30 Days of Thanks-Day 13

Today, I am thankful for spontaneous trips and laughter!

Maybe it's just me and my friends, or something about friendship, but whenever we get together, it seems like we are always laughing!

You can see the mischief on that face!

Look at that attitude!

One of us or all of us could be having a bad day but it never fails that we eventually end up laughing together. Like today, we were all tired and worn out from school and long days but by the time dinner was over, my stomach hurt from laughing. Somehow we ended which Disney character each one of us would be. It's entertaining to watch your friends try and figure out which personality you are. You learn a lot about what your friends think of you! Apparently I am a combination of Meeko (the raccoon from Pocahontas) and Tinker Bell. Why? Because I am sassy. I am quite amused by that and apparently I was sitting with Meg from Hercules and Prince Edward from Enchanted. If you can't tell, my friends and I are Disney fans!


My friends and I have a tendency to often make impulsive and spontaneous trips. We're hungry? To McDonald's or Waffle House we go for a late night snack! Last night, I had the privilege of hearing one of my friends speak at FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and afterwards, we ran into two good friends of ours. We had some laughs and small chat and then went on our way. My friend and I decided we wanted to go to Cookout, and who do we see? The two friends we had just talked to! It was a fun, relaxed night of talking and laughing. Nights like these are what make life fun and remind me of the community and bond we have as people. Living life together and enjoying small moments, and sometimes big ones, are the things we remember, not how much work we did or what grade we got.

Sometimes the best memories are the unplanned ones. So after a day full of laughter and a few spontaneous trips, I'm thankful for those moments and memories and that I have a lot of people in my life I am able to share those with!

30 Days of Thanks-Day 12

Today I am thankful for Fall! That's right, the season of fall (not the tripping kind, although I've had plenty of that)! Fall has always been my favorite season. The weather just seems perfect to me, with the changing colors and cooler, crisp air that is just the perfect temperatures for jeans and a t-shirt, and sometimes a hoodie. Besides, who wouldn't love driving with that view above? I love having the leaves swirl around me.

I may be a little biased, but Fall also happens to have one of my favorite days of the year in it: my birthday! :) To me, birthdays are something to be celebrated! It's not necessarily about the numbers, but the fact that we get to celebrate life. It's a gift, so we should enjoy it!

Also, Fall seems to kick-off the time of year when decorations and such for the holidays pop up! First there's Halloween, with all the yummy candy and fun costumes (even for adults)! Who said kids get to have all the fun? It's fun to dress up for a little bit!

Halloween 2009 (A Pink Crayon)

Halloween 2012 (A Big Kid, Black Widow, and a Sea Shepherd)

 


















It's also time for Thanksgiving and seeing family and lots of yummy food! This year will be a challenge having a gluten-free Thanksgiving, but I've got a brother in culinary school so I hope he is up for the challenge! I'm just thankful for the opportunity and privilege to have food when I know so many are hungry around the world.

Fall is also the beginning of the decorating and Christmas season! I know some people complain about how early Christmas comes every year and stores getting ready for it and such. For me, it's not about the presents or the shopping. It's the spirit and tradition of Christmas! I love the music, the decorations, and the smells!

(My New Christmas Tree for this year-I can't wait to put it up!)

Oh the smells of Fall! :) I love it! I love the delicious smell of cinnamon and apples! I love the warm smell of vanilla wafting through the air. I love the smell of being outside on a cool fall day! Fall is the time for warm fires in the fireplace or outside in a fire pit on a cool night. Fall is the time of getting together and doing things like corn mazes, bonfires, and decorating pumpkins.

There's so much to love about Fall and so as I was driving through swirling leaves, I realized how thankful I am to be able to see, feel, and experience the beautiful season of Fall!

30 Days of Thanks-Day 9

Today, I am thankful for games.

Sports games, board games, word games, video games (maybe), etc! I love to play games and sporting events are usually fun! Tonight was Campbell's first basketball game of the season and we won! Go Camels! It was fun just to go and cheer for the home team and sit with good friends and laugh and just enjoy time away from work and the stress of having schoolwork to do. It's good to just sit, relax, laugh, and enjoy some Pelicans (yum!) and watch a game.

