A light of hospitality

Earlier in the semester I had to write a definition paper, and when thinking about the assignment, I finally settled on the word hospitality. I sorted back through the many memories in my mental filing cabinet and easily picked out some distinct holidays throughout my childhood as the foundation of this definition. At this point of the semester, with finals week hovering over us like a little black raincloud, I was looking back over my papers from the semester to compile a portfolio for one of my classes, and I was again reminded of the familiar example of hospitality. I went on to define the word based on the pertinent example that immediately came to mind.

My paper began:  Hospitality is family Christmases celebrated in Florida... 

First, let me back up for a little genealogy recap real quick: I've been blessed with the gift of getting to grow up in a close-knit family. Therefore, my grandma's siblings—my great aunts and uncles—have always been as close to me as any of my parents' siblings.  I've always known my mom's cousins as my own and had relationships with my second cousins as though they are my first. So my aunt and uncle are actually my great aunt and uncle, but to me they're just my aunt and uncle (even though they are pretty great... And they're not even "old" :) haha).

Anyway, as far back as I can remember, Christmas day has consisted of the annual small-town parade, throwing candy from the back of my grandparents' golf cart, followed by the family Christmas at Bob and Ina's. This was always my favorite day of the year. Getting to spend time with all my Florida cousins, eat unhealthy amounts of Coblentz Chocolate (and somehow managing to always pick out the best kinds from the assorted box), and just enjoy being together. Before dinner, everyone would squish into the front room to listen to one of my cousins wow us with their piano skills and lead us in several Christmas carols. 

Uncle Bob would pray and we'd be released to eat. Despite the ever-growing number of kids that were younger than us, my cousin Jami and I always kept the tradition alive of leading the way through the delicious food line and joining the kids at the beloved kid's table. 

Eventually, at some point in the evening, one (or five) of the little kids would run up to Jami, begging her to take them on a golf cart ride. So for as many years as the golf cart kept on going, so did these annual golf cart rides, which often consisted of 5-10 kids all piled on in the back as we rode around the big backyard or around the block. 

The thing that got me wasn't that Bob and Ina opened their home to us and had the whole family over every Christmas, or that they never complained about the mess all the kids made by pulling all the toys from the hallway closet and scattering Legos all over the floor.  

What stands out to me about these Christmases is that our gatherings, more often than not, included people I am not even related to. I have always been impressed by my aunt and uncle's heart for others. They have always opened their doors to anyone who needs a place to come for Christmas. Over the years we had many "strangers" join us for Christmas, be it the two sisters who used to be their neighbors years and years ago, an older couple from their church, a family friend of one of ours who had no plans for the day—anyone who had been brought to their attention that didn’t have plans for Christmas was always welcome. If anyone in the family knew of someone who had no family around to spend the holiday with, Bob and Ina’s first response was always “tell them to join us!”

Even if our guests had never met most of us before, they always seemed to fit right into our close-knit family. I’d notice them playing Dominoes with my aunts, watching basketball with my uncles, or striking up a conversation with one of my relatives over coffee and dessert. 

Christmas isn't the only time they extend this hospitality to others; whether it's making someone a meal, visiting elderly people to brighten their day, or just sharing the love of Christ with anyone who they find along the path of life, Bob and Ina show exemplary selflessness and love for others. 

This is a family that I've always admired. Maybe it's a little "southern hospitality" mixed in their veins... But I think it's more than that. They shine with the light of Jesus and offer open arms that anyone would want to run to. Bob and Ina have raised a family that shines just as brightly as they do. Though considerably older than me, I've always looked up to their kids as models of respect, love, and faith. If you spend even a few minutes with this family, you can tell without a doubt how much these four siblings love each other. I only hope to someday raise a family that cares about each other and genuinely loves each other's company (and Jesus) as much as this family. 

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

 Christmas with the cousins has always been fun... At least for us girls :)

 

 

 Forever the first through the food line...

Bob and Ina, thank you for teaching me over the years what it looks like to be truly hospitable and share the love of Christ. I know I was just a kid all those years, but I was watching. And I've learned great things from you. Thank you for shining right where you are.

More than just another holiday

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW... It's finally Thanksgiving!! If you know me well, you know that today is basically my favorite day of the year. I have literally been counting down the days for weeks, talking about it nearly nonstop, and nearly overflowing with joy this past week in anticipation of my favorite holiday. 

