I am officially done with class as a Junior in college. This year has been wild. Safaris in South Africa and running through the Czeck Republic wild. This time last year, Drew and I were raising support to travel through Africa, and now I am fundraising for a Compassion trip to Nicaragua. Throughout the year, I have traveled to 15 plus countries, and have had my mind and heart opened to the needs and realities of this world. I get nostalgic when I think about my experiences abroad. How I miss the sights and sounds in the streets walking to class, watching old couples holding hands, men bringing sunflowers to their women, and friends sitting casually under umbrellas drinking wine. No one was in a hurry, everyone seemed to enjoy life.
If its possible to grow 3 years in 1 year, I did it. Honestly, I feel as if I have matured tremendously throughout the past 12 months. I guess that's what living out of a backpack for 3 months will do to you. Now, I am ready to embrace the real world of Public Relations. Ready to create press kits, media releases, design until my head explodes, and write until I have no more words. Sometimes the future makes me nervous, but that's where faith comes in. I know I am taken care of and I think that's beautiful.
Senior year will bring a lot of changes. Friends will distance themselves from acquaintances, boyfriends will propose to their girlfriends, and students will stress over job offers (or lack thereof). Throughout my entire life, I have never been afraid of the future. The problem has generally been that I am too willing to accept it. I don't want to fix my gaze on the future to the point that I completely look past the present.
I am so excited about this summer. I know I am going to continue growing in my professional skills, and in my faith journey. The Lord opened this door for me, and I'm going to run through it with joy, discipline, and determination to be the best Communications Intern I can possibly be! I cannot wait for it to start. May 24, I look forward to you!
In the meantime, I am going to soak in the next week I have left in Waco. This week's motto: study hard, play hard. I plan on doing both.
Here is a list of 10 things I want/need to do in Waco before I leave:
1. Have a coffee date at CG
2. Walk a bear trail with a friend
3. Go on a photoshoot
4. Study hard for finals
5. Get my car serviced
6. Design the Journalism study abroad advertisement
7. Chuy's happy hour (mainly for the free queso)
8. Watch fireworks in Cameron Park and have a picnic
9. Set up a meeting with Buddy Edwards from Caritas
10. Go to church under the bridge for one last sunday until August
Love you waco.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Be still.
Be still.
Grace is the most beautiful concept in the whole wide world.
Thank goodness it has nothing to do with fairness, or we would all be condemned.
I am a sinner, but I have salvation. That does not even make sense.
Thank you God for grace, I look around, and life is too good to be true. It's not even fair. I don't deserve any of this.
Thank you God for throwing away my sins, and seeing me as a beloved, beautiful creation. You do not look at my past, but you see a future filled with goodness and mercy.
I have nothing to be anxious for, and nothing to fear.
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Grace is the most beautiful concept in the whole wide world.
Thank goodness it has nothing to do with fairness, or we would all be condemned.
I am a sinner, but I have salvation. That does not even make sense.
Thank you God for grace, I look around, and life is too good to be true. It's not even fair. I don't deserve any of this.
Thank you God for throwing away my sins, and seeing me as a beloved, beautiful creation. You do not look at my past, but you see a future filled with goodness and mercy.
I have nothing to be anxious for, and nothing to fear.
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
It's madness I say!
SIC 'EM BEARS!!!
Welcome to March Madness. One of most hyped sporting events during the year, and both the Bears and Lady Bears Baylor basketball teams made the NCAA tournament!
This past weekend Drew and I drove down to Houston along with the rest of Waco to cheer on the Bears in the SWEET 16 & ELITE 8 games.
Although we got a late start friday (thank you Village Apartments for deciding to turn my water off), we made it on time for the first game against St. Mary's. Baylor went to work, and won the game 46-17. It was a blowout! I've never been to a NCAA tournament before, and it was so exciting to be bursting with school spirit while competing against one of the best teams in the nation.
Chris Brown even showed up.
Sweet.
Since we were in a new city, Drew and I decided to explore Houston on Saturday. We ended up at a random park downtown and just sat in the grass admiring the beautiful weather and scenery. This week has been so emotionally draining, and it was refreshing to just sit and be still. Overall, I think Houston is a great city, but I still do not think I could live there. Too hot, and too Texas.
