At home making salad

It is SO nice being at home as much as I am now that school is on break. I look forward to the day when I am a stay at home mom and figuring out schedules to get home things done while caring for the children. :)

It's nice to have the time to prepare healthy meals and not feel rushed. I really enjoy cooking and it is fun for me to cook things that I know are good for our bodies! Today I did get all the ingredients to put in my "salad box", and I took that time to chop every thing up. Sometimes its hard to think of things to go into a salad and so the following are the items that I put in there to then create salads with ease:

-Carrots, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, zucchini, corn, peas, onions, avocado, celery, green pepper, olives, and tomatoes. I also have containers with craisons, walnuts, pecans, and chow mein noodles. I also need to cook some chicken and cut it into pieces to have for salads.

I find that eating salads is a great thing for the body and nice way to get a lot of good raw veggies into a meal. I know that some of the vegetables work hard toward digestion and so having some meat in the salad or eating a salad with some cooked foods is a good idea every once in a while. Too much raw food will make your spleen go crazy, but having a salad for lunch every day will make you feel good....just add some chicken to it every once in a while, or make sure to have a cooked dinner!

Well, I should be off to cooking...I'm making a Lentil, Apple, Walnut loaf and some steamed veggies for dinner tonight. Yum!

- Krystal

Kombu....

Well, today has been a great and productive day, which always make ya feel nice, right? Preston had the day off from work due to the weather, and so we went around Johnson City running errands together. Then we stopped and got some food from a great place Yamotos!

We came home and got a nap. Nice! Then I cleaned out my cabinets, fridge, and microwave. I feel good about that progress...also got the laundry done. AND -- Preston started working on a spice rack for me, which I'm very excited about!

Tomorrow I think I want to get some touch up painting done, write thank you cards, prep for my next sewing project, and spend some quality time working on my new year goals. I also need to go grocery shopping. I cleaned out my veggie draw in the fridge so it is now ready for new fresh veggies. I'm going to go ahead and cut/chop/dice/shred the veggies and things to go in little Tupperware containers I have. That way it will be easy to put a salad together.

One thing I bought today was Kombu. It is a sea plant that you can add to grains, soups, sauces, and legumes during the cooking process. Kombu is an alkalizing mineral with high iodine and iron. If you put in a small piece with what you are cooking it "reconstitutes and releases its nutrients into the cooking liquid that is then absorbed by your food." It is also a good source to help tenderize legumes and reduce their gaseous properties. There are some soups that I want to make and I'll add just a thumb nail size piece into the stock.

You can also put in a large piece into some water...let it boil...and then you have a Kumbo base for a soup!

Life is good. We had a wonderful/different Christmas this year. The snow kind of through off plans. Preston and I were unable to get to the Visser Christmas in time to see everyone, which was a bummer. However, it was nice that we finally made it and we stayed there really late playing games, which was a lot of fun.

My parents were in town. We also went to a Christmas Eve service with my sister and her husband, which was nice. We did our usual Christmas Eve pizza with my parents, and had a great Holiday weekend!

Television, regrets, and a new year!

Television. I heard on the radio that now people spend more time online than they do watching TV. I believe that, because we don't even have cable TV or the box thing - we only have the internet; however, we get the news and TV shows and we can watch movies on the internet, and so we really don't need a TV.

There are some shows that I watch on a regular basis, which I can get on hulu.com or netflix.com. My favorite TV show is The Biggest Loser (AMAZING), and then I like Parenthood, Being Erica, Project Runway, and any cooking show. Those are really the only shows I watch by myself, and I only watch them while I'm doing something else, like sewing, folding clothes, or cooking. I rarely just sit down and watch a show just to watch it. BUT, there are two shows that Preston and I are currently watching -- 24 and King of the Hill. When we eat dinner we often watch a show, and it's one of those two.

I say all this because I've been thinking about the show Being Erica. It's just a cute little show about a girl who gets to go back in time and work through some of her life regrets. She's 32, single, and struggling in many areas of her life. It's cute, and the therapist in the show is always throwing out cool quotes.

The show makes me think of regrets. I've been thinking that I do not really live with regrets. I do live with moments I might have done things differently, but I recognize that everything that has happened in my life has made me who I am today, the good, the bad and the ugly/pretty! I'm just not sure that focusing on regrets really does help, unless you look back and are able to learn from your mistakes, move on, and put the past behind you.

Yes, there are things in my life that have been lessons for me, and I would counsel others not to do; however, living as if it were a regret would be stressful and sad.

God works all things out for the good of those who love Him, and though we may have deviated from His perfect will for our lives, if we are His children, we have never deviated away from His desire to us living an abundant life. So, learn from the past, live in the moment, and plan for the future.

Live in the moment. That would be a lesson that I have learned in the last couple of years. If I am spending time with someone, but I am thinking about someone else or a problem that is irrelevant to that moment - I miss out. It is important to focus on what is in front of you, and treasure that experience right there and then. After that you can deal with what you need to, but don't get wrapped up in worry that you miss what is in front of you.

