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

10 little things to turn an everyday Fabulous... This might possibly be the most girlish post I have ever done. ever.

I am about a month into school and I am defiantly getting into my routine. I am a very planned person and I thrive best when I am on a schedule. [Check out the picture below] When my planner is the fullest and color coordinated... I am the happiest!

In the midst of our busy lives, I think, we get lost in the mundane of everyday. To live each day forgetting that each moment is unique, special, and a gift happens all to often in my life. So, here are a few little things that can make your everyday fabulous.

Cinnamon from Walmart

1. Cinnamon. With Fall and Winter right around the corner, cinnamon is a GREAT way to get in the seasons mood. Just mix a little cinnamon in with your coffee grounds.. and WALA! You have a super sweet drink to wake up to in the morning. It just makes coffee a little more fallish! And it is only $3.00! You know I love Starbucks, but lets get real, I can't offered a latte everyday!

Target

2. Candles. And not just for a little ambiance during a bubble bath... I burn candles ALL the time! When I wake up in the morning, I make my coffee, light some candles and prepare for my day. Why should you just enjoy a little candle light at night? I have a pumpkin and Cinnavilla candle in my room. They are from Target and they small so great AND they last forever.

BBW

3. Lotion. Before I leave my apartment I always put on hand lotion. I really believe lotion makes a difference in how great my day is! Having soft hands makes a difference, I swear! But, this is not just any lotion... Please tell me you have heard of Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy line! Well, I use the 'Stress Relief' sent... And I love it! Whether it really does relieve my stress.. I don't really care, I just know I feel so much better after I put it on!

Charlotte Russe

4 and 5. Sunglasses and Lip gloss. Once I get on the road I put on my ridiculously over sized sunglasses and happily drive over to work. I'm telling you, sunglasses will make you feel SO MUCH COOLER. And. lip gloss. Who doesn't love lip gloss? I just found THE BEST lip gloss at Target. Have you heard of ELF Cosmetics? They rock. Super cheap, super awesome quality.

Yes, it is $1.00.

 6. Gel Roller Pens. I am the 'Office Manager' at Liberty University Intramural Sports... Yeah, that's my super awesome title! Really, I take alot of phone messages, write memos, file paperwork and ect... But, let me tell you- how much more fun writing phone messages can be with these wonderful Gel Roller Pens. It's amazing how a much a good pen can make a difference in your everyday life! Staples delivers in one day, it really is SO easy.

7. Color. I do not recycle.. I know, I know. I must hate the earth. And I don't, I watched and LOVED Captain Planet. But, sometimes in an office you make too many copies, it is bound to happen. So, I decided to start using my too many copies as scrap paper. And here, we use many fun colors for our fliers- which means more fun colors for scrap paper. Also, who wants a boring yellow sticky note when you can have neon? Seriously. The extra color can make your day a little extra fabulous.

8. Surround yourself with people you love. I sit at a desk all day, why not take the moment to walk down memory lane? Surround yourself with pictures of places and people you love... You'll find inspiration as you work.








9. Mouse Pads. I think mouse pad are pointless, stupid and most of the time ugly... but I used mine as a way to add a little flare to my cubical. See? You can buy cute mouse pads at staples!














10. Not co-workers, Friends!  When you spend about 40 hours a week in an office, you need some friends. Sure you can have the casual cubical conversation. But, a way to make your day a little more fabulous, is make friends with your co-workers! I've made a long lasting friendship, here, at work, with Kristy! I look forward to seeing her at work in the morning, during lunch, and during my coffee breaks. I go into her office when I need a counseling session, or need to vent, and I miss her on the weekends! I don't have her picture, but here is her business card.. and sorry it is sideways... I think my iphone is tiered.. But, work would not be as fabulous without her!

Now, everyone go have a Fabulous Day!

Warning: I use the phrase'Kick Ass' in this entry.

