The End, Conclusion, Wrapping Up, Finale.

Today is kind of a big deal in my little life. Today is my last day being employed at Liberty University. I know it's really not that big of a deal... but being the over-dramatic person I am, it is a big deal. I am happy to say I have found a job and I am more than confident I will love it! I cannot wait to join Virginia Eye Clinic and HIS Ministry. I will help manage most of the marketing and public relations for VEC and I will be conducting public relations, event coordinating and networking with HIS Ministry. In all honesty, I have no idea what all that practicality looks like- but I can say, I am thrilled to be joining the team and so thankful the Lord has provided me with a wonderful job!
  
I start on Monday.

I am not walking. But my roomie let me borrow her stuff! :]

Those of you who know me, are most likely thinking- wait, I'm sorry, WHAT? You're staying in Lynchburg? And my answer to your question is, yes, for now! I can say the Lord has truly been working on my heart this year and through many unexpected turn of events- here, in little Lynchburg, I will stay.

I do have a few fears about staying here:

1. Developing a Southern accent. When I go home, to the North, I would greatly appreciate it if you could continue to make fun of me and bring to my attention any type of southern drawl I may have developed. [But please stop making fun of my love of Sweet Tea. It's really good. okay?]

2. My driving skills. While I have lived here my skills have been declining. I am so frightened that I will continue developing bad driving habits and start yielding before I get on the highway and I will never drive with my lights on.

3. I will view the grocery store as a leisure activity. You Northerners know Wal-Mart/Kroger are not the places to catch up with an old friend, talk on your cell phone, or go to just 'hang out.' The people here do not really think of the grocery store the same way we do. I have caught myself a few times lollygagging near the baking section!!

As long as I am aware of these issues and deliberately try to work at them, I think I'll be okay.

So, this is it. This is what the end of college feels like. [Again, humor me, I am dramatic] My friend Ashleigh Brooks and I LOVED the show Gilmore Girls. We watched the last season together around my sophomore year of college. In the last episode, Rory is graduating and Logan purposes [she says no, which I still think is stupid of her] and then she says goodbye to her town and becomes a traveling journalist. My sister was Graduating college around that time and I vividly remember her saying, "Guys, this is sad! This is like my life right now!" [Two Things: I have no idea why I remember her comment. And how the HECK did Ashleigh and I get Blythe to watch Gilmore Girls??!!  She will probably be mad that I confessed that in my blog.] Now I can understand her statement, while this is all very exciting, it is sad.  As I am leaving a really wonderful chapter of my life, I am so ecstatic to begin a new one.

When I packed up my apartment I started the Seasons 8, 9 and 10 of friends... I really, really, really believe that is the best way to end something.

So as I sit here at my desk until 3:00 pm today, I will enjoy my last day and day dream of what is ahead, I’m convinced it is going to be amazing.

A couple nights ago, I found myself stressing out and second guessing all my decisions that have brought me to this point [It was after I watch the last episodes of friends- Rachel second guessed herself! It got me thinking…] I literally stumbled upon this comfort. [I thought I was reading Colossians the whole time…and then I was like, wait, this is isn’t Colossians] but I’m sure glad I found this when I did:

Happy life changes to everyone!! Enjoy them.

This is for all my fellow women who are thrilled to be graduating but also a little scared to death.

It's been a long time. My life has been a whirlwind of craziness, but I am happy to report- good, fun, craziness! I went to Florida a couple weeks ago and visited my grandma, who is awesome. The entire trip was sincerely needed- I was so happy to get out of Lynchburg for a while. This weekend Katie is visiting and then next Justin and I are headed to Michigan. After that my old froomie, Nicolette is visiting and then a few short weeks later, my birthday. After that, the semester ends, graduation, wedding in Michigan and hopefully back to Lynchburg for another year with all sorts of new events! So, that's my update.