Thinking about it now, it sounds sort of ridiculous. I'm kind of a Thanksgiving nerd, if there ever was such a thing. I get so excited for the annual traditions of spending the night at my grandparents' house, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, eating a yummy brunch, and later sharing a Thanksgiving meal with the people I love.

But more than the typical holiday traditions and abundance of food, I seriously just love what Thanksgiving is about. Maybe it's because I'm a sentimentalist or something, but the simplest things in life just thrill me. I look forward to Thanksgiving every year simply because I love gathering with people that I love, eating food from the sweet 'ole Holmes County (which I'm appreciating even more-so this year having been away from the food of Amish Country for the past few months), and spending time remembering what matters in life. 

It saddens me that it takes a specific holiday to remind us to count our blessings—on one day of the year. The endless Instagram collages of everyone we're thankful for, the "hashtag blessed" tweets, hugs and words of kindness, letting people know they matter to us.... Why do we limit ourselves to these habits only one day a year? Yeah, there are occasions when we stop to think about the many ways we've been blessed every now and then... But why can't we let thankfulness be a lifestyle, not just another holiday, a sabbath before the shopping frenzy and chaotic holiday season starts?

I know it's easy to think about the typical thankfulness blessings... Family and loved ones, a roof over our heads, an abundance of food to stuff ourselves with. And that's great... I'm not trying to downplay these things; they're HUGE blessings. But sometimes I think it's the littlest, simplest things that make a world of difference, that we can't overlook. No matter what day of the year, God has given us something to be thankful for.

Like the person who lets you pull out into traffic on a busy road when you're on your way to work. Or the cop who generously lets you off with a warning instead of giving you the ticket you deserve. Or the child who comes up to you and gives you a spontaneous hug, just because. Or the little birds you see out in the same tree every morning, singing songs of praise to their Creator. Or the extra tube of toothpaste in the bathroom drawer that you forgot you had but desperately need on a morning when you're running late. Or the grace of a boss the day you oversleep. Or the simple fact that this morning God chose to wake you up, get you out of bed, and give you another day to live. 

The beauty of Thanksgiving is that, even if only for 24 hours, millions of people are collectively choosing gratitude. Which means they are collectively choosing joy. Because I don't think it's possible to be truly grateful and be lacking joy. The thing we need to remember is this: Every day is a gift, not just the fourth Thursday in November. This attitude of gratitude can be transforming if we simply choose to recognize the little daily God-gifts that compound to form a lifetime of blessing. Even the simplest, cheesiest, most mundane, normal, things in life can bring joy. In fact, the most significant things in life are often the normal things that we don't recognize as gifts until they're taken away from us. It is my prayer that we don't miss out on these daily God-gifts, and that we can carry this spirit of gratitude much farther than Turkey Day. 

As for today, eat up, hug your family, tell someone you love them, and let people know that you are thankful for them. Most of all, thank your Maker, your Creator, your Savior; the One from Whom all blessings flow. Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, 

coming down from the Father of lights..." {James 1:17}

PS-- In all my ramblings, here's a glimpse inside my thankful heart....

 

 

Friends rule, sickness drools

So I may have channeled my inner eight year-old self with that post title, but with Thanksgiving on the horizon (yay for Thanksgiving... It's my most favorite time of the year!!) it's pretty appropriate to show some gratitude to my college friends.

Everyone always talks about how miserable it is to be sick away from home... Not having the comfort of your own bed and bathroom, or your mom to give you medicine, make you toast, or take care of you. 

The inevitable finally came, and I got to have my first experience with being sick in college. Last night, I suddenly felt weak, achy, tired, and nauseated. I definitely got sick, and it definitely wasn't fun (being sick never is).

However, I could not have asked for a more loving friend group to look out for me. My roommate is the best. Seriously. Going into college you hear all these horror stories of getting stuck with a creepy, annoying, or flat-out impossible roommate. I've even seen some of these stories playing out since I got to school. So the fact that I have an amazing roommate and we get along so well is great to begin with.

