Last Spring Break in the books!

I am just sitting here thinking about how I just completed my final spring break of my college career. Not to sound all nostalgic or overly sappy, it is hard for me to believe that my days at college truly are numbered. I am so grateful for all I have accomplished these past few years, but I am a tad bit sad that I won't have a spring break next year! 

Nevertheless, this past week was so, so great. It was so badly needed and I am so thankful that I was able to go home. There is just something about having space, you know? A room, a big bed, a bathroom where shower shoes aren't required (still grosses me out), a sweet family to spend the evenings with, a puppy to cuddle with, families to babysit for, friends and the list goes on--- space is good. 

I am sad that it is over but hopeful that Thursday (maybe even Wednesday) will get here soon so I can head home for Easter. However, three tests and a handful of assignments must be conquered first! I feel so blessed that we are able to have the transportation to go home again. There is just something about home that is so good and refreshing. 

Have a great week everyone- it's back to reality for me! 

Patience

I was going to write this blog post about how hard of a thing being patient is for me sometimes. Like many things (ahem...being a control freak....) I have a hard time waiting on God's timing because I am fearful He won't answer in time. Since I started college, I do think I have gotten much better at this and I have learned a lot about resting in God's promises instead of my own. However, one recent example where I have had to continually learn to leave the situation in God's hand is with a summer internship.
I know I am not the only one that struggles with letting go of my plans and trusting God, but I do want to continuously become more patient!

I am nearing the end of my college career and I just need one more internship to fulfill the requirements for graduation. I have been waiting since the first of the year to hear back from a company in Wisconsin about a potential internship position. I went through the interview process and was told I would hear back in two weeks, well-- two months later I am still waiting. So, I have recently started looking into other options. I have submitted my resume to multiple places in and around Austin for positions that are in my desired field. By talking with a friend about what I was looking for, she mentioned that she knew of a business that might be a good fit for me. The best thing is it is only 10 minutes from my house!

God, like always, has better plans than my own. One would think that I could remember that the moment I started to get impatient or stressed out. As of right now, I am still continuing to wait and see where God wants me this summer, but I really do feel that this new opportunity is just God's way of saying, "I've got this Jenna, be patient."

Easier said than done, but I am so thankful I am still learning. I feel so blessed to be able to have and see a plan where all the pieces seem to fit together. I know that it was God's timing that made it perfect that the phone call I had this morning was so encouraging.

I was reading my blog feed before I started this post and came across a friend's post that was on the topic of patience. Check out Michelle's blog post to see how even thought the Israelites struggled with patience, they had something to learn as well.

Spontaneity

...is wonderful. This weekend my sister and I hopped in the car and drove home on the spur of the moment!

Around 10:30 on Saturday morning, we were FaceTiming with my mom and she mentioned that she had dinner in the crock pot and we could make it home in time for supper. Since Kathleen was hungry, she looked at me and twenty minutes later we had gas in the car and were hightailing it out.of.Bethany. 

We really just missed these two people a lot:

We had a lot of fun and it was a much needed quick trip. We were home less than 24 hours (which meant a lot of driving in a short period) but we slept well in our own beds, had a yummy supper (and brought back the leftovers) and spent time with our grandparents, second parents, and two of our favorite people ever so it was WELL worth it! My mom and dad leave to go to Israel at the end of this week for about 10 days. We were glad to see them one last time before they left and we couldn't talk to them as easily! 

The countdown is on for Spring Break! 10 and a half days and we will be Texas bound once again!! 

For now though? I am spending Monday afternoon in our dorm study room, working on one of my many papers with the window open and a Sonic drink for motivation! 

I hope you have a wonderful Monday and had almost as good of a weekend as we did! 

All About Cha

Right now I'm sitting at a cute little coffee shop in Edmond just a few miles from school. Jen told me she found this place and we finally decided to come here today! I was sad that Kathleen had other plans, but we will certainly come back!

I had a caramel macchiato and Bryan, Jen's boyfriend, got this nifty tea that blossomed as it steeped!

So thankful for a sweet friend like Jen and the fact that we can actually hang out this semester!

Gnocchi in Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Kathleen and I were in Aldi the other day when we came across a package of gnocchi and decided to try it! It was super easy and dorm friendly! 

Gnocchi in Parmesan Garlic Sauce 

My Life as a Mrs.

