stormy day

Today I woke up to a thunder storm. I can't think of anything I like more, especially because I am off work today. It was a perfect opportunity to drive to Panera and spend time with the Lord. A couple things I feel excited about: 1) I am reading John, well, started reading John today, and I love how in 1:42 it is the first time Jesus met Peter, and the first thing He says is "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas". I could be making my own ideas up about the tone of this, but I love the idea that when Jesus met him in person, He was so excited about it because He is Peter's creator, and came down to redeem Peter's life. I also love that He called him by his new name. I feel like Jesus sees us as who he has created us to be, not necessarily who we are when we first encounter him. Anyway, all of this reminded me of something that came up in the book, The Shack. (This is thing I am excited about #2)...I felt like over and over again, when I was reading it, I was overwhelmed by the fact that God is very fond of us. I think sometimes we have an idea of a God who is somewhat disappointed with us, but it was made so clear over and over how much He loves us. To think that the God of the universe is especially fond of ME is overwhelming. It also renews my heart to run after Him. I like that we have a God who loves so much that our devotion for him is fueled by His love for us.
On another note, because of this blog I have discovered Picnik. It is a wonderful thing. I will show you some of the things I have created. Has anyone who blogs discovered how you start noticing things that are artsy or wonderful more often than usual because you want to put them in your blog? Well, that is what is happening for sure... enjoy :)

This picture was taken at camp this summer right after club one night. It was one of those times where it was so beautiful, but the camera didn't do it justice. Then I discovered the enhance button in iphoto...fixed it :) Anyway...how awesome is this?! Unbelievable.

This is also from Castaway...the words are lyrics from the song that comes on when you open this blog. That song is Castaway to me, so it only seemed fitting. Anyway...its beautiful there.

This is not a picnik photo, but my roommate Shannon (right) is leaving us. She is moving to SC to go be with a boy. Not just any boy, Andy. There are precious. I approve. I just feel sad because we've lived together for a long time now and she is leaving me. This was taken as a last roommate picture at her going away party. I had just worked a 12 hour shift, so if that hadn't been true, this could have been the cutest roommate picture ever. It is still precious though. I love these girls.
That is probably enough for one post, but don't worry, there will be more :) I am off to renew my UK parking pass and find a scrub jacket for work because UK Children's Hospital is very very cold. I hope everyone has a wonderful day!