Then, despite the fact that she hates being around people when they're sick (who doesn't?) and our other friend and I played a not-so-nice prank on her a mere hour earlier, the moment it became obvious that I was definitely sick, she didn't hesitate to do everything in her power to make me comfortable. She gave up her spot on the futon, covering it with a sheet and setting up a cozy little place for me to lay for the night; she went and got me some pop to settle my stomach, and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. This morning (or, by the time I was actually up and around I guess it was the afternoon) she came back into the room, and was like, "Small group was so fun this morning, we were all in a funny mood and it was just a lot of fun... and I made you something!" She dug around in her backpack, then, with a funny grin on her face, pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to me. 

Even though she knows I'm not crazy about Beyonce and she intentionally misused your/you're, she knew it would brighten my day... and it did.

My other friends came by to bring me a little something to eat, and were willing to help me out in anyway they could. As much as I hate being sick, I really can't complain. Coming into a new setting and starting this next chapter of my life has been so enjoyable, and the friends I've already made in these first few months of school have been nothing short of huge blessings. Thinking of all the fun adventures we've gone on and feats we've accomplished (two seasons of The Blacklist in one week... it was sooo goooood)... The memories we've made are only sure to multiply, and for that, I am thankful.

Here's to Thanksgiving, solid friendships, and long days spent in bed.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

~ Philippians 4:19

 

a very messy post about God things

I feel like too often I forget that blogging is freedom. I get in the groove of writing for other purposes (i.e. school, show prep, etc.) and feel like my blogs need to be well-structured and polished and all that jazz. Well, here's to breaking rules and doing my own thing. And just because, let's abandon caps for the rest of this post. because i can.

 

some perspective on the moment: right now i'm sitting in an empty dorm room in a very empty dorm hall. in the middle of fall break. what? yeah i know, that's weird. i'm actually getting up at the crack of dawn (or earlier) to leave for washington d.c. that's weird too. i don't really know many of the people that are going, so this should be an adventure. hip hip hooray for breaking out of comfort zones. haha!

 

God is good (okay, he gets caps 'cause he freakin' deserves it). even when i shove him to the side (which, sadly, is far too often what happens) he loves me. JESUS LOVES ME. if that doesn't make my heart feel warm and fuzzy, i dunno what will. and he has a way of doing God things. those are really special things that only he could construct and only he could throw together. 

 

i've been reminded lately that God is in the business of doing God things. (no kidding, right?) he is faithful again and again. even when we think we know what we're doing, God has a way of blowing our minds and preparing the way before us, taking us on adventures we never thought possible.

 

example: the fact that i'm sitting at mvnu right now. that wasn't in my plan, i didn't see that coming. despite the fact that i'm sitting here lonely in my room tonight, i am thankful to be in this place. i'm thankful for God's guidance in showing me incredibly clearly that this is where he wanted me to be. he quickly revealed that i wasn't headed in the right direction, that this would be so much better for me than my previous plans. and now here i am. his plans are so much better than mine. and thank you Jesus, he was right on. God thing.

 

another? i've been born into the most loving, close-knit family i can imagine. do we drive each other nuts sometimes? yes. would we trade each other for anything? no. and it's not just my parents and my brother i'm talking about. Godly grandparents. aunts and uncles that love me like children. cousins that keep in touch with me and love me from hundreds and thousands of miles away. memories of family trips, get-togethers, and lessons learned from the people i grew up around. (i feel another post about my admiration and thankfulness for my extended family brewing within...) i could have been born into so many other families under so many other circumstances... what a God thing that i have been blessed with the opportunity to grow up surrounded by a community of faith and family, a blessing that so many others haven't gotten to experience. ah yes, God thing.

 

then there's this six-foot-seven bundle of blessings. yeah, i didn't see that one coming, that's for sure. that one day i walked into hoch's classroom as a sophomore in high school and first saw the then-college-freshman observing the history teacher... i didn't expect to fall in love with him. God obviously had other plans. the tall basketball star i'd grown up watching play countless games as a young teenage girl turned into my best friend. so many details only God could orchestrate. so many other dreams of mine were swept away, overcome by an ocean wave of something better than i could have ever imagined. thank the good Lord that he knew what he was doing. every day i can't help but simply be amazed and thank God for the most loving, compassionate, selfless Christ-like man i am blessed to have in my life. noah? yeah. definitely a God thing.

