Finals week, graudations, and our lives...

chaotic. That about describes it. There is always a rush at the end of the term to get everything turned in, to study hard for finals and to finish strong... but sometimes motivation takes a vacation. This whole week I have had absolutely no motivation whatsoever. Then today I realized I better get going on my research paper... so I went. And now here I am, not doing my research paper. It's break time. :)

Yes there are headaches, stress filled days and late nights, but that is all part of the experience. I am glad its almost summer though! Breaks are always welcome! Anyhow, finals week is next week, and then I'm done!

I went to my high schools graduation last night. class of 2010. They all looked radiant. That class is a beautiful group of people, and I know they're going to do great things. They have big plans, and great hearts.

Graduations are such a great time. Family comes together to celebrate your accomplishments, and it is a time that won't be forgotten. Of course grad night is amazing as well! The whole thing just seems so beautiful, and yet there are good byes to be said as well. It is the closing of ones elementary, middle school and high school years and the opening of whatever may come next. There is a bittersweet aspect for sure. I guess that is like many things. I've heard it said that life begins after graduation, and I totally disagree with that. What about the first 18 years? Don't those count?? Life has already started, and although it is changing, life definitely does not begin after graduation. Life is always going. There are many chapter ends, and beginnings in life. Graduation is simply one chapter close. But it is also the beginning of another exciting chapter!

Life is a story, and its a page turner... you never know what is going to happen next. There are chapters that make you cry, there are chapter that make you laugh. Some chapters present new challenges and lessons, other bring joy, while still others bring heartache. It is a book that is exciting, and yet we get to have choice in many aspects of how this book turns out. Other aspects, we don't get to choose.

That reminds me of a quote from 'Blue Like Jazz' that I read recently: "There are things you cannot understand and you must learn to live with this. Not only must you learn to live with this, you must learn to enjoy it." The context of this was the author mentioning the complexity of the trinity. But it goes for many aspects of life as well. 

Live, love, laugh.

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!

Beach, busyness and blue skies

I know I always blog about how busy life is... ha ha I don't mean to bore people. This week has been significantly more busy than normal weeks. I am behind on math, and I have a ton of other things to complete. I don't mind it though, I mean I might dislike it at the moment, but I love having a fairly busy life, because I get bored just sitting around, and I'm not good at entertaining myself, so busyness is a good thing for me. Yet I've realized the more busy I become, the more I forget, and I can be so airheaded. I have forgotten things that I know and have been doing for a long time, and I have forgotten about plans. Aaaaghh! It's horrible, this forgetfulness. Maybe someday I'll get my sanity back.

Along with my duties this week, I have had the honor of being with some of the kids that I love so much! I absolutely love children, and it's been so awesome to get to spend time with some of the sweetest kids! So much fun, and so refreshing. Honestly, being with kids is one of my favorite things to do!! I have been blessed to know a lot of great families with kids and I am very close with them. I never tire of it. :)

I realize with this busyness as well that sometimes it creates agitated spirits, because there is a lot to do in a short amount of time. That brings out the worst in people, sometimes. I become more irritable and I don't like it. That is why it's so important for me to have those encouraging influences around me. I am a firm believer that even in the busyness of school and work, spending time with friends is just as important. We were made for community, we were made to gather together and share lives with others, and it is sacrificing so much to give up social ties for other commitments. I have even turned in a few assignments late because I chose to hang out with friends instead of finishing an assignment. Some might gasp, but for me it made all the difference. I figure, I won't do well in school if I don't have friends around, so why sacrifice even more?? I need people. We all do, to some extent.

I am also very blessed to have good, solid people, friends and relatives in my life, this helps so much. It helps to know that someone will have your back no matter what! 

Thus are my ramblings. ;P

Be blessed!

Some great times at the beach, with some great friends!

Help bring Dash and Chip home!

Hey All!
I have a request of you. Please take a moment to drop by the link below and prayerfully consider helping this great family bring their babies home!
http://bringinghomebabykeyser.blogspot.com/2010/04/be-missing-piece.html
Thanks!

Jumbled thoughts.... as usual

I want to write something inspirational, but alas nothing comes to me.
Ha ha.
Anyhow, I'll share a few thoughts that have encouraged me lately. I really don't have anything interesting to say, but I love quotes , so I thoughts I'd share a few :)

A great book, well worth reading is Elisabeth Elliot's 'Passion and Purity.' I am reading it now, and its great. Here are a few from her:
" Then turn the reigns over to God. Bring your will to Him. Will to obey Him, ask for his help. He will not do the obeying for you, but he will help you. Don't ask me how. He knows how, you'll see." (Pg 97)

Just as background information, Elisabeth Elliot was the wife of Missionary Jim Elliot. He was part of the group of fie men that journeyed down to Equador in the 50's and were killed by the Auca's. Some of the wives later went and lived with the tribe. They showed them love and witnessed to them, even though they had committed such a great offense against them. I cannot imagine the strength it would take to do that, but I admire them for it.

Another of my favorite quotes lately has been from CS Lewis. Brilliant man, amazing author.
"I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world."