Greater things are yet to come

Tonight Virginia and I went to Campus Christian Fellowship at NC State, where her cousin Nathan is interning at. What a blessing it was! It was so encouraging to see how welcoming everyone there was. We literally could not stop talking about it on the way back. It was also apparent that they really value studying and teaching the Word. The community there was so open and real and willing to discuss Scripture in a genuine way. I crave that kind of community. I have experienced it here at Campbell, but I think it's something that could be improved. I am going to be praying about ways that can change on this campus. I want to have a more solid community and leave a legacy for the incoming freshman each year. I hope to go back to CCF sometime and get to know the people there better. Very, very cool night. :)

Aside from all of that, I have had a lot of random things going through my brain tonight. Lots of great thoughts about things of the past and possibilities for the future.

I'm not sure why, but I have a strong desire to be in New York City right now. There are times when I step outside of the "thriving metropolis" of Buies Creek and think about the tangible needs that so many people have. I am led to think about all of the people I have met during the time I have spent in New York. I think about Wee and Peiyin and Rocco and Angel. They have each changed my life more than they know. Perhaps I will be able to go back this coming summer. I am still going to go up there and start a coffee shop with Robyn one day.

I have also been thinking about New Zealand and Australia quite a bit lately. I learned this past weekend that only one percent of the population there are evangelical Christians. I want the people there to know Jesus in a real way, and I am pretty sure I want to do something about that. I am still trying to figure out what that might be.

On a side note, I am in the process of writing a song that I can play on the guitar. Maybe even sing it too. My inspiration: Ingrid Michaelson and Shelly Moore.

Jilene and I have decided to work on a song or two for the Monday Night Bible Study Coffee House. I will play guitar and she will sing. It should be interesting and fun. :)

I also found out a few days ago that I will be speaking at the Honors Banquet at Campbell next Monday. I am so excited about it! It's so great to have so many wonderful opportunities right before I graduate.

Also, in the next couple of weeks I am going to start writing for myMISSIONfulfilled.com, a website for young women that is owned and operated by the Woman's Missionary Union. I am definitely ready to start writing now! My first article will be about Bread for the World and will be in the Social Justice section. I have prayed about this for months now and I can't believe it is actually a reality! What a blessing straight from God. Be on the lookout for my writing in the coming months. :)

I am so incredibly blessed. Life is grand, and God is good.

Birthday Blessings

I should be working on a research presentation, but alas, I find myself with a head full of thoughts and the urge to type them out. I admit that I have done a poor job of keeping up with my blog. For the few faithful followers, I promise to be more consistent in my writing. :)

The past two days have been absolutely amazing. I turned 22, although I cannot say that I feel any older. Perhaps wiser, and more prepared to conquer the world. It was once again confirmed that I desire to have closer relationships with my friends and a deeper walk with the Lord.

This desire became even more apparent as I spent time with some of the most important people in my life. Robyn and Abigail came home with me and were able to meet my family. Mom made yummy food and my family gave me fun gifts. Robyn and Abigail and I braved the rain and went out for lunch and tea, did a bit of shopping, drove around Davidson and Mooresville, talked about Literature, shared secrets, sang and played guitar, attempted a crossword puzzle, went to church, and said and did many things that deserve a good hearty laugh, {or at least a giggle}.



When Abigail and I got back to campus, we went to the free Derek Webb concert on campus. His lyrics and music are so rich. Derek played all of the songs on his twelve string guitar, which was so impressive. I had time to reflect on life and what's behind me and before me. It was the perfect end to an already amazing weekend, or so I thought...

When I returned to my apartment, my roommates Virginia and Jilene had decorated the apartment with birthday signs, and had gifts waiting for me on the table. We had a fun conversation about all sorts of things. Tomorrow night, Jilene is taking me out for dinner and a few more friends should be coming too. Tuesday night, Virginia and I are going to Campus Christian Fellowship at NC State. I can't wait! How was I blessed with such great roommates? They are so wonderful.

