Part of me wanted to do this post in pictures, but really the only pictures on my phone are funny conversations I've taken screen-shots of, embarrassing selfies my roommates have sent me, and a wide array of Kyle Field shots taken at football games. As telling as those are, my year hasn't been totally dominated by texting (though my mom might beg to differ), selfies, and football.
This year was a good year.
While my blogging hasn't been consistent, it's captured the major moments of the year. Impact counselor round two, this year more of a leader within the camp than a "Oh wow I'm actually here" deal. Miraculously, Netflix continued to be a positive influence on my GPA. I traveled to London with an English class. I changed churches in College Station. I worked in my church's youth ministry back home over the summer and cranked out 8 hours of Spanish. My roommates and I migrated from our three room apartment to a three bedroom house down the street from campus. We like it a lot more than the apartment, but have had our fair share of calling the leasing agency to fix things. I even rode my bike to class for a few weeks. Huzzah. Impact retreat was pretty picture-perfect. My girls are amazing and two of my closest friends. I wrote for the school paper. Impact leadership applications came out and for some weird reason, I was put in charge of a camp.
And now 2014 is 4 days old, and I'm onto semester 6 of 8 in my college career.
Weird.
There are a few people who deserve major shout-outs for this year. Only the first is in a particular order.
The first is Jesus. Duh. Being thrown into situations where His trust was my only thing to hold, His patience was the only thing I had, or His joy was my only strength grew me exponentially this year. I have a long road ahead of me still, but progress/change is good and encouraging. And I have no doubt that everything I faced this past year will be something be challenges that are thrown at me in 2014. Like the last 5 semesters, I don't see the growth until I look back and have to close my gaping mouth. His faithfulness is something I'll never get used to.
The second is going to go to my family. My brother came down to school at Blinn, so we ran into each other on a weekly basis (and normally ended with me buying him food). So huzzah to that. My sister has successfully found her life's ambition--being a special education teacher (it fits her beautifully--like I've never known anyone to have a job so designed for them). My mom is hilarious and supportive as ever. I always know when she's bored because she'll call me and talk 90% of the time we're on the phone--her New Year's resolution is to let my dad talk more. My dad is someone I'm still continually figuring out and appreciating more as I do. He is a creature of habit and a peaceful presence to our family.
The third is a group of people--my roommates. Rachel, Myles, and Joy were a huge factor in my growth and success this year. Just being around them has helped me to see what Godly love looks like because they love me. They are truly friends I plan to keep for the rest of my life. And even when I land on Rachel's leg trying to get out of bed or accidentally scare Myles or lay on Joy's bed and word vomit all my woes, I am confident in the fact that the four of us were put together for a reason. We live together well and we love each other despite all of our differences and struggles.
Lastly is a general shout-out to all the friends I've grown closer to this year. Thanks for being a friend.
2014 is going to be a busy, chaotic, fantastic year. I've been prepared as much as I can be, but I know there will be many times where I'll need Christ, my family, and my friends to carry me through. I'm ready to trust and to put what I've been taught into practice.
So here we go.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
My short career as a journalist
Well you guys, I had a nice stint as a journalist writing for A&M's newspaper. It lasted all of three months and I got a definitive answer on one of my life questions: my career path will not include reporting.
I'm pretty not good at it, in my fairly critical opinion (though despite my deadline missing habits and a feeling of "I have no idea what I'm doing", the editors liked me and what I wrote). The writing part was fine. Great, even. I loved being able to sit down and crank something out because I love to write and I was writing something that was not analytical of a novel or a research paper about educational theories. It was something that people my age would read and may be interested in.
The cause of my journalistic demise was the knowledge that I was so not a journalist. Not even a little bit. Calling up people and asking them all these questions felt like an intrusion into their lives and an inconvenience of their time. I felt horribly guilty if a story didn't run because I had hunted down these people and wasted their time.
I know that's not what it was. Not really, anyways. Interviews didn't take very long and people were open to talk about things they liked and were involved in. But still. The self-conscious and insecure part of me felt really bad about a story not running, but I knew it was because of logistics and other stories in the paper that were going to be run.
