Blah, Blah, Blah.. South and North

As everything is finishing up for the semester, I have found myself reflecting on the idea of finishing. This is my fourth Christmas here, in Lynchburg Virginia. I assumed moving down here in 2008 this would be my last one, actually I thought I would have been out of here by now [that's for sure], but here I am, still here.

Many of my college friends and colleagues graduated this semester. Those friends who suffered through COMS 489, created campaigns with me, brainstormed and bounced ideas of each other, compared and contrasted each other projects, many of them are now gone. I'm happy for them, like I am happy for myself.. finishing up college with an Undergraduate degree, not only feels great, but is a wonderful accomplishment!! [Yay us! And everyone else with degrees!]  I'm proud of myself and so proud of my fellow classmates! [Who I hope to run into often in the PR world].

The point of all this rambling...[I think] is things end. Seasons fade. Time transitions. Life is different. It is so weird to think, although I have been here for four Christmas breaks, each one of them has looked different, felt different and has been an entirely different experience. It's just strange to me. And the even stranger thing is that time will only continue to make life more different. Life will begin to look, feel, and be entirely different.

I think part of it might be 'growing up' and part of it might be I am maturing [a little] and part of it might be I gain more and more responsibility each year...but I know part of it, well, a lot of it is change. That is the one guarantee in life isn't it? Change. I think I am only getting used to it though, because I know it happens so frequently- I need to enjoy the moment and time I have, because it will change. So, for me this means, I need to hurry up and enjoy. Sometimes, I don't enjoy enough! I analyze, think, reflect, re-analyze, double check, over-analyze, question, wonder, ponder, think some more, and then before I know it I missed out on enjoying! I was far too busy wondering about the what if's and details that I forgot to enjoy the moment! [Seriously, this happens.]

 Blah, blah, blah... All I'm trying to say is- Enjoy this season.

I am writing this post mostly for myself,  because here I sit, in Virginia, in 60 degree weather, so mad I don't have snow. But how many Michigan winters did I wine and complain about the snow? Instead of spending my time complaining, I should have ran outside and made a freaking huge snow man while loving every second of it.That's just one example. Here's another one:

For the past three years, I complained about the South and small towns and how much I hated them. [Please take note of this: I still LOVE the North and fully intend on moving back. I am not a southerner or southern bell in anyway, shape, or form. I am NOT a Northern girl turning Southern. Got it?] But, the other day I was running super low on gas [college student] and I could only muster about $2.00 in change to put in my gas tank. [college student...you've all been there]. I went to pre-pay for my little bit of gas to get myself home and eat my Ramon noodles [college student] and there was line... of course I stood there with my hands on my hips, semi-rolling my eyes, clearly irritated that this was taking forever. [In the north people are so much more efficient.. I was thinking in my mind] When it was finally my turn to pay I gave the cashier my $2.00 in change.

"Is this all you got to put in your tank? Are you outta money?" He asked in a very thick and southern accent. Clearly embarrassed that he would announce to the entire store/world I was only buying $2.00 of gas I answered, "Yep, I'm a college student. I just have to drive to my house." Without any hesitation he told me he would add a $1.00 to my gas tank to make sure I would get home.

I know, a dollar isn't much, [college student] but the cashier didn't have to do that. I was pleasantly surprised and thanked him. He seriously made my day.

I think once I move away, I'll miss little things like that from good ole Lynchburg, VA. I'll miss people chatting in the middle of the grocery isle blocking the way for everyone else. I'll miss people asking me how I'm doing and then telling my about their sick niece while we are waiting in line. I'll miss people chatting in the drive through holding up the line making me late for wherever I am going. I will miss seeing people in old pick up trucks without shirts on, wearing overalls, with massive beards smoking a ginormous cigar... wait. I don't think I'll miss that one.

So, again, blah, blah, blah, all this too say here's to me- Enjoying. Enjoying this Christmas season, without snow, with snow, in the North, in the South, with gas, without gas.. no matter what it may bring, I will enjoy. 

