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Valentines Day 2014

Today is Valentines day. A day that many Americans dread. But for me...I love Valentines day because I love LOVE. I love the idea of two people being in love. Loving each other as God loves his people. I love having a day that we can devote to this and go a little ABOVE and BEYOND to really be intentional to show that we love.

Marc and I met in September of my Junior year and his Senior year in college. We started dating in November and now have spent three Valentines day's together. Though we show that we love one another daily it is always nice to carve out special time just to be with each other the WHOLE day.

this is us on our second Valentines together.
I honestly don't know why I never took a picture of the first one.

I have been so blessed by Marc's presence in my life. When we first met I honestly thought that we would just go on a few dates and then it be over (he knows this). I never saw myself falling in love with him the way I have. I had just came out of a serious relationship and he had his fair share of failed relationships as well. We both had had our heart broken, and were both scared to let someone close to it again.

The more that we hung out and opened up to one another about our passions and dreams the more we grew together. Marc was actually one of the first people that I mentioned Graduate School to and I will never forget his response, "do it!" Marc has been one of the greatest supporters in my life. When I need that extra push he is always there telling me his plan for me to get there. 

This year, 2014, is going to bring about so many new changes to our relationship. Marc will graduate in May with his MPA. Get a job in local government and move away from Boone. I will have a year left in Graduate School, and a second internship waiting on me next fall. I always like to gift Marc something special, so this year I choose a gift that will last all year long. Another way of showing my love throughout the year. 

I had other plans to add to this, but the unpredictable weather had other ideas for me. I was snowed in my apartment since Wednesday night and was not able to make it to the store (slacking...I know). 

We tried to go on the Parkway today, one of our favorite things to do in Boone, but the Road Crews had other plans.
We ended up taking a snowy walk around Bass lake, getting coffee in Downtown Blowing Rock, and then catching a movie.

"Your the only one I see love. And thats the one thing that won't change. I will never stop trying. I will never stop watching as you leave. I will never stop loosing my breathe, every time I see you looking back at me. I will never stop holding your hand..I will never stop Choosing you babe, I will never get used to you." 

Michael Jordan Year// Thoughts on being [23]

Yesterday was my 23rd birthday. 

Or as Miley Cyrus likes to put it, my Michael Jordan year.

Or as Blink 182 puts it when nobody likes you. 

Despite the lack of positive song lyrics about being 23, I celebrated as best as I could. 

My birthday, to me, has always been like a National Holiday. I start counting down the days right after Christmas. 

I love celebrating and being around the people who mean the most to me on this day. 

My family always celebrates the day before, because of being off work for MLK day. 

My family came up for the day and we hit the outlets looking for some great deals on clothes. We found them. 

We also enjoyed just sitting around and enjoying a beautiful day in Boone. 

That night, we went to dinner at a Japanese statehouse in Boone. 

(I wish I would have gotten pictures with everyone who came to celebrate, these are the ones my momma snapped to remember the day.) 

On my actual Birthday (Tuesday) I had two three hour classes. 

Boone was calling for snow and it started about 1pm. 

When I got out of class at 3:30 the ground was covered and it was sticking really good. 

In 23 years of life, I have never seen one Birthday that did not include snow. 

Perks of a January Birthday. 

My birthday dinner with friends was canceled due to slick roads. 

The University closed classes after 3:30, so my roommates were able to be at home with me. 

My roommate Karen cooked toco soup (one of my favorite meals of hers.) 

I will have to have her come over to my house one day just to fix it. 

Marc's momma made me cupcakes for my birthday dinner the night before and we had leftovers. 

We ate these sweet treats and watch the marathon of Teen Mom 2. 

My Child Development and Social Work Brain waves were off the chart while watching it.  

Today is a snow day for me from my internship at a local school. 

It is also catchup day for the work that I have not brought myself to do yet. 

So, 

Here is to being 23. My Jordan year. Wishing for great things to happen, a lot of memories made, and health and happiness as this new year of life starts off. 

xoxo, 

Mindy 

Me stepping out of the Boat

Its time to get real with you.
Its time to tell you about how I am stepping out of the boat.

I have been following Jarrid Wilson's blog for sometime now. Today I downloaded his book 30 Words to start going through as my daily devotional for this year.

Today the word that he choose to discuss as he opened his book was F A I T H. 

When I first thought about Faith, I thought about God's grace, God's timing, and God's commitment to us. I thought about the words I had learned in Sunday School growing up, the teaching my parents implanted into my life growing up in a Christian home.

As I read about faith this morning, I did not know how much I would use those words today.

