Greater things to come :)

I just wanted to wish everyone luck with their finals this upcoming week! This is the time where you feel like you are dying (dead week is so literal tbh), but remember that this will all be so worth it in the end! The stress you are under now will lead you to the way you individually will get to make your stamp in the world, and that will be SO rewarding :)

It is so difficult to see into the future at this point. My recent thought has been "I have to get this grade on the final to keep this grade in this class so I get this GPA to keep my scholarship." And yes, keeping my scholarship is vital to the continuation of my education, without it I would not be here. Yes, earning a successful grade in your classes will lead to your further education, whether it be in a higher sense of school or education in your career field. Ultimately, yes, the tests I will take within the next week are important.

With all that said, it is so EASY to forget why we are truly here. I am learning all these things, while some things I don't necessarily see the reason for, others will make me the BEST therapist I can be. I am here to learn about the social work system, I am here to learn the best ways to care for the kids in situations where care is absent, I am here to learn how to administer therapy to children that need that love the most.

And YOU are here to learn the best way to fulfill your own purpose. Each and every path that we take makes a difference in the world, and luckily we all get to make an impact in different ways! You came here because you were blessed with an interest that leads to a dream, that will soon lead to a reality!

In the midst of your stress and grief, remember to direct your thoughts to the greatest purpose. It will ALL be worth it :)

For those who feel LOST

I haven't been able to write in a very long time. Correction, I haven't prioritized writing in a long time. God made the heavens, he made happiness and joy, he made sunrises and sunsets...and the Devil created these two weeks in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I truly believe these weeks are cursed. Things go wrong for people who deserve them to be right, stress is consuming us all, and I personally can't help but feel lost, especially in these brutal two weeks.

We all know that the key to much stress relief is prioritization. I have slowly come to realize that if I don't start my day correctly, the rest of the day will follow as such. Yet, this final projects and exams filled holiday season can shadow what our priorities are. And I know when my priorities aren't aligned, nothing else in my life is. I turn to people instead of turning to Him, I make mistakes that I know I shouldn't, and things here seem to drag on.

So, take a breath and rest. Take the time that you've been reading this to reflect on what it means to be STILL. Know that He is God and will be the driver of not only the next two weeks, but of the rest of your weeks if you give him the wheel. You are capable of making it through with a little bit of faith, and a whole lot of coffee. If you have both, you are more than capable. You are exceptional.

Good luck, friends!

Being nice vs. being KIND

Apparently, today was World Kindness Day. I knew this not because it was thoroughly advertised, or by a local event, but by a simple Facebook post. Currently, there is so much negativity surrounding the country, the world, and even each other. We live in a time period with such progressive opinions and aggressive portrayal of the things we believe. Don't get me wrong, I am the FIRST person to give my honest opinion on things and love nothing more than telling others what I feel will be the right path for them to take. But, in modern society, we tend to use negativity and liberalistic strategies in our daily lives, even if they are done or said "nicely". We say we are nice people and say nice things. Yet, we lack the reason why the adjective "nice" even came about. We lack the possession of kindness. We lack love.

There is a major difference between being nice and being kind. I can nicely tell someone they have pretty eyes, or I can nicely open a door for someone, or buy the McDonald's for the person behind me. All of these things are seen as acts of kindness, and I believe these small gestures can make a huge impact. These are so important. But these actions WITHOUT motivation are like feeling happiness without possessing joy, it is temporary. Being nice will make you feel good for a moment, but without possessing kindness, it cannot last.

Being kind means doing those nice things out of the love you have for that person with pretty eyes, or walking through that door, or behind you in the drive-thru. Being kind means you are secure in knowing that not only do the people deserve to be loved, but that you deserve that same love. Kindness roots from believing in a purpose for you and for the world, and the desire to make those things a positive light. Kindness is so much more than being nice.

For those reading this post, I pray that you will see genuine kindness this week. I pray that you are able to see love, even if that is right now. You are loved. I love you. He loves you. Use this love to love others as HE and I and others love you.

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
-Colossians 3:14

Being lonely is being OKAY

Coming back from camp is always a very difficult thing to do. Although I do feel very fulfilled and clarified, it is hard to come from a place that you are undeniable needed in the most apparent ways to a place that that need for you isn't so obvious.

