Monday, April 30, 2012

PLEASE COMMENT!!

Anyone is welcome to read and comment, but I am particularly interested in the comments of peeps my own age and anywhere from 1-5 years older/younger.

This is something that I've been thinking and talking about to those close to me, and I'd like to get some others' opinions.

How do you think the constant connection to media devices, obsession with entertainment and the inability to be still AND happy will affect the next generation's education, spiritual growth and social skills?(especially when you have your own kids) Have you thought about how you will you handle that as a parent?

So yeah, let me hear your thoughts!! Please :)

Sunday, April 29, 2012

The Practice of Trying New Things

So last June, I set out to try at least one new thing every week for a year and document it.

It's coming up on a year, and I was very faithful to record often several new things each week, up until February.

Yeah I stopped recording, but I haven't stopped trying new things. I passed the test.

I think that's what it was about; I wanted to test myself to make sure I didn't lose myself in a rut. The test may have been unecessary, but I have proved to myself that I do make it a habit of trying new food, changing up my routine, or just flat out doing something DIFFERENT.

I've included a smattering of my list and the editorial that ran in The Vista last summer. Enjoy!

1. Attended the Miss Oklahoma finals

2. Went rockclimbing

3. Put my first newspaper together as editor in chief

4. Spoke at a funeral

5. Started my blog

6. Learned to love bell peppers and hummus

7. Taught in kids' church

8. Attended my first OSU sporting event ;)

9. Tried calamari

10. And...listened to many new songs, watched many new movies, and managed to read a few new books :)

June 2011, The Vista

There are two types of people in this world: those that make lists and those that would be hard pressed to find a pen to start their list. But hey, it’s ok. We need both types to make the world go round.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a list person. Always have been. The process of jotting down thoughts with those sexy bullet points or numbers draws me in again and again.  Whether it’s a practical to-do list, shopping list or the more ambitious summer goals or to-read list, trust me, I’ve made the list.

One list I’ve started recently and will continue throughout my senior year (maybe longer, who knows?) is each week, I’m going to try and/or do something new. I am looking forward to a year’s worth of new experiences to look over.

How cool will that be?

Here’s why I decided to set out on this quest, one in which I invite you all to join me.

I have found that it is far too easy when you are busy to fall into that proverbial rut. I find myself buried halfway into the semester and it has been weeks if not months since I’ve read a new book or downloaded a new app or certainly tried anything new to eat.

Ugh.

The brain uses challenges and “new things” like fuel to keep it healthy and sharp. I don’t know about you, but I want to keep my brain as in shape and ready for the long haul because I want to be one of those sharp-as-a-tack grandma types.

In writing this editorial, I came across a blog that talked about how neuroscientists are finding that providing the brain with new information actually helps with our time perception. Because new info takes longer to process, it can help with the sensation that the days and months fly out from beneath us.

It’s worth a shot.

Whether it’s as small as listening to songs you’ve never heard or trying new foods or as crazy as traveling to a new country, throw your brain a new (but safe!) curveball. And then write it down.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

A Prayer

This is a prayer I jotted down in my journal 3-4 years ago. I posted it on my blog last April, but never posted a link to it. I felt like I wanted to share it again on this fine Saturday.

Blessings to you all! Have a wonderful day :)

I have learned much, lost much, and gained much. And I by no means feel that I have reached a plateau. I cannot afford that luxury. Such is the ebb and flow of life.

Oh Father, I am so humbled by you. You have made us in your image; yet we are eternally-bound beings in mortally-bound bodies. You have called us to share the Good News, but there is not a more leaky bunch of jars to carry that Water of Life than us.

Yet you so patiently hold us, patch us, reshape us, and pour us out and fill us up at the right time, your time.

Your love permeates every cell of my body. It wraps around me, soothes me, whispers in my ear as I lay exhausted in my bed and directs me as I hurry to class.
I look for you everywhere, God. I find you in so many places throughout the day. You gift me with breath in my lungs, the dawn, and unending mercies every day. A second chance. I see your glory in the skies.


I see and rejoice in your unfailing beauty in the flowers- in the trees.


I listen for you in other peoples’ voices. I earnestly seek for evidence of you in their lives to see if I have found a brother or sister.
I rejoice in your safety. Who knows how many times you have shielded me from harm, the unsavory eye, my own self?
God, I feel your love when I am with those who I love. What sweet fellowship!
I savor, I store up, I rejoice in those quiet moments with you when your peace steals over my soul. Peace I don’t deserve. Peace that I should not be having- but it’s there.


I am further humbled when, though I am your child, you reveal areas in my life that have previously hid from your light. Areas I would have said were fine. Areas I jealously guard. Let it all come under your jurisdiction.
One thing I ask of-this is what I seek: to do for others, to live beyond myself. I do not wish to be an ending place, but a starting point for you to reach peoples’ lives. This world needs you God.
Hear my heart, know my thoughts. Keep me in the shadow of your wings.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The Essentials

 I've never done a post like this before, but my Mom gave me this idea and I thought I'd give it a try :)  Contents of my makeup bag in my purse are pictured below. I've explained some of the items...so enjoy! 


