life happened!

goodness, it's been a while since I blogged! things have been so crazy that I haven't had a free chance to even sit down and relax.

Since spring break (which was the last time I blogged!) I have gotten so close to new people! It kinda makes me sad that we didn't meet until spring break and it's hard to believe that we have only known each other a few months now! It feels like a lifetime! I met these wonderful friends over spring break and spent almost every day with them after that! Although I do love being home, I really miss having all my friends within walking distance. From Texas to Tennessee, Georgia to Missouri, Bosnia to Mongolia and China. Most of my friends are off at camps this summer being the Lord's hands and feet as counselors to younger kids and I couldn't be more proud of them! Others are on mission trips in different countries! Taking your summer break to go serve like that shows me that I have really found the best people in Auburn to be friends with! We are getting to write letters to keep in touch so that's been fun!

While it was hard leaving all my friends in Auburn for the summer, I was so excited to get to catch up with my old friends again and hear all their fun stories from the year! It was comforting to know that some of them had very similar experiences to me for the first year away from home. Still, it was difficult because for lots of us because we are in different stages of our lives but it's still fun hearing stories and sharing life.

Now to get on to ending freshman year and what a struggle it was. Yes, college itself was hard, but I'm talking more about actually realizing that the best year of my life was over. I lived with my best friends in the world and could not have asked for a better living situation. I was constantly challenged and encouraged by these girls and they always knew exactly what would cheer me up when things got stressful! God was so good when He put us as roommates and I really don't know that I would have survived this year if it wasn't for them and our never ending slumber party! After coming back from spring break, all of us kind of took on a completely new perspective of the year and all began growing deeper and deeper in our spiritual walk. Not only that, but what was so cool was that we could all talk about it and felt so comfortable. That's not something you can do with just anyone! It takes a special group of people! Lacey, Chelsey, and Emily- y'all blessed me more than you will ever know and I'm going to miss living with y'all!

As the summer blows by, I've started to realize that I really took Auburn for granted this year. I didn't realize what I had til it was over and I now know that it will never happen again. Freshman year was great and I know that I will cherish every memory I have made! I got plugged in with the most perfect groups of friends- singers and AOII, and the most perfect college ministry I could have asked for! Wow do I miss FBO!

God is good! Here are some pictures to prove it :)

"I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me!"

Psalm 13:6

"She laughs with no fear of the future for her hope is in Me!"

Proverbs 31:2

blessed.

challenged.

the word for this post is challenged

God did some amazing working in my heart the past week. He stretched me to step way outside of my comfort zone and forced me into a completely new environment. I went on Amplify with First Baptist over Spring Break and it was probably one of the most challenging things I've ever done! 

For the last 6 years, I've always gone to Mexico for spring break. It's where my heart is. It's the place that I've grown up and watched the kids grow up! It absolutely broke my heart to find out that college had a different spring break this year than high school. I will be completely honest, I was angry and upset. I didn't understand why God would take that trip away from me. The trip that I counted down until every year. Literally. I couldn't wait... and now I couldn't go. Not to sound dramatic, but how was I supposed to survive without seeing my kids this year and being in the place that I loved more than anything else?

When spring break plans started being talked about, I found myself not thinking about anything but Mexico. I was dwelling on something that was completely out of my hands and something that I couldn't control. So what was it that the Lord wanted me to do for spring break? It was all revealed to me one Sunday at church when they started talking about Amplify which was a mission trip to Port St. Joe, Florida. No this was not Mexico, but maybe this is where I was supposed to be this year. Maybe He has put this on my heart for a reason. So I went with it. Not only that, but so did my friends. There were so many of us that went to this lost city and bring the news of Jesus Christ to this dying place.

Let me preface this by saying that whenever I went to Mexico, there was that language barrier so it was more of showing them the love of Christ instead of telling. It came easy. Play with the kids, laugh with them, take pictures, tell a short Bible story, and really focus on how I am making a difference in these kids lives. I was so selfish in doing this because I felt like I was often doing it to make myself feel good. I was so wrong in this. When I signed up for Amplify, I put myself on community outreach- thinking I would be doing the EXACT same thing, playing with the kids. I kept telling myself "Oh, well I'll just make it Mexico." What I quickly realized once I got down there was that it wasn't just about the kids. I was challenged to go into houses and share the Gospel with adults. I've always been one that can talk to both kids and adults about anything, but what about those things that not all of them want to hear? This was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done because some of the people of Port St. Joe just don't want to hear it. I didn't have the language barrier as an excuse anymore and I was expected to walk into these people's houses and share with them my faith and why I knew that after I died, I was going to Heaven. Yes, I still got to hang out with kids a lot, but it wasn't hanging out with them 24/7 like I had done in Mexico. 