Sunday finally arrived, and it was the anticipated game between DUKE and BAYLOR. I'm so glad we were able to play Duke because it just goes to show how far Baylor basketball has come. It was a well fought game, and Duke ended up winning in the end. As much as it hurts to loose to Duke, the team I would want to beat the most, it was still such an accomplishment for the Bears to make it to the Elite Eight, and I'm so proud of them! SIC EM BEARS!
Peace!
Welcome to March Madness. One of most hyped sporting events during the year, and both the Bears and Lady Bears Baylor basketball teams made the NCAA tournament!
This past weekend Drew and I drove down to Houston along with the rest of Waco to cheer on the Bears in the SWEET 16 & ELITE 8 games.
Although we got a late start friday (thank you Village Apartments for deciding to turn my water off), we made it on time for the first game against St. Mary's. Baylor went to work, and won the game 46-17. It was a blowout! I've never been to a NCAA tournament before, and it was so exciting to be bursting with school spirit while competing against one of the best teams in the nation.
Chris Brown even showed up.
Sweet.
Since we were in a new city, Drew and I decided to explore Houston on Saturday. We ended up at a random park downtown and just sat in the grass admiring the beautiful weather and scenery. This week has been so emotionally draining, and it was refreshing to just sit and be still. Overall, I think Houston is a great city, but I still do not think I could live there. Too hot, and too Texas.
Sunday finally arrived, and it was the anticipated game between DUKE and BAYLOR. I'm so glad we were able to play Duke because it just goes to show how far Baylor basketball has come. It was a well fought game, and Duke ended up winning in the end. As much as it hurts to loose to Duke, the team I would want to beat the most, it was still such an accomplishment for the Bears to make it to the Elite Eight, and I'm so proud of them! SIC EM BEARS!
Peace!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
"There is no remedy for love but to love more." -Thoreau
This week has felt like a year. I have had my heart broken and pieced back together again. At this time last Sunday, Drew and I were going on a "break", and now we are facing the future together hand in hand. I will be honest, I am ready to face a fresh, new week. SING is stealing my free time, and homework is now a thing of the past. I will not be sad when Chi O activities slow down. Up to this point it has been one event after another: rush, chi o christmas, initiation, and SING. Don't get me wrong, it's been a fun adventure, i'm just tired.
Valentine's Day is a very interesting holiday. I feel like everyone has a love/hate relationship with today. People only hate valentine's day because they are reminded that they are alone. Those lucky enough to be in a relationship are filled with anticipation of notes, flowers, and chocolate. Reminders of broken hearts, new romances, and love stories fill the air.
It's somewhat crazy how seriously people take today. I wish everyone felt that they were loved by someone so much greater than a boyfriend or husband. They are loved by a God who offers so much more than flowers and chocolate, but life eternal of peace, joy, and agape love. His love story is the greatest of all, but I fear that people are not focusing on Jesus today. Whatever my relationship status, I hope to always be content in the simple fact that I am loved unconditionally and there is nothing I can do to change that.
Valentine's Day is a very interesting holiday. I feel like everyone has a love/hate relationship with today. People only hate valentine's day because they are reminded that they are alone. Those lucky enough to be in a relationship are filled with anticipation of notes, flowers, and chocolate. Reminders of broken hearts, new romances, and love stories fill the air.
It's somewhat crazy how seriously people take today. I wish everyone felt that they were loved by someone so much greater than a boyfriend or husband. They are loved by a God who offers so much more than flowers and chocolate, but life eternal of peace, joy, and agape love. His love story is the greatest of all, but I fear that people are not focusing on Jesus today. Whatever my relationship status, I hope to always be content in the simple fact that I am loved unconditionally and there is nothing I can do to change that.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Winter
Ecclesiastes 3: 1;4
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…
…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."
