15 Things I've Learned at Liberty University

Since I just finished my 5th semester in college, I figured I'd let you in on a few tricks of the trade.

1. Don't be afraid to cry when your parents leave

I cried, everyone I saw around me cried, all my friends cried, every movie you've ever seen they cry. Everyone cries when they leave their parents. It's a scary time to be left alone in a new place surrounded by people you don't know. Hug them hard, shed some tears, and walk into your dorm. No one is going to think less of you. All upperclassmen have been throughout and all the freshmen are probably still doing it. To be honest, I cry almost every August when they drop me off. It's okay.

2. Be a girl who can hangout with girls

I get it, sometimes, guys make better friends. Yea, they have less drama and are less whiny, but you need to make good girl friends. You don't want to get labeled as one of "those girls" who's constantly surrounded by boys and needs male attention all the time. The first few weeks of freshmen year is the EASIEST time to make girl friends. All you girls need friends and are willing to be way nicer than usual to get them. Use this time to get to know people, but especially girls, on your hall, in you classes, and around campus. This is NOT to say you CAN'T have guy friends, but make sure you've got your girls first. One day you'll need bridesmaids.

3. Go to activities and put yourself out there

So the first few weeks suck, but make it less sucky by going to dorm events. Your dorm will do things specifically for you to make friends. Remember, the other people there are also going because they don't know anyone. Go, be yourself, be confident, and have fun. You will make friends if you put yourself out there.

4. Don't blow your Meal Dollars in the first weeks

Okay so here at Liberty University we have a thing called Flames Cash. This Flames Cash can be used at food places across the campus, but also off campus. It's only $200 for the whole semester, so use it wisely. Eat the free food at the Rot as much as possible, even if it's not as good. That $200 is going to disappear quickly if you're getting Starbucks everyday. Be aware how much your using and be careful how you spend it.

5. Don't expect to marry the first guy you meet

He isn't the one. Trust me. He isn't. I know you want to meet "the one", but the first cute guy you saw across the campus isn't him. He might not even be here. Chill out. I saw way too many girls end up with hurt feelings within the first 2 weeks of being here because that guy they talked to one time didn't end up wanting to marry them.

6. Dressing up for early classes gets old very quickly

There's always that one girl who walks into every class, no matter how early, looking like a 10. I always wished I could be that girl, but I liked sleep a lot. Don't get me wrong, looking like a bum gets old too. Make yourself presentable, but don't worry about worry those 4 inch heels everyday. My favorite thing to wear to early classes was a t-shirt, sweater, and jeans, with some makeup on and my hair down. It's the perfect combination between looking presentable, but also being comfortable.

7.  Speaking of early classes, avoid them at ALL cost

Okay, at all cost is a little drastic, but seriously. I've only met 1 girl in the 3 years I've been here who actually enjoyed early classes. When signing up for classes you always think, well my high school started at 8, so I can take a 7:40, it's only 20 minutes earlier. That may be true, but you have not accounted for the late nights you'll be pulling. Sometimes you'll be up till 2 studying for that test you have tomorrow and sometimes you'll get hooked on Gossip Girl on Netflix and end up watching it till 3am (and yes, I am speaking from personal experience).

8. Find friends who make you want to be a better person.

Even at the largest Christian University in the world, there is a huge underground population of us who engage in all the sinful pleasures of the world. Instead of looking for and befriending those people, find friends who are going to make you volunteer, get closer to the Lord, go to church every Sunday, ask you serious life-questions, and overall spur you on to be better. These are the kinds of friends you need, not the ones who are getting trashed every weekend. Yeah, this is a time to have fun, but it's also a time to get professional. No one is going to hire you with those pictures on Facebook.

9. Don't be afraid to drift away from your high school friends

I had a lot of friends in high school, but after graduation it was hard holding on to them. When August came, we all moved on with our lives. They went on to attend other universities and made new friends and so did I. I ended up with about 5 or so friends that I had in high school that I still talk to on a regular basis. All my other friends I've talked to a handful of times within the last 2 1/2 years. So don't freak out when the people you used to talk to everyday stop texting, skyping, and calling you. It's a natural occurrence and you're going to make brand new friends at college. Catch up with those friends from high school every now and then, it's great to hear what they've been up to, but don't be hurt when you drift apart.

