It's 12:30 so Happy New Year's Eve!  I went and saw that movie The Forgotten today.  It wasn't really what I was expecting, but it was good.  I would recommend it.  After the movie, a bunch of my church friends came over, and we played two of my new games.  I got this game "Marry, Date or Dump," which is hilarious!  You draw a card and say who on the card you'll marry, who you'll date and who you'll dump.  It was fun.  Then, we played Catch Phrase.  That's probably my favorite game!

I'm in a really happy mood.  My Christmas break has been so great just relaxing and catching up with old friends.  Did you notice I've added like 10 names to my subscriptions list just this week?  Yeah, people are jumping on board, and I'm loving it!  To all my friend, old and new, love you and (if I haven't seen you lately) miss you!

Christen

P.S. Wanna see a crazy picture of the tsunami? Go to: TubaKing

This has been an incredible year.  I didn't want to be like everyone else and have a list, but here it goes.

~ I got to watch the Chicago Bulls lose to the wonderful Dallas Mavericks!
~ I threw together a Valentine's party for my single small group girls that was a big hit! And my friend Andrea got engaged that night!
~ I learned the importance of prayer and so many lessons on how to be a leader, how to be led, how to have patience, and how to overcome loneliness by falling in love with Christ.
~ My aunt got married, and I got to be a maid of honor!!
~ I went on a missions trip to Chicago that was not only one of the funnest weeks of my life, but it was also an incredible experience of servanthood and humility.
~ I learned the meaning of love by watching my small group girls.  They taught me who I am and who I could be. (I miss them so much.)
~ I spent a few weeks thinking I was being tortured by collecting props for Coram Deo only to discover it was a humbling and fun time.
~ I graduated my first year of Master's Commission and really knew that I had given my very best.
~ I finished my 1st semester back at school with all A's!
~ I found new friendships and deeper relationships with my family that I've never known before.

This has been an incredible year.  I'm so thankful for the places I've been, the people I have grown to know, and the love of Christ that is ever-present in my heart.

To all my Rockford friends, I miss you so much. Every day I am thankful for the 9 months God gave me there.  I love you.

Christen

 

Well, Christmas has come and gone...sorta.  We don't have our Christmas with my mom's side of the family until tomorrow night, so I'm still celebrating!  Time with my Dad's family was a lot of fun.  We sang some Christmas songs and some old hymns, which was funny.  I really love my family.  Then, Santa delivered my stocking as usual, but when I awoke Christmas morning, it was full of switches (if you don't know, ask me).  I, somewhat disappointed, knew there had to be an explanation.  And there was.  My cousin became a little mischievious at 4 in the morning.  And the contents of my stocking were found later.  :)  Well, Christmas may be over, but the new year has yet to begin!

Christen

Merry Christmas Eve!  I'm at my grandparents so Christmas is HERE!  I may not be around for the next few days, so have a wonderful Christmas!  I love you all.

Christen

Well, new pic you can see.  I'm really going to work on getting an even better one, but this one is definitely better than the 3 I've had.  You can at least see my face.  Today was a funny day.  My little brother had his 3 friends over, and they played war in our house.  2 used my parents' room as a fort and 2 used Scott's room.  It was hilarious.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Christen

A man entered into my life again today in the form of a small silver circle we call DVDs.  I sat in glee with a big goofy grin on my face as I soaked in the wonderfulness that is better known as Napolean Dynamite.

Christen

Tonight, I'm feeling very introspective.  Lots of thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  I try to be somewhat reserved on this site since anybody can read it, but it seems like a place that I can talk freely, and then the reader decides whether to read it.

Life has not become what I planned.  In junior high, I mapped out exactly what I wanted: cosmetology school after high school to pay for college, 4 years straight through college, get married at 19, have kids at 26.  Isn't it funny what has become?  I never considered cosmetology, I took a (wonderful) year off college, I'm not even dating, and who knows when I'll have kids.

My two best friends have an incredible relationship.  Tonight, I just sat in awe at their interaction.  They've been dating since my senior prom and know each other completely.  Is it so bad that I want that, too?  Do I mean tomorrow or even next year?  No, but eventually.

Life is really good; don't get me wrong.  I loved Rockford.  I miss it daily.  College is a blast, and I have the coolest roommates.  My family is so amazing.  And it's so nice being home for break.  I have awesome friends.  I just spent several hours with 3 of my closest.  I'm a blessed person.

Sorry for my ramblings, and thank you to those who read this.  I love you all.