Here's my post: 

I am 22. A young, entrepreneur minded, spirited, emotional, highly opinionated and incessant planner. I  do not believe I am one of a kind and that's why I am writing this post. This is for all my fellow women who are thrilled to be graduating but also a little scared to death. I came to the conclusion that I am fearful of graduation because after that is when I really start to take responsibility for my own life. Yes, I am a hard worker and I have made some pretty decent decisions in my little 22 years. But all the decisions I am choosing after gradation- are my choices, I will be held responsible for them. I made the biggest decision of my life  after high school, I chose to go to Liberty University. This was a choice that made all decisions for me for the next four years. Now, I have no decision that will hold me captivate for four years.

Today I was reflecting on freshman year. Moving in the dorms along with 60 other girls, just about four years later and we are all on different paths. Some are married, some have children, some are still single. Others have mourned the loss of a loved one. A few are still here at Liberty and others are lost in the world trying to find the next step. Some girls suffered from sickness while others remain spiritually lost. No two stories are the same. No two girls share the same life. This got me thinking, many things can happen in four years.

As a woman I tend to get lost in the details. I over complicate things. I analyze and over analyze again. I read between the lines creating issues that do not even exist. I can be dramatic and blow situations out of proportion. And all these problems seem to double when I am job and house hunting. These qualities seem to ooze out of me as a consequence of the stress when searching for life post-graduation. Remember the whole control freak thing? This does not help during the entire planning post grad process. And sometimes I think I am the only one, does anyone else feel this way? I know they have to, but you all hide it very well!

 I've really been challenged lately, to trust something will be provided. Looking back at my life now, I made the hard decision of moving 13 hours away from home. While I was scared and cried every day for a long time the Lord faithfully provided me. He provided me with so much more than I ever needed and He will provide again. Waiting is difficult because I want him to provide for me how I want and right now. But often He will provide how He wants and in His time. So, that might mean I won't get the highest paying job or  have the most beautiful hardwood floor and spacious kitchen apartment. That might mean I will get not married in my perfect timing or I move closer to my family. It could mean I will be single for 40 years and move even further away from my family! But I can honestly say, the things in my life God took away- I know were for a purpose and even when it hurts or I'm confused or frustrated and think it is not how my life should go- He knows what my life should look like and He will provide. I have been reading through the book of  Daniel and I can see how God provides throughout the book. He took care of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He took care of Daniel. He (eventually) provided for King Nebuchadanezzer to be rescued. Before the King is restored he said,

"...and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation or generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?" ....for all His works are right and his ways are just and those who walk in pride he is able to humble."

I know he will take care of me. It just may not look like how I envisioned.

In the Bible Study I go to we are reading a book by Nancy Demoss. And in this book she asked questions to inspire self reflection, I have listed a couple that really got me thinking:

1. Am I purposeful and intentional in my use of time seeking to invest the moments of my days in ways that I will bring glory to God? 
2. Do I habitually verbalize the goodness and greatness of God? 
3. Do I speak works that are critical, unkind, untrue, self-centered, rude, profane or unnecessary? 
4. Am I content with the material resources God has given me? (This was big one for me)
5. Am I disciplining my mind to get to know God and his word better?

As I tend to get caught up in everything with planning and stressing, I often forget to remember how much the Lord has provided for me. When something seems to not work out- I go into panic mode. I am really working at training my mind and heart to have a thankful spirit. [I'm pretty sure that will be a life-long training] No matter what happens, I know the Lord is in control. And just because I don't have the 'next step' figured out yet- doesn't mean God doesn't. Again, like every other post, I am working on enjoying. Enjoying the time of the unknown. Enjoying and getting excited to see how the Lord will provide for me next. Enjoying the last months of my life now, because in May- it will all change. 

So, that's where I am right now. I hope wherever you are in life, you are enjoying. I hope you are not too lost in the unknown and not getting to upset about broken plans. You will be taken care of. You will be provided for. Here are some verses that have guided me through this process:

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord. - Ps. 27:14

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth visible and invisible, where thrones of dominions or rulers and authorities- all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things and in him all things hold together. - Col. 1:16-17

Its been FOREVER.

So, I've been away from the blogger world, for any of you who read regularly (Keri Cook) I am sorry. My life has been filled with many events and craziness. I am happy (and slightly sad) to say my life has slowed down. Today I have been working on my resume and a few other things. I wanted you to have a look and if you think it is good, pass it along to anyone you know! 

