Things Wonderful

So, it's finally time for a break! Not to sound self-important, but I believe it has been well-earned. And I'm already counting down--one month 'til Thanksgiving!!! (One month after that until Christmas!)

Free time is such a novelty now. It puts me in the writing mood, but as I really don't have much in particular to write about, I'll go for something kind of random.

There are some things that I would call my "Favorite Things"--such as Dr. Pepper, gummy bears, Disney movies and Pride and Prejudice, to name a few--but there are also certain things that I feel compelled to assign another category entirely. I'm not really sure how to explain the difference, because it's not necessarily just because they are my FAVORITE favorite things--although sometimes that's the case. I guess they are just simple, less specific things in life (for the most part) that I think are absolutely wonderful. In truly original fashion, I usually refer to them as "Things Wonderful ." (Because it sounds grander and yet more whimsical than "Wonderful Things." :P )

So, I've decided to put down as many of them as I can think of at the moment and make a list. (See, I like to make lists; but that is just one of my favorite things. You could hardly call a list a Thing Wonderful . ) Maybe sometime we'll talk about Favorite Things, too.

Here are a few, in no particular order:

Sunsets--none are ever the same! (I may or may not have spent a while going over sunset pictures...)

Handwritten Letters--especially because nobody ever writes them anymore!!! Well ...almost nobody... : )

Christmas! Need I say more? : )

Running Water--streams, waterfalls, lakes, oceans, you name it .

Books! Too bad they don't usually look like this anymore. Also, this library would be wonderful .

Snowflakes--they come rarely enough in Oklahoma, that's for sure.

Front Porch Swings--awesomely old-fashioned. Also implicative of bigger, old-style porches instead of
little-bitty concrete steps.

Music--a picture really can't convey anything, but oh well ...

Grand or Baby Grand Pianos--aaaaahhh!!! I want!!!

Violins/Violin Music--okay, so maybe these last two are a little specific. But they are that wonderful .

Fireplaces--so cozy. Especially for Christmas!

Trees--especially willows and oaks.

Bay Windows--they make an awesome, cozy place to read!



Bridges--I'm not even sure why, but there is 
just something wonderful about them.
Particularly when they look like this!

Sweethearts <3

(This one especially is pretty wonderful . )

Wind and Sky--both of which are highly available in Oklahoma, fortunately.

Puppies--soooo cute! (And it was really hard to pick just one puppy picture. )

For that matter, all baby animals are pretty wonderful ...like, say, a baby fox... ; )

Babies!!! :D  

Starlight--more of beauty in God's creation . : )

Poetry--Love! And this is possibly my favorite poem ever.

Soft Green Grass--okay, so it's evident that I think most of nature is wonderful . But pretty grass just makes me want to run around barefoot all day!

 Candlelight--goes great with carols!

Journals--similar to handwritten letters; I need to get into a better journaling habit, though, because I collect waaaaay too many of them ...

Flowers!!! --but ESPECIALLY roses.

Valentines--doesn't matter whether you're referring to the cards, the roses, or the sweethearts;
all of the above are wonderful.
(P.S. --I might have a real Valentine's Day!!!)

Rain and Thunderstorms--I LOVE rain. So much.
It makes me kind of crazy. Especially with thunder and lightning!!!

Springtime--if there is ever any magic in the world, it's during the spring. After all, spring usually brings other Things Wonderful such as rain and wind and flowers 

and sometimes even sweethearts. : ]

Well, that is all for now! Took me a lot longer than I thought it would, due to tracking down pictures on my less-than-stellar home internet. (No thanks to Shutterstock , which kept showing otherwise awesome pictures with words stamped across to copyright them . Ugh. ) And, it probably didn't take you a quarter of the time to read this that it took me to write it. :P

So, I hope you've enjoyed my whimsical thoughts of the weekend. Farewell until next time!

-Sarah

One Night of...Islam?

So, the other night, something very interesting took place in this dorm. The Sarah we all know and love was temporarily replaced by Islamic Sarah.
You guys remember that paper Sarah mentioned about the family's role in Islamic and Christian culture? Well, she decided she needed more...inspiration.
Exhibit A:

Please excuse me for a moment while I succumb to the fit of giggles.

Anyway, to further her inspiration, she began to attempt acts of "jihad" against me, her innocent roommate.

Honestly, I'm rather amazed that I'm here to tell you the tale. 

