approximately 40 books later...

These are some, but not all of the books that Drew and I used for this semester. We are both grateful it is over!!

passing is the key

School has started once again. 8 more weeks. Philosophy and Genesis. I do NOT think philosophically, even a little bit. I am scared I might put off my homework every week. Drew is taking Systematic Theology. It's a toughy.We WILL complete this course. And Pass. And celebrate when we're done. Maybe I'll have a baby as a pat on the back for a job well done.

Questions and Comments in No Specific Order

[1] Yay for being 17 weeks along with my wonderful baby, and not having any nausea or dizziness in at least a couple weeks! Instead I have had a ton of heartburn and am sleepy all the time. Apparently, I will never again not be sleepy so I am embracing it. We will find out whether we are having a boy or girl in 3 short weeks!

[2] Why do apples make my throat really itchy, and yet apple sauce tastes wonderful and has no negative affect on me??

[3] I made my first pie ever with my friend Christine. We were a good team and everyone at Bekuh's wedding shower loved them. ;)

[4] I was recently recommended the devotional 'Jesus Calling'. It's a must have. It's written from God to you, with a few verses attached. Definitely encouraging.

[5] I am in the process of picking out the bigger baby things. Katie has given me many suggestions, but if there is something one of you can't live without as a mommy, let me know!

[6] God is doing things. Drew and I are watching, praying, seeking, and basking in the fact He knows us intimately and we are privileged enough to serve Him.

[7] School starts tomorrow. I'm taking my last 4 difficult classes before the baby comes. After this semester I only have electives left. phew. Drew starts a master's program at Liberty tomorrow. It will be in discipleship ministries and I'm proud of Him for starting it! Please pray for both of us, as we are going to be super busy the next couple months!

[8] Our friends Tim and Rebecca, who got married this summer, moved here a week ago. We are SO excited to have them back in our lives after a long summer in Indiana (where they are from).

[9] I have had a few quick visits with my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew this month. Katie and I have had a ton of chats on the phone, snuggles with baby Owo and playing catch with Audrey have all been welcomed distractions from all of the busyness that August has brought to the Hunsley household.

[10] I have been listening to a lot of my praise and worship songs on my Ipod lately. Some of the lyrics from a specific song has been such a comfort to me. It is a reminder that my God holds my hand, walks me through life, and wants to have an intimate relationship with me.

I want to sit at your feet, drink from the cup in your hand, lean back against you and breathe, feel your heartbeat..

 How can those words not change your outlook on who our Jesus is and how He loves you!

oh the hopes I have for this week

I am done with my first 3 classes at Liberty, and although I haven't received my grades yet, I know that I did the best with the time that I have. I feel like God definitely stretched me, and I'm so glad that I am back in school. I will finish, and I will grow closer to God through this journey.

That being said, IT'S SPRING BREAK!!! Oh I have high hopes for these coming 10 days.

Can we say hello to Karen Kingsbury?? Oh how I have missed reading for pleasure. I will be taking in as many of these fabulous books as possible!

Sleep sounds good right? I'll be doing a lot of that! :)

Long Bubble baths? Absolutely!

Relaxed time with my hubby... well, we shall see about that. He is still working on the house, but hey! I can help him with that! heh... maybe.

Catching up with multiple friends will have to be fit into that time. I miss girl time a lot.

Helping my sister move next weekend without having to hurry home to do homework... yea that sounds like a plan.

While I'm at it, I'll probably go to my exercise class multiple times, date my hubby, go to a birthday party, perhaps pick out some rugs for my house. Who knows, I may try a couple new recipes. (I set a goal to try 1 new one a week... 2 weeks in and I am succeeding.)

Now these plans might sound crazy busy, especially since I will still be working every day, and have several church functions. (Youth volleyball starts this Thursday) but to me, it sounds relaxing. I will be doing what I want to do without having to cram a lot of material in my head at once.

Have I told you that I will only be taking two classes this second 8 weeks. I am also looking forward to that. I think I will retain more. I'm exciting about starting that as well, buuuttt... I'm getting way ahead of myself.

First... Karen Kingsbury.

My God is the Same Miraculous God of the Bible

God has definitely stretched me this school semester but is bringing me closer to him as a result! I love how His mercies are new EVERY morning and we can rest secured in His loving arms!

I had to write a paper about 8 miracles in John and how they showed God's Deity through it. Whether it was the feeding of the 5000, Lazarus being raised from the dead, or healing a blind man, there are common threads that we sometimes miss when we read them separately.

1] My God has perfect timing. Sometimes He healed as soon as He spoke the words like with the Nobleman's son. (When that royal officer got home, he realized that his son was instantly healed when Jesus said he was.) Sometimes He healed once the person in need took a leap of faith (Jesus put mud on the man's eyes, but wanted him to wash in a pool in order to see.) He made his close friends wait days while thinking that their brother was dead before He came and rose him from the dead. God is powerful to heal in any situation, but He may choose to strengthen your faith and patience by waiting.

