Day One.

Day One: Ten
All in all I would say day one is a success, at least thus far! Outfit wise, it was so easy. Of course, it being the first day, my creativity has yet to be challenged and probably won't be at least for another couple of days once I go through all my cardigans and scarves once. I wore my fitted crew neck white shirt with my dark jeans and accessorized with a mustard colored JCrew cardigan, Urban Outfitters scarf, my dark brown Franco Sarto riding boots and some gold jewelry. Also, since its especially cold today (for Austin), I wore a long grey sweatshirt material jacket with a long navy coat on top and my usual everyday grey purse. The only thing I've experienced today, different from any other day based solely on this project is the simplicity of it! I was frankly a little afraid of wearing nothing but powder, chapstick, and mascara but I LOVE IT! That on top of not having to go through all of my clothes to find a base outfit and then change my mind multiple times made getting ready so much simpler and quicker. I woke up at 8:00 and was out the door at 8:45 and that included a regular length shower, blow drying my hair/ styling it, and eating breakfast/making a cup of coffee! Can't beat that! Also, I am proud to say that I won't be spending any of my allotted $10 today! I am also trying to come up with new ways to raise money for Not For Sale: other than the measly amount I can afford to give each week. Any suggestions?

Random Thoughts:
I was trying to determine what my taste in music is. All I know is I love acoustic guitar, folk, unique vocal sounds, lyrics with real emotion behind them, and just an overall raw, not-too-cleaned-up sound. I know the sound that I like when I hear it, but I always have trouble describing it! Also, I said I wanted to find some new musicians that I enjoy this week.. I found one! Joshua Radin studied drawing and painting at Northwestern University, following his college years with stints as an art teacher, screenwriter, and art gallery employee. He turned to music when he moved to New York City, bought a guitar, and taught himself to play and write music. His big break was when Zach Braff took particular interest in his song "Winter" and had it incorporated into the soundtrack for Scrubs. His voice kind of reminds me of John Mayer, and I love that! His music isn't particularly "indie" or "hipster", its not grungy or raw, his lyrics aren't especially poetic but something about it is just nice to listen to. Its a little poppy and his vocals are a little too clean for my usual tastes but quite a few of his songs will definitely be downloaded into my music library. I've shared some of my favorite of his songs on my music player, enjoy!

Obsessed:
I am obsessed with Romans 12, the entire chapter.

A Living Sacrifice
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

over and out.

ten.

Okay, so I have recently been really inspired by minimalist projects such as The Uniform Project and the Six Items or Less Challenge and have the urge to do a similar challenge myself! Instead of choosing one of these already formed projects (I almost did), I decide to kind of create my own. My challenge revolves around the number 10. Ten staple items in my wardrobe/ makeup bag. Ten dollars a week to the Not For Sale: End Human Trafficking campaign (more info on them below). Trying to spend as close to ten dollars and under per day (I will allow myself rollover money). Ten items of my own wardrobe donated (this might grow to a larger number, but its a tangible start). I was going to do this challenge for a month, but then I thought, I turn twenty in 60 days (all multiples of 10!) So, I am going to adopt The Uniform Project's idea of a simple basic outfit everyday, made into creative, unique outfits with accessories that I already own. My staple outfit is going to be a white tee and jeans. Because I would like to stay clean, but also not waste excess energy by washing the same tee and jeans everyday so I will have a choice from four different white shirts and two pairs of jeans. On top of that, I have chosen four items of makeup as the only makeup I will wear. I want to challenge my western consumerism, my comfort zone, my shop-o-holic tendencies, my creativity, and make my complicated world just a little more simple.

Not For Sale:
My donations of $10 a week ($40 per month) will go towards their program entitled "Become a Backyard Abolitionist" (click the link to become one yourself!) in which the lowest membership is $28 per month, which leaves me with $12 more dollars per month I would like to use for local and personal giving (ex. a meal to the homeless man or woman on the street corner).

The major obstacle that we face in the fight against modern-day slavery is that the crime is hidden. Individuals that work in the field know that slavery is not part of the current collective consciousness. Initially, it shocks the general public to learn that slavery still exists and is widespread. It is even more shocking for them to realize that it may exist in their own backyards.