10. Find new things you like to do

When I first came to college, I thought I knew what I liked and didn't like. Because of this, I never really tried anything new. I would only play sports if it was volleyball and I would only go see a movie if I was looking forward to seeing it. Since realizing that I hadn't tried anything new, I've went snowboarding, kayaking, played and watched ultimate frisbee, watched scary movies, and went to concerts. Not that I hated all these things before, but I started saying "yes" to things I would normally say "no" to. And honestly, it has been so rewarding. I discovered a lot about myself when I decided to do things that made me uncomfortable.

11. Learn to love hiking

Disclaimer: I am NOT outdoorsy. I am and have labeled myself "indoorsy."
Okay, so this one is a little sarcastic, but I think it's hilarious. If you didn't know, Liberty U is surrounded by mountains, so what better to do then climb them ALL? At some point in your college career, when you get a good groups of guy and girl friends, you'll be asked to hike. Even if you would rather wax your legs than hike, you should go. I'm not going to lie, it's going to suck. It's literally walking up a super big hill in hopes that you'll reach the top and it won't be cloudy and you'll be able to see something.  BUT it's a great bonding experience. You'll be closer to your friends afterward and it'll be a great memory. Also, the best profile pictures come from the tops of mountain, it makes you look super active, even if you're not.

12. Choose a University that cares about you

Something I really love about Liberty is that I don't feel like a number. Many of the professors here take the time to get to know each of the students here. When I first came to college, I thought it would be awkward to go to a professor's office and talk about an assignment, test, or just life in general. This semester I've learned that the professors want to get to know you. They want to know where you come from and what you like. I really encourage you to look for a university that not only loves the Lord, but loves you. Liberty is so great about that, we have at least 20 offices that want to take of you, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They want to see you succeed on more than a financial level. It's very comforting to know that I am being well taken care of, even under the stressful situations I am in.

13. Study hard

This seems like an obvious one, doesn't it? But you'd be surprised by how many students come here and fail because they just didn't realize they needed to study. When I was in high school, I very rarely studied, and still made A's in my classes. So when I came to college I was hit by the freight train of studying. Ever since then, I've been finding new ways to learn the information needed in my class. Don't take classes lightly, they are actually why you came here to begin with. C's may get degrees but they also lose scholarships, so work hard.

14. Get an "Introduce Yourself" speech down

Throughout your 4+ years of college, you will introduce yourself a minimum of 300 times. You do it all the time. These are the questions you will be answering: 1) What's your name? 2)What's your major? 3)Where are you from? 4)What year are you? 5) What do you plan to do when you graduate?
Learn the answers to these 5 questions and stick with them, they will come in handy. They seem easy enough but if you've changed your major 3 times or you moved around a lot as a kid, you don't really know the answers to them. Decide what you want to tell complete strangers because you'll end up telling 300 people throughout your time at college.

15. Take time to talk to people who aren't like you

This one is a personal favorite of mine. I have a particular skill to find the outcasts in a room and befriend them. If you actually know me, you'll know that I am pretty much a basic white chick, meaning, I shop mostly at Old Navy, listen to Top 40 Radio, and drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Being that as it may, I love getting to know different people. I've made friends with so many "different" kinds of people. Don't be afraid to go outside your "norm" of friends and find people who introduce you to anime, or video games, or robots, or abstract art, or skateboarding. You don't have to like everything they introduce you to, but be the kind of person who will listen and empathize.

_______________________________________________________
I've learned so much more about myself from spending time away from home and out of my home town. I'm blessed for the opportunity the Lord has given me to go to an amazing University like Liberty.
Fan the Flames.

-S

To My Future Favorite Guy:

To My Future Favorite Guy,

I've waited a long time for you.

I can't wait to see your vibrant relationship with our Savior. I hope that is the first thing I notice about you. I can't wait to hear all about your journey, how you came to the Lord and how your life has changed since meeting Him. I'm praying for you on a daily basis. I pray that God builds you up to be the man you should be, because He sure is transforming me.

