NEWS FLASH: I'm not perfect.

Kaitlin's Bridal tea was on Friday morning, August 12, at 11:30. So Adam and I left Arkadelphia at 7:45 headed to Memphis. As I stretched out my legs, I realized I had missed a spot shaving. It was a small spot and unnoticeable unless you had touched me, but it bugged me! As the ride continued, I was stressed out about being late for Kaitlin's tea and generally anxious. I pulled into a gas station and became frustrated with someone who pulled in the opposite way. In a very calm and loving tone, Adam turned to me and said "Stop stressing. It's not a big deal. Everything's going to be fine." I knew he was right and after I calmed down, we talked about it. 1) Kaitlin is very sweet and gracious. She would simply be glad that I made it and she would not be concerned by my late arrival. 2) The other person at the gas station might have been late as well or they might have been about to run out of gas! 3) I realized that my desire to be on time reflected once again a "need" to be perfect. 4) Even if Kaitlin had been upset or angry with me, my relationship with God is far more important. And my attitude at the gas station reflected a lack of trust in Him and also a lack of respect for other people whom He has commanded me to love.

NEWS FLASH... I am not perfect. I've never been perfect. I will never be perfect (on this Earth). In fact, secretly, I don't want to BE perfect- I just want other people to think I'm perfect.

But what I should desire is God's glorification through my actions and in my life. This experience humbled me. I realized that I cannot be perfect and more importantly my perfection is not the goal. My only goal is to glorify God and I don't want to hinder that by focusing on myself or trying to make myself look better. Next time I am late or I miss a spot while shaving, maybe it will serve as a reminder: I am not perfect and this life is not about me.

With school now fully in swing, I struggle with this daily. I want to be the best math student; I want to speak up confidently and knowledgeably in class; I want to wear the right styles; I want to do everything and be superwoman… But I can’t. As frustrating as it may become, that’s okay. I’m learning continually that this life is not about me.

Summer Recap

Today is the first day of classes at OBU. I am so excited about beginning this year, but I also wanted to recap my Summer. These are the top 10 things that characterized this Summer for me! Enjoy :)

1) Learning to cook... A few of our favorite (and easiest) dishes were Miss Monica's Enchiladas, Chicken Taco Soup, and Beef stew. Recipes will follow in later posts, but feel free to e-mail me as well if you're interested.
2) Memphis Orpheum outing with my family...

 

3) Puzzling in the Registrar's office... I "worked" 40 hr/wk at the OBU Registrar's office, but I had some free time. My co-workers and I worked three or four puzzles over the course of the Summer during work time.

4) Shopping with Adam... more on this later.

5) "Registrar's Office, may I help you?"... When I wasn't busy puzzling, I was constantly answering the phone - at least it felt like it!

6) Reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett... If you haven't checked out this incredible book, I highly recommend it.

7) Illinois with the Gosnells... Adam and I traveled with his family to Illinois where I met his extended family and spent some more time getting to know the Gosnells. We had a great time! Jody, Adam's nephew shown with him below, was definitely one of the highlights of this trip. ;)

8) Shopping trip with my Momma and little sister. We stole away to the outlets in Lebanon, TN! I also purchased my first "little black dress."

9) Watching Smallville with Adam.

10) Kaitlin's wedding... My sweet friend is now a Mrs!!! She married the love of her life on August 13th. I was so honored and privileged to be apart of their special day.

How was your Summer? What were your top 10??

wELCOME {BACK} TO oUACHITA'S wORLD

This year I volunteered as a WOW leader. When the freshmen arrive to Ouachita, they begin Freshman Orientation that we have lovingly deemed WOW (Welcome to Ouachita’s World). There is lots of “mingling,” several mixers, and a few large group sessions that are designed to help freshmen meet other people and learn how to “do life” at Ouachita. Pray for these young people and the many friendships that they are hopefully developing right now!

For me, this is welcome BACK… one last time. Lord willing, I will finish my classes this semester, student-teach in the Spring, and graduate on May 12, 2012. It’s very bittersweet for me. I look forward to what God has for me in the future and the many ways He will use me as a “real” teacher, but I love Ouachita’s “bubble” dearly and I do not want to say goodbye. But I do intend to make the best of the time left that God has given me. I know that when the time comes to say goodbye, He will have completely prepared me.

Being around the many freshmen has reminded me of the experiences I had during my freshmen year. I was terrified, expectant, lonely, and hopeful. The biggest lesson that God taught me through those experiences was to never confuse being uncomfortable or unhappy with being outside of God’s will. He doesn’t always call us to what is comfortable or easy. Paul refers to his sufferings as “marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17) and claims that he “will boast of the things that show my weakness” (2 Corinthians 11:30). I believe these marks are emotional as well as physical. My freshman year wasn’t always easy, but I finally realized that I was still in God’s will at Ouachita. After learning to lean on and trust in Him, I came to a place of rest and comfort. In that place, He also allowed me to settle in at Ouachita in such a way that now I don’t even want to leave! He is good. He is faithful. He has a plan for each of these freshmen and also for me!

Welcome to My Life

I'm a brand new blogger and I could not be more excited! Many things are happening in my life right now and I cannot wait to share them with you. Some days will pass uneventfully, but others will be running over with joy or sorrow, excitement or disappointment, laughter or tears. Christ promises life abundant through Him and I am learning each day to live in the freedom He provides. I am loved. I am blessed. Welcome to my life :) I hope this blog will bring you many smiles and much encouragement as we share life together.