I also took some time to listen to voicemails and read through my facebook wall posts, which was a huge blessing in and of itself. I'm pretty sure those messages would make the most depressed person swell with joy.

I wish I could find the words to tell my friends how much they mean to me. They care about me more than I deserve. I am humbled by their generosity and love.

As cheesy as it sounds, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes by Albert Camus: “Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”

I am so excited to see what God has in store for this coming year-probably more blessings than I could ever imagine. He tends to bring good things into my life when I least expect it.

My Bucket List

I think it is essential for all people to have aspirations and dreams, and I hope that you have a solid idea of your purpose in life and what you hope to accomplish, whether that is work-related, relational, or just plain fun. Recently, I was talking to my friend Peter about things we hope to do in life, and shared some of our "bucket lists" with each other. I thought it would be fun to blog a few items from my list. Comments are welcomed. :)

- Swim with dolphins in New Zealand.
- Visit three of the seven natural wonders of the world.
- Go on a cruise to Prince Edward Island.
- Go on a mission trip to Kenya.
- Visit Scotland and Ireland.
- Go on a cross-country trip to California.
- Start a radio station in New York City.
- Learn to play the guitar.
- Learn to play the hammered dulcimer.
- Become fluent in Spanish and Swahili.
- Have two children of my own.
- Adopt a handicapped child.
- Homeschool my children successfully.
- Earn my doctorate degree and be a professor.
- Start an online ministry for chronically ill people.
- Write and publish my autobiography.
- Work to combat human trafficking.
- Start my own Christian school and be the headmistress.
- Open my own coffee shop.
- Establish a solid 401k.
- Play my flute for an orchestra.
- Establish a scholarship fund for students who want to go on mission trips.
- Work for Samaritan's Purse.
- Get Lasik eye surgery.
- Go seashell hunting in Florida.
- Design my own clothes.
- Design my own house blueprints.
- Can my own fruits and veggies.
- Go scuba diving.
- Run a mini-marathon.
- Be an extra in a film.
- Form a book club.
- See all 50 states.
- Drive a McLaren car.
- Ride in a hot air balloon.
- Tell people I love that I love them every day.

Think about it: What's on your bucket list?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!
In the busy-ness of the day, let me remind you to spend a few quiet moments with the Lord, thanking Him for the blessings of gifts and food and family and love. :)

Joy to the World

"The door of repentance opens into the hall of joy."
-Charles Spurgeon

Psalm 32:5
"Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'—and you forgave the guilt of my sin."

By now you've probably discovered that even a room full of shiny new Christmas gifts won't bring lasting joy. Once the newness of the gift wears off, the happiness starts to fade. Presents get lost, toys get broken, and dreams of long-lived happiness begin to evaporate. The truth is, nothing in this earthly life offers unending joy.

Last night I had a truly terrifying dream. In it I had committed a murder and I was desperately trying to cover up my crime. A crushing burden of guilt weighed heavily upon me. When I finally awakened to learn it was only a dream, the flood of relief I felt was difficult to describe. I was no longer guilty of my sin; I was free from its oppressive weight. What joy filled my soul!

Like waking up from my dream, there is a way—but only one way—to be rid of quilt from sin and experience everlasting joy. We must walk through the door of repentance. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." All sin, all unrighteousness—past, present, and future—is washed away by the blood of Christ when we confess our sins and receive his cleansing salvation. Our souls are forever freed from the crushing weight of guilt, thanks to the loving sacrifice of our Savior.

If you listen to "Joy to the World," the popular Christmas hymn by Isaac Watts, you will hear a command for every heart to prepare Him room, and for every creature to tell of His joy. What a wonderful calling. I hope and pray that the joy of the Lord will resound in every family and every person.

How will you respond to this joy this Christmas? If you've walked through the door or repentance, then you've awakened into the hall of joy described by Charles Spurgeon. This is the message of the Gospel that we celebrate at Christmas—God's pronouncement of everlasting joy to the world!