. Talked with a friend about her bad dream

18. Complained about the cold weather

19. Drove home

20. Searched for a good song on the radio

21. Looked at my planner a billion times trying to fit more stuff in

22. Realized after my careful planning that I have to add more stuff I don't want to do

23. Had a banana with peanut butter this morning

24. Made this list while watching One Tree Hill Episode

25. Talked with roommate about her day

26. Replied to a text

27. Delivered an invitation to a shower I for my friend

28. Filled out paperwork

29. Decided to try and go to bed early

#9 29 Simple Things that make me happy

1. Doors

2. Pictures of family and friends

3. Tea

4. Blueberry Cobbler Coffee

5. Peanut Butter

6. Butterflies

7. Yellow flowers

8. Fireplace fires

9. books

10. comfy chair and blanket (with a book and tea)

11. Sunshine

12. Walk around a lake

13. Window seats

14. Going to the Zoo

15. Sleeping in

16. Evenings with friends

17. Cupcakes

18. Decorating for holidays/seasons

19. Getting letters or packages in the mail

20. Skittles

21. Cinnamon Scones

22. Fun Flavored Popcorn

23. Fazulia

24. Sunrise over the water

25. Being warm

26. Good conversations

27. Stamping and Scrapbooking

28. Good Chick flick

29. Listening to my music loud and singing along

#8 I Almost forgot! I would have been so sad in the morning if I had missed a day so early in the challenge - so for lack of thought and want to go to bed I am stealing Heidi's stream-of-consciousness list idea about SuperBowl Sunday

1. I made no plans for the evening

2. I was excited in church when I saw that Puggles was cancelled for SuperBowl Sunday. (That is my usual Sunday night activity with 2 year olds at church- love them)

3. I was excited when my new roommate suggested we make taco soup for the "event"

4. I realized I would not be watching the game because we do not have television

5. I did know it was the Saints vs the Colts

6. I was pretty impressed with myself that I had heard of Peyton Manning before

7. He's a quarterback, they throw the ball, right?

8. I don't really get football, I only watch it with my Dad so I can ask a lot of questions

9. I did want to see the commercials, so found them online

10. I then proceeded to follow the links to focus on the family

11. I will always wonder why the beer commercials are the best

12. We watched a chick flick in the middle of the Super Bowl

13. I like the Colts uniform better than the Saints

14. I learned more about Tim Tebow than I did about football

15. I did watch the score, as I waited for more commercials to come online

16. I also checked facebook to see others comments

17. I am super excited about the new Robin Hood film with Russell Crowe

18. I was excited that my roommate had oreos and I ate a few

19. On Super Bowl Sunday I took an Ethics quiz, and read 3 chapters of a book about Healthy Church

20. On Super Bowl Sunday I loaned a book to a friend for her New Testament class

21. I accidentally watched a few second of the game when I hit the wrong tab on the nfl internet site, I quickly got back to the commercials

22. I would have enjoyed watching the game if someone else was there to explain what was happening

23. I finished addressing invitations to a shower for my friend Autumn, and wrote cards to my Grandmas on Super Bowl Sunday

24. My roommate announced it was the first day of my Birthday Week!

25. I really wish this list didn't have to be 29 items long...I don't have much to say about Super Bowl Sunday

25. The taco soup was really good - I added Tabasco sauce and tortilla chips to mine, my roommate added sour cream and cheese to hers.

26. I was nervous for the Colts, and I wasn't even watching the game!

27. I was sad they lost by so many points, this is why I can't get into sports - I was sad and it was all based on having heard of the one guy before and liking their colors better!

28. I enjoyed Super Bowl Sunday - more for the chance to relax than the football

29. I wonder who started this Super Bowl Sunday tradition - I think I like it - so I must say thanks

#7 29 ingredients/food items that are now in my kitchen
1. Flour
2. Sugar
3. Salt
4. Pepper
5. Cinnamon
5. Brown Sugar
6. Oatmeal
7. Coffee
8. Tea
9. Chili Powder
10. Tabasco Sauce
11. Spagetti Sauce
12. Spagetti Noodles
13. Can of Beans
14. White Chicken Chili Seasoning packet
15. Garlic Salt
16. Peanut Butter
17. Ranch Dressing
18. Ketchup
19. Mustard
20. Lime Juice
21. Crushed Red Peppers
22. Apples
23. Bananas
24. Apple Sauce
25. Olive Oil
26. Salsa
27. Tortilla Chips
28. Corn
29. Mixed Veggies