I learned a lot. Without a doubt, I learned a lot. That part was really cool. I feel like I have a glimpse of what working for a publisher looks like. Maybe not extensively (probably not, let's be real here), but I know what it means to write on a deadline now and to have people waiting on things in your hands. The amount stress was surprising and kept me up at night--which is funny, because my job was the minimum amount of everyone who worked for the paper. Just further confirmation that journalism and fast-and-hard stories aren't my strong suit.
Do I regret it? Nope. Not even a little bit. It was a valuable experience and I'm glad I did it. But unless I'm interviewed for something, you probably won't see my name in the Battalion next semester.
The next step in the adventure is on its way.
I'm pretty not good at it, in my fairly critical opinion (though despite my deadline missing habits and a feeling of "I have no idea what I'm doing", the editors liked me and what I wrote). The writing part was fine. Great, even. I loved being able to sit down and crank something out because I love to write and I was writing something that was not analytical of a novel or a research paper about educational theories. It was something that people my age would read and may be interested in.
The cause of my journalistic demise was the knowledge that I was so not a journalist. Not even a little bit. Calling up people and asking them all these questions felt like an intrusion into their lives and an inconvenience of their time. I felt horribly guilty if a story didn't run because I had hunted down these people and wasted their time.
I know that's not what it was. Not really, anyways. Interviews didn't take very long and people were open to talk about things they liked and were involved in. But still. The self-conscious and insecure part of me felt really bad about a story not running, but I knew it was because of logistics and other stories in the paper that were going to be run.
I learned a lot. Without a doubt, I learned a lot. That part was really cool. I feel like I have a glimpse of what working for a publisher looks like. Maybe not extensively (probably not, let's be real here), but I know what it means to write on a deadline now and to have people waiting on things in your hands. The amount stress was surprising and kept me up at night--which is funny, because my job was the minimum amount of everyone who worked for the paper. Just further confirmation that journalism and fast-and-hard stories aren't my strong suit.
Do I regret it? Nope. Not even a little bit. It was a valuable experience and I'm glad I did it. But unless I'm interviewed for something, you probably won't see my name in the Battalion next semester.
The next step in the adventure is on its way.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Feelin' 22
Yeah so I've been 22 for about three weeks at this point, but I think we can all agree that my blogging game has been off for like the past year. Relatively similar to the Rangers past season.
Anyways.
As per tradition, here are twenty two things that I've learned/observed/that are notable in the past year/22 years.
1. Being told you're an Impact co-chair is excellent. Especially when you get that glorious email on your birthday.
2. Though sometimes I question why people put me in positions of leadership because I choked on water so badly the other day that I made these horrible noises that sounded like a dying goose. Like for real, y'all, infants can drink liquids better than I can.
3. Blue Bell ice cream is unquestionably the best kind of ice cream. Especially when it's right off the line and hasn't been frozen so it's all melty and soft and you feel like you could stick your face in it forever and it be totally okay.
4. The Texas Rangers have successfully traded 4 of their best/most famous players. Yeah, I'm still crying. I'll miss you, David Murphy, Ian Kinsler, Craig Gentry, and AJ Pierzynski.
5. Trying to combine the English and Education departments at A&M is like trying to mix oil and water. Sorry I'm complicated y'all.
6. I think Johnny Manziel has a shot in the NFL. Sue me.
7. Having the top bunk in a room with a 7'4" ceiling isn't bad. I've only whacked my noggin once. I'd consider that a victory.
8. I would rather have a small house with character than a big house that doesn't feel like a home.
9. Disney has still got it, you guys. "Frozen" was legit.
10. I've seen some really incredible sunsets this year. I don't know what it is, but the artist is working. (that was corny and I'm sorry but I'm also not)
11. Those little party noisemaker things can entertain a group of twenty-somethings for at least 10 minutes. My apologies to my neighbors.
12. I am such a bad dancer. Like such an awkward white girl with zero rhythmic abilities whatsoever.
13. Being able to hang out and lead a group of Phi Lamb pledges this past semester was a blast. I loved being able to see how God was working through their freshman year.