I like to read. Right now I am reading a few books, one being the short stories of Ernest Hemingway. When I read his work, I am amazed at how writers can word thoughts and ideas so eloquently. Hemingway writes in such a way that I can picture the whole scene very clearly. Maybe after years of piddling on a blog I will be able to express myself a little more clearly, allowing readers to understand what I am trying to say! :)

Anyway, I think I'm going to write a post about my goals for 2011 - NOT resolutions, because those are often overwhelming, but goals -- things to work towards -- not to change instantly over night and keep up for a whole year -- resulting in failure!

Peace out

Krystal

Pushing my buttons!

So...something new: Blogs have buttons, which anyone reading this probably knows by now. However, I did not know this until my SIL told me about these button things.

If you have a button for your blog then people can put that button on their blog. People will then see the blogs that you follow. So, you grab people's buttons and put them on your blog. Therefore, I should grab some buttons so you - the reader - can see what I like to read! I don't know if that makes any sense, but I spent a while this morning with this button thing and could not get it to work. After taking a break (and having a very productive day) I came back to it this evening and figured it out. BUT, I'm not really sure that I'm happy with the button I created.

My blog is all about me...no real theme and I change the background of my blog often. So, I was not sure what to use for my button. I think I will just leave it as is for now......and YOU should grab onto my button and put it into your blog.

All you have to do is copy the html code (wierd letters/numbers) that are underneath my button. Then go to "DESIGN" where you edit your blog page. Click on the "add gadget" and then scroll down to the HTML choice. Once you have that opened just paste the html information into the box. You can insert the title "Blogs that I follow" -- and go grab other people's buttons too!!

Blogging is fun...I think,
Krystal

What does the future hold?

Just a quick update on Preston's status. He has applied to 15 internship sites across the U.S. and he has been invited to 7 interview places. January will be full of interviews:

1. January 4th - Memphis, TN...we're driving and I get to go with him here
2. January 7th - Provo, Utah...he's flying here

3. January 10th - Hazard, KY...this is the closest one...3 hours away

4. January 14th - Chicago, IL...we are both driving here

5. January 18th - Somewhere in Kansas...he will be driving here alone

6. January 21st - Grand Rapids, Michigan...he will be driving here alone

7. Date unsure - Big Stone Gap, VA (also fairly close)

He has to submit his top choices by February 9th....then MATCH DAY is on February 25th. On that day he will be told if he was matched with any of the places. It's kind of a nervous process to go through!

His top three choices are Chicago, Provo, and Grand Rapids. A couple of those are Christian based and he really is ready to incorporate his believes into his practice.

We are praying for God's hand of guidance as Preston interviews and that the Lord work on both ends for there to be the best placement made. We trust in the Lord with all our hearts that He is in control....and if Preston does not get placed then we will stay around here for another year... happily....Preston will keep working on his dissertation and apply again next year!

Christmas Break???

So today, Saturday December 18th, officially kicks off my Christmas break. I'm finished with all assignments and internship things. I still have to work at my part time job but most of that I can do from home, which is wonderful.

Also, we have a Cumulative Exam (CE) that takes place of us having to do a thesis to graduate. So, it's like this really big essay type thing...but it's take home. So, we got the exam yesterday and it is due before Spring break. Even though I do not want to work on the exam over the break...I know that I'm going to. Next semester is going to be BUSY and so I want to get a big chunk of the CE done and not have to try to cram it into my schedule next semester!

Also over the break there is..

-staining to be done

-touch up paint

-fun sewing projects

-cooking

-reading

-relaxing

...that needs to be done! :)

Just not having school work, classes, deadlines, internship etc. makes a big difference. My to do list is now things that I want to get accomplished...oh yeah there is also organizing. I have these two cabinets in my kitchen that have become a little chaotic. I want to clean those out too!

It will be great!!!!!!! Probably by January 17thish I will be ready to go back for another round. Just one more semester.

Life is good....and God is Great!

KJV

Bags for the girls

I often make Christmas gifts for Preston’s younger sisters. This year I am making them small messenger type bags. They are not perfect but I am really enjoying the process. I find it very fun and rewarding making bags…and my head is always full of new bag ideas. So, here is a pic of my work space:

When you open the flap there are two pockets in the front and a zipper pocket on the top:

I still have one more bag to put together and it will be purple.

It’s fun and I’m learning a lot about sewing. That is a fun thing about projects…you always learn something new! For instance, I learned about making the zipper at the top where it wraps around a corner…I’d never done that before.

And it gives you a neat look on top of the bag

When I’m finished with those bags I have a purse that I want to make…I’ll probably do that after Christmas, and then I want to make me a larger messenger bag at some point.

I’m also working with my sister-in-laws on a handmade family tree wall hanging thing…which has been fun…and you can read about that on Meagan’s blog!

