"I Am" by Mark Schultz

"I Am" by Mark Schultz: Jesus' words to us...

I am the maker of the Heavens
I am the bright and morning star
I am the breath of all Creation
Who always was
And is to come

I am the One who walked on water
I am the One who calmed the seas
I am the miracles and wonders
So come and see
And follow me
You will know

I am the fount of living water
The risen Son of man
The healer of the broken
And when you cry
I am your savior and redeemer
Who bore the sins of man
The author and perfecter
Beginning and the end
I am

I am the spirit deep inside you
I am the word upon your heart
I am the One who even knew you
Before your birth
Before you were

I am the fount of living water
The risen Son of man
The healer of the broken
And when you cry
I am your savior and redeemer
Who bore the sins of man
The author and perfecter
Beginning and the end
I am

Before the Earth (I am)
The universe (I am)
In every heart (I am)
Oh, where you are (I am)
The Lord of love (I am)
The King of Kings (I am)
The Holy lamb (I am)
Above all things

I am the fount of living water
The risen Son of man
The healer of the broken
And when you cry
I am your savior and redeemer
Who bore the sins of man
The author and perfecter
Beginning and the end
I am

Yes, I am almighty God your father
The risen son of man
The healer of the broken
And when you cry
I am your savior and redeemer
Who bore the sins of man
The author and perfecter
Beginning and the end
I am

Ride of Life

"As we go through highs and lows and all that's in between, it's good to know we're not alone on this big scream machine. This roller coaster ride of life lifts you up and lets you down. This roller coaster ride of life spins you round and round and round. Heaven knows where you go, I will be right by your side on this roller coaster ride of life." - 4Him, "The Ride"

The lyrics to the above song seem quite fitting. The last time I updated my blog to post about what's going on in my life was at March break. I've been so busy living life to write about it, but I want to be able to look back at my blog in the future to remember what's been going on. Plus it's nice being able to keep in touch with those who read my blog. The past month and a half have been pretty good, but there definitely have been some highs and lows. Yet through everything, God has been right by my side. So here's an update of the highs and lows of my life:

- Things are still going very well with Justin. He makes me so happy. No matter what's going on, things suddenly seem better when I'm with him.

- Crystal asked me to be her maid of honour! She and Dustin will be getting married in July of 2007. I'm so happy for them, and it should be fun going to Ohio for a couple weeks before her wedding to help her plan.

- Things haven't been going well at home. I'm praying for health for my parents.

- The youth leaders at Cherryfield went on a "retreat" one night last month. We spent the night in a cabin in the woods. It was fun -- no electricity, no toilets, no running water... We had a bonfire and sang worship songs, which I enjoyed.

- I've been having so much fun helping out at Cherryfield with KidsClub on Tuesday nights and sometimes leading Sunday school. I absolutely love the children there. This week was our last KidsClub of the semester, and I'm definitely going to miss those kids over the summer.

- Annette and I have been watching lots of Full House together. I also sometimes watch it with Julie-Ann, Jamie, Pam, Justin, or Heather. There's something very comforting about that show.

- I went to Crystal Palace with Emily, Jody, and Emily's four-year-old sister Leah last month. Crystal Palace is an indoor amusement park here in Moncton. We went on all sorts of rides, including the roller coaster ride (over and over again!). Then we had dinner at East Side Marios.

- I've been loving the spring weather. One day, Julie-Ann and I just had to get outside, so went on a walk. Another day, Annette and I laid on a blanket outside, and Annette mentioned that I'm going to quickly get hooked on the four seasons here in Canada. Believe me, I already have. Back home, we don't really get to experience everyone getting excited over the sun and flowers, since it's fairly nice year round.

- Our wing went to Harvest House for a service project at the beginning of the month. Harvest House is a rescue mission here in Moncton. I made five loaves of bread and helped Pam make eight cheesecakes. A bunch of us girls also made salad, soup, and cake. We took the meal over to the woman's residence, and had a nice time visiting with the ladies there and having dinner. Then we got to see the main Harvest House building and visit with some volunteers. Wow. Harvest House is an amazing ministry.

- I helped lead April Fools Midnight Madness at my church. Seventeen kids showed up...between the ages of 3 and 13! And all the kids were so cute dressed in their pajamas. We played all sorts of games, sang worship songs, listened to a Bible lesson, made a craft, had an Easter egg hunt, and watched a movie. I had a great time! The children there are awesome.