14. My Impact nuggets are the bomb, y'all. Like the Struggle Muggle freshman are so great.
15. I'm becoming a Marvel nerd. Can't get enough of that stuff. Captain America, I'm yours.
16. My roommates are the best.
17. I am not a journalist. My brief stint with the Battalion told me that much.
18. But I am still distinctly a writer. Trying to figure out where all that comes into play.
19. Going to some of the football press conferences were some of the coolest experiences of the year. Like, hey, Malcome Kennedy. Why yes, I will return your smile.
20. There is nothing I can do that will mess up God's plan. I may complicate things, but He is bigger than me.
21. I still don't get Gossip Girl.
22. Yep, I'm feeling it.
Another great year. X number more to come. Thanks, and gig 'em.
Anyways.
As per tradition, here are twenty two things that I've learned/observed/that are notable in the past year/22 years.
1. Being told you're an Impact co-chair is excellent. Especially when you get that glorious email on your birthday.
2. Though sometimes I question why people put me in positions of leadership because I choked on water so badly the other day that I made these horrible noises that sounded like a dying goose. Like for real, y'all, infants can drink liquids better than I can.
3. Blue Bell ice cream is unquestionably the best kind of ice cream. Especially when it's right off the line and hasn't been frozen so it's all melty and soft and you feel like you could stick your face in it forever and it be totally okay.
4. The Texas Rangers have successfully traded 4 of their best/most famous players. Yeah, I'm still crying. I'll miss you, David Murphy, Ian Kinsler, Craig Gentry, and AJ Pierzynski.
5. Trying to combine the English and Education departments at A&M is like trying to mix oil and water. Sorry I'm complicated y'all.
6. I think Johnny Manziel has a shot in the NFL. Sue me.
7. Having the top bunk in a room with a 7'4" ceiling isn't bad. I've only whacked my noggin once. I'd consider that a victory.
8. I would rather have a small house with character than a big house that doesn't feel like a home.
9. Disney has still got it, you guys. "Frozen" was legit.
10. I've seen some really incredible sunsets this year. I don't know what it is, but the artist is working. (that was corny and I'm sorry but I'm also not)
11. Those little party noisemaker things can entertain a group of twenty-somethings for at least 10 minutes. My apologies to my neighbors.
12. I am such a bad dancer. Like such an awkward white girl with zero rhythmic abilities whatsoever.
13. Being able to hang out and lead a group of Phi Lamb pledges this past semester was a blast. I loved being able to see how God was working through their freshman year.
14. My Impact nuggets are the bomb, y'all. Like the Struggle Muggle freshman are so great.
15. I'm becoming a Marvel nerd. Can't get enough of that stuff. Captain America, I'm yours.
16. My roommates are the best.
17. I am not a journalist. My brief stint with the Battalion told me that much.
18. But I am still distinctly a writer. Trying to figure out where all that comes into play.
19. Going to some of the football press conferences were some of the coolest experiences of the year. Like, hey, Malcome Kennedy. Why yes, I will return your smile.
20. There is nothing I can do that will mess up God's plan. I may complicate things, but He is bigger than me.
21. I still don't get Gossip Girl.
22. Yep, I'm feeling it.
Another great year. X number more to come. Thanks, and gig 'em.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Omega Benji 2014 (I think I'm in charge?)
So Impact.
That Christian orientation camp I've blogged about like six million times? The experience as a freshman, two years of counselorship (is that a word?), and all other things involved with it? Yeah that. Well, my leadership in that has expanded.
Each camp--consisting of 18 people--is split up into three different roles (it's lopsided, don't worry about it). Of that, 14 are counselors (what I've been). Two of those are on prayer team, which their sole job is to pray for and support everyone else in the camp. So they basically have to be real servant hearted. The last two are the cochairs, who are like the parents of the group.
So...just call me Mom.
Yeah, for whatever reason the executive leaders of Impact decided to put me in a power position. There are 54 cochairs total--27 girls and 27 guys. We are then split up into sessions--Alpha is first, Delta is second, and Omega is the last. Then we get our camps, which are named after the twelve tribes of Israel. We only use 9 of those and I don't know why we use the 9 that we do. They also have corresponding colors that Impact has given them to identify themselves. Asher (aqua), Benjamin (Benji--yellow), Gad (orange), Issachar (silver), Reuben (red), Simeon (green), Zebulun (purple), Judah (royal blue), and Naphtali (pink). My first year I was Asher, the next I was Gad, and now I'm Benji.