As a Backyard Abolitionist, you are at the center of the movement to combat modern-day slavery and human trafficking across the world. You are a part of a growing global network of individuals offering their passions, their skills, and their resources to address one of the greatest human rights issues of our day.

Clothes:
1 white form fitting short sleeve tee
1 white lose fitting short sleeve tee
1 white tee shirt (think Hanes)
1 white long sleeve tee
1 pair dark jeans
1 pair light jeans

Accessories only those that I own

Makeup:
Face power (Bare Minerals)
Chapstick (Nivea "Milk & Honey")
Mascara (Voluminous by Loreal)
Nail Polish (varies)

Budget:
$10 per week to a cause
$10 per day on expenses(expenses do not include money spent on others)

$80 per week (the rest will go into savings)





Matthew 6:28-30 (New Living Translation)

And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

over and out

Do you love me?

John 21:15-19

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

This passage has been heavy on my heart for about a week now. I have betrayed Jesus, as we all have, through sin just as Peter betrayed Jesus. I will continue to betray Jesus for the rest of my life through sin, simply because I am human. I have wanted to badly to prove my love to Jesus through praise, prayer, study, and teaching. Although Christ is more than deserving of those things, I still feel a hole in my heart, a space where Jesus isn't close enough, a space where my sin still separates me from Him. I have been so desperate to get closer to Him and I was so blind to not see how clearly He asked us to show our love for Him.

He's asking, "Taelor, do you love me?" and I am answering "Yes, I am reading your word!" and He is saying "that's great, Taelor, but feed my lambs."
But somehow I missed that part.
He's asking again, "Taelor, do you love me?" and I say "Yes, I am praising You with open arms during worship!" and He is saying again, "that's awesome, Taelor, but take care of my sheep."
I missed the point again.
So, He asks again, never giving up on me, "Taelor, do you truly love me?" and this time I am truly hurt because I feel like I am honestly exhausting myself week by week doing things to show my love for Him, and I answer "Of course I love you, Lord, I am devoting so much time to teaching others how to follow you!"
And here comes the kicker... His answer is "Taelor, that's wonderful, but I also want YOU to follow me."

And now I understand.

Am I ready to follow Jesus? To really, truly, honestly follow Him? Frankly, if I think I am ready or not doesn't matter. Jesus is ready, so I have no choice.


"And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[a] you were doing it to me!"
“And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me."
Matthew 25:40,45



Over and Out

Inspiration Sunday

I want to start a weekly post of inspirations. What a great way to start the week!

PRAISE:


(scroll down to the bottom of my blog and pause the music player before watching the video)

God in my living
There in my breathing
God in my waking
God in my sleeping
God in my resting
There in my working
God in my thinking
God in my speaking

God in my hoping
There in my dreaming
God in my watching
God in my waiting
God in my laughing
There in my weeping
God in my hurting
God in my healing

Be my everything.

"God's there, listening for all who pray,
for all who pray and mean it."
Psalm 145:18 (The Message)


"I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me."
Psalm 16:8 (NLV)

This week, I want to start really focusing on God always being with me. It's a concept I know to be true, but is simply hard to grasp. I want to learn how to always be praying and to feel God with me, instead of feeling the need to seek and find Him.

CAUSES:

I have known about The Uniform Project (click the link for more information), for a while now but I found it again today and it really intrigued me. Basically, founder Sheena Matheiken decided to wear the same dress for an entire year, using accessories (and not buying anything new) to make the daily outfits look creatively unique. What a challenge! She created an international online following and used this "fame" of sorts to draw attention to her passion to support the Akanksha Foundation, an organization dedicated to not only providing education to kids that otherwise wouldn't receive it, but to instill a sense of self esteem and values that will enable them to use their education to better their lives as well as the world around them. To date, Sheena has raised $103,374 which equals 287 kids placed in one of the Akanksha schools. What she has done, through an extremely creative and fun process for her cause is so incredibly inspiring. My heart is filled with passion to seek justice for those trapped in the human trafficking system and Sheena's story has inspired me to brainstorm creative and unusual ways to not only spread awareness, but to also make a difference.







A very simple step I made today was to sign a petition on Change.org and emailed Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio to fund shelters for the victims of sex trafficking that will very unfortunately be trafficked to Texas because of the Super Bowl in Dallas. Please join me in this cause by signing the petition here.