- The second weekend of this month was absolutely amazing! I went on a walk with Justin through the park. The weather was so nice and it was nice just being with him. We went shopping at Wal-Mart, then went to Montana's Restaurant for lunch. Later that day, Tanya, Lindsay, and Michaela brought me some meals and a card Lindsay made for me. It was so sweet. I got a phone call on Friday night from my sister, saying she was here in Moncton! My brother-in-law had a masters basketball tournament at Riverview High School, so I went there with my sister and nephews on Saturday. It was nice seeing everybody again! Then my sister and nephews got to see my room and meet Julie-Ann and Justin and play Uno together. Later that night, I went to a play here at ABU called The Mousetrap. It's a murder mystery, and was really good. The actors are so talented! Sunday, I hung out at Emily and Jody's, making peanut butter cookies and visiting with them. Later that evening, I watched Cheaper by the Dozen with Annette and Julie-Ann.

- My classmate and friend, Kate, passed away. She lived here on dorm, and was such a sweet Christian young lady. It was hard dealing with that and trying to be there for my podmates, who were really close with her.

- Julie-Ann invited me to go home with her for Easter weekend. We were there Friday afternoon 'til Monday morning, and I had such a wonderful time. She lives on a farm, so we got to see her cows (four cows and two cattle). I pet my first cow...and fed my first cow...and named one of the cows (Hannah). It was fun! We went on a walk through the woods on her property one day, and that was lots of fun. Her mom and dog Lassie came with us. She has two cats that I absolutely loved...they reminded me of my cats back home. We got to go to a bakery owned by Mennonites for lunch one day, and to Truro another day.

- Last Tuesday, we took the kids at church bowling. Fourteen kids + five leaders + Chet MacPhail + four lanes = tons of fun! Afterwards, we went to Dairy Queen for ice cream sundaes. The children got to go behind the counter and put their own toppings on their ice cream, which they enjoyed.

- Last weekend, Justin and I went to the spring banquet together. That was so nice!! It was a country-western theme, and we took a bus to a guest ranch about an hour from here. The atmosphere was cool, the hosts were funny, the music was awesome, the speaker was great, and the food was good, but the best part was the company.

- I went to Tim Hortons coffee shop with my girls on Wednesday night, and it was nice just getting off campus and being with my girls. Then Thursday night, us four girls and Justin went to Subway. And yesterday, Julie-Ann and I walked to Jean's Diner for dinner. My friends are awesome!

- I made it through my last week of classes! It was such a good feeling being done with classes and turning all my papers in. The last week of classes was so stressful. I took one final exam yesterday, and have two left. I go home on May 3rd.

- Monday was Reading Day. Us girls had thought about continuing our Reading Day tradition by going back to Shediac to dip in the freezing cold ocean, but decided against that idea. Instead, we went to Hopewell Rocks. I had such a wonderful time! I've wanted to go to Hopewell Rocks (a tourist destination here in New Brunswick) since I first heard about them the summer before I came to college here, and it was nice finally being able to see them. The rock formations are so cool, and the time there with my friends was so stressfree. Then I got to hear Beth and Annette jam -- Beth played the fiddle and Annette played the piano. That was fun.

As you can see, there definitely have been highs and lows "and all that's in between" in my life. Thankfully, the highs have outweighed the lows, and Jesus has been there with me every step of the way.

Firsts, Lasts, and Now

Firsts

First job: babysitting when I was twelve (I earned $1 an hour all summer long!)
First screen name: Laurie (short for my middle name, Laurine)
First funeral: Grandpa Laughlin (I was only a toddler when he died, but I remember his funeral)
First pet: Katie, a German Shepherd Dog (my parents got her as a puppy a few weeks before I was born)
First piercing: N/A...no thanks
First tattoo: N/A...no thanks!
First credit card: Visa Student Card
First kiss: a couple weeks ago from Justin :)
First enemy: a girl in first and second grade who owned dozens of hats and was a bully

Lasts

Last car ride: this morning, riding back to ABU from church in the Cherryfield van
Last kiss: tonight from Justin
Last movie watched: "She's The Man" at the theatre last night with my girls (it's quite stupid, but still funny)
Last beverage drank: water
Last food consumed: Honey Nut Cheerios
Last phone call: tonight with my brother, sister-in-law, and niece Rachael
Last time showered: this afternoon
Last CD played: Wow Worship: Red 2004
Last web site visited: Amazon.com (that site is great!)

