ShoesDay #7

Hello friends!! Hope everyone is well. Guess what!?! It's June 29th. Let's do some countdowns:

1. One day until Adam and Johnna's birthday.
2. Nine days until a vacation
3. Thirty days until I move back to school.
4. Forty-seven days until school starts.

Crazy! I think now that I am soo busy, the summer is zooming on by. I don't mind how fast everyday is going because I really haven't had time to think about it. However, I finally have gotten adjusted to being home and then I will have to turn right back around and go to school. It's just too much of a rollercoaster of emotions for me!

I feel like I begin every post now by saying how super busy I am, but I really have. This was the first weekday morning in a few weeks that I didn't wake up to an alarm because I had nothing going on this morning. It nice to sleep in some.

Shoes #8
Everyone, I would like to introduce you to my Easy Spirit tennis shoes!!

You probably are thinking I get all the boys when I wear them. FALSE. I don't. I am not particularly crazy about these shoes because of how "chunky" they are, but they are supposed to be good for my feet (read ShoesDay #5).

The only time I really wear them is when I exercise. This past year I began to visit the gym more than every couple of weeks. Why? I think I began to feel the positive effects of exercising and was enjoying them. Mind you, I don't go to the gym every day because of my scheduling not allowing it. I am sure I could work it into my schedule more than I do, but sometimes I would rather lay around the house than work out. I also work out more when I am stressed. I have learned how to letting go of my stress when I work out. Putting in my head phones and running around Charleston always makes a difference, when I get done. Exercising is just a way for me to breathe and to get refocused.

I do have work out buddies sometimes. At school I have gone with a couple of friends to the gym, Zumba classes or just worked out in the dorm room. My friend at home goes with me to the 24 hour gym at night. He protects me. I protect him. ;)

Things I have learned from exercising:

1. 
   
   It is EXTREMELY challenging to get up and work out in the early morning.
2. 
   
   I like to JOG and WALK. Running is not programmed in my system.
3. 
   
   I like taking dancing classes. Only taken Zumba, but would love to take Salsa, Swing, etc. (Any takers?!?! ;)  )
4. 
   
   I am intimidated to use the weights when there are guys around.
5. 
   
   It's really hard to look cute working out. Who honestly can make sweating profusely look good?
6. 
   
   When I make the time for exercising, it's worth it.

Well, thanks for keeping up with my ShoesDay. There is still a few more weeks to come of stories about my shoes. Have a great week. Love you guys!!

ShoesDay #6

Hello June 15th! I am writing this post at 2:25 this morning. Why you might ask? Well, I just got off work. I had to help make Victoria's Secret look all pretty for the big sale that starts today. I am quite tired, but I am past the point of noticing it and I quite hyper. Listening to a some Usher (You Got It Bad). Random, I know.

Unfortunately, this is going to have to be a short post because I have so much to do. I say that now and will probably end up writing just as much as I normally do. When I am not babysitting, I am working at VS. When I am not babysitting or working at VS, I am studying for Biology or Astronomy. So that is pretty much what this week will look like for me. So pray that do not lose my head this week and will be able to make it through and still get somewhat of a decent amount of sleep.

Shoes #7

These are my black and brown close-toed shoes with a slight heel. I call them my "teacher" shoes. I mean, they look a little teacher-ish. Especially the brown ones. I wear them in the winter time with my nice pair of knee-high pantyhose. Yep. I admit it: I wear pantyhose. No one seems to wear them anymore but they keep my feet warm (slightly). I would get made fun of in high school about it. Didn't bother me because I really didn't care. Anyways, going on from that sidenote. While I only consider these two pairs to be my "teacher" shoes, I am sure I will be accumulating more over the years.

To most it is quite well-known that I want to pursue a career in teaching. Always have since I was a little girl. How could I be interested in working with kids when I was a kid myself? I really don't know the answer to when I first wanted to become a teacher, but God planted that seed in my life and I am choosing to follow it. 

In these shoes, I have worked with Special Needs, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fifth grade, and seventh grade. I have traveled the hallways of many schools; all which have the essence of knowledge being explored by the youth. It is crazy to think that I could be teaching two years from now when I graduate. It seems so close. So real. I really hope to make a difference. I know that is so typical for future and present teachers to say, but it is true. What can I, as a teacher, pass on to my students that will have a lasting and positive impact? What can I teach them that will be useful after the school year is over?

We are all called to be teachers in some way or another. In ANYTHING we do, we are showing others how to do something or maybe just being an example to others. God teaches us every day about Himself or teaches us about ourselves. Revealing to us how we so desperately need Him in our lives. He teaches us through our heartaches and failures how to let go and let Him do the work.

So what are you teaching others? What has God been recently teaching you? I would love to hear your responses, so please share!

Have a great week. Love you all!

ShoesDay #5

Happy Tuesday everyone! I have been busy busy with school and work. The fun continues each day with something new and exciting. I sometimes regret taking summer school, but only because my biology course is already kicking me in the butt. A lot of work. I wasn't prepared for the amount of studying, but I will get through it.

