New Blog Site:

In an attempt to try blogging more frequently and basically start fresh, I've created a new blog through wordpress.

melindacummins.wordpress.com

Enjoy! :)

Melinda Leanne

Senior Year Reflections

So, in a matter of 5 weeks, I will graduate from college. Shortly after that, I will turn 22, and get married to the man of my dreams. With that said, it would sound like I am a big fan of change. To be honest, I normally am not good with change, but now I am really REALLY excited about these next 3 months!

I know that all the change, while good, will have its hidden problems. I will graduate without having a job lined up, and the first year of marriage requires a lot of work, but I know that God is faithful and will provide for all of my needs.

Something good is going to happen. I can just feel it. God is great.

Dance

Every week I get to spend at least an hour with a fantastic group of people in my small group. We are finishing up Francis Chan's, Crazy Love, and will be continuing this semester reading his latest book, Forgotten God. It is simply a wonderful time to spend with them and I am so excited to hear what they have to say each week.

Last night after small group was over, the girls who stayed in the apartment decided to play classic Disney tunes, sing at the top of our lungs and put in a good dance. It was amazing. Soon the music just seemed to turn into anything that had a good beat as the 5 of us put our dancing shoes to good work. After a stressful day... or semester... it was so great to just be carefree and have a little fun. It would be safe to say that we all got in a good workout, too!

Yesterday, I was reminded that life is not about following the rules.... its about enjoying the life we've been given with others in community. These are some of the memories I will never forget. My friends and our wonderful moments together are so very precious. I thank God every day for them.

Go put on your dancing shoes and celebrate life TODAY...

I need this today. Maybe you do too.

Philippians 4:4-9 (The Message):

^4-5Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

^6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

^8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

I'm engaged...

.: Photo by Michelle Meisner :.

Well, I'm engaged to the most wonderful man in the whole world. I know everyone says that, but I'm the one that REALLY has the most wonderful man. ;)

So much has happened during my time here at college, and I would have never dreamed that this is where I would be. I am so in love with life and the beautiful people that I am surrounded by each and every day. There's nothing like getting a hug from a friend after Christmas break, sharing coffee and talking about life, receiving a sweet goodnight kiss from your fiance, or just sitting at the kitchen table with your roommate typing up emails and hearing nothing but calm music and the keyboard click away.

I have such small and beautiful blessings in my life that make the world seem a little sweeter. Knowing that I will get to spend the rest of my life learning to love one person so intimately and perfectly is the icing on the cup cake! Thank you everyone for being a part of my journey this far. Thank you for shaping me to become who I am today, and helping me through those dark days my sophomore year. Thank you for loving me when I'm ugly on the inside and judgmental. Thank you for putting up with ignorant words, and unnecessary tears.

Life is truly beautiful despite the brokenness that is so prevalent these days. The Lord loves you and cares for you, which is an unspeakable joy. I have been given a wonderful gift of life, and God has blessed me with a wonderful man.

I am thankful.

October 4, 2009

Amid the changing seasons and unknown times, Lord, you alone are constant... My True North, the One who helps me to be content. I love you.

My prayer all day... God is so good.