First cool thing are my hair bands in the middle! From On a Whim, these ponytail holders don't leave a crease in your hair. Not dance competition grade, but def a good find for everyday use.

Check out my way cool mini scissors. They fold up...but it's tricky to fold them up so I just leave them unfolded...anyway, they belonged to my great-grandma! She was known for being super prepared haha.

The yellow tube is awesome hand lotion. Brand is Love and Toast by Margot Elena, in Mandarin Tea scent. I had never tried this brand before my boyfriend's mom gave it to me, and it's a winner!  

Ibuprofen...DERRRR.

I love my swirly mirror...found it when we had a garage sale at my Grammy's.

Touch-up makeup...I try to keep it simple!
*Full-coverage kabuki brush (Bare Escentuals)
My Mom gave me this and it's pretty much my favorite brush ever. If I'm gone for most of the day, I throw in my mineral foundation.
*High Impact mascara (Clinque) Thank you Leah K.!
*Pretty Amazing lipgloss in Fearless (Bare Minerals)
I'm not a huge lipstick fan, I almost always opt for tinted lipgloss and this one is actually pretty amazing. Doesn't leave gunk on yo lips!
*Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink Velvet (Revlon)
With that said, this is a lipstick that I like. It's not an overwhelming color and stays nicely.

Blistex Deep Renewal. I am so picky about lip balm, it's not funny. This one, I really like. It actually is moisturizing and does not leave goo on your lips after 30 minutes, which some Burt's Bees does. Also, it doesn't have an aftertaste of sunscreen, which Softlips has, and it seems like if I apply Softlips before bed, I wake up with my lips drier than ever before. This particular Blistex has a better aroma than Carmex, though we all know Carmex is tried and true. See how this is the longest paragraph?? About LIP BALM. Gah. Ok, moving on..

Oil blotting sheets. I do not leave the house without these. My skin needs the help throughout the day. Literally everyone I meet is SHOCKED that I'm 22. I'm going to say my "highly moisturized" skin is the reason for my "youthful" appearance.  Haha.

Bobby pins. I am a dancer, and I will always have bobby pins with me.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

The Logical Next Post

If I listed my favorite classes, OBVIOUSLY I have to list my least favorites...

5. Native American History
Spring 2010


I don't have anything against the subject, but it was an online class...tests were weird hard...blah...


4. Intro to Sociology
Spring 2010


The teacher talked the whole time. No slides, maybe a random word or two on the board, just...nothing...but talking.


3. History of Journalism
Spring 2011


So much text...so many slides...


2. Personal Finance
Fall 2011


Ugh. You've heard me talk about this class, right? Did not leave the class with a lot of respect for the prof...or the sub we had REGULARLY...who was her DAD.


1. FILM CRITICISM 
Spring 2012

Worst decision of my life. I am trying to overcome the strong urge to BURN the textbook after the final, rather than sell it back.



And The Award Goes To...

In honor of my last week of regular classes, I have compiled a list of my favorite classes I've taken over the past 4 years (s/o to my boyfriend Kurtis Hanni for giving me a few post ideas!)


6. Physical Science (RSC) with Steve Carano
Spring 2009

Former weather guy, now teaching. He is awesome! I enjoyed hearing his first-hand stories of the May 3 tornado.

5. Media Ethics (UCO) with Dr. Ward
Spring 2011

I didn't like every topic we discussed, but the mixture of students provided some of the best discussion I've ever gotten to take part of in a class. Dr. Ward is an awesome professor!

4. Photography (RSC) with Cherry Aguilar
Fall 2009 

This was a film photography class! It was a neat experience to develop my own film and Cherry was fabulous to work with. Below are my two favorite pictures that I developed in class.








3. Fundamentals of Speech (RSC) with Londa Martin
Spring 2009
If you know Londa, you know why this class is on the list. I would take it again if I could! :)

2. Basic News Reporting (RSC) with Susan Dawson-O'Brien
Fall 2008

All of my journalism classes were with Sue at Rose State. I picked this one because it was the first one I had with her. Sue is the best...she is an excellent teacher, but you find in the process that you have gained an ally. I am so grateful for my experience there!

1. Feature Writing (UCO) with Dr. Clark
Spring 2012

This was a perfect class to close out my time in college. Thank you, Dr. Clark.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

A Huge Gaping Abyss

Here is another devo from the vault! I wrote this Aug/Sept of my freshman year in college. I have grown a lot in the area of trusting God with my future since then, but thought it would be cool to post this before my LAST WEEK of regular classes (maybe ever?) starts up. 

Enjoy!

