I have been writing on this blog just over exactly four years...

That means a lot of random thoughts and photos...thanks for all of you who still read this page and show some interest in what I write ;) You make me feel like a famous and accomplished writer, thanks :)

A friend of mine introduced me to this cool website called www.booksneeze.com, where you can become a member, and then they send you books for free, as long as you write up a 200 word book review on a blog after you read the book. Therefore, I started a second blog solely for the purpose of the books I read this summer. That way, if you don't care about books (which everyone should), you won't have to read my blog posts here. BUT, if you love books, check out - readingwithjen.blogspot.com - to hear about my summer reading list :)

And then it dawned on me...

...I had graduated.

One degree down, and one to go. I feel quite blessed to be a graduate of Trinity Western. This weekend festivities were wonderful to celebrate with my family and friends, but also a hard time to say farewell to a season of life that has finished. Here is a glimpse of the weekend...

Rika, Susanne, Kari and I before the Baccalaureate ceremony Friday evening.

Yes, I know...they are gorgeous roommates.

A good chunk of our gang.

Kari and I before our ceremony.

Thanks mom and dad for all the support

(mentally and financially - *sigh*, couldn't have done it without you)

Scotty boy and me, one of two of the best brothers ever.

Friends :)

Danny Hsiao has talent for capturing prime moments with his camera.

My second family, the Macaulays, who loved me all along the journey.

My island gals from home who came for the celebrations, Rach and Jayme.

These girls rock my socks.

Summer has kicked off well since being home - youth group, volleyball, birthday parties, coffee dates, unpacking, work...I am very thankful for a solid group of friends to return to, they are spectacular. Sadly, Jayme departed for a cool summer job in Alberta, and I miss her terribly. Nonetheless, the beauty of the Comox Valley brings joy to my life each morning and I am reminded of the wonders of God's creation each day. I am so stoked to be back here.

Keltie and Phil's 'Welcome Home.Belated Keltie Birthday.Goodbye Jayme' Toga Party

The Greek Gang

I still miss my roomies, it takes a bit of getting used to now having three other ladies with me. Kristin Ramsak took some stellar photos for us, such as this grand photo. They shall be sweet keepsakes.

This concludes the latest photo update.

I've been reading through Hosea this week, and it amazes me every time. The fact that the Lord tells Hosea to marry a harlot stuns me, and the fact that he is obedient is phenomenal. This school year I've been learning a lot about what it means to be obedient to God's call in our lives, regardless of whether it looks like it makes sense to those around us, especially Christians around us. I have often been scared to act in different situations in fear of being judged by fellow Christians if my actions don't appear correctly 'Christian'. I then was struck with that gut-yucky feeling when I wondered how I would most likely have judged Hosea and his situation.

I pray that my ears will be attuned to hear His voice, and that my heart will have courage to move and take action in obedience to God's call in my life, regardless of how small or large a situation may appear. I pray that my only actions will be to honor and glorify God.

"I will betroth you to Me forever;

Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice,

In lovingkindness and in compassion,

And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness.

Then you will know the Lord."

Hosea 2:19-20

Happy Mother's Day mom...

Mom, you are a wonderful woman. Thanks for loving us kids, for all your prayers, guidance, wisdom, teasing, cooking, baking, hugs, blessings, scares...and always going above and beyond for us. You are remarkable and we have been so blessed by you. Much love.

Ready...set...go...

Go...I have jumped full swing into summer...golly gee, I haven't even been home for a week yet. This is a mini update...I'm back for my fifth summer at ACTS, which is such a blessing. I get to work with wonderful people. David is trying to hook me on coffee, as well as getting me back into gear for learning a new word every day, thus the sticky notes. At the end of the summer I have to write a story using all my new vocabulary. The lovely roses are from my dear 'Gramma' Tricia, one of the volunteers. I feel so happy to be home, especially as I drive along the beach, glance at the blue sky and glorious mountains...God's creation is so evident and beautiful it gets my heart going, and I'm just so thankful to be back here connecting with friends and family.

I will give a more detailed update in the future...complete with some other grad photos and perhaps a dash of some other photos the world may enjoy.

Until then, this is Jen, signing out.

All good things come to an end...

...and we made it!!

Thanks to my wonderful parents, my stellar brothers, my beautiful roommates, and the love, encouragement and prayers of many relatives and friends.

And the learning shall continue...