Posts made in January, 2010

Why I Blog

Posted by Caroline on Jan 31, 2010 in The Backpack | 1 comment

I write often.

Mostly about silly things– yellow backpacks and coffee and Christmas.  It helps keep writing fun, because research and theology papers have the ability to suck all life out of writing.

Also, I kind of want to prove to my grandchildren that I lived an entertaining life and didn’t merely sit around and knit (though I’m realizing more and more that my life is becoming one of a grandmother: my body shuts down with the Sun, I swear by Denny’s, and I do knit and like books).

Lots of things are fun and lack purpose though, so I don’t ever want to dismiss my purpose in writing (or going to class or serving or being in Pi Phi or whatever else my scattered schedule holds this week).

I write to bring glory to the God Most High.

Whether I’ve made it clear or not, it cannot be overstated or understated, repeated too many times, shouted too loudly or whispered more sweetly or with more force.

I desire to live for Christ.

I deserved hell and still do, but by dying an excruciating death with nothing but a perfect, yes perfect, record, his hands were pierced on my behalf.

And yours.

Blood flowed, tears fell, and payment was paid.  A giant payment that makes grace impossible to comprehend.  If I ever claim to understand it, it’ll only be when I’m standing before the throne of God and He’s personally explaining it.

Knowing this God is my goal.

I fail often- so often that when I see glimpses of Him I want to smack myself on the face and then am taken back to the classroom of grace.

I’m learning.
Learn with me.
I promise you it’ll blow your mind.

and heart.

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It’s Not About the Grade

Posted by Caroline on Jan 31, 2010 in The Backpack | 0 comments

Last weekend I painted pottery.
A plate.
And I loved everything about it.

Until.

I got it back.
It’s ugly, with streaks,
and there’s absolutely nothing to do with it.
Oops.

I still liked the painting,
so an ugly plate was worth it.

School is the other way.
The end is what matters– the grade.
But that’s wrong.
It’s better to learn, I’m learning.

Buying a pretty plate isn’t near as fun as painting an ugly one.
Dear Caroline, it’s not about the grade. Just paint.

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Study Dates for Busy People

Posted by Caroline on Jan 28, 2010 in journey to marriage | 0 comments

I love Barnes & Noble.

Especially with one of my favorite people.  This semester our weeks are too busy to hang out very much, so study dates are the best ways to multi-task.

I’m currently trying to read Kant, but my attention span is shorter than my brothers’ interest in shopping.  Clayton is studying for a logic test, and I’m testing out my logic:  since it’s pouring (some people would say cats and dogs but I’m not sure what that means), I’ll take that as a sign to stay seated, dry, and warm.

And drink coffee.  Lots of it.

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Living Life to the Fullest

Posted by Caroline on Jan 28, 2010 in Family, The Backpack | 0 comments

True story.

Over Christmas break, I came home and heard James panting.  Then I saw him; he was wearing a helmet, bike shorts (I still don’t think they should be allowed), clip-in biking shoes, complete with his camelbak water bottle.

He was ready for his race– against no one, the race inside, and…

…on TV.  He had somehow propped up our TV on our desk, stationed his bike on his trainer, and was competitively passing other riders on the screen, resting while he went down hills, verbally encouraging himself, and determined not to fall behind.

I thought he was ridiculous.  I still do.

[Note: This picture is courtesy of James himself, which explains why he's not wearing his helmet and sweating like crazy]

James is quirky, all boy (you can hardly walk in his room), eats too much Ranch dressing (I think), prefers bagpipe music over country, and has difficulty making it to class.  Still, he has something right.  If you’re going to do something, do it completely.

I’d rather do 3 things with all of my heart than 10 things half-heartedly.

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How to Slow Life Down

Posted by Caroline on Jan 24, 2010 in Amazing Grace, The Backpack | 1 comment

too many verbs.

I attend meetings. constantly.

I work.

I listen.

I worry.

I study.

I run (sometimes).

I stress.

I try.

I fix (or try).

I lead.

I micromanage.

I send way too many emails.

I play.

I over-commit and then commit not to ever again.

all verbs aren’t bad though, thus

I will nap.

I will relax.

I will read.

I will be still.

I will smile.

I will keep going.

I will enjoy and savor it all.

And crash sometimes next week with a sense of gratitude.

Praying doesn’t make your schedule less busy.

It makes your heart less busy.

My friend told me that.  My God is using that.

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