Back to school pics and my favorite journal entry :)

I forgot to take pictures on the first day of school this year! (Mother of the year) Here they are working sweetly today:

So I may have been boy-crazy in college (and a bit beyond...) but God made all my dreams come true and led me to my soul mate, who proposed 19 years ago today. You can read that journal entry here.

Another freshman journal entry

August 28, 1985

If you've been to OBU lately, you can see how different Walt's was from the current caf!

The Betas serenaded us and it was the most fun I've ever had in my entire life!!! They were so wild, and cute, and fun--some in their boxer shorts! They liked my Open House sign. I didn't get much sleep last night. English is gonna be fun, I like Mrs. McCommas, Lea Anne is in there, and we sit in a circle. Chemistry is gonna be hard, CG is in there, and lots of other guys. Old Testament Survey is gonna be lots of fun, it's a big class, about 40, Scott is in there. Aerobics is gonna be a blast, real easy grade, but hard work-outs. I have so much fun eating with Dina, Malinda, Larry, & Carla. Larry is cool. I bought a book this afternoon, and got some money, and we went to Wal Mart and bought popcorn, notebooks, and other stuff. Dina didn't go to church tonight. Joey did, we all went to Caddo Valley. It's a small church, but super-friendly, and very worshipful. I was depressed, though, and wanted to cry bad. I think it was a combination of exhaustion, homesickness, and wanting a boyfriend! But I gave it to God. Then Amanda called!!! I was so excited. It cheered me right up. Then I called Mom and Dad, and they missed me, and it was neat to talk to everyone. I'm going to bed now.

Kids, back in that day, we had one phone attached to the wall in the middle of the hall where friends and family could call and ask to speak to us, and there was a pay-phone (google it) down by the stairs.
In defense of my former boy-crazy self, I think it's worth mentioning that Larry and Carla, and Joey and Malinda, were married within a few years. So I was around couples a lot.
Amy, how'd you like those run-on sentences?

A word from today and another glimpse of the past

Have you ever heard something all your life, and then one day it really clicks? I had a click this week.
The Bible is full of stories about farmers, and Jesus often compared the kingdom of heaven to planting seeds. Thursday night Mike's campus ministry group held their back-to-school luau, the big kick-off event of the year. This week I heard him describe the importance of it as being "equivalent to a church plant," and I thought, 'Every year!' Every year is starting over. Imagine if once a year, your church lost 25% of its people, and at the same time your town's population grew by 25%! You would  never know what the coming year would be like. Big numbers? Low numbers? Introverts or extroverts? Baby Christians or mature Christians? In what combination? Will our leadership team be faithful and committed, or will they drop out of BCM--or out of school altogether? Who will come back and who will decide to transfer to another school? I prayed a lot Thursday for the luau, but I'll be shame-facedly honest...sometimes I pray for a lot of people to come and for it to be a success sincerely for the sake of God's kingdom, but sometimes I'm praying it because I love my husband and I want him to be satisfied and happy with what he's doing. I was honest with God about it (might as well, He knows my heart better than I do).
And that's when the farming thing clicked. Farmers have to start over every year, too. And they never know how each crop will turn out. Will they reap a big harvest, or will they suffer from drought? Flood? Bugs? Disease? Weeds? They can work hard preparing the soil, planting the seeds, watering, weeding, and so on, but ultimately it's out of their hands. Only God can send sunshine and rain; He alone controls the size and health of the harvest. (I bet farmers' wives pray for their husbands' success, too!) It brought peace to me, and hopefully to Mike as well when I shared it with him, to realize that even if every year isn't a "success," with a packed house at every worship time, Mike is still "successful" in the eyes of the Lord if he faithfully obeys the Lord's calling.
The luau went well, by the way. We had around 75-80 people there, most of them new, and I think everyone had a good time. Now to see who shows up for worship Tuesday night!

Mikayla had a slight advantage in the limbo-

The champion!

And now a glimpse of the past!

August 27, 1985

I still haven't found my keys so I'll buy a new one tomorrow. Only about 20 people went to the seminar this afternoon, and it was the most interesting one yet! Mrs. Pascoe (high school Sunday School teacher) came by to see us this afternoon, when she dropped Steve off. She's so neat. Dina and I got a refrigerator, cable TV, and the Arkansas Gazette today--$$$! I've seen so many fine guys today--Steve's roommate Mike has beautiful eyes, and David W., who Aunt Sue babysat, is a doll. (sigh) We had a Tiger Traks picnic tonight (Dina and Carla worked) and then played Simon Says and had a scavenger hunt. (Funny--we did a scavenger hunt at our luau!) It was really fun, but wore me out. Two guys delivered our fridge tonight--it was so much fun! They were cute, and teased us, and it was great. The Betas are supposed to serenade us tonight--I hope they come!! I'm nervous about tomorrow. I changed my schedule when I registered this afternoon--dropped Honors Contemporary World and Woodwind Ensemble and got American Civ. and Choir. It should be easier, I hope. It took me 1 1/2 hours. I got real frustrated. I've got $149 credit.

August 26, 1985

Mom Rodgers, in Sandra and Stephanie's rainbow room.

