"Jesus Christ the Apple Tree"

I've been thinking about this song today. I had the privilege of singing it in my jazz choir in High school. The words have become engrained on my heart, and I often find myself singing them when I am alone, and just feel like singing (this happens more than you'd think.)

The words are these:

"Jesus Christ the Apple Tree "

The tree of life my soul hath seen

Laden with fruit and always green

The tree of life my soul hath seen

Laden with fruit and always green

The trees of nature fruitless be

Compared with Christ the applle tree

His beauty doth all things excel

By faith I know but ne'er can tell

His beauty doth all things excel

By faith I know but ne'er can tell

The glory which I now can see

In Jesus Christ the apple tree.

For happiness I long have sought

And pleasure dearly I have bought

For happiness I long have sought

And pleasure dearly I have bought

I missed of all but now I see

'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

I'm weary with my former toil

Here I will sit and rest a while

I'm weary with my former toil

Here I will sit and rest a while

Under the shadow I will be

Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

This fruit does make my soul to thrive

It keeps my dying faith alive

This fruit does make my soul to thrive

It keeps my dying faith alive

Which makes my soul in haste to be

With Jesus Christ the apple tree.

You can hear a beautiful rendition done by a boys choir here. It made me cry :)

I'm grateful for my Savior. He brings me peace in ways no one else can. He is my guiding light, and the shade under which I can rest awhile.

I haven't blogged in awhile, but I just

really feel like posting something.

These are the things that have been on my heart lately:

Utah. I went to Utah last weekend, and hitched a ride with some folks that were headed to Vegas. They just picked me up on the way back. I was able to surprise my two best friends, Gayle and Jessica, and visit other people I hadn't seen in too long. Can I just tell you, I think that it really revived me, and gave me the will to keep going here at school for the 3 weeks that are left. I also ate really yummy food, went bowling, and bought my first pair of stillettos...and they are red....and 5 1/2 inches tall. Wow!

3 weeks...I can't believe how this semester has flown by. In fact, it seems my life is flying me by. I know, I know, I'm only 21. But there are times where I still feel like the awkward 15 year old who's trying to figure out who she is. But then I remember, I am an adult, and I'm relieved I'm not 15 anymore.

Derek. Derek and I have been dating for almost 15 months. People never know what to say when I tell them that. It's very unique. But you know what? I wouldn't trade these past 15 months for anything. I have learned so much from him, and had so many experiences, that I know I am a different person than I was. I like 'me' now better than 'me' then.

Today is clear sky's and a blistering 48 degrees. I love sunshine. I think, I am vitamin D defficient, but I know that will change as the season does. I think the Lord has blessed the little town of Rexburg this semester with a mild winter. It has just made life easier.

I've got to go read now. Thank you everyone for being so awesome. I mean EVERYBODY. You have all touched my life in someway. Catcha later

This post goes out to the man of the hour --

Mr. Derek Young.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY , DEREK! You are such a wonderful guy.

Derek has a way of making hard things look easy, noticing nice little things most people miss, and overlooking bad things that some people choose to never miss.

He is a near-perfect example of love and devotion.

He is so good. His roommates even changed the words to a familiar primary song; "I'm trying to be...Like Derek...." and sing it every now and then, haha.

Derek is so smart. I'll spend hours on the same reading assignment that will take him 2o minutes to look over... and he still scores higher on the quizzes! But I'm proud of him. He's a great study partner, too :)

He is handsome and has these charming crinkly old man eyes that sparkle when he smiles. Yes, just like Edward, ladies.

He is loyal and trustworthy. I'd trust him with my life.

I'm so glad Derek was born. I tell him he's going to change the world. I'm gonna stick by that.

Happy Birthday sweetheart. Love you.