Enjoy this Christmas season, enjoy this phase of life you are in. No matter what age, hardship you are in, frustration you are facing, or happiness that has knocked on your door- Enjoy. Because, most likely next years Christmas will look entirely different.

Discombobulated.

This week has been a strange one. Nothing really crazy out of the ordinary has happened, but it has seemed a little discombobulated. Do you ever feel like you are sitting still while everyone and everything is flying around you? Almost like you are in the eye of a hurricane, just sitting still while life whirls around ... I've felt like that this week. It has seemed like everyone is going and learning and changing and making decisions and having things happen. And I'm just watching.

If I could give my 'college years' underlining themes they would be: 

1. Even in your biggest life crisis... life will continue on, whether you want it too or not.
2. My plans are not the best and sometimes having no plans is best.

 The first three years of college, I was a go, go, girl! ( I still am to an extent) But, this semester has been SO different than any year of my life here. I work a 9-5ish job and have weeknights off. I am only taking 12 credits and next semester only 6! Now, for those of you who don't know, last year I worked full time at basically nights shift (7pm-2am) and took 22 credits, while being involved in extra things. So, this semester has sort of turned my life upside down. I love being busy, I love working; I love being dedicated to something. But, something that really sticks out in my mind when I look back to my busyness and accomplishments, something that I can't get over...back when I 'felt good' because I was doing so much, I had such a lack of focus on my spiritual aspect and my relationship with Jesus Christ.

For the years in my life when I thought, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I was accomplishing goals, I was good at something, I could pass my classes with barely studying, I received a promotion at work, I had a boyfriend, I bought a car, I moved into my first apartment... I thought I was just living the life.

I cannot get over my self-focus through all those years. 

So, back to my themes.... 

I'm only 22. What sort of crisis can a 22-year-old girl be in, right? Well, I would argue a pretty big one. Through my two short years in the '20's' I've seen myself grow the most, lose the most, immature the most, become the most defeated, mature the most, and have the most victories. I can so happily say now, I am blessed enough, to overcome a more recent trial in my life. But, I think I am all too quick to forget the growth and learning that comes with brokenness. In my crisis I thought life would stop, I was certain my life would and time felt as if it stood still... but now, here I am, months and months later, moving forward, moving on. 

I can only attest to where I am now through the grace of my Lord. As time moved on, so did I. And as time moved on, God grasped hold of my heart... He had my full attention. Wherever you are in life, remember life goes on, life will keep moving, we can't stop it! God hasn't and won't give up on you. I hope that comforts you and inspires you to get a move as well. 

Next, my plans are not the best plans. They are not. Really, they are not! Since July I have been trying to plan for what will happen in May. [You can laugh at that, I know it is ridiculous] But, you know what, I have recently become okay with not knowing. Today I applied for Grad School at Liberty and I'm prayerfully considering many other options over the next few months. But, bottom line- I do not know what is going to happen, I have no idea, so what good is worrying about it?! Seriously, what good is that? It's not. I'm doing my utmost best, to wake up, and actively give God my day, because I know that is all I have. Why do I worry about my next rent bill? Or if my car breaks down? Or when I will get married? I've found enjoy every day, every moment, serve the Lord and he will bring you the next 'thing.' I did a good job of this last week, but this week I have been slowly taking each day back.. I recently became overwhelmed with decisions and choices and the next thing, I realized these thoughts are not for me to worry about. Serving Christ in the moment he has given us, in the situation where he put us in, matters. Someone said, I don't remember who, but, if we are faithful to God in the little things, he can trust us with the bigger things. So, while I am craving something new, something different, a new chapter, a job with more esteem, I need to remain faithful now to build habits for faithfulness later. And not having a plan causes me have faith God will provide the next thing. 

