Flying

Time.

I can't believe how fast it's passing. ...Passing? I mean to say flying. zooming. vanishing. Right before my very eyes, time is still ticking, seemingly faster and faster. I'm just now realizing that it's nearly APRIL, and we've got just 3 weekends left here in this beautiful place (3 weeks, Easter, Exams). Crazy.

I can't imagine this upcoming summer without my new friends. I love them all so very much, and the past weekend secured our strong friendships. We all headed down to Wilmington for the weekend with Campus Crusade's Women's Beach Retreat. Although the weather was frigid and far from ideal, the crying, cookie dough, and conversation* couldn't have been better. Saturday night was made extra special by a feet-washing ceremony that the seniors did for us, as they washed our feet and prayed for each one of us. Afterwards, there was not a dry eye in the house, and they wheeled out 5 tubs of cookie dough, m&m's, lollipops, chips & salsa, and carrots (they've got to keep us healthy, you know). Truly, Crusade knows how to treat their ladies. 

What then followed was a three hour hang-out session between our dear group of friends. We're all emotional girls, we know, but don't be fooled- we did other things outside of crying and talking too. For example, Julie krumped for us. Yes, that's correct- sweet-sorority-girl-Julie was "krumping". Sadly, I only saw glimpses of her moves; I was far too busy rolling on the floor laughing hysterically.
After the giggles passed, we moved conversation to a more serious note, talking about what we "crave" in our lives (weekend's theme), and how we can look to Christ to fulfill those things.

And it's amazing how He does fulfill. It's enough to satisfy, but we always want more of Him. Forever craving His presence seems to put all others in the backseat. God offers us to find what we're searching for in Him by seeking His forgiveness, and He never fails to follow through in fulfilling our cravings. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity." (Jeremiah 29:13-14) He's the one who created us to crave things, knowing that we would search the earth for ways to quench the thirst, while He constantly pours His living water out on us. Our sinfulness in trying to find satisfaction elsewhere is a constant battle, yet His mercy and goodness and love is unconditional. The gospel is such a beautiful story.

With that on my mind, I'm heading into the weekend trying to constantly turn to the Lord for fulfillment. Time is flying by, and I don't want to waste it searching for what I'm trying to find in the place I know it won't be. I'm going to search for those things in Christ.

*Please note my impressive alliteration. Thank you. 

Today

I'm thinking about

1. The beautiful weather. It's no secret that the sunshine has started to have serious side effects on everyone's attitude. People are happier and work becomes less stressful with the promise of a glorious afternoon. I think it's God's way of reminding us of His beauty and unending promises for a brighter day. Truly, His mercies are new every morning and everyday. 
2. The promise of a future. Last night, some friends and I relived our middle school days and played a few rounds of "mash", giving each other the most extreme, worst-case-scenario, laughable circumstances. ...It reminded me of how thankful I am that my fate is not in the hands of anyone other than Jesus who has perfect plans for me. (Which I'm hoping He'll share with me sometime soon!)
3. Fasting. I've joined forces with other Summit Church members in the conquest to fast during Wednesday lunch hours for the month, and spend the time devoted in prayer for other nations. It's been a wonderful time to really experience the power of limitless prayer. Today, we opened with Luke 8:22-25, the story of Jesus calming the winds and waves. "Since our God is able to do anything, we should be bold in what we ask of Him. Pray big prayers!" (If you want to get involved or get more info, click here!)
4. The hope I have. Whether I'm looking for guidance for the future or seeking comfort, I am confident in putting my hope in Christ. It's apparent that God is alive in our world, and putting hope in Him is nearly the only way to survive. Pray that people in Japan would have that same hope as they grieve over lost loved ones, attempt to rebuild cities, and regain normal lives. 
5. Friday night's big game as part of the sweet sixteen. I love my Tar Heels, and I'm hoping that being in the top 16 really is sweet and we sail right through to the elite eight. Expect a serious mood change come next week on the off-chance that Harrison and John don't pull through for us. Let's go, Roy. C'mon Heels!
6. The rainstorm outside my window. It's thundering outside and I can hear the pitter-patter of rain hitting the glass pane. This is quite possibly one of my favorite things. I love the smell of rain, the way it makes the sky look, the calmness it brings, and the way it makes everyone so refreshed afterwards. It's marvelous.

