HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! It has been a while so I thought I'd update. I wrapped up my year graduating from UNL with a double major in Business Administration and Marketing. I will miss college life but am excited to see what God has in store for me in the next stage. I trust that He holds the future in His hands and if I press on each and everyday I can learn more about Him and be a light to others around me. I am so thankful for the opportunities to spend quality time in the word and with Christian friends. This world has its way of clouding my vision and pulling me away from what really matters. Christ in His graciousness and love grants me opportunities to show kindness and goodness towards others. Nothing in me can do such acts without the work of His Spirit. I can't wait to go skiing! I have never skied before and am excited to meet new Christians and learn about God at the RUF Conference! I pray for safe travels and fun times with friends. This week I realized that I need to be a more diligent laborer at the bank in such a way that brings honor and glory to Christ through my actions as a worker for Him. I get discouraged that I am still working there and feel like a failure at times because I am still "just a teller". However, God has put me in this place for a reason...to show love, patience and kindness to my customers and coworkers. To give the money I have made back to Him and His cause. However, I realize that I need to be more proactive in my job search because it is probably the more logical thing to be doing. Off to eat dinner! Cheers!

Countdown: 6 days. Today a customer asked me if I was ready for Christmas and I said: "shopping-wise, no, but I am always ready for Christmas." I wish I could have expounded on that more, but time didn't allow. I had to make calls to our customers today at work to tell them about our new Medicare Plan D. I was unsuccessful in having a customer agree to have our financial rep call them, but I did get a chance to talk to a few for an extended period of time. One lady, bless her heart, was quite talkative. She must have talked for 8 minutes about her prescription drugs and her insurance plans. Another man, skipped talking about finances and instead told me about his law office that caught on fire last month. I wished him a Merry Christmas despite his hard times. Poor guy. But all the med talk and unfortunate events remind me of the folly and sinfullness of this life. It is so short...we decay each day...bad things happen. But you look at verses like Romans 8:28 and think, wow God does what He does because He is God, He loves us, and He is in control. Tomorrow is my 6 month at work. I will be qualified for a raise, tuition reimbursement and 401(k). I am blessed to have the opportunity to work at TierOne. I know I can slack sometimes at work and not work as hard as I should. I pray that God changes my heart in that area so that all I do at work both in word and in deed would be done to His glory. My co-worker Lorene and I were eating our free Mr. Goodcents subs today (we got them for meeting an investment goal) and before I ate I prayed. She later asked me what I did yesterday, and I said I went to church back in Papillion...I didn't get a chance to talk to her much about it but it reminds me more and more that I am a light and that I am an ambassador of Christ. I need to show that in the way I act, my attitude, my work, everything. I love wishing customers Merry Christmas. I am not ashamed of saying it, or stepping on anyones toes. Now if only I would do the same with the Gospel. I was reminded by Pastor Lou yesterday to pray for my family. To pray that God would change their hearts and save them. I think I give up sometimes and shrink back from proclaiming Him. I fall into this trap that nothing I say will change them. But I know that God gives grace to the humble...so with a humble heart I pray that seeds would continue to be planted. God alone saves and causes the growth. Praise Him for that! Random thought: Sudoku puzzles rock!

Man o man, it's been forever since I've written in this thing. Sorry sit, please forgive me for neglecting you for almost three months. Recaping the last three months is kind of pointless. Life has been crazy busy.... school, bank, coldstone, church, dance, RUF, friends, skybox hostessing...where does the time go? I lost my Fossil sunglasses that I bought in the Bahamas today. Major bummer. Hopefully Stacey will remember to look for them after her class. I hope Rita doesn't do what Katrina did to the south. God's hand is upon the whole situation though. May people evacuate soon and stay away from that area..maybe even move away! Thank goodness for friends who can edit papers. Megan is coming over soon to help edit my marketing paper that is due tonight. No game this weekend. Mayo and I might go to the dance warehouse and look at leotards and other dance items. I love my ballet class. I wish I would have started at UDA sooner. Sharon, my teacher, is really good with explainations and terminologies...she worked us so hard last night. Can't wait for Fall Break...Mom and I are going to Vegas. I've been saving up for a lil' fall shopping spree. I still have the gift certificate that mom and dad gave me for my 21st! I too have been unfaithful in my reading. I really need to just get up early and read. I don't like reading at night as much, because I can't apply what I read as well at night because I just fall asleep. Reading in the morning starts my day off good, and helps me to remember what I read so I can apply it. ugh..itchy scalp. The turkey burger was yummy today. Gotta go work on marketing stuff.