Fun times with sewing!

Cool Stuff!!

Well, this week has been very good (not great but good)! I have been more disciplined in my workouts and I have been getting up in the mornings on time! :) I have also been spending time in prayer and reading the Bible (b/c I wake up when I'm supposed to and have some time). Of course, still much work to do as far as leading a disciplined life...one day at a time!

A few things that really spoke to me this week:

1. Colossians 1:24 "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind the
afflictions of Christ"

I am no great scholar but I did look up more about this scripture and read through my devotional about this scripture and it is jammed full of great insight and information! When we tell others about the power of Christ, the redemption story, and we share only what He has done in our lives we are missing out on a great point. We are not sharing the "revelations of Jesus" -- therefore, the Spirit of God is held back in ministry because those listening are only gaining a better "spiritual culture" and not experiencing the power of Christ.

I know that I do have a tendency to share about Christ with others from my own personal experience of what He has done for me/to me. I do not share what Jesus actually did and His actual story. Hmm....

Also, noted is that when we look at a person's personality or words of wisdom or outer appearance we are not able to see that person the way Christ sees them. We get tangled up in their fleshness. In order to see them as Christ does we must look deeper at their Christ like characteristics. Some personalities will not mesh very well, but if we are sisters/brothers in Christ then we must learn to look past those flesh difference and acknowledge the heart, the motivation, and those things which each other do for Christ and like Christ! That spoke a lot to me, and really gave me a new perspective on the way I look at people, especially those who I clash with!

Then too...this scripture is written by Paul. He is saying here that he is rejoicing in his own sufferings for the sake of others because of the afflictions of Christ. Because Christ came and was afflicted for the church -- Christ then rose from the dead and is in Heaven -- the task of suffering was left to those on earth -- the church. So, Paul rejoicing because he is advancing the gospel. He is picking up where Christ left off (sort of). Christ charged us with the same role. We are His disciples and we are to also suffer for the generations that are to come. For our children - we are to stand up for the gospel so that the Word remains - and on and on. Cool stuff! :)

2. Another devotional I read this week was from I Thessalonians 3:2 "Fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ" -- and I quote "If you seek great things for yourself - God has called me for this and that; you are putting a barrier to God's use of you. As long as you have a personal interested in your own character...you cannot get through identification with God's interest."

Also, "God is using me from His great personal standpoint, and all He asks of me is that I trust Him, and never say - Lord, this gives me such heartache. To talk in this way makes me a clog. When I stop telling God what I want, He can catch me up for what he wants without let or hindrance. He can crumple me up or exalt me, He can do anything He chooses."

Again...cool stuff...that spoke to me this week and I wanted to share in my blog. Okay...off to work again!

Peace.
Krystal

"I have learned that the aim in life is God's, not mine."

P.S. Click here to listen to Chris Sligh's song -- another "cool stuff" moment. I really like this song and it was great to listen to the 100 times 88.3 played it this week :)

Silly Me :)

Sometimes I find myself wishing things were different. Wishing that I did this better or that better etc. Sometimes I say to myself "well when this happens I will do this..." Sometimes I catch myself feeling like I'm waiting for my "real life" to begin. I catch myself thinking that when I have children that people will actually few me as a real women and I will finally be doing what God REALLY wants me to be doing. How silly! Right? Yeah! Crazy thoughts. When did those thoughts pop into my head. I KNOW that God LOVES me now. God is not waiting to bless me - He is blessing me now and He wants to continue to do so. God wants me to live each day for Him alone and not worry about the future (that we are not guaranteed). I KNOW that I am doing God's will for MY life right now. I KNOW that I am a real woman and THIS is my REAL life. :) Funny girl I am.

HOWEVER, there are things that I need to improve on, and I don't need to keep waiting around for the next best thing for me to start working on becoming a better person. So tonight I decided to write down seven things that I want at this time of my life. Here goes:

7. I want my Master's in Social Work. Yes, I really do want my MSW. I really enjoy what I am learning. I love being involved with the social service world and I LOVE doing therapy. I trust that God has me in this program for a specific plan and purpose, and it is great how it goes along with Preston's goals and such. I am very happy in working towards this goal! It is good!

6. I want to be healthy. Here is one where I am struggling with. I would venture to say that Preston and I are healthier than that average 25 year old, but there is much room for improvement, which leads into number 5.

5. I want to disciplined. There are things that I do, which I feel very disciplined in, but not every area of my life. I want to become a truly disciplined person in every area of my life. I need to focus on discipline of my time, discipline in my hobbies, discipline in my time with the Lord, discipline in my exercise program, and so forth.

4. I want to be a selfless, loving godly woman. Not for my own sake, but for the sake of Jesus Christ. I love God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit! They are really AWESOME little oneness group there! I desire for others to feel the love of Christ through me, and I desire to love others the way that Christ wants me to. I struggle here, and I don't know that it is because my motivation is not to do so, but rather, because I am not bold -- and I am not bold when I have not been disciplined in spending quality, daily time with Jesus Christ.