In this first chapter on Faith, Jarrid talked about Petter and how he was a faithful servant who with all his heart loved Jesus. To initiate his faith Peter stepped off the safety and comfort of his boat as we see in Matthew 14:20. Although their were waves and rolling thunder, Peter took a step of faith toward his goal: JESUS.

Now you make ask, how does this apply to me and my day?

Yesterday I started my second semester of graduate school. When I fist started thinking about Graduate school I thought I was crazy. (I am not one who loves school, and it takes a lot for me to make the grades that I do.) As I began looking at jobs that I wanted, I saw how valuable a Master's Degree in Social Work would be.

"Sometimes having faith means engaging in something so bold that you will end up looking stupid if Jesus doesn't come through."- 30 Words

Last semester, I constantly questioned if I made the right choice in going straight through undergrad to graduate school. I made it through first semester, and I was proud of the grades that came along with it. Grades that reflected the effort that I put into that semester of learning to be a Graduate Student and bring my level of thinking to the next level.

Today, once all of the course sylabus' were in my hand, my heart began to beat at a faster pace. The semester was once again starting-this time at warp speed. As I looked over one course in specific and seeing that it was the exact same as a class I had in undergrad, I began to get frustrated and those why's started reappearing.

I cried on my drive home.
The pressure being released with every tear.

Once I got home, I had an email from a Early Childhood Organization that I am apart of with a "policy update"-something that included a pending legislation-something that I could use for my class assignments.

That was a total God moment. Showing me that my faith was so small. Showing that I need to be like Peter this semester and STEP OUT OF THE BOAT!  Showing that like Peter, my ultimate goal is JESUS and Jesus is going to take care of me in getting to the calling that he has placed on my heart. Like Peter, I need to have the Faith that God is going to take care of me. He has placed me specifically in this season for a purpose. I should not question my ability of getting to the end goal because Jesus is going to supply all of my needs.

Today, I encourage you to STEP OUT OF THE BOAT!

xoxo, 

Mindy 

And Second Semester begins...

 I sit her on my bed with a mound of clothes that need to be folded. Three loads of Laundry ready to be switched and suite cases that need to be packed I begin to develop fears for the up coming semester. I begin to wonder how did I ever go straight from Graduating in August (due to a summer Internship) directly into Graduate School without dying?

This Month off from classes and my field placement have been wonderful. I have been able to use one of my many talents: Finishing a Series on Netflix. Make that two.

This past month I have spent time with my family, friends who I have not been able to spend time with, and I have gotten to work with my Babies in Sunday School. This break has been one of so much relaxation that I am fearing getting back into the swing of things on Monday morning at 9:30 am.

This semester, I pray that I will be used in my field placement to reach out to the Elementary and Middle Schoolers that I work with. I pray that I will not be afraid to "sound like a momma" and to remember I am not their friends-but someone who can guide them when needed. This semester I want to connect with a group of believers through a life group or bible study. This semester no matter what comes my way, or what season of life I am in I want to invest in others and know that those in my life are investing in mine.

Here's to a lot of coffee, a lot of studying, and a whole lot of Jesus. 

xoxo, 

Mindy

What Are You Doing New Years Eve?

One of my favorite songs about the New Year! Hope you all have a fabulous New Years Eve, and you set resolutions that you can keep throughout the year!

Here is to 2013. Here is to 2014.

I will be out of town for New Years so that I can celebrate the ringing in of 2014 with my fella and his family. I decided that this post on New Years was to important to me to not do, so here is my EARLY New Years Post.


2013 was a HUGE year.
It was a year of excitement, happy tears, stressful tears, Celebrations, successes, burdens and endless Possibilities.

In 2013:

I turned Twenty Two (probably one of the best years of my life)

Had the privilege of Leading my Sorority as their President.

Was accepted into two wonderful Graduate Programs for my MSW. 

Had to make one of the biggest life decisions upon going to Graduate School.

Graduated from Appalachian State with a Bachelors degree in Child Development, FCS and a Minor in Social Work. Became an Alumni of my Sorority. 

Was given the opportunity to spend my summer with the NC Infant Toddler program as their Intern.

Wrote my very first Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for a wonderful family.

Worked along side of the Best people I could have asked for. 

Started Graduate School at Appalachian State University. 

Moved back in with my roommate Karen. (We transferred from ECU to ASU in undergrad together. She has been a HUGE part in my College experience, and now MSW experience.) 

Became NC Early Educator Certified Level 11. 

Started an internship with a local school with their Counseling department. 

Became a Great Grand Big. 

My childhood best friend became a mom!!!! 

Spent two years with the most amazing man I could ask for. 

Learned to knit.

Made grades I was proud of for the Fall Semester. 

Came home for the WHOLE Christmas Break, and have enjoyed my time with my family, friends and relaxing.

