arrived to milwakee just in time to catch the plane. caught the plane. plane left terminal to get de-iced. plane got de-iced. runway closed. needed more fuel from waiting. refueled. re-de-iced. runway closed. and 2 and 1/2 hours later...exited the plane because the flight was canceled.

tonight i am staying in Milwakee, Wisconsin. north carolina will be tomorrow. the snow is beautiful here.

NC or Bust!

tomorrow is the big day. north carolina will be my place of residence for the next 10 days. Christmas will come in the same amount of days. leslie and lana gottschalk are already at roberta rd. making the return already one of humor, wonderful meals, and two more great reasons to recognize how magnificent God's plan is.

so tonight. while eating the rest of the cookie dough ice cream, bowl-lessly. i find myself more ready every second to step into the Tarheel state with friends and family.

There are two goals that i have decided to set for myself while home:

1. Feel free to get carried away with the southern twang!
2. Remember i do have manners, though my father shows no mercy acknowledging his lack thereof.

Today.

Matthew 10:39

He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his

life for My sake will find it.

i'll never forget today.

Not because of the two horrible shootings.

Not because it was my first time shoveling snow.

Not because of lunch with Leslie

or an unexpected high five from Jerry.

Not because of a snow peaked Pikes.

None but this:

i have found myself lost.

Lost of self.

Lost of all i have ever been.

Lost of all i could consider being.

Lost of my whole self.

i'll never forget today.

When i was told i was missing

the point.

You. My God.

i searched for You working at the church

cafe and daydreaming at the glistening snow.

Thought You were in my favorite songs.

hands held high.

Thought You were everywhere else but

i'll never forget today.

How in mid-thought;

mid-step You placed me knee bent on this floor.

You showed me what i had been

working for all my life: everything lost.

i choose You. Life.

You. All i need.

never let me forget this day.

for Your sake.

December 4

I feel very content today. Joyful of friends, family, circumstances, school (yes...somehow), a 60 degree fall day, ...

3 friends of mine are getting married this summer (2 of them younger than myself)

There is a wonderful REAL Christmas tree in our house.

16 consecutive wonderful dinners

School is coming to a close this semester.

My long-time and still NC residing friend Tori and I have decided to do one of the craziest things that we both have ever done together...train for a marathon. We both are aware of the prayers that we need. Training for a marathon is painful, time consuming, and big goal. Staying healthy and away from injuries is important, so feel free to keep us in your prayers.

Lastly i have the day off of work...so nice.