1 pound gnocchi (or other pasta)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup cooking liquid
fresh cracked pepper
salt

Cook gnocchi according to the package instructions (I like to salt the water). Be sure to reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. (Jenna's notes: I saved and used nearly 1 cup!)

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the garlic and saute for 1 minute (stirring constantly. Add the cooked and drained gnocchi, top with Parmesan, and cooking liquid. Stir until nice and creamy. Reduce heat to a low simmer and allow the liquid to reduce (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Update on "The Blizzard"

First of all, I want to say....

Oh, what was that? You see rain instead of snow? ...me too. 

Last night, my suitemates and I saw the snow blowing outside our window and we began praying for lots and lots to fall. My roommate and I were restless last night just awaiting the text from the school that classes would be cancelled. I tried not to get too hopeful, but honestly the news had been predicting 8-16 inches for where we were so we were pretty excited!

But the text never came, sigh. 

When I was walking to my 8 AM class, this was the remnants of the "blizzard" 

At 9:45 here is the view outside my window! 

Happy Tuesday, friends!

"Blizzard Looks Worse Than The Last One..."

Yep, that's the headline on Yahoo News today...

This is the view outside my window right now...

I certainly would NOT classify rain as a blizzard... but what do I know? 

The best part of going to school in Oklahoma? When there is a threat of bad weather, class is cancelled. I walked into my Social Movements class today and the professor walked in 2 minutes after class was supposed to start and said, "Well, OU has cancelled their classes (OU is about 25 minutes from my campus) so I am canceling too." Apparently OU cancelled because of "ice" and "potential icy conditions" --- potential.... that means that nothing has happened yet... ay yi yi... So, I walked outside and saw this.... The Peniel (a main road through campus) Nile.... Bethany, Oklahoma has the worst drainage problem. But the point is, see that? It is just rain people.

I am not getting my hopes up but we are supposed to get some snow here tonight. I would not turn down an opportunity for a snow day tomorrow one bit, but I also am not counting on it. The school tends to be a tad paranoid so if there is a dusting of snow, classes probably will be delayed if not cancelled. 

I supposed we just wait and see if this storm really is "worse than the last one!" 

Snowy Day

Today we were so excited to see white stuff that it was difficult to sit through our chapel service. My friends Jen and Cory especially were having a hard time containing their excitement! Derek, another one of my friends, had class after chapel, but the rest of us didn't so we went out and played!

Jen, Kathleen, and me! 

Cory is from Florida...so bless his sweet heart, but he isn't used to the cold. His solution to ward off cold feet was to tie giant garbage bags around his socks. I guess they did keep his feet from getting wet... all the more power to him!  

We had some fun and made my car have "eyes" 

Me and my sweet sister walking to our 8AM class. We were loving the huge flakes. People thought we were crazy for not wearing coats, but it really wasn't that cold. The snow didn't stick around long and turned into slush! 

It sure was pretty while it lasted! 

Who is excited for Spring Break and sleep? Yours truly...

So, back to reality. Typing a paper for tomorrow as I sit watching the snow fall from my third floor window! Have a great day! 

Altar Ego

Kathleen and I went to church tonight. We go to LifeChurch.Tv here in Bethany, OK. We both really feel that it is "the" church for us right now and we get a lot out of it each week. Our pastor, Craig Groeschel, has written quite a few books. However, this one-- Altar Ego-- is his newest. He also just started a 4 week sermon series on it.  

If you're interested in watching the first part of this new series my church is doing, click here. You won't be disappointed! If you're anything like me, you sometimes struggle with feeling "not good enough." The truth is that you are who GOD says you are...and that is enough.

Week two's message, next week, is on "our need for control" which hello, convicted much already? I am excited to see what the message is about, but honestly being in control is something that I have struggled with a lot in my walk with Christ. Regardless of how many times I do step back and let God lead me, I still struggle with wanting to be in control of situations... I know, will I ever learn? Anyways,  I think it'll be one of those sermons that I will dread, yet desperately need.  

Faithfulness

Have you ever just had those moments when you're struck with how God is in the little things? Today, I woke up early to have my devotions before my class. I had a test at 8 that I honestly wasn't worried about because I knew I had studied enough to be ready. I was so encouraged by this morning's devotional (from "Jesus Calling") that I thought I'd share!

Do I choose to trust God in my choices, no matter what? I've been focusing hard on trusting Him rather than worrying--because it is so much better that way!