In 2014 I predict these things will happen: 
I will turn 23! 
I will start my second semester of my MSW program. 
I will be getting my own Clients at my Internship. 
I will be leading groups with my students. 
Marc will Graduate from Appalachian with his MPA!!! 
I will spend the summer taking classes, and trying to make some MONEY!
I will finish up my first semester of my last year of my MSW program. 
I will create a list of my own One Thousand Gifts
I will become involved more in my Church in Boone, NC. 
I will get involved in a small group. 

 When looking back at 2013 I am so amazed at how far I have come. How many great moments were apart of this year. How many achievements that have been apart of this year.

 I can honestly say this has been a year of learning, growing, and striving to be the best version of myself that I can. Though this year has also brought pain and disappointments my way, I would not trade this year for anything. I am looking forward to what 2014 holds for my life. I know that at this time next year, I will be just as amazed at the work the Lord has done in my life.

Here is to 2013. Here is to 2014. 

xoxo,
Mindy

Sunday Social

Today I am linking up with Ashley from Ashley Lately's blog and starting my hand at the Sunday Social. This one is Holiday themed, and since I am home for Christmas break, it makes perfect sense.

1. What is your favorite Holiday Movies/TV Specials?

Home Alone is my all time favorite Christmas movie. I don't completely consider it Christmas unless I have watched this movie at least 20 times. 

I also enjoy watching: 

-Elf

-Miracle on 34th Street 

-The Santa Clause 1 and 2

- The Holiday 

2. Do you do any volunteering during the holidays if so what? If not what would you do?

My family always does an Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box. I love getting the opportunity to pack a box filled with goodies and needed items for a child in another country. It has always been a dream of mine to be on the team that distributes the boxes to the children. Their is an OCC processing center in the town where I go to College at. Last year I was able to go to the processing center and sort the boxes and pack them to be shipped. The experience at the processing center was so humbling, and a lot of fun. I would recommend it to anyone that has a processing center near them. 

3. What is your favorite toy received as a child for the holidays?

A Karaoke Machine! I got one when I was younger. Though I can not sing to save my life, I enjoyed singing songs for hours on that Machine. I became pretty good at singing Brittany Spears and Christina Aguilera. 

4. What was your must have item in high school for the holidays? 

The style when I was in High School was to have Hollister, American Eagle, and Areopostal clothing. I always wanted clothing with the name of the stores written on them so that you could tell that they were from there. Looking back on it now I see how lame that was. 

5. What do you do on Christmas Eve? If you are Jewish what does your family do for Hanukkah?

My family is always at my Mom's side of the families on Christmas Eve. We open presents with them and sing carols. A few years ago, my Church started a candle light service. Since my Dad is a Pastor, we now go there from my Grandparents. Now that me and my sister are older we do our families Christmas on Christmas eve. 

Time

Since I am on Christmas break, I have finally been able to be dedicated to reading for pleasure rather than for my knowledge of social work. Pleasure reading has always been a highlight of mine during every break of school I have. I always tell people to give me a week at the beach, Nicholas Sparks, and I am set. 

I have owned a copy of One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp for about three years now. In those three years of ownership, I have tried to start the book at least half a dozen times. Since something always came in the way of me and my attempt to read this book I retired it to my self. This August, I picked it up again. Since I started Grad School in August as well One Thousand Gifts soon became replaced with Research Methods, Human Behavior, and Social Work skills. Sadly, yet another thing came in the way of finishing the book. The last week of classes, I made it a point to not buy any other books until I finished this one. 

This week I have gotten to work a few hours at the Child Development Center I worked at during Undergrad. Most of these shifts were during nap time and we are allowed to bring books to read during that time. Nothing says Joy like the sound of snoring babies and a good book. Which begins one of my items on my "Gift List." (more to come on that in a later post)

5. The sound of snoring babies.

Today, while I was reading and hearing the snores in the back ground, God spoke to me through Ann's words. 

"Being in a hurry. Getting to the next thing without fully entering the thing in front of me. I cannot think of a single advantage I've ever gained from being in a hurry. But a thousand broken and missed things, tens of thousands, line in the wake of all the rushing...Through all the haste I thought I was making up time. It turns out I was throwing it away." 

I run out of fingers counting the times where I have rushed the time away. I have done it several times this semester actually. I did it all throughout undergrad, thinking things will be "better", "different", things will "slow down", I'll find better "routines." I'll "work out more", I'll "hangout more." All these various things that I say will happen after the WAITING stops. I realize after reading those words that we will always be waiting: If you get married, you'll be waiting to start a family, If you have children you'll be waiting on the Grand kids. If you have a successful career, you'll be waiting on a promotion. 

