Yesterday was my first day on campus for the fall semester at SNU, and our New Student Institution, NSI. Leading up to this event I was very nervous and anxious. I am the kind of personality that enjoys knowing what is around the corner, all the time. Don't get me wrong - I love surprises, I just like knowing that they're coming. Therefore, I was a little bit concerned about the scheduling of the event.
Anyway, yesterday started off with breakfast at Grandpa and Grandma's house in Choctaw, Oklahoma. Around one o'clock my parents and two of my sisters headed over to the SNU campus in Bethany, OK, which is roughly a 35 minute drive. When we arrived I registered and then proceeded to pick up my pre-purchased laptop. Following that my parents, sisters and I walked around the University Fair for a while and looked at all of the booths.
After spending a little while on campus we headed over to the house of my cousin "Aunt" Ellene and her husband Jimmy Howell's house to get my stuff settled in their room. "Aunt" Ellene and "Uncle" Jimmy have been so gracious to offer me a room at their home, which is very close to the campus. It is an incredible blessing and opportunity!
A couple of hours later we had my entire room set up and we were ready to head back to Grandpa and Grandma's house to drop off Morelle and Elsie. Dad, Mom and I then headed back to the campus for an evening on events.
NSI had provided a evening of events including a meal for the parents, a mini session, and a panel discussion. While the parents attended their events, the students shared a picnic on the lawn with their family groups. Following dinner, I participated in icebreaker discussions, introductions, games, songs, and the Lamp of Learning ceremony. All in all I can say that I really enjoyed my first day of NSI and I am excited to begin the next one. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to meet new people and experience new adventures.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
God's Promise For My Life - Jeremiah 29:11
As the days till I leave for school grow fewer and fewer I begin to reflect more and more on all the things in my life that will change, both for the better and for the worse. I have questioned many times whether or not going off to school is the right choice. However, after racking my brain and questioning my decisions I always think back to the day my parents and I made the ultimate choice and the verse that has encouraged me through it all - Jeremiah 29:11, where God says, "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." This verse reminds me of God's promise and helps me to strongly believe that at present, Southern Nazarene University is the future that God has for me. It also helps me to remember that God will never lead me or forsake me. Please pray for me as I continue to make this transition.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
The End of A Long Chapter And The Beginning Of A New One
This last week was very bitter sweet for me. July 2nd through the 7th my family and I attended a National Bible Quiz Competition, Q2012, at Olivet Nazarene University. This competition is different than some of the others affiliated with our Nazarene quizzing program. Although qualified quizzers may participate on a Regional team, at Q events, they may also do so on both a district or local as well. Because of the stress levels and time commitment, my siblings and I only quizzed on two teams. I participated on our regional, SNU B team. As well as a local team with my siblings. Elsie, Adelaide and Tella also participated on district, Dallas, teams.
As I previously meantioned, although, these events are a blast, they can also be extremely stressful and long. Several of the days participants quizzed from 7:45 pm. to 6:00 pm. Additionally though, to the quizzing we also had services/chapel, a service project and time for fun and games. During this time my siblings and I were able to get to know our friends from our district and region better. It was a great time of fellowship. More times than not, we stayed up and talked until 1 Am or later until sleeping and awakening again between 5:30 and 6:00 am or another full day.
Friday was the last day of quizzing for most individuals, several quizzers participated in the championship rounds on Saurday, however, my siblings and I finished Friday afternoon. This afternoon was challenging for me in particular. Honestly, I shed a few tears reflecting on all of the great times I have had while quizzing and it was very sad to see those years end.
On the other hand though, I am excited to see a new chapter unfold before me as my future expands to include my upcoming semesters at Southern Nazarene University. Although I am thrilled to be attending there, I am also nervous and apprehensive. I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I prepare for this transition in the weeks to come.
As I previously meantioned, although, these events are a blast, they can also be extremely stressful and long. Several of the days participants quizzed from 7:45 pm. to 6:00 pm. Additionally though, to the quizzing we also had services/chapel, a service project and time for fun and games. During this time my siblings and I were able to get to know our friends from our district and region better. It was a great time of fellowship. More times than not, we stayed up and talked until 1 Am or later until sleeping and awakening again between 5:30 and 6:00 am or another full day.
