Survey the Beauty

The campus ministry I'm involved in is called Reformed University Fellowship (RUF)....but it really should be written Reformed University FELLOWSHIP! Fellowship is certainly a key part of this group and I've loved every minute of it! A little over a week ago, we had a party celebrating all things Autumn--mostly pumpkins and some Luther thrown in there, too (see above picture--pumpkin carved by the lovely Mrs. Elisabeth Snider.) We ate lots of yummy pumpkin foods, watched Fantasia and carved pumpkins.

On Wednesday, Heather and I went to the new P.F. Chang's at Settler's Ridge (in Robinson, off of Rt. 60) for dinner. Every time I eat there, I become more convinced that it's my favorite restaurant ever (and that I need to eat *real* Chinese food.)

I firmly believe that family style (sharing everything) is the only way to eat Chinese food (and any food, really.) Heather and I shared lettuce wraps (always amazing,) Orange Peel Chicken and Lemon Chicken. Everything was delicious. I already can't wait to go back. Who wants to come with me?? :)

Today, October 15th, is a nationally recognized day to remember babies lost by stillbirth or miscarriage. At 7:00 pm, families across the country light a candle for an hour in memory of their lost child{ren.}

I am remembering dear friends today that have lost precious children. Despite the solemnity attached to this day, it is comforting to remember that our Father holds each of us in His hand. He already knows the exact time He will call each of us home--including the covenant children that never experienced life on this Earth. Please remember, along with me, to keep those families that are mourning in your prayers today.

For more information, watch this.

On Tuesday, the RTCS Rams had their last home soccer game of the season. Both Johnny and Jared play on the team, so I did my sisterly duty and came to the game to cheer them on. It was a great game and they won 4-0. To celebrate, we did the Christian school thing and went to Chick-fil-A after the game. :) Above is a picture of myself, Jill (my sister) and my mom trying to keep warm (in our matching hoodies) during the game.

It's been a very busy, but fun, few weeks. I have a few posts lined up to show you what I've been up to.

This past weekend, I went on a an overnight retreat with the RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) group at Pitt. Derek Bates, the RUF campus pastor at Pitt, preached at Providence over the summer and I first heard about the work being done at Pitt. When I found out that I wouldn't be attending Geneva this fall, I contacted Derek and decided to get involved with the group at Pitt. It's been great so far. I'm so thankful for the way God has provided a strong Christian community (that's my age!) for me--even though I'm living at home and not on a campus. I'm sure I'll have much more to say about RUF over the next year--it's a lively group that likes to have a lot of parties!

We left Oakland on Sunday afternoon and headed north to one of the girl's (Evelyn) houses. We spent the rest of the night outside by the fire--eating yummy food, talking and singing. On Monday morning, we took a walk to a local park for some fooling around and a game of capture the flag. It was a much-needed break from the stress of work and classes and a great time of fellowship.

First off, I'm doing much better than I was in the picture from my last post. I think I'm healing well (at least I hope so) and life is back to normal. During the few days that I was stuck in bed, resting from the procedure, I thought a lot about James 3. {side note: We're currently studying James in my Sunday school class, so the book has been on my mind a lot.} James 3:5-6 says: