Today...

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Confession

The other day I was getting all worked up about non-Christians saying negative things about Christians.

Obviously, being a Christian, I am a little sensitive and defensive about those things.  I really hate the way some non-Christians view Christians (stupid, naive, prejudiced, backwards, etc). I was reading some comments on-line (don't you just love the internet?) and with each comment I read my heart kept swelling up in anger and embarrassment. 

And then I realized something. 

I don't have very many non-Christian friends... They don't know me... I am terrible at building relationships with them (with people in general, but that's another story). Instead of becoming angry about what they say, I should just be their friend. I don't mean evangelize the snot out of them, I mean be their friend. Hang out. Talk. Listen.

I can't deny that there are many mistakes that Christians have committed in the past (myself included), and still continue to do so today. Many Christians spout hate and ignorance instead of love and acceptance. 

There's a chapter in Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller called "Confession: Coming Out of the Closet." Here's an excerpt of what he wrote:

"For so much of my life I had been defending Christianity because I thought to admit that we had done any wrong was to discredit the religious system as a whole, but it isn't a religious system, it is a people following Christ; and the important thing to do, the right thing to do, was to apologize for getting in the way of Jesus." 

Donald Miller and his friends at Reed College set up a confessional booth on campus and instead of taking confessions from non-Christians, the Christians did the confessing. They apologized for the pain and hurt Christianity had caused, and the shortcomings of the church.  

It's a powerful chapter and one that I greatly appreciate for its honesty and humility. 

I need to be more humble. I need to love others the way God loves them. I need to spend more time building meaningful relationships with all kinds of people. I need to share the gospel not only with my words but with my actions as well. 

Going to Dallas!

Tomorrow we are waking up early in the morning to catch the meteor shower and then Alex will be dropping me off at the RDU airport. 

Why you ask? (okay, maybe you're not...)

I'm going to Dallas!

What can I say? My mom and dad miss me too much. They're flying my sister and I over for the weekend before things get crazy with school/work again. I love Dallas. It's really one of my favorite cities in America. They have great restaurants, a cool artsy scene, and my mami & papi. What's not to love?

Of course, I'll miss my hubby while I'm gone, but I think he'll do okay without me for a few days. 

I can't wait to spend time with my family. I'll admit that I miss them and it will be nice to spend a few days with them...even Danibel. ;-)

PLCC

A couple weeks ago I had my first paid photo gig since moving to North Carolina.

I was thrilled!

Promised Land Community Church in Creedmoor, NC hired me to take pictures of their Sunday school and service to display on their newly renovated website (it's still in the works...).

It was great to have the opportunity to just take candid shots of a group of people who are doing what they can to serve God in their community. 

And the kids were adorable!

I'm not gonna lie though...the BEST part was getting to see a REAL LIVE OWL! Dan the Animal Man was there that day to show a variety of wild animals (gator...porcupine...babboon) and when he brought out that owl I was beyond ecstatic.

Check out that glorious creature.

I wish I could have gotten some better pictures but...ohhh well. At least I saw it with my very own eyes. :-)

owl love

Anyone who knows me knows my love for owls. 

So I just had to share this cute illustration by Tad Carpenter. 

I dedicate this one to my love, Alexander Acevedo. 

And now back to studying... Final exam tomorrow!

One Year in North Carolina

It's our one year North Carolina anniversary!

A year ago today we started this adventure of North Carolina living. This year has been nothing of what I expected it to be. It's definitely been a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. Honestly, it's been difficult for me to get adjusted. I still get feelings of homesickness. I still get feelings of not belonging. I still feel lonely sometimes. I have, however, come to love this place and the people we've come across.

I am thankful for my school. I've learned more than I could ever imagine, and I still have a ways to go. My professors are genuine, humble, and incredibly intelligent. The students are eager to live gospel-centered lives and soak up the wisdom the school has to offer.

I am thankful for my church. It's a bit difficult getting connected to people in such a big church, but I finally feel connected to this group of people. I love our pastors, staff, and volunteers [especially the evening campus, we're the best ;-)].

I love my small group. These people are amazing. I love being able to sit around and talk with them. I love playing 'four on a couch.' And I really love making the girls laugh because of the outlandish things that sometimes come out of my mouth. I won't repeat them here. ;-)

I also really love what God is doing in our lives and in our marriage. It's difficult at times. I sometimes wish I could just ignore God and do my own thing, but I am so glad He is in control. He truly is so much wiser than I am (as if there was any doubt). I see things happening...moving...clicking...and I know it would not be possible without the sovereignty and provision of God.

And in other news, today is the day that Kat and Lenny are making the big move from Miami to Wake Forest. I'm excited for my friends and the adventure they are about to begin. I can't wait until they get here and we can help them unpack and get settled. We love you, Goenagas.