I've been saying the past couple of weeks, I feel like I am actually becoming a woman! :] I’ve started cooking more, cleaning more, and enjoying baking! But, with growth comes growing pains, and dealing with my immaturity and habitually sin filled lifestyle hurts. But understanding value in brokenness, I think is a sign of a woman. 

And I've noticed, I cry alot more. So, Fergie, you are so not right.. Big girls do cry. 

I hope some of this rambling encourages other twenty-something women out there, you don't have to have it all together, you don't have to have a plan, remain faithful now, serve the Lord now, and the next thing will fall into place. 

P.S. -- I recommend this book for all twenty something women...  'The Mature Woman.'  

Happy Almost Friday!

Add a bit of 'Awwwww' in your day.

Pinterest

This is my Dog... :] Meadow! I see her in 14 days!

Don't tell me he's not the cutest! Pinterest.

I'm getting a Teacup Pomeranian. That's it.

And then I will get my sheep dog. And name it Max. Just like on The Little Mermaid. 

Well, now I feel like a grandma who just sent a dog forward to all her children's and grandchildren emails. I guess all that's left to say is 'Be safe and make good choices!' And "If you don't have mace... bring bug spray!" (My grandma really does say that.) Happy Tuesday!

I start things. But, today I finished!

I am not a finisher. In fact, I am the opposite, I am a starter. I love thinking of awesome ideas and thinking of creative ways to do them, and then I get excited about them, and then I start them! But then, after I start my 'brillant' idea, a lot of the time, I realize the idea probably wasn't that awesome to begin with, and it is much harder then I thought it would be, so I stop. Not finish, stop. 

I write, every morning. I have to. (I have many thoughts, so sometimes writing them down actually makes my mind stop and think a little more in depth about them.) And this morning I finished my summer journal!  I finished! YAY! I went back and read my first entry and then I finished my last. I started on May 30th and I finished September 19th. I finished. Yay. There is something about finishing a journal and finishing reading a book that just makes me feel super accomplished. 

The one aspect of writing I love the most, is seeing how my life has changed over a time period of one journal. I can honestly say, my life has taken a drastic shift from May 30th to September 19. I can gladly say finishing this journal is an encouragement to me because this 'journal of my life' is over. I will never have to experience that time of my life again. But through the pages I can see the knowledge and wisdom I have acquired through those times. I've kept a journal since 2nd grade, and let me tell you, it is so funny to go back and read about things I worried over in elementary school, especially in comparison to now. I can only imagine I will be saying the same thing about my college journals a few years down the road.

Anyway, I guess I am just writing to let you know, I think you should journal. And I'll share my last thoughts in my journal with you...

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3: 13-14.

I think this verse is a great start for my next 'journal life' and really, every day. Happy Monday, now go finish something!

My friends as Disney Princesses.

This summer I got into the TV show Sex and the City. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the humor and the topics they discussed. (I thought most topics were extremely relevant to women in America today.)

Last semester I had the privilege to become pretty close with a group of women in the Communication Department. During the school year we all came together because of our love for Communication and passion for Public Relations. (And maybe some frustrations with a few things.) I call these girls, 'My Coms Girls.'To give you, reader a better idea of our friendship... here's a little bit about the Coms Girls...

1. Only with my Coms Girls would I get into an 'email war' with some 'administration'. 
2. Only with my Coms Girls would I be able to read a Tweet I got from CNN and they would truly listen and passionately discuss the announcement. 
3. Only with my Coms Girls would a complete stranger be background checked in a matter of 20 minutes after meeting us. (And we would question what sources were used.) 
4. Only with my Coms Girls would dinner turn into an all night affair and then we would walk away with still more to talk about. 

Over the summer we all parted and did various internships, some got engaged, watched children, made connections and enjoyed life.

We were reunited yesterday, at Mangias I could not WAIT to see these girls! As I was getting ready to go grab dinner with my Coms Girls, then the thought flashed through my head... We are like Sex and the City!

Meet my Coms Girls! 

