remember, it's only the world...

I think that sometimes we can all get caught up in the craziness of this world. It is so easy to get stressed about school, your schedule, your future, your relationships, or anything. I am no exception to this rule. I am getting to the point in my year where I am figuring out what I am doing over the summer and what I need to do to start preparing for grad school in the fall (yes I said in the fall...AHHHHH).

However over the past few days God has done a great job of reminding me that hey! you need to focus more on me and I will take care of the rest. Such a good feeling to have. On Tuesday I was finally able to make it out to CRU. The past couple of weeks I have been busy and could not make it so I was super excited to go and delve into God's word with my fellow college students. Boy was it awesome. We heard from the director of Student Ventures (which is CRU for High Schools). He taught us to keep out focus on "The Heavenly Calling" God has for our lives and not on "The American Dream" everybody else has for us. If that was not a slap in the face I don't know what is. He really was so great and I loved listening to him and singing some awesome songs.

Then last night I dropped back by the apartment on the way back from Crisis Counselor Training before going over to see my boyfriend Chase (who I haven't seen outside of class for more than 20 minutes in a while). When I walked into the bathroom this was on my mirror. I just have to say that my roommates are super fabulous and really are great girls. I feel so bad that this semester I have not really had time to invest in them and love on them. I know that in about a month things will calm down and I can be somewhat back to a regular roommate, but I feel bad for never being there. This just shows me that they understand and stand by my side through whatever endeavors I am pursuing. I sure do love them. And not to mention these girls know what they are talking about. Yes it is only the world and I thank them so much for sending me that little reminder.

It says: "Sara I know that your to do list is long and that your schedule can be crazy, but you got this girl! Remember that it's only the world."

Hope that your week is going great and just remember to take a step back and marvel at the wonderful things that God has done for you. I love you all and remember that your Journey is Blessed.

come to me all who are weary...

This post contains no pictures, or cool little music videos or anything like that. It disappoints me a little bit since I LOVE taking pictures and documenting my life. However, these past couple of weeks have been quite interesting and my camera has had to take a back seat. I believe that I am finally coming to a place where I can bring it out again so watch out for more exciting pictured posts to come in the future.

Since school has started I have barely had time to breathe. My class load this semester is a bit overwhelming, my schedule is spread out to where I am on campus 6-8 hours a day, and I have also begun weekly training sessions to become a crisis line counselor. Yes I know I am crazy for adding on that one more thing to my load and that I should be trying to simplify my life, but...

I NEED TO DO THIS

Why do I need to do all of this? For the past couple of weeks now I have been struggling with finding peace in what I think God has been calling me to do. I am working hard to become a genetic counselor and get into grad school for it. Some people do not think the profession is something that will be pleasing to God and recently I have been having doubts myself. The workload to get into grad school is hard, the applications are long, acceptance is stiff, why would you want to work with people who are distraught and confused all your life? These questions and realizations began to drag me down and really confuse me and my walk.

BUT THEN IT HAPPENED

The opportunity came up for me to become a crisis hotline counselor. It happened almost too perfectly, but looking back on it I know that it was all God's doing. I wanted more information about the organization before I filled out an application so I put in a request. Not 30 minutes after I filled out the request did the coordinator call me on my cell phone(even though I said I wanted to be contacted by email). It was the best phone conversation ever. He answered all of my questions and even informed me that the next 6 week training session actually started the next week. How perfect is that?

So I am now attending training sessions twice a week. I realize that by going to these sessions that I am now going to be gone from the apartment from 7am-9pm twice a week and that my time management skills are going to have to kick into overdrive. I also know that I am going to feel tired and stretched thin over these next six weeks until training is done and I can fit the job to my schedule better. However I cannot describe the peace that my soul felt walking into that first training session after I had been feeling so confused and nervous the couple of weeks prior. Praise god!!! It really is true when God tells us to come and rest in the presence of the throne when we are tired.

I pray for everybody in their own search for rest this week as you go to your jobs or start another week of school or are dealing with a hard situation. Take time to look, pray, and listen to the still small voice of God telling you what path you need to be walking down. I also pray that your journey is blessed :)

we went bowling...

At this time last week I was a very tired and busy person. Not only were my days at the OR long (but very rewarding), but my evenings were jam packed with events and trips and visits with family and friends. To top everything off I came down with a nasty cold that just drained any reserve energy I had built up. I thought to myself Sunday night as I went to bed, "There is no way I am going to make it through the week." Thankfully I did make it through the week in one piece and actually had a great time and kept a great attitude (which is hard if you really know how I can be when i am tired and/or hungry). It is just another "Go God" moment I have to give to the Lord. He supplies the coolest gifts to you when you are not even expecting them.

One highlight of the week I really wanted to share with you all was my trip to Charlotte to watch State play in the Belk Bowl. I was still very much sick as the boys and I hit the road, but with lots of sleep on the way down, 5 layers of clothing, and two bottles of water to hydrate me later, I was good to go!!! I am so glad I decided to make the trip down. It was such an amazing experience.

We showed up to the game a couple of hours early so we decided to walk over to Fan Fest. To everybody's surprise Daughtry was preforming!!!! I am not big on his style or genre of music but I did know some of his songs from when he was on Idol so of course I joined in and sang along.

Our seats were simply amazing. That is the only word I can think to describe them. Thanks to The Student Wolfpack Club, we were able to get second row seats in the end zone. It was a whole new perspective on the game and I must say, I enjoyed it very much.

Our team running out. They look so good in all red uniforms.

The final score...Pack Wins!!!!



Like I said it was such a good night. I am already looking forward to Football season next year!!!!

I hope that everybody had a fun filled New Year. And if you are in the mountains I also hope you are staying warm and cozy during this artic blast and snow storm. As I write this post, it is 18 degrees outside, and who knows what the wind chill is!!!! Love you all and I hope and pray that your journey is blessed :)