So yes, this was such a challenging week, but there was so much growth this week that it was incredible. No, it wasn't Mexico, but I really do feel like I was supposed to go there this year. The Lord was sovereign throughout and I was able to do far more than I ever thought possible. I have learned that everything happens for a reason. Sure I didn't get to go to Mexico this year, but I went to Port St. Joe and it was awesome! Plus, I got to send off the Mexico team on Saturday and it was great....sad, but I know that they are having an awesome time!!!

 My sweet friend George who accepted Christ during the week!

 so thankful for these precious friends and their love for the Lord!

 you're incredible emily!

 sugamomma!

unspeakable joy!!

I guess my biggest thing is that I always thought of mission trips as going out of the country to serve, but what I failed to see is how much our country needs our help too! I came back from the trip ready to serve with such a grateful heart for everything I have.

have a wonderful week :)

Is it really almost over?!

Is it really almost the end of freshman year? What the heck? I was just moving in and starting classes YESTERDAY. How have I already been here for 7 months?? This semester has been so exciting and I've been able to participate in so many different activities! One of my most favorite and memorable experiences was being a part of Dance Marathon. For those that don't know, dance marathon was a day where people on Auburn's campus came together to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. We spent the ENTIRE day dancing which, of course, I enjoyed every second of! Not just that, but we got to help those kids who so desperately need our help. This was Auburn's first year to have a Dance Marathon and we were able to raise almost $66,000!!!!!!! There were tears. It's just so amazing to see that God is moving here and it's so apparent when so many people come together to reach one common goal...helping those in need. 

God is doing incredible things at Auburn! 

This is Trace, one of the Children's Miracle Network children that we got to hang out with for the day!

And the Baby Pandas bring home the Miracle Cup!!!

I've gotten to interact with SOOO many different people this semester! I was given the opportunity to work DNow at Hunter Street. I was given 8th grade girls who were on fire for the Lord! It was such a blessing to see girls at such a young age who were living out an example of Christ everyday! I learned so much from them that weekend and came back to Auburn renewed and ready to serve wherever needed. Even though I was their leader, I feel like they taught me more throughout the weekend about loving others and serving. They stretched me outside of my comfort zone. They challenged me. What an AMAZING thing when girls that are just hitting the hardest years of their lives can teach a new college student so much about loving the way Christ loved us! I didn't know them, but they welcomed me with open arms and we became a family throughout the weekend! I'm so incredibly excited to see how they grow and continue to follow Christ!   

I continue to stand in awe of all God has allowed me to do so far this year! To think that I was ever worried or doubting how He would work through me in college baffles me! He is doing beyond incredible things at Auburn and I know that as long as the people on this campus continue to love on each other and share God's love, nothing will be able to stop us. I have no words to describe what is going on but God is SO PRESENT! 

It's All About Timing!

I know it's been a while since I blogged, but things have been nonstop this semester and I really can't believe that I'm already 3/4 the way through my freshman year. I'm not ready for it to end AT ALL.

Something that the Lord has really been teaching me this semester is about His perfect timing. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Although this is sometimes a difficult concept to grasp, it has become my theme verse for this semester. Coming to college, I assumed I could be involved in everything. I was in high school, so how was college any different? What I have learned, over time and with many trials, is that college isn't high school. It's hard for me to accept, but I can't be involved in everything. And why is that? Because I want to be able to pour my whole heart into each activity that I'm involved in. How wonderful is it that God is constantly revealing to me the things that He wants me involved in? Not only that, but He is also opening new doors and answering new prayers. I've learned through this that once again, His time is the most important, not my own. He makes everything perfect in His time...it's something I struggle to accept. Not only that, but He knows what He wants for me WAY before I do. So why do I worry? I believe in Jesus,  I trust in Jesus, yet I'm constantly finding myself questioning why He would take something away from me...why He would not allow me to do everything. Yet, what I forget is that He already knows what He wants me to be involved with, He knows what I'm supposed to pour my heart into on Auburn's campus, and He knows what my future holds. It's all about His timing and when He is ready for things to fall into place in my life.