Sorry about the quality, I had reformat them. If I learned one thing the past couple of months, it's that Macs are 10 billion times better than PCs. Like, seriously. People who want to argue that have to of never use a mac before. Or they haven't taken the time to learn how an Apple works, for real. It's worth the extra ca$h.

Also, I loathe shopping for plane tickets. I promise to write more soon! Feel free to give me some feedback!

Consider this disclaimed.

Readers- Please excuse all the large and annoying black boxes with the triangles in them! I'm not sure what happened or what I did to have them appear as huge eye sores for everyone to see... but I assure you, they will be fixed- quickly!

I have been reading some articles, watching videos, and as a result some thoughts have been floating around my brain. Some of the content I viewed became decently thought provoking for me. I was compelled to share all this information with you and also wanted to put it all in one place. I hope some of these things get your mind floating everywhere as well! 

*Disclaimer: Just because I post something, does not mean I totally 100% support it or that I am 100% against it. If you want to converse about it, let me know.

1. There is a Facebook App that allows people to set their last status, ever. I think creepy.. Would you want your last words to be on Facebook? I'm not sure. Read about it here.

2. And of course... I'm sorta sick of him now. 



3. Found this on my friends Facebook.. "Why I don't believe in Christian Accountability."

4. I wasn't too sure what SPOA was and ect. Here's a little summery of the whole issue. I found it helpful.

5. It comes out soon..... :]


6. Mark Driscoll interview entitled 'Just Grow Up.' Most thought provoking part for me:

You’ve talked a lot about twenty-somethings today living in a sort of extended adolescence. Why do you think that is?

I think, in particular, it’s young men. Perhaps to some degree it is young women as well, but we’re finding more women are getting better grades, more women are graduating high school, more women are graduating college, more women are buying homes, more women are doing things that are more adult and responsible. We’ve created this. It’s a sociological category. It used to be you go from “boy” to “man,” and now you go from “boy” to “guy” to “man.”

It’s just extended adolescence, where 20s, 30s, sometimes even in his 40s, he doesn’t really want to get married, doesn’t really want to have kids, doesn’t really want to pursue a career. He has a lot of hobbies, got a lot of buddies, watches a lot of porn, gambles, has a lot of fun, maybe plays in some band or is in a guild of World of Warcraft, or something ridiculous like that. And they’ve even got little [mottos] like, “It’s all good” and, “Bros before hos.” It’s just this whole adolescent, juvenile culture. .... and I think part of the problem is, as well, that the Church in large part has accommodated that.

Those guys tend not to go to church. If those guys do show up at church, it’s usually just to find a couple of gals to break the commandments with. And the Church doesn’t really know what to do with them, so the least likely person in America to go to church is a guy in his 20s who is single. Without knowing what to do with those guys, they commit crimes, they get women pregnant, they’re a drain on social services, they don’t raise their kids, they don’t contribute to church, they’re not getting ready to lead the next generation. I’d say it’s nothing short of a crisis, it’s a real problem.

While Driscoll was hounding on the men, I was left with the question, and what are women supposed to do?


7. Gay Rights.


8. I very much enjoyed this article "Women, stop submitting to men." Is there such a thing such as Godly or Biblical feminism?

9. Mark Driscoll and his wife wrote a book on marriage. One review is here.  [Also, Driscoll is speaking at Liberty this Spring. Insert [Eeeeeeeeek] here. I hope he talks about the previous article posted.]

10. A company used the new Facebook Timeline to create an Anti-Drug campaign.

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!

ENJOY!

This weekend was so much fun! I hiked up a mountain, I know, a freakin' mountain. And I cooked chicken! And green beans and mashed potatoes... nothing burned... although the potatoes did kind of explode... but, no one was hurt.. :]. I went to church and got a bunch of stuff done last night, I went to sleep feeling accomplished and ready for anything new.

And I woke up today thinking... I need to enjoy life more. I know I have blogged about this multiple times-- but I think that shows it is a continual left lesson for me. I get so caught up in the next thing, or what is new, what new goal can I accomplish this week, or what task will arise for me tomorrow. Gosh, it is EXHAUSTING.

