Friday, January 25, 2013

ODAAT

One. Day. At. A. Time. This is something that I've been learning a lot this month. When I was taking my Spanish class over interterm, it was easy to get overwhelmed at the thought of tests, quizzes, in class essays, presentations, and homework all in just 13 days of class but I was reminded that I can survive it and need to take it one day at a time. When I am running or think about long runs that I have ahead of me, I have to remember that I need to take training one day at a time. As I've come back for RA training and we've been planning activities for the semester, I can easily get overwhelmed. The thought of always having a list of tasks to complete between now and May 25 is so daunting and makes me not want to start school. Thinking about tests, papers, a TPA, and observations does not sound remotely appealing but I know that with the Lord's help, and by taking things one day at a time, I can and will survive the next four months. With my best friend graduating and leaving Biola in May I've been really sad at the thought of her not being here, but we've decided to take this semester one day at a time and to enjoy and make the most of the last moments we have to be in school together. This idea of taking life one day at time can sometimes be hard for someone who is a planner like me but it has really forced me to entrust my days, my activities, my hopes, my fears, and life to God. God knows what He has in store for the next four months as I finish out my junior year, wrap up RA, look ahead to new opportunities this summer, and grow and share in life with my friends. A song I've been listening to a lot this month is called "Not For a Moment" and the chorus says "After all You are constant, After all You are only good, After all you sovereign. Not for a moment will You forsake me." This is a truth that I have held on to so much this month. No matter what happens in the next four months, or even in the next hour, our great God is constant, and good, and sovereign. This is a truth I am thankful for and holding onto as I enter this new semester.

Taking things one day at a time and trust a God who is constant, good, and sovereign,
Amanda

Sunday, January 20, 2013

The Beach

When I was younger, I didn't really like the beach. Growing up, every time I went to the beach it was such a task and I always got sunburned and sand got in EVERYTHING! It just wasn't pleasant for me. And somehow the waves always knocked me over and I always ended up drinking what seemed like gallons of salt water and I thought it was gross!
But over the last few years I've developed a deep love for the beach. The beach is a place where I feel so close to God. A dear person in my life who recently moved near the beach once told me she loved to go down and sit by the water alone and just listen to God. This is something I wanted to do for a long time and when I finally got around to doing it, I thought it was one of the greatest things! When I tell people that I go to the beach by myself to read or journal or pray or sleep, they think I'm crazy but there's nothing quite like it. Sleeping in the sun is one of my all time favorite things to do! So I always enjoy doing that when I make a trip to the coast. I am so blessed to get to live in Southern California where I can go to the beach in January or really anytime I want. I got to go three times in the last week and it was absolutely gorgeous! I also completed my longest run to date at the beach this weekend! This past week when I made a solo trip to celebrate the end of my Spanish class (wahoo!) I was sitting and looking at the water, listening to the waves crash. As I sat there I was praising God for the power of the sun and amazed at the beauty of the creation I was surrounded by. Then as I was praying I realized how my times at the beach are reflective of God in my life. When I go to the beach, I often focus on the sun. Either feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin or watching the sunset. In my life, I want the Son to be the focus. Waves roll in and waves roll out, but you always know the waves are going to continue to crash against the shore. To me, waves are a sign of God's strength. No matter what may come and go in  our lives, I know the strength of my God will never change. Luke 12:6-7 says "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten by God. Why, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than sparrows." This is the verse that comes to mind when I think about the grains of sand on the beach and how God knows how many are there. He knows the number of hairs on my head and cares for every detail in my life. Water is a sign of purity and cleanliness. It reminds me that my sins have been washed away but the blood of Jesus. And lastly, the cool, coastal breeze reminds me of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I'm in awe of the power of God to speak to us through His creation and I am so thankful that I live in a place like Southern California where the beach is not too far away and always beautiful!
Every semester I try and change the design/background of my blog and this time I decided to make it the beach because it had become such a special place for me. As I endure the day to day life of school, being an RA, and training for a half marathon, I do not want to lose sight of the Son my life. He knows what lies ahead and will be with me every step of the way.