Christen

Haha!  I feel like a teenager again.  Tonight, I took my little brother and two of his friends rolling (i.e. wrapping, TPing or tiolet papering).  It was so much fun!  I don't want to incriminate myself so I won't say who we rolled, but just know...I had a personal connection to the house that was hit, and it felt good!!  We bought like 75 rolls and used about half on the first house.  I took two pictures.  Then we hit another house but got caught.  This boy came running out and chased my brother around the block.  He told Scott to clean it up.  He thought it was the dad and said okay.  I told Scott it was just some punk kid, and we sped off.  :)  Hehe   It was a blast!

Christen

Hey, this has been a great week.  I got to hang out with my roommates, which was great.  They came to visit, and we definitely were lazy!  We hung out with my friend Ikey twice which was (as usual) a blast.  Happy Holidays my friends.

Christen

Home for the Holidays!

Tonight my family had our Christmas.  We always have it before the actual holiday because we go to my grandparents' houses on Christmas.  We ate chicken enchiladas and Christmas cake, opened presents, watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and played cards.  It was so much fun!  I have a great family.

Love you all and 15 days til Christmas!

Christen

I'M DONE!  Hallelujah!!  Today I turned in the last final.  What a great day!  I hung out with my roommate and our friend Andy all day.  We did some filming for his final.  Then at 5:30 we had the 1st JRBBP (i.e. Joint Room Bagel Bite Party).  It was hilarious.  The three of us made Bagel Bites and spaghetti and ate at a picnic table.  We ate and talked for 3 1/2 hours.  Then, we got permission to have him come play cards in our room, so Karissa, Angela, Andy and I played poker (no money, just chocolate chips, marshmallows and almonds) for an hour and a half.  It was a great time!

I just finished working on my costume for our church's Christmas party tomorrow night.  My small group got assigned the theme "games." We couldn't pick something normal; no, we are dominos!  haha  It really is going to be funny.  I need some more spray paint so I'll finish tomorrow.

Christen

4 finals down, 1 to go

The last final tomorrow is actually a take-home final that I haven't started.  :)  It's 128 questions long, and I haven't read any of the material.  Yeah, I'm a good student.  hehe

Everything here is great.  My mom came Friday and Saturday, and we shopped all day.  I finished my Christmas shopping.  Yea!  I've had a good couple of weeks.  It still seems a little surreal that semester is over.  Plus, this Friday my immediate family is having our Christmas.  We always have it early so we can celebrate with my grandparents on Christmas.

I'd better work on that test!

Christen

What a fabulous week!

I spent 5 days with the most important people in my life: my family.  I went to Van and ate, laughed, and spent time with my amazing family.  I had so much fun!  We played ShangHi (our favorite and only card game) like 4 times, which brings so much joy to my life.  I lost every time, but it's fun to see other people win and help other people cheat.  Yeah, I admit it, my cousin and I frequently cheat.  Haha!  That's what makes it so great!  I got to see Mark and Sheila who I hadn't seen in about a month, as well as all my cousins!  This week, besides being Thanksgiving, makes me so thankful to be a part of such a fabulous family.

Friday we went shopping all day which is an annual excursion.  Last year while I was in Rockford, I didn't get to come home for Thanksgiving, so it was nice to be back.

Overall, I had an amazing break.  Two more class days and 3 days of finals and then CHRISTMAS!!  Love you all!

Christen

Another rainy day in Texas.  All it's done for the past week is rain.  Right now it's thundering, which is so cool when I can lay in bed and sleep, but no, I have a researched speech to write, and 150 pages to read and respond to by tomorrow.  That's college, and this semester is almost over.  Yea!

Last night my roommate's intermural volleyball team got 2nd place!  They lost to the staff team which is several ex-SAGU volleyball players.  It was fun.

Tomorrow, I head home for Turkey Day.  We aren't actually celebrating til Saturday, but I will get to hang out with my family all week. 

To my friends, I love you and miss you if I haven't seen you in a while.

Christen

Christmas is hands down the best time of year!  This past Saturday was the official start of Christmas celebration for me!  My two roommates and I went to Santa Land, which is a drive through some woods with over 1 million twinkling lights!  It was incredible.  Plus, I found my Santa's Country Christmas CD which has 10 Christmas songs sung by country singers!  I love it.

Christmas makes my heart skip.  It's not the cold, or the presents, or the days off of school.  It's the family, the lights, the decorations, the MAGIC!  It's the celebration of Christ's birth, and the reflection of Mary and Joseph's faithfulness!  Christmas is so magical to me.  It means joy and happiness and togetherness. 

