Celebrate On Canada, Celebrate On

Last week I was in Vancouver for my Lasik surgey. We stayed at a hotel in downtown Vancouver. The first screams and mayhem erupted at 9:00 pm. "What the heck is going on?!"

 I put a few things together... We were in Canada, Canada loves hockey, it is the end of the NHL season... Screams = A Canucks Victory! 

I was partly right. The Canucks were playing in the last game of the semifinals. However, they had not yet won. The screams were for their goal in the last 13.2 seconds of the game. They did eventually win in double overtime.

The view of the party from our hotel room.

When the clock wound down and the timer sounded, the Canucks proved themselves after double overtime as victors. Crowds rushed to the streets,  people were screaming and shouting from their balconies, drivers honked their horns over and over and over and over again. It was fun to watch for the first, oh, 20 minutes. When it was 2am and the horns were still going, the festivities weren't quite as amusing. I didn't sleep well that night. Our hotel room was on the 24th floor; I can't image what the poor 2nd floor guests were experiencing.

I appreciate the way our Canadian neighbors celebrated their team's victory. I can't even imagine what the party will be like if the Canucks win the Stanley Cup. I know fans are already planning their victory party.

I have to admit, I can celebrate athletic victories with the best of them.  Just watch me at a Boise State football game.  What I can't help to think about is what the party is like in heaven when a single person makes the decision to step away from a destructive lifestyle focused on self to falling in love with a redeeming God.  I want to break out in celebration every time a young person leaves their week at Young Life camp a changed person, full of life and hope.

And just so you know, the surgery went great!!!

Ode to My Glasses

Tomorrow, I will be observing a moment of silence for my glasses.







They may be scratched, cracked, and stretched....

They may only make an appearance early in the morning...

(such as when we got up to watch the Royal Wedding)

Or for late night study sessions...

They have been good to me. However, after Wednesday they will no longer be needed. Tomorrow I am hopping on a flight with my beloved mother heading to Vancouver, Canada. Wednesday morning, my eyes will be pried open, all the moisture will be sucked out, and a laser will cut my eyes. I'm not sure how this Lasik Surgery thing works, but the hope is I will no longer have a need for my glasses or contacts. 

So 'here, here' to my glasses. You have been good to me. 

Graduation Weekend

Last weekend I walked across the stage and received my fake diploma (the real one will be sent in the mail...but who knows when that will be).

I was soooooo blessed to spend the weekend surrounded by so many people I love! I imagine the next time I get to see that many loved ones in one weekend will be my wedding (but once again, who knows that will be). 

Here is a quick glimpse of my great weekend!

My Final Bow

Four years have passed since I arrived on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The decision to attend of U of M was among the first major decisions in my life when I felt God clearly leading me “to go.” At the time, I did not clearly understand why God would send me to one of the most secular dance environments in the nation. I would have preferred the “comfort” of a safe Christian school environment. God pushed, I went, and I am stronger in the Lord because of it. God reworked so many of my challenges in the last 4 years to be in prime ministry opportunities. Gaining victory of my own eating disorder allowed me to reach out with hope to many other dance majors and high school students struggling with their own disordered eating patterns and self-esteem issues. I understand on new levels what God has created me to be and how I can bring him glory with my talents.
In my senior year I found out that I have been suffering from an undiagnosed disease of the spinal column structure that will be progressive. An MRI revealed that my back already resembles that of a 65 year old, sedentary, overweight person. Not easy news when I have spent the last four years training to be a professional dancer, though God has given me such peace. Even in this circumstance, God is sovereign and has His purposes. I do believe He will use this medical circumstance to guide my future or prove his healing power.
I have learned the discipline of thanking and praising God in all circumstances. My greatest lessons in college have been learned outside of the classroom. God is the BEST teacher! He is gracious and patient.
With every challenge came a blessing! I am blessed many times over: incredible, beautiful, Christian housemates; amazing Young Life leaders and staff to serve along with; supportive MN family, and amazing growth as a dance artist. I was humbled to receive a scholarship this past year given to a senior dance student who shows the most potential to be a professional dance artist. I was shocked! We indeed serve a good God, and I’m so thankful for all the lessons of the past four years!