fun facts

I don't really like Halloween. Never really been a big fan. I don't really like traffic either. Maybe I should have thought of that before I moved to Pittsburgh, one of the hardest cities in the entire world to drive in. I do really like it here, though, besides the driving... I live in a city with the nations 5th oldest opera company and the world's first museum of modern art! Carnegie Museum of Art opened in 1895. The arts are thriving here in so many ways! There is always a show to see or a symphony concert to hear. It's wonderful. I don't love all things about Pittsburgh, though. The number one reason is because it is far away from you, not all of you, but some of you, and that makes me sad. But that won't change with any city I decide to live in, I guess. I can't wait to be in Heaven with all of you, so I can see you all the time- forever! Woot woot!

I've learned a lot about Pittsburgh in the last few months. Here are a few "fun facts", if you will.

70% of the population is native to the city.

It is 2nd only to Miami as having the largest number of registered watercraft.

Second only to Venice, Italy, Pittsburgh has the the largest number of bridges in a city.

Pittsburgh is within 500 miles of more than half the U.S. population and less than 90 minutes flying time from 20 states and Canada.

USA Today rated the cityscape view from Mt. Washington as the second best in America (1st was Sedona, Arizona).
Gene Kelly was from Pittsburgh!

The Big Mac was "invented" in Pittsburgh by McDonald's franchise owner Jim Delligatti in 1968. (booooo...)
Second only to Seattle to Pittsburgh has the most cloudy days per year.

Well, friends, I hope you are all well and are enjoying this beautiful autumn we are having. Miss you always. God Bless.

a very warm house

It's been too long, I know. I'm not sure if anyone still reads this but don't worry- I haven't forgotten about you. Much has happened and blessings are abounding in my life. Here is the short and sweet version of it. I moved to Pittsburgh and live with Abbie and Jayme which is possibly one of the most delightful experiences. We have a cute little house in Highland Park near the zoo and thanks to many donations of furnishings from our family and friends, it is finally becoming a home. I work at a large music store called Volkwein's in the Choral department 40 hours a week, 8-5... joining the work force with the best of them. I work with a few very nice women and we have a lot of fun. I am also starting graduate school at the end of the month! I am taking online classes at Liberty University to get my M.A. in Religion with an emphasis in Worship Studies. I truly feel God calling me into Music Ministry and I am so excited about starting these classes! There is actually a possible job opportunity at a church near here where I might hire me to work part time as the worship director. It's not definite yet, but we'll see.
Last weekend was Grove City's homecoming, so we decided to have our friends from college who were in town up for a housewarming party. A bunch of people showed up including the Browne's! which was wonderful. It was so great to see everyone and we were SO blessed by the time we were able to spend with everyone. There were candles and roses and great things to eat... It was just so amazing to see everyone. I don't think I stopped smiling all night. I hope to hear from you all soon- and don't hesitate to stop by our place! We love guests!I was convicted once again by O. Chambers in "My Utmost". I hope you are blessed by this as well. Miss you and love you all.

September 29- The Awareness of the Call
"We are inclined to forget the deeply spiritual and supernatural touch of God. If you are able to tell exactly where you were when you received the call of God and can explain all about it, I question whether you have truly been called. The call of God does not come like that; it is much more supernatural. The realization of the call in a person’s life may come like a clap of thunder or it may dawn gradually. But however quickly or slowly this awareness comes, it is always accompanied with an undercurrent of the supernatural— something that is inexpressible and produces a "glow." At any moment the sudden awareness of this incalculable, supernatural, surprising call that has taken hold of your life may break through— "I chose you . . ." ( John 15:16 ). The call of God has nothing to do with salvation and sanctification. You are not called to preach the gospel because you are sanctified; the call to preach the gospel is infinitely different. Paul describes it as a compulsion that was placed upon him.

If you have ignored, and thereby removed, the great supernatural call of God in your life, take a review of your circumstances. See where you have put your own ideas of service or your particular abilities ahead of the call of God. Paul said, ". . . woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" He had become aware of the call of God, and his compulsion to "preach the gospel" was so strong that nothing else was any longer even a competitor for his strength.

If a man or woman is called of God, it doesn’t matter how difficult the circumstances may be. God orchestrates every force at work for His purpose in the end. If you will agree with God’s purpose, He will bring not only your conscious level but also all the deeper levels of your life, which you yourself cannot reach, into perfect harmony."