Come Sail Away

Titles

After visiting some dear friends at NC State tonight, I had a wonderful time, but not without receiving some major flack about my blog name. So, to set everyone straight, I figure I should elaborate a little. 

Upon first starting my life blogging, I sat down one night and filled out all the random information, but came to a screeching halt when I saw the "TITLE:" box. Yikes. The name of a blog seems like such an important part of this. Of course, I couldn't think of anything really creative or fitting on the spot, and thus my blog debut was delayed. Luckily, after a few days of bouncing clever phrases off my friends, I finally settled on "Ever So Something". I liked the start of the phrase ("ever so"), but I wanted people to fill in the rest with whatever they like (that would be the "something"). In other words, I think it's a poetic way to let you know that this is all about what you want to make of it. Just substitute the "something" with whatever adjective you feel worthy or necessary for the day. ...How versatile!

Face it, kids- you know it's cool and you like it. 

One Year

This past semester started with a few changes. Other than the obvious- new schedules, routines, textbooks- our Bible study made some changes too. Each leader paired up with a couple of us to start discipling us. The one hour each week that I get to spend with Anna is such a blessing. I look forward to our talks, her encouragement, and her Godly leadership. When we first started meeting, Anna set me up with a Bible reading plan that guides me in reading it in one year. At first I thought it was a great idea and definitely something I wanted to do, but knowing myself, I doubted I would stick with it.

It's amazing how God shatters our plans. Not that I had plans to slowly let go of the Bible reading plan, but He has surprised me (yet again)! He has blessed me with enough time to get my reading in each day, and not only that, but I'm motivated to do it. The Lord, knowing that this would be glorifying to Him and humbling for me, has proved me wrong again- it's day 15 and I'm still going strong (I'm aware that I still have a long ways to go, but I've kept up this long, and that says A LOT).

And His awesomeness doesn't end there. What I've read each day continues to amaze me. (I'm on the plan where you read a little from 4 different books for 25 days of each month). Lately, it's what I've read in Acts about Peter and the other apostles sharing the gospels that has left me standing in awe. "Day after day, in the temple courts, and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." (5:42) Not only did they never stop sharing, but the Lord continually added to their number. Here today, I find myself praying for just one person to be brought to Jesus, and Peter was bringing them in by the thousands. It blows my mind, just thinking about it. And all of these people coming to know Jesus were so genuine in their faith. They trusted in His provisions and gave generously to those who were in need, and because of that, there rarely was ever a person in need from all the sharing! Can you imagine something like this in our world today? Can you imagine if the wealth was shared like that? Can you imagine if the gospel was shared like that? Can you imagine a faith so genuine?


This has since prompted me to pray continually and confidently for genuine faith. A faith that trusts every ounce of God's promises despite what the world may say. After all, isn't that what gave the apostles the strength, courage, and joy to share His gospel everyday? 

Sunshine

Photo Credit: Amy Bell

I am in love with the beach.

Correction: I am in love with spending time with my friends. And the beach.

So sad to leave today, but I couldn't be more thankful for the wonderful time I've had. We've enjoyed laughter, tears, shopping, seashell-searching, eating, and talking. Although we weren't able to get out in the sunshine in a swimsuit, God certainly blessed our vacation in other ways- ways better than we could've imagined. In ways like...

1. Indoor pool with wrinkly old men that live at the resort. Enough said.
2. Eating. It was our mission to not leave one crumb of food behind. Success? Definitely. Sick? A little.
3. Bananagrams. I am a champion. 
4. Feeding the ducks in the pond behind our condo. Watch-out for seagulls though; they attack for food too (just ask my dear friend Amy).
5. Hair dye. Dying hair in a big jacuzzi tub? I'll check that off my list. 
6. Modern Family is my new favorite show. We watched the entire first season, and it's safe to say we'll all be quoting it for days to come.
7. Blogging. Welcome to the blogging world, Andrea! (Check her out here!)