3. I want to be a prayer warrior. There have been times in my life that I have felt, seen, heard, and known the real POWER of prayer. But, recently (like in the last couple of years) my prayer life has been dry and a struggle. I pray for people, but in passing thoughts. When I was in college I would spend time in mediation with the Lord and I had a vibrant prayer and visions life. It was wonderful. I do not know exactly what happen to get me off that road, but I believe that prayer is amazing and that we as Christians MUST pray...and so must I now!

2. I want to be AN AMAZING WIFE (and some day mother). I am a VERY blessed woman when it comes to husbands. Preston is such a wonderful and loyal man, and he is very strong in his faith and work ethic...etc. I love the way that Preston loves me and cares for me and about. I have enjoyed these last 3 1/2 years of marriage and I see the growth that we together have experienced. Our communication is much better than when we first got married, and our love really is stronger. There are a lot of things that Preston (and I) would say that I do right and well; however, there is ALWAYS room for improvement....and I want to continue learning, reading, and praying about becoming the best wife I can be. People who do well at their task are those who spend quality time learning and practicing.

1. I want to ALWAYS place God at the center of everything I do. I want to become bolder in my walk with the Lord. I want to become more passionate about serving God and I want to grow in my relationship with Him.

So, those are what I want. I don't want to get into further details because I already feel like I'm sharing too much, but anyway, this week I have simple plans to incorporate of little more of these into my daily day! One day at a time!

God is SO amazingly wonderful, and I am grateful that He loves me and blesses me. I know that the closer I walk with Him, the more my eyes will be opened to His blessings. In order to be a great wife I must get hubby some food before he vanishes away.......

God Bless
Krystal V

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."
- Zig Zigler

Breaking the Fall

So, fall break was this weekend....Monday and Tuesday. Preston and I had to be at our internships on Monday, but then Tuesday I had all day to spend here at the house and do school work. Although it was not like a total two days off break - it was definitely a lighter load kind of week so far. I am ever so grateful to the man/woman who created the idea behind fall break...it is a genius idea that allows us to refocus a bit before drudging through the next part of the semester.



Fall break for Preston and I started with a nice walk through Elizabethton to enjoy the beautiful fall trees! I love fall. The cool weather and changing colors! BEAUTY TO BEHOLD!







Then Preston and I went to a reception for a couple that recently got married. It was a sushi restaurant...they rented the whole place. It was a lot of fun and I LOVE sushi so that was great! Plus, they had these cute Asian theme cupcakes. Adorable!

We also got to experience Preston do a little dancing...yeah...priceless I know...wish you could have been there to see it! :)



We got to hang out with friends Brandon and Shantell. FUN TIMES FOR SURE!

We went to the flea market in Morristown - which was HUGE and very exciting. I got me 3 dollar shoes for this activity at Dollywood...and we found Preston a pair of 8 dollar New Balance shoes! Also chocolate too.




Yes...then we went to Dollywood. Enjoying watching the horse walk around to make sorghum (however that is spelled). Preston enjoyed learning more about wood working tools, and then we both participated in a ropes "Adventure Mountain"....it actually was a bit scary at time and a lot of fun!

Then back to home we went...with our lovely and cute kittys! :)












SO....that was fall break. Tomorrow I go back to my normal schedule. Actually, I think the next part of the semester is going to be crazier. More papers due and harder junk. I looked over a syllabus today to get started and it just makes me stressed to think about what I have to do.

This first part of the semester, though, has gone VERY well. Though we are busy we find time to be together and we do random things to take good care of ourselves. We could ALWAYS spend more time with the family, but I know in time that will not be an issues at all.

Onward to part two of this semester.

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3-7

These verses are a great reminder that in Christ we (I) are strong. That is one thing that is WILD about this experience in the Master's program....the corruption all around me...even through people who call themselves Christians but lead very different lifestyle or are so tolerant that they neglect to truly believe in the Bible as the final authority.

I believe that my role right now is just to portray an attitude of love. I have already faced situations where I have had to leave because of what that situation was promoting, and though I genuinely care about everyone in the program with me there are limits to what I will support.

It is a crazy part that actually adds a little stress to my life. How to be a loving compassionate Christian woman in such an ungodly place. How to stand true to my beliefs and not be judgmental....it's a great experience...and it shows to me that God is SO very important to me...but I still struggle with wanting everyone to like me and not hurt their feelings.

LIFE IS GRAND and GOD is AWESOME!

-- peace out
KJV

P.S. I'm not sure about the pics and the writing around them...not sure how that happened etc...

