It's a new year.

Well, it's officially 2014 and I still can't decide if I'm excited or in denial. I think more the former.

***

At the start of each year, we tend to make resolutions and lists. January 1st marks the beginning, and for many, the chance to start over, hit the refresh button, and be the person we wish we had been during the last year. This time it's for real. I'm serious this time. All things I have said before and honestly, I have been finding myself saying it again this year. 

Why do we say these things? 

Something about those words just doesn't sit right with me.

***

In light of the New Year, I have chosen to not only make a list of goals, but I am choosing to also celebrate 2013. It certainly was a BIG and exciting year, and rather than thinking about all I wish I had done, I want to remember it as a time of fullness and blessing. 

My life in 2013:

+ I landed a grown-up job!

+ I spent time with 3 kiddos who are more family than just another baby-sitting job.

+ I enjoyed spring break with my closest friends.

+ I ran a half-marathon.

+ I graduated from college.

+ I bought a car.

+ I moved to a new city.

+ I made new friends.

+ I visited 3 new cities (Tulsa, St. Louis, Indianapolis).
+ I started graduate school.

+ I taught high schoolers for a whole semester. (Whew!)

More importantly:

+ I learned to really value friends & family.

+ I learned how to say goodbye. 

+ I learned to understand the importance of keeping in touch.

+ I started learning how to ask questions and how important it is to really understand/value grace.

+ I learned more and more about relying on God's purpose and plans: "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 19:21

+ I realized (for the 100th time) that I am not perfect - but my God is perfect.

2013, you were too good to me.

Breaking Away

Never did I imagine that I would value a *break* (of any kind) more than I valued time off when I was in college.

I was so very wrong.

***

I have spent the last week in North Carolina at my parents' house (yes - not my house anymore) & praise the Lord I still have the rest of this week to go. I even allowed myself the coveted luxury of not doing any teaching-related work for ONE WHOLE WEEK. I don't think I even opened my laptop.

The week of Christmas was full of family, friends, food (way too much), and a lot of relaxing. I received lots of books as gifts, and have enjoyed being able to rest and read them.

***

I am giddy with excitement about New Years. I will be traveling to spend some time with my friends from college, most of whom I have not seen since we graduated in the spring. I just hope they're prepared for the ridiculous amount of hugs they are about to have thrown upon them. :)

Speaking of the new year, 2014 is practically here and I have yet to nail down my hopes and goals for the year. While this is something I often do, I usually fail at the follow through. This year WILL be different, and I am excited to put into writing what I hope and pray to by true of 2014. There will be more to come on this, but it will most likely involve healthy eating & fitness, travel, and spiritual growth (not necessarily in that order).

***

Next on the agenda: plan a spring break adventure, hopefully to a place I have never been!

While I get back to the ever-growing pile of lesson plans, enjoy these recent finds:

+ 20 Things People Over 20 Should Stop Doing
+ Teach For America in 2013: The Unofficial Year in Review
+ What did the world search for in 2013?
+ America's New Elite Ivies
+ Lucas: Our Way

recent reads

I know that not much has been happening over here at the little blog, but here are some of my favorite articles, books, and wise tid-bits that I have been reading lately:

20 Things to Know Before You're 30 (via Relevant Magazine) :: Probably the most thorough list of advice that I have come across.

Take Three (Above the Line Series #3, by Karen Kingsbury) :: Let's get past our preconceived notions about the cheesiness of Christian fiction (guilty) and just admit that Karen's books are the best. I am on my 7th book of the last month or so, and am so hooked on them it's not even funny.

Romans 1:20 (ESV) :: Some truth that keeps me going as I teach the kiddos (read: high schoolers/"young adults") about the intricacies of our universe via the science classroom.
Also, this: Hebrews 11:3 (ESV)








(I've read all of the above & a whole lot of science.)

Friday Favorites

Phew, it's finally Friday! I am quickly learning that I do not have the typical do-nothing-school-related-and-just-have-fun-all-the-time senior schedule. But hey, this is what I signed up for I guess! Time is just ticking away and I am definitely keeping busy (and counting down the days until Spring Break), but I'm also loving every second of it!

+++

Here are some Friday Favorites!