February 6th

29 TV Shows I will admit to having watched and enjoyed

1. Gilmore Girls

2. Alias

3. One Tree Hill

4. House

5. C.S.I.

6. Grey's Anatomy

7. Little House on the Prairie

8. The Cosby Show

9. Family Ties

10. Who's the Boss

11. Growing Pains

12. The Office

13. Saved by the Bell

14. 90210

15. Felicity

16. Friends

17. Lizzie Mcguire

18. Boy Meets World

19. The Monkees

20. Dr. Quinn

21. The Twilight Zone

22. Even Stevens

23. Home Improvements

24. Dexter

25. Amazing Race

26. So You Think You can Dance

27. Reba

28. Full House

29. Dharma and Greg

List #5

Authors I have read recently, have in my collect or would recommend to others

1. Roland Muller

2. Calvin Miller

3. Beth Moore

4. Linda Dillow

5. Kay Arthur

6. Jennifer Rothschild

7. Tripp (Instruments in the Redeemer's Hand)

8. Dr. Reid

9. John Stott (The Cross of Christ)

10. J.I. Packer (Knowing God)

11. Francine River

12. Lynn Austin

13. Catherine Palmer

14. Elizabeth Prentiss (Stepping Heavenward)

15. A.T. Robertson

16. John Bunyan

17. Hannah Hurnard

18. Bilquis Sheikh

19. Khaled Hosseini

20. Max Lucado (Six Hours one Friday)

21. Linda Chaikin

22. Philip Yancey

23. Dee Henderson

24. Janette Oke (Love Comes Softly)

25. Gilbert Morris (Winslow Series - at least the 1st 10)

26. Laura Ingalls Wilder

27. C.S. Lewis

28. Liz Curtis Higgs

29. Jane Austen

29 Things I know about or learned from my Mom

1. My mom was born on February 4th - Happy Birthday!

2. My mom's name is Joan Marie (Enbody) Gillihan

3. My mom is very brave - it takes a brave person to leave America and take her family of 4 little girls to Africa, not brave people don't go there

4. My mom enjoys morning hours well - In every home she has a spot where she sits in the morning to read and get the day started well.

5. My mom keeps the house clean without hassle - she simply and quietly takes care of one room a day and keeps everything in order without much ado

6. My mom does not demand to be heard, but she does have an opinion

7. My mom is a skilled hostess -I will always strive to make people feel as comfortable and welcome in my home as they would in my parent's home

8. My mom got married at 18

9. My mom ran out of gas once in the middle of Kenya.

10. My mom loves my dad

11. My mom loves me and my 3 sisters

12. My mom loves her 2 grandsons and 4 granddaughters

14. I think she would also want included in this list that she loves her 3 son-in-laws

15. I hope she is still praying for a 4th

16. I learned from my mom that raising the volume of your voice is unnecessary

17. My mom has lived in four different countries

18. My mom used to make me a portion of chicken pot-pie without the crust

19. My mom rarely if ever sees an entire movie without falling asleep

20. My mom raised 4 independent and very different daughters who are all like her is many different ways.

21. My mom taught me how to cook, sew, and pretty much everything.

22. My mom enjoys working with children.

23. My mom loves well.

24. My mom is patient, kind and gentle

25. My mom has love, joy and peace

26. My mom made my bed for me my first day at RVA

27. I will always remember my Mom telling the story of Amy Carmichael

28. My mom likes sitting by the fire and so do I.

29. I love my Mom

#3 - Places I want to go...and haven't been to YET

1. Turkey

2. Iran

3. Syria

4. Jordan

5. Oman

6. Cyprus

7. Florida

8. Alaska

9. Ireland

10. Chad

11. Sudan

12. Egypt

13. Libya

14. Morocco

15. Lebanon

16. Italy

17. Mediterranean Sea

18. Red Sea

19. Black Sea

20. Cambodia

21. Scotland

22. Australia

23. Austria

24. Thailand

25. Tibet

26. France

27. Spain

28. Maine

29. England

This list was probably the easiest list ever - I want to go everywhere!