Series of unfortunate...or fortunate events...lets take a look

So today a lady from work gave me a root for one of those viney plant things that grow in water. I was excited and so was Presto because he love naturey things in the house (it is soothing). However, we have a cat, and I have visions of me lying in bed and hearing a loud crash, splash, and meow all at once. I posted some pictures of the cat's first encounter with the plant. (just for fun). I actually have A LOT of work to get done for school. I'm freaking stressed right now (kind of) I don't really get super stressed. But, for me I am stressed. It's becoming the middle of the semester, I'm more tired, and I have midterms, papers, projects, etc. It is just crazy. This weekend i will be in Bristol ALL day on Sunday with the Regional Area Medical people, helping out doing social workey/case management type things. It will be a great experience I'm sure (I hope) however, it just adds to my already full schedule. So, why am here at my blog...I don't know. I do enjoy writing sometimes even if it is nonsensey...it gets my mind off things for a little while.

One thing that is going SUPER great is my field placement/internship. I working with two different therapy groups. One is specifically for women who are addicts and the women have children. The other group is for the general public who have addiction issues. Both groups are intense outpatient groups and so the members are required to come to group four days a week for three hours. THAT IS A LOT OF TIME. I am leading the regular group every Monday and the women's group on Friday's. I am learning a whole lot about the substance abuse population, and about therapy. I really enjoy therapy and I really enjoy working with alcohol and drug abusers. There is SO much to learn, and that is a part of this MSW program that is great. I am learning a whole lot of stuff. Stuff about people, stuff about children, stuff about myself, stuff about therapy, and stuff about plants and the body and random things.

The other day learned that the spleen actually does have a use. One of its uses is to help keep the body's ph levels in balance because the spleen is like a holding tank for some chemical (that has a long name and I don't remember). But, when your body is low on this chemical the spleen will release some of the extra it stores. Very random...DON'T LET THE DOCTOR'S TAKE OUT YOUR SPLEEN!! Just kidding, kind of. Things were put in our body for a reason...always strive to keep your body in tact.

WOW...I am rambling...looks like I am avoiding school work, huh? Guess I should get back to work! Below are pics of the plant and cat! Enjoy!











Mello did jump off safely....this time.....we'll see how this story continues.....

May the Lord bless you with a smile today!

Peace out
KJV

What am I talking about?

So, it's 4:05pm on Saturday and I'm at the computer lab working on a paper. However, as I write I am realizing that I do not know what I am saying. Yet, I keep writing. So, I thought I would take a break - clear my head - and write some nonsense on my blog. But, I really don't have much to say.

Oh, well...we did purchase a treadmill. I am very happy about that. We have had it for about a week now. It is really nice, and it makes working out more convenient than me trying to work it out going to the gym at school all the time.

Preston's deadline for his disertation proposal is October 11th. He is supposed to turn it in to the committe this Monday morning for them to review it before he presents it. I'm SO excited for him and for all the hard work he has done thus far. He is such a dilligent worker and totally a man of perserverence. He is a great man of God and a good example for me.

After he proposes he will begin sending off applications for internship placements. I think his list has about 15 placements ranging from places in Michigan, Utah, Chicago, West Virginia, and Kentucky. It's crazy to think that less than a year from now Preston and I might be moving. Of course, there is a HUGE chance he will not get an internship because the school is currently not accredited, and there are limited placements that will accept non-accredited schools. SO - for all you praying kind of people - if you think about PRAY that the Lord has complete control over this situation and that if it's in HIS plans for Preston to get a placement this year that we have peace about that and if it is HIS plans that we wait a year that we have peace about that!

We'll see what happens. :) Off to type some more on my paper.........................maybe I should do some more reading first......................ahhh........so much work to do :)

Life is GRAND!! :)

Krystal

3 Weeks and counting.....

Well, my first three weeks have been a success...I think! Life is actually busier than I thought it would be...to my suprise. There is A LOT of work to do ALL the time and there will only be more and more to do.

This is my schedule:

Mondays 7:30am-10:00pm (I don't get home till 10...I try to be in bed by 11:00...but it's been midnight...grr)

Tuesday 7:30am-10:30/11:00pm

Wednesdays 7:30am-10:00pm

Thursdays usually 8:00am-9:30pm (even though I get home a little earlier...its still 12 b/f bed)

Friday's 7:30am-6:00/7:00pm.

I feel like Saturday and Sunday's are my only days at home. So, Saturday I get up no later than 8:00 and work on house work until about 10 -- then school work most of the rest of the day. Saturdays are BIG days for school work.

Our yard is stressing me out because I still have to cut the grass...that takes time out of my Saturdays. Then Sunday's we are gone from 7:15 to -- at the earliest 2:00...and on Sunday's I usually go grociery shopping for the week...then make a few big meals for us to eat on throughout the week...make baggies of other lunch items so that in the mornings I just have to grab things for our lunches instead of putting everything together that morning.

