Performance Week!!!!!!

The time has come for Spring Sing performance week at school-which is why I have been sparse in posts lately. Spring Sing is kind of a big deal here, leading up to Easter weekend. It is a show where 3-4 clubs group up and create a 7 minute show complete with music, lyrics, costumes and, most importantly, choreography. There are about 6 different clusters of clubs, along with an ensemble and 4-5 hosts/hostesses in between each club show. 

This year, our overall theme is Larger than Life. And our club show is **drumroll, please**..........

OLYMPICS!

It all begins tonight with our "Jersey Night", where each club wears their specific jersey to perform their 7 minute show. 

Tomorrow will be our dress rehearsal, then we get a break Wednesday night-for church and stuff. Thursday begins our true performances, with one during the day, one at night, a night performance Friday, matinee Saturday, and the big award performance Saturday night-where we find out the results of the show. 

The winning clubs get a certain amount of money to go toward a charity of their choice, depending on their place. My freshman year, we got 3rd, so we were given money for the Sunshine School, here in Searcy, which works with special needs people.

So stay tuned for pictures of all the madness of performance week! And wish us luck. For anyone coming to the show: VOTE FOR OLYMPICS!!! 

(even though it doesn't work that way)

Sub-Spring Break Snow

 So the Southerner in me is coming out tonight as I, along with thousands of other Harding students, freak out about the mid-March snowfall. The rumor spread all day long, but it was too sunny and relatively warm to actually seem plausible. But tonight, as we headed to Spring Sing practice, we saw the first signs of the snow to come. Halfway through the practice, huge globs of snowflakes began to fall. By the time we got done, the cars and grass were covered in about half an inch of snow.
So naturally, I called my mom to tell her of the crazy phenomenon. After sharing that news, we got back to our dorm to make hot chocolate, and listen to the thumps of people throwing snowballs in the courtyard. Needless to say, I am praying for a snow day tomorrow-even though it's a long shot.

Perfect Gifts [Eternal Threads]

If you are looking for a gift or just a little something new for you, try out Eternal Threads. They are an organization working to support sustainable living for women in third world countries who are at risk for trafficking-especially sex trafficking-through fair trade, handmade gifts. The women make these items and are paid fairly for the labor they put in, so that they can support their families.

They have everything from headbands to home decor to bags and wallets. I know where I'm getting my Christmas gifts for this year from. Absolutely beautiful jewelry and purses along with some things for guys and ways to give gifts to families overseas to help them live. 

I've looked at a few fair trade organizations that sell similar products, and although beautiful and working for a great thing, they are pretty expensive! As a college student, I just can't pay those prices. Eternal Threads though is pretty reasonably priced. 

Wow. Sorry that sounds like an infomercial. But seriously, check out Eternal Threads website and see a little more of what they are about and the different items they have in their store.

http://www.eternalthreads.com/shop/index.php?p=home

Video of the Day

I wanted to share a video for today. Just watch and enjoy!

[Nicole and Reagen] ::March 2013::

Over spring break, I had the opportunity to hang out with two of my girls from the youth group I interned with last summer. We shopped and ate and had a mini photo shoot! Here are some pics of these two beautiful young ladies. Hope you enjoy.

Via Dolorosa

I was asked this weekend to step in as a last minute chaperone for my church's youth retreat. An odd request to come my way at the end of my spring break, but I agreed thinking it would be a fun way to end my time home. Little did I know the theme for the weekend was centered around Christ's arrest, death, burial and resurrection. 
Saturday afternoon we watched a clip from a History channel special on scourging and crucifixion, a heavy topic. They showed a reenactmemt of Christ walking down the Via Dolorosa (Way of Grief) in Jerusalem. 
I was standing there a year ago this February. I saw the Church of the Flagellation. I walked the 12 stations of the Cross, some of which was on the same cobblestone that Jesus stumbled his way to Golgotha on. Our youth minister ended the afternoon session with these words-"You deserve to be scourged like he was. You deserved to carry that beam like he had to. You deserved to walk down the Via Dolorosa like he did.
But God, my Father loved me enough to keep me from that. And a year ago, as I reached Golgotha, praise the Lord! When my walk ended, I did not have to be hung on the cross like he was. It was already wonderfully, mercifully done for me. What a soboring thought! My journey down the Via Dolorosa ended in devotional reflection and not death. And I don't take time to reflect on that incredible truth like I should. But maybe thats because if I did, I wouldn't have been as affected as I was; as I am. 

Part of our group walking down the Via Dolorosa
in Jerusalem last February

At the Church of the Flagellation,
where we began our journey of the 12 stages

Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane
February 16th,  2012

Romans 7:15

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." 
I think I am finally beginning to understand Paul. I have loved this verse for quite a while now, but its clicking. And I am not meaning in huge, dramatic tones. But I do things I used to hate. Like having sandy feet. When I was a child, I HATED sandy feet but I  strolled along the shoreline and then slid my burlap TOMS back on. Who am I? 
And what I used to love, I now hate. Going to the mall now is next to miserable. I hate being around so much unfair consumerism. It makes my stomache turn just thinking about it. And I do not understand what I do. But maybe that's because I have been changed forever. I have grown more into the person God's calling me to be. And I'll take it sandy feet and all.

