Eh Tea You

"A day...is a miniature eternity." - Raplh Waldo Emerson

Well said, Ralphie. I haven't even been back in Russellville for a week, but I feel like I've been here forever. I love being back! Life has been so encouraging lately. I've realized how much I have been blessed here with great friends and a phenominal church. Of course, classes will soon become overbearing, and I'm already overcommitting to things, but I've never lived my life any other way. Although I thought about taking a year off and going to LA (it's an internship called Leader's Academy. Not Las Angeles.), I am confident that returning to Tech was the right decision. I feel right where I need to be, and I know that God is here and moving! I've got a feeling (whooo hooo) that this year's gonna be a good good year!

Completely un-realted thoughts that have crossed my mind today:

-I love birthdays. My older sister and I share a birthday, and it happens to be tomorrow. I've already started celebrating. I think it's great that we give presents and love and attention to people on their birthdays...but what about their mothers? I didn't do anything on August 28, 1989 to deserve celebration. My mom, on the other hand, did A LOT. I guess that's what Mother's Day is for. Nonetheless, tomorrow I'll be calling my mom and thanking her for pushing.

-I'm a polite person. And I try to be a servant. For example, I always open the door for other people. However, when guys walk through my open door, I feel slightly awkward, and I wonder if I'm making them feel slightly awkward because they feel like it's their job to do such things for me. If we get their first, should girls open the door for guys? I feel like I am neglecting my gender role.

-I like to listen to my iPod when I walk around campus. Many students do. But why are we expected to stay composed when listening to music? Why can't I do a little jig, or pretend to drum, or sing along? Why is it acceptable while driving, but not while walking? I'm not embarassed. I just feel like society is telling me that I should be embarassed, so I refrain. Lame.

junior year eve

I want to be a better blogger, I really do. However, when it comes down to it...I'm lousy at it.

Life after camp has been slow, and yet I can't believe I move back to Russellville in two days! It's been nice to have three weeks of carefree summer. I was able to visit my sister, Dixie, in Kansas City for a few days, as well as catch up and spend time with several friends from all the spheres of my life...

-Camp Friends: Refreshing get-together in Conway. I am so blessed with great relationships.
-High School Friends: Weird. It's interesting to see how we've all gone our different ways. Oh, and one of my closest friends from high school just got engaged. What else is knew?
-College Friends: They're all engaged. If not engaged, in a serious relationship. I think I'll start a club for the few single people left at ATU. Wait, there's not enough to form a group? Rats.

I really am excited to see what's in store for the next year. There will be lots of changes this year, but change is for the better. I know that God is going to do great things through His people...we just have to put forth the effort it will take!

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My room is a wreck, and instead of packing, I'm on the internet, and it's almost midnight. Welcome back, reality! I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

an unforgettable mark

so it's been a while...

I don't even know where to begin. the past two months have been a remarkable period of growth and transformation in my life. Brookhill 2010 was incredible. God did mighty things and many young people were set free from the lies of the world. Hearts were set right with God, and minds were encouraged to dig deeper. The kids had a blast, and I successfully made it through another year of horseback without knowing anything about horses (praise God for Linda!). The relationships I built with the staff this summer are indescribable. I am so grateful for my camp family, but I miss them so much!

It's odd being "home," because I feel like I left home. The ranch has felt like home to me for the past decade of my life, and it's strange to think that my time as a Brookhill counselor may be done. If that is that, I will be at peace with it. Being a counselor has molded me into the person that I am: three years as a Junior Counselor--boy did that teach me some life lessons. And two as a Senior Counselor taught me not only to walk in leadership, but also in confidence, influence, teamwork, humility, spiritual discipline, and limitless love that can be fueled only through Christ. Our theme for the summer was "Leaving and Unforgettable Mark." I can honestly say that while I left a mark on the kids, a mark was left on me as well!

Whether this was my last summer at camp or not, I truly feel that this summer has closed one chapter in my life to make room for a new one. In three weeks, I will turn 21 years old. I thought the awkward ages were done once you made it through Junior High. Wrong. What am I? Dependent on my parents or independent? Collge kid or adult? Crazy camp counselor or mature teacher-in-training? Student or leader? All of the above? I have no idea. I guess we'll find out. Come whatever may, am I excited to see what God has in store for the upcoming year of my life.

new

"But a certain sign of grace is this:

from the broken earth,

flowers come up,

pushing through the dirt."

-David Crowder*Band

Tenacious G

"I will go down with this ship,

and I won't put up my hands in surrender.

There will be no white flag above my door."

"You can stand me up at the gates of Hell

but I'll stand my ground,

and I won't back down."

"I will stumble, I will fall down

but I will not be moved.

I will make mistakes,

I will face heartaches,

but I will not be moved.

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand,

all other ground is sinking sand;

I will not be moved!"

Q: What do Dido, Tom Petty and Natalie Grant all have in common?

A: Songs I have sang to the devil/my classes this week.

I was once prophesied/spoken Truth over by the pastor and elders of my church.

Apparently, the Holy Spirit told them each the same thing...that I am "tenacious."

One of them even called me Tenacious G.

All this to say 1.) my church has cool elders,

and 2.) I will not be easily shaken by silly things such as grades and money.

My joy is not situational, and I will not let it be stolen.

In other news...

Mission Green Tea Frappachino: attained.

It was about time, too.

it's official.

I'm taking a class called Educational Assessments: Tests and Measurements. It is probably the most ridiculously confusing class I have ever taken. My classmates and I have no idea what we're doing. In fact, we have a test tomorrow (yes, a test on testing!) over material our professor literally gave us yesterday. This is how all of his tests go. (I blame it on the fact that he graduated from Texas A&M...you know how those Texans can be.)

I'm also supposed to be creating my own 50-item test, complete with affilliated standards and objects and validity and readibility and realiability and all those other bilities. Here's a fun example:

Georgia Wyllia is
a.) past the point of sleep deprivation
b.) broke
c.) swimming in schoolwork
d.) surviving on various sources of free food
e.) all of the above

For the first time in my 2 years at ATU, I can truly say that the correct answer is e.) .

I am officially a sterotypical college student. And you know what?
In the strangest way possible,
it's kind of fun. :)

Your love is strong.

in Your presence,
i can
breathe.

i'm desprate
for Your peace.
i'm lost
without Your love.

Your hope...
is everything.

You won't let me go;
I will dance in Your faithfulness.