The snow is falling, the ground is white, and there is no visible sign of life anywhere. As I walk through the forest, my worn, leather boots leave marks tracing the paths I have chosen. Although, it is unclear in the present, there is a purpose for this journey. The leaves have long fallen, and have left the trees cold and barren. The wind blows against my face, stinging with every gust. Every door that shuts, relationship failed, and heartache begins to throb more painfully. Winter has settled in my heart, and in my life.
Alone and confused, I cry out to the Lord, but I hear no response. Where have you gone? It feels as if you were here once, and now I am left abandoned and bruised. I trust that you have brought me here for a purpose, but the answer evades me. I long for the fresh scent of flowers and the warmth of the summer sun again. Take me back to a place of peace of joy.
I hear a whisper in the distance, and begin walking faster towards the sound. It is saying, "Come all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. I will be your comfort, your strength." In my heart, I know there is hope beyond the woods, but I must trust that the Lord has a purpose for this season in my life. He will use both the times of laughter, as well as the tear-filled moments to refine me into a woman more radiant and faithful. Somewhere in the despair and darkness, He has created a plan for my life to prosper me, not to harm me.
With those soothing words of encouragement, I decided to take a step of faith, and trust in the faint whisper. Suddenly, a change began to occur in my heart. Slowly, I felt it thawing and softening. A warming sensation came over me, and my fear was replaced with security. Suddenly, the world around me was transformed into a winter wonderland. I looked up to the sky and watched the snowfall softly down, and caught a snowflake on my eyelash. How delightful it all seemed to me now. It seems as if, we must embrace the hard times for only then can we truly see the beauty in our surroundings.
As I walk through the woods, I can carry on with confidence because I know that soon enough there will be a clearing. Spring is just around the corner, and His faithfulness will endure forever.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…
…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."
The snow is falling, the ground is white, and there is no visible sign of life anywhere. As I walk through the forest, my worn, leather boots leave marks tracing the paths I have chosen. Although, it is unclear in the present, there is a purpose for this journey. The leaves have long fallen, and have left the trees cold and barren. The wind blows against my face, stinging with every gust. Every door that shuts, relationship failed, and heartache begins to throb more painfully. Winter has settled in my heart, and in my life.
Alone and confused, I cry out to the Lord, but I hear no response. Where have you gone? It feels as if you were here once, and now I am left abandoned and bruised. I trust that you have brought me here for a purpose, but the answer evades me. I long for the fresh scent of flowers and the warmth of the summer sun again. Take me back to a place of peace of joy.
I hear a whisper in the distance, and begin walking faster towards the sound. It is saying, "Come all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. I will be your comfort, your strength." In my heart, I know there is hope beyond the woods, but I must trust that the Lord has a purpose for this season in my life. He will use both the times of laughter, as well as the tear-filled moments to refine me into a woman more radiant and faithful. Somewhere in the despair and darkness, He has created a plan for my life to prosper me, not to harm me.
With those soothing words of encouragement, I decided to take a step of faith, and trust in the faint whisper. Suddenly, a change began to occur in my heart. Slowly, I felt it thawing and softening. A warming sensation came over me, and my fear was replaced with security. Suddenly, the world around me was transformed into a winter wonderland. I looked up to the sky and watched the snowfall softly down, and caught a snowflake on my eyelash. How delightful it all seemed to me now. It seems as if, we must embrace the hard times for only then can we truly see the beauty in our surroundings.
As I walk through the woods, I can carry on with confidence because I know that soon enough there will be a clearing. Spring is just around the corner, and His faithfulness will endure forever.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Time, please slow down.
Dear Time,
Where are you going? Where have you been? Why is it that you always feel it necessary to travel quickly through the joyful moments, and drag slowly through the moments of sorrow. It has come to my attention that sometimes you scare me. This is cliche, but it feels like yesterday that I was building forts and living in an imaginative world of singing, dancing, and play dates. And now I'm faced with thoughts about internships, graduation, and marriage. It's your fault that this new, unknown world is approaching at a very alarming rate. People call it real. That would imply that up to this point in time I've been living in a fake world. Yes? I realize that I'm about to enter a world where dear Maxey Parrish would say I'm no longer a "receiver, but a producer." Wow, that's intense.
Ready, Set, Go?
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