My big thing is that I'm a people pleaser. I just want people to be happy and don't want them upset with me. It's sometimes a flaw, but not always. I often try to make mine (and others) time work for me when in all reality, it's God's time we are on. Why would I even question that? Do I really think He doesn't already have it planned out? I'm learning to trust and to fully rely on Him. I'm not going to lose anything because I choose not to be involved in something. I'm not going to disappoint anyone.

I wrote this post because it is something that I'm really struggling with right now. But I feel like it is something everyone struggles with. Not just me. I hope that you know where I'm coming from on this and I haven't just rambled. I want each person that reads this to be blessed by it-to take something away from it and see that others are struggling with the same balancing act you are.

I hope each of you has a wonderful week :) if there is ever ANYTHING I can do for you or be praying for you about, please let me know!

MK

intentional.

Intentional. It seems to be a key word these days. Before college, I had never thought anything of this word, but since August, I have learned so much about what the word truly means. It isn't just one of those "good Christian words." It means keeping friendships alive even when you feel like there are not enough hours in the day. It means investing in other people's lives. It means pouring into others while also letting them pour into you. It's a learning process for sure. 


Throughout the year, I have had so many older girls that have poured into me and made sure that I had a grounded walk with Christ while going through what can be a very difficult freshmen year. Truly, I don't think that I would be where I am right now in my walk if it weren't for girls like Melissa, Lauren, or Morgan. It's their intentionality that has caused me to want to grow in my faith. It's because they invested in me that I want to invest in others. They have become my constant mentors and I am beyond thankful that I found such grounded older girls so quickly. But mentors aren't always older than me. I've got mentors that are my age and then one that is younger. It's just those girls that you can talk to about anything, but know that they will give the best advice and remind you that the Lord already has it planned out and I don't need to worry. 


I pray that I will be able to be intentional with others. It's an area of my life that needs work. Investing in others is something I am bound and determined to work on. I want to be one that people can rely on. One that people see Jesus through. I leave you with the challenge to be intentional also. It makes a difference in people's lives. It's made an incredible difference in mine, that's for sure.


Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.                    
                                     1 Timothy 4:15


have a blessed week :)

New Year. New You. :)

The past year has brought about so much change in my life. Change with living in a new place, making new friends, having a COMPLETELY different sleep schedule, new church, etc. I have never been one to adapt to change very well, but as part of my new year, I am making a point to put more trust in the Lord through all of the changes. Going to college was hard, but I now can say that I survived the first semester and am anxious for the next one! Only a few more days!!

Looking back at 2011, I can honestly say that it was the best year of my life! All the graduation festivites, rush, meeting LOTS of new friends, and reminiscing with old ones, it has all been so wonderful! I guess my biggest goal for 2012 is to really focus more on the Lord and what His plans are for me. Too often, I try to make MY plans work because I don't like not knowing. What I am so quickly reminded is that MY plans don't matter at all. They are completely irrelevant to anything because God has so much more in store and He already knows the exact plans for my life. I am making it habit to stop stressing over the little things and just enjoy what all He has given me! So as 2011 comes to an end and 2012 begins, I ask- will you make your goals to live more for Jesus and less for yourself? Think about the ultimate goal!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

Happy New Year :)

the Lord will provide!

One of the things that I have learned so much about is valuing my friendships. I never realized how truly blessed I was to have the greatest friends a girl could ask for. They are there for me through WHATEVER! I really hate that it is just hitting me now, seeing that several of my closest friends are 3-5 hours away! Friends come and go, but if God wants us to stay friends forever, we will! He is in control and even though it's hard sometimes to accept that things may not go EXACTLY the way I want them to, He knows what He is doing. I am so incredibly thankful for my friends this holiday season. For always being such good listeners, or giving the best advice, to just laughing with me until we cry. Don't know what I would do without them!

BEST FRIEND.

 best friend since birth.

SO thankful for her!

love them!

 twin. best friend. we are the SAME person!

 sweet sweet friends!

 so blessed.

so thankful for them.

I know I kinda rambled on this post, but after being home for a while now, I realized how truly thankful I should be for every one of my friends. Just the nice "I'm praying for you" text is a constant reminder of how good our Lord is! 

don't take your friends for granted! they are truly gifts from God!