rainy monday

Today I used my umbrella for the first time at Rutgers! But it's true: I only love the rain when I'm not in it. I saw a lot of girls in rain boots and it got me thinking...one day I'm going to get myself matching yellow raincoat and rain boots and jump in puddles.

dear God,

I don't know how to start off this letter to You from my heart. Ever since I arrived at Rutgers, I've been hearing songs and prayers in my dreams. Were those merely dreams or were You telling me something? It has been my prayer that they be one of Your many incredible ways of giving me hope and encouragement to go another day. I've begun to feel doubtful about my decision to transfer to the College of Nursing next year. It is still in my heart--given by You--the passion and desire to reach out to the elderly all over the world. I need You in this exhausted time. My soul is weary from asking so many questions and receiving not enough answers. Will You open my eyes, craft my heart into a humble and obedient one, so that I may follow Your ways? There is nothing greater in this world than to be in Your presence wherever I go. You bring me unspeakable joy, convictions that acquaint my knees with the carpet, and peace in a wretched world. I want to look only upon You. To lay down my crowns at Your feet isn't the most pleasant feeling (at the moment) but what comes from my surrender is everlasting and sweet because it is for You. Heavenly Father, I pray for Your kingdom to come into my life.

things that made me happy today

1. my new haircut

2. the weather

3. Robbie Seay Band's songs "Awaken My Soul" and "Your Love is Strong"

4. worshiping with my youth group

5. seeing a possible sunflower sprout in the foam cup

6. hearing the voice of a friend I haven't seen in a year

7. clearing the weeds that grew around the mailbox and marigolds

8. cold orange juice

9. realizing that graduation is in four weeks

10. singing

11. driving past a meadow

12. taking a cute picture with a lovely friend

13. playing the piano

14. hearing lawn mowers around the neighborhood

15. playing with my dog

gardening day

So I finally took the initiative to put my gardening skills to the test. I woke up to a brilliant sunrise and started working with a shovel and a spade while the singing robins and butterflies kept me company. Then I drove to Home Depot to buy flowers, garden soil, and a watering can. There I met a British woman while I was waiting in line (and loved her accent!). I'm happy that the small area of weeds are replaced with flowers and hopefully the sunflowers seeds that I planted will grow. My mum believes nothing will sprout but I choose to believe otherwise.

"But each spring...a gardening instinct, sure as the sap rising in the trees, stirs within us. We look about and decide to tame another little bit of ground." -Lewis Gantt

spring list

Now that winter's nearly gone and spring is right around the corner, I'm doing jumping jacks and somersaults. And listing things to do.

1. Plant sunflower seeds

2. Get my hair trimmed

3. Visit Rutgers University

4. Take a photo walk in Princeton

5. Write melodies to all the phrases I thought of to make into songs

6. Run

7. Find a job/hospital where I can volunteer