I can't wait to see what books you like to read. What you read, and how often you do it, says a lot about you. Reading is one of my favorite things to do so, even if it isn't your favorite, promise you'll give it a shot. I promise you that I will read, and try to enjoy, your favorite book, even if it's a cheesy Western.

I can't wait to take you out to meet my friends. I know you'll fit in and make yourself comfortable with them, just like I will with your friends. I can't wait to see you mingle and hold your own, even in uncomfortable and awkward situations. You'll have that charm that lights up a room and the ability to make everyone feel like a somebody.

I can't wait to travel with you. I know you'll want to see the world just as much as I do. I don't care where we go, as long as we go together. I know we'll have the best time doing any and everything. Also, let's go to Disney World, okay?

I can't wait to hear your laugh. I'm pretty funny, ya know, so you should be ready to laugh often. But seriously, I can't wait to hear those "I can't breath" belly laughs that may result from too much caffeine and too little sleep. I know you'll make me laugh with your quick-witted, sharp humor that makes me want to catch every word.

I can't wait for you to challenge me. I know you won't just let me win every petty argument because you love me. You'll be just as intelligent and stubborn as I am and fight with me every step of the way. The challenge you'll offer will lead to compromises that we are both willing to live with.

I can't wait for those deep late-night talks where we really get to know each other. I know you will accept all of me and that I will be honest with you with no fear of rejection. You'll smile when I smile and hold my hand when the story gets dark.It's in those intense moments where our relationship will grow. Don't get scared and back away when those moments present themselves. Walk toward me because I'm walking toward you.

I can't wait for the surprises you'll bring into my life. I can plan and expect certain thingsfrom you, but you will add so much more. I hope you're just as quirky, awkward, and weird as I am, but if you're Prince Charming, ya know, I'm not complaining.

There are so many things I'm looking forward to experiencing with you. Although I have no clue where you are, I'm really excited to meet you. You aren't a "perfect" man or some Nicholas Sparks' romance novel hero, I know you'll fail, but I also know that a real man picks himself up and pushes on.

But what I want you to know is that I'm praying that I'll be the woman you need. 
I pray the Lord is sharpening me today for what you will need in the future. I pray the Lord fills me with Him so that His presence is what draws us together.

And if you never show up, well, the Lord is still good. I will learn to flourish in the ground where I am planted. 

-S

Fostering Thankfulness

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season, getting new things and trying to find the perfect gifts for the special people in your life.
But today is Thanksgiving! Literally I want to give thanks for the things and people I already have.

Last night I found myself getting distracted thinking about all the things I wanted for Christmas, then God smacked me in the forehead and told me to look at the clock. Literally it was 12:15 am. It was Thanksgiving and here I was desiring more stuff; stuff that I will love for 3 months, a year tops, and the newness will wear off. And the cycle continues.

So I decided today to be thankful for what I already have. 

I'm thankful for my family, immediate, extended, and adopted. They have never stopped believing, encouraging, and loving me. They are always there for hugs and smiles and "I love you"s. Each of them mean so much to me and I would do anything for me. I've been very blessed with a godly home to grow up in and a safe place to come back to.

I'm thankful for my friends. New and old, at home and at college. Each of them is so very different and holds a special place in my heart. Some are there for encouragement, some for speaking truth, some for humbling, and some for building me up. Some of them are there for laughs and others have made me cry. I've had such a good group of friends throughout my life and my world would not be as colorful without them.

I'm thankful for my country. Yeah, we're not perfect and I don't always agree with the leadership, but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. As Americans, we have been given such a blessing to worship God without fear of bodily harm. We have freedoms that many countries around the world do not have and we often take them for granted.

I'm thankful for my church. I've grown up in this church and I've loved every second of it. They are like my second family and I know that many of them would do anything to help one another. We are so close as a church body and it has been wonderful watching us grow and watching God bless in amazing ways.