I also love to play games with friends and family. It is a holiday tradition at our house when the family gets together to play games. It's light-hearted and fun and just a good way for the family to connect and spend time together. My friends and I love to play Apples to Apples because we're a goofy group and we usually spend more time laughing and talking than actually playing the game!

Now, one of my favorite video games is Mario Kart. But just because it is my favorite doesn't mean I am good at it. In fact, I am downright terrible at it! But I'm still thankful for friends who have the game and indulge me by letting me play and playing with me, even if they beat me every time! I also love to play the Wii, but I tend to get competitive with that! I have been known to push opponents aside, especially during boxing. Oops!

So, today I am thankful that I have games to go to with friends, and friends who love to get together and play games! It can turn an uneventful night into one full of laughter and fun!

30 Days of Thanks-Day 8

Today, I am thankful for my job as a Resident Chaplain and the people I work with. There's nothing like walking into the lobby and hear people squealing with excitement that you're there! It's very affirming that you have been called to this ministry and that you are in the right place for this time in your life.

I am blessed to have had the chance to be a resident chaplain for two years. The dorms are different and each year is different, but I am thankful for all the opportunities that I have been fortunate to have. I am glad that I am able to be in the dorm for these girls and offer support and encouragement to them. As I develop relationships with these girls, it is a blessing for me to see them grow and change during their time here at Campbell. I've also formed friendships with some of these people and I am blessed to have them as friends! I try to encourage them and support them in their lives and they let me know in little ways that they care too, like making sure I am okay or letting me know they miss me or inviting to different things going on and wanting me to help with these things. Days like today, when they drag me to Mr. Campbell because they want me to come along and spend time with them, make me grateful for the people I am surrounded by and the care and love they share for others.

As a resident chaplain, I am also super thankful to have an outsider's perspective of the residence life staff and how they approach and do their job. Though they have to enforce the rules, the Resident Directors and the Resident Assistants invest in the girls they live with. This is not just a job to residence life staff. I see the impact they are making on the freshmen girls. Because I've done this for two years, I can see the effect the relationship between the residents and the residence life staff has on the residents' college experience. The residents love college and have formed a  bond. The Residence Life Staff care about these girls they live with and it is a blessing and humble reminder to me that in each and every situation that I am in that I can still invest and care about those surrounding me, no matter what my situation is.

30 Days of Thanks-Day 7

Today, I am thankful for a good support system. There are those special people that I am able to go to and talk about whatever I need help with and they will listen. They also will do whatever they can to help me if there is something they can do, whether it is just giving me a piece of candy or picking up the phone and making arrangements so things will work out for me.

I am so blessed to have the support and encouragement of key people at Campbell. They believe in me and the work I am doing. So on days that I am frustrated or struggling, I know they will listen to me and just be the support I need. What I also love about these people is that they are not afraid to not sugarcoat things for me. If I need to hear something plain and simple and it may not be what I want to hear, but what I need to hear, they will still tell me. They are looking out for my best interest, even if sometimes it is in spite of me!

So, today I am especially thankful for Joyce Mashtare and Faithe Beam.

Faithe Beam has been the campus minister as long as I have been at Campbell University since 2007 and I have to say, she is one of the most respected people I know. She is a role model for many people and she sets a wonderful example for all who  know her. Faithe handles herself and situations with the utmost grace and respect for everyone. Everyone who talks to her feels accepted and valued by her. As a student and worker under her, she is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. She has taught me so much about being a minister in a ministry setting as well as in every day life settings. She truly takes time to invest in her students and encourages people wherever they are on their journey through life. I have come to truly appreciate Faithe for who she is as a person and who she is as a minister.

I have known Joyce since the end of my undergrad career and she has been a vital resource and encouragement throughout divinity school. When I'm not in class or during class breaks, it is highly likely you will find me in her office. She cares about the lives of the students and you can tell she cares. She even gives us blankets to have during class if we are cold. We can sit and chit-chat about the small daily stuff in life, or talk about serious things, like future plans and relationships. Though she may joke about not being smart, she has a lot of wisdom and love to offer and I appreciate her more and more every day.

So today, I am thankful for these two ladies as a constant source of encouragement and support in my life.

30 Days of Thanks-Day 6

I'm very thankful for sleep. There is nothing like a good night's rest or even a good power nap! A good night of sleep can make all the difference in attitude and how your day goes. I'm also very blessed to have a comfortable bed to sleep in when I realize there are millions of people all over the world who don't even have a place to sleep tonight. 

