Your God prays for you.

My first week of classes was surreal.  I felt like I was at camp and I'd get to go home at the end of the week.

God was ridiculously gracious to me last week.  He showed me glimpses of His mercy and compassion and love for me on an hourly basis.  We serve a phenomenal God.  I cannot begin to fathom the love He feels for me.  

"I have prayed for thee."  - Luke 22:32

I can't get over the encouragement that is brought by this verse.  Our Redeemer.  Our Abba Father.  He prays for us.  He intercedes on our behalf.  Jesus doesn't say, "I have desired to pray for you."  Nope, He says, "I have prayed for you: I have done it already; I have gone to court and entered a counterplea even before an accusation is made."  Oh Jesus, what a comfort it is that you have pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies countermined their mines, and unmasked their ambushes.  This is a call for celebration.  A matter for joy, gratitude, hope and confidence.  

Also, I met a really cool girl today(Hannah) with a church called Vintage Faith.  So hipster right?  Well, I'll check it out this week.  And of course, you'll hear what I think of it.  I'm super stoked.  I feel like it'll be good, and I feel like it'll give me lots to think about.

God is good.  And He prays for you.

Goodbye Olathe, Hello Manhattan.

Yesterday I moved out of my comfy, cozy room in Olathe, and moved into this ittybitty area they call a dorm room in Manhattan.

First off, let me just say, I didn't cry when my parents left!  I told them I wouldn't wave because I couldn't.  But I did have a fateful last look back....bad idea, Ruth!  Definitely teared up.  But, despite that, I came back to a room full of stuff that wasn't mine and a roommate and her family.  So my face turned into a smile and I was severely distracted.  It was kind of nice....

So right now, I'm sitting in my dorm room, listening to the chaos and havoc that is moving day.  Heavy footed people above, loud sweaty boys moving girls that have WAY too much stuff into their dorm rooms, screams and yells of reunions between friends. It's weird.  The things I hear, aren't the sounds of home.  Home is Mom singing a hymn, the laundry running, Sandy Patty and Dan Green keeping it real over our stereo from the 1800's.  I miss that.  I miss my Mom.  I miss Dad. I miss the comfort of home.  I miss the protection.  I feel so exposed and out in the open here.  I'm just one more freshman in the midst of 50 bajillion other freshman.  At least at home I had a voice and I had a purpose.  I had parents who loved me more than I can even begin understand.  I packed like a minimalist.  I did not bring NEAR as much as someone who happens to live in this area with me....not to name names.  But, I think my roommate brought all of her earthly possessions.  Here, I have a few items that hold immeasurable value for me.
-My Morning and Evening book from my mother.  What a gem.  My mom AND the book.
-My frame from my crazy cool sister-in-law, Colleen that reminds me, "A friend loves at all time. Proverbs 17:17."  Sometimes I really hate that frame.  But it's always a little sign from God.  Stop and remember to be a true friend; one that loves at all times.
-My Owl plaque and handmade book of pictures from my dear friend Jami.  Memories come back in floods when I look at the creative workings of this woman.  She is a true artist.  She is beautiful inside and out and the kind of friend one can only hope to grab!

This post has gotten WAY out of hand.  No real point...no real direction....this isn't promising for future papers I'll have to write...

Today I will get out of my chair.  I will open the door with the crappiest lock in the entire world.  I will step into the hall and relock my door.  I will leave my dorm.  I will be brave.  I will have an adventure.