And Preston's schedule is worse. I mean he is home a lot more than I am...but he is probably on the computer about 90% of the time that he is home. His dissertation proposal is due by October 6th. Preston often works through the night....he gets hardly any sleep...sometimes he catches up on his sleep b/w Friday and Saturday....but then he often works through the night Saturday and then goes to church on Sunday morning.

We are just in a different world right now....but it is SO much fun. I LOVE the Master's program...and often end the week really tired and slightly stressed....If I think to much about what I have to do it makes me want to cry...but I've not actually cried yet.....we'll see! However, the people in the program...the people I'm getting to know are WONDERFUL.....

I just feel really good about where I am right now in my life....and though I'm super excited about the next stage of my life when I'm finished....I'm really grateful to be going through the program right now. It is a blessing from the Lord...HE is teaching me so much right now.

I'm very surprised at how much I like the program and the people.....but it is good! :)

Here is a pic of me on my first day:

Also...in the first week of school my laptop got a virus on it...it's still in the shop...which makes things a little crazier...I could do more school work at home if I had it....with one computer...we kind of have to work around each other....but I often go to campus to do school work.

One last thing to this online journal :) -- Tomorrow September 19th is my birthday. I will be 25 years old. Kinda weird to me. I actually am beginning to feel like an adult....like I'm growing up. Hmm....what will this year of my life bring.

Until next time.....

peace out....

KJV

JOY UNSPEAKABLE....I AM COUNTING ON GOD

So, today is Friday. The beginning of the end. The last weekend before the fall semester starts and it is already getting super busy.

I started my GA work this past week and I also got a couple of my syllabi and am trying to get started working on some readings and summary papers. Every time I get a new syllabus I get nervous. I don't think I have ever done anything as intense as this program is going to be and I really am nervous/anxious/excited/:)!

I got a beautiful little card in the mail today from a dear friend :) She is very encouraging and strong in the Lord. On the card it had a cute picture of a yellow umbrella. Essentially the card said that she could not protect me from the "rain" b/c she did not have a huge yellow umbrella. Rather, she will walk with me in the rain! And then of course there was encouraging words and scripture to follow. It is wonderful to know that people are praying for me.....and I know this sound slightly selfish and self-centered. That is not my intentions. I truely am humbled and blessed to have people around me that care about me and want to support me in prayer. I recognize too that MANY people have been through programs with jobs/kids/and more. I know that there is nothing special about me....

I also know that some people cope with different things in different ways. For whatever reason, unbeknownst to me, this MSW program is nerve wracking to me along with having to work 20 hours and complete internship hours and be a wife etc....some people might not think that is stressful at all and that is okay. Stress is in the eye of the beholder....right? I don't know what I'm saying.

I'm blessed and I'm glad for friends and support, and I'm glad that I have God who is SOOO GOOD and wonderful! I know that He really will help and give me strength through this whirlwind of a time! I am very happy to be going through this program. I really am!!

HERE IS SONG FOR THIS SEMESTER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jdkfdClHOM

"Joy unspeakable

that won't go away

And just enough strength

to live for today

So I never have to worry

What tomorrow will bring

'Cause my faith

is on solid rock

I am counting on God

The miracle of Christ in me

Is the mystery that sets me free

I'm nothing like I used to be

So open up your eyes you'll see"

Until next time,

Krystal V.

Praise the Lord Moment!!

Just a quick note of Praise here! The Lord has been SO good to Preston and I. I'm glad that my husband is such a man of God who is patient and strong in his faith.

Anyway, I got another half GA position!! Which is great and it means that my entire schooling will be paid for and I will be getting a larger stipend. AND Preston and I will not be wiped out of savings account by the end of May! :) We are SO excited, and I'm a bit nervous because it does add an extra 10 hours to my week. I am trusting in God's leadership and He did open this door for us. I know that HE will give me strength to preserver in this year. Below is such a beautiful verse:

I am a blessed woman of God. I pray that I continue to follow His voice and live a fruitful life!

God is good....all the time....

:) Krystal

4.0 and counting....or rambling

So, summer classes are finished. I completed the 2 courses both with an A, which is nice. I think those were probably the easiest classes i will have so I must be grateful for the good grades.

Now I have about two weeks before the fall starts and I'm trying to make the most of it and get things done. Right now I'm working on some sewing projects. I'm beginning by making some purses for my little sis-in-laws. I'm worried b/c they are getting older and I don't know that they

will really like homemade purses anymore. This one of the ones I have made:

All of them will be different shapes/sizes/colors etc. So, we'll see. The next project will be a group project with the older sister in laws. We are going to try to make a wall hanging for our

parents/in-laws. Again, we'll see how that works out. It is nice to sew when I have people to sew for. I would like to get better at sewing clothes but I'm just not very confident in that and I hate making mistakes because I feel wasteful! I also made this card holder for my sis-in-law...I thought it was a cute pattern and I wanted to try it out. I think it turned out to look okay!