I am so blessed to have an amazing family that loves me and makes me feel like a million bucks.  And I have friends that love me unconditionally.  I don't have to prove anything to these people in my life.  They just love me.

So, Merry Christmas, my dear friends.  I know it's over a month away, but feel the joy and the magic that makes this season truly wonderful!

Christen

This semester is almost up.  I really can't believe it.  I've got 2 days of classes left this week, 2 days before Thanksgiving next week, 2 days of classes the following week and then 3 days of finals!!  I seriously can't believe this!

For those of you who read my entries earlier in the semester, I stressed out a lot, and it has been hard, but it hasn't been as hard as I made it out to seem.  (Typical me)  I only have a couple of big assignments left and a few little ones.  THEN I'm done.  Well, for now.  I have 4 more semesters of classes and 1 semester of student teaching left before I graduate.

Love you all and Happy Holidays!

Christen

2 weeks, 2 days til Thanksgiving!  Let the holidays begin!!

Christen

Yea, Bush!!  There was a warmth and feeling of security that poured over me when I heard Kerry conceded today.  This country really turned out and backed Bush!

Tonight I'm in Longview because my little brother is playing his last 7th grade football game tomorrow.  Last week he had a touchdown AND they won!  Yippee!

3 weeks from tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  Good- because that means a break.  Bad- because I have a 20 page paper due the day before that I haven't done the 400 page reading for yet.  Yikes!

Christen

Last night I went on a blind date.  What a funny experience!  My friend Jeanene and I got set up by Angela and Heidi (our friends) with these two guys Bryan and Matt.  I actually knew both of the guys.  Bryan (Jeanene's date) went to school with my older brother, and Matt (my date) grew up in Gilmer which is only a few minutes from where I'm from, and I worked with one of his friends.  They were very nice.  We went to P.F. Chang's to eat.  It was awesome!  We got lettuce wraps and then I got Almond & Cashew Chicken.  After dinner, we walked around NorthPark mall and then went to Starbucks.  It was fun to sit and talk and laugh.  The guys paid for everything which was great, and we had a lot of fun.  No sparks, though.  And of course, there were some ackward moments of silence.  Anyway, we get back to school at like 11:45 and decide to play a trick on Heidi and Angela.  Jeanene calls them and tells them it went awful.  Heidi got so worried that they left the movie they were seeing. HA!  The guys were hiding around the corner, and I sat on the stairs "crying."  I actually worked up some fake tears!  We had Heidi totally believing us, but Angela was skeptical.  Anyway, Angela's phone rings, and she walks off to talk.  That's when she spotted the guys.  She was like, "what's going on?"  Jeanene and I jumped up and were like, "Just kidding, it was fun!"  They were mad!  Hehe!  Heidi even locked her keys in the car they had been so worried.  So, at the end of the day, it was fun, but I there won't be any more dates.  Good times!

Today, I actually read every single person's Xanga on my subscriptions list.  I hardly ever go to anyone's site, so today I did.

I miss Master's Commission.  This morning in church we were praying for the new members which included all the new MC students.  I started crying during that short prayer.  I miss it so much.

Christen

My dad's coming to see me today!  Yea!

4 weeks and 1 day til Thanksgiving break!

Christen

What a weird day.  I saw my ex today.  It was super weird.  We were cordial and said "hello" and "how are you?" but nothing important.  We only talked for like 3 minutes.  I guess it was good because now the awkwardness is over with.  I'll see him several times since his new school is in our conference, but that sure doesn't mean I wanted to.  Anyway, weird is all I have to say.

This has been a good week.  I actually got some serious homework done!  That never happens.  As of this past Thursday, it's 5 weeks til Thanksgiving!  YEA!  Then only 1 week after that.  I can't wait.

Christen

I don't even know what I want to say.  I just wanted to update this thing.
I really love life.
I really like writing.
I really don't like tests.
I really hate not getting enough sleep.