Now

Single or taken: taken :)
Gender: female
Birthday: Feburary 11, 1986
Sign: I don't do signs
Kids: none of my own, but lots at Cherryfield on Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings
Siblings: Keith and Kristin (both in their thirties; I'm the baby of the family)
Hair color: strawberry blonde
Eye color: blue or something like it
Shoe size: 7 or 8
Height: 5'4''
Wearing: workout pants (blue with white stripes) and a red shirt (America's colors!)
Drinking: nothing
Thinking about: that I should be sleeping
Listening to: "Don't Run Away" by Amy Grant

"When The Tears Fall"

We've sung this song at worship chapel a few times, and the lyrics are so true. Please just take a moment to read through them. Remember that no matter what is going on in your life, Jesus will sustain you. Even in the moments of bitter pain, we can still rejoice, for Jesus is always there. We can cling to Him.

-----------------------------------------

"When The Tears Fall" by Tim Hughes

I've had questions without answers
I've known sorrow; I have known pain
But there's one thing that I'll cling to
You are faithful, Jesus, You're true
When hope is lost, I'll call You Savior
When pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
When silence falls, You'll be the song
Within my heart

In the lone hour of my sorrow
Through the darkest night of my soul
You surround me and sustain me
My defender forevermore
When hope is lost, I'll call You Savior
When pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
When silence falls, You'll be the song
Within my heart

I will praise You, I will praise You
When the tears fall still I will sing to You
I will praise You, Jesus, praise You
Through the suff'ring still I will sing
When hope is lost, I'll call You Savior
When pain surrounds, I'll call You healer
When silence falls
You'll be the song within my heart

March Break!

I had a wonderful March break. Justin's mom invited me to spend the first half of March break at their house in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. I accepted the invitation, but was really nervous, hoping everybody there would like me. I had no reason to be nervous. Justin's mom hugged me as soon as we got there Saturday afternoon. I had a great time at his house. I got to know Justin's parents and sister, who are really sweet. Moreover, I got to spent lots of time with Justin, which was definitely nice. I went to church with Justin on Sunday, which I enjoyed. The two of us went on walks around town every day. Parrsboro is such a cute little town. (Yes, Justin -- I just had to say the word cute!) Before we left on Tuesday, Justin's mom took us to the beach. The water was so pretty, and the Parrsboro Lighthouse is awfully cute (I said the word cute again!). It was such a nice mini-vacation.

The past few days, I just spent the mornings and afternoons doing schoolwork, but took the evenings off. I spent them hanging out with Justin. As well, I got to talk with lots of friends and family from back home. Then Friday night, Jody and I went out for dinner to a little vegetarian restaurant called Calactus. I had never been there before, but really liked the restaurant. The food was delicious and the decor was so cool. I hope to go back there with my girls sometime. Then last night, Jody and I picked Annette up from the bus stop, and us three girls hung out in Annette's room. It was nice getting caught up with my girls. Julie-Ann got back tonight, and it was great seeing her again. We talked and watched the movie Thumbelina, which I hadn't seen in years.

It's now Sunday night, and classes start again tomorrow morning. Hopefully this next week goes well. I had such a wonderful break and will never forget my time in Parrsboro, but it should be nice getting back into the routine of things.

Cast All Your Cares On God

My theme song around the time of midterms or final exams is "'Tis the Season to be Stressed." I always get really stressed and worried whenever major tests are coming up, as I want to do well. I earned a 4.0 GPA all four years of high school, and have made the Dean's List every semester of university. I don't think I'm very talented, but one thing that I excel at is schoolwork. I put too much pressure on myself, though. I'm learning (slowly but surely) that there are more important things in life than my grades. Rather than worrying and stressing out over each test (...and so many other things that are not related to school), I need to cast all my cares on God. He cares for me so deeply.

Tonight at wing devotionals, Annette spoke about the importance of not worrying. Instead of worrying, we need to give all our cares to God. We read Jesus' words from Matthew 6:25-34. I've heard the message about not worrying a lot, but it never hurts to be reminded of how God much cares for us. The verse that stuck out to me the most is verse 33, which reads, "...and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." It is so essential for us to put God first in our life.