Just Because It's Not Forever

I have been struggling lately with genuineness. Whether that is in relationships, in memories, in worship, whatever; and I have come to the conclusion that just because it's not the same now, doesn't mean it wasn't real in the first place. 

This thought began with me realizing that I judge others' worship methods. I have been, until recently, very skeptical of the way people worship at church around me. When in a situation where it's easy to be impacted by the mood of your surroundings, I look around at others and think "Are you actually worshipping, or do you just like this song?...Will you actually take something away from this or is it an act to get people to think you are this incredibly godly person?" And that's where I stop myself. Does that matter? Well, yes, but God is still being praised, even if it is in that moment alone. His name is still being glorified and lifted up. So what does it matter if a few months ago they were doing something unholy? And right now, what does it matter if in a few months they turn away and hit a rough patch in the road? God's name is being praised right here and right now, and that's good enough for today. All things happen in time.

Which brings me to another reality that I have been taught. Friendships are not (always) forever. As I sat with a dear friend having coffee a week ago, we talked about fleeting friendships and how difficult it is to realize that they were not meant to last the rest of your life. There is something fragile about friendships that makes them beautiful in the time they have. Just because it doesn't last forever doesn't mean there is no point. I can look back on any friendship I have had fade away and see their mark on my life, even if it's just a small smudge. Some friends had a huge impact in the few months they were around, but then it was time to move on. They taught what they could and I gave what I had, and now it's someone else's turn. That doesn't make the friendship any less real. 

I'm a note hoarder-including, but not limited to, texts, facebook messages and snail mail. And sometimes, when I am having a bad day or stumble upon it, I pull out those old notes. For a long time, as I read through notes from friends of days past, I wondered if those kind things they said were ever genuine at all. That, my friends, is the voice of Satan, telling you that you were not ever actually important to that person, they just faked it to make you feel worth something. But those notes, old messages, faded friendships are all part of the adventure of life. And it's kind of a beautiful thing to be able to see the pattern they are forming as they come into your life and then walk away. Not bad, not angry, but just moving on to other things. I don't know if that will ever be a pill I can swallow, but it's at least head-knowledge, and that's good enough for me. 

The Beginning

I have officially started watching the Walking Dead today. Went to the library a couple days ago to find some work out dvds and found season 1 of the Walking Dead. Jackpot! I've heard so much about it, so I think its time to give it a try.

Simple Things

Sometimes, it's just days like today, when it's finally warm enough to drive with the windows down.

It's listening to the Passion 2013 cd, remembering what an impact it was on the beginning of the year.

Spending time with wonderful people.

Pictures. Nothing is better than taking pictures of friends on a beautiful day.

Beginning a new project.

Reading friends' blogs, and being inspired by the things around you.

Crossroads

I'm at a crossroads in my life between knowledge and action. I have recently been given a passion for modern day slavery, which consequently intersects with a head-passion I've always had for poverty in the world. As I learn more and more about the issue of modern day slavery, which includes everything from sex trafficking to mistreatment of workers and human trafficking for labor, it is no longer okay to harbor only knowledge. Eventually those facts and stats have to become more. They must mature into a passion for action. And as I sit and type, I am conflicted. Everything around me has--most likely--been handled unfairly by someone else out there. This weighs heavily on me as a Christian and as a human being. 

But where do I begin in my life to promote fair trade and make changes in my purchasing styles, when fair trade items are so limited and, unfortunately, so is my budget. I do not want to be all talk anymore, changing how I act in some instances, but then turning around and buying that new shirt that increases my slavery footprint on the world instead of diminishing it's mark? 

Coming from the girl who did a huge happy dance when I noticed the fair trade emblem on my K-cups, I can do some things to help. But where is the border between taking small personal victories and changes to overcome slavery and reminding myself that there's only one person who can save the world and it's not me? I guess I don't really have an answer to these questions yet...so maybe it is pointless for me to post this. But I also want anyone out there who is feeling the same way to know they're not alone. And maybe by posting this, someone will stumble upon it and give me a small glimmer of hope in finding the answer. 

Believe me, once I find my footing and start learning what direction to go, I will surely let you all know. 

For today, all I have are questions; staring at the crossroads.

See Something More Blog

Check out my friend Ashli's blog called "See Something More". She always has incredible things to share about life and Our Savior! Loving the latest blog post about journeys.

http://seesomethingmore.blogspot.com/2013/03/journey-and-destination.html

Spring Break 2013

My first spring break since 2011, and it's off to a great start! Plenty of family time since I got home Friday afternoon. Including Kari Jobe and Chris Tomlin concert with mom Friday night and my cousin's birthday party yesterday afternoon! Here are a few pictures from my first two days home.

Kari Jobe, opening for Chris Tomlin

God's Great Dance Floor!

