Powerful Words.

I’m officially one week into semester two of grad school. This semester is going to be crazier than last semester, and I’m so thankful for a big planner to schedule my mornings/afternoons/nights, a mom who [almost] always has an encouraging word on a rough day, and for forgiveness on the days when I make mistakes, ignore friends, and get angry and grumpy for no reason at all.

One of my goals for this semester is to blog more, and I’m only a week late getting started. Not bad, right?

Here’s a verse I am loving these days, reminding me that I am chosen, loved and that I have a purpose.

This picture is from one of my favorite blogs, Miss Magnolia.  She has a great story, some real world wisdom and some powerful posts. 

PS:  This verse is from the "I am the vine;  you are the branches," chapter of John--hello, rockstar chapter. 

Thanks.

Well, since it is still November and we celebrated Thanksgiving last week, I thought it might be appropriate to share what I’m thankful for! I’m not consistent enough to post something in my Facebook status every day like some people, so here are a few things I’m giving thanks for these days (and always). This list is in no particular order, just a few quick things I thought of while sitting in my little cubicle.

1. Family. I cannot imagine my life without the most supportive, loving, and fun family in the entire world. My family is the most incredible support system I could ever ask for and I can honestly say they are my best friends. My parents have shown me what a Godly marriage looks like and they have set an amazing example for my sister and I to follow. I look up to my little sister (in more ways than one) and am so thankful for her honesty and her gift of discernment.

2. I am thankful for Ole Miss. Regardless of the bad press we might receive every now and then, I cannot imagine a better place to have spent my undergraduate (and now my graduate) school years. Oxford in the fall is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Trees are changing colors and the weather is incredible—throw in a little SEC football, great tailgating, and some good old fashioned Southern hospitality, and you have an atmosphere that can’t be beat. And now that Thanksgiving is over, I am thankful for an Egg Bowl win against our in state rivals--it was a long time coming and our team worked so hard for it!

3. The South. Y’all, I cannot imagine growing up anywhere else. I grew up in a town where everybody knows everybody and let me tell you, it. was. awesome. Don’t picture Mayberry, because I graduated from a 6A high school (currently South State Champs-woo!)  and we have all of the modern conveniences we could ever need, including a Chick-Fil-A. My hometown is growing so quickly, but I am so blessed to have grown up in a city and school system with incredible Christian role models, teachers, and administrators. Our town is proud of our hometown heroes, including service men and women, an American Idol, and incredible athletes. I’m praying I’ll end up in a town like Brandon to raise my kiddos one day!

4. See my last post, becuase I am super thankful for Kanakuk Kamps, their ministry, and the message they are preaching. I'm also so very thankful for Kanakuk friends.

5. America. Fredoom. Troops. Need I say more? We are so blessed to live in this country and the Lord has His hand on the United States and its future. Thank you to the men and women fighting for our freedom every day!

6. I have no idea how people survived without Diet Coke, and now my latest addiction--coffee. I guess I'm thankful for caffiene really. And you know how they say "absence makes the heart grow fonder," well after a week at kamp with no diet coke, this girl is bustin through the gates and down to the Sonic in Hollister to get a Route44 with that yummy crunchy ice. So thanks, Coca-cola company--this girl is hooked.

7. Sunsets. I know that sounds super cheesy, but my absolute most favorite time of day is when the sun is setting and everything looks pink. It almost feels like God is creating this beautiful masterpiece just for us. When the sun is setting we can take just a second to slow down and enjoy His creation. It is a daily reminder of HIs presence and his perfect plan. If you've never taken notice of this before, I would sugget finding a porch swing (or glider) and taking ten minutes to soak it all in. I promise you'll be glad you did.

8. I'm thankful for the Olympics. This goes along with being thankful for America, but it deserves separate recognition. Also, the Olympics are an excuse to wear red, white, and blue every day.

9. Snail Mail. How old school is that? NOTHING is better than a hand written note. Want to make my day (or anyone elses)? Drop them a card in the mail and I promise when they open their mailbox and find it they'll be smiling.

10. Lastly, and probably most importatnt (even though I said these were in no particular order) I am thankful for forgiveness. I have James 1:22 on my desk at work "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." and try as I might, I cannot "do what it says" every minute of every day. I am flawed and sinful and so thankful for forgiveness. So every time I mess up, I am reminded of God's ultimate sacrifice and His beautiful illustration of forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14  

Peace and Blessings.  So many blessings. 

Coming soon:  Things I Am Thankful For

Kamp—not camp.

This is a little late, oh well.


What is kamp? According to Big Chief, Kanakuk is the land of tall trees, round mountains, and cold water (REALLY cold water). It is a place where Native Americans lived and worshipped the one true God and lived the “I’m Third” lifestyle—God first, others second, I am third. The name Kanakuk even means “the loved one" (how awesome is that?). But after three summers at K-Kountry, the smallest kamp in the Kanakuk family, kamp has become so much more to me than just another summer camp.

Kamp is a safe place, where kids can be kids—enjoying the Creator and His handiwork. It is a place where lifelong friendships are born. Moments of wonder are on the daily agenda--with little eyes lighting up as the Gospel comes to life before their eyes. Bizarre costumes are the norm and tie dye and neon are a part of the dress code. Shouts of laughter and giggling echo through the trees as kids race down zip lines and waterslides. Eyes light up as the Sea Captain battles the evil Red Ape in a story where good always triumphs evil. Kids are honored for their selfless acts of service and dedication to living the I’m Third lifestyle. Koffee Kake is served without Coffee--and it is awesome.  SnailMail is your only connection to the outside world.  Kids pride themselves on becoming Polar Bears and shivering in the middle of July is common. College students jump around yelling at the mention of a single word. Bumblebees are olympic gold medals and birthday celebrations rival royal weddings. Hypeness is a requirement for entering the gates. A monster puppet who lives in a trampoline is every kamper's best friend and a bookworm is the Kamp hero. No task is too great when a friend is in need or kamp is in trouble--even if that means breaking records on the lazy river. Ice cream of some kind is on the menu every day. And at K-Kountry you will find the most loveable, gracious, supportive, and faithful kids, staff, and leadership in the whole world.

I am so incredibly blessed to have spent three summers at the Happiest Place on Earth, and I can't wait to send my little kiddos there one day to experience the wonder and excitement of a place filled with God's love. I made friends that will truly last a lifetme; I also learned so much about faith and walking with the Lord from the people I worked with. Anyone looking for the summer job of a lifetime? It is at Kanakuk Kamps.   Here are some snapshots from this summer.  I'm pretty sure it is illegal (or somtheing like that) to post pictures of kids without permission, therefore, these pictures are all of big kids.    

photo creds to:  Robby Veronesi, Stephanie Scudder, Chelsea Taff, and Anna Alaback    Peace and Blessings, y'all!

I'm baacccckkkkk!

So blessed to have spent the summer working alongside these incredible women (and some pretty cool guys)!  Now that I'm settling back into a routine maybe I can pick up this blogging thing again.  Hopefully :)

Finals Week

Inspiration for this week.

Maybe when finals are over I will find time to blog again!

Blast From the Past

Today was nerd day at Lafayette High School and it reminded me of my glory days at the wonderful BHS. Here's a blast from the past---"College Day" at Brandon High School. Yep, I'm wearing dress code approved "Grove attire" and Saraluren is wearing maroon and white (so happy she changed her mind and came to Ole Miss!!). I'm so thankful to have had such a wonderful group of people to spend my high school years with!!