The time during the WAITING is what makes life beautiful. The times where we just take the time to be and enjoy the mess. The chaos that life brings, The papers, The portfolios, the lectures that prepare us to be professionals. Being fully present in the moment. Not thinking about what is going to go on two weeks, six months, or years from now. By seeing the present moment we are able to see the gifts that God has given us within those moments. We are able to experience authentic eucharisteo (Joy). "When I'm present, I meet I AM, the very presence of a present God. In His embrace, time loses all the sense of speed and stress and space and stands so still and...holy." In those present moments we can see how faithful God is to us by counting those gifts that he delivers for us. 

I pray that every day I live, I live for that day. Seeing the eucharisteo. Seeing the miricles. Seeing the ordinary. 

xoxo, 

Mindy 

"There is a place only love can go"

It is hard to believe that at this time in my life last year I was taking the GRE, finishing up Graduate School Applications, and stressing over if I would actually get into Graduate School, and only having one hundred some days left of my College Career. It is hard to believe that a year ago has come and gone so quickly. 

Fast forward and I am in Graduate School, I am learning so much about Social Work, I have celebrated, and I have felt defeated.This season has taught me so much about myself, about true strength, and about becoming an adult.  I know that I have been placed here for specific reasons, and I cannot wait to see where God takes me.  

Throughout my program, I am learning that it is not always about the skills, it is about being genuine in your work. One of my favorite Beth Moore quotes is "God shines the brightest light in the darkest places." No, we are not all called to be Social Workers, and see the "hard" of this world. We are not all called to be "that special person" and to go out and save the world. But we are all called to be genuine and love others deeply. I am learning that the responses I get as to my chosen career path are not meant to be negative about my chose profession, they are only a reaffirmation from God telling me that he has placed me, set me apart for a very specific purpose. 

"Oh, I know this song won't do
Enough to prove my love to you
In my heart you'll always know
There is a place only love can go
There is a place only you can go"

This song has been one of the many themes of this semester. To always remember there is a place only love can go. There is a place only [I] can go. 

xoxo, 

Mindy 

Say Nothing

I was given the book Love Does by Bob Goff own my 22nd Birthday from one of my dear friends. With having a January birthday and a busy Senior Spring Semester that allowed for no time to read anything other than stuff on Child Development, I placed this book on my shelf not really thinking I'll ever read it anytime soon. In May as I was packing up my apartment, and exams were slowly coming to an end leaving me a day that I had nothing else to do other than pick up this book on my self and begin to read.

As I began reading, this book opened up my eyes into how to have an authentic love for people and how to be humble about serving others. Through out every page I reflected in my mind as to how I could put these words into action. How I wished I could have been the person to have said that thought. How could I, a person who loves to serve people, to lift up people, and who is striving to work with people through the Social Work setting show these people this love I had for them. Through my time reading this book I was doing an internship working with children with special needs and their families. If you know me then you know that this was an experienced that really changed my life. This was also an experience that really allowed me to put these words I was reading in this book into practice.

A few weeks ago I finished this book. As a series of events in my own personal life played out, I was constantly drawn to return to a particular chapter in this book.  This chapter was talking about Jesus and all of his miracles. One of the illustrations that Goff used was to symbolized the Disney movie, The Incredibles to todays Christians. If you know the movie then you can remember that Mr. Incredible asks for a cape on his costume. His costume designer tells him "NO CAPES." The reasons behind him not being allowed to have a cape was because many superheros who had capes had terrible things happen to them. Goff then said that he believed that the point in her saying this is because "we can get a lot more done with capes." This then led to my favorite paragraph in any book I've ever read:

"It seems like every time Jesus did an incredible thing, He would say something similar to the people nearby. He raised a little girl from the dead, and what did He say? "Tell no one." He met a guy with leprosy and healed him, and said, "Tell no one." He healed two guys who were blind, and He gave them one admonition before moving on: "Say nothing to anyone." In a world driven by self promotion and spin, Jesus modeled something different for us. Jesus was saying that instead of telling people about what we're doing all the time, theres a better way. One that doesn't require any capes that can get snagged on something-something like ourselves. Maybe Jesus wants us to be secretly incredible instead."

This paragraph is something I have constantly been reflecting on throughout the last few weeks. As I start Graduate School in not even a week, going into a field that requires me to help others at all times, I must keep this paragraph constantly rolling in my head. In going into a field that wants to work with Children and their families, I will need to be that secretly incredible person that God has called me to be. I pray that through this year I will constantly strive to be humble, to not allow myself and my own agenda to get in the way of doing the work that God is calling me to do. I pray that God will begin to work this into your lives as well. As we work to advance his Kingdom, I pray that instead of bragging or having our own self-promotion that we seek God and like Jesus "say nothing."


