happy 2:49 a.m. :) can't sleep tonight...i think i've unintentionally trained my body to come alive around 1:00 in the morning. this is not a good habit.

it's christmas time at cedarville. :) the last few weeks have been really fun and memorable. christmas dinner at chuck's, story time with dr. brown. we decorated our hall in the dorm-decorating contest with the theme of "christmas at home" - the picture up there is us in our "family room" listening to donna read christmas stories. :) mom and christina came up for a weekend visit to hear my choir perform in the christmas concert, and then they took me and several of my friends out to olive garden afterwards - of course then we stayed up having girl talk in their hotel room until midnight or so. it was so fun having christina see the campus - i LOVE my cousin! jill's and my room is all decked out with garland and lights! i love this season so much.

unfortunately, however, finals week is upon me. luckily i have a crew full of refreshing friends to take the edge off. tonight we ended up staying at chuck's for 2 hours or so, and then we studied in the willett's lounge until about 10:00, when it became necessary to take a quick mofia break. :) it was hilarious, of course. i had a sentimental moment as I was looking around at everyone laughing (i'm kaitlin dunnevant, what do you expect?)...we are all so comfortable with each other, and we invest in each other's lives every single day. i love all of them for different reasons, and I am so blessed to live with such a support group on campus. God has simply blessed me with GREAT friends. i am especially thankful this month for rachel and for jen. i didn't really know rach last year, but she brightens my day whenever she walks in my room, and she has a level of depth and insight about her that is really sharpening to be around. and my jennifer :) we have really bonded recently, and I can't even put words to how much her friendship has uplifted me. i can be completely myself around her, and I feel totally at ease. i can't explain this one. but wow, i well up with praise to God every time i spend time with her.

i'll be heading home on friday :) can't wait for caroling and weekend get-togethers at my house and christmas movies and shopping and dawson's creek with arika. ;)

Bethany and I were talking today about how God desires us to remain flexible and moldable with him. when we begin to harden ourselves and yank back the reigns, it is often then that he gently breaks us of strongholds...and we come running back to him. yet he is always waiting with open arms. the everlasting prodigal's father. his mercy is new every morning. i'll close today with these lyrics by chris rice in his song "untitled hymn." mmm...these bring back some australia memories :)

"Now your burden's lifted and carried far away...
And precious blood has washed away the stain.
So sing to Jesus, sing to Jesus...sing to Jesus, and live.

OH and when the love spills over! And music fills the night...
And when you can't contain your joy inside,
Then dance for Jesus! Dance for Jesus, dance for Jesus...and live."