February 2nd - List 2 of 29 lists of 29...

29 Places I have been (in no particular order)

1. Washington

2. Oregon

3. Virginia

4. Kansas

5. Ohio

6. Arkansas

7. Missouri

8. Kisumu, Kenya

9. California

10. Antananarivo, Madagascar

11. Tennessee

12. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

13. Stonetown Zanzibar

14. Oklahoma

15. Uganda

16. Amsterdam, Holland

17. Dubai, UAE

18. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

19. Aden, Yemen

20. Mumbai, India

21. Kaiserslautern, Germany

22. Hyderabad, India

23. Lisbon, Portugal

24. North Carolina

25. South Carolina

26. Georgia

27. Vancouver, Canada

28. Boston, Massachusetts

29. Texas

List 1 of 29 Lists of 29

I have decided for this month of February to embrace the fact that I will be turning 29 and give myself a challenge. Plus, I like blogs and am sad that so many have stopped updating, so I am going to improve starting with myself.

So for my first list...

29 things I am thankful for from this weekend

1. Sunshine

2. Good friends

3. warm blankets

4. fun sledding in the snow with those good friends mentioned above

5. books

6. taco soup

7. phone calls

8. conversations via gmail chat

9. washer and dryer

10. New roommates

11. a comfy chair to sit in

12. oatmeal cookies

13. tea and hot chocolate

14. worshiping with brothers and sisters at home

15. Not having to drive anywhere on the snowy roads

16. Alias

17. Psalm 119

18. my planner

19. borrowing books and not having to buy them for class

20. music

21. did I mention sunshine and how it streams into our living room from the back porch in the morning? Love it

22. pizza pans that work as terrific sleds

23. getting to know new friends

24. realizing once again how great my friends are because they love and seek after Christ

25. dish washer

26. table and chairs = eating at table on chairs with friends

27. peanut butter (it had to be on the list somewhere)

28. rest

29. I am thankful for the start of a new year and all the potential it holds

I am Blessed

The pictures say more than I can. How greatly blessed I am just to be a part of this family.

Sara Groves 'Hello Lord' lyrics

Hello Lord, it's me your child I have a few things on my mind
Right now I'm faced with big decisions And I'm wondering if you have a minute, cuz
Right now I don't hear so well
And I was wondering if you could speak up

I know that you tore the veil So I could sit with you in person
And hear what you're saying but Right now, I just can't hear you.
I don't doubt your sovereignty I doubt my own ability to

Hear what you're saying And to do the right thing And I desperately want to do the right thing

But right now I don't hear so well And I was wondering if you could speak up

And somewhere in the back of my mind I think you are telling me to wait
And though patience has never been mine
Lord, I will wait to hear from you Oh Lord, I'm waiting on you

Right now, I think you're whispering

I love Sara Groves and how the words of her songs seem to capture what I want to express. This song so perfectly expresses how I have been feeling this last semester. I am beyond excited to think that I will graduate in May and have accomplished something in the last two years, but what is next? If you know me I have always had a pretty well thought out plan - details for the day and the next couple years. Well, this summer I realized that everything I had pictured for myself was not happening, nor would it be happening in the near future, so where does that leave me? What am I suppose to be doing? I will do, my record is pretty good at taking on the seemingly impossible and getting it done. But I need to know, I need some assurance of what the right thing is and I have none. I am not a person guided by feelings, but I just don't feel good about any direction right now. When I was living in Aden, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that was where I was suppose to be, and when I walked into ALC I knew I would be returning, but now I am in a state of hesitancy. And I feel like I am running out of time. Do I work on patience or get up out of my pity party because things are not how I would like them and start running full force in a particular direction? So many questions. Lord, could you speak up cuz' right now I don't hear too well...

Two Years...