Go be those silent Superheros.

xoxo
Mindy

The one where I stop counting

I know this is vary rare seeing me post on my blog, but I have decided once again that this needs to start happening more often than not. I am currently in My Senior year of College, President of My Sorority, and hidden under graduate school applications.
I have found myself recently counting down the days to the weekend (because my weeks are jammed packed), the days to Thanksgiving break, the days until Christmas break, and finally counting down the days until Graduation. With all of this counting I am becoming unhappy with the "current" Mindy. I am frustrated about where I will be interring this summer. I am frustrated that I do not know the Graduate School I will be attending yet (when I have not even finished my personal statement), I am frustrated that the days are not going by faster. But really I do not want them to.
As I was waiting on a class to start the other day last week I was looking at Pinterest on my phone. I found this quote.

"sometimes we are all too quick to COUNT DOWN the days that we FORGET to make the DAYS COUNT."

This past semester I have been way to quick to count down the days. I have forgotten to live the days as a college senior. I have forgotten to live in the moment and really enjoy the time God has given me. Though I have so many decisions to make in the next few months regarding where I am going, I still need to stop counting down the days and live today as me. I encourage you if you are counting down the days to stop counting. Life will happen regardless of you counting, and soaking every beautiful moment up is what makes the journey worth while. 

STOP COUNTING! I am.

 
xoxo.
Mindy

Colossians 3:17

At the beginning of this week I tweeted "let the five week countdown begin." Though I was not kidding at the time due to how upset I was about the combination of Practicum and British Lit, I really just cant believe that week one is already over. This week has taught me a lot not only in Practicum, but in my quiet time with God. 

This week I have started to develop some meaningful attachments to these children. They recognize me and can recall my name. They no longer begin to play with me and then introduce themselves to me and ask me what my name is. They know me, they snuggle with me, and they are listening to me. Though I am still working on developing my skills that are part of my requirements with my practicum, I am really getting experience with the children. I go on walks looking for "chick-monks", we get our purses and "go to work across the street", and we read countless books sometimes four times in a row. 

This week in my quiet time I have really learned "its not about me" its all for the glory of God. Though I am not in my "ideal location" I am there for a reason, and that is a reason that God only knows. Instead of fighting it, I just need to embrace it, and live it out. Enjoy those moments, enjoy those snuggles, enjoy those trips to "work across the street" because I am being a part of a child's life. I am helping shape them into the adult that they will be one day. I am helping to scaffold the interests, and to try new foods. I am there to be me. And I am there to show those children love, no matter how early it is, no matter how late I had to stay up the night before to understand my British Lit homework. Its not about me. Its about something so much greater. Its about him. 

This week after my few meltdowns. I heard a song on the radio. This really puts it into perspective for me. The lyrics say: 

"Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Cause he made you,
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
Tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do"

(Steven Curtis Chapman) 

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."-Colossians 3:17

Love, 

Mindy

Where Positivity meets Practicum

As a Freshman in college I started out my year eager to begin classes to help me reach my goal of becoming an Elementary Teacher. Quickly I realized that the younger children were the ones that I wanted to work with and also transferring schools would lead me to be behind if I stuck with Elementary Ed. At Appalachian I found Child Development and begin to fall in love with the courses that I was taken. As a Sophomore I can remember studying all about the developmental stages and becoming so fascinated with it all. I was so excited for this career path, but that excitement quickly dwindled away as I started my Junior year.
As a Junior the course work that I was enrolled in was designed more toward Early Childhood Teachers and I did not want to be teaching, I wanted to work with families. This was my goal and this is what I was sticking too. I was getting so excited for the Summer because I had a 200 hour practicum where I thought that I was getting to work with a Parent Educator, but was told last minute that it was not acceptable. So I allowed them to place me in the practicum cite of their choice...because there was no other acceptable cite for them.

After a week of frustrations, unreturned phone calls, and things going back and forth, I was just tired and fed up with the whole situation. This made me loose my joy for the five weeks that were about to take place. Though I do not want to be in a classroom I realize that sometimes we have to do the work that we dont want to do in order to get to where we want to be. Through tear filled eyes and hour long phone calls with my mom the night before day one, I decided that I needed to choose positivity in order to gain some sort of experience through this process. 

It was up to me to gain these experiences that I needed, not anyone else, and no matter how much I talked about it nothing was going to change my location or the amount of hours. I just had to suck it up and do it. This morning when I woke up, I stood in front of my mirror as I was putting on my make up (as I do many days) and told myself "you can do this," you have been around children so many times in your life, this is just one new experience. As I walked out the door of my apartment I grabbed my positivity. 