Exhibit B: the quotes.

"Jihad skills are like ninja skills, only better."

"Once I kill everyone who disagrees with me, there will be peace."

"No more Qur'an for you!"

"Christmas with the Qur'an!"

"Now our blog's gonna have a Muslim installment!"

"Everything needs a Muslim installment."

"When you're Muslim, everything's funny."

"Well, 72 virgins wouldn't really be of any use to you, so you might as well give it up!"

These are but a few of the fantastic things that were said that night. Islamic Sarah has yet to make a repeat appearance, but if she ever does, I'll be sure and let you know.

-Caroline

Code of Chivalry

I keep wanting to blog, but everything is so crazy!!! Tests and assignments favored last week, and this week we honors students have a rough draft of our final paper due—the topics for which have only recently been approved. (Mine involves Muslim and Christian families, but more on that later. After I get sources…and do some reading…and figure out what I’m talking about. You know, inconsequential stuff like that.) So, I will probably be relentlessly pushing onward in the library (or hopelessly procrastinating/listlessly despairing on Facebook; perhaps a fair measure of both, at intervals) throughout the week. However, if I can survive until Thursday at five o’ clock (give or take a half hour to come back from watching kids and email in the draft), I am basically free and shall be rewarded with a Friday night lecture by an author bound to enrich my life. (No sarcasm or bitterness here. That does seem negative…bless the author’s heart. There. Statement made positive, or at least neutralized.)

No, actually, though I will be present at said intriguing lecture, immediately afterward my reward and motivation for weeklong survival is a trip down to Texas with my sister, best friend and boy! More on that later, possibly; but for now, just know it involves the Texas State Fair during the OU-Texas game and a TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT!!! Between those two things, all readers ought to be made sufficiently jealous. (Too bad Caroline wasn’t in on the plans eight months ago. As it is, I’ll be getting her a T-shirt or something, like a good roommate.)

Having said all that about how I don’t have time to say much…

I just thought I’d share a quick something. Since both authors of this blog are females in their “almost twenties,” we tend to do a little dreaming about the future, and this often focuses on the person with whom we will spend our lives. Whether or not you use the cliché term of “knight in shining armor,” I think just about every girl dreams about what that person ought to be, and how they might arrive. (Yay romance!!!) What with Caroline’s last few blog posts, and my recent viewing of “Courageous” (incredible movie—watch it!), the subject has been brought to my mind of late.

I was reading through some old poems and writings, and I came across the one below. The idea for this actually came from a history lesson. We were learning about medieval knights—perfect topic! (When you can forget about the pervasive battles, ignorance and general lack of hygiene of the time period, it sounds almost like the Disney fairy tales, right?) To be a knight, a man must adhere to a pledge that was known as the “Code of Chivalry.” (*cleverly works in “Blog/Poem Title”*) First, he had to swear complete loyalty to the lord of his castle, no matter what. (This was important, because the serfs worked for the lord in return for his knights’ protection.) He must be completely honest and trustworthy, and brave and courageous enough to defend those under his protection—the policeman, if you will, of the medieval feudal system. Once a knight committed to any battle, he was to pursue victory unto the death. In short, the knights were the ones depended upon to stand for truth, right, and justice. This was chivalry.

Of course, this made me think of the knight in shining armor that girls are supposed to be looking for! So, here is the Code of Chivalry prescribed by a fifteen-year-old for her future knight. (And still required by that same almost-twenty-year-old girl.) Just thought some of you might find interest enough for me to share it. :)

Code of Chivalry

They all say some fine prince will come

From some far-off and happy land;

They say he’ll sweep me off my feet—

He’ll steal my love and win my hand.

            This is what they say he’ll do,

            But I can only hope it’s true—

For if this knight in armor bright

Would wish to prove himself to me,

No less will do than standing true

By all knights’ Code of Chivalry.

            In him must be each worthy thing,

            For I’m a daughter of the King.

A knight, we know, must always show

A fierce devotion to his Lord—

To serve His Name his chiefest aim,

To bring Him honor by his sword.

            If he can’t serve his Master best,

            Then he’s already failed the test.

He must take care, that when he swears

To do a deed, to see it through

He’s honest so that all may know

That what he says he will, he’ll do.

            He must win all my trust before

            He’ll find a path to something more.

