This Is Home

It has been 7 days since I indefinitely deactivated my Facebook, and I couldn't be more at peace about taking a break from the numerous status updates, engagement announcements, relationship changes, notifications, event invites, etc. As sad as it may seem, I find myself sitting in my room at times when I would normally be on Facebook and wondering what in the world I should do with all of my extra time. A few things I am doing: Devotions (I am determined to do this whole One Year Bible thing) Focusing more on intentionality in my friendships Homework (Say whaaaatttt?!?! Yep, you heard me right) Keeping up-to-date on current events Training for a 5k Embracing the opportunities found in each and every day The first few Facebook-less days were quite a challenge for me. I found myself opening my computer and immediately typing "www.facebook.com" It was ridiculous and somewhat disgusting how I was in a sort of auto-pilot--automatically going to Facebook before doing anything ...

I've been on campus for 5 days. I was already completely exhausted by the first day of classes. Since returning to campus, my nights have consisted of very little sleep. Not that I don't TRY to sleep. I just can't. If I could pick one word to describe my feelings the past few days, it would be restless. My RA application is due in 9 days, but I have yet to start it. Every time that I sit down to work on the essays, I am completely overcome by fear. I absolutely hate the unknown. It scares the bajeebies out of me! I think this has been the cause of my inability to sleep. Now that I have been a Negative Nancy, let me tell you something: God is faithful. Yesterday I hit a low point. By the time 10pm rolled around, I was completely drained--I had nothing left to offer. After our little Welcome Back Bash for Westside, I went to my room. Once I shut my door, I began to cry. I needed rest. Still crying, I fell into my bed, and the only prayer that I could muster up was: "Go...

We live in a culture that is always seeking more--more happiness, more income, more cures, more friends, more education. . .blah, blah, blah. This type of lifestyle results in an overwhelming sense of emptiness. It's a sick cycle--the more you have, the more you want. You never have enough; you're never completely satisfied. I'm no expert, but I do know that seeking to fill the void in your life with things that are seen will only temporarily satisfy your desire for more. Though I know this and recognize it as Truth, it is sometimes hard for me to live my life according to it. Over the past few months I have been struggling with the whole idea of having a "go-to person"--someone who I can always depend on. Someone that can offer encouragement when I'm feeling discouraged, as well as a smack in the face when I'm acting stupid. Right now I can't say that I have that person, and I find myself wallowing and wishing that I had that kind of a best friend. Do...

Yesterday I was part of an event created to bring awareness for World Aids Day. Everyone who participated was assigned a "time of death," after which we had to remain silent for the rest of the day. Honestly, I didn't think it would be that hard for me to refrain from talking, but boy was I wrong! It wasn't required, but I also made a commitment to fast from Facebook and texting after my "time of death." Left with no voice for 13 hours, I found myself overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness. You know that saying, "you never know what you have until it's gone?" Yeah...that pretty much sums up my experience yesterday. The silver lining: Though not being able to speak was sometimes frustrating, it gave me the opportunity to listen. Unfortunately, I think we sometimes forget how to practice the art of listening. Yesterday several friends of mine, knowing that I wasn't able to speak, sat on the couch in my room and talked about their days/how the...

Anyone who knows me also knows that I love people. Some would say that I am an introvert, but I beg to differ. Honestly, I'm not sure I fit into the introvert/extrovert categories. I am just myself. I love building meaningful relationships with people. I also love pouring into others--whether it is through a simple smile, a drink from McConn, or a word of encouragement--loving on people is my favorite pastime. Sometimes I am left in a state of awe when I reflect on the people that God has brought into my life. Some of those people are no longer a part of my life, some people send an occasional text or Facebook message, and some of those people are my closest friends. I am incredibly thankful for each and every one of these people. They have encouraged me, taught me, even hurt me... I'm thankful for the childhood friend that showed me just how blessed I was growing up. I may not have gotten everything that I wanted, but I surely had everything I needed. I am thankful for the fri...

The perfect way to start the day: Today was an adventure to say the least. We drove through the Blue Ridge Parkway, which goes through the Smoky Moutains--legit. Lindsey and I couldn't help but laugh at my mom's ridiculous fear of walking anywhere near the lookout views. She's funny. I touched the clouds. So cool. The only bad thing is that driving through the mountains took a little longer than we anticipated...the fear that we were going to die in the mountains and no one would find us for weeks ran through my mind a couple of times :P We got super lost, but we were FINALLY able to find our way to a little town in which we found a place to stay the night. It's kinda janky, but it doesn't have cockroaches and it has a bed--that's all that matters :P Tomorrow we awake at 6am to tackle the rest of our journey home. Oh, and I saw the ocean for the first time yesterday. (Well, I actually saw it when I was like 3, but I don't remember it, so it doesn't count...