C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity that "Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, something that cannot be had in this world."  I feel as if we spend our whole lives longing.  We long to be grown up, we long to know where we are headed, we long to be in love, we long to experience adventure, success, and excitement in life.  For me personally, I have always longed to live in another country, to somehow "give something of my small self to the entirety of the world" (thank you Mary Oliver), but in truth, all that we grasp at somehow evades us in reality.  Somehow we are left disappointed and off to find fulfillment in the next new thing.  Even in the times I am most fulfilled by God's love, I still can feel a strong sense that there is more.  

It is in times when I look at the world in its shining, wondrous brilliance, like when the sun is at its strongest or when the living world is alive and rejoicing, that I get a glimpse of what it is we were all made for and have been missing out on.  There is a place where myriads of angels get to experience the full measure of the glory of God and creation gets to join with it.  (How generous He is that He lets us experience a bit of His presence when He could just keep to Himself!)  God does promise that He will make His sons perfect.  He has and will redeem this world.  That is why I can sing, "Beholding your beauty is all that I long for.  To worship you, Jesus, is my soul's desire."

Thank you to my intellectual superiors who have been able to put into words this stirring of my spirit, based on an innate knowledge of heaven and the response of pure adoration and praise.  

Hola familia!!

Long time no see.  I wanted to show you all what I have been working on all year in my Instructional Technology 486 class (using technology in the classroom).  

To visit my website visit:

http://web.utk.edu/~lwatson6

or visit my reflective blog at:

http://linzwatson.blogspot.com/

Let me know what you think!

Although this is a little bit late, this is my picture for "Tradition."  Last spring break, my sister and I painted canvases for the house that I now live in.  This spring break, my roommate Brittany and I decided to spend one night painting to add some color to our walls.  This is what we came up with!  I painted the yellow and green ones, and the yellow's my favorite...maybe I'm biased!  

(Yes...Levi got all the artistic gene in the family)

Has everyone seen the Holiday when the two characters switch places and Cameron Diaz goes to a little getaway cottage in England?  The past few days I came home to spend some "getaway" in my new room, and I felt just like her!  I woke up the first morning to a house to myself, my favorite cinnamon rolls and coffee already ready for me, and a free morning to coup myself up in my new room with books, my ipod, my bible, the works!  It was incredibly refreshing to spoil myself...some much needed renewing of the spirit.  And my new room just embodies tranquility and gives it so freely!  The rest of my time at home has included McKay's (with a couple of great finds that they didn't have in Knoxville!), a run with my mom, time with Levi, Kelly, Dad, and Lily, and a fresh sunburn that was worth every minute I got to soak up the sun.  

I can't wait to participate in Sheryl's scavenger hunt!  Firstly, I took this picture last summer...but as I was thinking today of what would be my "Can't live without,"  I realized that the most accurate photo would have to be one of the sun, particularly when it was showing off.  I could not live without sunshine and seeing God's glory through its beauty.  I truly do believe I am somewhat more joy-filled in the summer and spring months than the winter.  Hence, photo submission #1

Shermidab

RIP  March 9, 2009

We had an honorable ceremony for him.  Allan wore the snuggie and gave a reading from Ecclesiastes as me and Brittany translated into Spanish, his native tongue.  He lived a long and fulfilling life and there is now a cross monument at his grave.  

Sad day.

ATTENTION FAMILY:

Jenny Ann will be featured on "On the Home Stretch" a radio show on Monday March 9th at 10:15 am CENTRAL time!  Tune in to hear her talk about the greatly anticipated upcoming release of her first publication, Unwritten Travels.  You can listen online at http://OnTheHomeStretch.com (during the interview) or you can call in LIVE at 877-474-3302

Make sure you listen in!

Song of the day:  "Sliding Down" by Bela Fleck.

Listen!  It's absolutely beautiful.

In other news, on Friday I spoke with a Spanish Pastor about serving with the children at his church.  The next day while I was working at Lifeway 6 different Spanish families came in that I got to help!  One family gave me a cd of their daughter singing, while another actually goes to the church that I visited!  What a grace it has been to see God making His work and presence in my life known.  I sometimes lose sight of the power of the gospel to change people; I forget that God chooses to use me even though He's not served by human hands (Acts 17:25).  I forget that He cares enough to lead me in the good works He has planned in advance for me to do.  I'm excited that He graces me with the opportunity to bring Him glory through something I love so much! 

Hear no evil.  See no evil.  Speak no evil.


The Roomies, Allan, and I before Tiff's Black and White Birthday party!!  It was so fun and Tiffany definitely had a fun 21st.  I forgot how much I like to dress up!