Oh the Possibilities: My Goals for Junior Year

I adore fresh starts. Clear-cut opportunities in life to start over and begin anew excite me. So when it comes time for the beginning of a new school year, I jump at the chance to list areas where I would like to grow and things I want to do. Oh the possibilities!

So, without further ado, welcome to my list of goals for my junior year of college!           

1. Begin and end my days with God.

I need that time with my best friend: the Creator of the Universe! Fellowship with the King should always trump every other item on my to-do list. I may be tempted to skip out on Him at times, but I know that my relationship with Him is the most important one in my life.

2. Go to God first always.

I have a bad habit of either… a.) automatically starting to worry about problems when they arise OR b.) talking to someone else about my problems. I want to make prayer my first response to anything and everything.

3.  Keep my focus on the eternal.

In other words, not letting the small stuff in life get to me. This world is temporary; a truth that is easy to forget!

4. Be more flexible.

When plans that I THOUGUT were set in stone change, stress follows. I want to learn to “go with the flow” as my mama says.

5. Explore and go on adventures.

Even though Indiana Wesleyan is located in a small town, there is so much to be discovered! I’m keen on trying new things and finding cool places no one knew existed.

6. Build deeper relationships.

I want to get to know more people on a deeper level and figure out their dreams, hopes, fears, and passions.

7. Find joy in the little things.

Blessings are everywhere, from that perfect cup of coffee to a smile from a stranger!

8. Write a letter a week.

Who doesn’t love to get letters!? Contact me with your name and mailing address and I’ll put you on my list!

9. Live in the joy and peace of God’s love and salvation.

Nuff said.

10. Take life one step at a time.

I sometimes find myself getting overwhelmed thinking about EVERYTHING I have to do in a day. Instead, I want to focus on one thing at a time by simply taking the next right step.

11. Allow myself time for creativity.

Creativity is one of my gifts, and I need to be using and developing it. Plus creative projects are fun and energizing! Bring on the scrapbook paper and modge podge.

12. Pray for people.

The power of prayer is so under recognized. I want to be asking God to bless the people I love every day.

13. Try every drink on the menu at McConn.

Why? Why not.

14. Make memories.

It’s going to be a great year. I hope to carpe every diem and have some fun along the way. Oh, the possibilities. 

Suggestions for a Successful Move-In

While the thought of packing up your earthly belongings and moving to a location that will most likely be shared with someone you have never met may be overwhelming, I have good news for you! The process of moving into college is only stressful if you let it be. So do not panic! I have listed some tips and tricks to make the event of Move-In Day as smooth as possible.

1.     Do not procrastinate.

Waiting until your parents are halfway out the driveway to start packing is not a good idea. Plan ahead to avoid stress.

2.     Don’t panic if you forget something.

IWU has both a Meijer and a Wal-mart conveniently located nearby. Both of which are well equipped with things typical college students need. Forget a personal item? Have your parents overnight it to your campus mailing address, which you should receive shortly after moving in.

3.     Organize first, decorate later.

The temptation to pull out those pictures and other accessories the second you arrive may surface, but make sure your necessary belongings are taken care of first.

4.     Be willing to compromise.

You and your roommate may not always agree, so be flexible to keep the peace. It’s not really a big deal if that lamp goes there anyway, is it?

5.     Don’t insist on doing it all yourself.

Moving in is a big job, and not meant for one to do alone! Let your parents/siblings help you. This will make your family feel needed and keep your stress level to a minimum.

6.     Have a “moment” with your parents.

In other words, don’t run off to make lifelong friends the second you finish moving in. The process is a huge transition for parents too, so spend a little time with them before they leave to make them feel appreciated.

7.     Have fun!

Remember that you are making memories. You only move into college as a freshman once (well, hopefully), so enjoy yourself.

My roommate Hannah and I on Move-In Day freshman year. We had only known each other for an hour!

Bring on the Change

I am a lady of routine. I find great comfort in routine. Thus, I am not a big fan of change. 

However, change is a constant reality. 

As I moved my life across the Ohio/Indiana state line and from the end of a chapter to the beginning of the next this afternoon, I reminded myself that it is only through change that great adventures can begin. 

And I'm ready for some adventure!

Even though moving back into college is a big change, it is so comforting to know I serve a God who never changes. 

Hebrews 13:8 says...

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

The same God that has walked me through life up till this point will continue to hold my hand through whatever my junior year throws at me. 

I am so thankful for this promise!

Bring on the change.

The Soundtrack of My Summer

The familiar feeling of nostalgia has descended upon me once again as the days grow shorter and the nights cooler. Yes, summer is quickly drawing to a close, leaving incredible memories trailing behind it. Many of these memories are attached to the songs that served as background music for my life the months of May through August: the soundtrack of my summer (Thanks for that line, Boys like Girls).

1. Charlie Brown – Coldplay

 One of my first summer song obsessions! I listened to it on repeat for weeks.

2. Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Try to not smile while listening to this song. It is impossible. I smiled and listened while enthusiastically starting creative projects at the beginning of summer that I have yet to finish.

3. Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson

An oldie but goodie. I learned this summer that Jack Johnson lives in Hawaii and loves to surf ALONG WITH making beautiful music. What a life. I sang along with “Banana Pancakes” while baking cupcakes one afternoon in May.

4. Danza Kuduro – Don Omar, Lucenzo

Can’t help but dance when “Danza Kuduro” starts playing! It also has a way of making the listener want chips and salsa. Which is why I blasted it while making mango salsa that one time.

5. Stare Into the Sun – Graffiti6

Heard it on the radio on a sunny day and was instantly smitten. Listened to it 482 times a day. The End.

6. Country Girl – Luke Bryan

I spent a good amount of time down south in June, where Luke Bryan is regarded as royalty. I danced to “Country Girl” before the start of the first cheerleading camp I worked.

7. Let’s Go – Calvin Harris feat. Ne-Yo

This song legitimately gets me pumped. Listened to it right before running a 5k on the 4^th of July and right after I put it at the top of my workout playlist.

8. Me Without You – TobyMac

My little sisters and I love it. Volume was always cranked in the car when it came on the radio! I also adore the lyrics, so much truth to them.

9. Thought of You – Justin Bieber

      “Thought of You” is my personal favorite on The Bieb’s new CD. The release of that album was an event in and of itself.

10. Wide Awake – Katy Perry

Saw the Katy Perry movie with my best friends on opening night, which made me want to be her best friend. Still can’t get enough of this song.

11. Runaway – Mat Kearney

My trip to California was narrated by Mat Kearney’s voice. It perfectly accompanied watching the sparkling Pacific Ocean roll by on our drive up the coast.

12. Stole My Heart – One Direction

My ten-year-old sister is obsessed with “1D,” and after being forced to watch their concert DVD, I decided the cute little Brits aren’t so bad. ESPECIALLY if you listen to the songs on their album the radio doesn’t play.

It has been a good summer indeed.