Less than Two Weeks Left...Say What?

So it is 12:51 PM and I finally am able to take a moment to just breathe and blog. Ever since coming back from Easter Break, I knew this week was going to be crazy, but I never thought the work could pile up so fast. I am an avid list maker, and as such, my obsessive need to write things down is out of control. There are post-it notes all over my planner, and I've tried to sync those with the calendar on my computer so I won't forget ANYTHING. I can only imagine what the next week and a half are going to be like if exams have not even started yet. It is so weird to think that two weeks from today, I will be home for the summer. Which means...Freshman year is over. Whew. Now I see what people mean when they say time flies. Follow my thought process(not an easy task to do, I know), and the next thing that comes to mind is how quickly I wished for this year to be here, and now it's nearly gone. My entire Senior year was spent stressing over college applications, high school transcripts, recommendation letters, and all of the other fun, tedious things that college brings. I remember thinking that move in day would never come-and now it's move out. Gosh, this is so strange! Even writing this now, I have to stop and think-really think-where this year went. Am I happy with the person I became this past year? Am I able to really pinpoint areas where I improved as a person, and could see God working in my life? Stay with me, next I started to think of where I was last year.

It was Aprilish, not exactly one year ago, but still..you get the general idea. I was counting down the days until graduation, one of the biggest days in a teenager's life. However, my family's world was rocked when my wonderful Daddy was diagnosed with cancer and scheduled for surgery in the less than a two week time period. Every day after his surgery was painful, but he managed to remain the strong Christian role model and Father figure that I have always viewed him as. The doctors told him one in a million people were diagnosed with the type cancer he had. One in a MILLION. We had no idea what the future held for him or the rest of us, and it made us all appreciate the time we're given on this earth, because goodness knows that nobody is guaranteed tomorrow. (I'm not trying to be morbid though, so let's move forward to the good stuff). As of his last doctors appointment, he is CANCER FREE! Looking back, I was able to weed out the people who really cared about our family, and who continually asked and prayed for Dad. Not only that, but we had meals for months thanks to our precious neighbors and sweet church family. I honestly do not think I could love my Daddy more than I do now, and it serves as a great reminder than God continues to work miracles in our every day lives.

Those turn of events definitely had the greatest impact on my year, and it was an adjustment for our whole family, but we are definitely stronger because of it.

Now, a year later, I am wondering how life could get any better. I love my life, even if it is stressful at (most) times.

Alright, alright, I'm done being sappy. It's been a looonnggg week, and this is the way I'm choosing to relieve my stress. Don't judge.

{Mom, Dad, Lauren and I at my graduation, May 2010}

Easter

They always say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so here are some images to describe my Easter Break-and can I just say it was much needed.

It does not get much better than spending Easter break with family on a beautiful island praising God for the gift of His Son.

One More Day

Oh man, I absolutely cannot wait for tomorrow to be over. It's not that I am dreading what I have tomorrow, I am just too excited about what comes after. At the same time, I know that time is not going to stop moving when I decide I want it to. I can't keep wishing the time away while urging it to pass quickly. These past few weeks have been a whirlwind and I cannot imagine what the next(and last)two weeks of my Freshman year will be like. I do know they will be filled with exams, studying, exams, and more studying. It is going to be sad to say goodbye to everyone I have met here in Cornerstone, even though I know I will keep up with all the people that I am close to.

"Decide what to be, and go be it."

First of all, can I just say that this quote is so appropriate for my current situations. I have less than four weeks of school left and then my Freshman year is over. I absolutely cannot believe how quickly it has gone by, and yet I am so excited to see what the next three years will bring.

Second of all, the Avett Brothers are AMAZING. Even if you have never heard of them before, you should take the time to watch some of their live performances. I promise you won't regret it. My personal favorite is, Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise. After last night's concert, I have had their music playing non-stop and I love it.

"When nothing is owed or deserved or expected

And your life doesn’t change by the man that’s elected

If you’re loved by someone, you’re never rejected

Decide what to be and go be it"

So Long Insecurity

I have a new obsession. No, it is not online shopping (although that has been quite a hobby of mine lately). No, it's not shoes. It's becoming a young woman with as little insecurity as possible. I know, I know, this is definitely not the typical obsession you were expecting. Since reading Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity, I am inspired to throw off the insecurities of this world and fully embrace who I am in Christ.
Reading this book, I have realized that despite thinking of myself as a fairly secure person, I have so many insecurities. Parts of this book seem like somebody read my mind and dictated onto paper what I was feeling. The things I have done as a result of insecurity as absolutely ridiculous. Why do I strive to feel accepted by everyone and their brother? This book has really caused me to step back and see that I am loved by the only one who's opinion even matters.
Currently, my stress level is through the roof. With housing, Chemistry quizzes, exams, Spring Break, money issues, summer job applications, applications for next year, CNA junk, and all the other fun stuff going on, I have been overwhelmed to say the least. It all hit me tonight though, and I broke down as soon I heard my mom's comforting voice on the other line. Let me just pause right here and say that I am so incredibly thankful for a mom who encourages me constantly in the Lord. Her responses, though hard to hear at times, always have something to do with praying about it, trusting in Him for my needs, or just a few Bible verses. On days like today, I really appreciate this. So, as soon as I hung up the phone, I walked over to my desk and picked up good ol' Beth Moore's book. For days, I have been putting off reading it, claiming that I have better things to do. Not tonight. I absolutely drink in every word that flies off the page, and I love being able to see Beth Moore's humor coming through, a result of doing her Bible Study this summer. As soon as I started reading, I was instantly relieved and comforted in knowing that I am not the only person struggling with stress and insecurities. Everyone has their problems, and everyone is struggling with something or other. So how about I shift the focus from my problems to all the things I have to be thankful for. Let me start with Beth Moore. I am so thankful for her sweet Southern charm and her ability to so accurately share the Gospel and love of Christ. I cannot forget my sweet Mom, either, who quite ironically reminds me a lot of Beth Moore. Perhaps that is why I feel so connected to Beth Moore whether I am watching a video or reading her book.
Enough with my rambling though, until next time, I challenge everyone to examine their own hearts and start dealing with the insecurities that are creeping into our innermost beings, and swiftly show them the door.

