a college grad

Our first Bison game together [2009]

In just one short week (wow, where does the time go?)  Lee will be graduating with a construction management degree, business administration minor, AND don't forget his most prized major in "hunter gathering."

In all seriousness, I am so proud of you leland!  Thank you for putting the time and effort into getting a degree that will help to feed a family of our own someday. I cannot wait to get all emotional and paparazzi-esque as you march up on to that stage to receive your diploma.  I'm crying right now writing this, go figure.

Some of my most favorite memories of our time together at NDSU:

• Papa John's pizza nights (2 butter dipping sauces please)
• Living a parking lot away from each other
• Taking classes together (a whopping 4!)
• Bison games- you making us get in line 18 hours early 
• Finding a church that is so genuine and passionate about us 
• Ice cream @ the union 
• Bowling & trying not to make the bowling manager man mad 
• RedBox promo codes
• Parking tickets (none for me this year - i WIN)
• Peeking out the sun roof off the beaten path near the runway watching airplanes take off and land
• Trying all of the different meats you cook up (without ketchup)
• Intramural Vball
• Playing basketball and "lifting" together 
• Going for walks around campus (walks that do burn calories might i add ;))
• Catching up on The Office because we always missed it for Chi Alpha
• The long drive back to Fargo where i usually slept and so graciously let you do the driving
• Catfishing adventures 
• Vikings games and chips & salsa
• The pumpkin patch that you begged me to go to  :) 
• Missing & skyping you while on my Europe trip 
• Killing my first turkey and deer near Fargo both times!
• The many movies we've seen and popcorn we've eaten at Marcus Theatres (I'm so glad you enjoy going to movies as much as me)
• Listening to all of your hunting/fishing stories 
• Meeting new friends and becoming better friends with you 

I am so stinkin glad i decided to transfer up here to spend our college years together! You have cheered me up during so many stressful weeks. It's going to be hard not having you up here next year, but we have so many good life happenings to look forward to.

Enjoy your last week as a "student," the real world awaits ;) 

Love, 
Your Ali

Walking on Water

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So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink.  "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.  "You have so little faith," Jesus said.  "Why did you doubt me?" Matthew 15: 29-31

This verse struck the depths of my being last night.  So many times do I let my feelings rule my circumstances.  So many times I am fearful.  So many times I am insecure and let my insecurities get the best of me.  So many times do I try to plan my own days.  So many times do I catch myself worrying.  So many times I am anxious.  Especially in this season of graduation and career/life planning all too often my thoughts are future thinking. So many times I have asked to be saved instead of just walking on the water to begin with.  

How could I doubt the creator of the Earth's plan for me and have so little faith?  
Because it's so much easier to doubt than to defeat.
It takes time and conscious effort to think heavenly.

It is my own decision to choose worry over trust & future thoughts over here and now thoughts.

Those decisions only cause me to sink more.  

I want to walk on the water.

Will you join me?