Christen

I had an awesome Fall Break:

-Flew stand by to Florida because I missed my flight
-Went to the beach and played in the mean Atlantic Ocean with Karla and her family
- Went to Disney World's Magic Kingdom
- Rode super cool rides and saw Cinderella
- Ate at Ponderosa's 3 times: all you can eat breakfast buffet
- Slept late
- Spent 2 hours with Megan Valentine who lives in Orlando now
- Ate some awesome clam chowder
- Saw the very sad Ladder 49
- Flew back to Texas
- Had a great time

Christen

Yesterday was a lot of fun.  I went to my first SAGU football game.  Yes, we lost, but it was a blast.  Then Karissa and I ordered a pizza and rented a movie.  We watched 13 Going On 30.  It was SO cute!  Afterwards I made the comment to Karissa, "I wish if you took back a movie the same day you rented it that they would give you a new one."  She told me Angela took back a movie once that she didn't like, and they let her get a new one.  So, I thought the least I could do is ask.  I called Blockbuster and (did not lie) said, "Hi I rented a movie earlier that I don't want anymore.  Could I bring it back and get a different one?"  The man said yes.  So we did.  I felt so cool.  Then we went to Braums with some friends and talked about kissing guys.  It was one of the funniest conversations I've ever had.

Christen

Why do I let my heart get involved in such dumb stuff?  I'm so frustrated with myself right now.  Don't mind me.

Christen

EDIT: Okay I'm better.

TWIRP: The Woman Is Required to Pay

This week at school is TWIRP.  It's where girls have the opportunity to ask a guy on a date.  There's kinda an unwritten rule that the guy can't say no.  It's supposed to be really secretive, so the girls send cards or hang posters telling the guy they've been TWIRPed but not revealing who they are.  Then the guy shows up at the designated location to find out who the girl is and where they are going.  The cool part is few girls actually TWIRP the guy she likes, it's usually just a friend.  It's a lot of fun because it's just an opportunity to hang out with one of your guy friends.

Karissa, my roommate, and I TWIRPed two of our guy friends.  It's going to be a blast!

Christen

I had a wonderful weekend.  Friday night I went to Van after classes, which is where my extended family all lives.  We ate dinner and then played cards.  I love being at my Nannie's house so much.  Saturday I slept late then we ate lunch, chicken and spaghetti.  Yum!  After lunch we celebrated my birthday.  It was awesome.  I got to have my nails done, and my parents' gift is to keep them up for one year!  YEA! I also received a body pillow, which I've always wanted, and a photoalbum.  My grandparents gave me money which was much needed.  Mark and Sheila gave me a cute shirt, pink pearls and fun earrings.  It was so wonderful.  I had the best birthday!

Thank you to everyone who made this an awesome birthday.

So, the reason Nannie's is so cool...  It was so funny.  Saturday I was sitting on the back porch with my aunts, mom, sister in law, Nannie and Cody's girlfriend, then the guys (Granddaddy, Dad, brothers, cousins and uncles) all came filing out of the house dressed in camo and hunting gear.  They each had their own guns and piled into my cousin's truck.  Sheila looked at me and said, "You need to take a picture of that and show the next guy you date what he's getting in to."  Haha, it was so true.  They went and just shot stuff.

Christen

I've heard it said, "Home is where the heart is."  Never before have I believed it as much as now.  Last year, I spent 9 months in Rockford, Illinois.  I would be lying if I said it wasn't the best year of my life.  But something was missing all year, and I have finally figured it out. 

Home. 

Today I sit at the computer at my real home in Longview.  I don't have classes on Thursdays so I came home last night after church so I could watch my little brother play seventh grade football tonight.  I got a lot of homework accomplished and feel so relaxed, which, if you ever read my site, you know has not happened this semester thus far.  Even though my parents are both at work and Scott's at school, everything is so peaceful and right.

I love school and my friends, but home really is where my heart is.

Christen

I feel like the coolest person on Earth.  Wow, I am so blessed to have amazing friends and family!  I'm not bragging.  I just want to share with you how blessed I really am.  Monday during the day my phone rang off the hook with people calling to wish me Happy Birthday, plus I got SEVEN posts on here (which is a new record for me), my parents sent me beautiful flowers and I got like 10 birthday cards from friends.  Last night, 5 of my friends took me to Olive Garden for a dang good time eating awesome food.  I would lie if I said I didn't taste some wine.  The waiter gave me a sample of the grossest liquid substance on the face of the planet.  Yuck, for real.  Anyway, it was super fun!  Then tonight I met my parents in Mesquite at the Macaroni Grill, which is my favorite restaurant.  We had a blast.

So bottomline, I love my birthday, I had an amazing birthday and I am blessed.  I love you all!

Christen

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to Christen, Happy Birthday to me!!

Yeah, I did it.  I sang to myself. 

Rockford was a blast.  I had just a good time with friends and at the wedding.  Incredible wedding by the way.  Last night my roommates surprised me with cake and the room all decorated.  So cool!!  Tonight we are all going out for my 21st birthday!  No, I'm not going to drink.  I'm just not.