I'm thankful for my university.  I love Liberty U and the environment we have there. I'm thankful that we take our faith seriously and don't just put Christian on the sign as a tradition. I have loved my time there and I have loved the people I've met there. It's such a friendly and safe environment that is so rare in today's society. I love the education I have received there and the constant pushing of myself I have to do to excel.

I'm thankful for my home. It's such a blessing to come home to a warm house with food on the table and clothes in my closet. I've been abundantly blessed with cars to drive and money to spend. There are so many people in this world that have so much less and I so often take this blessing for granted.

And most importantly:
I'm thankful for my SAVIOR. 
I'm thankful that the Lord Jesus came to earth to save a sinner like me. I'm thankful He didn't give up on me when I was dirty and stinky. I'm so thankful for what the Lord is doing right now in my life. It's easy to become discouraged when I don't see immediate fruit, but I must continue to give thanks. I thank God for bringing me to a place in my life where I am being humble and shaped each day.

I have so much more to be thankful for, I don't have the time or the mental capabilities to name it all. I'm challenging myself to pay more attention to the good things the Lord has already given, instead of being consumed by what I don't have. Today and for the rest of my life.

What are you thankful for?
-S

Attention Isn't Affection

So let me be really honest right now, sometimes I do things just to get attention.

Woah, ew. I know, I hate being one of those girls. Those girls who talk too much, laugh too loud, or act too excited just to get the attention I want. But honestly, sometimes I am.
This normally happens when I feel the need to "compete" for the attention I want.

When I act like this, I am the prideful, selfish person I try so hard to keep at bay. I squash any humility the Lord has taught me in one quick motion. Something I've had to learn the hard way is that ATTENTION DOES NOT EQUAL AFFECTION. 

All my life I've had this desire to be the center of attention, making people smile and laugh. I've played out scenarios in my mind where everyday of my life is like a stand-up comedy act. I say something clever, everyone laughs, and the curtain closes.
Obviously, my life is not an episode of Saturday Night Live and I am not Jimmy Fallon (even though he's the best.)

It's taken me a long time to figure out that people can still love me even when I'm not the center of their world. My friends and family love me, even if I'm not on their minds every second of every day. They don't play along with the scripts I've imagined for them, with myself as the main character, of course. And that is a good thing! 
Their "lack of focus" on me doesn't mean I am loved any less. 

The times I say and do the "right" things to feel good about myself, I am performing for what others want. I'm no longer listening to what the Lord has called me to. 

I'm allowing others to cloud my judgment. They become little idols I carry in my pockets that weigh me down.
When my life becomes about being the center of attention, I no longer allow it to be about making Christ my identity.

I've learned that people love people who love people. I shouldn't have time to win the attention of others as I should be focused on loving others more than myself. My life cannot be wasted on bringing the attention to myself.
It has to be about loving God and loving others. 

My life is not about being the prettiest, smartest, or most talented. It's definitely not about being the center of the universe.
When I fully realize that it isn't about me, it takes so much pressure off my shoulders.
My life is a snapshot of what the Lord can do with a broken, but willing vessel. 

-S

Give Yourself Grace for That

Here at Liberty U, I've made friends with some of the most encouraging and wonderful people.

While going through the past months and the roller coaster my life has been on, I kept getting frustrated with myself for stupid mistakes I made in everyday life. I flirted with a guy I didn't like and screwed up a friendship, I didn't get an assignment in on time, I talked too much to get the attention, I tried too hard to get someone to notice me. Just dumb things that I didn't realize I was doing, but, in hindsight, made me feel like an idiot.

Throughout the whole ordeal, one of my closest friends kept repeating to me, "give yourself grace for that." What she meant was, you wouldn't hold it against me if I did something like that, so why should you hold it against yourself?" She reminded me that this was a brand new stage in my life and that I was just figuring out how to navigate through it.

Well, this was some of the best advice I've ever heard, and I've been repeating it for weeks.

It applies to every avenue of my life, whether it's a relationship, a class, a thought, a word, an action, a decision, literally, anything.