I went to Carowinds yesterday with two awesome friends. It was so much fun! We rode the newest rollercoaster: The Intimidator. So crazy! It is the fastest, tallest and longest coaster in the Southeast and the eighth tallest in North America. Here is a YouTube clip I found of the ride, so you can enjoy the ride yourself :)




Shoe #6

Today's ShoesDay will be about my medical shoe. As you can tell it's a very classy and youthful looking shoe (sarcasm). On May 8th, 2009, I had surgery on my left foot because I had a bunion and it was really giving me trouble whenever I would walk on it. The hospital gave me this shoe to keep my foot protected while I was recovering. It was interesting to see how my foot changed with that on. For instance, when I first started wearing it (right after surgery), my foot was wrapped up in TONS of bandages so the straps were on the loosest settings. About a month later, I was just wearing the boot, so the straps were on the tightest setting.

This was the first time I had surgery, and a lot of frustrations came out of it. The whole concept of having to "stay off" it drove me nuts. I know I needed to rest, but there was NOTHING I could do while laying around the house except sleep and watch television. The first few weeks I wasn't allowed to put any pressure on my foot so I had to use crutches. Well, you can take about ten steps with crutches and already feel worn out. Especially for someone like me who has hardly any upperbody strength. Once I had been off my pain medications, I was allowed to drive again (since I only had surgery on my left foot).

This experience opened my eyes to what it means to REST. How much of our lives are spent resting? How much of our lives are spent resting in the LORD?

We spend so much of our time trying to do everything and so little of our time just doing nothing with the Lord. I love the mornings when I can wake up and so much time with the Lord because I don't have anything planned for the day. I can just rest with Him.  So take some time out. Rest with Him. Set aside the million and one things you have to do today. Our Daddy wants to spend time with you...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." ~Matthew 11:28

ShoesDay #4

Happy First of June! The first week of school went well. A little stressful getting adjusted to having to do schoolwork, but it will all work itself out. I started at my job last Friday, and I am really enjoying it. I am still getting used to being on my feet for extended periods of time. I started sewing a one-shoulder shirt for myself. I will post pictures as soon as it is complete! This week will be about the same as last week...school, babysit, and work. However, I start teaching the Middle School Sunday School class on Sunday! I am excited and I pray that God will bless this opportunity to reach out to adolescents and help me to show God's love to them.

 Shoes #5

"Rain rain go away. Come again another day.....Or at least let me wear my rainboots for a little bit!" Hehe.

Adam bought these for my 19th birthday from J. Crew. It is hard to see from the picture, but there are little bassett hounds all over the boots. LOVE IT! They were on sale too for around $15, which is really good especially for J. Crew. It was definitely a great investment and I have put them to good use.

Living in downtown Charleston, it is necessary to have a pair of rainboots. It is probably necessary to have an entire rainsuit especially for the way that people drive and are completely oblivious to the mud puddle they are driving through that gets everyone on the side walk wet.

When it rains down in Charleston, the streets flood very easily, and if it is high tide, then it becomes even worse. But I will be honest, I kind of like it when it rains because (a) I get to wear my rainboots and (b) it is a good excuse to take a nap and i LOVE naps.

As I am writing this, I really can't think of a particular story or time that was significant when I was wearing these shoes. So instead, I am going to just talk about my experiences with rain in general down in Charleston.

The residence hall I live in has the doors facing outward (it is an old motel).  So, when it rains, the water has a tendency to come at an angle and get the balcony all wet and slippery. I woke up one morning and noticed a small puddle of water forming at my door. It had been raining so much that water was coming underneath the door.  I have yet to be splashed by a passing car (knock on wood), but I have witnessed other people getting splashed and I sympathsize with them. I mean, what can you do? You can't chase after the car. Most people just go back to their room and change into other clothes.  Rain also poses a challenge for getting to and from classes because a lot of people have umbrellas, but the streets are wide enough for people to get around each other easily.

Another thing about rain that I forgot to mention earlier that I really like is the rainbows. I have seen some beautiful rainbows right outside my room so many times. The picture to the right does not do justice to the real thing.  After a day's rain, the world looks so calm and peaceful and a rainbow adds to the beauty of it all. It is the perfect ending to another day that God has blessed me with.

Psalms 72:6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.

ShoesDay #3

I hope everyone is having a lovely Tuesday! I start summer school today. I feel like today marks the beginning of my busy summer with school, babysitting, teaching the Middle School Sunday School class, and my part-time job. I am VERY thankful I was able to find a part-time job! Where you might ask?? Victoria's Secret!!! I am super excited about it and will also have to be careful about not spending too much of my pay check on my under-garments ;)

Shoes #4

This Tuesday, I will be talking about my Pink Sperry's. I like these because hardly anyone has this pair in the pink shade. Most people have the tan colored. I am all about some unique shoes!