"From our desperate fight for independence, to the darkest days of a Civil War, to the hard-fought battles against tyranny in the 20th Century, there were many chances to lose our heart, our nerve, or our way. But Americans have always held firm, because we have always believed in certain truths. We know that if evil is not confronted, it gains in strength and audacity, and returns to strike us again. We know that when the work is hard, the proper response is not retreat, it is courage. And we know that this great ideal of human freedom is entrusted to us in a special way — and that the ideal of liberty is worth defending." "This Fourth of July, I ask you to find a way to thank the men and women defending our freedom — by flying the flag … sending letters to our troops in the field … or helping the military family down the street." "Our enemies are brutal — but they are no match for the United States of America — and they are no match for the men and women of the United States military." -President George W. Bush, Speech on Iraq, Tuesday June 28, 2005 These quotes really stuck out to me tonight as I watched Mr. President speak on our condition in Iraq. Like most American, seeing and hearing about the deaths and attacks hurts. It is discouraging and sad. But America is helping aid Iraq and other middle Eastern countries with freedom and a democratic society. If we back down or pull out, they will only come and attack our shores. We must finish the battle and win. The insurgents must fail and see freedom prevail. One last quote from Bush: "As the Iraqis stand up, we will stand down." ...America, America, God shed His grace on thee....

It was my second day training. Went well. Lot's of information is now stuffed in my brain. Hopefully I won't forget it all. My trainer is really nice and enthusiastic on the subject matter, so that's good. I miss everyone in Papio. I feel really removed from them this summer. Well, the Lord gives and the Lord takes but blessed be His name. That is what matters. Coldstone was crazy last night. We had a ton of the Thespian kids in! One kid was from Alabama and worked at a Coldstone there. Me and Him did the "Banana song" in front of everyone...it was great. Mo came in. He's so cool. I always like talking to him and making his love it half chocolate/half strawberry with coconut. I guess he will be traveling to New York soon for business. My psychology friend (guy who is getting his masters in psychology) tried to come in after we closed. I felt bad, so I ran over to the window and knocked on it and told him sorry! The apartment is empty. Quiet. It would be nice if I had more friends down here that is for sure. Still on a country kick. I like listening to it, it's fun. Baylor came back from a seven run defecit to beat Tulane in an elimination game tonight. It was sweet. I think I'll cheer for them now, since Nebraska is out and I don't like Texas. Pops is in Colorado biking and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Makes me think of the verses in Romans 1. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1: 20) I pray dad can see that someday by the grace of God. Here's to the longest day of the year. And here's to a shorter day tomorrow.

This is a shout out to TP and Mandy, whom I never see or talk to. TP - I hope you are having a great ol' time jugglin' all your jobs like a circus clown who walks on stilts! When you come up we so have to hang out! Mandy - I am SOOOO very sorry that I didn't call you on your birthday. But better yet, the morning of your birthday I remembered and said a prayer for you. May God bless you this year and I hope we can see each other soon! We should all get together when TP comes up! I am sitting here on break at TierOne! I started training today. I am a working girl now! Got the nice black slacks and shoes to go with it. Good news: I got a 103% on my first Sports Marketing Exam. Dang Gina! Peace!

adopt your own virtual pet!

"Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls."