When I screw up again, which always happens, I just remind myself to be gracious to myself.
Jesus Christ died on the cross to extend His Grace to me. This grace delivered me from Hell, from judgment, from condemnation, and from the restraints of the law.
I don't have to experience any of those things because of CHRIST'S FORGIVENESS and GRACE. 

When I am living in the freedom that Christ has given me, grace flows into my life like a river. How can I  hold something against myself when Jesus has freed me from it?

Even though Christ has freed us from the punishment of every sin, I'm not talking about "big sins" here.
I'm calling out sins that I deal with on a daily basis. I'm talking about sins like pride, selfishness, laziness, and complaining. 

When I hold these sins against myself, I'm saying that Christ's forgiveness wasn't enough. I'm going to the cross, laying them down, and picking them back up when I leave. I'm essentially saying "Yeah, what you did there was great for other people, but I can hold onto these myself."

This will never work in a relationship with the Lord.

What I bring to the table with Jesus is nothing but dirtiness, ugliness, and sin. He brings all the good  and righteousness that has ever been. It's a pretty one-sided relationship, with Him at the forefront. He extends the grace to me and tells me it's time to forgive myself. Once I bring my sins to the cross, He takes them and I never have to touch them again.

This includes the sins I struggle with everyday. This includes my pride and selfishness, my desire to be the center of attention, or my Netflix-watching procrastination.

Jesus heals the broken. He promises us He remembers the sin no more. (Isaiah 43:25)
I'm holding on to that promise as I fight to daily give myself grace.
Grace: 
    Undeserved
    Unmerited 
    Unearned 
FAVOR 

-S

Light Jacket Weather

Today was an absolute beautiful day.

Believe it or not there are days when I keep my eyes on the sidewalk, avoid eye contact, and just try my hardest to finish classes so I can become reacquainted with my bed and Netflix. Sometimes, even an extrovert doesn't want to see anyone they know.
But today was not one of those days. 

I walked around this Liberty's campus with a smile on my face. I ran into some of my favorite people, felt pretty, and had an interview for an internship I want for over the summer.

Even with all the good things that happened today, my favorite part was that I got to wear a light jacket.
To many, wearing a light jacket might not be a big deal, but I really enjoy it.
You only get to wear a light jacket for about 4 weeks the entire year, before it gets too cold or hot to wear it.
So I was really excited when it was perfect weather for it. The wind was blowing just a little, but my jacket was warm enough to keep the chill out.
I could have chosen to focus on the homework I had, the rush I was in to get to class, the weird look some girl gave me, or any of the little things that could distract me from the beauty around me.
I didn't, I chose to focus on the light jacket I got to wear and the beautiful scenery I got to see on my walk home.

But it's not really about the jacket, is it?
I was smiling because it was beautiful out.
I was smiling because I knew the Lord was smiling on me.
I was smiling because I have been so blessed.
Today, I chose joy.

-S

When I Just Don't Feel Like It

Today's been one of those days. You know, those days?
Those days when I feel discontent, disappointed, and distracted from what the Lord has told me is my purpose.
Honestly, writing this post is even taking a considerable amount of concentration.

Lately I've found myself looking around at what others have and turning into a little green monster.
I know I shouldn't, but I find myself getting frustrated with God when I don't get exactly what I expect when I expect it.

As Christians, we have all this head-knowledge about Christ and how He came to give us an abundantly full life, as mentioned in John 10:10, but what does that actually mean when I don't feel like I'm living the abundant life?

Well first, I have to identify why I'm feeling discontent, disappointed, or distracted.
I'm going to be honest with you, most of the time it's because I've spent far too long on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, (insert social media here), and I've forgotten that social media isn't real life.
Social Media is the highlight reel. 
Think about it. You put engagements, the cutest baby pictures, your 50th selfie that is just right, and your puppy-love status on Facebook for the world to see.
What you don't put is your ugliest pictures, your mental breakdowns, or your family drama.

When I take too long looking at what others have, I forget how blessed I am right now.
When I start day-dreaming about the future, I remind myself that God has placed me here for a reason.

I'm in this time of life because He decided I should be. 
The God of the Universe decided I should be here, going to school, feeling like a mess, serving 60 girls on my hall, and trying and failing to do 300 things a day.

