Hey guys! I just wanted to let you everybody know that in March I will be going on a mission trip to Guatemala to work at the Casa Para Ninos Aleluya orphanage. It is such an exciting opportunity for me and my teammates as we ACTUALLY get to go this year! Last year our trip was canceled due to the F-4 tornado that destroyed over half of my school, but thankfully the Lord has provided another opportunity for us to go. I have sent out most of my support letters already, but in case there was someone blogging that actually reads this and would like to support this ministry, I am inserting directions in this note on how you can do so. I would love ANY support I can get, whether that be financially or prayerfully. For those of you who are able to financially support me, you may give online by clicking here and then clicking on "GO Trip Donations." As a point of clarity, your contribution is being given to the Global Outreach Program of Union University. If for some reason I am not able to go on the trip, your contribution will remain in the Global Outreach fund to be used for other mission opportunities under the Global Outreach program at the discretion of the office of Campus Ministries. My name of course is Briana Merante, and my trip destination is called Go Guatemala (It will ask you for both of these on the form). Thank you so much for supporting me in both ways, and I cannot wait to update you on what happens on this amazing trip! Thank you so much in advance! The Lord is going to continue doing great things!
- b -
03 January, 2009
Welcome, Welcome 2009
These past 3 days, the first days of 2009, I have just been thinking a lot about the past year and the new one that we are now embarking upon. So much has happened, and so much will happen that it is really hard for me to wrap my mind upon all of it as I have been trying to do! This last year has held so much. Alex and I actually dated the ENTIRE year of 2008 while we celebrated our 1 year anniversary in October. I got a new puppy in March, and I cannot imagine life without that precious little boy. I was a college Freshman, Sophomore and Junior all in one year :o) Yes, I know.. props to me! I went to summer school for the first time ever and began at a new college. In 2008 I started a new job, one that I love. I decided on what profession that the Lord has called me to. I didn't really decide, but the Lord led me straight to the door of the Education Dept. at Union University. I survived an F4 tornado that destroyed over half of my school. Thankfully I was safe and sound at work. Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't have been spared all the hurt and devastation that many of my friends had to battle, but the Lord protected us all, and for that I am thankful. In 2008 I received the news that I would have another chance to serve in the country of Guatemala since our last trip had to be canceled. If this counts for anything, I lost 20 lbs. from no action of my own. I really was against the whole New Years Resolution thing last year so I made it my resolution to not make a resolution and what most people (well girls like myself) dream of really happened to me. But I decided that this year it is OKAY to make a resolution. I was so against it before because people make them so far fetched and give up mid-February or even earlier that it seems unrealistic. It's basically saying okay this is doomed to fail and setting yourself up for it anyways. So as of December 31, 2008 I am so incredibly happy with how my 2008 turned out. It has truly been a year of blessings and friendships and love, and I can't wait for 2009. It has already been 3 days, and I have had the best ever. On New Years day I was able to walk outside into the * warm! * breeze and look over acres of farmland that the sun just magically and picture perfectly danced across. I was in the arms of the one I am crazy in love with; someone who loves me just the same. :) I didn't have a care in the world, and I still don't. Over these past three days I was able to use my health and my strength to work 15 hours and witness to somebody about Jesus Christ, a love they had lost feeling for in their heart. I was able to share laughs with my family and just be the woman that God made me to be. Someone living for him and enjoying every minute of it. Welcome 2009.
Me & my new roommate/best friend Catherine!
Me giving Colby a bath. I am so thankful for him!
The aftermath of the tornado that swept through Union's campus.
Me & Alex at Fellowship Bible Church on our one year anniversary: October 12, 2008
Me & my sister Danielle when she came to visit me at college!
- b -
- b -
26 December, 2008
It's a Vera Merry Christmas!
Well I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas as I did. This year I was really prepared, and even though I was not able to start my Christmas shopping until FIVE days before Christmas, I knew what I wanted to get so I just went out and got it after I had earned a little money waitressing. The theme for presents this year seemed to be Vera Bradley. I guess that is because I am now obsessed with it ever since Alex got me a backpack purse for our 1 year anniversary. But in case you don't know about Vera, it is very nice, quilted bags and wallets and luggage/totes, etc. You tend to pick a pattern that you like and then collect over time! As patterns get older, they are retired and then become more valuable (or less valuable) depending on their popularity. My pattern is Frankly Scarlett, and here is a sample picture of what the design looks like...
So over time I have now collected a duffle bag, backpack purse, wallet, wristlet, and hair straightener holder. I have a Vera laptop case, but it is a different pattern, and I am pondering selling it and then purchasing the Frankly Scarlett. Me & my mom got my sister Danielle the Daisy Daisy pattern (see below) & I got my mom the Cafe Latte hair straightener holder (also see below). These items are really great gifts, and also fun to collect. I know some people do not like the whole style because they think it is "old ladyish," according to some people I know, but I love it and wanted to share my interest with all of you! Just out of curiosity, if you are into Vera Bradley, what is "your" pattern or favorite? (New or Old!!) I would love to hear about yours. I will have more Christmas updates later ... Enjoy this break with your families!