Thanks be to God for His grace and love towards me even though I am undeserving of it. I got the job at the bank! I start training Monday. Hopefully all will go well!

There are so many people out and about today in Lincoln. Students, NSE parents and students, business people, consumers, walkers, resters and drivers. The Wendy's drive thru line stretched out onto Q street, and I almost saw a couple cars collide as they went through the red light. The water and refreshment selection at Walgreen's was sparse and people ate lunch in the shade all along the streets. The TierOne job seems promissing. I walked down to the corporate office today to complete an survey online. The HR lady told me that I would here from them later on this week. This whole job thing has tested my faith and reliance on God. I have to keep trusting in Him, knowing that He is the one that provides and guides me in my life. I can't rely on my own strength or abilities, but on the strength and abilities He gives me and through the ways in which He works through me. On a less important note...Coldplay's album X&Y comes out today! Becca is being such a nice friend and picking a copy up for me (I have to pay her for it of course!) More on music...I don't know what is wrong with me ya'll. Recently I have been on this country kick. Keep in mind that used to despise country music. I am trying to broaden my music spectrum I suppose. I listen to Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina and of course Carrie Underwoods single from the AI cd (which by the way is a song about arson so maybe I shouldn't listen to that one too much!) Well I have to go wash my clothes. See ya.

Sorry it has been so long. Today is a good day to write an entry, because it is dark rainy and cold. Three conditions that are good for a little typing of recent events in my life. First off, junior year is over with, but summer classes are lined up for me. At least until the beginning of July. I'm still at Cold Stone. It has been a long eight months at that business, and I am almost ready to leave. I just have to wait upon the Lord for His guidance in my life, especially in trying to find a new job. I have applied at a handful of banks around Lincoln for the position of a part-time teller. Hopefully things will work out and I will get a job as a teller. I have wanted to work at a bank for a long time now. I'm ready to get out of food service that is for sure. Especially the ice cream business (Sonic+Beaches and Cream+Cold Stone=Way too much experience in the ice cream business for Caroline!) I've had more time on my hands...with only one class during pre-session and one class coming up for the first five week session I have definitely been less stressed over studying and homework. So that is always nice. Plus, I have been able to spend more time reading the Word, and other books that will help me to grow in my faith in Christ. Each day I am reminded that I can't do things on my own. I need Christ's guidance and strength to lead me in the Way. It is so hard at times, because I think I can just go a day without focusing much on Him, but by faith and through His grace I pray that I can grow closer and walk more humbly in His light. Tonight I went with Anne to City Impact. It is a program for young children to teenagers held at a local church a few minutes away from campus. It is mostly for innercity kids, but there were a handful of kids that weren't labeled "innercity." It was fun though. I enjoyed my time there. I just kept in mind that Christ loved me, and that He wants us to love others the same way. So I was friendly, caring, and kind with those 4 and 5 year olds...again, not on my own strength and abilities, but by God's grace. But those little buggers were so cute. This one kid Eli wanted to "heal" a baby, and this bigger girl Journey fell asleep on my lap! Well I suppose I should go work on my extra credit paper. This class is over with on Friday. Pre-session is great!

Group Projects....AHHHHHH I'm here in Love sitting with my group working on our final paper and PP. Gotta get back to work... LATER

Thanks Case and Anne for a fun afternoon filled with a Union stop, Yahtzee, Kettle Corn, Russian writing, and Jeopardy. Sometimes you just need to through up your hands and be a kid...enjoy the weather, and play games. Tag anyone? I'm off to a forecasted busy night at work. Which hopefully will go by fast. Becca - Phillipians 4:4 I hope you are o.k. I'll be praying for you, k? Farewell

My mom's stress level right now is probably high. I say this because today is the busiest day for her all year long. She is probably answering phones, answering questions, talking non-stop to tax payers...poor lady. I work tonight from 4 till close. Since we changed our closing time to 11, it is bound to be a long night. Hopefully I will get to run and get a smoothie from JS (Juice Stop). My prayer is that I can be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. I need to keep in mind that I am to do my work hard for God, not for man. Thanks God for this beautiful Friday. Your glory fills the whole earth! Tomorrow is Grandma's b-day. I want to get her a beautiful bouqet of flowers. With my tip money of course. Hopefully we will be singing it up tonight. For all y'all who haven't paid your taxes yet, tax it on up and get it done!