Last year, I informed my roommates that I didn't want Gad. I got Gad. This year, I told them I didn't want Benji. I got Benji. This is all purely based on color preferences.
I know that God is just up there loling away.
So my partnerships are going to be super important this year. My fellow cochair Tyler and I will essentially be the ones setting the tone for the camp. We'll be the "counselor" models for our counselors to follow. It's us. We will set a vision for our camp, pick counselors who fit that, and start building relationships with them so they can better share the Gospel to their freshman in August. Needless to say, Tyler and I will be working with each other quite a bit.
Then there are my stud prayer teamers--Emma and Elijah. Emma was a cochair last year, so she's going to be such a great support role for me this year because she's been there. She and I will be each others support as well as the support to our girl counselors. Tyler and Elijah will have the same roles but with the dudes in our camp.
Right now, it's just the four of us that make up Omega Benji. The other 14 will come in February (eeeek!). And then the other 70 will get here in August (waddup, fightin Texas Aggie class of 2018).
It's incredible how the Lord has shown how specifically I am made to be a cochair this year. Through the little things and the big things, there is not a shadow of a doubt in my mind that this is where I am supposed to be. Following Christ. Leading a camp. Tyler and I have our work cut out for us, even with the help and endless prayers of Emma and Elijah. But I am confident in the job that has been set before me and that I will not be given more than I can handle. The Enemy will threaten and scare and lie. But I stand on the Solid Rock. And the Lord God will not let me be moved.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.
That Christian orientation camp I've blogged about like six million times? The experience as a freshman, two years of counselorship (is that a word?), and all other things involved with it? Yeah that. Well, my leadership in that has expanded.
Each camp--consisting of 18 people--is split up into three different roles (it's lopsided, don't worry about it). Of that, 14 are counselors (what I've been). Two of those are on prayer team, which their sole job is to pray for and support everyone else in the camp. So they basically have to be real servant hearted. The last two are the cochairs, who are like the parents of the group.
So...just call me Mom.
Yeah, for whatever reason the executive leaders of Impact decided to put me in a power position. There are 54 cochairs total--27 girls and 27 guys. We are then split up into sessions--Alpha is first, Delta is second, and Omega is the last. Then we get our camps, which are named after the twelve tribes of Israel. We only use 9 of those and I don't know why we use the 9 that we do. They also have corresponding colors that Impact has given them to identify themselves. Asher (aqua), Benjamin (Benji--yellow), Gad (orange), Issachar (silver), Reuben (red), Simeon (green), Zebulun (purple), Judah (royal blue), and Naphtali (pink). My first year I was Asher, the next I was Gad, and now I'm Benji.
Last year, I informed my roommates that I didn't want Gad. I got Gad. This year, I told them I didn't want Benji. I got Benji. This is all purely based on color preferences.
I know that God is just up there loling away.
So my partnerships are going to be super important this year. My fellow cochair Tyler and I will essentially be the ones setting the tone for the camp. We'll be the "counselor" models for our counselors to follow. It's us. We will set a vision for our camp, pick counselors who fit that, and start building relationships with them so they can better share the Gospel to their freshman in August. Needless to say, Tyler and I will be working with each other quite a bit.
Then there are my stud prayer teamers--Emma and Elijah. Emma was a cochair last year, so she's going to be such a great support role for me this year because she's been there. She and I will be each others support as well as the support to our girl counselors. Tyler and Elijah will have the same roles but with the dudes in our camp.
Right now, it's just the four of us that make up Omega Benji. The other 14 will come in February (eeeek!). And then the other 70 will get here in August (waddup, fightin Texas Aggie class of 2018).