I recently attended a leadership orientation for my scholarship group.  As is typical with these types of orientations, we got to partake in a variety of icebreakers.  One such task, though relatively simple, proved amazingly hard for me. 

Picture this: you and your partner. Small balls on the ground.  Your partner directs you to the balls and you throw the balls to try to tag the other people out by listening to your partner’s instructions. 

Oh yeah, and you are blindfolded, as are the other people you are trying to tag. 

Since I went first, my partner actually had to lead me out of the room where we were meeting to the playing space outside.  Here is where I ran into my problem. 

I couldn’t see. 

I didn’t know what to expect next. 

Any step could be my last (okay, not really but just play along).  The next step could plunge me into a huge gaping abyss. 

Even with my partner leading me by the elbow and reassuring me I was on solid ground, I literally could not tell my legs to take bigger steps out to the yard.  I was taking little baby steps.  My partner eventually dragged me the rest of the way down the path.

Why would I be telling you this?

This is a message the Lord has been teaching me through a variety of circumstances.  Even if we can’t see or think one moment ahead, He has already been there and back again.  

Proverbs 20:24 says, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?” 

Why is it so hard to just let go and trust?  I was slightly appalled at how even though someone was telling me,”Hey, it’s okay, take bigger steps,” I absolutely refused to take bigger steps for fear of plummeting to the ground and making a fool of myself.

Can’t you just hear the Lord saying, “Hey, it’s okay. I am right here. Take bigger steps”?


Isaiah 43:1-2, Psalm 139:16, Proverbs 3:5-6

God Knows When You Sigh


A little something I wrote in October of 2010.

God knows when you sigh…and when you cry.

He knows if it was a gut-wrenching sob over a loved one that was taken from you. He knows if they were tears of joy.

He sees also if it’s a heart that is tearing in two that produces silent tears that trickle slowly down your face. He knows the deep longings that echo with soundless voices in your spirit. Longings that you cannot yourself voice.

He sees your shoulders sag and your eyes gaze off in the distance even though you smile and put on the “right” face when you talk with people. Longings that no one else knows about.

Tears hidden from the world. He sees them all.

And he keeps track of them.

That speaks of an incredibly intimate God. I have a hard time opening up to people. Up to a certain point, I’m friendly and open, but once certain lines are crossed, I shut the door. It is hard to trust myself to other people. But God is already there, already “nearer than breathing, nearer than hands in feet." (from Streams in the Desert, May 29 entry) Wow! You can’t get much closer than that!

There is relief in knowing that God knows the content and extent of my longings and desires. It is wonderful to be known. Open up your heart today to the Shepherd, to your Lover- and be known fully.

“…for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.” Psalm 6:8
“O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you.” Psalm 38:9
“For he knows the secrets of the heart.” Psalm 44:21
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” Psalm 56:8
“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him…” Psalm 62:8
“But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.” Psalm 66:19
“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” Psalm 107:9
“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” Jeremiah 31:25

Saturday, April 21, 2012

The "I'll Read What I Want, When I Want" List

So.

I'm about to be free from assigned reading in a collegiate setting. To celebrate, I decided to make a brand-new, woo-hoo-I'm-free, reading list. It covers a range of genres haha. I also jotted down a quick list of books that I did need to finish, but for the most part, I'm starting fresh!

New Reading List:

(In no particular order)

1. Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

2. Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot

3. Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent

4. A little poetry...idk what yet. Instead of asking why, how about asking why not? :)
5. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

6. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

7. Pure Grace by Clark Whitten

To Finish:

1. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Stewart

2. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

3. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

4. 1984 by George Orwell

This ought to keep me busy for a while...shout out to Miranda Krug, my Feature Writing and Blogging class buddy! Good luck on your list too!

Currently, I'm reading the Jesus Calling devotional by Sarah Young and it has been exactly what I needed to hear! Check it out if you haven't already.

Lastly...I have some other books on my To Read list that I am really looking forward to as well ;)





Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Student Mother & Little One

I don't know her name, but she looked tired.

The responsibilities of being a mom were at war with the pressures of being a student.

It can't be easy, and I applaud her for persevering.

There he was, crying in the stroller next to his mom, while she tried to pore over her book. One hand held a pen or a pencil, I couldn't tell which, while the other tried to keep strands of hair from falling in her face.

Another woman, I don't even know if she knew the mother, came and played with Little One, pacifying him for five, maybe ten minutes.

But then she had to go.

Little One was obviously sick, his cries tangling up in congested coughs.

How does she do it?

I had some reading to do, so I moved up a floor in the UC.

Little One's cries still could be heard, echoing, climbing up the open spaces, to my chair on the third floor.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

So yeah this is true

I saw this video in one of my other classes and I thought it was worth sharing.

Check out this short video and maybe it will make you think before you pound your desk impatiently or shake your phone to make it speed up. (Why do we do that, anyway?)

We have far more reasons to be happy.