Roses really smell like roses. That is my version of the Roses song that happens to mention my name a few times. Inappropriate language to follow..grr. This week has been rather relaxing. No long shifts at Coldstone thus far (only 4 hrs the other night). No hard exams to study for. Just some group projects, meetings, classes, assignments. Saturday is my lovely grandmothers birthday. My family and I are planning on going to the Spring Game up in the boxes. I can't wait. I get to see former Husker players like Ahman Green and Tonoi Foniti! Gosh Big Boi! I guess I have been biting heads off recently (not literally). But I think I need to slow down and control my anger and what I say. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. That is what James says. I am looking forward to tonight. Bible Study at FBC...haven't been in a while, so it should be good. After that I am going to my house to watch Idol and have my pops help me with a database assignment. Lately I have been feeling selfish...I don't know what my problem is. Even in my prayers I feel selfish. Lord help me to look to you for everything! It's a beautiful day. Beautiful enough to stop and smell the roses. Thanks be to God!

The Career Fair doesn't seem as appealing as I thought it would. I read through the employers that are going to be there tomorrow, and frankly none seem interesting enough to pursue. Not evenu for a summer job. But I know I need to go. Even if it is for the sake of going. I have to get my foot in the door somehow in this whole job thing, so I might as well start somewhere, right? I must admit, it is frightening. Holy is the Lord God Almighty. That is what the radio is singing to me right now. Well, the artist's taped song through the radio station actually. Saw Andy tonight on the way home from work. Ah, I miss Andy. Even though I never was really close with him, but he was always so upbeat and I loved how his voice projected so well over and throughout the store. Crazy kid. I hope his lip doesn't hurt...man piercy schmiercy. Goodness me, it is 1:33 a.m. I am NEVER up this late! I am sooooo glad my grandparents are back home from Italy. I can't wait to see them this weekend, Lord willing. Well, I'm off to bed.

Here is comes... A busy week. I don't want to go through it. I have to trust that He will get me through it, and sooner than later it will be Friday then Saturday then the Lord's Day. It is going to be 75 today! It will bring me back to my Florida days. I am going to study and eat lunch outside all day...it will be nice to feel the suns warmth...coming from God and His goodness in His marvelous creation. Tonight I have to work...it WILL be busy. Well, my guess is that it will be. Becca - Megan and I stopped to get coffee from Barista's this morning before going down to Links...it was good...but I am super shaky from the caffeine...eeeekkkkk Peace.

