New Discoveries October 31, 2009

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.”

“Learning is the discovery that something is possible.”

“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his greatest surprises, is to find he could do what he was afraid he couldn’t.”

Discovery is a constant in our society. It is an underlying theme of our everyday lives. And it is something that has been very prevalent in my new college life. I have discovered many things about myself, my friends, my gifts, and my faith. I have learned many little things, like how much I enjoy apples dipped in peanut butter and how much I love playing rugby. But I have also learned many bigger or more difficult things, like how important it is to choose your friends carefully.

College is often called the best four years of your life or a time when all you have to worry about is yourself. So far I still agree with those statements, however, I would add that college is a time of testing your true self and of pursuing God’s purpose for your life. When you are placed out in the world (or at least in the college bubble), all by yourself with no one from home looking over you or telling you what to do and not do, you will quickly find out all your weaknesses. You will discover the things that tempt you and the things that distract you. You will struggle to balance the extra fun stuff with the serious studying. At first it can be tricky, but it is very doable.

Probably the most valuable and practical lesson that I have learned at college is how important it is to set aside time for God. It is always really easy for me to put off my quiet times, praying, etc. because I am simply busy. But it is so crucial! When you make time for God, he will bless it. We know that God’s word does not return void – and I have found that to be completely and resoundingly true. After I spend time in the word, in prayer, or in fellowship with other Christians I feel refreshed and renewed. You have a sense of purpose and desire to do God’s will. One small thing that has been a great encouragement to me is a little “100 devotions for a new beginning” book I got at graduation. Every night before I go to bed, I read the little one page devotion and the verses and quotes that go with it. And its been really amazing to see how every single night it relates to something that happened during the day or something I have been thinking about. God’s truly perfect timing is amazing! :)

Discovering and rediscovering all these things has been incredible. And it’s just my first semester. Imagine all that God can teach me in the next three years.  :)

A New Beginning August 28, 2009

As of 12:00 am. I have officially completed my first day as a college student. I have left behind the classrooms of high school and gone on to the bigger more challenging realm of college credits and professors. I hope this year that I will be pushed to my full potential both academically and spiritually. As I start this new stage of my life at Grove City College, I hope that the next four years will mold me into the woman I was meant to be. :)

I also hope over the next four years I will be faithful and dedicated in writing this blog. This time I will actually revive it for more than a week or two. I will persevere. And in the end I hope to have given you a clear picture of my college journey and the things I have learned along the way.

I’ll leave you with the verse that was shared during our welcome ceremony this morning,

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It doesn’t not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of doubt and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

See the Blessings Amid the Busy-ness May 6, 2009

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Recently I’ve felt pretty overwhelmed and exhausted. I felt like I was going at 100 mph, but getting no where. I had a seemingly endless “to do” list. 

But this weekend I had a real wake up call. I have a friend who has some really hard stuff going on right now. One of her older sisters is living dumb, and its wreaking havoc on her life. When I look at this girls life, it seems as if all these tough situations keep popping up right and left – yet she is one of the most faithful christians I know. No matter what hits her – she is able to put it in perspective and continue to see God’s faithfulness and grace. 

Then I look at my life. My parents are happily married. I have amazing friends. I have a job. I am going to a wonderful Christian college in the fall. I have everything you need to live a good life. Yet here I am all stressed out and unhappy simply because I am BUSY. In reality, however, I am so blessed! I should be taking each step with a smile on my face and praise on my lips! It makes me think of the chorus of the song “Every Move I Make”:

“Waves of mercy, waves of grace; Everywhere I look I see your face; Your love has captured me; Oh my God, this love how can it be?”

This should be me! I should be seeing God’s mercy and grace everywhere I look. And I need to be putting everything into God’s hands – not trying to keep it in my own. Because it is when we give ourselves over to Him that He blesses us. 

One simple way for me to help keep things in this perspective of seeing God’s grace and mercy is to count my blessings. About a month ago I started a “Thankfulness Journal”. Its a small notebook that I keep next to my regular journal. And every night before I go to bed I write down at least one thing that I am thankful for. Some nights I feel like I could fill an entire page, while other nights I struggle to think of something. Its on these nights that I find the journal the most helpful. Instead of ending the night sulking or feeling grumpy, I have to turn and look at what God  has done. And boy does that put things into perspective! To think that this awesome and glorious God is loving and blessing me, a selfish unworthy sinner, is truly humbling. And then, to be able to look back through the pages of my journal and see how blessed I really am is so encouraging. I know that God will always provide for me and that I don’t need to be stressed out about schedules or being “busy”. I just need to “wake up and see the glory”!

“Count Your Blessings”  by  Johnson Oatman, Jr. 

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed; When you are discouraged thinking all is lost; Count your many blessings name them one by one; And it will surprise you what the LORD has done.

Chorus: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one; And it will surprise you what the LORD has done. 

Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by.

(Chorus)

When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold; Count your many blessings. Money cannot buy your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

(Chorus)

So, amid the conflict whether great or small; Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count you many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

(Chorus)”         

Just a Simple Piece of Gum April 15, 2009

My inspiration for writing today came from a pack of gum. Now that may sound a bit odd, but its true! A pack of EXTRA Spearmint gum got me thinking, and in turn got me writing. 

Every Easter my mom makes us all Easter (or “Resurrection” as my dad would say) baskets. And one of the things in my basket was this pack of gum. When I opened the pack this morning, I was surprised to see “15 chances to turn an enemy into a friend” printed on the inside. This instantly got the wheels turning in my head. I was struck with the idea that even the smallest and simplest things you do can make all the difference in someone’s life. Now, I’ve heard that before and I’ve even heard many stories about people’s lives being turned around by a simple smile or “hello”. But this little message on my gum package was a bit of a startling reminder. As Christians, we ought to be going out of our way to help and encourage others. Our life should be reflecting God’s love! People should know that “we are christians by our love” as the old hymn says. (http://www.carolynarends.com/music/lyrics/tkwac.html) 

So, the next time you see someone who looks a little down, go up to them with a smile and see how they’re doing – maybe even offer them a piece of gum. :)

“We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear”                  1 John 4:13-18a

On the road again… March 16, 2009

8 hours and 3 rest stops later… I am now in Maryland – on my way to sunny Florida! Only two more days!

I’ve found that traveling on long road trips with your family builds a lot of character. You have to learn to deal with all the waring music and all the “are we there yet”s. You have to deal with siblings climbing over you to get out to go to the bathroom. You have to sing to the little sister who can’t fall asleep. You have to constantly pass snacks from the front seat to the back seat. You have to… well you get the point. Sometimes your nerves get a little stretched and sometimes you wonder how this even counts as a vacation.

But after all is said and done – its not all the fighting or arguing or annoying singing along with the radio that you remember. Looking back on all the vacations my family has gone on, I almost always think fondly of the time we’ve had together. And we have so many good and funny memories that they outweigh the bad ones. :)

So – don’t dwell on the bad things – remember the good ones. It will make for a much better family vacation. :)