 

you wanna know the biggest one? there's this thing called grace. it doesn't make much sense, especially to people who love logic. i like logic. but this defies logic. God's perfect. i'm the farthest thing from perfect. i'm pathetic. that's no exaggeration. i don't add up to anything but filthy rags. but you know what? God loves me anyway. God sent his son to die in my place. like... whoa. that's intense. i love love. i love to love people. the people that i love, i love like crazy. would i die for them? that's a good question. i'd like that answer to be yes. but it's a hard question. you know what's crazy? God loves me that much. Jesus did that for me. that's not normal. that's freakin awesome. FREAKIN AWESOME. this perfect guy died for me because he loves me. he did that for you too. that's how crazy much he loves us. let that sink in for a minute. even when I try to run away, or rely on myself, or choose my ways, he still loves me. and his ways are still better. he's still working out God things. everyday. thank God for grace. thank God for love. thank God for God things.

 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

 

PS — this is a new song that I love... you should check it out.

http://youtu.be/c8gKXu6J2wE

His kind of love

Last night I spent some time in First Corinthians 13, reflecting on love and what God truly has in mind when He calls us to His kind of love.

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

In reading this passage last night, a few things jumped out at me.

First of all, love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but with the truth.
 Many times, we allow ourselves to take pleasure in things that don't shed light on the truth, but selfishly benefit ourselves. It's easier to lie than to be honest, it's easier to shrug things off than be up front with someone, and it's easier to let our current desires override the wants and needs of others than to put others first. True love despises sin and wrongdoing and selfishness, but completely and wholly loves the truth.

Secondly, love bears all things. I know we hear these verses from the "love chapter" quite frequently and often toss them around, but what does it mean for love to bear all things? I looked up several definitions of the verb bear; they included carry, endure, and support. Love endures all things—all trials, all hardships, all blessings, all tears, all pain, all suffering... Love carries the burdens; love supports one another. Love is relentless.

Finally, love never ends. Love from God is eternal, it cannot be quenched. It is a gift, a timeless blessing. Christ-like love, given to us by a God who loves us so crazy much and wants us to love each other deeply and well, simply cannot be stopped. True love, bearing the characteristics of the godly love defined in 1 Corinthians 13, never ends. 

How reassuring it is to know that God's grace is enough for us. As humans, we simply cannot love on our own. We try. Because deep down we know we have been created to love. But our kind of "love" in this world of sin is a selfish love. In the Kingdom of God, there can be no such thing as selfish love. The two words, by the definition given by God, contradict one another, an impossible oxymoron; they simply can't coexist.

Despite the way the world has distorted views of love, despite Satan's way of twisting definitions and tempting us to believe we can value ourselves more than others, God has redeemed us. He has called us, He is still calling us, to the perfect love He designed for us. The love that connects us with one another and (most importantly) with our Heavenly Father. A love that is true, that never ends. 

Who is God calling you to love today?

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35

And so it begins

Well, the day's come and here I am. All moved into my cozy little dorm room. So many minutes I've wasted dreaming for this day to finally come, and now that it's here I can't seem to fathom where all the time has gone. It was only yesterday that I cried and worried myself sick in kindergarten, struggling to adjust to a new schedule away from the norm at home. Can it really be eleven years since I was seven years old and playing "going to college" at home with my little hard-covered non-fiction book? I thought I was so cool.

Now here I am, barely feeling old enough to have graduated high school.It's so strange to be all settled in somewhere other than the comfort of the home I grew up in. It's gonna be an adjustment, that's for sure.

But change can be good, no matter how tough it is at first. 

This long, exhausting, emotional day proved that I wouldn't be anywhere without my God. It was a good reminder that I can't get anywhere on my own. Words can't describe the peace that comes with leaning into God's supernatural strength that I could in no way possess on my own. If it weren't for Him, I literally wouldn't have made it through this day. It's indescribable how reassuring He is, gently reminding me that He's in control, holding my hand each step of the journey, never leaving me all alone.

I have been blessed with the absolute most wonderful people in my life. As much as goodbyes suck, I am so beyond thankful to have the most caring, encouraging, absolutely loving people by my side, even if we'll have to love each other from a distance for awhile. The cool thing is, that if God is kept at our focal point, distance doesn't really matter. He works out all the details, He is good and loving and faithful. I couldn't have asked for better parents, and I'm so thankful for the love and support that both my parents and Noah have relentlessly shown in helping me move, as well as all the encouragement and prayers I've received. Family is a great thing, that sadly, we too often take for granted.
 