BOOKS:

I am about to start reading the novel, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. It has been adapted into a film of the same title but it has not yet been released. What drew me into this book is the fact that my favorite actress, Carey Mulligan, will be starring in the film adaptation. But, what really excites me about reading the novel is Michiko Kakutani of The New York Times' review provided below.

A Gothic tour de force.... A meditation on morality and lost innocence: a portrait of adolescence as that hinge moment in life when self-knowledge brings intimations of one's destiny, when the shedding of childhood dreams can lead to disillusionment, rebellion, newfound resolve or an ambivalent acceptance to a preordained fate.

If this novel is half as good as it's review, then its going to be a phenomenal read.














POETRY:

I am currently on a little Emily Dickinson obsession: enjoy.

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain:
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

FILM:


I have been dying to see Blue Valentine ever since I saw the very first preview. It stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. I would tell you what it is supposed to be about but I have tried very hard to not read any reviews online since they tend to spoil the movie. All I know is that it has been named one of the best movies of the year (it was released December 29, 2010), and its a beautifully filmed dark and charming story about an unraveling marriage. AH. I have been counting down the days until it opens to theaters in Austin and this Friday at the Alamo Drafthouse downtown is it! Sounds like I have a date this Friday to be looking forward to :)

FASHION:

All I seem to wear are greys, browns, blues, and occasionally olives and muted purples. I want to branch out. Thanks to Chloe's 2010-2011 trends, the color I am being drawn to is red. Red's in accessories. Red shoes, belts, bags, jackets, lipstick, headbands, etc..











ART:
I love art that has not only a meaning, but a purpose to it's meaning. I found that in the You Are Beautiful project.

"You Are Beautiful is a simple, powerful statement which is incorporated into the over absorption of mass media and lifestyles that are wrapped in consumer culture.

The intention behind this project is to reach beyond ourselves as individuals to make a difference by creating moments of positive self realization. We're just attempting to make the world a little better.

Intention is the most important aspect of the You Are Beautiful project in its idea of purity. Nothing is sacred. Everything that has a perceived value becomes commodified. We work extremely hard that this message is received as a simple act of kindness, and nothing more.

Advertising elicits a response to buy, where this project elicits a response to do something. The attempt with You Are Beautiful is to create activism instead of consumerism.

You Are Beautiful uses the medium of advertising and commercialization to spread a positive message.
Projects like these make a difference in the world by catching us in the midst of daily life and creating moments of positive self realization."













MUSIC:

I am still listening to Iron & Wine and Bon Iver. Band of Horses' most recent album Infinite Arms, and all their previous albums make a close third for me though. My favorite song right now would be Iron & Wine "Swans and the Swimming" which is the first song played on my blog's music player.

PLANS:

My plans for the week include:
1. Reading Never Let Me Go
2. Seeing Blue Valentine
3. Seeking new music inspiration
4. Getting my hair cut. My hair isn't quite that long in the front yet, but the its the bangs I am going for.



"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let
God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know
God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2

Over and Out

What's Next?

For the first time in my entire life, I don't have an answer to that.
One year from today will be January 7, 2012. It will be a Saturday. I will still be in winter break, a week away from starting the spring semester of my junior year. I will probably be at my parents house, since I enjoy spending my breaks there with my family. I will be applying to LSAT prep camps for the summer so I will be prepared to take the LSAT that fall. My tattoo will still be on my wrist. I will still be chasing Jesus with my whole heart.

Here's what I don't know:

1. Where I will be living
2. What my job/ internship will be
3. Relationships I will form, both friends and mentors
4. What ministries I will be involved in
5. God's timing for many things that may or may not happen in 2011

Here's what I will know then, that I don't know now:

1. Where I am living starting this summer
2. If I got accepted into the IJM internship
3. My GPA
4. Where I worked/ interned in 2011
5. If I kept my resolutions
6. God's timing for 2011


But, frankly, I have no idea where God is leading me right now. Through obedience (somewhat reluctant at times), I have found myself in a place of complete and total vulnerability. Although, I have a sense of where I would like God to lead me, I don't really have any idea of where He actually will. When I don't know what's going to happen next, or where I am going, or how it will all work out, that's when my anxiety is at it's worst. But, knowing that is how I should be feeling right now, I don't. I feel peace because I am completely reliant on God and He is so faithful to those who obey Him. I don't feel the need to know what He has in store for me next, in fact not knowing is a burden lifted off my heart. All I have to do is listen and obey, and I have, through this process, learned what it feels like in my heart when God is telling me what I need to do. I also learned that even if I am reluctant to listen, God doesn't just give up, He will eventually make it very, very clear that it is time to obey.