Anyway, I really look forward to the day when I'm a stay at home mom. Now I catch glimpses of what is to come. If I were not in school I would have started up a small garden this year...which I will definitely do when I'm done with school next season or so. At some point, when we do not live in city limits, I would love to have our own goats to get fresh goats milk which we LOVE...and then I would have enough to make other things from the goats milk. Just being a mother is something I look forward to very much. I can only image that having children is 100 times more fulfilling than the way I feel about having my cats :) hehehe

Something that slightly concerns me is getting them into a sleep routine. I know that children who have a routine tend to be calmer and feel more secure. So, I have just finished reading this book:

I really liked the way that it put things. It allows for a mom not to worry about the first 4-6 weeks and just enjoy being with the baby and being a mom...and then after about 4-6 wks is when training begins. However, the author does allow for some flexibility in the schedule. She mentions that parent's do not need to adjust their lives for the baby but rather the baby needs to learn how to live within the families normal routine.

Also, the author talks about crying....and she says that there is no learning that goes on after 5 minutes of crying. So, she does not advocate for a child to cry themselves to sleep...which mak

es me happy. I just feel like doing that would go against my motherly nature to comfort my child. Anyway, it is a great book with good rules but not so strict that it is overwhelming to me. Again, we'll see what happens.

One more thing before my rambling stops. This week at work someone brought an ice cream bar...which was really cool and super unhealthy! But on the bar there were mini bananas...which I thought were neat and I had never seen before.

The End.

Part Time, Full Time, Anytime?

GOOOD News!

I did a GA position. It is part time. Which means that I have to work for them, they pay half of my tuition, and I get a small stipend. Which is so very wonderful and I praise the Lord. That also means that I will need to look for something else part time (really part time part time)...just a few hours a week to help out some. However, I think things will be good.

So in the fall it now looks like my time will be spent with 5 classes, 16 hours internship, 10 hours GA, hopefully another 10 hour PT job, sometime for studying, sometime to continue on my work out regiment, time to eat and breath, and time for family. Will there be time for sleep? I hope!

I do get slightly nervous thinking about all the ways my time will be filled come the end of August. I have good support and friends. My professor told us that we will all look back at the year and think "how did we manage all that we just did"....but we'll do it....we'll make it....from August to May = 9 months!

ALSO......my in-laws just gave Preston and I our Christmas present early -- season passes to Dollywood that will be fun to use. In fact, we are going to use them this Friday to start off! I'm really excited. That will be nice to have come mid fall/winter when both of us could use a break from schooling. I have very kind and thoughtful in-laws.

I'm a blessed woman.

:) Krystal

Yikes!

Yikes! Today is the first day of July and I still do not have a GA. That is probably the greatest stresser in my life right now...PTL! I suppose life is good! All experiences are learning ones...right? :)

I finished up my first class last night and I believe that I only missed 1 point on everything - meaning I got a 99 in the class. Of course that class was the easiest class we will have this year. Next class starts July 12th - Psychopathology....another Yikes! However, I've gotten to know a few girls in class and I know that we can help each other out to study and such. Plus, Preston is SO smart and it's helpful to talk over things with him.

Also, now that I'm back in school I can utilize the CPA (gym). I've been able to go at least two days a week for the last few days...not a whole lot...but it has been super nice. I really enjoy working out at the gym. It is a great stress reliever. I'm able to put on some music and relax! And it helps increase my energy level. I am grateful! Of course, that last time I did not stretch appropriately and now I have some pain in my shins...Yikes!

Life is good....I still need a darn GA!!!!!!!! I did interview yesterday for one and it looks promising...but others have looked promising and nothing has come of them. If you are the praying type (and you even read this) please pray!

Alrighty then...peace out....

KJV

Oh Victory in Jesus

my Savior forever

He sought me and bought me

with His redeeming love

Becoming A Manager....BAM!!

Well....classes started on Monday...it is now Friday morning. Wow. It has already proven to mess with my life a little. School is just so much more work....I mean grad school seems to be so much more work than undergrad. Class is much more discussion based and all of our grades are on papers. So, there is a lot of reading to do and I have a paper due every week...plus discussions for online and articles for classes...etc...BUT life is SOOO good and God is GREAT!

I'm excited about what I am learning and it all fits in with what I experience in my work life too. I can already see how it will help me be a better social worker and improve the way I look at my clients...plus just improve my character as a person. It does feel a little strange to be back in a school setting.

I still need a graduate assistantship which cause a bit of stress for me. I have been turned down by five already and I have two apps still out. Plus, we have to make decisions about our finance...by internship in the spring semester will have a small stipend with it too; therefore, we might look into a Tuition Scholarship instead of a GA...but those are just decisions we have to make.

Preston is very good to me and he is so supportive. I do not get home on Mondays and Wednesday until 9:00 or later, and then on Tuesday and Thursday I have to do more work than I used to. So, I made two big casserole type dishes and we have been eating off those all week. :) I usually try to make something different every night and then we have leftovers on the weekend. But, it has just not worked out like that. I think tonight I will make something for dinner.

