Birthday Gifts Galore!

Well, twenty-two has been good to me so far. It started much better than twenty-one did: a four to five hour drive to Mississippi just to see my brother-in-law get ordained and spend money I didn't intend on spending. What a birthday. But this year definitely took a different route. My wife gave me the best birthday by doing everything she possibly could to make it as big a deal as possible. She got me great gifts, took me to a movie via tickets from my sister, and brought me home to a surprise of a surprise party. Our apartment was decked out in Spider-Man decorations and our friendly neighbors greeted me. I opened more wonderful gifts, received a card with Penn Station certificates (one of my and Kristine's favorite restuarants), and then David Story gave me an extravagant gift. He sent me twenty-two seperate emails that either gave me tasks to complete or reminisced about past memories we share. Then, he continued on to say that I was the best and most loyal friend he's ever had. That is frawesome. And, as you all should know, that's saying a lot. Thanks, everyone, for a great birthday. I could never had expected anything more.
This second day of being twenty-two has been a good follow up. I had the great opportunity to speak in the morning and evening services at Avilla Baptist Church, the first church I can remember going to. My mind started to fill with past memories, and I saw people I remembered from eighteen years ago. It was definitely refreshing. I enjoyed the company of the people there, and have been home relaxing ever since. So far, I love being twenty-two. I know God has a lot in store for me this year, and I can't wait. Well, that's it for now. Thanks, again to the best wife ever for a frawesome birthday. There's more to come in this twenty-two year old's life, so stay tuned.

Twenty-two today.

I have arrived at the twenty-two year mark in my life. Is this a great feat that has been accomplished? I don't really know. But I must say, I like the number. Two identical numbers side by side. It just looks kinda cool. Plus, due to the influence of David Story, I'm a bit biased about this double duece number. It is his favorite number, as well as the day of his birth (June 22). Anywho, I can say I've enjoyed the majority of my life up to this point. God has truly blessed me. I thank Him for all the people He's surrounded me with over the years. That being said, thank you to all who have been a part of my life. You've made it a fun ride so far. That's it for now, but there's more to come, so stay tuned.

Two Days 'Til Twenty-two.

The countdown is past starting. It is now only two days away from my 22nd birthday. I'm not sure, but I'm inclined to believe that my best friend, David Story, is required to buy/do something extravagant for this particular birthday due to 22 being his favorite number. This is nothing more than a rumor (started by me, of course) as of now, so feel free to ask him if you get the chance. Anywho, if I have the chance to continue the countdown to my birthday (two whole days), I will blog again to do so. This is in order to give anyone who wants to the chance to leave comments of birthday greetings, or "happy birthday" if you will. With that said, happy reading and stay tuned.

PS Anyone wondering for the past few months about the picture of me in the righthand corner of this page, I was inhaling a devil egg.

Happy Mother's Day!

First off, happy Mother's Day to all the mother's out there! I know I appreciate my mother, as well as the women who have acted as interim mother when I'm away from mine or she's away from me. Unfortunately, I don't have that this year. But, none the less, happy Mother's Day.
I have much respect for Kristine's mom. I hope she is having a good Mother's Day, though neither of her children are there to share it with her. I hate that for her. My mom has Tim, but my sister and me are both hours away. I also hate that for her. I do want to commemerate this day for them.
My mom (as well as my dad) instilled in me all the good I have ever known or done. I credit them and God for that. If anyone reading this blog doesn't think I am a good person, though, first of all, I'm sorry for giving off that impression, and secondly, that is not because of my parents. They raised me to be respectful, kind, loving, generous, and curtious. They did not teach me the bad things I have done in my life that I regret. For that, I shamefully credit myself. They have never hoped I would fall, but have taught me to do the things that are good, to make me a better person. When they see those things lived out in me, I hope they are proud, not only of me as their son, but of themselves for doing such a wonderful job teaching me.
I have never had to question whether my parents love me. I know they do. My dad, though rough around the edges sometimes and as blunt a person as any, has never neglected to let me know in some way that he loves me. My mom has nourished and cherished me, my sister, and my brother better than any of us could have ever expected, and yet we so often take that for granted. I know Mandy and Timothy feel the same. We are blessed. Thank God for the family we have. I couldn't ask for better. I love you all.
Again, to all the mom's out there, happy Mother's day. And to my mom, I love you.

Finals: Part 2 of 2.