I am so thankful to be at a school whose focus is strengthening our spiritual relationships and qualities and furthering His Kingdom. That in itself is a huge blessing. Tonight as we attended the opening ceremonies, we opened with the familiar song "It is Well." I was overwhelmed with reassurance and peace, thinking about how true the lyrics are. Despite the newness, unknowns, and adjustments, the song couldn't have been more fitting; that's the song that highlighted my week last spring when the pieces came together and God led me to choosing to come here in the first place, when I finally started to feel at peace and understanding the plans He has for me at this time. 

Prayer is powerful, and I'm so thankful or the many prayers that have been lifted on my behalf. I'm thankful for leaps of faith, and the courage to do so, even when it seems overwhelming. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me over the next weeks and months. I have no doubt it will be good. I'm ready to tackle the adventure. 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

But the greatest of these is love

There's a reason I look forward to Kentucky time every summer. 

I am in love with the kids.

Over the past six summers that I've spent time helping serve at camp and put on a Bible school in the backwoods of Kentucky, I've always come home missing the place that feels like home and the kids that fill my heart with joy.

This year is no different.

This past week has been nothing short of incredible. God is moving in that place; He has grown and continued relationships, built and strengthened trust between us and our Kentucky friends, and has used those kids to bless us and give me a greater understanding of God and His crazy awesome love for us.

So these kids... they completely stole my heart. 

One of the little boys, a towhead with the most positive, happy demeanor and joy for life (and the cutest southern accent), constantly ran up to me and gave me great big hugs. 

Another of my little buddies only came one night. But we bonded on the playground and his big brown eyes and toothless grin melted my heart. 

I was reunited with "my hugging buddy," one of the young boys I'd met several years ago who would randomly come up and hug me. 

Perhaps the biggest blessing for me this week was a breakthrough I had with one of the kids after some frustration and feelings of hopelessness this week.

My boyfriend and my brother taught the K-2 class for Bible school. They ended up having twenty crazy, energetic youngsters in a classroom smaller than my bedroom (bless their hearts, they did an awesome job). To say there was a lack of focus from the kids is an understatement. So there's this little boy in their class, around seven or eight years old, who is a handful. He was disrespectful at times, he didn't pay attention to the Bible story, and he longed for attention. Noah had to chase after him multiple times during the week when he spontaneously sprinted off into the woods to "chase Bigfoot". Braden chased after him and found him in the pool of the water slide, and during the singing time he always preferred to play with the inflatable palm tree instead of singing and doing the motions to Bible school songs.

Throughout the week, he was a constant topic of conversation. We wondered how we could possibly make a difference in the lives of kids like him who didn't listen and didn't seem to care. It seemed that all we could do was pray for him and hope that something from the week would stick with him, and leave the rest up to God.

Then came the last night of Bible school, the night the kids put on a program for their parents and we celebrated with a cookout. Before the program, the kids spent some time with their teachers in class. For some reason, I was hanging out with the kids in their classroom at the beginning of class time. This little boy was there, and the room was buzzing with noise and a bunch of young kiddos. I knelt down and began talking to him, then asked if he wanted to crawl on my back to be as tall as his teachers. His answer was a quick "yes," so I hoisted him up onto my back.

We went outside to play a game, and aside from peeking when his eyes were supposed to be closed, he was so well-behaved. No one had to run after him into the woods.

When they returned to class, I had to leave to prepare for the program, and he wanted me to stay and sit by him, but I promised him I would see him in a little bit. When the kids came into the chapel for the program, he saw me and waved. Once the kids made their way onto the stage for their performance of the songs they learned throughout the week, the music started, and my little friend kept his eyes on me while doing all the motions. The same kid we had worried might run off the stage and escape during the program was well-behaved and did an excellent job on stage. 

After the kids were done and we were ready to go eat outside, I found my little friend and he asked if he could eat with me. We got our food and ate together. What happened next made my week.

One of the boys from our group walked over to us and asked him what his favorite part of Bible school was. Without saying a word, my new friend pointed to me. 