(photo cred: Ariella Baugh)

Saturday, January 19, 2013

No mas español

I do not ever have to take another Spanish class in my life!!! What a glorious feeling:) This month I took a 13 day, 4 unit class and now it is over! I am so thankful! I took Spanish 102 last January and Spanish 201 this January and it was a lot easier compared to last year. Over Interterm I got to live with my friend Julia in her apartment and I loved it! I did not have to have a meal plan and it was so nice:) I also only had class 8:30-12 everyday so I had the rest of the day off to do homework, run, relax, and do whatever I wanted! I really enjoyed it! Twice a week I had RA duty in Alpha on campus and it was good to be back in a dorm that means so much to me:) On the weekends I went down to Laguna Niguel to spend time with my best friend Ari and her family and go to church and the beach and relax and watch movies. I so enjoyed my time with the Baugh family! As I always do:) I'm now home for a few days until I have to get back to school for RA stuff on Wednesday. Looking forward to rock climbing with Robbie, nails and shopping with mom, a picnic with Emily (hopefully if she's not too busy!), watching an all-time favorite movie with dad, and spending time playing guitar and laying the sun:)

Thankful I wil never sit in a Spanish class again,
Amanda

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Hebrews 12

I have prayed and prayed about this upcoming year and what the Lord has in store for the coming months. Last New Year's I had an idea of what would happen in the year of 2012 for me, though I was pleasantly surprised by so much! This year I don't have plane tickets to fly anywhere, commitments to any activities, or much of an idea what 2013 hold for me. I know the Lord has big things in store and I'm excited to see what lies ahead. As I was praying about a scripture passage God wanted me to focus on this year, Hebrews 12:1-17 is what came up. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
    nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and chastises every son whom he receives.”
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

A few exciting thing I know will be happening this year are I will be done with Spanish classes forever! PRAISE. CHRIST. (In 12 days to be exact!) I will also be road-tripping to Phoenix to take my sister to dance at the Phoenix Suns basketball game in February, while we are there I am running a 5K with my friends. I will be running a 10K at the end of March and in May I will be running my first half marathon. I can't believe I am actually doing it but I'm excited! And in the fall I will be starting my senior year of college! I am excited for these things to happen but I am more excited to seek the Lord in all of these and see how he uses them to teach me more about himself, his love, compassion, and sovereignty.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Reflections on 2012

I seriously cannot believe that 2013 is here. I feel like this holiday season came and is gone now and just flew by! I can't believe it! I am now back at school and will start class tomorrow. Boooo. I only have 13 days of Spanish class left in my life. Praise Christ! As I look back on the last year, A LOT has happened!

January: I took Spanish I over interterm and it was crazy. I don't know why I signed up to do it again this year! At least I'm so so sooooo close to the end of it!
February: I got to hike to the Hollywood sign with my friends for my birthday! It was so fun and so wonderful! And I was hired to be an RA at school:)
March: I had to go to jury duty for two days. It was frustrating but interesting at the same time. Luckily I did not have to serve on a jury!
April: I flew to Portland, Oregon with friends and we spent spring break in Sisters, OR in Sarah's family's beautiful home!
May: I took my first flight alone and went to Utah to visit my friend Shelby and her new baby!
June: I started my second summer at camp and serving for LRCC. What a blessed opportunity to serve all summer:)
July: BUSY MONTH FOR ME! I worked camp, was in Stephanie and Jeremy's wedding, and went to New Orleans for a week for the ELCA National Youth Gathering!
August: After a little 5 day break from camp, I moved back to school for RA training and my junior year!
September: I got to go to Yosemite and Fresno with my RA staff. We had such a blast!!
October: My floor had our floor retreat at the Parker's house and it was my favorite thing we did as floor all semester:) I also went to see Carrie Underwood and Hunter Hayes in San Diego! (Oh and my roommate got engaged!)
November: I worked Chrysalis (always my favorite!), worked the ELCA Middle School Youth Gathering in Anaheim, and submitted my first TPA(and passed it!!).
December: I survived my first semester as an RA and passed all my finals and got to spend time with wonderful, beautiful, amazing friends that I am so blessed to have:)

It was quite an eventful year and my eyes have been opened up to the glory of our great God. If I could choose one word for this last year it would be trust. Through the different experiences this year, I have learned to trust God more and more and I am so grateful that we serve a gracious, loving God. I have been immensely blessed by opportunities beyond compare, wonderful friends, and a family who loves me that I am extremely grateful for. I am so thankful for the last year and am looking ahead for what God has in store.