I took my last final today. It was in Greek, and I think I did okay. That's the end of that. And so the school year comes to an end. Not an abrupt end, have you. I still have two or three things to work on and turn in, but thankfully I'll have the opportunity to use the two week grace period to do so. I'll attempt to discipline myself to get it done before the weekend, so pray for me, cross your fingers, and, if you feel the need, keep me accountable by giving me a call. If you're reading this and don't know my number, I probably don't want you to call me. No offense, but I just don't feel to comfortable with giving my number out on the world wide web.
Anywho, apart from the little work I have left to do, I am done. Finished. Finetto. Free for nearly four months to do what I please. Not really. I do have to find a summer job. But that's beside the point. I am now free of the stress that I brought upon myself by procrastinating. It's a good feeling. Stress doesn't fit my personality. When people think Jonathan Woodring, I doubt the word "stress" comes to mind. Maybe "carefree" or "outgoing". The word "who" most likely comes to mind. Again, not the point. Less stress, another school year down, and I am most definitely ready for summer.
Speaking of summer, it seems to have a lot to hold for me and Kristine, and we can't wait until things start rolling. I've already given you the preview of what's to come, but to see how it all goes, you'll just have to stay tuned.

Finals: Part 1 of 2

Hello, all. I have just completed my first day of finals. I have only one final to take tomorrow, which is Greek, but still much to catch up on. I have five assignments to turn in by tomorrow. I hate schoolwork. It's so time-consuming. Anywho, I need to get to work on finishing some of the before mentioned assignments and get started on a couple of others. Day one: complete. Day 2: stay tuned.

In the midst of things.

To tell on myself, I'm taking a break from doing an assignment due today before 1:00 p.m. I can't seem to figure out where to go next. I'm supposed to be writing a Sunday school lesson following the ABA literature format. At this point in reading you can imagine, if you will, me wanting to gag myself because of how rediculous this is. First off, I don't use ABA literature, much, MUCH less do I care for it. Secondly, It has to have a 1500 word body and, as I've already mentioned, I have no clue what to write next. I have a text, an introduction, and the verses of the text written out so far. Now I just need a 1500 word body and conclusion. Worse than that, I still have Latin class at 10:10, leaving very little time to finish all of this in. Ah, the life of a procrastinator. Well, with all that said, I guess I should really get going. Enough complaining for now. And, by the way, too bad about the Pacers-- enough said. To learn more about what's going on with me, stay tuned.

The End Is Near.

No, not the end of the world, the end of the school year. I've yet to catch up on my work and have a considerable amount of studying to do between now and next week. This blog is really just a refuge from that. I've not much to blog about since my last entry due to the fact that I'm still trying to catch up on work and so forth, but to those who read this, hi. I'm excited about school ending, but stressed at the same time (which may or may not be obvious). Also, I'm getting more and more excited about the next few months and what they hold in store. This month, Kristine and I are slightly busy with things like a "Cystic Fibrosis Walk", spending free passes to the Little Rock Zoo, and planning a trip to Magic Springs. My birthday is coming up (May 20, for all who may not already know) and my parents, brothers (Andy included), and sister, are planning to come the weekend before Memorial Day. I have no idea what we'll be doing that weekend, but I do know it'll be a blast. It always is, it seems. Last time I was with my brother, we played some much needed games of basketball. When Andy and Mandy visited while David Story was visiting, we simply went to a BBQ restaurant called Corky's and made more than the best of it. Mom and Dad always have some kinda new story to tell whenever we see them. If it hasn't clicked with anyone yet, I'm REALLY looking forward to their arrival. Jessica L. and David and C.J. Standridge provide more than enough fun and friendship on any given night (which is usually when it occurs). I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with the family and friends I have, wherever I may be.

Continuing on, June also holds much to be anticipated. We're going to the "home of the hoosiers" on the 8th or 9th and staying for about ten days, partially for a wedding (Kristine's cousin, Samantha, is getting married), but more or less just to kick back and see family and friends. Dad's birthday is the 18th, which also happens to be Fathers' Day, and David Story is scheduled to turn 21 on 22/06/2006. With all of this that lies ahead, I must say I'm relieved. I like to be busy, but anyone who knows me knows I like to be busy doing things I enjoy. That does not include schoolwork. I'm so very glad it's coming to an end, and also glad that I get to enjoy the next few busy things I have on my list.

Well, that's all I've got for now. I really need to get back to work (blah). Before signing off, I recommend reading David Story's latest blog, "He's Still YHWH." It's a refreshing perspective on the magnificent power of the One who's "weakness is stronger than men and foolishness is wiser than men" (1 Cor. 1:25). With all that said (or, actually written), stay tuned.