"The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness"

Well this weekend was wonderful. I spent the Easter break here at school and though I had been dreading a weekend spent on the mountain with very few people around God really used it as a great time to spend with Him (as well as getting homework done so that I am not as stressed by the work ahead of me this week). I loved being able to walk around my room and just talk to God, I know that might sound crazy but sometimes I feel closer with him if I say what I am thinking out loud, anybody else feel that way? Also, the time spent with the few girls who stayed on the hall as well was such a sweet time of fellowship and bonding. It was really nice to make supper each night and then sit around the table and chat while we ate. I even enjoyed washing the dishes as we all continued to chat. It was so refreshing to not feel rushed by what ever was ahead for the evening. Now of course, I was totally swamped with homework considering how close to the end of the semester it is but I didn't feel as overwhelmed by it.
This Easter was not the same as it usually is for me, clearly. But I was thinking about it and I am glad that it was a little different. I was able to focus on the immense love of Christ because I was not as focused on other things, like getting the afternoon meal ready or what everyone at church would be wearing. I so enjoyed the sermon at Lookout Pres and worshiping with such a huge group of believers. It was truly humbling.

As I said, the end of the semester is fast approaching and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival. I am pressing on in the homework and the week of exams facing me but I am so excited about what lies ahead this summer that it is very hard to stay focused. I feel so blessed to be able to spend the summer with my sister and brother in Greenville, and even more so to be able to make some money taking care of my beautiful niece! (Sorry y'all, she pretty much outranks everyone as far as my favorite person)  While I do sometimes worry about how I will feel being away from home for the whole summer I know that this is going to be a summer I never forget.
I will be sad to see the end of this semester for all of the girls that I will miss next semester, either because they are moving across campus, down the road, or across the country. I will not be glad to say goodbye to them, but I will run around and jump for joy to say goodbye to all the homework and stress. Just so that the girls who will not be on The Fritz next semester know that while I am excited for the end of the year it is not at all because I want to see you go.....that is the last thing I want.

In closing I want to put the words to a hymn that has been on my heart since Friday, I know that we have passed Easter so it is a little late but I think it is still valuable to consider this hymn. Also, it is one of my favorites and it had been a while since I last sang it until Friday night.

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,

The shadow of a might rock within a weary land;

A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,

From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day

Upon the cross of Jesus, 

Mine eye at times can see

The very dying form of One who suffered there for me;

And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess,

The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow

For my abiding place:

I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face,

Content to let the world go by to know no gain nor loss

My sinful self my only shame, my glory, all the cross

(RUF version in case anyone is wondering)