It's incredible how the Lord has shown how specifically I am made to be a cochair this year. Through the little things and the big things, there is not a shadow of a doubt in my mind that this is where I am supposed to be. Following Christ. Leading a camp. Tyler and I have our work cut out for us, even with the help and endless prayers of Emma and Elijah. But I am confident in the job that has been set before me and that I will not be given more than I can handle. The Enemy will threaten and scare and lie. But I stand on the Solid Rock. And the Lord God will not let me be moved.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
I don't get Gossip Girl
Here's the deal, you guys. My roommates love that CW show Gossip Girl and never stop talking about how beautiful the love between Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf is. The whole concept of the show--bratty, rich, Upper East Side-rs who text everyone's secrets to this one person who then spills all the secrets to everyone on the list server--is completely ridiculous. "Who am I? That's one secret I'll never tell. XOXO, Gossip Girl."
I love shows like 24 and Prison Break. Give me an epic "save the world" story any day. But my curiosity got the better of me this weekend and I ventured into the great unknown of Manhattan's most privileged fictional characters.
I finished the first season today. Yeah, that took all of 4 days. But even after cranking through 18 episodes like it was my job, I still just don't get it. Chuck Bass is a creep. Blair is the worst. Nate and Dan are the only ones with a moral bone in their bodies. And Serena has all kinds of skeletons in her closet. What's the allure? Why does anyone watch this show? Why am I?
My reasoning is twofold. The first reason I think I'm still watching it is to see when Chuck Bass stops being the worst and when his character finally develops into the swoon-worthy stud of a man Rachel, Myles, and Joy talk about all the time. Right now he's just kind of a creep. The second reason is that their lives are so privileged. Chuck Bass hands out $10,000 just for funsies. Blair can just fly to France whenever she wants to.
Normal people aren't like that.
Normal people don't have a couple hundred thousand dollars in a trust fund or get lunches that cost $120 on a weekday.
So maybe that's the pull. These people live absolutely crazy lives of money and parties and easy come, easy go. Their happiness is hard and short-lived, but it is so fun to watch. The roller coaster that they ride on every day is fascinating to Suburbia, USA.
Do I wish my biggest struggle of the day is having to live in a luxury hotel? Sure. I wouldn't hate that. But I do want unlimited money for my own usage at my fingertips? I don't know. Money is made by people and people have a tendency to be greedy and self-serving. Not all of us are controlled by that, but there's a piece in all of us that is.
The drama that constantly surrounds them is interesting to watch, but nothing in me wants that for myself.
So is that it? Their lives are so amazingly crazy, it reminds us of our sanity?
I don't have an answer. I wish I did, because after I've bashed the show for so long, my roommates are teasing me for caving now.
This is a weird post. I'll keep y'all updated if I find any deep revelations about the human condition in my continued watching.
I love shows like 24 and Prison Break. Give me an epic "save the world" story any day. But my curiosity got the better of me this weekend and I ventured into the great unknown of Manhattan's most privileged fictional characters.
I finished the first season today. Yeah, that took all of 4 days. But even after cranking through 18 episodes like it was my job, I still just don't get it. Chuck Bass is a creep. Blair is the worst. Nate and Dan are the only ones with a moral bone in their bodies. And Serena has all kinds of skeletons in her closet. What's the allure? Why does anyone watch this show? Why am I?
My reasoning is twofold. The first reason I think I'm still watching it is to see when Chuck Bass stops being the worst and when his character finally develops into the swoon-worthy stud of a man Rachel, Myles, and Joy talk about all the time. Right now he's just kind of a creep. The second reason is that their lives are so privileged. Chuck Bass hands out $10,000 just for funsies. Blair can just fly to France whenever she wants to.
Normal people aren't like that.
Normal people don't have a couple hundred thousand dollars in a trust fund or get lunches that cost $120 on a weekday.
So maybe that's the pull. These people live absolutely crazy lives of money and parties and easy come, easy go. Their happiness is hard and short-lived, but it is so fun to watch. The roller coaster that they ride on every day is fascinating to Suburbia, USA.
Do I wish my biggest struggle of the day is having to live in a luxury hotel? Sure. I wouldn't hate that. But I do want unlimited money for my own usage at my fingertips? I don't know. Money is made by people and people have a tendency to be greedy and self-serving. Not all of us are controlled by that, but there's a piece in all of us that is.