I realized this week that it has been exactly two years since I 'moved' back to America. I really cannot believe that it has already been two years, I feel and talk like I just got back a month ago. While I know this time in America has been growing me and challenging me to see life through yet another new perspective, I find myself constantly looking forward to the day when I get to go back. I had a class assignment this week that required me to evaluate what kind of legacy I am leaving behind. Am I leaving a legacy that makes the Lord's name greater? I find myself all too often focused on today and myself. My challenge for myself today is to make the most of the gift that God has given me today. To thank Him for all that he has done, is doing and will do in my life and be content to trust in Him alone and walk by faith. I want to leave a legacy of one who walked by faith and saw the power of the Gospel in her life.

Some of you know that the Getty's lyrics are some of my favorite...

I love this new song title By Faith

By faith we see the hand of God

By faith we see the hand of God

In the light of creation's grand design

In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness

Who walk by faith and not by sight

By faith our fathers roamed the earth

With the power of His promise in their hearts

Of a holy city built by God's own hand

A place where peace and justice reign

We will stand as children of the promise

We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward

Till the race is finished and the work is done

We'll walk by faith and not by sight

By faith the prophets saw a day

When the longed-for Messiah would appear

With the power to break the chains of sin and death

And rise triumphant from the grave

By faith the church was called to go

In the power of the Spirit to the lost

To deliver captives and to preach good news

In every corner of the earth

We will stand...

By faith this mountain shall be moved

And the power of the gospel shall prevail

For we know in Christ all things are possible

For all who call upon His name

We will stand...

I got this off of Heidi's blog, and since I really should be studying I thought now would be a good time to answer and blog 45 random questions.

1. Do you like blue cheese? No, yuck.
2. Have you ever been drunk? No
3. Do you own a gun? No.
4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Grape
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes, it's irrational I know but I do.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I go back an forth, love them cooked over a campfire.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? Too many to choose; Babes in Toyland, Charlie Brown, Elf
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee
9. Can you do push ups? I can
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? All of it! I have started quite the collection from around the world
11. Favorite hobby? Reading
12. Do you have A.D.D.? O.C.D? Nope!
13. What's your favorite shoe? the brown ones Hannah left behind
14. Favorite place you have travelled to? Africa, Asia and Europe
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Diet Dr. Pepper, hot tea
17. Current worry? hmmm, I should be studying for a mid-term on Monday
18. Current hate right now? I've had a pretty good day, maybe I will think of something tomorrow
20. How did you bring in the New Year? In Canada with Mom, Dad, Heidi, Doug and a bunch of other friends.
22. Name three things you own that are near you: sitting on my rug from India, leaning on my pillow from Pier1, next to my pink backpack from L.L.Bean.
23. Do you own slippers? Yep, love them - one pair I got one Christmas years ago, and another from my old roomie Allison
24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? purple
25. Do you like sleeping on Satin sheets? I loved my old Sateen sheets so satin could only be better.
26. Can you whistle? If I concentrate really hard, sometimes
27. Favorite color? purple or yellow
28. Would you be a pirate? I'm just not that daring
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Usually I don't sing
30. Favorite Girl's Name? Love all my nieces names...Sahara, Cambria, Tirza and Selah
31. Favorite boy's name? Zebulon
32. What's in your pocket right now? nothing
33. Last thing that made you laugh? probably Ingram
34. Best bed sheets as a child? CareBears! The pillow had one side bedtime bear the other sunshine bear!
35. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? Falling from a tree swing at Brackenhurst and landing on my tailbone
36. Do you love where you live? I am so ready to move on, it was fine for a couple years
38. Who is your loudest friend? ??
39. How many dogs do you have? No pets

40. Does someone have a crush on you? I wish
41. What is your favorite book? I could never decide

42. What is your favorite candy? starbursts, skittles, or M&Ms are hard to resist

43. Favorite Sports Team? I would have to watch the games to have a favorite
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? In Christ Alone, By Faith
45. What is your least favorite animal? sharks

My Weekend

I had a fabulously, though way too fast, weekend with the DeLaughters.

Didn't have time for many pictures but did get a few.

These kinds of weekends make me wonder what I am doing way over here in NC.

Look what I found!
Lady Lovely Locks and her friends

I have been telling friends about Lady Lovely Locks and no one seems to have had the joy of her in their childhood like I did. So here is a simple shout out to Lady Lovely Locks. Wish I still had the coloring books, dolls and lunch box, so many hours of fun!

I am sending out a picture
to remind my family

that I want to see pictures of them!

