College.

It doesn't prepare you for much. You may come out educated in your field of study.

But...

You won't know how to balance a check book.

You won't know how to manage your money.

You won't know how to compose yourself during scary job interviews.

You won't know how to dress like a professional. You just got out of a place where dressing up was rare.

You won't know what it means to have a "9-5" schedule.

You won't have very many friends like you are used to.

You won't want to stay up late anymore. It's not cool.

You're Friday nights are shot. That work week sure did wear you out.

Hanging out with your parents all of a sudden becomes kind of fun.

Your weekend doesn't start on a Thursday night.

You won't be able to have anymore coffee dates anytime during the day. Remember, you now work during normal business hours.

You will think you can conquer the world three hours after you grab your diploma. That's a lie. We have to start at the bottom of the totem pole.

However...

College does present you with a few positive things.

Your independence.

Your own faith and dependence on something greater than yourself and your parents.

New friends. New places. New experiences.

And lots of fun.

I wouldn't change anything.

Today.

Today I miss.........

THIS.

Probably because today's church service involved a speaker from Africa.

I want to relive the moments I had during the time I spent in Kenya. What I would give to go back to that place....

Brilliance.

My mother is a genius. There is more behind her than wanting to get on a bike and ride 100 miles or wake up at 4:30am to run 8 miles. Although she really loves to do that (who knows why), while not on her bike or wearing out her running shoes, she does have some creative ideas to room decorating. Not that I ever doubted she had this ability, but it really came out today.

Teddi and I both didn't know what to do with the many scarves that occupy our rooms. When thinking about it, I probably don't need that many scarves, but I will admit, I am addicted. We asked Mom what we could do with them and she came up with this brilliant idea. Buy curtain rods and place them over your windows. Hang the scarves to look like curtains. That way the scarves serve two purposes. And I LOVE it. Way to go Mom. I knew you'd pull through :-)

Happy fall.

I made Apple Cinnamon muffins and was really excited about it. They sounded so good on a fall day. I got a good deal on the muffin box. 99 cents from the discounted grocery store in ghetto Bakersfield. I found this place thanks to my mom. She shops there all the time purchasing the basics. The discounted store carries items that are damaged and close to their expiration date. And my mom shops there. Usually those who shop at this store are struggling families on food stamps and my mom goes there. She loads up every time too. I often have to remind her that she needs to leave some food for the struggling people out there. Rarely does she listen to me.

So. I baked these muffins. As I was taking out the ingredients, the mix smelled a little strange. I looked at the expiration date. 05/10. That's what I get for shopping at discounted grocery stores I guess. But, I decided to keep going and see how they would turn out. Not so good.

I got everyone in my family to try them. So maybe I lied to get them to taste it. They fell for it. They thought they were pretty gross. At first it was blamed on my baking skills, but I was quick to say that they expired 6 months ago. I was in the clear.

On the bright side, I got new Biolage shampoo for 6 dollars. Target sells it for 20.

Oh Max.

Max Lucado is one cool guy. And I say that because I met him. I would say we are pretty good friends now, but I don't want to push it. I got to meet Max at a concert held for World Vision a few weeks ago. Not only was it a good concert, but I felt so cool! I got a back stage pass to "hang out." No, I will not tell you how I got that pass, but I felt pretty cool wearing it.

When Max began to speak, he kept saying how beautiful Bakersfield was. He couldn't get over how many pretty trees we had and how nice the people were. I love Max. Pretty much for that reason. I was contemplating if I should bring my camera or not, but declined...I would get star struck by all the artists that I would probably make a fool of myself. Therefore, I have no pictures to prove that in fact, I was there.

All this to say.....I got one of Max's books called Out Love Your Life. I just started reading it and love it! A little convicting, but I think we need that in our lives. I am still at the beginning of the book, but it's deep. And really good. We are ordinary people who are made to do extraordinary things. Thinking of God's disciples, they were not great theologians..."Before Jesus came along, the disciples were loading trucks, coaching soccer, and selling Slurpee drinks at the convenience store. Their collars were blue and their hands were calloused, and there is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nice than the guy next door. The one thing they had going for them was a willingness to take a step when Jesus said, 'Follow me.'"

Good. Convicting. Creative. Pretty darn humorous. All Jesus wants us to do is follow Him no matter the kind of person we are. God tends to use those who think they are least prepared. I am one of those.

To top off the night, I received the book for FREE. Want to know how you can? Begin sponsoring a World Vision child and you can have your own. Your own book. And your own kid.