2] He chooses to answer prayers differently than the way we ask. That same blind man was born blind. 38 years he was blind, but God chose a specific day so that His glory could be seen to others!

3] Nothing can stop my God. Scary storms are no match for God's calming voice. Water cannot stay water if God wants it to be wine. Those things contradict what we know through science to be true, but it didn't stop God from letting our jaws drop in admiration!

4] We must have faith. He's got this. Worrying only shows my lack of knowledge that He is in control.

That same God is the One who answers my prayers. He heals us when we are sick, He chooses to wait to give me a answer to prayer even when I beg, because He has a perfect plan already mapped out for me. He desperately loves me and desires for me to see Him through every situation good and bad.

Question is: am I going to follow Him in faith? Or stay blind or without help because I don't trust Him?

I think I can, I think I can...

I'm still alive... barely it sometimes seems. I have learned some lessons this past week been in awe at how much God loves me despite my human concerns!

I WILL NOT be taking 3 classes next 8 week. The 3 I am taking now is very much overwhelming me.
Note to Self: working at least 30 hours a week, taking 9 credits in an 8 week setting, being a pastors wife, and trying to build/maintain great relationship, and being a GOOD wife = nearly impossible.

That being said, I have reached week 4 and finished my first paper in Church History which in Drew's opinion: Is about a ridiculous topic that is definitely Grad Level. Which would be fine if it wasn't an undergrad test and I had way too many obligations as it is... Woo Hoo for finishing at 11 PM only to wake up and realize the new week of schoolwork has begun, I think I can I think I can I KNOW God can.

This week has been an emotional roller coaster but God has been faithful and reminded me that He is my shelter and strength and in HIM I know that I can do all things. A great friend reminded me that He and I are all that I need to put my hope it. If I'm not ready for something that I think I am, it is because He is tweaking and fine-tuning me. He's molding and making me into His completely selfless vessel to use for His work. I'm not going to lie, tweaking is sometimes pretty painful.

My Mamaw Farmer that went to be with my Jesus would have had her 102 birthday today. I miss her and would write all about her but my mom did it beautifully, so if you want to read about her you can go here.

Drew is playing on our church basketball team and is loving to be back on that court! They are undefeated (3-0) and play on Monday nights if you ever want to come watch. It's a blast because I feel like us playing basketball for the conquerors is where it all began for us. He's a GREAT basketball player too! (That's not just because I'm majorly biased either!)

My Tuesday night bible studying kicked back in after too long of a break over the holidays. Can I just say that praying with women of God and learning/leaning on each either huge for anyone's Christian walk! It is, and I am grateful!

I finally upgraded my phone because they were running a major deal I couldn't resist, and I've been overwhelmed at how to make it work! Internet in the phone?? I know I'm behind but I sure am glad I've made it to this point. It's fancy!

Schoolwork pretty much consumed my weekend but I found time to hang out with my friends on Saturday. We hit the road up to Lynchburg to do some shopping. I don't remember the last time I had a relaxing day of shopping with no place to be. I found an adorable summer dress and a cute jacket, which made me super happy. While we were shopping, our husbands were playing in a disc golf tournament. Evidently they were way out of their league, so they didn't win, but I think it was a fun day for them to get excited about the upcoming 'season'. Yes, they have a chart all drawn up to do a season of disc golf all spring/summer/fall long. My man's going to win, I can feel it.

The Souper Bowl party was a success. We collected soup cans for our food pantry hence, the Souper. I love that while the game is on in the youth room, there are games in the kids room. Variety during a football game is a must! Having great friends there to hang out with is also wonderful.

I don't know if I was mentioning much this summer about church, but Drew and I were struggling with finding good friends there. Well, he has gone over and beyond with answering that request and I am amazed. At my other churches I was always one of the last to leave because I always wanted to talk to one more friend. I like it like that. Well, Over the past month I have become that person again and while My hubby doesn't care to much for it, I am forever grateful for those blessings! It's the little things folks!

Now, off to another crazy week of school. Oh, Drew and I made dinner Friday that was delicious and were really able to catch up while eating. It's a sad date but with all the craziness going on it's all we could fit in. But I sure do love his patience!

Date #29 - being an adult

It's the little things in life people! We took our Christmas decorations down! I got my books for school so I started schoolwork frantically. We made dinner together. The latest House episode was watched. Bed felt wonderful! :) 

Just as a heads up, I may disappear a lot this semester. It is my first semester with Liberty (YAY) which also means my first attempt at 8 week classes. I want God to teach me a lot and mold me to be more like Him, but it's going to take most of my spare time. Church Ministries, Church History pt 2, and John for these 8 weeks, then a Philosophy, Theology, and Youth class. My head may explode, but if it doesn't I will definitely be encouraged by these great leaders of Christ!