On the Sperry's website, it says they are the "makers of the original boat shoe." I think it is humorous that so many people have these shoes, but so few actually wear them on a boat. It has been awhile since I have been on a sailboat (probably three years), but I made sure I wore my "boat shoes" the last time I was on one.

THE last time I was on a sail boat was Spring Break of my sophomore year. My family went to Beaufort, North Carolina to visit friends of the family. The males decided to go sailing early one morning and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to use my boat shoes. Plus, I really enjoy sailing so I tagged along.

THE weather was a little chilly but nothing unbearable. As we made are way further away from the coast, I noticed something rather large and gray ahead of us in the water. It would come up a little out of the water and then go back under. "Look it's a whale," I told my dad, but he didn't believe me until he saw it. Then I noticed something a little smaller beside it and I realized it was a baby whale!  We tried to sail after them to get better pictures, but because they didn't come up as often, they ended up too far ahead of us. I was able to snap a few photos, but they got deleted off the computer (always happens to the good pictures!).

LOOKING back at this experience, one of the things that sticks out to me is the fact that I saw A WHALE! I mean, this is one of the biggest creatures on earth. Even though I didn't see the entire whale at one time, the whales still looked big coming up out of the water. It is amazing how God creates something of such size and then turns around and creates something like a ant or caterpillar. All are so significant. I mean, they would have to be, or else why would He create them?

GOD'S creation is so beautiful and intertwined. If you be still and look around you, you can see everything. Feel everything. Hear everything. So much of His Glory can be revealed when we allow ourselves to be more aware of it. God can do so much. If He can take care of a creature of this size, then of course He can take care of us. I would encourage anyone reading this to take a moment to note on the little things (and big things!) surrounding you that reveal God's glory and that show His Love to us.

I hope you all have an amazing day. Love you all!

Psalm 104:24-25 - O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great.

ShoesDay #2

Another day of shoes...Yayy!!! For those who are new, every Tuesday I am writing about a pair of my shoes and a story about them. Hope you enjoy!

Shoes #3

Chacos. These are my outdoor/hiking shoes. However, I will admit, I don't think I have EVER actually going hiking in them. Unless you consider walking the streets of Charleston on a Saturday, then yes, I have gone hiking. If you live in downtown Charleston, you know what I am talking about.

Let's see, what is there to know about these shoes? I got these shoes on my 19th birthday. It was my ONLY birthday present. Chacos are a little pricey, but a great investment because there is a lifetime warranty on them.  I first want a pair in high school after going to Look Up Lodge, and all the staffers had a pair. I didn't like them at first, but then they grew on me.

I like them because they do remind me of Look Up Lodge. A LOT of great times, great fellowship, and great information that was brought back with me after spending a week there.

I first went to Look Up Lodge in 2005, the summer after my freshman year of high school.  It was the first time any of the students from my church had gone to this particular camp. Not only was the first trip amazing, but the three to follow were just the same.  I bonded with so many of the other people in my youth group as well as people from other areas.  The night before I would go up there for a week, I couldn't sleep because I knew that God was going to do some amazing things in the week to come and I couldn't be anymore excited.  I learned so much about God and His amazing love. I always left there being so grateful for all that had come from the week.

From the four summers I had went, I left with some stories:

1. Sex Camp. The first time I went the theme of the week was Love, Sex, and Dating, but our youth group thought it would be more appropriate to call it Sex Camp. I received interesting looks from my friends when I told them I would be away at Sex Camp for a week! Most people assume the worst when you tell them such things.
2. Cooter. That's all I can about that subject. If you were there, then you know what I am talking about and understand the humor behind it. Haha. Good times.
3. Giant Swing. There is this huge swing that is extremely fun to ride, but a little scary at the same time. Totally worth the nerviousness of the first drop.
4. Thursday Nights. The camp would have an end-of-the-week celebration. One time there was an ice cream social.  Another time, there was a country dance. The last time I was there, I spent the Thursday night in the ER. One of the kids in my youth group hurt his hand so I went with him and the youth leader. That was an interesting night for sure. A word to all: If you get mad at someone, DON"T punch a piece of wood. The piece of wood will win.
5. Fellowship. Worship. Chapel. So many good lessons. So many good talks. Greg, the owner/director, really challenged my faith. He asked a lot of questions that would frustrate me because I didn't understand, but would require me to figure things out on my own. The music was great. It was peaceful. It got me ready for the talks each morning and evening.
6. Main Lodge. Locust. Dogwood. Poplar. These were all the different cabins I stayed in. It amazes me that 10 to 12 girls can share a bathroom. It is possible!!! Surprisingly, the girls' room was always cleaner than the boys.

I could probably write a book with all my experiences from the summers I was there. So much more happened than what I just noted I can't count the number of amazing, godly people I met and developed friendships with. I experienced so much of God's love there. When you experience God, you have a connection to that place where it happened. So whenever I wear these shoes, I always think back to what God did in those weeks that affected who I am today.

A few pictures from the summers:

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!!!!