Babies and showers

The weekend in Nashville was amazing. It was wonderful to be in a place with people I don't get to spend quality time with often, just relaxing and talking. About half way through my drive down I had the sinking suspicion that I had forgotten something. I thought to myself, "Toothbrush? Check. Socks? Check. Pillow? Check. School books.....doh!!" And then I felt this sudden release of tension. It was such a liberating feeling to be going away for a WHOLE TWO DAYS without any school work hanging over my head!!! It really set the mood of my heart for the weekend.

The shower was beautiful. The food was awesome. The stories were funny. It really is amazing to see how early our personalities develop! Even from the moment of birth. It makes me really excited to begin to learn what Asher will be like!!

The rest of the weekend was so relaxing. Mikkee, Stephanie and I went to dinner and a movie - something I haven't done on any night, much less a Saturday night!, in a LONG time!! I just love spending time with those girls!!

So, all that to say it was a fantastic weekend. A much needed break from life to remember what and who are important. Thanks!! :)

Bogged down

Coming off a summer of frequent updates, I know the lack of posting lately leaves you all wondering, "Where is Liz and why is she withholding her exciting updates from us? What have we done to deserve such silence?" Well, rest easy my dear friends, it is nothing you have done. Rather, it is the fault soley of the pile of books and stress of papers, midterms, service projects, team projects and crazy work hours that has kept me from you. Know that I am alive, though not always well. I am, however, looking forward to a much needed reprive this weekend to Nashville to see my very pregnant friend Stephanie and hopefully a few others! (Mechelle? Val??)

Things to be praying for:
School: This year the school has decided to not set an actual time for midterms, so the professors get to make up a week for midterms - which means I have TWO FULL WEEKS of midterms (starting today). Let me tell you how 4 papers in one week is hard enough - add to that a Church History midterm and research paper and I want to die!!
Also with school - the institution is going through a leadership crisis right now. There are certain members of the board who wish to see our wonderful President resign. President Greenway has FULL support of staff, students and alumni, but these particular members of the board are very powerful and we are fearful that harmful and spiteful decisions will tear the fibers of our leadership. Please be praying HARD for wisdom, discernment, a breaking of pride and restoration for the seminary.

Work: While I always work a ton of hours, doing so this semester has proved to be even more of a strain due to the increased work-load at school (I am taking double the load this semester that I have previously). I love my job, it is just a little stressful right now. We had two of our bartenders turn in their two-weeks notice this week, which will leave on average 5 shifts a week that need picked up - so I will either be working a lot more, or will be training someone else soon. So please be praying that either I can handle the load, or the right person comes into position.

Kris: Things are really good. He is a very patient man as I am frantic half the time between work and school. Continue to pray for wisdom and openness in our relationship. We are looking at a hard time coming up in the summer - so pray also that we will both be ready for the decisions and moves that need to be made.

Future: I am applying for an internship with GBGM (the part of the Methodist church I worked with this summer) for a mission's position. If I am accepted, it would send me overseas in August! I am super excited and incredibly nervous. The thought of graduation and holding a real job and moving so far away to do what the Lord has been preparing in me for so long is frightening. So pray for soothing of apprehensions and peace as I follow His lead.

A September update through pictures

with little time for actual updating, here are a few pictures to catch you up on last month....















I celebrated my birthday with old friends (Beau)















And new (Elizabeth)















All my wonderful friends chipped in to buy me the worlds most awesome mixer for my birthday!!!
















My boys all wore tuxes!















Kyle got married















We crossed two new state lines (Wisconsin and Minnesota)















There was cheese...lots of cheese!















Bowling with my life group girls




















And a very strange flower growing in my backyard