Annette read "seven reasons not to worry" to us, based on the passage from Matthew. Here they are:

1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.
2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.
3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful.
4. God does not ignore those who depend on Him.
5. Worrying shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.
6. Worrying keeps us from real challenges God wants us to pursue.
7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

Just Another Update

I hope all my readers are doing well. I've had a busy week with a midterm and a test, but I made it through. I'll just mention some of the highlights of the past week, and whatever else happens to come to mind.

- I went to a ladies retreat at Camp Wildwood last weekend with Emily, Jody, and Natasha. I had a wonderful weekend. It was nice just getting away from dorm for a couple days. The speakers were amazing, the worship group was talented, the food was good, the scenery was beautiful, and the spa and Mary Kay session were relaxing. Plus the company was great!

- I led the children's church on Sunday. Two girls who are regulars (Brianna and Kristal) showed up, plus two new boys. I told the story of Joseph and how he was special to his dad and God, and how we also are special to God. Then for the craft, they made paper dolls of Joseph wearing his coat of many colours. It was fun.

- I spent pretty much all afternoon and evening Sunday, and all day Monday and Tuesday studying for my accounting miderm on Wednesday morning. It actually was a lot easier than I was expecting. I knew all the material I needed to, as I had done my work all along, and studied hard. I'm sure I did well on that midterm. Then I spent all day Wednesday studying for my New Testament test. I took that test on Thursday morning, and it also went well. It felt so good once I had completed both those exams. I only have one midterm to go.

- Friday night was Pod Crawl '06 here on dorm! For Pod Crawl, every wing is assigned a certain food to serve. Amanda and I walked to the store Friday morning to buy a whole bunch of chips. I also bought some groceries for myself...and a set of eight baking dishes (don't ask!). The Pod Crawl itself was lots of fun. I stuck with Julie-Ann all night, and we just went around residence, eating food, talking, signing shirts, and taking pictures. We spent quite a bit of time in our own wing kitchen, visiting with whoever came in. As well, we spent time on Justin's floor, listening to music on his laptop. That was fun.

- I went to the mall with Justin yesterday. I really had a nice evening. We played miniature golf at Crystal Palace, and I enjoyed that. Then we explored Chapters bookstore, and I looked at lots of books about traveling. I really am obsessed with Ireland and Italy. We went to the food court for dinner, and then stopped by Future Shop so Justin could look at digital cameras. Then we went to Wal-Mart, as I had to buy a few things. (He carried my shopping basket and bags for me! I thought that was so sweet.) After shopping, we went to the movie theatre to watch Eight Below. That movie was really cute. It was nice just being with Justin.

- I started a loaf of bread in the breadmaker before I left to the mall, and it was ready shortly after I got back. While at the Pod Crawl Friday night, I promised Gabrielle, Natalie, Liz, Rachel, and Melissa a "bread party." So I took the loaf of fresh homemade bread up to their room, and a couple other girls joined us. There were eight of us in total, and it was lots of fun. We just ate bread with strawberry jam, and spent the next hour and a half talking. Those girls are such sweethearts.

- Church this morning was good. We had a youth service, where we sang kids songs and had an extended children's message. As well, as youth leaders, Paige and I both gave our testimony. This is the first time I've given my testimony to a group, and I was so nervous, but it went really well.

- One more week of classes before March break! (...not that I'm doing anything exciting then. Still, the free time will be nice.)

- I talked with Angelina a few days ago, and it was nice hearing her voice again. Her family has now moved into their new house, and got two puppies. Her baby sister now says "night night" and meows like a cat. I miss her and her family like crazy.

- Crystal, my other best friend, got engaged! Congratulations to her and her fiance Dustin! I'm so happy for them. They're really cute together. It's a little weird hearing that somebody you've been friends with since you were eleven is now engaged, but I should be getting used to that now, since my longtime friends Melanie-Joy and Jubilee already got married. But, seriously, I'm really happy for Crystal and Dustin.

- Arrowroot baby cookies are good.

- I'm listening to Christian music in Spanish. I so love the Spanish language.

- My niece Rachael will be five soon. I can't believe how much she has grown up! I miss her.

- I've decided to stop going to the small group study on Sunday nights. I just had too many commitments, and was stretching myself too thin. It's more important to "be still and know that He is God."

- I probably should be doing schoolwork right now, but I really don't want to. I'm so sleepy. I fell asleep in the library on Tuesday while studying for accounting.