Now that day one is completed, and I came home wiped out smelling like baby wipes, covered in sand from my head to my toes, and experiencing the biggest amount of snuggles a girl can get I dont want to leave my positivity at day one. I want my positivity to continue through all five weeks. I want to improve in my interactions with the children, I want to gain so many different techniques, I want this to be valuable. I dont want to leave the same way I came. 

Each day I will continue to learn, grow, and experience new ways of doing things. Each day I will take a little something and make it better. I will be better with each new day than the day before. And when I complain I'll remember to bring my positivity with me instead of my negativity. 

Mindy

my people

I thought that this past semester I was going to have more time to Blog again, but just as quick as classes started so did the papers, projects, tests, and then final exams leaving me no time to squeeze in a brief time to sit on my couch and enjoy a favorite television show, much less blog.
I am learning in life that I am going to have to make time for the important things. I cannot possibly read every bit of material that they hand me in each of my classes without spending the whole entire day in the library. I for one know that I have to have a life. I have to have relationships with others to keep me sane. And this semester though I tried to focus on my school work, I really tried to look at my relationships. People that felt like I had brushed them off, I made extra time for them. People that I spent a lot of time with I spent even more time enjoying that community together. It is in a community that we grow, we thrive, and we find out more about our own selves.
When I think about these people I think about my current summer interest "Grey's Anatomy." Christina tells Meredith that she is her person in one of the earlier episodes (where I am currently at in the series) and during the finale last night Meredith tells Christina that she is her person. I look at my life and I try to picture who my person is, but I can not picture just one, except I picture a group of people. I picture several people who are "my person" to get me through the day. I have that person who is the encourager, I have the person who is always a phone call away, I have the person who is always there, I have the person who always listens, and I have the person that I can always count on to make me laugh.
I know for one that I could not have made it through some of the moments of this semester without the people that were by my side. These people were there for the happy moments and my sad moments when all I wanted to do was lay down and cry with some Ben and Jerry's. These are my people. These will be the people that I will continue to build relationships with throughout the years. These are my people who I will be at there weddings and they'll be at mine, I will cheer them through mother/fatherhood, these are my people who I will grow old being friends with.These are my people who I know have my back (literally). These are my people who I know will always be there.   Its such a wonderful feeling to have people like this.

Do you have your people, in your own lives?

Peaks, Pits, Praises, and Prayers

Being a girl in this century I am a LOVER of Pinterest. If I could create the prefect house, its there. If I could dress children I dont have I have there clothes, bows, and halloween outfits all picked out. If I could design my perfect wedding without a budget I have a board for that too. Now life is not like a Pinterest board, and I probably will never master the art of making my food look as cute as theirs does even after following the step by step instructions, but Pinterest is good for something. A few months ago I stumbled across this picture:

Under the picture was a description of what you are to do with this journal, and it made me want to start one that day. Now I have yet to start one but with this new thing where I am going to start blogging more again I have decided to start it now. Each week I will share a Peak,Pit, Praise, and Prayer for my day that day or maybe that week. So here we go.

Peaks:

• I got to eat lunch with a High School friend that I havent seen in six months. We've both been away at college and had a lot to catch up on. We didnt even realize how long we had been sitting in the same place.
• I am growing so much in my on walk with Christ by being pushed to plan bible studies for 70 girls in my sorority
• I am soaking up so much family time that I can hardly stand it. I have missed my family while I was away at school this semester

Pits:

• I found out that Chick-fil-a is taking their Cheesecake off their menu and if you know me Im a lover.

Praises:

• Some of my friends have been struggling with a decision-they made the decision they thought was best, and its going to work out.
  
• Seeing all these boys step up and say that they want Godly women in there lives!!! (check out the live31 movement if you havent already) This warms my heart knowing that there is hope for me, my friends, and my family when finding someone to share our lives with.

Prayers:

• Prayers for me. I have some life decisions about where Im going to be doing internships, and practicums. These locations impact my future career and I want to go where God is leading me.
  
• Prayers for a friend who's steeping into a new stage in their life.
  

I hope you will join me in the Peaks, Pits, Praises, and Prayers of your own life. It really is good to stop and reflect on all the wonderful things God has given you and things that you can see as a pit but change into a peak for him.
Love,
Mindy

Should a Wiser One Take My Place?

Now that I am growing up I am starting to fully understand the importance of Christmas and the everyday lessons we can take away from this season. Christmas is not about the presents, its not about shopping and trying to provide outlandish gifts for our family. Christmas is about love.