Recently, I can't help but shake the feeling of loneliness. I've felt physically distant from my camp family, emotionally distant from my friends here in Lexington, and overall distant from my parents and family. Feeling this way is never fun. Here, it is very difficult to shake the feeling of being second. Juggling this empty feeling of loneliness is hard in an end-of-the-year stress period.

Yet, as hard as this is to come to terms with, sometimes we are faced with this feeling of loneliness to realize we are NOT alone. I think God allows this distance to occur for a variety of reasons. He does so to let us fix our thoughts and prioritize the important aspects in our life. He does so to allow us to rest, the constant upkeep of relationships can be exhausting at times. He does so to make us relatable, so when our peers have this feeling in the future, we can empathize and send them on the right path. Finally, He does so for reflection. Spending time away from the chaos of the world allows you to just be. Reflection and review of your decisions and events is vital to your future.

So, this feeling will pass. But for now, it is okay. Being lonely doesn't mean you're alone, you are never alone with God. Yet, being lonely can create such positive evaluations of the life you are living, and that is necessary from time to time. Being lonely is being okay.

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.” 
-Psalm 25:16-17 

Home IS where the heart is ♥

I think we can all agree that most of us have hit the point in the semester where we simply have stopped caring, even though now is one of the most vital times TO care. I can personally say that I have slim to no motivation to do anything except lay in bed and watch Grey's for the third time. There comes a time where we are even unmotivated to go out and do fun things, and I am at that point.

It is important to know that taking a break and going HOME is okay to do. Yet, the meaning of home can differ from person to person. Sometimes, and currently for me, home is completely literal and I am at the house where I grew up with the people who raised me, my parents. But other times, home can be the place where you feel as though the people surrounding you are the most prominent and comforting people in your life at that time. Home can mean you are sitting in somewhere away from civilization by yourself, taking in the wonders of the world. Home is not defined by the location you have always known, but rather the place you are at peace.

Don't worry, we have almost made it past the stress and heartache of the semester. Finish strong and know that in those times of heightened anxiety, the place where your heart and spirit lies with Him will provide you with peace.

"Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our HOME with them.""
-John 14:23

Technology is NOT the future :(

You are unable to see the impact that technology, Apple products specifically, have on your life and the world until you are forced to live without the convenience of one for a period of time. Last week, I was leisurely watching Netflix on my laptop around 1 A.M. when multiple colored lines appear on my screen. My first reaction of course was to panic and click every single button I could, so when that didn't work, I called my dad crying. At 2 in the morning. Over a computer.

The past week has been ridiculous when it comes to doing anything that requires the Internet. I jumped from the computer lab in the library to my apartment computer lab to begging to use friend's computers to using my phone to access my homework. And of course, the week this happened had to be the week that I had two exams, a project, and a paper all due. Yet, the worst part was I was unable to continue my daily journey here on my blog.

Now, reflecting on the week with my newly-screen laptop on my table, it is incredible to see the amount of reliance we put on things that have been created by us. I don't leave my room without my IPhone glued to my hand. College students barely interact anymore simply because of our headphones in our ears and extensive focus on the screen in front of us. I, along with us all, am guilty of missing the wonders in our world because of the technology we so harshly rely on.

God tells us to set our minds on things above, and not on earthly things. The stress and fear and sadness and negative emotions we feel on a daily basis derives from the blurred set of priorities we place upon ourselves. I can honestly say I was so stressed over the loss of my laptop that I almost ignored my faith. Yet, when all of our stresses are put on Him, he will bring you peace. The man-made treasures on this Earth, such as technology, do not compare to the treasures offered by God.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these will be added unto you."

-Matthew 6:33

Day 7: Small things can FILL you up

When I work the Fostering Success Program at camp, I was blessed to get the older group of girls. These girls started the program back in the summer, where we got to spend an entire week with these girls and begin to get to know them! As they come back each month, the same counselors usually stay with these same girls, so we are able to grow together and truly build a strong relationships. A few days prior to the weekend, my coordinator had texted me and asked if I would be willing to work with the Respite girls. The Respite program is almost identical to Fostering Success, except these girls aren't technically signed on for the entire year, so the months they return vary.