Simply Captivating

"Man's love is of a man's life a thing apart

'Tis a woman's whole existence." -Byron

The more I read this quote, the stronger the truth rings out. What is it about women that make us long so dearly for love. Between having conversations with my sister and my friends I have had countless chats regarding boys, love, God's plan for love and our lives, and so much more. ALL ABOUT LOVE. To girls, we think of finding that perfect someone, our Mr. Right if you will, as being our "be all end all." This is not a biblical view, despite being one held by the majority of our culture today. Think about it, if you know someone who is over 25 and not married -or at least headed in the direction of marriage-perhaps uncontrollably, you think to yourself, "What's wrong with them?" How sad is that, we judge the person for something that is completely out of their reach. Throughout the Bible, celibacy is condoned and even held high in God's eyes.

Take a look at 1 Corinthians 7:8 which reads, "Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do." Paul was writing this concerning his vow to remain unmarried, a command he received from God. I know what some are thinking at the moment, Paul was a man and everyone obviously knows that boys are different from girls. This is true, but after starting to read the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, I have realized how perfectly men and women and our desires fit together, something that only God could have designed.

One of my dear friends also brought this verse to my attention, 1 Corinthians 7:34 "His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. "

Have you ever thought of being single in such a way? That is is not a curse but a blessing? I know my view has changed every since reading this verse and realizing that I am able to focus fully on God. I do not have to fret about being a good wife, obeying my husband AND God, having children, balancing my children, husband AND God. For me, I can think only of GOD. What a blessing! I strive to eat up every day I have as a single woman who can focus fully on Him.

It is so encouraging to read about how God planned every detail, so why on earth should I worry about who I will marry, or even who I will date. My life is in HIS hands, and I am so relieved that I do not have make my own destiny. Aren't you?

[Insert Cliché New Year's Title Here]

I have decided that I am officially the worst at keeping up with this thing! My posts are so few and far apart, but I just am still not sure how I feel about the whole blogging thing. I have been so crazy lately, as has everyone else, and that just adds to it. Obviously there are a few things I should cover since a lot has happened since I last wrote.

First of all, exams went really well. All the hours spent pouring over books-and not the enjoyable novel type...think hundreds of pages of straight up information- and I feel my efforts were not futile (thank goodness)! I was able to be home for over a month, which was a nice break from school, but I am ready to go back. Secondly, I ended the year 2010 with some great friends at Bald Head Island, which is one of my most favorite places in North Carolina by far. We spent the weekend staying up late and sleeping in, and of course we took time out of our short days by walking on the beach or riding in the golf cart.

I must say, a month off may or may not have been a little bit too much for me. I struggled to find something to fill the gaps in my day (hence jumping back on the blogging bandwagon). I absolutely loved being home, and being with my best friend and sister, along with the rest of my family. One of the most memorable events over break was going to see The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 3D, which turned into a whole affair to remember. I think the last movie my family saw together in theaters was Finding Nemo-"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..." Just picture my Dad and his fascination with the 3D glasses, and my family may or may not have snapped a few photos of us all sporting them.

Another obsession of mine is currently looking at wedding photography blogs, don't ask me why. I honestly get such a feeling of excitement just scrolling through the endless pages of wedding after wedding and engagement pictures after engagement pictures. I LOVE IT! I'm sure if some onlooker glanced at my bookmarks they would naturally assume that I was engaged and trying to collect ideas, but alas, I am not. I am just a hopeless romantic who loves to ogle over the obvious happiness that is attached to engagements and marriages. Call me silly, but I'll continue to do this as long as I am bored.

Take a look at these, but be careful because you may get hooked like I did!

• Southern Weddings Magazine
• Caroline Joy Photography
• Nancy Ray Photography

I simply cannot wait to have the opportunity to put some of these creative ideas to use, but don't you worry-I am completely content to be single and have no intentions of rushing when I do find Mr. Right.

The other blog I absolutely adore is College Fashion, a website that focuses all of its posts and attention to college students-and yes, this includes ideas on a {college student budget}. The ideas are very helpful and provide much insight into topics that range from laundry tips to hairstyles to the latest fashion trends. My favorite posts are the ones that give complete outfit ideas, which are helpful to someone like myself who is not great at putting together cute, stylish outfits(see here for an outfit inspired by the popular film Inception.)

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!