gator huntin'

So you ask, how would one go about hunting said gators?

This is the very question I asked myself a few days ago before I got to experience it first hand. If you ever sit down to watch Swamp People and you say to yourself- self, lets go get us a gator. Here is a nice little how-to.

Step 1: Hop on a boat just at sunset and make sure to grab a view such as this one.

taken at Coon Creek Club in East Texas

taken at Coon Creek Club in East Texas

Step 2: Take pictures impersonating Swamp People. 

pretty good, eh?

Step 3: Set a large piece of bamboo near an area where gators are likely to abide. Attach an extra long wire with a bright buoy at one end and a large hook at the other end via duct tape and clothespins. Apply gloves and hook a piece of rancid, rotten, extremely appealing and appetizing chicken as bait.

Step 4: Get a good night's rest and then check back in the morning to see if a gator has taken the bait. 

We discovered Mister Alligator leisurely swimming underneath our bamboo contraption..the chicken was gone. Do not underestimate!

Step 5: Even if there is not a gator on the end of your hook, pick some water lilies and enjoy the sunshine. 

the loveliest things

I am a HUGE fan of this blog called The Lipstick Gospel (check.it.out) and the writer, Stephanie May, always features little blurbs of her friends and of her own called "The Loveliest Things". Today I decided to write my own, in honor of my favorite blog.

1. Driving around College Station
(I know some haters are gonna hate on this one, but I'm doin' me.)
I absolutely adore my school. I could go on and on about the spirit of Aggieland and all the special traditions, but today I'll just hit on the town itself. It's so fun to just drive around and see all the fun places that Bryan/College Station has to offer. This morning my friend and I went to this SKETCHY looking restaurant called Shannon's Cafe in Bryan. The restaurant itself was barely twice the size of my room. I ordered bacon and pancakes; Victoria ordered eggs, grits and toast. The pancakes tasted strongly of vanilla extract which was a sweet, strong taste and I felt like I was in the deep South. The relationships and bonds that tie me to this place are so strong and bring me so much joy that I can't help but have a huge grin on my face as I drive around.

Also, I am hardly ever upset about a nice little drive out to the majestic Lake Bryan. 

2. Hot Tea

I'm not sure whether it's the excitement of having a new painted mug to hold, the joy of trying out new flavors, or walking around stores like World Market and exploring all the cute kettles and giraffe mugs, but something about drinking tea makes me feel fancy and sophisticated. 

3.  Vulnerability

Being vulnerable and seeing other people be vulnerable is one of the most powerful things in this world. When we are open and vulnerable with each other, it allows for close bonds to be formed because we are getting to understand ourselves and each other on a deeper level. Having a sensitive and tender heart is not a bad thing. I am thankful for the people in my life who have shown me how to truly be open and share what Jesus has taught me through my life and experiences. 

4. Jesus Musik

Whether I'm driving, running, studying or just hanging around, there is never a bad time to get some truth in my life via Christian rap. These guys are legit. I'm so impressed how they have used their talents and skills and worked hard to provide scripture and truth in a new way. 

Trip Lee // One Sixteen

Lecrae // Tell The World

individualization

Recently, especially in college and especially after living in a house of 40 girls this year, it's easy to feel like I'm just blending into the crowd. What exactly makes me special or different from everyone else? How do I look different from my friends? What does it look like for me to worship the Lord?

One of the most important things I've been learning is how to truly be the woman who God made me to be. This means pursuing my passions, seeking out activities and oppourtunities that make my heart happy and that are highlighting my God-given skills and talents. Not just for me, but to further advance the kingdom and to fulfill my ultimate mission on this Earth: worshipping my Lord and Savior. It's the best to see people in the place where God has created them to be. A place where they are using their unique skills and talents to contribute to the body of Christ.

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many different parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body."

                                                                                                                          1 Corinthians 12:12-13

For me, I find so much happiness and joy when I am doing something or going someplace that I have never been before. Something that is a bit unknown to me, urging me to take that leap of faith. This is when I truly feel closest to God.

This semester I took a Backpacking class for one of my Kinesiology credits. We met once a week for two hours and learned all the ins and outs of what to bring in your pack, how to prepare for the elements, how to properly prepare food with a camping stove, how to build a sump hole and my personal favorite- how to use the restroom in the woods (yippee!).

At the end we took a 3 night trip to Lake Georgetown to backpack the Good Water Trail. In all, we hiked the distance of a half marathon while lugging our huge packs around with all our sleeping materials, cooking devices and a few other necessary items. It was quite the...

It's important to spend time alone and not be afraid to be completely myself in order to cultivate the gifts and talents that have been given to me. 

So, thank you to my backpacking class for teaching me a little more about life and growing me a lot more in my faith. It's definitely the little things in life.