The weather in Nashville is crazy. I moved here in August 2009. The winter of 2009/2010 brought more snow than Nashville had seen in years, or so I was told. Then there was the flood in May 2010 when it seemed to have rained more than ever before (now, I realize it our good friends, Harpeth and Cumberland). I think I've seen it snow more in the past year and half than I've ever seen in my life. Maybe that's not entirely true, but that's sure what it feels like. It has flurried several times in the past couple of weeks, which is incredibly exciting for someone who has seen it legitimately snow (not ice) only a handful of times in her life. Today, December 12 (yes, BEFORE Christmas) it's snowing again. Only this time, it's sticking! I feel like a little kid. I'm pretty sure the last time I saw a lot of snow, not counting last year, was during Spring Break (!!!) in 2008. Again, that was in TN, and you never know what the weather will do here. I guess we will wait and see what the rest of the day brings!

Pictures: top, Nashville, Winter 2009; middle, Millington, Spring 2008; right and bottom, Nashville, Fall 2010

Question mark inside or outside the quotation marks?

Dear Grammar Fairy,

I have a few questions and concerns, and I felt it best to write you, directly. As I'm writing this, the clock on the wall shows a late hour, so to save myself the headache of trying to compose the following thoughts into a cohesive, flowing letter, I'll simply number them, and you can do with it what you will.

1. Please tell me that I'm not alone when I cringe at the incorrect usage of "your" and "you're".

2. Can you please differentiate between "despite" and "in spite of"?

3. Let's remind all people that, "Then tells when."

4. Perhaps you, of all people, have reason to inform all how to spell "grammar".

5. When sentences are ended with prepositions, my face grows sad.

6. I must confess: I often improperly use pronouns when talking about me and others. :/

7. Comma splices.... :(

8. Could you instruct us how to correctly use the -- in a sentence?

9. Brownies are done. People are finished.

10. What's up with the homonyms and homophones in the English language? I mean, seriously!

I'm sure there are more, but for now, I'm headed to bed. School ends tomorrow, and I couldn't be any more excited!!!!

Toodles.

Life, Recently

I've been in a whirlwind of emotions over the past week. While spending joyous, long-awaited, greatly anticipated, much needed time with my family, I was soberly convicted and reminded of the reality of Heaven and Hell in the death of a girl I grew up with. Over the past few days, I've had to beg for God's forgiveness in not ministering to her and others I was around every day in school. I've had to come to terms with the fact that I'm not responsible for her death, but I do have a responsibility to those around me. If I don't assume this weighty responsibility, I'm very much in the wrong, and I'll have to give an account to God for that. Oh, that I may be like the moon, reflecting the sun so that others see Him alone when they look at me.

I've found myself, several times over the past week, being very judgmental. Pride creeps up and voices a betterment over other people. Lies from the Enemy want me to believe that my sin is insignificant compared to that of others. I've found myself disappointed in someone--not because I was upset with him, but because I felt embarrassed. Complete selfishness. As a friend reminded me a few days ago, the only difference between my sin and the next guy's is that mine hasn't been exposed yet. How true that is! I always find it such a bittersweet time to have the Lord convict me. I know that He disciplines His children, and I know that sin would be no big deal if I didn't have the gift of salvation, but seeing more of the depths of my depravity is so painful.

While life has been somber the past few days, it's also been absolutely chaotic. I have only 3 days of class before the semester ends, but I have tons of work to be done in that short time. Sometimes, it seems completely overwhelming. To make matters worse, when I feel like I've gotten ahead, something else comes up and smacks me in the face. Today, I felt like I had a good handle on the subject matter. I felt very prepared, even telling one of my classmates that I had some "rocking awesome ideas". My teacher didn't agree, and told me that she felt it was not my best work and that there was a chance I needed to redo the assignment. It was her professionally polite way of saying that I possibly failed, but she'd "let [me] know by the end of the day". :( We do have two chances to pass the huge grades like today's, but I was looking so forward to being that much closer to the end. On the way home, through the tears, God reminded me with His faithful, loving words..."Sarah, be careful where you stand. Take heed that you do not fall."

Several times recently, regardless of how the events of life are playing out, I've been reminded of a song that I've grown to appreciate. It's words were written by Charles Wesley in the 1700's, and they remain so rich today.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne

I really feel like this has been the cry of my heart over the past few days. Saying that, however, I struggle with feeling that way, because while I'm eager for His return, I feel like I'm not content with the now. I feel like I don't make the most of every opportunity today. I feel like there's much left undone--things for which I'll be held accountable. I struggle with knowing how to balance these two things out.

Your thoughts?