Friday was the last day of quizzing for most individuals, several quizzers participated in the championship rounds on Saurday, however, my siblings and I finished Friday afternoon. This afternoon was challenging for me in particular. Honestly, I shed a few tears reflecting on all of the great times I have had while quizzing and it was very sad to see those years end.
On the other hand though, I am excited to see a new chapter unfold before me as my future expands to include my upcoming semesters at Southern Nazarene University. Although I am thrilled to be attending there, I am also nervous and apprehensive. I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I prepare for this transition in the weeks to come.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
I Choose Jesus
Last night while running, I had a simple but incredible realization. I had reached close to two miles in my run when my phone started playing a wonderful song called I Choose Jesus by Moriah Peters. I love this song because it clearly exudes the solid foundation of a relationship with Christ but until last night I honestly hadn't thought much about the words.
The song explains that individuals after becoming a Christian cannot be content with living the same as before. Instead they must adamantly profess to the world that they have chosen Jesus as their Savior and that nothing else matters. We as Christians should follow the Biblical exhortation from Matthew 5:14-16. It says, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
I personally have been impacted by this song and am encouraged to a better witness of God's love to those around me. I hope that this has affected you as well and hopefully, by our example many will come to Christ.
"I choose Jesus, I choose Jesus. The one who first chose me. I choose Jesus, I choose Jesus for now and eternity!"
The song explains that individuals after becoming a Christian cannot be content with living the same as before. Instead they must adamantly profess to the world that they have chosen Jesus as their Savior and that nothing else matters. We as Christians should follow the Biblical exhortation from Matthew 5:14-16. It says, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
I personally have been impacted by this song and am encouraged to a better witness of God's love to those around me. I hope that this has affected you as well and hopefully, by our example many will come to Christ.
"I choose Jesus, I choose Jesus. The one who first chose me. I choose Jesus, I choose Jesus for now and eternity!"
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Post Graduation Blues and Upcoming Events
Yes, from the title this post may sound silly, but I have been struggling with boredom. Graduation was only a few weeks ago but it already seems longer than that. I have been trying to fill my days with a mixture of productive and fun activities.
Progress on my transition to attend Southern Nazarene University is going well. Thankfully the finances, which were the initial concern, are by the grace of God working out fine. Housing also has been taken care of through an incredible blessing from some family members in Bethany, Oklahoma, which has made it possible for me to live off-campus, saving a huge sum of money, but also living in close proximity to the campus. I would really appreciate your prayers though. I am still struggling with finding a major that is the best fit for me. I have considered several different options, but none of them seem to feel right.
One of the activities that have been filling my days has been studying for our up-coming Bible quizzing competitions. Last weekend was our regional competition at Southern Nazarene University. The weekend went very well and was both exciting and fun!!
Because this was my senior year in highschool, this also was my last year to participate in quizzing. Therefore, I had a very big push to do well. At the end of the weekend I placed 3rd in the A division and also qualified to quiz for SNU at our national event at Olivet Nazarene University on July 2-7.
Because of this my siblings and myself will continue to study for this big competition.
In the weeks and months to come I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue to seek the Lord's will for my life.
Progress on my transition to attend Southern Nazarene University is going well. Thankfully the finances, which were the initial concern, are by the grace of God working out fine. Housing also has been taken care of through an incredible blessing from some family members in Bethany, Oklahoma, which has made it possible for me to live off-campus, saving a huge sum of money, but also living in close proximity to the campus. I would really appreciate your prayers though. I am still struggling with finding a major that is the best fit for me. I have considered several different options, but none of them seem to feel right.
One of the activities that have been filling my days has been studying for our up-coming Bible quizzing competitions. Last weekend was our regional competition at Southern Nazarene University. The weekend went very well and was both exciting and fun!!
Because this was my senior year in highschool, this also was my last year to participate in quizzing. Therefore, I had a very big push to do well. At the end of the weekend I placed 3rd in the A division and also qualified to quiz for SNU at our national event at Olivet Nazarene University on July 2-7.
Because of this my siblings and myself will continue to study for this big competition.
In the weeks and months to come I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue to seek the Lord's will for my life.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
The Official Count Down: 14 Days Till Graduation
Yes! Graduation is right around the corner, two weeks to be exact. On May 9th, I will graduate from Mountain View Community College, with my Associates Degree in Science and on May 12th, with my High School Diploma!