The older I get and the busier I get, I realize how precious the time of rest is. I think we often forget that rest is essential to our lives and take for granted that we need rest to function. Scripture says God rested on the seventh day. I don't think it was because God needed to rest but so that God could fully appreciate what was created and to enjoy the creation.

If we don't take time to stop and rest, we become so busy going and going that we don't take time to stop and appreciate and enjoy what we are experiencing in our lives.

So today I am thankful for sleep, not only because it gives me rest, but also it serves as a reminder to appreciate and enjoy life.

30 Days of Thanks-Day 5

Boots and Lace. That's what I'm thankful for today! Sometime, it really is the small things in life. Of course, I realize that makes me sound like a Southern Belle, which I am far from it! Most days, you will find me in jeans and a t-shirt. But there's something about lace and boots I love!

“Because the human history is the history of shoes. The history of places where we ever tread and stand.” 

My Cowboy Boots!

I got my first pair of cowboy boots this year for my birthday and I LOVE them! I have always wanted a pair and my sweet boyfriend got them for me. I also have a pair of black leather boots that I like to wear. I don't know what it is about wearing boots, but my entire attitude changes! The word people usually use to describe me wearing boots is "sassy." I can't explain it, but it is just something about how I feel and the confidence I get when I wear boots. With my new boots, people have stopped me several times to tell me how much they like them. Talk about a self-esteem boost! It also helps that I got several new outfits to match my boots, so I look pretty spiffy!

"Lace - the invention of a goddess and the occupation of a queen."

One of my favorite black lace dresses!

Another thing I love is lace! I don't dress up very often, but I love the look of lace! Lace wedding dresses, black lace dresses, you name it! There is just something about most lace that looks very pretty, simple, but elegant. It's girly for sure! The most recent additions to my wardrobe have been lace. Two shirts and a dress, I'm ready! In fact, one of my favorite dresses is a black lace dress that I have that I have worn to many things over the years. Check out the picture above: I'm a little biased, but I think I look good! I just got a new black and red lace dress and I can't wait to wear it. I might have to make up an occasion to wear it (hint, hint friends of mine!). Who doesn't love to dress  up every now and then? 

So, lace and boots are two of my favorite things to wear and today I am thankful for them, especially since I have been blessed with people who have given me those things. 

"Cinderella is proof that a pair of shoes can change your life." 

30 Days of Thanks-Day 4

Today, I am thankful for my church community. I had the privilege of going home this weekend, and this morning I went back to my home church where I have been going since 1995, when I was 6. That's almost 20 years! Even though I haven't been back to that church in a while, as soon I walked in the door, I felt the same love and care from the people as I did when I walked in during my youth group years. People were still happy to see me and glad I was there. No one said anything about me not being there. They understand that life takes you to different place for different seasons.

I am so thankful for the foundation that the people of this church helped me developed. They loved me, encouraged me, guided me, and supported me in the many different stages of my life, and still continue to do so. There are people who I can call today and I know they would be there for me if I needed.

In DC in 2006!

There are people who have taught me to have a servant heart. I am blessed to have had a youth pastor that was not afraid to teach his youth to serve. He instilled in us a missions mindset and helped developed us as leaders. We weren't a perfect youth group, but we were given so many opportunities to serve others in our church and in our communities. The adult volunteers in the youth group taught us what it means to care about others. So many of the adults that worked with us youth were there because they cared about us and had a passion for youth. They helped us to grow in our journey and walked with us. I have so many adults that I am thankful for from my youth for their positive influence and the example they set for me. These adults taught me so much more than just a simple lesson place. They taught me about life, about relationships, about love, about caring, about forgiveness, about what it means to be part of a family, and about what it means to be part of a community of faith. These people invested in my life and cared about me and I can see their influence today as I am in school preparing to go into ministry.

At Caswell in 2009 when I worked there

Because of what they have done for me, I think about the impact I have on other people and what kind of blessing I am to others. I want people to feel the love and compassion from me that I have the privilege of receiving from so many people over the years. I want people to feel like I am investing in them, whether I am in their life for just a season or for a long time.

My church community has greatly shaped how I view ministry and community and I am thankful for the example they set for me so that I may go out and carry on that example for others.