- b -
So over time I have now collected a duffle bag, backpack purse, wallet, wristlet, and hair straightener holder. I have a Vera laptop case, but it is a different pattern, and I am pondering selling it and then purchasing the Frankly Scarlett. Me & my mom got my sister Danielle the Daisy Daisy pattern (see below) & I got my mom the Cafe Latte hair straightener holder (also see below). These items are really great gifts, and also fun to collect. I know some people do not like the whole style because they think it is "old ladyish," according to some people I know, but I love it and wanted to share my interest with all of you! Just out of curiosity, if you are into Vera Bradley, what is "your" pattern or favorite? (New or Old!!) I would love to hear about yours. I will have more Christmas updates later ... Enjoy this break with your families!
- b -
25 December, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Here is a little something to pass the time until my Christmas video & pictures (there are only a few) are uploaded!
This is a list of things that I have done! (The ones are bolded, but you have to look really hard to tell them apart! Sorry!)
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (I don't remember it, but I've been!)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day.
Pass it on!! :)
- b -
This is a list of things that I have done! (The ones are bolded, but you have to look really hard to tell them apart! Sorry!)
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (I don't remember it, but I've been!)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day.
Pass it on!! :)
- b -
15 December, 2008
Christmas Festivities
So ever since Thursday night, I have been running from Christmas party, to party, to party, and it is really wearing me out!! If you know me, you would know that my ideal weekend would be hanging out with a friend for a few hours and then catching up on a book or with work around the house and hanging out with my puppy & boyfriend (notice the order :) just kidding!!), and I think that these past 3 days have done it for me! Thursday night was the 2008 pledge class of Alpha Tau omega (Alex's fraternity) held their annual "Let It Snow" party, and it was a BlAsT! The main room had the most amazing decorations. The entire wall was covered in wrapping paper just like a big present! Also, Santa was there :) & the snow did fall! Friday night was the Alpha Tau Omega Winter Formal & the lodge that they have it at every year. I was so lucky to go with my amazing boyfriend of 14 months & a few of my very close girl friends. The night was amazing, & I loved seeing everyone in their pretty dresses (not to mention the delicious food that they served). And then Saturday night me & my roommate Catherine had a Christmas party for a group of our close girlfriends. We had a cookie exchange & played MadGab like crazy! It was so fun! But because finals are drawing near, most of us didn't have that much time to put in our cookies (let alone any at all) so many were store bought or just slice and bake. But we had a very fun time anyways. So that was my weekend.. the last one before Christmas break, & here are a few pictures from all the festivities. Enjoy!
^^ This is a picture of me in my new car that I got over Thanksgiving break. It's a 2008 Kia Rio SX. It's also a stick shift, & I love it! :)
My roommates & I!!
So I hope you enjoyed the pictures! :) I have two final exams before I leave to go home on Wednesday afternoon. I am actually not going straight to Louisville, but I am going to spend a few days in Lebanon, TN with Alex & his family. I've missed them so much. So that is what I will be up to this week, and after that I will be home for Christmas!
- b -
^^ This is a picture of me in my new car that I got over Thanksgiving break. It's a 2008 Kia Rio SX. It's also a stick shift, & I love it! :)
My roommates & I!!
So I hope you enjoyed the pictures! :) I have two final exams before I leave to go home on Wednesday afternoon. I am actually not going straight to Louisville, but I am going to spend a few days in Lebanon, TN with Alex & his family. I've missed them so much. So that is what I will be up to this week, and after that I will be home for Christmas!
- b -
09 December, 2008
The Real Reason For The Season
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2
- b -
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2
- b -
I'm Back!
Ok, so I KNOW that it has been over 3 months since I have posted, and I am SO incredibly sorry, but life has a way of just .. happening. A lot has happened since September. This 15-week semester has absolutely flown by. I started taking my Education classes, and I had a *BlAsT*. I have had the opportunity to observe in two public elementary school classrooms, and although I have always had my heart set on teaching in a private, Christian school like the ones I grew up in, I have changed my mind!!! For me this is such a big deal, but after experiencing this semester in a public school, I have realized that this can really be my mission field. Other than my three education classes, I have taken Public Speaking, Physical Science, and Arts in Western Civilization. They have all been good ... not too hard but not too easy. I have enjoyed spending so many fun times with my friends here at school. I am going to post some pictures from throughout this semester. And even though there have been some bad times, and I have lost a couple people in my life that I really thought were my friends, I have gained so many more. Currently I am awaiting finals next week (I only have two!) as well as the ATΩ Christmas party on Thursday night and ATΩ Winter Formal on Friday night AND mine & my roommate Catherine's Tacky Christmas Party on Saturday night! So this weekend is going to be so much fun before finals begin!! :) So that is just a quick update in my life thus far. Alex & I are doing wonderful, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us!!
- b -
This is me and my friends Megan & Claudia at the Howdy party at the very beginning of the semester. That party is like a welcome back party for everyone to catch up from a long summer!
This is me & Alex about to go out to eat with my little sister when she came to visit!! :)
This is me & my friend Claudia & my roommate Catherine at the ATΩ flag football game one night! Us girls play on the same team ... we are the Diamonds!
And this is me & Katie & Claudia after we built a fort one night out of their beds!! It was so fun!! We even had a dance party after ;)
- b -
This is me and my friends Megan & Claudia at the Howdy party at the very beginning of the semester. That party is like a welcome back party for everyone to catch up from a long summer!
This is me & Alex about to go out to eat with my little sister when she came to visit!! :)
This is me & my friend Claudia & my roommate Catherine at the ATΩ flag football game one night! Us girls play on the same team ... we are the Diamonds!
And this is me & Katie & Claudia after we built a fort one night out of their beds!! It was so fun!! We even had a dance party after ;)
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