All of this causes me to become a better manager of my time. When do I work out? When can I cook dinner? Oh I have to take care of the cats and I'm still working? What about that paper due? Our house!! Will I ever clean it? Ok...so it's not that crazy yet. One class for the summer does require work but I do have time for things and so far I've stayed on top of my assignments enough to where I should be able to relax a LITTLE on the weekend...specifically I don't want to have to worry about school on Sundays! And really this summer is just a taste of what life will be like come August. In August I will be taking 5 grad course...that's 15 hours of grad classes...a full case load for grad school is 9!! Plus, I will have a 16 hour internship...and I will have hours to do for the GA or TA. CRAZY! But hey...it's just for one year...I'm gonna graduate in May -- that's not that far away!

I'm glad I'm doing this program. The Lord has opened this door for us and we are walking through it with FAITH, and it's a fun adventure. I'm trusting that the Lord has plans for me having an MSW...or maybe He has plans for the experiences and growth that will come through the MSW program. God is good and His plans are perfect. So trusting I will do.

:) Krystal V

"Trust and obey

for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus

but to trust and obey."

Ode to Darlene...GA...and the Shack

Today was a success and a joy. I worked, was able to ride with the music blasting and the windows down, had a nice bike ride with hubby, and most recently mowed the yard...oh, and signed up for my fall semester classes. :)

Darlene Constantine is the Executive Aid for the social work department for the MSW program. She is SO good at her job. She is super friendly and always willing to help us with anything. She also works fast and got all the permits ready for us students to sign up for fall classes. AND, she is quick to respond to emails! THANKS DARLENE (not that you will see this thanks...but I will thank you in person later).

Also, I got a phone call from one department about a GA position, and we are planning to have a face to face meeting (interview) on Tuesday morning. Praise the Lord for that. We'll see how things turn out!

And ~ FYI ~ Right now Preston and I are "reading"/listening to the audio of the book "SHACK". It is really good and I would recommend it with hesitancy. I know that there is a lot of controversy around this book...but there is A LOT OF TRUTH in it too. The book is making me think outside of my little box. God is SO much more than I realize and there is SO much to having a deep, inner, and real communion with GOD! If you are looking for a summer read check out the Shack...by William P. Young

Hope everyone is able to enjoy their weekend!

:) KJV

Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine

Vocal Chords and Hormones

Today I heard that women have a hormone which helps them relieve stress, and that hormone is elevated just by hearing their mother's voice. Something I should keep in mind as I go through this MSW program, and I should always take time to call my mom!

I signed up for my first two classes. I will be starting the first class on June 7th. That class is just a "bridge" course to overview what we learned in our undergrad program. Then at the beginning of July I will start the psychopathology course, which I hear is the hardest course in the program. I'm grateful that will be the only class I'm taking at that time.

So, I have about 3 1/2 weeks before I start my first graduate class. I'm excited, and I'm really excited about the vacation my family is going on right before class. We (my dad, mom, sister, brother-in-law, me and Preston) are going to San Antonio for a week. It will be nice to be together, relax, and breath one last time before getting started! Hopefully it will fill up my "gas tank"!

Yay for today and more YAY for tomorrow because it is Friday....last day of this work week!

:) KJV

Blessed assurance Jesus is mine

P.S. If there are any praying people reading this blog...(not even sure that anyone will read this at all)...but if you are -- PLEASE PRAY THAT I GET A GA!!! A GA is a Graduate Assistantship. That will give me a tuition scholarship for the fall and spring semesters and a stipend as well. I have to get one in order to continue the program in the fall and spring. I'm trying. I'm completing applications and calling people. Just waiting to hear now.

...Oriented

Today, May 12th, 2010 was a cool day. Today I went to orientation for the MSW program. It was kind of a crazy experience...I'm actually doing this...they actually want ME to be in this program. The day was full of professors talking about different things. Some interesting and some not so interesting. One of the professors said that writing might be a useful tool to help us "stay sane". The program is very difficult and intense. Especially for those who are doing the Advanced Standing program, which I am doing. With the Advanced Standing, we get to cut out the first years worth of work and start in the summer. So the program for us only last from June '10 to May '11, and things are crammed!

Anyway, so the professor suggested we write...or blog, and I decided to take her up on that. Just to keep some peace of mind. To have a place to "vent" and release some thoughts while I go through this CRAZY experience.

As for the title of this blog "unruffled repose"...what a cool thought. It is a definition for the word serene, and I know there will be times when I do not sense that peace and serene feeling. However, I know that there is a constant in my life and that no matter how "much ruffling goes on I can still remain reposed"! Praise the Lord....for HE is the constant and HE is the one who will give me that calmness and assurance as I go through this program.

I'm excited and nervous and pray that this blog is a serene place for me!

:) KJV

Blessed assurance Jesus is mine