When trouble’s near, through doubt and fear,

My knight must stand courageously;

Through fiercest fight, and darkest night,

I must be sure he’ll shelter me.

            He must be strong, and lead the way,
            Regardless of the price to pay.

When in his life he meets with strife

He must fight back unto the death,

At all times seek to help the weak,

To fight for right with ev’ry breath;

            To maintain justice in the land—

            A man like this might win my hand!

One such as he my knight must be;

Though these demands, perhaps, seem grim,

I think, at need, he could succeed—

If I were worth that much to him.

            This is my code; now you may start,

            And may the best man win—my heart.

-Sarah

Let's Hear It For The Boys (or, Platonic Heart-Smiles)

My old neighbor Chelsea (I miss you girl, come back to my hallway!) uses the phrase “you make my heart smile” a lot, and I have since adopted it. I’m gonna devote a little space to the boys that make my heart smile. Platonically.

I’ve come to realize that the guy friends I have in my life are truly wonderful. While I have always had a fantastic dad and several other great “father figures” in my life, I consider these guys the big brothers I never had. There’s something to be said for spending a huge chunk of your time with a bunch of sweet, Godly young men who also happen to: be hilarious; always know how to make me feel better; know me enough to tell the difference between when I’m actually “fine” and when I’m having a bad day; can tell me that I look pretty without any connotation; give good hugs; open doors; stick up for me and, yes, lift heavy things (I freely admit to being an absolute wimp).

So, to all those boys that have been placed in my life right now (you know who you are), I love you. Thanks for being a great example of what Christian young men should be in so many ways (even though you’re idiots sometimes). I’m pretty sure that I won’t “end up” with any of you, but nevertheless, I hope that “that guy” reminds me of you guys in a lot of ways. And I’m sure some of you will need to approve of him before anything serious happens.

Thanks for being around, guys. You make my heart smile.


-Caroline

Believe and be satisfied.

My lovely friend Kaylan shared this with me recently, and it brought me so much encouragement and peace. I'm going to be hanging this on my wall. Beautiful. :)


Everyone longs to give him or herself completely to someone, to have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God says:


“No. Not until you are satisfied, fulfilled, content with being loved by me alone, with giving yourself totally, and unreservedly to me, discovering that only in me is your satisfaction to be found, will you be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you.


You will never be united with another until you are united with me - exclusive of anyone else, exclusive of any other desires or longings. I want you to stop planning, stop wishing and allow me to give you the most thrilling plan existing, one that you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow me to bring it to you.


Just keep watching me, expecting the greatest things: keep experiencing the satisfaction that I AM. Keep listening to me and learning the things I tell you. You must wait. Don't be anxious and don't worry. Don't look around at the things others have gotten or I have given to them. You must keep looking to me or you will miss what I want to show you.


And then, when you are ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you could ever dream of. You see, until you are ready and the one I have for you is ready - I am working even at this moment to have both of you ready at the same time - until you are both satisfied exclusively with me and the life I have for you, you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with me - perfect love.


And dear one, I want you to have this love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with me and enjoy concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection and love. Know that I love you utterly. I am God Almighty, believe and be satisfied."

-Caroline

Rain!!! :D

Hello All!!! And welcome to blog post number two—this time, courtesy of Sarah.

Rain has come to Oklahoma. (It can happen!) This sets me to thinking about lots of things. First of all, I LOVE RAIN!!!! Rain is beautiful and refreshing and exhilarating; really, it almost cheers me up more than a sunshiny day. It’s wonderful whether I’m in a good or a bad mood. Every time the clouds billow and cool gusts of wind sweep up bringing those first few drops, I feel like skipping around and singing.

“When it rains, I don’t mind being lonely, I cry right along with the sky;

When it rains, I don’t pretend to be happy—I don’t even have to try!

When it rains, some people get down; they’re sporting a frown so I fit right in—

Yeah, the sun may brighten your day but if I had my way, I’d take the rain!”

(When it Rains, Eli Young Band. P.S. For anyone who doesn’t know, I have at least one song for just about everything. Probably a movie quote as well. :P )

Rain is just awesome, whether it’s a picture of refreshment or melancholy. (Thunder and lightning just make it better!)

Of course, every time we watch a movie and there is a scene with rain, my dad is quick to point out, “Rain means—impending change!!!” And of course, (since Daddy knows everything) he’s right, at least pertaining to movie symbols. In a movie, the rainy scene is a hint of some kind of plot twist or change of circumstances, or maybe even an inner revelation for a character. However, those within the happy (or not-so-happy) little movie world are oblivious. It’s just another rainy day.

