Although today is quite dreary, the light of the Lord is still present! He is so much greater than the gloom of dark clouds and the stress of research papers! Over the past few weeks, I have been astounded by the blessing of SISTERHOOD God has given me. Whether it's dreaming for the future, questioning and exploring the character of Him, crying and venting, or joking and laughing with one another, I can't help but be humbled in knowing that although I deserve no love, the Lord has given me a community of beautiful women to show His love through. In general, I've been encouraged in knowing my family is bigger than I can truly comprehend--All Campus Worship anyone?! I tend to walk around campus believing I'm the only Christian (which isn't alwaysss a bad mindset), but I have taken heart in the fact that I am NOT alone--I am NOT the only woman who wants to do His work and make His name known...He has given us each other for a reason, and for that I am grateful. Community is SUCH a blessing! As I'm coming up on the end of my junior year and only for sure have a year left in Cornerstone (because only the Lord knows what's next for me!), I'm trying to cherish it deeply.

Tuesday Thunderstorms

Tuesday
=
Walk to class with my bestie best best Katie.
Finishing classes 3 hours early.
Nummy lunch.
Creating fun events at the LH.
Dinner with the beautiful Karen Hayes
Figuring out life.
God putting it on my heart to be in the Word!

Despite the chilly temps and wetness today is quite a terrific Tuesday!

Psalm 1:1-2

Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.

What is holding us back from rejoicing in the incredible blessing that we are blessed by the One True God? Let our delight be in the Lord!

This Weekend

This weekend was a great weekend to relax and do nothing. I am thankful for that :)

Also, God moved the clouds so KK and I could see the stars. He is sooo good to me.

MIIIIIZZZZZZZZOOOOOOUUUUUUUUU!!!

Visiting friends at other schools is such a blast. It is really encouraging to see my peers working to expand the Lord's kingdom just like we are doing here at Illinois State. It is also encouraging to hear that my friends that are seniors are kind of feeling the same way I am about graduating with a bachelor's in something that you might not use. And how they, just like me, are seeking our Father's will and praying that He will guide our lives and that in everything we do, God will receive the glory. YAY FRIENDS!!

the sun will come out....

I've had a WONDERFUL past couple of days!!! Last week was one of the hardest weeks I've had in a really long time, and this semester has just been really difficult in general. This past weekend & Monday (my birthday) really turned things around a bit and I felt freedom to experience and DID experience joy that previously seemed so distant.

I had a homework-filled, but relaxing weekend. I spent tons of time just laying around on our wonderful pillow pile! :) [shout out c-stack] I knitted a bunch, and was able to spend time in great company with my lovely brothers & sisters. My mommy came and visited and we got to spend some really great QT chatting at beautiful Comlara. I celebrated my birthday Sunday night with some of my favorite people and Chelsey made the most delicious ice cream cake...nom nom nom! Monday I came home to a decorated room with encouragements all over my walls, banners in the dining room and bathroom and flowers and presents! Not to mention my facebook wall was blown up by two of the best friends in the world!!! :) Needless to say, God has really used these important relationships in my life to show me His love through them. I could not ask for more. I feel incredibly loved! :)

Starting the day... in a good way

Here are my 4 steps to starting the day off right...

1. Start a pot of coffee!
2. Have a Skype date with someone you haven't seen in a while. Say a really good friend from Eastern Illinois University...
3. Go to the Restore with some of your wonderful roommates and buy stuff for decoration projects!
4. Run a quick errand to Meijer to pick up supplies for making a great ice cream cake for someone!!

Then proceed with the rest of your day and be super productive!!

The end

YAY!!!

I had an amazing talk with KK about God and we went through a couple of books in Hebrews.

I also had an awesome quiet time yesterday. I was all alone and I got to worship God not only with song but with dance! Then God and I had a great talk and it was just really awesome to have the dorm room to myself.

Today was great because I got lots of awesome clothes for a mere $11.30 at the thrift store and it actually feels like Fall today! My favorite season! :)