And today I went to the gym. I plan on going to the gym twice a week now. I need it.

This has been an extremely trying year. And I think I’ve learned much about patience through it. I think next year will be about working on perseverance.

Here’s a question to kick it off, just off the top of my head:

At what point is perseverance not the right move anymore and it’s time to just give it up?

In the meantime, here is my process book (a book of how we came up with our designs and ideas):

If you want to see and read it in person, you’ll have to wait until the first couple weeks of next semester when I get it back. The numbers: 22 double sided pages of 32lb paper, 2 4-layers of 32lb paper as covers, 12 fl. oz of paper cement, 4 broken needles

Special thanks to Pastor James who helped me with “drilling” my holes. After I went home from sewing the book, I realized that I had to change up my stitches because I still wanted to trim all four sides. So I cut the ends that originally looped around the bottom of the book and used my x-acto knives so I could knot them like a surgeon.

Afterwards, I used ducktape to cover the binding, which also helps to hold the thread down a bit.

Here’s a pic from our last day in class when we presented our final group project. With the three most awesome design teachers at USC sitting there, you’d think it was like Project Runway or something.

It’s weird how getting clarity about something makes me feel differently toward it.

Yet again, I’m unsure of so many things.

Do what You will in me.
Do what You will in me.
Do what You will in me.

As I was thinking about this, I wondered what it might be like if WE were friends TO God. Friendship is certainly a two way street. ANd it never works out when a person is always giving, giving, giving and the other person is only receiving, receiving, receiving.

Sure, God is the ultimate friend, who will love us even when we don’t love Him back.

BUT.

What would happen if we reciprocated His love? I think how we lived our lives would completely change. And we would know so much more about Him and how to worship Him.

I know, I know. Duh. We know you go there.

But back in high school, even though I wanted to come here so bad, it was unthinkable. There was no way we could afford it, and I had pretty much decided that I was just going to University of Maryland, College Park.

I think back to all the things that have lead to this point, or at least, however many I can remember. And I know it’s lame, but I tear up a little.

To think that where we are is not by chance. But actually a series of events so set in motion by something much greater. God does indeed love me. That he crafted such a distinct destiny for me that I am only beginning to explore.

Thank you for this day, God. And every single day that you have made for a purpose I cannot see right now. Help me to live by your greater calling and to not get so bogged down by just what I want. Because your way is perfect.

Today I’m walking and I pass this girl who’s sitting on the edge of the sidewalk, her nose stuck in this little book, and a pen ready in her right hand. It’s the second time I’ve seen this girl in that same position. And I recognize the book she holds in her hand. I have one of my own — a pocket New Testament bound in green leather.

This time though, I get a glimpse of pages of highlighted phrases and notes scrawled in the margins.

What is it like to have such passion? To want to spend every possible moment in such a way?

As I pass her, I remember how many times I’ve been selfish for the past few months. Watching movies/tv shows I’ve seen time and time again instead of spending it with people. Being absorbed in my work instead of spending time talking to the junior high kids that make even the slightest attempts at iming/emailing me. Wanting things out of relationships that wouldn’t benefit other people.

What would it be like to live a life completely not of my own?

Am I scared of what that would mean?

There’s a lot on my mind. And looking back on my previous post, I have accomplished nothing that I had set out to do for this site.

But bear with me, and maybe together we can explore the fun times, the trying times, and the learning times that make up life.

Anyway, some exciting stuff going on:

Music Ministry 2007
Soooo close! It’s been tough so far, especially from a leadership standpoint. But I’m sure that God has some amazing things in store for us. More on this later…

Washingtonpost.com
Yup, I’m back interning again. I really love the work there. I’m always being challenged and I’m always learning. I love that feeling. Maybe I’ll post up some links to stuff I’m doing when … I’m done.

This site:
This summer/fall I plan on rehauling the front part of it (the portfolio bit) and this weblog. I’m already sketching out ideas for the portfolio (don’t expect anything TOO awesome)… but as for this weblog… I’m not sure what to do. It’s probably going to look nothing like this anymore though. But we’ll see.