That had to be the most encouraging, fulfilling moment of VBS for me. Because even if that kid doesn't remember a single Bible story from class this week, he will remember us and the love we shared with him. He will remember the attention, the hugs, and the time Noah and Braden gave him. He will remember the times they chased after him on his Bigfoot-hunting excursions. He will remember me spending the evening with him playing on the playground, wiping spilled noodles off his shorts, and playing pool with him even though neither of us had any idea how to play. I pray that he will remember God's love that shone through us, so rich and pure and true. A love that won't leave him, even when the love of others is conditional and disappointing. A love that is perfect and life-giving.

It's eye-opening and humbling to see some situations other people are in—broken homes, drugged parents, lacking adequate food and shelter... We are so blessed, people; so blessed. 

Wherever you are, right now, say a prayer of thanks for your family, your cozy home, and your dinner, and the love of God. Not everyone is as fortunate as us.

My time in Kentucky reminded me what life's all about. 

Distractions are a waste of time; Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook aren't fulfilling; it doesn't matter if my hair isn't straight of if I'm not wearing any mascara; worries are pointless because God is in control and worrying doesn't help anything; love is what matters; God's perfect, freeing, amazing, forever love. And sharing that love with others is what brings me true joy.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; 

but the greatest of these is love. 

 1 Corinthians 13:13

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: 

just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, 

if you have love for one another. 

 John 13:34-35

My two cents (But first, let me take a selfie)

The time has come! The selfie phenom that is taking over our modern world is finally addressed... by me. So if you are a lover of selfies, an active selfie taker, or are completely for this worldwide craze, I'm sorry if I offend you. That is not my intention. 

My intention is to blatantly put this fad into perspective via a semi-annoyed monologue (rant). Here we go.

Okay, first of all: What is the point of a selfie? Seriously? It's literally just a call of attention to one's self. Selfies scream Hey, look at me! The only reason to post a self-taken photo of yourself for no logical purpose (i.e. A drastic change in hairtyle, a shocking injury, the addition/removal of braces, witty humor, etc.) is to show off your face to your follower base (which may end up shrinking if this practice becomes a habit) in hopes of receiving likes, compliments or a little confidence boost in return. 

If you really think about it, the concept of selfies is just really weird. Here I am, holding my cell phone camera up to my face and taking a picture of myself. Hey everyone, look! Do you like this picture of me? I dunno about you, but something about that just weirds me out.

Secondly: If you're gonna constantly post pictures of yourself up close and personal, let the photo speak for itself. I don't see the need to compose a flowery caption that acknowledges your love for the Lord, your evening plans, or a deep inspirational quote. I've never been able to understand the connection when someone posts a selfie along with something like this:

God is so good.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else. ~Judy Garland

If you want something you've never had, then you've got to do something you've never done.

Going to the movies! 

If you want to praise God, great. I'm just not sure how that goes along with a picture of your face. Inspirational quotes are nice and all, but are we interested in motivating others or just making us feel good about ourselves?

Three: Selfie Sunday. Apparently the fourth commandment has evolved into "Remember the Sabbath day by posting a picture of yourself in your cute dress you wore to church." Sadly, as I scroll through my feed, I see everyone and their brother (or sister...) posting a picture for the weekly fad.

The bottom line is this: We shouldn't be looking to others for approval, whether that's dressing to impress or posting for likes and gushing comments. Flattery can bring false joy, and when it comes down to it, selfies really are pointless. Now maybe I'm completely wrong (I don't really think that's the case), but I think there's more effective and purposeful ways to be making good use of social media. Take it or leave it, but maybe next time you'll think twice before posting a selfie.

We did it

Well, today was the big day. We did it. Diplomas in hand, caps in the air. The Class of 2014 has achieved its long-awaited goal. Fifty-six seniors. Fifty-six graduates.

Today was bittersweet.

Driving into the parking lot before graduation, I thought to myself how this would be the last time all these familiar cars would be together in one lot. I saw the mint blue Mazda, the silver Jeep, the little Chevy, and the thought was almost sad. There'd been so many mornings of being late for school and trying to find a single open spot in the good lot among the familiar vehicles. 

Making my way inside the building, I donned my cap and gown with my fellow classmates; there was a rush of excitement--exchanging pictures and memories, brushing up harmonies to the F-R-I-E-N-D-S theme song, and frantically trying to frame our caps perfectly around our hair.

