These last few weeks...

have been so hard! Just when I think everything is calming down, and I might get a moment of sanity back, there are TONS more things getting piled on! I guess that is normal for the last few weeks of college, though. Wow! I am exhausted! And yet I've realized more these last several weeks than I have at any other time. Its like God is giving me a calm in the storm. Its a really peaceful feeling. I feel so close to God, and my friends, and I have done more praying these last few weeks than I usually do. Its cool, in a stressful way. :P

Everything is different, you know? I mean things change on a daily basis, and I can't see very far ahead. It's like I'm in a tunnel and can only see what is directly in front of me. I mean it's really just living day to day. I don't completely know my summer plans, and I have questions about the upcoming school year. But, as much as I never thought I would say this, it is peaceful, not having to try and fight for what comes next. Just resting in the peace that I know the one who holds the future, and He has created a much better story than I could. I remember hearing somewhere some talking about living in the moment. They said 'We live day by day, and sometimes hour by hour, and sometimes, minute by minute.' I'm sorry to whoever said that, but I give you the credit. It's a beautiful thought. And I am loving it!

profound yet simple

I was reading something today and it just really stuck out to me. It was talking about being present, 100%
wherever you are. It is simple, but important. I heard it called "Be all there." What a great concept, and
something that I am trying to live by. Be ALL there.

A great Book...

Recently, I've been trying to do more reading. I generally like reading, but sometimes it gets squeezed out because of other commitments. But summer is in four weeks! Then I'll have lots of time. Anyhow, I got the book 'Blue Like Jazz' the other day, and have been reading a little bit every day. It is incredible. And it's not like a normal 'devotional.' This author is very real and honest. It is like talking to him in person, kind of. Needless to say, I highly recommend it. I've read a few things in it that really stick out as well.

One of these quotes seemed especially insightful:
"I believe that the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but rather have us wasting time."

That hit the nail on the head. It's something that I have been pondering ever since I read it. Another thing that he points out in the same chapter is the fact that he spends 95% of his time thinking about himself. And that many problems can't be fixed until we realize we are the problem, and we need to change ourselves. It sounds harsh, but it is an important concept. Sometimes people go around trying so hard to change others and they don't realize that they have flaws that need to be worked on first. We do not change people. They must want to change on their own.

I will continue reading this book, and highly recommend it!