Interesting contemplations. It sets me wondering things about what changes might be just ahead. More importantly, it brings to mind reminiscences of the changes that have already come—changes I never would’ve foreseen.

Further thought-provoking…um…thoughts. :P Facebook has this new update that will show you your status from a year ago. This is especially astonishing when you read about something that seems to have happened very recently—only to discover that it’s been an entire year! One of my statuses from roughly a year ago reads, “Rain is such a comforting depression.” It seems funny to say that a memory can be vivid and yet hazy—but that’s how it is for me when I remember this time last year.

Honestly, my freshman year of college has been the hardest time of my entire life— circumstantially, emotionally and spiritually. I remember the bleakness I felt at this time last year, the pain of loneliness and separation after leaving some of my greatest life-experiences and friends, and the anxiety of growing worries and fears still pressing on me. The actual events were hazy, blurred and surreal. It’s as though I remember those first few months in particular as being actually cold, and dim, and dark. The vivid picture that cuts through the haze is a moment I couldn’t pinpoint exactly, in which I looked around and saw the stormy shadows and drizzle of the external world as a melancholy satisfaction in their representation of my internal struggle.

—Not to sound melodramatic. But truly, that was the change that the rain brought this time last year. I wasn’t sure if I would make it through; at times, I didn’t even know whether I wanted to.

But see, I have an awesome and powerful God. And the craziest thing is, He loves me. And holds on to me whether or not I have the strength to hold on to Him. He brought me through the year, but more than that He worked in me and even through my circumstances, bringing scriptures home to my heart and using family and friends to uplift my spirits. He even brought new and fantastic people into my life. Eventually, the cold and the clouds began to fade, and spring came again. Bringing cleansing rain outside and in. And really, you know, (to get all metaphorically deep) you can’t see rainbows unless the storms pass through, right?

So, today as I wander blissfully along, breathing the sweet fresh air, I am not lonely, or melancholy, or disheartened; nor am I welcoming the overcast skies as an excuse to stop trying so hard to smile and make everything seem alright. Instead I am glorying in the wonder of God’s power, feeling as free as the rushing wind, and laughing in exhilaration at the beauty in my life. It’s raining outside; it’s a new year and a new day. Among the people I have at my side to help and encourage me are my wonderful family, a FANTASTIC roommate, and this really sweet guy who seems to see nothing but the best in me. A year ago, who would have thought?? There are always more great adventures and friends around the bend. :)

So shake your head at my silliness if you will, but just know how thankful I am to be laughing in the rain.

“He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain and brings the wind from His storehouses.” Psalm 135:7

Signing off from my first (very long) post! If you’ll excuse me, there is puddle-stomping to be had.

-Sarah

So we're gonna try this blogging thing...

Hello, and welcome to the greatest blog you've ever seen!
Just kidding, welcome to...well...perhaps NOT the greatest blog you've ever seen, but a cool one nonetheless. (Unless, of course, you've never read a blog before. In that event, please feel free to tell friends, family, neighbors and strangers at Starbucks that this is the most incredibly entertaining and insightful blog you've ever encountered.)
We're Caroline and Sarah, two sophomore roommates at Oklahoma Christian University (OC). We're gonna document our second year of school--free from the restraint of curfew!--our first year of living together, and all the crazy adventures that seem to find us (getting locked out of a running car at McDonald's at 12:30 am, anyone?). We were gonna start this blog the first week of school, but it looks like we're already going strong with this procrastination thing. So, intro!

Caroline: I'm 19 years old, from Oklahoma City. I come from a pretty big family--9 kids, 5 of them adopted!  I'm an English Writing major with a Political Science minor. I think OC is pretty much the greatest school ever, don't try to argue with me. I adore reading, writing, and just stories in general. Books make up a large part of my possessions. I love music with all of my heart. I play the violin and the guitar, I sing and I wish I could play piano. Maybe Sarah will teach me! (*hint*) I also love theatre, even though I haven't had time to be in a show since senior year of highschool. (Oh, about highschool: I was homeschooled from 8th grade on. Yes, I have friends, hobbies, and knowledge. No, I am not socially inept, hopelessly naive, or super-quiet.) I am sadly addicted to coffee, and I have tried to no avail to get Sarah to drink it too. I can see a movie once or twice and quote half of it, especially Disney and Pixar movies. I love to travel, and I desperately want to study abroad in Europe my junior year. (More on that later.) 
Aanndd...I think that's it for now! You'll find out more as this blog goes on, I'm sure. 
*side note: from now on, posts by just me will be in this color. Same goes for Sarah and whatever color she picks. 