30 Days of Thanks-Day 3

Today, I am thankful for technology. We live in a day and age where technology has become such a huge part of our lives that we almost can't function without it. Especially in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, I think people are learning how dependent on technology we are.

Technology allows us to experience new things we wouldn't be able to otherwise. I know for me, my life is forever changed by having a hearing aid. Because of my hearing aid, I am to live a life that I probably wouldn't be able to otherwise. I am able to hear music. The words of so many songs are so meaningful to me and I'm thankful I'm able to hear them. Having a hearing aid allows me to communicate better with so many people and be able to listen to those who need somebody to listen to them.

Skyping on July 4th!

It was raining where I was, but
not where Mom and Dad where!

Technology allows to stay connected with loved ones near and far. Living so far away from my brothers and niece and nephew, Skype is one way that allows us to connect. I miss out on so much not seeing them except for maybe once or twice a year, but skyping allows me to see my family even when I cannot be physically present. Like last Christmas, my little brother had knee surgery so he and my mom were unable to come to Tennessee to spend Christmas with the extended family so my dad and I worked it out to have them join the festivities through skype! It didn't compare to having them there in person, but it was a great alternative to not seeing them at all. Even little things like seeing fireworks on the fourth of July in another city because it's raining in where I'm at is possible! That happened last  year when I was stuck at the airport on the 4th of July. I skyped with my parents and still got to see some fireworks!

Although technology can sometimes be a hindrance when we are with people, it helps us connect with those we love when we can't be present with them. I know I'm guilty of looking at my phone instead of focusing on the people I'm with. But for those far away, like my brother, sister-in-law, and cute niece in New Mexico, or my wonderful boyfriend in Louisiana, I'm thankful for things like cell phones and texting so that we can still talk even if we can't be in the same place! While I'm thankful for technology, I hope I remember to use it to add to my relationships with people, not replace them.

And in my recent adventure of trying to be gluten-free to help with my allergies and skin issues has been made much easier with technology! I have found several new apps on my phone that make it easier to determine if foods have gluten in them or not and where I can find gluten-free foods. It makes it a lot more easy to deal with by having those apps. 

I could go on and on about the many different areas that technology affects my life. So, let's just say I'm thankful for the many ways that technology benefits me and adds to my life!

30 Days of Thanks-Day 2

Today, I am thankful for my parents! Actually, I'm thankful for them every day, but today I'm giving them a shout-out! It was no easy task raising (and still raising) four children! Three boys, one girl, what a handful! Despite what my dad says about the ratio of 3:1 being right, I am privileged to have been the daughter of Bob and Anita.

My parents have worked hard all their lives to be the example for the four of us. They're not perfect but they have done nothing but show us love, through our mistakes and theirs. My brothers and I definitely had our fair share of accidents (evident in scars and such from over the years!) and gave our parents many gray hairs (hehe) but there was never a day we doubted their love for us. My parents have sacrificed lots of time, money, and so much for us kids so we could have the things we needed and many of things we wanted. I can't even begin to count the number of hours my mom and dad spent on the sidelines at soccer games or helping us with homework or taking us to events. They have always encouraged in whatever we choose to do, with it is going into theater, culinary arts, fine arts, air force, or divinity school!

My mom and dad have different ways of showing us that they love each one of us, but all 4 of us know without a doubt that we can pick up the phone and Mom and Dad would be there for us if needed. I am extremely grateful for my parents' support. They have always encouraged me in school. They never forced me to do what they wanted me to do, but allowed me to pursue the education I wanted. They will drive 6 hours in one day just to help me move my stuff or just to come have dinner on a Saturday or something. My parents are busy and invested in their church and community, but that doesn't stop them from finding time for their children. As I get older, I realize more and more how precious time is and how much of a gift it is that my parents invest and spend so much time with their children.