When looking at Christmas I like to look at Mary the Mother of Jesus. This Girl must have been pretty awesome. Mary was a normal girl around my age (20) probably a little younger. She was living out her NORMAL life, engaged to Joseph, but God still used Mary. God used this NORMAL girl to do something unbelievable. God used Mary to carry his son. I can only imagine the fear that Mary must have felt. She truly let God be in control of the situation and put 100% faith in him.

In doing my blog reading today I came across this quote that truly captures what God wants us to take away from this Christmas season. "Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts" (Janice Maeditere). As we continue to this new year we need to really open our hearts to the things God is showing us. Through the opening of our hearts we can truly experience the gift of Christmas, the Gift of Jesus being sent to this earth for you and for me. Mary's heart was open to the position God wanted her in. Open your heart to where God has you today, and really seek his direction for your life in this coming year. There is not a wiser one to be in the position you are in, because God has you exactly where he wants you to be.

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

xoxo,

Mindy

Tis the Season

Tis the season for hustle and bustle.

Tis the season for Christmas vacation.

Tis the season to celebrate Christs birth, family, friends, and love.

Tis the season for me to start blogging again.

I have just finished my first semester as a Junior. I had all major classes except for one. Lets just say THANK YOU GOD I got through this semester. It was a struggle grade wise, but it taught me a few things, and this semester also brought me a few new things in my life.

This semester taught me that its ok not to make all A's. No matter what my grades are, I am still going to accomplish my goals. There is always going to be that one class you just dont grasp, that one professor you just cant stand, and those tests you just cant seem to pass no matter how much study time you put into them. But one thing is still true. I am still going to graduate ASU. I am still going to find a job (crossing fingers) helping families be the best they can be for there little ones, and Im still going to have an awesome support system behind me telling me that I am going to get there.

Though this semester started off on shifting ground I did not know what God had in store for me. I became Prayer Chair of my sorority, and have grown so much closer to Christ leading a bible study each week with a group of girls. I am so excited about this semesters book bible study that I can hardly stand it. It is going to be great! We are going to be reading the book "A Jewel in His Crown." I know we are all going to be challenged to live a life of excellence that we are called to this semester.

This semester also brought me 35 new sisters! I am so excited about having that many new sisters and I love them all to death! They are a great group of young women and they all have a great passion for God. It is so awesome to see how excited they are about being apart of SAO. It reminds me just how excited I was when I first joined, and the reasons why I want to be apart of this group of girls.

I also was blessed with two very special littles. They are the best! (I know I am a little biased) But seriously these girls are great. They both are very talented and both have a great relationship with God. I am thankful to call them my SAO family. I knew it from the start of things that I wanted these girls because of the bond we shared. We already have so many stories, adventures, and laughs that no one would ever understand.

One more thing the semester brought me (and Im probably going to get "in trouble" for blogging about it) is a guy.Meet Marcus. I was not looking for him when I found him, but Im very thankful that we took the time to get to know each other. We fit together very well and we support each others goals in life.

Now that I am home I am enjoy laughs and lots of family time. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family. They are full of support no matter what I do in life. They provide me with a sense of understanding that God already has it all planned out so you should live your life and not worry about what anyone else thinks of you. We chase christmas lights hunting for the biggest trees, the craziest decorations, and even the lights that go with the music. I truly enjoy being home and growing up like I have. I am so thankful that I can call both of my parents and my sister my best friends and enjoy every moment I can with them during this break.

If someone would have told me how the semester was going to end up in August I would have laughed at them. I am truly thankful for every situation I've ever been put into because it has pointed me to the person that I am growing into. It is teaching me how to deal with different situations and how to grow from different things. I love looking at God putting the pieces of my life together and reminding me that He has everything under control and its not up to me. I promise bloggers this next semester will not be as challenging since I've gotten one behind me with all major classes and I'll make time to blog on a regular basis. Stay with me I havent forgotten you guys yet!

Love,

Mindy

Season Premiere

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL!
Its one of my favorite times of the year. Yellow, Red, and Orange trees spread across campus bring smiles to my face daily. The crisp cool air that allows you to wear cute cardigans, boots, and scarves, and drink endless amounts of coffee-guilt free.
This year as I look at this transition to Fall, I being to think of my new season of life. This is not the season of singleness, this is what I like to call the season of Contentment. With this transition of the real seasons, my personal seasons are also changing. I have found it very easy since my last post to find contentment in where God has placed me in my life. I am hopeful, yet awaiting my time. I am happy for my friends and loved ones who have found their happiness and I use that as a way to personally grow until I meet someone.
"The thing I’m learning is that in order to fully experience the beauty of life, we have to be willing to trade where we’ve been for where we’re going." (The Single Woman) I have been through so much in the past couple of months. Places I never thought my life would go, positions I never thought I could do, and picking up pieces I thought I could never put back together. But God is one great healer and he "knows the plans." He is the author of my story and I have finally given him back his pen.
So with this season premiere of fall 2011, I plan to close the book on my Summer, and fully invest in what God is wishing to do in my life this year. I am going to continue my current obligations, and prepare myself for when its Gods time and also have a blast along the way.