EDIT: For the record, I'm not back in Rockford.  I just went for 5 days to visit.  I go to school at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas.

Christen

Hello from Rockford, Illinois. Everything's going wonderfully! Wednesday I had the most warm welcome ever. It's so great to see everyone and just be able to hang out. We saw Neopolian Dynamite after Cross Current. That's the funniest movie in the world! It was only Master's friends so we cut up and laughed so loud! Thursday I was at the church all day with Amy Becker and friends. We goofed off and stuff. Then I went to lunch with Matt Tripodi and Wendy O Brien, which was wonderful. Good times. Love you all!

Christen

I leave for Rockford in two days to go to Joni and Jordan's wedding.  It's going to be so much fun!  (Shout out to my AC Sis Holly who will be picking me up from O'Hare on Wednesday!  Thanks sis!!)  I miss my Rockford friends a ton.  Today I was thinking about different people who are 2nd and 3rd years this year.  I'll probably never live around them again.  It's so weird that they are living the Rockford life again and I'm not.  I'm happy here.  It's just weird.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays feel so long. I gave a speech in my 8 am class today.  It feels like a week ago.

Christen 

College is overwhelming.  I hope life slows down a little bit soon.  I feel like I'm just barely keeping my head above water.  I have a hard time enjoying fun things because I have undone homework looming over my head.  It never ceases.

We had PK Retreat (Pastors' Kids) this weekend.  It was my 9th year!  I had so much fun hanging out with some of the new kids as well as my long time friends.  We play this game called Wink 'Ems that's so crazy!  The younger kids think it's hilarious that I like it so much.  Sunday night we played for 2 1/2 hours.  It was awesome!  I can honestly say it was one of my favorite years.

Christen

This is a shout out to my little brother.  He had his first 7th grade football game tonight. They tied 12-12.  He had a great catch.  I was so proud!

Christen

It's Monday.  What is there good to say about Mondays?  After 3 days of bliss, one must return to routine and structure.  School is getting better.  I'm not quite as stressed.  A very wise man once told me, "D's get degrees."  Well, seeing how I'm an overachiever, I adapted it to fit me better.

"B's get degrees"

I wrote it on a sticky note and put it on my mirror.  It's encouraging to be honest with myself and be okay with the possibility of getting a B.  Now, I don't want evil comments about how you would do anything for a B.  This is my post, and I've only had one B in all my days.  So bottomline, I'm trying my best, but I'm not going to beat myself up over a B.

Tonight we had a chapel service at 7.  It was amazing; very possibly it was the best ever.  We had great praise and worship then 2 guys tag-team preached.  Instead of an altar call, they dismissed all of SAGU to go walk and pray around campus.  I didn't think people would take it seriously, but they did.  We left dead silent and for the next hour there were hundreds of people walking all over campus praying, singing and reading the Word.  WOW!

Christen

Wow, what a week.  Classes are going to be tough.  I'm not afraid of failing as much as I'm afraid of only keeping my head above water.  I hate feeling behind or overwhelmed.  It's a LOT of reading and outside projects.  Today I talked to one of my professors because I was afraid I was taking on too much, and I almost started crying.  I teared up, but he told me I was going to be fine.  I hope so.  Overwhelmed and emotional is the way I feel.  Those are two things I am not very often.  I am definitely in the right place, but I wasn't quite prepared for this.

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Christen

I'm here.  We started classes today.  They are going to be much tougher than I imagined, a whole lot of reading!  I'm very happy though.  I have great friends and incredible opportunities.  I'm considering switching churches.  The youth group at my current church is not really hoppin'.  I'm visiting somewhere else tonight just to see.

Christen

Off to school, off to school, tomorrow I go off to school.

Well, I never claimed to be a poet.  It sounds better if you kinda sing it.  Anyway, I really do leave in the morning for school.  Registration's at 10 then I've got to move my stuff in.  I'm not sure if I'm being naive or if I really think it's not going to take me long to pack.  I haven't started.  Surprise, surprise.

If you're ever in the Dallas area, come see me.  I'm going to miss everybody, but at least I'm not 1000 miles away, just 150.  I love y'all.

Christen

I graduated to a new level of achievement today.  I'm so proud!

Tomorrow I must pack for school.  I leave Saturday morning so I am required to pack tomorrow.  I want to go back to school, but I'm such a procrastinator.  The last thing in the whole world that I want to do is throw my entire life into a car again.