Ashley, Keri, Me, Emily

Alright. I want you, reader, to understand the personalities these girls have, and the dynamic of our group. So, I will put us in the categorizes that might help you further understand us. Because I do not know Sex and the City, super well, I'll go with something I know like the back of my hand, Disney Princesses. 

 

Ashley 

I would have to say, Ashley would be the Mulan of our group. When I first met Ashley, I was automatically intimidated. Last semester, when our professor put us in a group together... I was SO SCARED. She, like Mulan, is one of the hardest workers I know, which is intimidating. Ashley goes the extra mile to have a better understanding of what she is working on. She works extremely hard and does not expect recognition for it. Seeing her elevate other people through her skills has been an amazing way for me to learn. Like, Mulan, Ashley would stand up for what she believes in, however possible. If one of us were to pretend to be a man in the army, in order to stand up for what we believe in, it would be Ashley. Her passion and work ethic is inspiring!

Emily 

Emily is our Bell, for sure. I don't remember my first interaction with Emily, but I do know I assumed she was timid....until she gave a presentation in class... This girl is SMART. Emily, like Bell, leads by example. When everyone wanted to kill the beast, Bell did not just tell people 'No, please don't kill him!' She went to fight for him and was there when he was dying! Emily is the same. If she believes something, she will live it. She is understanding and gives people a chance and doesn't settle for second best. If Gaston was a knocking on her door, she would have been like Bell, and thrown him outside, then opened a book. Emily is so good at turning something negative into an opportunity. If I was going to get locked in a castle with a scary beast and household appliance friends... I'd want Emily there to help me make the best out of that situation.

Keri

Keri is totally our Jasmine. No one is going to tell this girl to sit in a kingdom and do nothing. She is way too driven, focus and passionate about life to miss out. Time out. I think Keri could be an Ariel as well. ...Alright, Keri is Jasriel. I have to say, when I first met Kerri, I misjudged her right off the bat. I totally assumed she was a snitch. A good 'ole Liberty snitch. (We all know they are out there). Come to find out, this girl is one of the coolest girls I know! Her drive to do well is so impressive. Like Ariel, she will further explore what's out there, she will push the limits to create discussion, she will go against what the norm is, or what is assumed to be expected of her to do better. Her passion to achieve her goals is impressive! She is not stopping for anyone, even if she will need to become a mermaid to achieve her goals. To take risks and jump on a magic carpet with a stranger, that's what Keri does. She honestly makes me want to do more fun things, take a chance! 

So, what to learn from all of this. 

1. STOP JUDGING. Oh my goodness was I SO WRONG about all three of my friends. I really, really, was so wrong in assuming things about them; and you know what, becoming friends with them has enabled me to give more people a chance. 
2. I am not alone. Being with these girls and talking about PR. Life. Being women in this life. Spirituality. Our generation... It all has encouraged me, that I am not alone. I believe we are the minority within the women in our generation, but we have each other, and that's enough. 
3. It is incredible what four girls can do when they are passionate about the same things! I swear, we can accomplish more together for PR stuff then a whole firm can do in 6 months... because it is what we love.

Needless to say- I am so thankful to have these women in my life! I am honestly privileged to spend time with them, brainstorming, talking, researching, laughing all of it! It is a privilege.

Here's to Senior Year Coms Girls! Hopefully, this time next year we will be 'The happy newly employed Coms Girls'!  ... P.S. Anyone want to hire us together? We work really well together!

[ Just Humor Me ]

It doesn't take too much to make me happy... well, I guess that may depend on who your asking. :] [I like to think I'm not too high maintenance..] It's Tuesday, and I really don't like Tuesdays. I think they should be skipped altogether. But already on this bleak, ugly, Tuesday morning I had a little moment of happiness fly at me, right out of my email.

I have a new follower. Summer. Check her out. She has quite an interesting story, and lots of fun posts. I found the picture below, on her site. I think it is full of great advice, and a good standard to live by.