Happenings in This Head of Mine

 1) I think you all have gathered that Drew is obsessed with enjoys playing Frisbee golf.  Well, his friend Steven and he went to Martinsville on Saturday to play in the Chili Bowl Disc Golf Tournament. Yes that's right. They played in the freezing cold, with snow. BUT HE GOT THIRD PLACE!! :) I'm so proud.

2) The first snow of the season was Saturday and it gave me warm fuzzies inside. For real, snow makes me smile despite the freezing temperature! Drew even got me with a snowball and all I could do was laugh.

2)Drew and I went to Scrooge on Saturday with Starr and Wes and had a blast! I have been so bogged down with school that I feel like I never get to relax for a whole evening, let alone go out and relax. There are always time crunches. Not Saturday, I was determined to work all afternoon so the evening could be relaxing. Even though I have seen Scrooge multiple times, it always puts me in the Christmas spirit.

It makes me want to sing and eat and spend time with friends. It makes me think about the little things and how presents really aren't that important. It also makes me think about how I am treating others and what I can do to make them more loved and comfortable.

Anywho, we went to Carrabba's for some yummy food. It could have quite literally killed me, seeing as there were garlic cloves all through it, but it was delicious! :) I enjoyed meeting Starr's friend Wes and again just relaxing in good company. We always watched the rest of the Tech game with Steven and Lauren but I didn't really care too much for the game. They won though so 'Whoo Hoo'. I guess that's what I'm supposed to say.

3) I experienced today how HORRIBLE testing while driving can be. I watched it happen. This girl was moving oober slow in the far left lane of 581. So I got in the middle lane and when I passed her I saw her phone, sitting on the top of the wheel. I watched her occasionally look up at the road. Yeah you heard me. She didn't glance at her phone when she needed to check something, she glanced at the road to make sure she wasn't about to die. I watch in horror as she inches into my lane. I speed up to miss her, and notice her looking up and drifting back into her lane. How can you be that close to an accident, that close to being so careless, and not even realize it?? It made me a tad bit tense. Along with having a grandma cut me off. Sheesh people!

4) I love so many aspects of the holidays. Today, while perusing the mall with Kylee, I noticed that people were genuinely happy. I love that you can count on people being cheery around the holidays. Salespeople chat more, people actually notice when you are trying to hold the door while pushing a stroller and holding lots of bags, and do something about it. That doesn't happen most of the time. :( It also made me sad to think that people are being happy because of the holidays, but what part? Is it because they get time off work? Are they going to see family or getting the latest gadget? I get to be genuinely happy all year round because of what my Jesus did for me after he was born in Bethlehem. I get to look forward to every day of my life because I know He made it for a reason and I get the privilege of being about of that reason. I so wish that people could see that joy to the world, is not just a Christmas thing. He CAME and therefore we can be joyful. ALWAYS. No matter what!!!

5) I'm almost done with my semester!! Boy am I jumping up and down!! I gave my research speech last night which was what I was dreading the most this year. I was a little nervous for the sole reason that I wasn't nervous. It should have been my hardest speech but I was so at peace about it. That my friends, is a result of prayer. Now I feel like anything else will be easy. Although if I keep procrastinating...

6) Speaking of prayer, that is definitely what God is teaching me lately. He hears me, you want to know why? Because he is right beside me. The knowledge that God is here no matter what I face good or bad, great or small, He is here. He promises never to leave or forsake me. Since I have been really grasping that on a whole new level, my prayer life has been better. I feel like I am in a more constant connection with God. I used to relate that to my friend Starr. She is a texter. She loves texting randomly whether they are quotes, or a song she just heard, or something hilarious that just happened to here. It doesn't matter, but it's random and brightens my day. Well, I feel like that is how I am with God more. It doesn't have to be a long conversation. I can simply say "God this sunset proves your awesomeness, thanks" or "God my friend is taking a test right now please be with her" or simply singing a song from the radio and meaning the words. They all are ways we can communicate and show our love to Him. It's a pretty good feeling to be on Christ's heels.

As Drew would say, "I'm gunna go get edumacated"

That's right, I'm going back to school. After a year at Word of Life Bible Institute in New York, a year at Virginia Western, a year doing an online program for Medical Transcription, and a year off, I'm ready to take the next step. There is a degree through Liberty where I can combine all my WOLBI and Western credits for one bachelors degree. It will be a Multidisciplinary Degree with cognates in Religion and Psychology. I'm pretty excited about it. I am going to take classes at Western this year and then will hopefully finish with Liberty classes the end of this school year and next year. My goal is to graduate May 2012. Only two years off course but I wouldn't trade the lessons learned these past four years for anything... except maybe some of the transcription stuff, I wasn't a big fan of that.