When the Lord places you somewhere, it's not about just surviving. It's about thriving.


So what do I do when I don't feel like it?
I laugh.
I smile.
I serve.
I listen.
I obey.
I trust.
I walk.
I push forward for the glory of God. 


-S

So, what's next?

So I'm 20 years old with all my old plans and ideas about the future thrown out the window. What's next?

Well I don't know, but I know what isn't next.
What isn't next for me is someone else. It's not another guy, relationship, job, or trip. It's a thriving and full relationship with my Jesus. It's losing myself in Him so He can refine what is best in me. 

Something that really bugs me about the ending of a relationship is when people constantly ask if I've found someone new. I understand the good intentions behind these statements, but they just don't sit right with me. Don't get me wrong, there are guys who have caught my eye, but I'm aligning with the theory that when God brings a new man into my life, God's going to kick me right in the butt, give me a box of Moon Pies, and say "here ya go." (Well maybe not quite that way, but that's how I like to think about it. God is definitely a fan of Moon Pies, as all people should be.) But guess what? God hasn't done that to me, yet. When I've began to rush ahead, He's pulled me back, mostly with a nice big slice of humble pie to go with it. God has a way of doing that, just when I think I've got it together.

But to answer the question these people are dying to know, I have found someone new.
I've found ME. 

I've found a whole new girl under the weight of what others told me I needed to be. I've found a girl stronger than she ever was before. A girl not scared to say what she wants, especially when she gets to be a little sassy about it. I've found a girl who loves outcasts and weirdos because they're the most interesting people. I've found the best friends I could ever ask for, the kind that lift me up when I need them.  I've found out that I thrive teaching in a classroom (a fact that my parents are very excited for because I'm in the third year of the program). I've found that I am way more outgoing and people oriented than I ever realized.

And most importantly, I found a young lady who leans on the Lord because He's the only one dependable enough to lean on.

I will not go seeking what the world tells me I need to find. What I will do is fall more in love with Jesus each and everyday. So when that right guy does come around, he will have to love Jesus just as much as I do for me to consider him. (And hopefully he brings some Moon Pies, couldn't hurt.)

-S

Freedom is Sweet

I've spent far too long being scared. I've spent far too long doing what others expected of me. I've spent far too long playing it safe because I was scared of what would happen if I failed. You know what the best thing about failure is? At least you tried something new. Yeah, you might not be the best and you might just really suck, but at least you did something.

Being 20 and having your whole life planned out is great and all, but where's the fun in that? Yeah, I have a loose plan for my life, if not I would have went to college, chosen a Social Studies Ed. Major, or worked my butt off to get to my Junior year, but what I'm saying is: I want to be young. I want to be free.

My life has been pretty safe and calm, and I'm so thankful for that. I have parents who love us and each other more than words can say. I grew up in the Christian faith and have never really wavered on where I stood in my beliefs. I've had some of the same friends for over a decade. I've had average life experiences that have been flavored by some amazing people. These people are what came to color my world, and as thankful as I am for each and everyone of them, I'm ready to color my world with vast experiences.

After a long-term relationship, I've recently become single. It was a weird feeling at first, kind of like not having all 10 fingers or something. You knew something was wrong, but it wouldn't result in death. But it's been 3 months, and I'm still alive. I'm actually more than alive. I feel the extreme sense of adventure and freedom creeping up on me each and everyday, and I love it. This upcoming summer I plan to travel, meet new people, try new things, do something I've never done before. It doesn't matter where, as long as I go.

Christ has set me free from the burdens of this world. I don't work for the approval of others, I work for an audience of one. He has told me He has plans for me and, although I don't know what they are, I know they are big enough to fulfill my life with experience that make me speechless. He has created all things beautiful in his time, and I know He'll walk right next to me in this time of transition in my life.

I've spent so much time waiting for Friday, waiting for college, waiting for summer, waiting for the right guy, waiting for the right friends, waiting to get married, waiting to move out, waiting to look a certain way, waiting, waiting, and more waiting. But I'm not waiting anymore. I'm going.

-S