gratitude

A big theme of my semester has been learning to be constantly thankful. In Ephesians, Paul mentions several times the importance of this act. If my heart is in a state of thankfulness and gratitude, it is harder for bitterness, lies and other nasty things to creep in.

"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:16

"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20 

Being thankful is not something that comes easily. It's a choice. It's a discipline. When things are going poorly and it's hard to see the goodness in a situation, stop and think of three things that you are thankful for. This helps so much in remembering that God is good all the time. And all the time, God is good.

So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday, cranberry salsa YUM!!) here are three things I am thankful for.

1. Friends who spoil me and show me immense love. Friends who will put their hair in french braids, cook french toast, buy french onion dip, french baguettes, french kisses and sparkling wine just to surprise me with a going away party before leaving for France. I feel so undeserving.

2. Reuniting with some of my oldest friends for a weekend of football and freezing fun in Baton Rouge.

3. Spending time at home with family, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.




Happy Thanksgiving :)

better together

Today the Lord revealed something really awesome to me: THAT I CAN'T DO LIFE BY MYSELF.

We were made to lean on each other, to live in community with one another, to learn and grow together, to pray for each other, to share our strengths and weaknesses with one another. But that's just not the way that my mind wants to think sometimes. I often adopt the mindset that I am good enough to handle everything on my own. I don't need help. I don't need someone to keep me accountable.

Yes, I want to be challenged and I want to rely on the Lord, but that means also letting others walk alongside me as I continue to navigate life. Being vulnerable is not fun sometimes. I want to look like I have it all together. Like I have a good enough relationship with the Lord that I don't need any other help or any other guidance.

Lesson #1 of the day:
So, next semester I am officially studying abroad in the French Alps. Grenoble, France will be my home for 5 months. I'm thrilled. Literally. Actually, I'm not sure if you can be "literally" thrilled. But if it were possible, that would be the description of how I feel.

What I am excited for most is the opportunity to go where my faith will be challenged. Where it's going to be hard. All my life I've only ever been comfortable. From high school to kamp to college, it's never been too hard to be a follower of Christ.

For the first time I want to just get out there and figure things out (alone). Alone? Who typed that? Me? Surely not.

That's the thing. I think that I can go halfway across the globe and live in complete spiritual isolation and do everything on my own. HA. I think God is actually chuckling up in heaven right now.

I ran into a friend today who told me that she would be praying for one friend for me next semester that I could walk in community with next semester in France. It took me a moment to process that this was the Lord gently tapping me on the shoulder and telling me once again that I cannot and I was not MADE to do this alone. When the Lord created me, he did not say to himself: Hmm, yes, Adrienne, she will go throughout life on her own (spiritually) without any help because she's special. She's the exception. NO.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  // 1 John 1:7

Lesson #2 of the day:
This morning I decided that I wanted to start reading a book that my dad gave me a few years ago, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. It's essentially a 40-day spiritual journey that challenges readers to understand the big picture of why we are here and what we are made for in this life. It also encourages readers to not read it alone. Instead, find a buddy with whom you can discuss what you read, what you're learning, bounce ideas off one another with how to apply it and most importantly, keep each other accountable in being faithful to spend time with the Lord each day. My first thought was, no thanks. Other people might need to depend on a friend, but I think I can handle this on my own.

My roommate just happened to be home and a few minutes later, I found myself asking if she would like to be my reading buddy. That's some kind of divine intervention if I've ever seen it. Why was it so hard for me to initially be willing to realize my need for community and for accountability?

"Real spiritual growth is never an isolated, individualistic pursuit. Maturity is produced through relationships and community." -Rick Warren

Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up...Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.  // Ecclesiastes 4:9 

Man oh man, do I have a lot to learn about being a follower of Christ. In the meantime, I'm praying that the Lord would continue to soften my heart and prepare me for this upcoming journey in my life.

twenty

This birthday seemed a bit different than the rest. I actually feel older. I'm not sure why that is, but I LOVE IT. I'm not ashamed to admit I am enjoying the fact that I am now a junior in college, that I'm halfway through my college years and that soon I'll be applying for jobs and living in the real world.

My twentieth birthday was really special. I got to spend it with my crazy, awesome aunt in Aspen, Colorado doing all the things I love best- spending time outdoors, trying new things, eating good food and enjoying sweet fellowship.

This year will undoubtedly bring new challenges, many changes, lessons learned and a bit more life lived.

Currently, the biggest sign to me that I'm growing up and taking on more responsibility is that I just moved into my first house! It's a sweet, old house with a lot of character in which I get to live in with some of my dearest friends. I'm learning that living with roommates means acquiring many life skills- like how to cook biscuits! And also more important things like how to care, respect and shower love on one another well while living in such close quarters. [And also it is a fabulous time for me to test out my amateur cooking skills on my roomies- no judgement!]

Academically, this semester is looking promising because I am finally getting to take classes that I love and am interested in and not just to fulfill requirements. My class schedule includes an English Lit class, Anthropology, French Advanced Oral Expression, Advanced English Composition and just for fun, Rock climbing! I've found that there really is no better way to get pumped up for class than riding on my baby blue cruiser bike to class, which has momentarily been named "Mozart", and jammin' out to Katy Perry's "Roar".

Yet one thing I can be quite sure of is- if I'm not rooted deeply in the Lord, I'll fall when the hard times come. The devil doesn't like when followers of Christ are being lights in the darkness of this world.

"The thief comes ONLY to steal and kill and destroy [and feed you lies and twist and deceive]; I have come that they may have life , and have it to the FULL."  John 10:10

"Continue to live in him, ROOTED and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and o v e r f l o w i n g with thankfulness."  Colossians 2:7

"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day." Psalm 46:5

I wonder what happens if I hit the cray button?

This summer, so far, has been one for the books. I got to spend 6 weeks at one of my favorite places on earth- Kanakuk Kamps.

I learned that when I am weak, for then I am strong. Because JESUS is strong in me // 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I learned that following Jesus doesn't mean that I need to be perfect. It doesn't mean that I always have to say all the right things. It means that I am seeking a relationship with Christ, accepting Him and loving him as my Lord and Savior. Jesus never asked me to be perfect or to save the world. 

I learned how to work really hard and make sure that I wasn't doing it just so I could earn praise from my peers // Luke 15:11-32

I learned that my human flesh is really silly and pretty icky gross sometimes. And that is all the more reason to praise Jesus that he came to save me from it.

I learned that I do indeed have a lot of sin in my life that separates me from Christ and that he rejoices when we confess it and lay it at the foot of the cross // James 5:16

I learned that it's NOT about me.

I learned to grasp the gospel a bit more clearly and that the good news is just as much for believers to hear as it is for non-believers to hear. 

I learned that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus // Romans 8:1

I learned that the Lord is more proud of me than he ever could be and ever will be- not because of my good works, but because I am one of his precious children // 1 John 3:1

I learned that sometimes (or all the time) I need to SIT DOWN and let Jesus take over. Let Jesus work through me, be strong in me, love and serve me so I can broadcast his love to others.

<< he has made EVERYTHING beautiful in it's time. he has also set ETERNITY in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning -------> end. I know that there is NOTHING better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may EAT and DRINK, and find satisfaction  in all his toil- this is the GIFT of GOD. I know that everything God does will ENDURE forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will REVERE him. >>     ecclesiastes 3:11-14

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.