My adorable nephew

This is my nephew, Ethan. He's the cutest thing (and I'm not biased at all)! I posted some doubles because I liked both the black and white and the sepia. Oh, my! I can't believe how big this guy has gotten. I was there when he was born and he was so stinkin' little! This last one is probably my favorite, if I had to chose one.

The Puppet

I recently arrived back home from YFJ in Sacramento, California. While there I met some amazing people. I heard some amazing worships and made some awesome friends. One of these friends gave a worship talk that sort of inspired me to write this. I don't know who likes poetry and who doesn't, but it's just an expression of my thoughts, things that were on my mind after YFJ. I thought I would share it with  y'all. Thank you so much Pastor Daddio for your inspiration and Chelsea Bond for being a great sounding board!

The Puppet

I walk out on the lighted stage

Knowing my part quite well.

All the audience can see

Is my pretty, puppet shell.

But when the curtains have been drawn

And there’s no reas’n to hide

 My pretty, puppet shell falls off,

Exposing the sin inside.

Lord, I’m tired of being a puppet

Of playing the Christian game

I have a form, but deny its power

It’s no deeper than a name.

Lord, I’m tired of being a puppet

That cannot see or feel.

Please consume this whitewashed tomb

Cut my strings; make me real.

While in the pew, I sing and play

The godly part too well

But when at home, my family sees

I’m only a child of hell.

I claim to be on fire for You,

Giving up all for Your cause

Yet my life is a stumbling block

Causing others’ eternal loss

Lord, I’m tired of being a puppet

Of playing the Christian game

I have a form, but deny its power

It’s no deeper than a name.

Lord, I’m tired of being a puppet

That cannot see or feel

Please consume this whitewashed tomb

Cut my strings; make me real.

Though it’s easier to masquerade

Than to let You change my heart,

Lord, I want to be authentic

Please rip my shell apart

My Dormmates...

These are my illustrious dormmates! I just love them...we share food, laughs, and memories. They each have such distinct personalities. Anyway, I'm going to miss them so much next year!!!!

Megan

Megan is a classmate of mine and I just love her! She's such an awesome example in her spiritual walk. While we were in Hawaii, she asked me if I would take some pictures of her. It was really neat. The day we took these, our other classmates were filming a discussion for Help in Daily Living. Since we were nearby, we couldn't talk to each other. So, it was really interesting trying to mouth poses to her or make motions with my hands. She's really great at posing herself!
Anyway,  I just love this girl so much and I know she's going to make a great difference in the world.