We slept through all the morning seminars today, and didn't pay attention to the ones after lunch! It was fun, though. I can't find my keys (how unusual...) the ceiling was leaking over the toilet (but it got fixed) and I broke Carla and Malinda's window. I felt so bad! But I'm having a great time--it's just like I expected it. I had some time alone this afternoon and I got good and prayed up. It was really nice to have some privacy. Dina and I are getting along, though--sharing secrets! The upperclassmen are getting here, and things are changing--good and bad. We went to the Sims' house (my group did) for dessert tonight--it was so neat, 'cause they're Joshua, Rebekah, and Rachel's grandparents (kids I babysat in high school) and I had fun. I talked to a girl from California and the cute leader, Cary. He was pretty boring, though. (haha!) When we got back there was this ridiculous style show--but it was fun. I sat next to this guy named Terry who's really nice, but a mama's boy, and he stared at me 'til I escaped.  We had a floor meeting tonight in Mom's room, and we thought the guys were gonna serenade us, but they didn't. Rats!

More freshman year :)

My suite-mate Susan, next-door-neighbor Angie, my roommate Dina, and Angie's roommate Amy in Susan and Kelley's room

Dina and I got up early and went to 2nd Baptist with Ancil and his wife and baby.  It's so weird when guys stay cute after theyre married. (Yes, I really wrote that.) Sunday School was good, but only because of the 30 visitors...I sat next to a guy named Scott, from Monroe, LA, and I thought he was real nice, and kind of cute--especially when we held hands during the prayer! (Just kidding) (I have no idea who this was) I've met so many people I can't even tell you, but I am having fun--I just wish I was meeting more guys!! (Wow.) We went to Dr. Grant's house for ice cream this afternoon (Dina and I--Carla and Malinda went earlier.) and we were so hyper! We played Pig Mania, and were laughing real loud and having fun, and Scott played with us, too. We had a student life seminar when we got back, which might have been good if we weren't freezing cold. Then we went to First Baptist, and sat with Michelle Johnson, who lived in Conway in like 9th grade, so that's pretty weird. I didn't like the way the preacher preached, but they had a taco supper afterwards which was real fun, with lots of people. (Glad to see I had my priorities straight...) We came back here and went up to Lea Anne's room for a short time. Dorm life is just like I expected!

Back in time

I started reading my freshman year journal, and the days before and after my "moving in" post are just so poignant-yet hilarious-that I have to post some more. The following day is actually before move-in day, and is also...26 years ago today.

August 23, 1985

Yesterday Mom took me to town and bought me some Toujours Moi perfume, and some more last minute things I needed. Amanda came over for supper--we had spaghetti, and were being real Italian--it was fun. Then later we played Tripoli, the whole family, we had such a blast. Mom won--we stayed up late playing, but Amanda and I stayed up even later, watching TV and talking. I swear I could almost feel the seconds going by, like sand through my fingers. She left early this morning. Dad and I ate at Zinzendorf's for lunch, just the 2 of us. It was real nice (especially the trifle).

...boring part about going to the eye doctor...

MawMaw and GG came this afternoon and thought tomorrow was my birthday. (My birthday is January 24. I don't even remember this) It was scary, real sad. I'm not sure why. They brought me a card and money. I felt so bad, because MawMaw was so embarrassed. They stayed for supper, and we had steak, just for me! After I was all packed and had ironed everything, I went to Amanda's. Ron and Darlene, Roe and Missy, Jim and Linda and John Mark, and Mr. and Mrs. were there. We talked and swam, and then I left. Amanda and I hugged a long time. I cried in the car. Nothing will ever be the same.

Glorieta

After our super-fun side trip to Colorado Springs, the girls and I had 2 glorious days at Glorieta. (Please pardon me, I'm feeling abundantly alliterative today.)
There was no day camp this year, but the girls still had fun just hanging out with the other campus minister's kids, and I was still able to enjoy the worship times by leaving Jessica in charge. The speakers were great, and I enjoyed the worship band (Chris White band) more than any since Mercy Me. I LOVED seeing friends from my past and from all over the country, and the weather was perfect. So nice to have a break from baking. We took our annual trip to Santa Fe to stuff ourselves with yummy New Mexican food shop and sight-see, and Mike and some students hiked the mountains surrounding the conference center. (Mike got off the trail and lost his bearings...but that's his story to tell!) (Although I might be persuaded.) All too soon it was time for the drive home--left Glorieta at 5 a.m., pulled into our driveway at 8:30 p.m., fell into bed soon after that. Here are some pictures!

We had a little fun with the statues around the square in Santa Fe.

Ken caught Mike up on the adventures of Northwest Collegiate Ministry.
Pray for them!

Don't those earrings and necklace look like a smiley-face?

and the queer old balloonman whistles far and wee...

Outside our Santa Fe restaurant.
(I laugh every time I look at this! Jessica's going to kill me!)

Look where they seeked us! Ha!

Mikayla loves cheese.

Breakfast in our "Garden Apartment"

Playing...Indians? Wood girls?

Kylie watched the girls while Jessica and I were helping the search party look for Mike.
She's wonderful.

