I feel like time has been flying by. I was in Haiti over a month ago, Christmas and New Years have already come and gone. J-Term is over and the Spring Semester has already gone. While all this has been happening, I keep thinking, "What have I been doing with my life, and why do I feel like I should be doing more?"
Now, the typical answer for college kids is probably, "I've been stressed." or "I don't get enough sleep", and I am no excuse. If I could count how many times I say the word stress or tired in a day, I would need more fingers and toes. But that excuse is obviously not a very good one, simply because it is my own fault. I am the one who chooses to socialize and browse Facebook for hours on end, putting off all the reading and homework that should be a priority. I am the one who is forced to stay up late sometimes because I don't get it all done. And I'm not saying I don't enjoy all the things that I procrastinate with either. I absolutely love being with my boyfriend, friends, and checking my Facebook and Pinterest, but I still feel like there is more to be done.
Spring semester started this week, and I still have a decent amount of free time. Instead of doing my homework while everyone else is in class, I usually make a list of everything I need to get done for the day and then sit on my computer or sleep. It's also a weird feeling to think that I'm staying busy, but I am still bored. I was having a conversation with someone a few days ago, and they challenged me to ask God's spirit to fill me up. At the time, I thought that was way out of my comfort zone. I have a decent relationship with God...I know it needs improvement...but literally asking him to be inside of me and guiding me every day was something I had never really, truly, thought of. That night, I picked up my new Bible for the first time, dug out my devotional book that I haven't read in a few months, and my journal, and spent some time with Him. That night and the next morning I felt SO refreshed.
New Year's Resolutions are obviously very popular around the world...I didn't make one this year because in the past I make one, then by January 2nd, I forget all about it until the next year. So I'm making a Post-New Year Resolution. And that is to spend more time, one on one, with God. I remember very well saying on New Year's 2011 that I would read my Bible more. That is similar to my resolution this year, but I want a more personal relationship with my Heavenly Father. I don't just want to pray before I have a test I know I should have studied for, or pray whenever I think about it. I want to have a specific time each night before bed that I can just spend with God, no matter how tired I am.
Proverbs 16:1-4 says: "We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster"
I started this on Monday, and so far it's been kind of a fail. However, once I get more organized, I WILL be going through with this resolution :) I know saying "once I get more organized" is exactly what I was saying not to do above, but I'm still human. I still make mistakes. I need to get my priorities straight and my time managed better. And I think improving my relationship with God will help me with that in it's own way.
God doesn't just want us to talk to Him during the rainy times of our life. He truly wants to be there for us in the good times as well! Don't be afraid to trust Him...He knows the plans for your life anyway :)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Monday, December 12, 2011
A Little Word on Stress
Stress. It's something everyone experiences at some point in life.
College students are no exception.
In the past month, I've had a countless number of tests and quizzes...at least one every day. I've had at least two or three papers due each week. Trying to balance school and friendships is difficult. Keeping grades up is hard. Keeping in touch with friends from home and family becomes a huge task, even though it's my main priority. Not to mention I am getting ready to leave the country for my first time ever in five days. Basically, what I'm saying is, I am stressed! I am tired of being busy 24/7, having sleepless nights constantly, being in a grumpy mood, and just feeling like "that one weird girl who is always doing homework in her room".
1 Peter 5:6-7 says "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."
I am slowly learning that stressing over everything does absolutely nothing to help me. If anything, it just makes me procrastinate more because I'm so tired or bored with my work. If I take the time to pray before I start something, maybe God will help me push through it. And the amazing thing is, it actually works! I mean, don't get me wrong, the stress is still there. It doesn't just completely disappear. But praying beforehand has made an unbelievable difference. I feel motivated more, and I find that once I sit down to do something, I want to push through and finish what I started.
Another thing that has helped me is my cutting back of technology. As many of you probably know, my phone shuts off alllll the time. Friday, I was getting ready to go home, and it shut off twice. I was bringing someone home with me for the weekend, so I decided I would just leave it off. The change in me wasn't huge. But the way I felt inside was. I didn't feel so tied down...not that talking or texting you guys is annoying or anything..it definitely isn't. It was just a nice, relaxing break from reality for a couple days. I haven't been on Twitter or Facebook as much lately because I've been doing so much homework. And I haven't missed it that much to be honest. I've built and improved so many relationships because I haven't had my phone glued to my hip as much in the past couple of weeks.
God should always be first. He should especially come before stress.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
College students are no exception.
In the past month, I've had a countless number of tests and quizzes...at least one every day. I've had at least two or three papers due each week. Trying to balance school and friendships is difficult. Keeping grades up is hard. Keeping in touch with friends from home and family becomes a huge task, even though it's my main priority. Not to mention I am getting ready to leave the country for my first time ever in five days. Basically, what I'm saying is, I am stressed! I am tired of being busy 24/7, having sleepless nights constantly, being in a grumpy mood, and just feeling like "that one weird girl who is always doing homework in her room".