My prayer for today comes straight out of Psalms:

Psalm 119

John 14:15-17 (New Living Translation)

If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (New Living Translation)

Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the Lord your God...

Romans 6:16-18 (The Message)

Since we're free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it's your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you've let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you've started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (The Message)

And then God answered: "Write this.
Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
so that it can be read on the run.
This vision-message is a witness
pointing to what's coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
And it doesn't lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
It's on its way. It will come right on time.

Footsteps In The Sand

One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him
he looked back, at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:
"My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you,
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

Author unknown

over and out

words on my heart.

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

Philippians 3:12-14 (Message)


over and out

just a little bit giddy.

Okay, maybe I am more than just a little bit giddy. I am full on EXCITED. This new year, just in these first few days has opened up so many opportunities for me!

The two major ones are:

1) Applying for a summer internship with International Justice Mission

International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.

My ultimate dream job would be to become one of the IJM lawyers and the way to do that, other than becoming a lawyer of course, is being involved in their legal internship programs. But, sadly, I must wait until law school to be eligible for that. BUT I am, as of this year, eligible for a non-legal internship. This is not only an awesome opportunity to get my foot in the door but such a blessing to get to be active in a cause that I am so very passionate about. Another thing I love about IJM is that it is a Christian based organization and all employees, interns, and volunteers must know Christ. SO awesome!! The internship I am applying for is called "Education: Student Ministries."

Student Ministry interns assist with various programs designed to further involve youth groups, college campuses and other organizations with IJM’s work. Although tasks vary depending on the nature of the work in progress during the internship, interns can expect their tasks to include:

1. Researching, editing and contributing to the tools and curriculums developed to support the initiatives of the Student Ministries;
2. Editing, updating and contributing to the content on the student website pages;
3. Corresponding with student groups interested in Loose Change to Loosen Chains, The Justice Mission, and Campus Chapters;
4. Supporting IJM Campus Chapters;
5. Assisting in the implementation and follow-up processes of new fundraising initiatives;
6. Corresponding with groups and leaders who are using The Justice Mission curriculum for middle school and high school students;
7. Researching current educational programs and developing new initiatives; and
8. Participating in departmental and general IJM administrative support.

Although this internship wouldn't put me on the front lines of fighting human trafficking, it does utilize my current skills that I have learned from interning for a youth group at my church. And, also I have personally witnessed kids in our own youth group, including myself when I was in high school, really find their hearts immersed in the cause through IJM. I can't imagine a better place for me to start my journey and let God lead me where He wants me to go, whether that is IJM or not. The process for choosing interns from the applicant pool is very selective, but I am not worried about that simply because if God wants me there, He will put me there and if that's not where I am supposed to be, then He won't. What I would love from you is prayers. Prayers specifically that this passion and excitement in my heart won't burn out, prayers that I will keep focused on this as God's will and not my own and allow whatever the outcome is to be God's will and for me to be at peace with it. (So basically pray that I don't get my hopes up)

2) My boss just shared with me and his other interns this incredible set of conferences called Passion Conferences.

From the beginning Passion has been rooted in the confession of Isaiah 26:8: “Yes Lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and renown are the desire of our souls.”*

As a result, Passion seeks to gather college and university students across the nation and around the world to seek the face of God, asking Him to ignite in our souls a passionate pursuit of Jesus Christ and a desire to spread His fame to everyone on earth.

We believe God is calling out a generation of college students committed to the glory of His name in all things. God longs to bring awakening to every campus, mobilizing the students of today to finish the task of global evangelization in this generation. God is calling us out for this purpose, in this moment, for His renown.