The drama that constantly surrounds them is interesting to watch, but nothing in me wants that for myself.
So is that it? Their lives are so amazingly crazy, it reminds us of our sanity?
I don't have an answer. I wish I did, because after I've bashed the show for so long, my roommates are teasing me for caving now.
This is a weird post. I'll keep y'all updated if I find any deep revelations about the human condition in my continued watching.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Keep it Classy, Ags
A&M is known for being a loud and proud university (even when we didn't necessarily have the bragging rights to be so). Since the rise of a nationally-best offense on the football field and a bigger freshman class than ever before, our right to brag has, well, been justified to an extent.
But this is not a post to talk about how great A&M is (even though I totally could because duh).
This is also not one of those stupid open letters that crop up every 4.7 hours on Facebook.
This is a reminder to the 51,000+ students at this university to stay classy.
In 1876, Texas A&M University was founded as an all-male agriculture and mechanical university where every student was a member of the military-oriented Corps of Cadets. It was based on honor, integrity, service, respect. Through the development of a football team, organized student yells, and an undeniable spirit that can ne'er be told, we began to hold such qualities with very high esteem.
Somewhere along the line, we've managed to lose sight of some of those.
Old Army Ags will look at us, shake their heads, and grumble about this "New Army".
I think it needs to be said that "New Army" in this context is not a positive thing.
New Army is the loss of traditions that Old Ags hold near and dear. Not hissing an Aggie. Not booing during football games. Being respectful to classmates and fans repping a different color shirt. Not dropping the f-bomb after every missed tackle or showing up to the game high as a kite. Not giving dirty looks to people who encroach on your standing space. Not doing a paper, finishing homework, or studying for a test.
Not taking the "respect" aspect of the six core values of A&M seriously.
Aggies, hold onto the traditions we were built on.
This is not about how we've totally and completely fallen away from who we are as a university and a body of students. I have seen how we still make our founders proud. Chivalry is still thriving here in Aggieland. The way we treat fans from other teams is a testament to the fact that we are the Aggies, the Aggies are we. Kyle Field has been louder than I've ever heard it during some of these games. We've united for cold and rainy Silver Taps. We aren't afraid to smile at a stranger if we make eye contact with them while walking to class.
A&M is, arguably, one of the friendliest campuses in the nation.
So why are we having a hard time reflecting those things when Johnny scrambles around outside the pocket or we get a bad grade on a test? Why is our first inclination to curse under our breath and boo at our quarterback?
I want to be able to proudly say that my university still considers the values it was founded on to be its guides even today. But how can I do that when the guys behind me at the game are calling my roommate an "effing retard" when she wobbled off the bleachers because we were all crammed in together?
Ags, think about why you chose to go to A&M. Yeah, you'll get a good education that will send you into the real world with a real chance of getting a job. But the traditions, the values, the honor, the feeling of slipping that gold Aggie bling onto your finger--doesn't any of that stand for something?
It does for me. I can only hope that it does for you too.
Thanks, and gig 'em.
But this is not a post to talk about how great A&M is (even though I totally could because duh).
This is also not one of those stupid open letters that crop up every 4.7 hours on Facebook.
This is a reminder to the 51,000+ students at this university to stay classy.
In 1876, Texas A&M University was founded as an all-male agriculture and mechanical university where every student was a member of the military-oriented Corps of Cadets. It was based on honor, integrity, service, respect. Through the development of a football team, organized student yells, and an undeniable spirit that can ne'er be told, we began to hold such qualities with very high esteem.
Somewhere along the line, we've managed to lose sight of some of those.
Old Army Ags will look at us, shake their heads, and grumble about this "New Army".
I think it needs to be said that "New Army" in this context is not a positive thing.
New Army is the loss of traditions that Old Ags hold near and dear. Not hissing an Aggie. Not booing during football games. Being respectful to classmates and fans repping a different color shirt. Not dropping the f-bomb after every missed tackle or showing up to the game high as a kite. Not giving dirty looks to people who encroach on your standing space. Not doing a paper, finishing homework, or studying for a test.
Not taking the "respect" aspect of the six core values of A&M seriously.
Aggies, hold onto the traditions we were built on.