Love,
Mindy

HOLD FAST

This past month God has just been hitting me in the face with things that I have been personally struggling with. No matter where I go I learn a little something that I can apply, something that speaks to me, or something that makes me go "MINDY that was SO GOD!"
The past few months have been a constant struggle for me to find contentment in God's timing for my life. I am such a planner that I want to take away the pen from God's hand. I need to give it back to him, because he knows so much more than what my two little eyes can see. I have had downfalls, shortcomings, and days I just want to give up. That is when God steps in.
I was home the other Sunday from college and a woman who's faith I admire so much told me "well hold fast God has something better in store." Those words were not just about my singleness. Those words were about my life. God has a great plan for it, and I have to give him complete control of the pen. As I look over my life, and where I want to go in the future I know what I want...but what is God calling me to do??? I can only find that when I hand back over the pen.
As I sit in my apartment doing my devotion night after night I have constantly read that we must use our singleness as a time of learning. Learning to carry out our current obligations. My obligation right now is to serve God, attend classes, family, sorority life, and friends. One of my devotions this week was on Rebekah and how she was able to meet God's appointment for her life because she was carrying out her current obligations. Rebekah agreed to marry Isaac a man she had never met after watering his servants camels. Rebekah and Isaac were miles apart during this time, the journey to each other was not an easy one. Rebekah went to this well every night so the night she met Isaac's servant was not anything out of the ordinary. Her willingness to help serve others put her in the right place at the right time for God to match her with Isaac.
As I try to relate this to today's world I realize that we all have our own camels to water. We all have those that we are called to serve according to God, and if we focus on our current obligations instead of our singleness than God is going to put someone in our lives at the right time.
I have been blessed with a wonderful roommate who is going through the same heartache that I am going through. She relates, she understands, and we laugh about our singleness (because what else can you do). Every time I am on the brink of having a meltdown she can tell. She knows my heart, she knows my desires about Love. Just like God. Though we dont like being single-we long for that intimacy, that friendship, and that love , its actually a blessing to have each other because we get to sit and talk with one another, we get to pray for one another, and pray for the others future husbands. We have many late night conversations, but last night we were talking about how God prepares your heart for your future husband or wife. My roommate brought up a wonderful point that I have reflected on the whole day. Though my mind may say "ok I want to find my husband," and I feel like my heart is prepared to meet him, God may still be working in that young mans heart. We have no clue where they are in there lives, so we must carry out our current obligations, be steadfast in prayer, and hold fast because God is going to bless us in so many ways. Now, I am not saying that my heart is prepared yet, because I know it is not. God still has so many things to work on in my heart to prepare me for that special man. But I know I must wait on the Lord, God's timing not mine. God's purpose for my life, not my plan.

Love,
Mindy

Living out Proverbs 19:21

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is from Proverbs 19:21. This verse says "many are the plans in a mans heart, but it is only the Lords purpose that prevails." I have found this verse to be so true in my life through different situations, but NEVER has played out in such a way as it has this week. This week was a very hard, stressful, and confusing week. Its not going to be 100% better next week or the next, but one day the Lords will will prevail and I will understand why I've had to go through the things I've gone through this week.
As I have said on here before I have had one other serious relationship before B. I do know what heart ache has felt like and I have used it to help my friends get through challenging times in their lives. Now that I am experiencing it all over again I am now getting all the advice I once gave them back. And its a lot harder to hear that to say. I do have hope and a heart full of faith that God is not going to give me anything that I cannot handle. I know that Gods plan is so amazing that I just cant even picture it.
Its like when you were a little girl and you dreamed of meeting Cinderella at Disney, when you finally met her she was just as beautiful, just as amazing as you always pictured her to be. But while you were getting to Disney you couldnt even think of how it would be. Thats how my God love story is going to be.
I was so in love with a boy that I can not even begin to describe the Love I am going to feel for my husband one day. People I tell you ITS GOING TO BE AMAZING. So hubs if your reading this get ready for some Mindy lovin!
I dont regret anything, I know this has taught me a lot. It has taught me trust, commitment, and how to love and be a best friend to the person you are in a relationship with. Though my plans didnt come out of this I know Gods plan is going to be so MUCH better than what I can picture for my life.

Pray for Big things-God always wins,
Love
Mindy