I want to know what is going to happen with the rest of my life? I want to know if I should attend grad school? I want to know if I should move to a city or stay in a town? I want to know where God wants me next, I want to know who my spouse will be.... But, you know what, sometimes I think it is best if we don't know. That might be right where God needs us to be. Not knowing, for me, can produce anxiety or stress, when really, isn't not knowing the perfect time to demonstrate faith?

The only thing I do know, is that God has me here, right now, and that's all I have.

"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away."

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Instead of sitting and thinking and planning and dreaming and wondering... I need to just stop, look at what I have in this moment and enjoy. Because, let's be real, if I don't start enjoying life now, I'm not sure I ever will. That's another thing I'm learning, practice good habits now, so you don't have to break bad habits later... but I'll leave that for a different post.

Enjoy your week!

-Hales

Christian Music Throwbacks

I'm not a big fan of Christian Music now. 

I was raised with the classics: 















After all that, I think Christian Music really went down hill...

But, I really like this song. Just a good reminder that with God's Grace we are free....



Also, If you use Pandora- Try the 'Enter the Worship Circle' station. Thanks Taylor Guffey! :]

Happy Tuesday!

Sometimes my brain is so self centered.



Pinterest

 It is that time in the semester, the first feeling of crunch time. I think there is something about the changing of the seasons that makes everyone kick it into high gear, transition mode. As my last year of undergrad has gotten into 'full swing,' I have found myself wondering about what comes next. I know, I have blogged about the stress of wondering about the next step before, but this weekend I found myself thinking about it often.
Today I talked to my dad, (who is so great) and he reminded me of something very important. An aspect of life that I often forget to partake in. In the midst of my ramblings and questions and what if's he stopped me and reminded me to enjoy.

In all the self evaluation, planning, analyzing, thinking, searching and exploring- I so often forget to take off my high heels shoes and pencil skirt and sit down, and enjoy a moment! Why do I find my value in how packed my planner is? Why do I find value in how busy my week can be?

I love my planner. I love making plans. I love making plans to make plans! I look at my planner on Sundays and configure when I will be with this person here or how I can minister to that person there- and it is just so absurd! The fact that I think I can control my life through making my own plans and still believe that I have given God the control is appalling. It's laughable really, sometimes my brain is SO self-centered. Why would I think that my plans are more important than making myself available to be used by God?

When thinking about what I want to do with my life or where I want to go with my life. What career path to pursue or what city to move to or where I should further seeks education- I realized I am thinking about the wrong person. Why do I think I have the right to say, ‘I want to choose a lifestyle which will give me the most out of my life?’ Shouldn’t it be ‘I want to choose a lifestyle in which He can use me for his glory…whatever that is, I’ll do it.’

My dad also encouraged me to find enjoyment in my everyday because then the next 'step' or 'thing' will come, and I will be ready to enjoy. It reminded me of Ecclesiastes, (Such a great book!)

"There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?" Ecc. 2:23-25

"Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going." Ecc. 9: 9-10

Also:

"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James 4:13-15

Well, all this to say- Enjoy today. Enjoy your life. Take the time you need to assess your life, your motives, your heart... but don't forget to enjoy.

Here are some little things that I enjoy, you should try some too!

Paint your nails a FALL color! And black totally counts as a fall color!!!

Go for a drive and enjoy the changing seasons!

Make some YUMMY dessert!

Get some bubble gum and watch baby mama!

Watch some friends!

Organize your closet!

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!

Here's to Lynchburg

Yupp, I'm back. Here again. For one more year. One more year of college.

I started my new job... it basically ROCKS.

My Froomies are home! [YAY]

And yes, every ounce of my being did not want to come back. But, here I am. Yes, I wake up and my heart is still beating for Michigan and I roll my eyes at the site of every old pickup truck, terrible driver, slow talker, and overly friendly person. I am a northern type of woman.... and that will never change.

But, I think Jeff Carl got it right....



Check him out. He rocks.

And, here's to another year in Lynchburg! :] I think it is going to rock.