To be honest, I wasn't totally looking forward to moving from my cabin. The connection between us has only begun, and I was excited to continue that process! But, I agreed to move to the other cabin.
To my surprise, there was only 3 campers in my cabin, and another counselor alongside myself. I wasn't sure why I was placed where was.

Then, I met a girl. She was a 10 year old girl with some special needs. I had the incredible opportunity of spending a lot of my weekend working one on one with her. Despite her situation, she was one of the most joyful, inspiring children I have ever met. When really spending some one on one quality time with her, you were able to see past all of her outside appearance and see this sweet, loving soul that just needed to be cared about.

Truly, the smallest things can fill you up. I spent maybe 30 hours with this incredible girl, but those few hours made me feel wanted, cared for, inspired, and fulfilled. I hope to say that God worked THROUGH me, but I know He worked IN me.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose."
-Romans 8:28

Day 5 and 6: Find your HAPPY place

This weekend, I get to go back to my favorite place in the world, Camp Joy. This site of land in tiny Clarksville, Ohio is where I worked this past summer. During the summer, they host two completely different types of camps concurrently each week. One side is called "specialty", where a different medical disability comes out each week. I had the opportunity to work this side this summer, where I got to work with kids with leukemia, sickle cell, fibromyalgia, and many other things that made these kids special.

The other side of camp is called "agency", where kids with various unfortunate situations come out site. These could be children with the Boys and Girls club, those with juvenile prison backgrounds, and those involved with Child Services. I was asked to work an agency side camp for the entire school year called Fostering Success. These kids are in foster care. One weekend a month, the same group of kids come to camp and we work on things such as self-fulfillment, confidence, and making them feel wanted.

The experiences I have gained from the special place, both from the summer and the time I spend there currently, is what makes Camp Joy my happy place. A happy place is not necessarily extravagant or expensive or excessive, a happy place is one where you truly feel cared for.  A place where you feel like you are needed. A place that makes a difference.

So, God, I pray especially hard today that you will work IN me and THROUGH me to make the difference that needs to be made this weekend.

Day 4: Moving with the CHANGE

Change is scary.

At this point in life, change is constantly surrounding us. Your home is changing, your goals are changing, people are changing. As a child, and honestly still today, change is one of my biggest fears. I love having a routine with the same people, doing the same things, and being the same person. I feel like all of these changes are taking my place in my life and I'm not totally sure what to do with them.

Yet, things change for a reason. I am such a firm believer that everything does happen for a reason. Your "home" changes because as cliche as this, home is truly where your heart is. While you may have a physical house that has been your living situation for your entire life, like me, my home is here in Lexington with the people that love me for myself. Your goals change because you realize that you thought might be best for you maybe actually isn't in your best interest. People change and relationships distance so others can have the opportunity to experience the love you once did.

And while change is terrifying, there is one thing that remains constant. Your relationship with God and your reliance on Him will never change. He will be there, through the ups and downs, good and bad, highs and lows. He is why you feel comfort, even through the terror.

"Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever."

-Hebrews 13:8

Day 3: Head Vs. HEART

In today's society, logic is the most prominent decision-driving factor for humans. Whether in be in a political decision, a life choice, or even what we're going to have for dinner, we use all of these things that "make sense" to make decisions. We use the resources around us to problem-solve by the process of elimination, group work, and even rational methods to give us the answer we are looking for.

Personally, I feel totally and completely from the heart. I strive to make all my decisions based on the emotions I have and not what my brain or others are saying to me. Doing so makes me feel things so deeply, yet can also have the effect of irrational, sudden moves. Myself, along with those other feelers, make decisions almost on the spot, which can lead to repercussions in the future.

So what is the RIGHT way to make decisions? Dependent on the situation, but to always trust in GOD. He knows what the right answer always is, and can show it in a variety of ways. I like to think he lays things on my heart that I am able to feel and thus gives me that answer, but His ways can also be shown in the outside world. He will bless your heart with the ability to hear an answer and both feel and think with that specific answer.

Matthew 6:21 says,
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Continue to lay Your word on my heart, continue to work IN me. Continue to work THROUGH me.

Day 2: Stay TUNED In

This morning, I made the big-girl, life decision to switch my major from Integrated Strategic Communications to the scary world of Social Work. My goal since middle school had been to work in PR for an accredited non-profit, and eventually create my own transformational center for underprivileged people in a community where one did not exist.

