.Leap Day.

Some days just have a sense of magic to them.

Even when you're running on 4 1/2 hours of sleep.

When I woke up this morning, the sun was shining, and the weather was just gorgeous. Couldn't help but smile. However, it didn't take long before the rain and sleet came rolling in. But that's ok. Joy still bubbled up in my heart as I thanked God for all of His wonderful blessings.

Today being February 29th, I felt giddy. I don't really remember what this day felt like last time it came around, but there's something special about a day that you have to wait 4 years for.

These past few weeks have been incredible. I love seeing God working in my life, and in the lives of those around me. Each and every day is an opportunity to learn more about Him, and I just can't get enough! I am so blessed. Even though life has been busy - rewriting lyrics to the tune of Justin Bieber's "Baby" for my CA interview introduction, working on 2 group projects, studying for exams, going home to help with my high school's forensics meet, and somewhere in there finding time to sleep - I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I know I'm here for a reason. There's magic in ordinary days.

So, another thing that made today special was my dad came up to Whitewater and took me out to eat before we went and saw the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. I loved spending time with my dad and listening to some amazing instrumentalists. It helped that we were in the second row, front and center.

Up close and personal.

Starstruck

via

I had an amazing weekend. And now, it's coming to a close.

I went to Camp Wakonda with InterVarsity, and it was such a good break from the hustle and bustle of college life. I learned so much about my relationship with God, and was challenged to pursue the relationship that I have with Him to a far deeper level.

This weekend, I was able to strengthen current friendships and build new ones. I love how even small adventures, which may seem insignificant to some, can create lasting memories. It's in those moments that I remember that life is grand.

Another thing that happened this weekend is I rediscovered my love for stars. I've always loved stargazing, but I forgot what a glittering night sky can look like when you remove light pollution.

Absolutely stunning.

I was able to go out and walk under a canopy of stars and just talk to God.

I love how God reveals His glory to us through the numerous amount of stars that fill the vast night sky. I am blessed.

Although it's hard to let go of a weekend like this one, I know life must go on. After all, I can't go on new adventures if I try to hold tight to past moments. It just doesn't work that way.

If you get a chance, listen to this song. Can't get it out of my head!

Be Mine

It's been a long day.

From a restless night's sleep, to a pain-filled Bio lecture, to reading with 2nd graders, to a surprise lunch date with my big brother Kyle, to a canceled class, to a group project, to an interview, to a dinner date with my Valentine Kaitlin, to worship practice, and then everything in between... 

Yeah, I'm ready for bed.

But still, it's been a good day! Even though it's not always easy, I love life. I am continually reminded of how blessed I truly am.

Oh!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank you to everyone who wished me the same!

Remember, God made you special, and He loves you very much!

Slowing Down

This weekend did not go as I had planned.Yesterday as I was getting my stuff out of my car after work, I twisted my back wrong, which spiraled me into a night of pain and tears. At first I thought I just needed to stretch it out - when that wasn't working, I took some Tylenol and got some ice, only to ultimately end up bawling on the kitchen floor after my dad asked me what was wrong. I hate being in pain. That's probably a silly thing to say, because NO ONE likes being in pain, but I feel like I especially do not handle pain well. I really had no idea what exactly was wrong or what had happened. But I couldn't (and still can't) bend at the hips at all without being in excruciating pain, and I hobble around like an old lady. I spent the rest of the night alternating between an ice pack and a heating pad, hoping that it would provide some relief. No such luck. I woke up this morning thinking I would feel better after a night's rest, but if anything, it was worse. I had to call into work, which I absolutely hate doing, and I waited around all morning until my chiropractor appointment.

Praise God I was able to get into see him, because it turns out that two of the vertebrae in my lower back were out of alignment. (Side note: I usually love driving stick shift, but let me tell you, I hated every minute of driving stick down to the chiropractor's office.) Sometimes I wonder if I really am in as much pain as I think I am, or if I'm just being a baby about it, so it was a relief to know that I wasn't just imagining things, and there was something he could do to fix it. He cracked my back into alignment, and then told me I really needed to come in for a follow up. Which means I'll be missing a class for the first time in my college career on Monday. Rebel student that I am... But I am really happy to know that there's something that can be done to make my back better. And my dad got me an early Valentine's Day present (love him!!) to cheer me up.

I wasn't able to get as much done today as I had planned to. Funny how that works. But in reality, even though it's never convenient to get injured or sick, I think sometimes God allows it to happen so we can take some time to slow down and relax. I feel like I've just been running, running, running for the past 4 weeks, and today I was forced to lay down and rest because I literally couldn't get up and do anything else. I can't say I'm thrilled with being in pain, but at least I was able to get something out of it. Also, I now can empathize much better with anyone who suffers from chronic back pain, like my mom. To all you valiant souls, I don't know how you do it. So, I got to end my day with cookies, white mocha, and Chariots of Fire with my dad. Though I can't say this has been the best day ever, I do think it's one that I'm not going to forget anytime soon.


I'm not telling you this to make you feel sorry for me. I don't want your pity - this could have happened to anyone. If you'd like to say a prayer for me, awesome, I'd really appreciate it. But I just wanted to share a bit of what's going on in my life, in truth. My life is far from perfect, but still, it's the only one I've got.

.Solemn Reflection.

5 years ago today, two of my friends, Shane and Taylor,

died in a car accident.

At 14, this was my first experience with the death of someone close to me. It's so easy to think that something like this will never happen to you. That the people you see on a daily basis and know so well couldn't possibly meet a tragic end, because that only happens to other people, or in the movies.

But it's not true.

Ecclesiastes 9 tells us that time and chance happen to us all. The world we live in is not perfect, and thus the things we experience in life will not always be joyous; sometimes, storms do come, and the pain can be unbearable.

I don't know why this happened. But I do know that Romans 8:28 tells us this: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." God can use even the most painful and devastating circumstances to draw people into His Kingdom. Grief can be crippling, but it is in those moments that God teaches us to fully rely on His strength. 

This tragedy was a wake-up call for me. Life is short. So often I take the numerous blessings in my life for granted. I waste the time that I've been given pursuing trivial and meaningless things. Each day is a precious gift. Every moment that goes by is one that I can't get back. I want this realization to reflect in the way I live my life, in the way I treat people, whether it be an old friend or a new acquaintance.

Thank you, God, for teaching me this, even though I had to learn it through the loss of Shane and Taylor.

Remind the people around you that you love and appreciate them.

Tomorrow might be too late.

R.I.P. Shane

R.I.P. Taylor

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Shane and Taylor. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Groundhog Day

A year ago today, this was the view out my front door.

Toby's face says it all.

Crazy, huh?

We were snowed in, quite literally.

As I walked around today, instead of being surrounded by 4 feet of snow, brown grass and fog were what awaited me outdoors. And some sad and muddy looking piles of snow.

Which leads me to this question:

If Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter, 

when is the next snow storm gonna hit?

Now, back to the overwhelming pile of homework I took a break from to blog.

I need to grow out of my procrastinating ways.