Friday, August 30, 2013

Getting into the Swing of Things

I am so in love with DBU! Wednesday of last week (the 21st), I got all moved in (our room is so cute, by the way) and started SWAT (Student Welcome and Transition) week. It was a great way for me to get to know other DBU students and learn about the campus. I had such a great time doing all the activities and meeting people. My roommate, Cassy, and I got to know each other really well over the week and I already feel like we're best friends! We were even asked yesterday if we're siamese twins since we're always together. Classes started on Monday, and I was a little nervous, but I love all of my professors. This semester I'm taking Fitness for living (which means I actually have to work out now), Biology, State and Local Government, World Lit I, Old Testament Survey, and Foundations for Excellence. The homework load isn't too bad, but I feel like I still have some "senioritis" left over from last year.. which can't be good. I tend to choose hanging out with people and having a good time over the things that actually need to get done. I can't help that I'm a social person! Overall, everything at DBU has been great and I am so blessed and happy to be here! I know God is showing me so much and that I will grow more and more throughout my experience here at DBU.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Mixed Emotions

I have one more day at home until I move into DBU. I am so very excited, but I also have some nerves. As I embark on this new journey, I think about all the amazing, exciting, and scary things ahead of me. There are times when I am so ready to have my independence, and there are times when I wish I could just be a kid forever. I know this is going to be one of the greatest experiences of my life and I cannot wait to see what God does in my life!
For the past month, I've had a countdown in my room until move in day! I've been so excited, jumping up and down every time I talk about it! I'm ready to meet new people, adapt to a new lifestyle, and learn more and more about God everyday. I'm also ready to get my dorm set up (I know, it's a girl thing!) My roommate and I have been coordinating all our stuff. I'm pretty sure we text each other everyday about new stuff we want to buy. That's another thing I'm excited about... actually getting to meet my roommate in person! We've met over text but that's about it! I know that God placed her in my life for a reason and I can't wait to get to know her more.
While there are definitely a gazillion things I'm excited about, there are a few things that have made me nervous and stressed out. To be completely honest, I'm scared to grow up. I know life will be so much different without my parents right by my side (even though they'll only be 30 min. away!), taking care of me, and quite frankly, spoiling me. I'm also nervous/stressed about my schedule! I have an extremely busy life and adding college into the picture is often hard for me to comprehend. I'll be taking 15 hours, leading a girl's Bible Study in Mansfield on Monday nights, leading in my church youth group on Sundays and Wednesday, and I currently still have my job in Mansfield, but I will be looking for a job on campus. So, my life might get a little crazy in a couple days. I know I can handle it though! "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength," (Philippians 4:13).
It is going to be a great year and I already know that God is going to do so much in my life! I already see him changing me and it is one of the greatest feelings ever! Prayers would be greatly appreciated as I enter into this new stage of life!

Monday, August 12, 2013

This Past Year in a Nut Shell


Okay, so it has been a very long time since I’ve blogged, but I plan on getting back into the blogging world with many more posts to come. Since my last post in September, a ton of things have happened in my life. There have been many high points along with many low points. Right now, life is fantastic, but it wasn’t an easy road getting here. In previous posts, you might have read about my best friend, Kayla. I’ve shared a couple of stories about some of the crazy things we did together. On November 18, 2013, I lost my very best friend to suicide. It was the saddest day in my life, and I can honestly say I have never experienced anything worse. There are so many times that I wish I could go back in time and change everything, I wish I could have her back in my life. But I know that God has a plan. I have already seen God do some amazing things through such a tragic event. Ever since her loss, I have grown so much in my walk with God. If it weren’t for God, I would not have been able to make it through her death. He has comforted me and protected me through everything. As a part of growing in my faith, last semester (my last year of high school) I became very active in the youth group that Kayla attended. It is so awesome to have a church family to grow and fellowship with. This coming semester, I will be a leader for that same youth group, and I am so looking forward to what God has in store. I also finally decided I will officially be attending Dallas Baptist University starting this fall. I am so ready! I move in nine days from today (yes, I am keeping a countdown!).  I will be majoring in education, which I’ve wanted to do since I was a little girl. Along with that, I plan on minoring in either Special Education or ESL, depending on where God leads me. It has been so amazing growing in my faith and I desire to know God so much more! While there are definitely days that I struggle and continue to grieve the loss of my best friend, I know that God is watching over me and giving me peace.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33