Besides all of this silliness, the Lord certainly blessed our trip in countless other ways too. We were able to be vulnerable with one and other, showing off our weaknesses (some more indirectly), giving us people to pray for and strengthening the bonds of friendship among us. Not only that, but Jesus made Himself present constantly, giving each of us plenty of time to spend alone with Him everyday. 

Saying goodbye to such a wonderful week is not something I want to do, but I'm excited to move forward with God and these girls on campus. ...More than anything, I'm so excited to see what the Lord has in store for each of us.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Near Catastrophe

We have arrived.

But it wouldn't be spring break without some seriously unnecessary drama. How else would we kick start our lovely vacation?

Walking into the resort lobby, I gave the guy at the front desk my information and watched his face turn in dismay at my "under 21" ID. He quickly explained that he had to "cross some extra red tape" since I wasn't an adult but he'd see what he could do, and he disappeared into a back room. 27 minutes later, the guy returned with another man, who told me he couldn't check us in because no one in our party was over 21, despite the fact that my father had already made this reservation through the time share company and had paid for the condo for the week. Seriously?

15 more minutes passed, my dad spoke with the resort people, and they instructed us to go find someone over 21 to come and sign us in. Afraid of not having anywhere to sleep, we walked through the parking lot to Denny's in search of an adult who would be willing to lend us their signature. When we returned with a kind elderly couple in tow, our new resort 'friend' Rich informed us "I can't do that. I can't let them sign you all in." ...You have GOT to be kidding me. (Let me remind you that he was the guy that told us to do that in the first place!)

Another conversation with my father and some higher management, and Rich let us know that they'd let us stay the night, but we would have to have someone sign for us the next morning. Rich was sure to let us know that if we were unable to have an over 21 signature the next day, they would be happy to help us find another place to stay. Gee. Thanks.

Monday morning rolled around and my father called me to let me know that my mom would be driving down (4 hours here and 4 more going back) to hand over her signature. I love my mom. She is just so good and kind and thoughtful. 

Talk about drama. 

Thank the good Lord, though, we got it figured out and the drama has since passed. We are all happily  eating, chatting, laughing, watching TV, painting fingernails, cooking, shopping, and having fun. The rest of the week better watch out. We're going to have a ball.

Spring Break Hopefuls

Tomorrow's the day. Leaving for the beach. Paradise. With 7 best friends. Laughter. Smiles. Girl time.

I can't wait. 

Pray for sunshine. And a safe drive. It's supposed to be chilly.

A Beautiful Afternoon

Today, I was sitting in the waiting room at the hospital (waiting on my allergy shots; no emergencies), and I was planning to go workout afterward. My afternoon of running and weightlifting was interrupted with a text from Amy talking about plans for milkshakes and french fries at Sutton's instead. ...How on earth would you expect me to turn that down?

So, thirty minutes later, Julie, Amy, and I are sitting in Sutton's on Franklin Street. Sipping on an oreo milkshake. Chatting. Laughing.
Two hours later, we're still sitting there.

It's amazing how God gives us such small blessings and they can completely alter change your attitude about the day. Those 2 hours at Sutton's today were so awesomely perfect. The three of us talked about silly things like classes and spring break, but we also delved into the meaty, heart matters too; and it was beautiful. Just chatting about the future and husbands and jobs and life in general was crazy, but so incredibly comforting.
I've come to a new peace in my walk with Jesus. Not just about "the future"- that's far too vague. Instead, He has given me immense peace about the man I'm going to marry (a place I never thought I'd get to) and what I'm going to major in (still don't know, but He'll show me). Being able to talk about that with my friends, and be able to heed their encouragement (and also encourage them) is something I'll always treasure. The laughter that came with the afternoon also put me on a high that might send me sailing through the rest of the week. ...this laughter was encouraging and silly, free of sarcasm and sparing hurt feelings. Truly, it was a beautiful afternoon.

"He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.'" Acts 1:7