so we all know that i have been quite horrible at updating frequently. sorry bout that. well this quarter is in full swing...two midterms this week. crazy. i am doing well mostly.... i have been struggling a lot with a lot of things really, but recognizing that the more i try to do them on my own the worse off i am going to be. last night i climbed bishops.... it was dark, windy, and silent. i loved it. my knees have been beat up over the years and walking up steep inclines for extended periods of time has the potential to really hurt... last night it did. i lagged behind and felt lame to slow the group down. we were not in a hurry, but for a good portion of the hike up i was in the back by myself. whatever happened to the saying, "you're only as strong as your weakest member"? it was hard for me....i wanted to blame God for my crappy knees making me feel left out, i wanted to blame my friends for leaving me behind and not seeming to care that i felt completely alone, i wanted to sit on a rock and cry. i kept going, not on my own strength, but by the grace of God. it still hurt my knees, i still felt lonely, but it was good. we made it up to the top and could see all of the city. SLO is beautiful at night. the wind was so strong up there and it was quite cold, but it was incredible. we prayed over the city and it was quite encouraging. so it was a good night. coming down was crazy, but i made it. there were cows on the trail which was scary as they took steps toward us, but we made it down safely. sooo it was a good little hike, but a time that God showed me true joy. happiness won't get me far if it's not rooted in joy. so needless to say my knees are really sore. today i was blessed to have lunch w/ one of the college pastors at first baptist Mark and his wonderful fiance laura. they are encouraging.... they know how to show Gods love in a very tangible way. i'm excited that they are getting married. sooo tonight the rodeo....good times indeed. i need to get a lot done before then.... granted my knees don't break off from my body.... thank you friends for your love....find joy in HIM...