I've never been to keen about the color green, however I thought I'd experiment for a change. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. To be honest, these past few days haven't been filled with the kind of longing for worship that I would have wanted. I would have loved to be spiritually filled with thoughts and emotions of joy and thankfullness for our risen Savior, but this world has jumped on my back and has prevented me from doing so. My priorities aren't always right and I find myself at the end of the day wondering what went wrong. Where did I mess up? Why didn't I read more or pray more or be more spirit filled or more loving? But if I make myself the issue it no longer turns into a Christ centered walk and relationship with Him. He is worthy of all my praise. But He also knows that I am still in the flesh and in this world, therefore I can't depend on MYSELF to do everything. I must ask Him for help, because He is the only one that can lift me up and give me strength. How can my filthy rags compare to his splendorous robe? How can my small heart compare to His abundant love? How can my feeble attempts compare to His perfect will? God is good. I can't put into words the things I wish I could change. About my life, my family, my friends, my church, my job, my past. Things in this life are not under my preordanied minset or by the act of my own free will. The Lord Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith and the sovereign God over all. He holds the sands of time. He moves throughout history. I am just passing through. So when worry warts start to pop up, I have to learn to trust more in Him and look to the cross for strength and hope. Hope that is not seen. I think about my grandparents. The love that I have for them. How much I adore their lives as a married couple that raised three children, one being my mother. I think about the sacrafices my grandfather has made for our country. Fighting in Vietnam. Flying B-2 Bombers. I think about my grandma, the clothes she sewed for my uncles and mom. The many meals she's made and the patient and gentle spirit she possesses. But when I am done thinking about these wonderful thoughts, I think about the heart of the matter. Their hearts, and where they stand before such a holy and just God. I think to myself and say, "are they saved?" "do they know Christ?" "has Christ revealed Himself to them?" It is so hard to think about the answers. It is a prayer of mine that I can share the gospel one day with them. Sooner rather than later. I know that I can't save anyone from their sins, only Christ can. He was sent forth into this world to save sinners. You carried the cross and took my shame. Thank you Lord Jesus.

I'm not even sure what the ides of March are? Or is it eyes? Man am I blonde or what? I've had a Bethany Dillon song stuck in my head today. Maybe it was because this morning when I wasn't feeling good I layed on my bed before class and just listened to her c.d. hoping my stomach ache would pass so I could go to class. It did. And now I am still singing in my head. Along with singing, I've been studying pretty much all week long. I have a management exam tomorrow night. Then it is off to AZD for the Fiesta Feed with Stace and Kels. It should be fun. I talked to Jess (my old roommate who is in AZD) and she said there will be a lot of toppings, cookies, Pepsi products and such. This weekend I want to just get my mind off school. Oh and for the whole break too. I was praying the other day and just to thinking about how much my mind is focused on the temporal (school, day to day stuff). I need to pursue God more whole heartidly, even if that means doing my homework to His glory and spending time in His word more often. I got a raise at Coldstone...so I'm at six bones an hour. Not bad...considering I get tips everyday I work..some days lots, some days little. Back to being sick again. Man, this semester I have been sick more than any other semester at college. I think I've been on and off sick for that past month and a half. I need to detox my room and all my possessions. CU Jays made it to THE DANCE. We find out Sunday where they will be playing next weekend. I hope it is somewhere close, because there is a small chance that Mom and I might go. However, I am scheduled to work Sat night so I doubt I can go. God is so good. Even when I am so consumed with school and life here on earth. He is a gracious and merciful Father that renews His mercies every morning. When I am weak, He makes me strong. He gives me something to live for. A life worth living that is full of hope and peace and joy found in Him. Christ is my mediator and a righteous King. He deserves all the glory, honor, and praise. And oh how I don't give it to Him all so often. I look forward to the day when sin and sorrow will be no more and all God's children will rejoice and sing Hallelujah, What a Savior! Night.

Craziness. I am sitting here in Love Library listening to LaunchRadio..doing a marketing assignment and the song Mairzy Doats just came on. First off...I didn't even know it was a real song. Second off...the words that I thought made up the song were completely off! Stace member when you told me how your mom used to sing you the song...man that is so crazy, because I thought you said it was meres eat oats and does it oats and little lambs eat ivy a kid el' eat ivy too, wouldn't you? HAHAHA...I was WAY off. Mairzy doats and dozy doats And liddle lamzy divey, A kiddlely divey too, wouldn't you? Mairzy doats and dozy doats And liddle lamzy divey, A kiddlely divey too, wouldn't you? If the words sound queer and funny to your ear, A little bit jumbled and jivey, Sing "mares eat oats and does eat oats And little lambs eat ivy." Mairzy doats and dozy doats And liddle lamzy divey, A kiddlely divey too, wouldn't you? Mairzy doats and dozy doats And liddle lamzy divey, A kiddlely divey too, wouldn't you? A kiddlely divey too, wouldn't you?