We lined up and headed down to the Reese Center, a sense of nostalgia filling the air as we spent our last collective moments together in the halls of the school we called home. The emotions welled up as the processional music repetitively resounded throughout the gymnasium. Two by two and three by three we made our way to the front, as the ceremony began.

Throughout the speeches, musical performances, and picture slideshow, I couldn't prevent a few tears from welling up in my eyes. Four, six, thirteen years is a long time to spend with the same group of people. This group, a pseudo family of sorts, has seen one another through the good times and bad, the tests, the homework, the practices, games, and championships, the musicals, the concerts, the laughter, and the tears. We've played together, learned together, and grown together.

Over the past several months, I've come to appreciate my senior class in ways I hadn't thought possible until now. It's as though as we all realized time was running out, we clung to the minimal time we had left. Despite our differences, we came together as one and learned to appreciate the gift of friendship that has been handed to us. I only wish our eyes would have been open sooner. 

Unfortunately, after graduation we are all pulled in various directions; it is my prayer that we won't let go of the memories, the valuable lessons we've learned, the friendships we've forged, and the sentiment we've bottled up inside, the sentiment that we'll fondly recall when we look upon our high school days; I hope that no matter where life takes us or where we end up, when we return to this place, we may always call it home. 

To my classmates, thank you for a memorable senior year, a wonderful time of high school, and for all the memories, laughs, and good times we've had. I will truly cherish them all. Best of luck in the coming years… Let us never forget who we are, Whose we are, and where we came from. 

Senior sentiments

It's crazy how time flies. No matter how hard I try to slow down and enjoy each moment, time continues to slip right on by like sand in a sieve. But nonetheless, my heart is full (and so is my schedule, which explains the lack of recent entries) and needs to spill for a bit, so here goes…

My senior year of high school is almost over. It's hitting me hard and fast. I have a mere 16 days left in this familiar place with these people I've known for years. And it's quite bittersweet. I am so eagerly awaiting May 25th, when I can receive my diploma, toss my cap, and move on to the next chapter in my life.

But I'm also trying to hang on to every last minute and memory that I possibly can.

I've only recently come to realize that I've taken much too much for granted throughout high school. It's sad that I've waited until my senior year to open my eyes to the opportunities and blessings all around me, things that have been there all along but have only become evident to me as of late. 

Unfortunately, I feel like I'm only just now truly getting to know my classmates. Which is sad, because I've spent the past six years with them all (and some I've been with for thirteen long years!). I'm just beginning to see what good friends I've found in some of these people I've shared halls, classrooms, lockers, and lunches with. It's as though there's an invisible bond pulling us from our separate ways despite our differences, and allowing us to embrace the last minute opportunity to really get to see one another for who we are, putting aside all previously harbored judgments or differences. In addition, I'm very thankful for the wonderful friends I've been getting to know even better recently.

The past few months have been full of monumental (and sometimes sentimental) lasts: the last home basketball game I'll get to observe from the student section, my final musical performance from the auditorium stage, my last opening day Strike Out Cancer softball game, my final season as a Hawk, senior prom... 

But it's exciting to think about all the firsts I'm about to experience, and the new memories, places, and faces that will come along with it. I can't wait to see all that God has in store for me during the next chapter of my life.

In the meantime, as my graduation date draws nearer, I'm simply trying to enjoy every day--every hour of studying for the calculus exam, planning my graduation party, scheming up ornery office shenanigans, spending my final days in the halls of my high school home with my classmates. 

As I look back on my time in high school, the things I'm gonna miss the most are the times with the people I've gotten to know over the years. I'm gonna miss being crazy busy in the office, yet making time to be ornery and think up silly pranks to keep things exciting. I'm gonna miss those unproductive days of senior bonding in yearbook class, funny lunch table conversations, frustrating calculus parties, talks with my favorite teachers, spontaneous movie nights, ridiculous conversations sparking contagious laughter in AP English, NHS lunch meetings, being insanely overwhelmed with lists upon lists of things that need done, but nevertheless enjoying it all. 

They always say your senior year flies by; I always believed the cliche warning, but little did I know just how quickly it slips by until I experienced it for myself. My advice to the underclassmen would be this: make the most of your time in high school; get involved; don't stress over little things or care what other people think; really get to know your classmates; be kind to everyone, you never know how you might be impacting those around you; and most of all, sit back and enjoy the ride.