This is not about how we've totally and completely fallen away from who we are as a university and a body of students. I have seen how we still make our founders proud. Chivalry is still thriving here in Aggieland. The way we treat fans from other teams is a testament to the fact that we are the Aggies, the Aggies are we. Kyle Field has been louder than I've ever heard it during some of these games. We've united for cold and rainy Silver Taps. We aren't afraid to smile at a stranger if we make eye contact with them while walking to class.
A&M is, arguably, one of the friendliest campuses in the nation.
So why are we having a hard time reflecting those things when Johnny scrambles around outside the pocket or we get a bad grade on a test? Why is our first inclination to curse under our breath and boo at our quarterback?
I want to be able to proudly say that my university still considers the values it was founded on to be its guides even today. But how can I do that when the guys behind me at the game are calling my roommate an "effing retard" when she wobbled off the bleachers because we were all crammed in together?
Ags, think about why you chose to go to A&M. Yeah, you'll get a good education that will send you into the real world with a real chance of getting a job. But the traditions, the values, the honor, the feeling of slipping that gold Aggie bling onto your finger--doesn't any of that stand for something?
It does for me. I can only hope that it does for you too.
Thanks, and gig 'em.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
We Won't Move Without You
Jeff Johnson has consistently been introducing me to my favorite new songs since August of 2011 (thanks Impact!). Through Breakaway and three rounds at Latham Springs for that Impact life, good music has been a constant factor. I'm one of those people who worships best by singing (the irony is kind of overwhelming for this tone-deaf diva); in terms of feeling, that's when I feel closest to Christ.
This past session of Impact, we learned a song where the bridge repeated "we won't move without You", which 1. really struck me and 2. made me think.
Like, what if we quite literally did not make any decisions about anything without the consult of the Lord? How would that change how we lived, what we thought, and where we went? It's kind of overwhelming to think about.
I've made snap decisions in my life where, looking back, I get almost embarrassed by how foolish they were. I did them because it was socially normal or encouraged, because I thought I was supposed to, or because I was just too anxious and impatient.
You could look through the whole Bible and see where people did their own thing and just got wrecked because of it. In Breakaway, Ben Stuart has been going through Exodus and the plight of the freed Israelite people. Let me tell you: they struggled. They constantly did things God via Moses told them not to do and, as a result, they wandered around the desert for 40 years. The 12 Disciples in the New Testament inadvertently put roadblocks in front of Jesus all the time--not letting the kids come hang out or telling people to leave Jesus alone. And then the Son of God is just over there like, "Really, bros? Do you still not know who I am yet and that I'm trying to rescue everyone here?"
The Israelis and the Disciples did what they thought was right without the consultation due to God. And that didn't exactly turn out beautifully for them for a good, long while. Only after they moved with the force of the Lord's will did they see their respective promised lands.
I have no doubt that this will ring true through the ages.
This past session of Impact, we learned a song where the bridge repeated "we won't move without You", which 1. really struck me and 2. made me think.
Like, what if we quite literally did not make any decisions about anything without the consult of the Lord? How would that change how we lived, what we thought, and where we went? It's kind of overwhelming to think about.
I've made snap decisions in my life where, looking back, I get almost embarrassed by how foolish they were. I did them because it was socially normal or encouraged, because I thought I was supposed to, or because I was just too anxious and impatient.
You could look through the whole Bible and see where people did their own thing and just got wrecked because of it. In Breakaway, Ben Stuart has been going through Exodus and the plight of the freed Israelite people. Let me tell you: they struggled. They constantly did things God via Moses told them not to do and, as a result, they wandered around the desert for 40 years. The 12 Disciples in the New Testament inadvertently put roadblocks in front of Jesus all the time--not letting the kids come hang out or telling people to leave Jesus alone. And then the Son of God is just over there like, "Really, bros? Do you still not know who I am yet and that I'm trying to rescue everyone here?"
The Israelis and the Disciples did what they thought was right without the consultation due to God. And that didn't exactly turn out beautifully for them for a good, long while. Only after they moved with the force of the Lord's will did they see their respective promised lands.
I have no doubt that this will ring true through the ages.
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