One of my supposed roommates called today to say she's not living with me anymore.  That made me sad.  I'm afraid there's going to be someone in my room that I don't know at all.  I need sanity this year.

Sorry this wasn't a must read today.  I have no words of wisdom or wonderful stories to tell.  Tomorrow holds promise though.

Christen

I have come to realize what a small world Xanga really is.  I need to be careful what I say.

I had the strangest conversation tonight with a guy I graduated from high school with.  We were extreme opposites in high school.  He just wanted to say hi and see how I was doing.  It was really a pleasant conversation.  Just, weird.

Small group is a phenomenon.  God has enabled me to pour the limited knowledge I have into numerous 15 and 16 year olds.  They take what I say as truth and run with it.  I have personally watched one girl change her life completely because of things I have said and done.  This is no pat on my back, just, my mind is racing.  Why does God use me when I'm still growing?  Why would He trust me with these precious lives?  I don't understand.

Christen

Today is a good day.  I got to eat lunch with my friend Ikey.  We've been friends since my sophomore year in high school, so that was super fun.  Then we visited his parents' furniture store.  It's so cool! Tonight, I'm going to dinner with my family to bid farewell to my cousin Josh who's headed off to college in Abilene.

I can't believe I go back to college in one week.  I'm excited though.  Okay, so I had considered going back to Rockford because I love the ministry opportunities and the things I have learned, but my parents said no.  (I don't want to talk about that.) But, my heart is still Master's.  I believe in the program and the person it allows people to become.  This week we had a Back to School Revival, and (tell me THIS isn't God) the Master's Commission director from South Dallas Master's was there.  SDMC is located at the church I go to while I'm at college.  We talked, and he said I can work with them as much as I want.  I don't have class Tuesdays or Thursdays so I'll be going to their classes, teachings and prayer.  I'll kinda serve in a 2nd year capacity but not.  Understand?  Well, I'm SO excited.  I'm getting a college degree and working in the ministry at the same time.  I love it!

Christen

This picture was taken on my mission's trip to Chicago.  At the first church we went to, we got to play with these kids for hours.  They were wonderful!  This little girl had a single mother, and the mother had another tiny baby.  She was so starved for attention, but while we were there, she laughed and smiled so much.  I'm cracking up in this picture.

I got to eat lunch with my Nannie today.  (Nannie= grandmother)  It was great!  She's taking me shopping next week, which is super exciting!

Christen

Sometimes when I read other people's sites I feel bad.  I don't think I talk about God or what he's doing in my life enough.  It's not that He's not moving or that I'm not growing, I just don't think to post that stuff.  God is good.  Currently he's shaking some stuff up inside of me that I didn't think was still there.  He's showing me some desires for my future that I didn't know I had.  I know that's incredibly vague, but someday I'll be specific.  I would appreciate it greatly if you prayed direction into my life.  Thank you.

I'm home from Austin.  We left after lunch today.  It was sad saying goodbye to my friends.  Yes, once again, I cried.  We not only had fun this week, but I got to bounce ideas and thoughts off my friends.  That was awesome.  I miss Rockford more than you know.

I love you.  I hope you know who you are.

Christen

Hey y'all, I'm still chillin' in Austin. We leave in the morning. It's been so great. I miss my friends terribly. I've seen a few SAGU alum and some PKs. I'm feeling a little old, but I still have a lot of life to live. This week has been encouraging that I can still dream and I have lots of time. Just because I think I know what's going to happen in my life, the Lord has plans for me that are so much bigger. I'm so excited to see what I do, where I go, who I marry, the ministry we will have. I don't know if I've ever been so excited to live life.

Last weekend with my brother and sister-in-law was awesome. They inspire me so much: to be better, love better, and chase the lost better. Does that make sense? They are such huge role models in my life.

I should go. I'm supposed to be working the RMC booth. We've only had 2 visitors in 1 hour! Love you all, and keep posting!

Christen

I'm in the very cool town of Austin, Texas right now. I'm helping out RMC with a booth at the Assemblies of God National Fine Arts. We're having a great time. Two of my favorite people from Rockford are here, Matt Tripodi (my small group leader) and Candice Waddell. I've been standing a lot and talking to students. It's been awesome. It's weird cause Southwestern has a booth maybe 30 yards away. hehe Well, thanks for the comments. I love them! Love you all

Christen

<---------  So I'm working on getting a better picture.  This one is from January in Rockford, Illinois.  This particular day was about 3 degrees.  Yeah, that's cold.  We were doing a fund raiser where we pumped peoples gas for them (so they could sit in their warm cars) for a donation.  It's very successful.  Total we made like $1000.  I have on SO many clothes in that picture, an ear warmer AND a beanie and like 3 pairs of socks.  Hehe!