We had supper on the grassy area in front of the apartments, with a group from Nacogdoches, Texas.

Rebecca took this of herself, on the way home!

26 years ago...

In honor of Angie, who left her son at OBU today, here is a little journal entry:

August 24, 1985

Mom and Dad and I left the house at 6:15 this morning, after I hugged Matt good-bye. We finally got all my stuff in the room, with the help of a guy! and got it looking semi-homelike. (I love it!) We had a couple boring speeches, found Malinda, Lee Ann, and Randy Jones, and Larry and Carla, and met lots of people. After lunch Mom and Dad went to a question & answer thing and I went to WalMart with Malinda and her mom. I started to cry when Mom and Dad left, but I got over it. I had most fun today putting our room in order. Tonight we has this traveling musician/psychologist/historian/English teacher perform for us. He was really pretty good (especially one song about a girl he almost married--so sad) but we were all exhausted, so we left early. We had a dorm meeting tonight where we got all sorts of cute little freebies--toothpaste, shampoo, hair supplies, a key chain--but the mousse is my favorite. I really like our RA, Nancy Smith--she's my latest ideal--gentle, but cool. My suite mates are Kelly and Susan, they're okay. It's 12:12 now, and I'm about dead.

Hahaha, I make myself laugh! I may have to post more of these. I was so ridiculously boy crazy!!

On the road again...

That's been my theme song this summer! Last week Mike, the girls, 2 other campus ministers, and 13 college students got in a mini-bus and our van and drove to Glorieta, New Mexico, for Collegiate Week.
We left early Saturday morning and saw all the sights we saw last year, but went a little further to Vega, Texas, to spend the night. Wow. We had reservations at a hotel, but were told in the parking lot that their transformer had just blown. We looked in our room, and the lights were on but no air conditioner. The front desk assured us it would be fixed soon. At least, I think that's what he was saying. Mike decided to go check out the other hotel in town, just in case, and while he was gone I discovered how filthy the bedspreads were, after which I didn't want to touch anything! But Mike was determined to make it work, and we all walked over to Dairy Queen to cheer us up. Walking back, we discovered that ALL the power was out, and the hotel was completely black! The front desk people walked us to our rooms with flash lights to help us get our stuff, and we jetted over to the other hotel. I was very happy to see how much cleaner the rooms were, even though they were a lot smaller. The bathroom was especially small, and when I looked at the little screen-less window above the shower, I couldn't help but imagine a kidnapped hostage escaping through it. Maybe I do watch too much TV...
The next morning we had church by the swimming pool and drove the rest of the way in to Glorieta. I love that place, and was excited to see people, but the girls and I just dropped off the students' luggage and headed up to Colorado Springs to see my brother Matt and his family! I haven't seen them since they moved there 18 months ago, and we had such a good visit. We talked and talked and talked! Matt took Monday off and went with us to Garden of the Gods, which was so beautiful. We all had lunch at Rudy's BBQ, then Matt and Van went to work out while Ronda and I took the girls swimming at their city water park. That night we had fajitas and I got to experience Yo Yogurt--that place is amazing! I worked at TCBY one summer when I was in college, and this place blew that away! The choice of flavors was good, but the toppings were over the top. I wish I had taken a picture of them. I didn't have any (except a little on my finger...) but I couldn't get over the condensed milk in a squeeze bottle.

Van with Brat and Boudin

The girls in the Garden of the Gods parking lot

This one looks like she's standing in a heart--can you see it?

Mmm, bbq is always better eaten off butcher paper!

The next morning I met Meredith for breakfast! Her husband and I went to college together, and she and I met in Fort Worth; after Mike and I (finally) got married, we were in the same Sunday School class for a year. When I was living in Idaho we reconnected in blog world--she and Angie wheedled me into starting one of my own. :) So it's been, oh, 17 years since we've seen each other, and it was great spending an hour chatting face to face. I wish we could do it more often.

After breakfast Ronda and Emily took the girls and me to Seven Falls. I absolutely LOVED it! We rode an elevator up the mountain and down, then walked hundreds of steps up the waterfall and down. It was really beautiful. As I stood at the top of the waterfall and marveled at the beauty of the canyon, I wondered why God would bless me so much that He would allow me to go the places I've gone and see the beauty I've seen in my life. He is so very much better to me than I deserve.

When we made it back down, we enjoyed a lovely picnic lunch together, said good-bye, and headed back to Glorieta.

 The elevator was through that tunnel on the right.

 Jessica came down these stairs because the elevator made her nervous. I did NOT!

 Waiting for the elevator

I did end up going up, and back down, all of
these steps. Phew! Can you find all seven falls?

We enjoyed looking at the fish...

and the chipmunks. They would eat right out of our hands!

Here we go, up the stairs.

I almost didn't make it past this first platform, but the girls encouraged me to keep going. (And I'm glad they did!)

Hello, Ronda and Emily!

I have a nephew we call Shorty, so I took this for him. :)

*groan*

This is the scene that just took my breath away. (Oh, wait, maybe it was the climb...)

Good-bye

Blogger started acting up, so some of the pictures are out of order, but I don't have time to mess with it today. :)