From the Inside Out - Hillsong
We sang this song this morning in worship and I love the lyrics.
I did not want to stop singing it, I think I have found another heart song.

A thousand times I've failed

Still Your mercy remains

And should I stumble again

Still I'm caught in Your grace

Everlasting, Your Light will shine when all else fades

Neverending, Your Glory goes beyond all fame

My heart and my soul, Lord I give you control

Consume me from the inside out Lord

Let justice and praise become my embrace

To love You from the inside out

Everylasting, Your Light will shine when all else fades

Neverending, Your Glory goes beyond all fame

And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise

From the Inside Out Lord, my soul cries out

Do I need to tell you all what I am suppose to be doing?
Bet you guessed, I am "writing" yet another paper and have no words.
I think I have what most people refer to as test anxiety...but I have never experienced in on test. I just can't get a paper written and this should be an easy one. The paper is going to talk about the Christus Victor theme of Christ's work in his life, his death and his resurrection. Often this theme is presented as an opposing view to the penal substitution theme of Christ' work. Was the cross necessary to appease the wrath and justice of God or to win the victory over evil and mankinds bondage to sin? Do we focus on God's love or God's power? With this in mind how do we present the good news to those still in captivity? I was challenged to present the gospel using the Christus Victor theme, and I surprised myself. I loved it! It made so much more sense to me why this girl needed Jesus! Always before I would have focused on His love and comfort for her during this difficult time. Now I can also share with her the hope of putting her trust in the One who has overcome this world. I can share with her that her decision today determines which side she will choose to fight for. Joshua 24:15 "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
And so in the paper I am going to discuss how I presented the theme, how I would improve it for next time, and how I plan to use the theme in the future among the women I serve.
So let me know your thoughts
Letha

Once again I am sitting in my room attempting to write a paper, and I escape for a few minutes to the wonderful world of the internet. I am struggling to express in words the depth of my thoughts and amazement at all that it means to be free in Christ. The assignment I am working to complete requires me to work through 7 Steps to gain personal freedom in Christ. I began the assignment fully skeptical of any man coming up with 7 magical steps and claiming that if you are willing to honestly work through them you will immediately attain freedom from all that entangles you (please note my sarcasm). But now two hours later I am still working through only the second step and am at a wonder at all that I am learning and trying to process. This is no magical seven step process, this is an opportunity, an invitation to allow God to search my heart, and reveal any untruth within it. An invitation to come to Him in total dependence and awe based on the truth given to me in the Scripture and understood through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Psalms 139:23-24). I have five more steps to go, so I should probably get back, but I really wanted to talk about 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 "I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ."
So much to say. Letha

My "New" Room

Here are the long ago promised pictures of my new room,

that just happens to contain a few of my favorite things.
To list a few:
1. Wall hanging from India
2. Pressed flowers from Madagascar
3. Zanzibar Chest

4. Pretty colored map of the world
5. Artist sketches of Yemen
6. Zebra Batik

7. Folded quilt from Gramma Gillihan
8. Fun pillows of all sizes
9. Lamp

10. Some of my books - others are hidden behind the fancy material beside my desk
11. Family Calendar
12. Old painting of African boy
And believe you me I have limited myself - my room contains so many treasures from those I love and places I have been.
Enjoy Letha

Doors of Portugal

I knew going to visit the Bustrums in Portugal was going to be an amazing vacation. I knew I was going to have the best time with my three beautiful nieces.

I knew I was going to see new places and try new things. I knew the history of the country was rich and exciting, and I looked forward to taking it all in.

What I did not expect was how much I would love it all. What I did not expect was that my limited Arabic would come flooding back and I would be ready to jump back in language learning.

I did not expect to find doors waiting for me.

I love doors, you could say I adore doors. They are beautiful. They intrigue my curiousity as I wonder what mysteries they hold behind them. But most of all I see them as invitations to walk into opportunities for sharing the hope that I have.

Every door stands there as if waiting and asking me if I am willing. Am I willing to go through the open doors of Europe and share the hope of Christ?

Enjoy these pictures of a few of the doors of Portugal. While you enjoy the pictures remember the people of Portugal and those who have been sent out to live among them. "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison - that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." Colossians 4:2-4