I'm not typically that girl, but give me a second to brag about my wonderful boyfriend. Who has dreams and passions and the work ethic to accomplish them. Contrary to him, I'm a very scheduled person. I have my planner, my to do list, and I love accomplishing things well in advance!

[He always picks on me about my planner, and my working on papers two weeks in advance, ect...]

This past semester I have been contemplating- what really matters?

While I run around, working, focused, writing papers, taking tests, and meeting in groups [stupid group projects. gah.] In the midst of the whirlwind of my life- what really matters? 

 How much I accomplished? How many people I said hello to? How many moments of my day I truly enjoyed? If I passed my tests? If I paid my bills? How many hours did I work this week?

 I'm so thankful I have Tyler and I will be forever grateful for his contagious perspective about life. I have learned the importance of valuing every aspect that comes with this sometimes not so beautifully wrapped gift. 

Some days will be hard, hell, even unbearable. Some days will be so sweet you won't want to go to sleep- but in every moment, all moments Ty has taught me to embrace and LiVE.

I'm young and naive, but everyone has to start somewhere right? Plus, I'd much rather be old, still naive, and happy because I at least to tried to reach heights people told me I couldn't.

Anyway, with all these talk [blah]. Just embrace today and live.

And I'll try to do the same.

Who should tell me I'm a Christian?

This summer I have really been struggling with the idea of Christianity. Yes, I am a 'Christian' but No, I don't want to be associated with most Churches, and Christian movements across the United States.

My mind has been filling up with so many questions towards 'Christian People' the past summer, I'm surprised my head has not exploded. Being highly involved in Christians circles for most of my little 21 years of existence, I have made a few observations. One is:

 Christianity is turning into a mere 'checklist' today. 
It's like this:

1. Did I pray and ask Jesus to come into my life? Yes. (CHECK!)
2. Do I pray before I eat? Yes. (Check)
3. Do I read my Bible? Yes. (Check)
4. Do I have the physical appearance that is required of a Christian? Yes. (CHECK)
5. Do I go to youth group and sing in the praise band? Yes. (CHECK!)
6. Have I gone on a short term mission trip? Yes. (CHECK)
7. Am I going to a Christian College? Yes. (CHECK)
8. Will I be involved in some sort of Christan leadership? Yes. (Check)
9. I'm SO going to be in heaven. (Check)

When will this list stop? And do those things truly make someone a 'Christian'?

I would like to think that God is so much more concerned with our lifestyle, and hearts. What our motives are, and what type of character we have. Instead of getting caught up in this idea of following the Christian 'checklist' that has been created by Christians- why don't we take the time to focus on our lifestyles? 

When looking at Christians I feel like so many people claim the name simply because its what they always have done, its what their parents did, and most of the time- its easy. And sure, when following a checklist, and having everyone around you pleased with the choices you are making- that's easy.

Stop. Right there. Get a stamp and place it on my forehead because 

I' M G U I L T Y . 

The other night I was sharing my thoughts with my dad. I was venting and going on and on about my frustration with Christians and the church, and how we always have to be so polite, and not cause conflict or make people uncomfortable. And the more we started talking, and the deeper the conversation became, I realized:

 I'm living in Fear of other people. 

 I grew up in a church, in a Christian Highschool, and now attend a Christian University, all of those institutions attract people caught up in the 'checklist'. Stepping back and reevaluating when i matured the most in my relationship with the Lord was when I could care less about what people thought about me. 

See? The checklist makes other's people opinions and thoughts about you determine where you are in your relationship with the Lord. When in fact, the Lord is the only one who knows your heart, and character.

My dad said this-- "You live out of fear of God, not fear of men."

I would argue there is no cookie cutter way to be a Christian. Of course, understanding and believing the Gospel is essential for anyone truly having a relationship with Christ. After that, its about the lifestyle in which a person lives. As Christians we have a 'law' to follow, and we have convictions we live by.
My Dad put it like this [he's better with these types of phrases]

'It's not my responsibly to obey God with what he said, its my responsibly to please God with my obedience..'