Homecoming at Campbell in 2008

Graduation from Campbell in 2010

My Mom: I'm especially grateful to my mom and we have a special bond since I'm the only girl! If something is wrong or I don't feel good, she's the one I call. She knows what medicine I need, or who to call to find out. She gets things done! She's always willing to take off work to go with me to go to a doctor's appointment since I am a wimp when it comes to doctors! She's willing to drive three hours for a day or weekend if I'm feeling lonely. I'm thankful that I am not only my mom's daughter but that I can call her a friend too. Don't worry, she's still my mom and still has to remind me what to do sometimes, but I appreciate her and all she does. She has set a wonderful example for me of what a loving mom and person is. My mom helps cares for her parents as well. I've been privileged to have grandparents who are part of my life and see their influence on my mom and their influence on me. My mom not only cares about her family but other people God puts in her path as well. If she has a friend in need, Mom will do what she can to help. I've driven with her to take something to a men's shelter before so a man could have a bus pass to church. My mom has helped teach me what it means to give back to the community and that it is important to care about all people, not just myself and my family.

Homecoming at Campbell in 2008

Graduation from Campbell in 2010

My Dad: If I need something fixed, or can't figure something out, my dad is the one I call! My dad will drive an hour and a half just to check on my car to make sure I'm okay and that my car is okay after I've had a little run-in with a bucket. Dad and I share a special love for chocolate and most things sweet! :) Dad will go out of his way to get something done or find something to show he cares. I have several stuffed animal moose to prove that! Dad has a special moose that plays the Jingle Bell Rock at Christmas time (which is my favorite Christmas time!) Dad and I have our special trips, like when we see the hot light on at Krispy Kreme! Dad never fails to have a good joke and can always make me laugh. Dad has always gone the extra mile to support us kids. He has coached many of our soccer teams (he even played with my older brothers), spent many hours reading books and researching topics for whatever our latest adventure was. If we started something new, you can count on Dad to have read something about it in a book or online. Dad has also shown me what a loving husband looks like. He likes do little things for my mom, like bring home flowers, or even big things, like transform our house into a "French restaurant" and my brother and I were the servers for Valentine's day. Dad tries to surprise Mom with lunch every now and then at work, or they have taken dance lessons together too! Four kids and 30-something years later, Mom and Dad are still in love with each other and I am thankful for that. My parents have taught me what love is. It may not always be easy, but it is worth it.

So today, I am thankful for my parents and that no matter where I live, I can always still go "home" and they will take care of me, feed me, and love me! No matter how old I get, I am still their child and I am thankful for that!

30 Days of Thanks- Day 1

November is when a lot of people do "30 Days of Thanks" since Thanksgiving is on the 4th Thursday of each November. While it may seem cliche to do this, I think it is a good practice for people. Taking one day out of each  year to be thankful is not enough in my opinion (and technically, we should be thankful every day of the year) but this year I've decided to practice being intentionally thankful. So each day in November, I will post something I am thankful for. It is not listed in rank or any special order, it will just be what happens what comes to mind that day!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Now I don't know about you, but this is definitely a reminder that I need. It is way too easy to get caught up in the small details of life that I forget to be grateful for what I have and experience!

November 1- Today, I am thankful for my education and the ability to go to school. On exam days and days when assignments are due, this is the first thing I forget. I forget to be grateful to have the opportunity to learn. Not only just to go to school, but that I am provided with means, through scholarships and two jobs, that help me fund school. I need to remember that education is a privilege, not a right, when there are others who would and do give up everything they have just to have a basic education. Here I am, not just getting a basic education, but being blessed with the specific knowledge and expertise of professors and staff who dedicate their lives to teaching others and helping others in their calling and ministry.

I am extremely grateful to go to school at a place where everyone is family. Each person who works there, staff and faculty, is invested in the lives and ministry of each student. We are not just a number on a page, or another person passing through getting a degree. We are all called and each one of us has our story. Each person's story is worth telling and Campbell Divinity is a place where each person is valued for their story and what God's story is in his or her life. Our story is not complete, and Campbell is just one stop on our journey in life, but Campbell Divinity prepares us for our next step in life, and they walk this journey with you. As Christians, we are part of a community of believers, and you won't find a much more supportive community than Campbell Divinity School!

So in the midst of exams and papers, I am reminded that professors care more than just about what grade we get or what assignments we have finished. They care about our ministry and preparing us to be the best ministers we can be and fulfilling our calling from God. Some of my classmates have become my closest friends and source of encouragement, laughter, and a push when I need it!

Though I may not know exactly where the path in front of me goes, I know that those who have walked the path before me are guiding me, those who are walking beside me are supporting me, and those who are behind me are encouraging me.

Friends!