If you haven't received an invitation you are most certainly invited to spend these special days with me! My graduation on May 12th will be held at 7:00 pm at the Jesse Owens Memorial Arena - 9191 S. Polk Street, Dallas, Texas 75232. My High School Graduation will be held at Trinity Church of the Nazarene - 611 North Cedar Ridge Drive, Duncanville, Texas 75116.
Below I have included several of my senior pictures. I hope that you enjoy looking at them and I hope to see you at my graduation!! If you are planning on attending one of these events, feel free to RSVP on my poll at the end of the page!!
If you haven't received an invitation you are most certainly invited to spend these special days with me! My graduation on May 12th will be held at 7:00 pm at the Jesse Owens Memorial Arena - 9191 S. Polk Street, Dallas, Texas 75232. My High School Graduation will be held at Trinity Church of the Nazarene - 611 North Cedar Ridge Drive, Duncanville, Texas 75116.
Below I have included several of my senior pictures. I hope that you enjoy looking at them and I hope to see you at my graduation!! If you are planning on attending one of these events, feel free to RSVP on my poll at the end of the page!!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Progress and Prayers
For the last couple of weeks my life has held a normal routine: wake-up, get ready for school, attend classes, eat lunch, do homework, go jogging, eat dinner, more homework, then head to bed. Although it may seem that my life has been full of dull emotionless routines, that is far from the truth. Within these weeks God has given me many incredible experiences and opportunities and has answered countless heartfelt prayers.
Although I am still not through with my journey towards college, I am a lot closer than I was previously. On March 26th I completed my application process interview for College of the Ozarks finishing my application. A short while later I received a letter informing me that the school was full for both the upcoming fall and spring semesters. Although I was and still am disappointed, this is exactly what I was praying for. The very morning I received the letter I recall praying earnestly, asking the Lord to clearly show me where he wanted me to go. He was faithful and has done so.
Therefore, I am plowing ahead with my process for admission to Southern Nazarene University and things are going well .
Around a month ago I received word that the sum of my financial aid and scholarships may be enough to help me receive my Bachelors degree without going into debt!! This makes SNU a rather possible option. Still though, I feel the need to wait and pray for direction. Even though one door (College of the Ozarks) appears to be closed, God may yet open it again or show me a different direction for my life.
As I look forward to my college graduation on May 9th, I also anticipate my highschool graduation on May 12th. For the past two weeks Elsie and I have spent many hours planning, taking, and editing my senior pictures. Although it has been a neat and sweet experience, it also has been challenging and emotional. God is faithful though and is helping me to overcome the final hurdles of highschool. This is not the end though. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue to wait and pray for direction in my college process. Please remember me as well as I continue my college level course this semester, that I will find favor in my teachers and that it will go smooth and well. Thank you for all of your support, love and prayers! May the Lord richly bless you all!!
Although I am still not through with my journey towards college, I am a lot closer than I was previously. On March 26th I completed my application process interview for College of the Ozarks finishing my application. A short while later I received a letter informing me that the school was full for both the upcoming fall and spring semesters. Although I was and still am disappointed, this is exactly what I was praying for. The very morning I received the letter I recall praying earnestly, asking the Lord to clearly show me where he wanted me to go. He was faithful and has done so.
Therefore, I am plowing ahead with my process for admission to Southern Nazarene University and things are going well .
Around a month ago I received word that the sum of my financial aid and scholarships may be enough to help me receive my Bachelors degree without going into debt!! This makes SNU a rather possible option. Still though, I feel the need to wait and pray for direction. Even though one door (College of the Ozarks) appears to be closed, God may yet open it again or show me a different direction for my life.
As I look forward to my college graduation on May 9th, I also anticipate my highschool graduation on May 12th. For the past two weeks Elsie and I have spent many hours planning, taking, and editing my senior pictures. Although it has been a neat and sweet experience, it also has been challenging and emotional. God is faithful though and is helping me to overcome the final hurdles of highschool. This is not the end though. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue to wait and pray for direction in my college process. Please remember me as well as I continue my college level course this semester, that I will find favor in my teachers and that it will go smooth and well. Thank you for all of your support, love and prayers! May the Lord richly bless you all!!
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