I’m in the library today. I was looking at my class schedule for next semester. Looks full and should be good for me. I’m recognizing that there is going to be a lot more studying taking place next semester.

While taking it all in, a friend saw me and came by to say “HI”. I took out my headphones and smiled while saying “HI” back. We talked for a bit; she was on her way to study for a test. We talked about the three S’s in school (Studies, Sleep, and Social). She said that you have a choice each semester of only two S's while the other suffers. I have some plans to help me keep focused and study hard so I have time on the weekend to relax and play hard.

Enough heavy - - after saying good bye and returning to the computer I noticed a picture on the far wall in front of my computer. It is a black and white shot of a dispersed forest. The trees in the photo remind me of some of the magnolia trees I saw in Virginia during the late fall and winter. There is a low fog that has settled about the trees. The beautifully twisted branches stretch out to reach the other trees. There also looks to be a tree in the center that still has leaves on it. It’s branches are also stretched out.

When I first started to describe the picture it was just because it was eye catching. Now it says more than just, “Hey look at me.” It tells a story about cold times (fall/winter). Times filled with uncertainty, confusion, or trial (the fog). Although bleak, the trees continue wanting and searching with their branches out stretched (without a loss of hope).

Then there is the tree in the center; its leaves are still intact. Its branches are also out stretched but I don’t feel it’s the same reason the others have in reaching out their limbs. The outer trees are looking to receive while the center tree is motivated to give.

We don’t always recognize the outstretched limbs in our lives; those we reach with and those outstretched by others. Are they there in need of aid or to give it? I guess we never know until we touch them. Keep reaching and maybe you can receive of another or give of yourself.

Even just a little bit will always help.

The Disease Called Smiling

Smiling is contagious, you catch it like the flu,

An Elder smiled at me today, I started smiling too.

I walked around the corner and another caught my grin,

And suddenly I realized I'd passed it onto him.

I thought about that simple smile and realized its worth,

Why, if we would smile at everyone, it would pass around the earth.

So when you feel that smile within, don't leave it undetected,

Let's pass it on to everyone and get this world infected.

I went to Devotional today. It was the first time I took personal interest in going and went... before I went just because I was invited by others and I never really prepared myself. For that reason, I never really got anything out of it. I just felt like I could have better spent my time studying.

Today was different. I chose to go so I had prepared myself since yesterday. Told myself I was going to enjoy it. Put on a nice shirt and tie too...

On my way there I met some of my friends. They were having lunch so I joined them. then we went to Devo together. I liked that.

What I got from Devotional today was that it is important to reach out to others through sincere invitations... for anything. Talk with people, let them know they are of worth.

well, that's what happened this afternoon

ttyl

Time Well Spent

Have you ever felt like your life has been spent in the Library? Well, that's where I'm at right now and that's where I see myself for several months. It's almost like a second home to me... Who am I kidding, it is HOME - - I spend more time here than my apartment! I'm just glad I have good friends that "live" there too. That's why I like to say that it's time well spent.