Summer is here...

First off, I just want to ask, where did this past semester go?!?! It has been a whirlwind of excitement, challenges, and great times. I continue to be thankful for everything that I am faced with because I know it is another opportunity for God to do some amazing things in my life and another opportunity for Him to show His Glory.

This semester was great! I finished off with a 3.95 for the semester and now stand at a 3.77 GPA overall. I couldn't be any more happier. I plan to be a RA again in the same place and I look forward to the start of that in August.

A few things I learned this semester:

1. I can handle taking 18 hours along with being a RA and still having a good time with my friends and family.
2. Sometimes I think I am ready for a new situation, but it might not be in God's timing.
3. I want to be a middle school teacher.
4. I can't plan my life to the exact details, because it is not going to go that way.

I am glad it is summer. It's a fresh start to the year.

I like to have a plan for the summer. Of course life never goes according to plan, but it is always an adventure and it is nice to have an idea of what I would like to get accomplished.

So here is what I am thinking:

1. READING!!! It is hard to enjoy reading at school when there is already so much to do. Summer is my time to read whatever I want. I borrowed a few books from people so I will be reading through those. The books are: This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen (already completed), Eat, Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, Clara's War by Clara Kramer, Second Chance by Jane Green, Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer, and Twilight series (I admit to having not read any of them ever). It is quite a lot of books and I hope to get through all of them in the next three monthss. I will make sure to write my thoughts on each book once I am done. I am also planning to read through a few devotional books. Right now I am going through Traveling Light by Max Lucado. It is about letting go of the baggage and burdens that we have a tendency to carry around and not let go.

2. Sewing. I have a few projects that I for sure need to work on like birthday presents and baby presents. I will post pictures of each project once they are completed!!! This past Saturday, I got a new sewing machine. Its a Janome AQS2009 for all those who sew! I can already tell the difference between this one and my old one.  This machine can handle more types of material and has more different stitch settings.
3. Summer School. Yes, I will be taking two summer classes. Last year, I took one summer class but it was extremely easy, and I have a feeling these two classes will be a little harder. I am looking forward to the challenge though and it will give me something to do to keep me busy.
4. Other. I am helping out with the Middle School Youth Group at my church with Vacation Bible School and the Sunday School Classes. I love these kids and am excited for it. I also plan to take a few trips over the summer. Hopefully at least one back to Charleston, one to visit my favorite cousin, Candace, and $lade ;). I like traveling, but I especially like seeing people I haven't seen in awhile and hanging out with them.

I feel like it has already been awhile since I have been home, but I know that the rest of the summer will fly by. Check back tomorrow for the ShoesDay post! Love you all!!!!