There just happens to be a conference in April in Ft. Worth, a mere four hour drive from Austin. I HAVE to go. Its not cheap, especially including traveling, hotel, and meal expenses but I have the ability to make it work through discipline with my money. I urge all of you to go to iTunes and look up Passion City Church Podcast and download some of their messages and to go to the 268 Generation Store and look at some of the books they have available. I think I am going to buy I Am Not But I Know I AM by Louie Giglio and Face Down by Matt Redman.

I also recently bought a new bible and devotional to start the new year. The bible I got is the The Case for Christ Study Bible which is an NIV bible with study guides throughout based on Lee Strobel's book The Case for Christ. And the devotional I got, I am very excited about! It's The Message Remix Solo: An Uncommon Devotional By: Eugene H. Peterson. Here is the description from the back of the devotional:

Transform your quiet time. Today's world is all about now - a fast-moving, high-speed, on-demand lifestyle, but has this pace changed the way we study the Bible? Our relationship with God is a journey, a walk where we grow closer to him each day. So it makes sense that reading and understanding Scripture is a continual experience, not just a moment. This innovative devotional is designed to change how you interact with God's Word. "The Message//REMIX: Solo "revolves around lectio divina, or "divine reading," an ancient approach to exploring Scripture updated for today's students. Each devotion delivers a unique, contemplative study that will encourage you to read, think, pray, and live. Uncover biblical wisdom and revelations as you learn to read without the typical limitations that often cut Bible reading short. Immerse yourself in the passage as you place yourself in the story or meditate on words and phrases. Connect with him through listening prayer and praise as you encounter new ways to communicate with God. Rest, reflect, or act as you discover how to take the Word with you throughout the day. Features include an introduction to the lectio divina style of study, numbered devotions so you can start on any day of the year, and a time of rest every seventh day.

So now you're thinking, that's all great and dandy but this is a New Year's post. So... where's my New Year's resolutions?

Unfortunately I was extremely sick with food poisoning all of New Year's Eve (when I have planned to really reflect on the past year and brainstorm about resolutions), so I obviously couldn't carry out that plan. I still have yet to really make a list of sorts but I have some overarching dreams and goals for myself this year, and throughout the years.

1. Chase God with my whole heart, pursue Him, run after Him, abide by, accord, adhere to, adopt, attend, be consistent with, be devoted to, be guided by, be in keeping, be interested in, comply, do like, emulate, follow suit, give allegiance to, harmonize, heed, hold fast, imitate, keep, keep an eye on,mind, mirror, model on, note, obey, observe, pattern oneself upon, reflect, regard, serve, support, take after, take as an example, and watch GOD.

2. Make my quiet time with God more of a priority and really focus on LISTENING to Him instead of just talking talking talking. So many times I have found myself rushing through my devotionals, reading scripture, and seeing what I saw the message as and then being satisfied. I really want to focus on listening to what God wants to show me as the message and listen to how He wants me to apply that message to my life.

3. Get involved in some sort of college ministry/ bible study.

4. Pray for and take as many opportunities that God places in front of me for Him.

5. Not get lazy. I find that when I get discouraged, instead of getting back on the horse, I give up and let my passions get lazy. I lose my excitement to pursue my passions which leads to self-doubt which is a huge distraction from God.

6. Strengthen my prayer life. I don't want to just pray during my quiet time. I want to always (or as much as I can) be in conversation with God.

7. Stay healthy; find a means of exercise that I can fall in love with.

8. Get 4.0's the next two semesters

9. GET THE INTERNSHIP. If I don't get the internship, I don't want to get disappointed. Instead, I want to find where God really wants me this summer.

10. I want to do some sort of mission trip, hopefully internationally, sometime in 2011.

11. Discipline myself in matters of money. The first thing I want to do when I get a paycheck is pay off my credit card (use for gas and only ESSENTIALS) and put the rest into savings. Both opportunities I listed above have costs, and mission trips have costs and it would be irresponsible of me to not be prepared for those costs while I am chasing to achieve them.

12. I need to stop shopping so much. Clothes and looking cute are fun, an even necessary in professional environments. BUT, I have plenty to look presentable, and cute. I don't need more. (This is going to be very difficult for me)

Yes Lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and renown are the desire of our souls.

Isaiah 26:8

over and out.