He also further explained the idea that, we will want to follow the commands and standards God has for us, but after you grow, you will want to go beyond merely following the law to please the Lord's heart. 

Instead of having a check list, instead of comparing ourselves to other Christians, instead of having our basses covered by not committing the 'big sins'- Live for one person. At the end of the day, when everyone is asleep, and i finally get into my car, roll my windows down, and listen to some over played pop song, I have started to ask myself this question:

What did I do today that attributed to the life of God?

That one question, asked every day, will evoke a lifestyle change and maintain the focus on the only person's opinion who matters. 

Goodness, glad I finally got all that off my chest. 

Happy Wednesday! :] 

i found this.

I remember writing this journal entry... the beginning of last summer. I came across it in my facebook notes- I published it June 20th 2009. Now I'm 21, and I have applied this lesson learned.

...and don't worry- I can work a can opener! Now, i just need to master the blender...

"..... It amazes me, how people can float through your life. Not really float, that makes it sound pleasant.. well yes, there are pleasant floaters of course… people who pleasantly come in and smile at you- the kind of person that you would go on a picnic with and laugh all day long. But, you never really connect with them, you never really try to influence each other. You just simply have fun… and when they are gone, its not a big deal. Because together you had so much simple, on the surface fun, or fluffy fun, not depth to your relationship whatsoever. . But, then there are the not floaters, in fact the opposite of floaters… I don’t even know what to label them. The…the… oak trees. Sounds silly yes. But they are planted in your life then, they grow.. it starts small… but they you make a connection, and you begin to grow higher and higher… then you start to sprout leaves, and then make memories like details along the bark. And tell secrets the size of acorns too each other. You become a place of safety to other people, and you just grow deeper and deeper in different friendships like the roots in the ground. Then eventually you are grounded in this idea of love. Depending on the amount of storms you go through together, you grow deeper and greener. Then you reach a point of security, an you become incredibly comfortable around each other. You can hang out with each other in the shade, and sit on each others grown out roots and tell stories and laugh together as the wind flies through your hair. Then one day, the whole gigantic oak tree, that has come and rooted itself in your life, the one you have made home, and grown to love… is ripped out. There you look. It’s gone. The big gigantic stationary object in your life has been removed. No more home to look at, no more shade to play in, no more secrets to share, or friendship to grow. All that is left is a big giant hole in the ground where your love once grew. A big giant hole. You try to fill it in, with pretty flowers, or things you like to look at. Or fill it in with more pleasant trees, like the dogwood. Dogwoods are pretty to look at, but you soon find out very thin a weak. There are no stories inside a dogwood, and no stories to tell about them. They are pretty, but one can look right through them. So there it is a big hole in the ground to remind you that something is missing. Something big is gone. This is the part where I am supposed to talk about how it will make you stronger. How having a hole in your life to fill in can be fun, you will find new things, and better trees to hang out and grow up with! There is so much more out there for you to discover—and now you can! No roots holding you down! No more love to fulfill. But, after a while of that tree being gone, you finally realize that there is nothing that will replace that big of a hole in your earth… you get scared. And you wonder. Will this hurt forever? Will I be without my giant oak tree forever? Yeah, sure maybe I will find one… but will the love ever run that deep? Will the roots of my life that were ripped from my heart ever heal? I have this big giant hole in my life and it seems like it will never be filled. The memories will never be able to be shared with someone else, and home… when I looked at the oak tree, I found home. I saw home, I was home. Will I find home again? The bark we had, was full of stories, was full of memories, and the acorns of secrets among us were beyond listing.


All I have now, is a big giant hole in my world. That feels like it will never be filled. And really, I truly believe apart of it won’t… deep down there will be a small acorn of secrets and a small piece of bark full of memories. Always...."