+ I took a trip, I have a job, and I finished a book! (More to come on this.)
+ Lecrae Raps the Gospel in One Minute
+ Study Your City: this makes me excited about moving to a completely new city. I want to learn about it, know it well, and live intentionally while I'm there. (Of course, this also applies to where I am now. It's never too late to get to know your city!)
+ First Impressions Rap (aka: my church is crazy. and awesome.)
+ James: Mercy Triumphs: I don't think many people understand how excited I was when this came in the mail yesterday. Beth Moore is so, so wise and I always love hearing her speak. I can't wait to get started on this study!

image via lifeway.com

+ I kind of sort of want one of these in every color. Please?

Chevron Infinity Loop Scarves (via Etsy)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Friendship

Maybe I'm sad about graduating - or getting there, anyway.

Maybe I'm just on one of those emotional roller coaster rides that comes around every so often and isn't really justified. (Or I'm just a girl and, let's be real, I'm always emotional.)

Maybe I have just suddenly become "older" and "wiser" and now see the value in things I once took for granted.

Regardless of my current situation and state of mind (or the fact that it's almost midnight and way past my bedtime), I am feeling overwhelmed by my friendships.

Not in a bad way. No, in a very good way.

+ + +

Friendships have always been something on which I have placed a lot of weight, and at times, have relied on too much, regardless of being the independent person that I am. (Let's be honest; it's nice to be surrounded by people who want to be around you!) It has only been within the last few years, I think, that I have seen a clearer picture of what real, genuine friendships are like.

+ + +

Friends have come and gone in my life. Some friendships last a month, others last a year, and still others last years and years and years.

I don't really know what it is about friendship that makes it so meaningful. Scratch that; I know why friendships mean so much to me, but putting these thoughts and feelings into words is way too difficult.

Maybe that's why friendship is so special -- It's one of those largely inexplicable things in life. A thing that makes life so sweet; worthwhile; fun; joyful; emotional. It is a way to genuinely share life with other people. It is community at its finest; fellowship with another being - a living, moving, breathing, soulful being.

It is encompassed in those late night conversations about anything and everything, silly and serious. It is sharing your struggles, fears, joys, and daily happenings. It is speaking truth in love. It is telling a friend that one small thing you found funny about your day that only they would understand. It is unexplained laughter that you just can't seem to stifle. It is sharing tears and prayers, meals and celebrations, chaos and stillness.

+ + +

I am overwhelmed in this moment as I reflect on my friendships of long ago. And the sweetness of knowing that some of them have lasted through the years (despite miles, schedules, and life paths in general) - that brings joy to my heart.

And the deep bond I experience with friends who are close by; who surround me literally everyday with love and encouragement; who I can interact with like sisters and speak openly and honestly in their presence.....

It is so, so obvious to me that this is one of the things we were created for. And I am incredibly thankful for that.

+ + +

"The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others."

C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

Friday Favorites

I seriously cannot believe it's already Friday again! This week flew by. I had quite a few ideas of things to write about floating around in my head, but alas, the week is nearly over. I guess those ideas will make an appearance at a later time.

***

Here are some Friday Favorites (including a few things I'm just excited about!):

+ I PASSED THE PRAXIS!! I'm now (apparently) qualified to teach high school biology, which is absolutely crazy/humbling/exciting/scary. 

+ Spring Break is planned! And for once in my college career some friends and I will be heading south for sand & sun. Let the countdown begin!

+ Radiant Cosmetics: I ran across this company via The Lipstick Gospel blog. The company's mission is to raise awareness and funds to help bring justice to the millions of women and girls trafficked in various industries, specifically the makeup industry. 

+ Love Your Mormon Neighbors: an especially enlightening post written by a Christian who was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

+ Just thought I should share the mug collection of my dreams (which my aunt currently possesses). Maybe I'll get my hands on these one day??

Happy Friday!

Friday Favorites

It's Friday. The first day of February, the beginning of the 100-day countdown to graduation, and the start of a crazy, hectic month. (All of my weekends are already booked. What?!)

***

Here are some Friday Favorites - a collection of blog posts, articles, Pinterest finds, and who knows what else that I have come across throughout the week. Enjoy!

+ The End It Movement officially launched today! (You can find more information here.) Join the movement and sign the pledge to help end modern-day slavery. And watch this video:

+ Four US states considering laws that challenge teaching evolution: As a soon-to-be science teacher, I just thought this was something interesting to think on and be in the loop about.
+ Your worth is not in your to-do list: I've learned a lot about this over the years and still need the reminder.
+ Grace for Monotonous Work: "God can and will give us joy and strength for the work he's called us to do. Even the non-creative stuff."
+ Ran across these super cute coffee mugs and thought they were especially appropriate since it's February. (I may have a slight mug obsession.)



Happy Friday!