Tomorrow is my last day of US History.  I don't think I have to take any more college history classes ever!  I have to take a final then off to Houston.  This week I'm visiting my brother and sister-in-law and going to a wedding this weekend.  Next week I'm helping Master's with their booth at Fine Arts (it's an A/G talent competition thing).  I can't wait to see everybody!

I really do live the good life.  All month I've been praying for one of my small group girls that I poured my life into this past year.  She's been in Europe for 3 weeks.  I talked to her today, and it was amazing!  She lead a prayer group during their trip.  It started with 3 people and grew to 27 (only 50 went!)!  This was not a Christian trip. WOW!  God is so good to me and honors my prayers!  I love Him so much!

Christen

Last night my cousin Josh's band had their final show.  It was awesome!  I had such a good time!  I actually knew the songs this time cause I bought the CD a few months ago.    After the show, my brother and I went to my Nannie's and spent the night.  Always good times.  Today we played cards and ate Mexican food.

This week I'm going to Albuquercie, New Mexico for a wedding.  I'm so excited cause I'll get to see my college friends.  I'm excited about going back to college next month.  I have the best friends in the world.  Well, I need to go watch Alias.  hehe

Christen

I love summer.  I just finished watching the 1st season of Alias. ***** Yeah, that's 5 stars.  Good show!

I hate history.  I'm making a good grade in my class, but Hitler was an idiot and WWII doesn't make sense.  That's just my opinion though.

Christen

I'm in a weird mood.  I hate it when I think a guy likes me but I don't like him.  It makes me feel like crap.  I'm afraid I'm in that situation again.  No, I'm not bragging or something.  This is my site...I'm allowed to vent.  I know that guys don't have a lot of confidence with girls. I also know that when they finally get the courage up to ask a girl out and they get shot down...they die a little.  So, it puts girls in an awkward situation. We don't want to hand out pity dates, but it's not easy to say no.  Man, I hope I'm wrong.  I hope this guy was just being funny, not trying to let me know he has feelings.  Ugh, this is why I'm single.

Christen

Wow, life seems like it just immediately stopped.  I graduated Rockford Master's Commission two weeks ago today.  My life was going at the speed of light and then it was over.  I can't believe these last 9 months went by so quickly.  I loved everything about it.  Yeah, there were tough times, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  I learned so much and have grown tremendously!  Anyway, I just wanted to let y'all know I'm home, and God is good!

Christen

Hey Y'all!  I got my haircut Sunday.  I had 10 inches cut off and donated it to Locks of Love!  Wow, it was awesome.  Plus, I love my new cut.  It's shoulder length!  Super cool!  Love y'all!  I graduate Master's 2 months from today!  Can you believe it?  YEA!

Christen

Computers stink!  Mine pretty much broke.  I'm sorry to my loyal readers, like I have any  :)  , I really can't post much.  I love you all and will pick up this addiction again in July!  Bye

Christen

Yeah, I'm a horrible Xanga friend.  I don't have access to internet really at anymore.  My computer has pretty much bit the dust, and I don't answer phones for secretaries anymore.  Oh well.

Things are great here.  I'm definitely going back to college in the fall which I'm super excited about.  I'm probably rooming with Karissa, Danae and Angela.  YEA!  I'm got 3 months and 4 days left of Master's.  It's pretty crazy.

I love y'all!

Christen

Wow, I am really busy lately.  I'm sorry I haven't posted in so long.  My aunt got married today!  It was amazing.  She was so calm and unstressed, and so absolutely happy!  She was GIDDY!  I loved it!  I got to be her maid of honor which was great!  I genuinely felt pretty.  The wedding was beautiful, the reception was fun, it wasn't too long, and the clean-up didn't take long.  I couldn't have been happier.  My brother Mark was the minister and the ceremony was awesome.  It was definitely a family affair.  Mark (brother)-minister, Cody (cousin)-usher, Josh (cousin)-usher, Holley and Hallye(cousins)-flower girls, Randy (Dad)-singer.  Haha!  We have such a crazy and AMAZING family!  I love them!  Gotta go sleep!