Being home has been a little on the funny//weird side for me. Thinking over the past year, just one year of my life- how many different people i have been in contact with. && its so strange, every person who has been in and out of my life- could be labeled- some are floaters, some are oak trees, some are dogwoods, and I'm sure that someone really smart out there has done a study, and maybe has more legit names for it. lol. But, really- sooo many people have come in and out of my life. and I know, that God has done that for a reason. Like, every person is walking on there map, and sometimes it intersects with others- and then later on in the map, the 2 lines will cross again, could be simply finding each other again on facebook, or having your kids in the same soccer league.... I hadn't journaled in forever, so i tired to pick it up again, i wrote this a looong time ago, and stumbled across it- and it reminded me of what I am experiencing right now.... but the most important thing now i am learning is, there are more oak trees out there- yes, different. and yes, you won't be able to share the same memories, but- there are more memories to make! There are more funny times to laugh at. there are more inside jokes to remember, and there is more. Life doesn't just stop- the world doesn't stop turning. your world just becomes different, and learning to find people to grow with, is the most important lesson i think i have learned this year. My life is SO drastically different then it was a year ago. But, different doesn't mean you give up, giving up old oak trees does;t mean you don't find new ones... Your world is just different, and you are growing up. Therefore, your world will change, and change should happen while you grow.


Growing up is so weird. ha. im 20, and i still can't work a freakin' can opener. :]. I still answer people that i am 18 when they ask! haha...

Open Minded. Different. One goal.

I've been thinking about how people express themselves...

Some through words, poems, lyrics. Some through music. Some through paint. Some through dance. Some through photos. Some through sculptures. Some through exercising. Some through hard work.Some through tragedy. Some through sports. Some through teaching. Some through love. Some through smiling.

One of my favorite aspects to man kind is the ability to express ourselves through different ways. God was so smart when he created us! :]. We are all so different and have completely different talents and mindsets- and i LOVE it!  No matter what talent, gift, thing you love- the Lord can use it!

[[{I think of}]]

My cousin, Ben, he is raising support to go to Thailand. He takes pictures and in his pictures from around the world- he inspires me. I can hardly wait to hear about Thailand and how God is going use Ben way over there!

My brother, Chan. He is so passionate to teach. He uses his gift of teaching to glorify the Lord. Through leading a youth group, mentoring young men, and taking the time to teach me. 

My sister, Blythe. Going up to serve again at a summer camp, 8th year now? The Lord is using her ability to be liked by so many people. Seriously, I have never met someone so likable by people all over the world. She is an example everywhere so goes, the Lord is using her ability to be liked for his glory!

My cousin, Katie. She is one of the most compassionate people I know. Sometimes I think about what goals she has, the people she has already helped, and the people she will help.It's incredible what the Lord can do with a compassionate heart. She is changed the way I see people.

 My boyfriend, Tyler. He has such talent and passion for acting. He is such an example in my life through his passion and discipline within his craft. I am inspired to give all I have to what I love. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for him.

My teacher and role model, Jody. Her story contains much  tragedy. But through the hard times, she brought the Lord glory. Her life and mindset continue to push me to live life to the fullest.

My friend, and cheerleader, Linda. Through her writing and creative mind she draws me closer to the Lord. Her eternal mindset is one that I covet. Her words have touched people across the country.

A co-worker I have, Jamaal. He does body building competitions. Through the discipline he has in dieting, exercising, he is sharing his love for the Lord.

My dear friend, Eliza. Severing the Lord- even when it is difficult. She is faithful in her encouragement to me personally, and to others. Her lyrics, piano playing, and songs have caused me to strain after the Lord even closer. I'm anxious to see what the Lord has in store for her.

 All people- all different. But, all using their unique talents for the Lord. i love that God made us all so different, but yet all working together for the same Goal. The body of Christ is unique and amazing. i am SO thankful I can partake in it! And I am blessed with such friends that want to be used as well!