Wonderful night of worship

Louie Giglio spoke on our prodigal father,
lavishing love and forgiveness on his children

The concert would not have been complete without
Chris and Kari singing Revelation Song. Definitely was
the one thing I was waiting for.

The babies. Already getting so big.

Cannot believe my almost birthday buddy is 9 years old!

Happy 9th Birthday to the
girliest tomboy I know.

Looking forward to the next week, with projects, organizing, spring cleaning, and seeing my youth group girls! Check back later for pictures from my cabinet remodel from this week.

4 Things That Should Never Be Iced

The following is a list of 4 things I firmly believe should never be iced. I was inspired as I drove home for spring break and was given the misfortune of being handed an iced dirty chai at Starbucks. I was in too much of a hurry and surrounded by cars to return it for an actual dirty chai. Never again, y'all. Never again. 

1) Milk. I mean, just look at that. 

The ice cubes just make it look absolutely repulsive.

2) Juice. Orange juice, especially. Juice should already 

be cold, so ice is NOT necessary!

3) Soup. Soup is meant to be hot. Don't ruin it with ice cubes.

Especially things like "Iced Cuttlefish Soup."

Found this gem on google.

4) Dirty Chai. Dirty chai's should always be hot. Period.

End of story. This...this is an abomination to coffee everywhere.

Save your ice cubes for your sweet tea and sodas. Please, kindly leave them out of things that are already cold enough, or have no business being cold in the first place. That's all.

Come Thou Fount: and other happy coincidences

Early this morning, my grandmother went into surgery to remove some cancer from her colon. As I woke up, bleary eyed, to get ready, the song "Come Thou Fount" ran through my head. I don't exactly know why it was in my head this morning, but it is one of my favorite hymns. 

My mornings begin with 9am chapel, where Harding students and staff lead a 20-30 minute devotional period. This week, they asked students to speak about a hymn that means something to them, but first we sing a few songs. This morning happened to be led by two of my good friends that I spent a semester in Greece with. As my first friend got up to lead singing, he started with Come Thou Fount.

"Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by thy help I come. And I hope by Thy good pleasure safely to arrive at home." An Ebenezer is a large stone that represented a new beginning and the steadfastness of God's grace. Monday night, we spent time thanking God for constantly being present in our life, and raising our own Ebenezer.

I knew I was facing this week that it was full of worry and stress, but I raise my Ebenezer and recognize God is always by my side. He has always been there, and is bigger than anything I face.

My second friend spoke on a song that meant a lot to him through his mom's battle with cancer. He talked about the song "For Your Are Good." He shared that when his mom was cleared last summer, people came up to her and said "God is so good! He healed you from this cancer." and her response was "God was good even before he healed me." Those words were a wave of comfort as I thought of my grandmother in surgery as he spoke of his experience. God is our rock and our comforter when we are weak and fragile. But he is always good, even if things don't go how we want! 

He is our rock, our comforter, always steadfast. And he covers us in happy coincidences, revealing his love and mercy.

Feeling Legit and Stuff

Oh what a joyful day! Got an email this afternoon with this beaut, telling me that my article was up and ready to go on TC Magazine's site. I sent what was previously a blog post in a few weeks ago after someone suggested that I send it to TC. They told me they wanted to use it and needed to add some graphics before it was ready to go.

Well here it is! Not anything incredible, but I must say I'm pretty proud of myself for it, and so thankful God gave me the opportunity to share some wisdom with others.

So check it out here!

http://www.tcmagazine.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=219998&articleId=36688

21 Years Ago

In the beautiful words of a friend "21 years ago, God breathed life into you."

Hey, hey! Today was my 21st birthday. Man time flies! It was an interesting day to say the least. Never fun to have to go to school on your birthday, but also so thankful for the friends who surround me with love not just today, but every day. 

All day I couldn't help but remember back to a year ago when I celebrated leaving my teen years while in Greece with an incredible HUG (Harding University in Greece) family, and even more specially, spent the evening helping in a soup kitchen in downtown Athens. NBD. 

My friend Ashley and I at the metro station on our way to Athens.

Some of my other HUG family washing dishes at the soup kitchen.

But today, as wishes came in from 3 different continents and 6 different countries, I was reminded of how big God is and how much he has blessed me in the 21 years since he first breathed the breath of life into me.

Just some highlights from today.

Coffee date with one of the most beautiful people I know. 

She is one of the brightest lights in my life.

While at dinner with a few friends, my sweet ΔΓΡ beau bought me a piece of cake.

Of course I broke lent to eat this piece of chocolatey heaven! 

Good thing I'm not actually Catholic.

My wonderful, beautiful friends made me a mustache cake! 

I could not be happier!!!!

Although I didn't manage to do all of them today,

dedicated my 21st birthday to 21 random acts of kindness.

Do not fear, they will all be accomplished soon!

Today had some rough moments, which initially made it hard to enjoy my birthday cause I was upset about not being incredibly ecstatic. However, I was constantly reminded of God's greatness and shown in at least a hundred ways the love of those around me.

Here's to living my 21st year of life!

The only thing that could make it better would be Sean Lowe...