1 Peter 5:6-7 says "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."
I am slowly learning that stressing over everything does absolutely nothing to help me. If anything, it just makes me procrastinate more because I'm so tired or bored with my work. If I take the time to pray before I start something, maybe God will help me push through it. And the amazing thing is, it actually works! I mean, don't get me wrong, the stress is still there. It doesn't just completely disappear. But praying beforehand has made an unbelievable difference. I feel motivated more, and I find that once I sit down to do something, I want to push through and finish what I started.
Another thing that has helped me is my cutting back of technology. As many of you probably know, my phone shuts off alllll the time. Friday, I was getting ready to go home, and it shut off twice. I was bringing someone home with me for the weekend, so I decided I would just leave it off. The change in me wasn't huge. But the way I felt inside was. I didn't feel so tied down...not that talking or texting you guys is annoying or anything..it definitely isn't. It was just a nice, relaxing break from reality for a couple days. I haven't been on Twitter or Facebook as much lately because I've been doing so much homework. And I haven't missed it that much to be honest. I've built and improved so many relationships because I haven't had my phone glued to my hip as much in the past couple of weeks.
God should always be first. He should especially come before stress.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Not Another College Kid Blog...
Yes, yes it is another college kid blog. I figured after being here for almost exactly two months, it's about time to get my thoughts down somewhere.
I absolutely love Huntington. It's only been two months and I have met people I couldn't even imagine my life without! I know Jeremiah 29:11 gets used a lot...probably over-used if that's even possible... but I'm starting to see that God really does know what He's talking about. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God is shaping me into being a young woman that follows Him with her whole heart, and I don't think anything can be more exciting than that. Even though I complain a lot that I have core chapels Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and elective chapels Wednesday nights, I can't even begin to explain how much they have already changed me in 9 weeks!
It's kind of like this: I would go outside and hang out with friends all summer, and every season before that for as long as I remember, and just hang out. Not notice anything special. Me and one of my best friends were out under the stars one night 3 or 4 weeks ago, and I looked up and saw God. I saw what a beautiful creation He had made and how wonderful it really is. Not that I'm all gung-ho for nature now. I just appreciate it as something God made now, not just an "object" filled with annoying creatures and allergies.
I have found myself praying on a daily basis, and usually more than once a day. I can actually have a relationship with God and not just rely on Him to be there for me whenever I think it's convenient. I can pray and talk about my faith with my friends and not get judged, I have floor worship once a week with around 40 amazing girls. We can all be honest and open with each other, and just be completely vulnerable.
I've realized that I've changed. Most of the time people would think that's a bad thing, but I've multiple people from home tell me they have never seen me this happy before. And I have God to thank for that. I've gotten rid of the people who never really cared about me in high school, who I thought did. I've changed my outlook on life. Not that I'm perfect by any means. I still complain when I have to get up for chapel, and I may or may not have overslept for a few of my classes. I still get annoyed super easily, especially by people I'm around all the time. I still argue with my parents a lot. I'm still stubborn as can be, impatient, and clumsy. Luckily I have a few amazing friends up here who can deal with me even on my bad days.
Ohh this is the stuff! :)
I absolutely love Huntington. It's only been two months and I have met people I couldn't even imagine my life without! I know Jeremiah 29:11 gets used a lot...probably over-used if that's even possible... but I'm starting to see that God really does know what He's talking about. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God is shaping me into being a young woman that follows Him with her whole heart, and I don't think anything can be more exciting than that. Even though I complain a lot that I have core chapels Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and elective chapels Wednesday nights, I can't even begin to explain how much they have already changed me in 9 weeks!
It's kind of like this: I would go outside and hang out with friends all summer, and every season before that for as long as I remember, and just hang out. Not notice anything special. Me and one of my best friends were out under the stars one night 3 or 4 weeks ago, and I looked up and saw God. I saw what a beautiful creation He had made and how wonderful it really is. Not that I'm all gung-ho for nature now. I just appreciate it as something God made now, not just an "object" filled with annoying creatures and allergies.
I have found myself praying on a daily basis, and usually more than once a day. I can actually have a relationship with God and not just rely on Him to be there for me whenever I think it's convenient. I can pray and talk about my faith with my friends and not get judged, I have floor worship once a week with around 40 amazing girls. We can all be honest and open with each other, and just be completely vulnerable.
I've realized that I've changed. Most of the time people would think that's a bad thing, but I've multiple people from home tell me they have never seen me this happy before. And I have God to thank for that. I've gotten rid of the people who never really cared about me in high school, who I thought did. I've changed my outlook on life. Not that I'm perfect by any means. I still complain when I have to get up for chapel, and I may or may not have overslept for a few of my classes. I still get annoyed super easily, especially by people I'm around all the time. I still argue with my parents a lot. I'm still stubborn as can be, impatient, and clumsy. Luckily I have a few amazing friends up here who can deal with me even on my bad days.
Ohh this is the stuff! :)
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