just friends

I'm in my favorite local coffee shop, Jubala Village Coffee, and whats better than sipping an iced County Line Cocktail? Sipping a free iced County Line Cocktail. I just broke up with the GAP, two jobs was too much. I'm getting mentally prepared for my trip to Rock Hill tomorrow to see some of my sweetest friends and to Charlotte to see Dave Matthews for the first time. I get to hang out with my girls Megan, Macy, and Hillary all day Thursday before I have to come back to Rals for Y training. I was in a crafty mood last night and after a trip to Michael's and lots of glitter I had created a masterpiece. Ladies and gents--the chevron glitter clipboard.

Before: Clipboard, tape, glitter, Mod Podge

After: Call me an education diva

So 1 Samuel is almost finished, and I'm astounded by a few things. After David kills Goliath (a pretty awesome throw down) and Saul welcomes him into the kingdom, he and Jonathan become great friends. 1 Samuel 18:1 even says that Jonathan "became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." Jon, despite his father's hatred for him, always spoke well of David to others. Even when Dave was on the run, Jonathan went to him and "helped him find strength in God" (1 Sam. 23:16). That's genuine, honest, encouraging, selfless love between two brothers in Christ. I want that! My prayer is that God would fill me up so I'm overflowing with this kind of love in all my relationships. I want to go deeper with people and know their hearts so that maybe we, too, can be one in spirit. I want my friendships to be so centered around Christ that its all outsiders can see.

moments

new coffee and quiet time spot-a big rust colored armchair with a sunrise view

Life's been grand. I've been able to see almost everyone I missed while I was away at school. Still waiting on that real-talk slumber party, Rach. We have lots of catching up/checking up to do. So far I've already been on a road trip to Lynchburg with Dillon, visited Christin at NCSU with Rachel, worked a few days, and, to kick the summer off right, had a bro-b-q last night with my best friends. Today, being Mother's Day, we celebrated by going out to lunch and being extra nice to mom. She's such a sweet lady, I'm so blessed to have her.

This morning I was reading 1 Samuel 14. Jonathan, Saul's son, sneaked out and tried to fight the Philistines without him knowing. After breaking a silly oath Saul made, Jon was cursed. God doesn't forget when we make promises, by the way. So when Saul went to ask for God's provision and guidance regarding the Philistines, here's what happens.

So Saul asked God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into Israel's hand?" But God did not answer him that day. Saul therefore said, "Come here, all you who are leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has been committed today." 1 Samuel 14:37-38

I can't tell you the countless times I ask to hear God's word on something and haven't heard anything. Never do I immediately think its a problem on my end (although it without a doubt always is). Normally, there's something getting in between He and I. Maybe I'm putting something else first, or maybe I haven't taken that next step of faith He's calling me to. This week, I'm praying that He reveals whatever it is that tends to block our line of communication. I want to hear His voice loud and clear above the rest of the chaos in this world.

dear ashley,

Congratulations! You just finished your freshman year in college.

It was a year of firsts. You ran your first 5K and 10K. You got your first tattoo. You changed your major for the first time (and then for the second time). You had your first roommate and your first blind date and went to your first frat party. You went to your first Young Life club and on your first backpacking trip. Some things you wished you never tried, and some things you can't wait to do for the rest of your life.

You met some pretty rad people who changed your life. You took some friendships from home deeper than they've ever gone. You were real with people in a way you'd never been before, keep it up. Don't forget that inside everyone is just as screwed up as you are. Don't forget that its the reason you love people so much.

You had some peaks and valleys this year. Don't forget to look up and praise Him in moments of triumph; don't forget to look behind at all He's brought you through when you can't see your way out of the pit. Remember that you are redeemed, bought at a price, called by name, adopted as His own.

Learn from your mistakes, make the most of every chance you get. You'll blink and it'll be gone before you know it.

So here's to freshman year and to making the next three just as awesome.