I chose to speak the words that I had planned for me, instead of letting God speak through me to His plans.

Going into the serious coursework of ISC, I quickly learned that changing the reputation for a company was not what I wanted to do, even if it was a non-profit corporation. My passion truly lies in working directly with those affected, and that has been apparent my entire life.

I just chose to listen to my personal thoughts that I had thought for myself, instead of letting God portray His thoughts to me.

After my Come-to-Jesus moment of realizing my major wasn't the path for me, I did some serious praying and evaluating. I love working with kids, I feel as though children are able to see the world in a way that most of us now are unable to see. I toyed with the idea of Elementary Ed and working in an inner city school, but I didn't feel right about it. I also considered working in Family Sciences and pursuing work in Child Advocacy and Foster Care Reform, but that didn't feel right, either.

Then the idea of Social Work was introduced to me. When you are able to let go of your own words and thoughts and open your heart to your greater plan, the answer is clear. Social Work feels right.

So, friends, tuning out the thoughts and words of the world and tuning in to the words of the One who knows can bring an overwhelming amount of peace. He blessed us with gifts that pertain to the futures we are promised, and that is so special.

God, continue to work IN me. Continue to work THROUGH me.

Day 1: Choose JOY

Tonight, with a group of some special people, we spoke about the meaning of joy and how that is shown outwards to the world. I feel as I work through these 55 days of prayer, the beginning of having a God to work in and through me is with that formation of joy. Choosing to have joy in each and every day can be a difficult choice, yet is an eternal possession once you have something to be joyful about. Yet, don't we all have something to be overwhelmed with joy for? Life is hard, yet we have someone on our side during it all, moving us through these trials of the world to strengthen a greater relationship with Him.

We, as fearfully and wonderfully made, still make mistakes. I personally make mistakes constantly, some greater than others. It is so easy to detach yourself from the support given to us with our creation and rely on physical relationships to move us through the storm. Those mistakes are made to give us direction on the most important relationship we possess, one that will never be broken.

So, in all honesty, this first day of prayer hasn't "changed" me. My relationship with Him hasn't been completely built thus far, but I am so excited to see what it will do for me. So, God:

Work IN me.
Work THROUGH me.

55 Day CHALLENGE!!!

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

-Isaiah 41:10

Trying to maneuver this college lifestyle at 18 years old peacefully is like getting sick of McDonald's; it just doesn't happen. With all of these things needing to happen, all these deadlines needed to be met, all these relationships that need to be upheld, prioritizing is hard. The things that are important for the long run are blurred by the things that seem to be do-all end-all at the time.

Tonight at 608, Pastor Jon Weece spoke on the topic of the joy seen in little ones and elderly. Those ages are so vital to the happiness of the world, for they see this beautiful Earth we live on in such a positive, hopeful way. Yet, in that time between, we seem to experience pain. As people, we deal with that pain in so many different ways. God calls us to to release that said pain, to Him.

Jon introduced a question: Where do you see your life in 55 days? What do you want to feel, how do you want to act, how are YOU different? He goes on to challenge us to pray the same sort of prayer for the next 55 days:

"God, work IN me."

"God, work THROUGH me."

We ask of these things because He promised to fill our emptiness with joy, replace negativity with positivity, and rely on Him for comfort. I hope to challenge myself to the fullest these next couple months and see myself differently at the end.

So, friends, where do you see yourself in 55 days? :)

Comfort Zones are Meant to be SHAKEN

I don't normally do things so far out of my comfort zone such as this. And moving out of my comfort zone is incredibly difficult to accomplish, because I truly am down for pretty much anything. Yet, I feel like taking my writing public is something I have been called to do. I write in a journal as much as I possibly can in this hectic lifestyle. Whether my day has incredible and I am ecstatic or nothing seemed to go right and I have hit a low point, using my journal as an outlet to these feelings allows some super interesting conversation to arise. Not only is it a time for internal conversation, I use this journal to connect with God and allow him to take the lead on all these instances. So, that is what I want to use this blog for! A personal outlet, with the hopes of some insight to all the things happening in this crazy world we all live in. I am so excited to see where the Lord will lead me in this life, and I can't wait to document all the ways my world gets shaken!