As we grow up we are always looking forward to the next step. I think it might be a girl thing. When I was in elementary school, I dreamed of high school... I was in high school and I dreamed of college. Now that I am finishing college, I cannot wait to be done and move along to a career! One common day dream for girls, are weddings. Now, some girls will deny it, but if they were honest they would admit to attending a wedding and while there comparing and brainstorming about your own. You know you do.

There are various reasons we all look forward to the next 'big things' in our lives. Maybe this part of life isn't as fun as we thought it would be. Maybe this phase is boring. Maybe the next phase is something we always dreamed about, or has more money... I'm not sure. But, I had an epiphany today... while day dreaming! 

I have always dreamed about being a kick ass wife. It's just a goal I've always had in mind. Since I am at Liberty... (The largest school in the world to support premature marriage, immature dating, and think rushing everything that has to due with relationships is a good idea) It has been a challenge to be surrounded by women and girls who are going to be wives, like by spring. So, naturally, day dreaming about becoming a wife happens.

So, then my epiphany... What would happen if, instead of dreaming about the next step, I took the time to prepare myself for the next stage of life? I day dream about my 5, 10, and 20 year plans coming true, (Yes, being a kick ass wife is on the 20 year plan) but the reality is they will never come true unless my heart is truly prepared for it.

So, Proverbs 31:

An excellent wife, [or kick ass wife] who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain. 
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight. 

She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”  

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates

My first thoughts:

1. I should learn how to sew... right? I swear, she made everything. 
2. If that passage sets the bar..I'm not ready to be wife.
3. This is the definition of a kick ass wife... So, I have much work to do.   

To break it down:

• Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. I am in a major turning point of my life, as are my fellow college colleagues. I have no idea where I will be a year from now. I am going to have to move and find a real job, and it all seems so very stressful and scary when I view it on my own. But, the kick ass wife can smile at her future. I can only think, the smiling happens because she has the strength of the Lord and she knows what she deserves (something dignified), this creates peace. God, will provide. All the empty future holds for me is a world of opportunity to see God provides. So, smile at it.
  
  
• She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. How often do I open my too talkative mouth and say something SO unwise? I'll answer that, daily.  How often do I give unbiblical, worldly, selfish advice? Why am I not constantly encouraging all people I come into contact with? A kick ass wife does. She has the teaching of KINDNESS on her tongue?! The only teaching, I think, is on my tongue is sarcasm and the art of devaluing people.
  
  
• She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. This one is my FAVORITE, because I was just thinking about it the other day. So, Facebook. Who has Facebook? Oh, everyone... even every one's grandparents, 1 year old cousins and household pets?!? Absurd... pets can't even type. Busybodies are a longstanding issue. "We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.  Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 1 Timothy." So, women, don't lie, we do like to sit around when we have nothing to do and 'catch up' AKA: gossip. That is a busybody. Back in the day, people just spread it word of mouth... But now, with FACEBOOK-- it is SO much easier to be a busybody! Being a busybody does not even involve moving anymore! You and your friends can live in different states and sit on computers and be busybodies together, without even picking up the phone! (Thank you Facebook chat)  I am just picturing old school Israel with women walking around with their iphones on Facebook in the marketplace just gabbing away. (It is kinda funny to think about) That is NOT what a kick ass wife does... she is BUSY. She WORKS. She is a diligent, steadfast, and a hardworking women. The kick ass with does not have time for idleness. 

• 'Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised' This verse is comfort but I think also a warning. Yes, it is nice to know that everything the world tells us we need or is valued, is honestly, meaningless... ie charm and beauty. That's a comfort. But, doesn't that put a whole bunch of pressure on your heart? It's really easy to pluck my eyebrows, dye my hair, put on make up, pay for fake breasts. But working on your heart, is hard. And painful. And not fun. And during the process you do NOT feel anymore beautiful. But, that's all God cares about. And that should be your husband's main concern for you. Fearing the Lord, and working on your heart will make you a kick ass wife.

So, as I ponder and dream about the next stage of life, kick ass wife hood (hopefully it is in there somewhere) I will prepare now. What's your next stage of life? Smile at it and then get prepared. I think that will make it all work out in the end.

-Hales