THE southern seminary spots

So, here's a peak at what my new school looks like. It's now home for atleast a semester...

One angle of where I live: William Williams Hall (william's Hall for short :) )


Our beautiful library...7th largest in THE WORLD...yeah...that's right!


Thus far my favorite place on campus...three reasons: In the shade, away from everyone, and under beautiful trees!


Where to magic happens...our courtyard where we play utlimate and flag football. still not as good as CBU's fo' sho'.

Answering Prayers...

I am going to admit something pretty embarissing, but no one can deny that they've done it. Last night, I cried myself to sleep. I really hit bottom and felt so alone (hints the pic of the broken jars). But the title of this blog isn't "Me with a view of the bottom". NO...it's about God answering prayer...

In the darkness of last night, I could only cry out to God. I had tried to call friends or talk to some one, but soon I realized that life in Riverside goes on with out me. It was just me and God. I admit that I denied ever wanting this and that I would do anything to just go home. What I realized then, was that God is answering my prayers of dying to my self and showing me a life of real sacrifice. (Yes...other's around the world are sacrificing more than me and in different ways). With no one else to talk to in those late hours, I was forced to rely on and talk to God first. To find true comfort in Him...no one else. No other friend or family member was there, just the Lord and I found He must satisfy even that part of my life. Sure, I've known that, but now I've experienced it. It's more difficult than I thought because I am more selfish than I realized, but it's good for my soul- I can feel it...I just know it!

Sometimes I get caught thinking that prayers aren't answered and that they are useless...but then God proves me to be a fool and a "Mr Thomas Doubter". It's been a long time comming and there's still a long way to go, but God is taking this fool and SHOWING her how to die to herself and trust HIM...

IT'S ALL TO BITTER SWEET...

Foolishness

Okay, so today...conviction set in. If you've read the top portion of my profile you would know that I talk about living each day as it should be: an undeserved gift from God. What I had to come to grips with today is that I am here in Kentucky for a reason, and even though I may not like it, I have been given a gift, completely and utterly undeserved. I should charish that gift and my time here because it is from God. I may not understand why or how or for how long I will be here, but in the mean time, I must thank God for this life- no matter where I am at.

My apologies to any one who read this and saw contradiction in my life. I am sorry for what seemed to be a fakeness and foolishness. I am challenged with the truth of Grace and hope you are as well. Please pray for me as I try to see this day and the rest to come, here in KY, as gifts from God that are undeserved, yet freely given!

Hair be gone!

So...this is it... THE NEW DO. Let me know what you think of me cutting off 15 inches of my hair

WHAT WAS I THINKING...

Okay...so here I am. In Louisville, KY...ALONE. The first day has...well been misserable. Yes, it's the first day, but I have this strange feeling that this place and these people just aren't me (if that makes any sense at all). How discouraging it was to show up to the campus, have no one help me with luggage, them not explain anything to me (food, laundry, supplies...etc), and then see my dorm. It's an old run down room with four walls and bare bed and a window that doesn't open. Just for effect...I added the pictures.

So, I guess the top question on my mind today is: WHAT WAS I THINKING?

A new hobby

I recently picked up playing a little tennis. I hadn't played since high school and even then it was just once on some random courts that we found. My first go around was a few weeks ago with Keith Holcolm. He taught me a lot and I got the hang of it, but was by no means a "tennis player". Tonight was only my second night play. I headed out with Janelle, Taylor and Calan. I got to work on my back hand, serves and short shots. I think I've improved, but either way, I had a lot of fun.

As a teen, I always thought tennis was for rich snobs who only cared about big boats, write sweaters, and little skirts that showed their spankies when they went for the ball. (I was a bit narrow minded back then). Tennis has multiple rewards: it's a GREAT workout- minus the fact that my right arm always feels so much buffer than my left after I'm done (lol), it's a great time to interact with friends, it's a great way to relax and focus, and it's also good to just be a little goofy- if you aren't too into the game. I feel lucky to have friends who have taught me a new sport and I look forward to buying a raquet and balls of my own...who knows...maybe I will start a new movement of tennis matches at Souther Seminary...! Stay tuned for an update on "Christal's Tennis Journey".

The Beginings...

So...here I am ... a new blogger! Kind of fun and interesting. I was actually never going to start a blog, just cuz I thought no one would be interested in what I am doing, but I ran into a few friends who requested that I start one for one reason...I am moving to Louisville, Kentucky!

That's right!...you heard it... I will be another X-cal baptist person lost to Southern Seminary starting this monday (the 6th). Now, more than ever, seems to be the best time to start a blog and let you all know what life in the South ends up being like- from my perspective. The concept of moving has been accompanied by thousands of emotions and divine interventions...too many to list. I have made an effort to spend time with those whom I love and will miss, but no matter what I do, say or think, this great unknown adventure, I believe, will be very different from what I've thought.

So...as I lift off into a whole new season of life, I look forward to bringing those who have influenced and shared life with me over the last several years. I hope you enjoy my blogs and pics as I will try to keep them both updated! I love you all...

for the glory of God

Ink & Blood
CHRISTal WALKer