Sarah: I am also 19 years old! I was born in Del City, Oklahoma but a few years ago moved to Moore. I come from a large family with 11 kids. Seven boys, four girls, three sets of twins, all biological, same parents! And it's fantastic. :P I am currently a Math major, English minor--mainly because I plan to get teaching certification, and I am (or at least was) good at teaching math. However, this may flip-flop in the future, as I absolutely love both reading and writing and am more of the "English Major" than "Math Major" in stereotypical personality. I also love books, although my own personal collection is still in its growing stages. I absolutely adore music, which encompasses a variety of classical, country, showtunes, and the like. I play piano and some guitar, and would absolutely LOVE to play the violin. Perhaps piano lessons could be bartered for violin lessons... (*hint*) I was homeschooled my entire life until Junior and Senior year (I had some friends, many hobbies, and knowledge; I am partially socially inept, somewhat naive, and kind of quiet and shy--until you get to know me!), when I attended the greatest highschool ever, Christian Heritage Academy, full-time. I shall never be addicted to coffee, or drink it on a regular basis; it is doubtful that I'll ever drink it at all, but I am cautious about saying "never" and then having to drink it! I also inherit from my family an uncanny knack for quoting a movie without seeing it very many times; this leads to fun times with Caroline! :D  I would like to travel the world someday, particularly Switzerland, Italy, Paris, and New Zealand; however, I am not likely to go on Study Abroad, as I would rather go without having to do schoolwork. (Or ditch my roommate.)
That is all about me for the present!


Way to make me feel guilty, Sarah.


My pleasure, Caroline. (As always!) :D It's what you get if you traipse off to Europe. Guilt, and the lack of my presence.


Whoa. Double whammy. *plans to traipse off nonetheless*


Hmmm. Weighing my options, I think if I am not going to have a roommate, I might as well have a 4.0 instead. O.o


NOOO! (For those wondering, that is a thinly veiled death threat.) I feel so loved. 


I'm just saying. ;) But, in the meantime, we shall tackle sophomore year!


We shall! Sophomore year is still reeling from our arrival. 
Also, I'm very glad we have left the kitchen. Those guys were nice, but their music was way annoying. 


Yes, but they have knives. This is why we have men in University House!!! ;)


Shall we provide our dear readers with the context of that statement?


Eh...nah. Context makes life less interesting.
Shall we instead enlighten our readers by catching up on events of the past two weeks??


We shall.
Event number 1: We moved in!
Event number 2: I worked freshman orientation for a week! Sarah didn't. Cause Sarah hates freshmen.


Hey! No I don't! *Reminds Caroline that we live with a Freshman. Who is awesome, for the record.*
Event Number 3: I gained a sweetheart and official boyfriend!!!!!!!!!!! :D =] C= and *hearts*
(This actually is not chronological. But I just felt like throwing that out there. :] )
Event Number 4 (because Caroline posted two events. Also, she should capitalize "Number"s in events. 'Cause that's better.) : Caroline got locked in between the sets of glass doors at 1:00am when they were locked to keep in Freshmen. :P
*steals more of Caroline's pasta*


-Please eat more. It's yummy pasta.
-Yaay Sarah has a boyfriend! We've only been waiting for this to happen for...I don't know..MONTHS!
Also, I would like to point out that Sarah came and let me in when I got locked between those glass doors. What a great, sweet roommate...who would never think of killing me in exchange for a 4.0...


Indeed! :D
Event Number 5: Classes started. Which means Sophomore year started. And Saraline embarked on their collective adventures.


Well, that wraps it up for our first official blog post! We shall have both individual and joint posts in future, covering topics serious and silly, random and relevant. (We both like words!) In short, our goal is to help each other get through this year with most of our sanity and health (and grades!) still intact. As we encounter a few more adventures and friends along the way, we aim to discover what God has in store while making melodies--both literally and figuratively--for those around us to enjoy. So stay tuned! :)


Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up."


--Sarah and Caroline