Christen

Want to hear the coolest thing in the whole world?  So, my dad is a pastor, and today was the 10 year anniversary of my parents being at 1st A/G in Longview.  Well, they gave my mom a couple of gift certificates and roses, which she was absolutely estatic about.  But then, they made my parents face away from the big, overhead screen.  The board had written a blessing for my parents and had the congregation read it aloud to them.  At the very end, it said something about "we are giving you a new car."  Then they showed a video of this truck.  THEY BOUGHT MY PARENTS A TRUCK!  Yeah, they gave them a Ford F150, four door truck!  WOW!  My dad said he cried.  He told me besides his wedding and 3 kids being born, today was one of the happiest days of his life.  Anyway, I just wanted to share the awesome story of how God blessed my family today!

I love you!

Christen

I'm so tired!  I'm about to go to bed.  I have to wear a bunch of different hats tomorrow: small group leader, basketball cheerleader, maid of honor, Master's student.  Yeah, it's going to be adventurous.

Tonight the first year RMC gals had a dance party.  I learned quite the little dance move..HAHA!  Then we watched a movie.  It was a lot of fun.

I get to come home in just under 2 weeks! YEA!  I love you all!

Christen

Valentine's Day was wonderful to me.  I hung out with my small group girls.  We talked about how V.Day doesn't have to be about a guy's love...it can be about God's love!  I was amazing.

Today we had 1st year human videos.  While all the staff was gone to Phoenix for their conference, the 1st years were split into human video groups and had to make up their own.  Today we performed them.  It was awesome!  Some of the best human videos I've ever seen.  My group's was to the song "Beautiful".  It's a worship song, but the idea of the video was a guy is telling this girl how beautiful she is, but Jesus is also telling her.  She doesn't hear Jesus at first.  Then they come to a party, and the guy leaves her cause she decides she wants Jesus.  Then the guy hooks up with another girl (aka...ME) and feeds her the same lies. Everyone really liked it.  I felt really good about it.

Anyway, life is good, but God is amazing.

Christen

Hi y'all! I miss you. We are having a heat wave up here...it's like 35 degrees! J/k I get to come home March 4. My aunt Angie is getting married the 6th. I'm the MAID OF HONOR! I absolutely cannot wait. I wish I was there to help plan and get things ready, but I'm not.

Today during ACs (accountability cells- they are like a family, two 2nd years and four 1st years, parents and children), the girls went to Borders and talked about our futures. We looked at wedding dresses and made "The List." The list is all the qualities, traits, personalities, passions and the lack there off, of what we want in future husbands. Sarah (my mom) was talking to us about how we deserve the very best and shouldn't settle for anything less. It was awesome!

Well, gotta go, but I love you!

Christen

I'm playing secretary right now. Hum, maybe I could be a secretary..ok, nevermind. Atleast I get to type on Xanga and check emails! That's exciting.

The expression "I'm pooped" is really gross. I mean think about it. How can you be pooped? Just wondering.

I love you all!

Christen

I'm sorry I haven't written in so long. My computer is retarded and won't let me on the internet. I'm answering phones at the church right now. I hope everyone is doing good. I miss Xanga, I really do.

Christen

I'm on a trip right now in Peoria, Illinois.  Yeah, I had never heard of it either.  It's a blast though.  We have leadership retreat tomorrow.  YEA!

I missed Xanga.  I miss Texas.

Christen

My computer is so slow.  It's ridiculous.  I'm going to take a Xanga fast for a while.  I don't think anybody reads my page anyway.  So, until next time, I love you!

Christen

I started back to Weight Watchers yesterday.  I think it's funny.  I kind of feel like an alcoholic at AA because they ask you how the week went and stuff.  I really like it though.  I want to look good for my aunt's wedding and be more healthy.

I get to go on a trip next week!  YEA!  I'm going on an RMC trip to Peoria, Illinois. We (like 15 of us) will be working at a Christian high school.  I'm not sure what all I'll be doing, but I'll be gone Sunday-Friday!  I can't wait.

Life is good.  Boys stink.  Weight Watchers rocks.  Slippery roads suck.  My A/C family is amazing.  Running 5 laps at the Y...priceless.

Christen

I go back to Illinois tomorrow.  We are leaving for Houston this afternoon so I can spend some time with my brother and sister-in-law.  Then I fly out at like 2 tomorrow.  Is it wrong that I'm excited to go back?  I feel bad because I really love my family and enjoy spending lots of time with them, but I miss Illinois.  I love the Master's people and everything I do.  I didn't realize how much I love it until I came home.  When I graduate in June, it's going to be sad.

Well, I wanted to say hi to everyone!  Talk to you soon.

Christen