Prince Charming?

As a little girl, I thought that Prince Charming was perfect. He was gentle and strong. He would sweep you into his arms and dance with you until midnight. He protected you by fighting off dragons or evil witches. His kiss brought you back to life. He even found your shoes if you dropped them!

Although my idea of the perfect guy has shifted slightly since these days, the basic elements are still there. I want someone strong and courageous. I want someone who adores me, but also loves other people. I want someone adventurous, someone who drives fast with the windows down. I want someone who puts God first and is a reflection of Him. I want someone with ambition. I want someone who lives life to the fullest and appreciates the little things like a sunset or the way clouds look after it rains. I want someone who sings at the top of their lungs and isn't afraid of what other people think. I want someone who respects their parents. I want someone who challenges me to become a better friend. I want someone who keeps me accountable as I grow with God. I want someone that I can spend the rest of my life loving completely.

I am coming to the end of a fabulous book that Lindsey recommended to me at the beginning of the summer. It's called: When God Writes Your Love Story. I've developed a sort of love-hate relationship with the book because each time I pick it up I am reminded that God truly does have an amazing man saved for me. But I am also thrown into a whirl of frustration because it convicts me of my lack of patience. The book is always reminding me that singleness is a blessing from God because it allows us grow into the people that He wants us to be. Singleness strengthens us because we have to find our identity in God instead of our worth in a relationship. Oh! How I want to be more patient!

Recently, I've been praying for my husband almost every night. It's a strange thing really, because as far as I know, I haven't met him yet. But he's out there. And I wonder what he's doing right now while I sit in my girl-ish world and dream about him? Although it's nice to dream, I want to stay far away from the idea that it takes another person to complete me. God didn't make me a half person, wandering aimlessly in search of Mr. Wonderful! He made me with a specific purpose. I want to be patient and enjoy this time, building deeper relationships with God, my family and my friends, not just waiting for life to begin when I meet Prince Charming. One last thing I've been learning is that I want to be pursued. I'm done chasing after relationships and trying to make things work out between every frog that comes my way. Since when did initiating become the girls job, anyway?! The man God has for me is out there...and I want to leave it up to God to bring us together in His perfect timing. I'm trusting that God is preparing both of our hearts at this very moment.

Until then, to the man of my dreams...I'm waiting for you.

Slippery Summer Success

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

True success is difficult in the summer. In my brief 19 years of existence, I've come to realize that summer opens the door to sleeping in until the day has past, laying around the pool as though it were an occupation, eating too many gallons of mint chocolate chip ice cream, and altogether looking at one's belly button more often than one should, because after all...what else is there to do? Although none of these things are bad... (and believe me, I enjoy sleep, ice cream and a tan just as much as the next girl!) I've wasted one too many summers on myself alone. This summer, I decided, would be different.

Before I left school I made a list of 21 things that I want to accomplish this summer. (Maybe I'll post it later. We'll see...) Those 21 things range from reading good books, spending meaningful time with God and learning how to drive a stick shift! Although none of my "goals" are incredibly groundbreaking, I believe they have the power to transform my thinking. All for the simple reason that they are forcing me to live my life to the fullest, not just watch it drift away by the pool. Pastor Mark just finished a series based off the book "One Month to Live", and it was great! (Props to Mark.) If I only had one month to live (or one summer), would I lay in my bed or would I get out there and do something exciting and even a little dangerous? Would I let my Bible collect dust or would I pursue a more vibrant relationship with Christ? Would I sit by myself and watch a movie or would I reconnect with an old friend over coffee instead?

My summer "To-do" list has motivated me to make this summer truly successful. I would encourage you to find meaningful ways to spend your time this summer. ENJOY RELAXING, of course! But don't waste all your time on yourself. Bless someone else's life while you live yours full tilt!

3 Way Calling

Now that I've been home for a month, the fact that a few of my favorite people are hundreds of miles away is becoming all to real. It is truly amazing to me that I have only known these girls for 8 months, because I feel like they know me inside and out, upside down, on my best days and in the moments when I am approaching unlovable! They've seen it all. We've cried together, laughed hysterically, shared our deepest thoughts and challenged one another to become better. And I miss them terribly!

This week was especially hard for me. Don't get me wrong, I love being home! I'm blessed to be working at the church, spending extra time with my family, re-connecting with old friends and relaxing with a good book. It has just been a little difficult, and I wasn't expecting that, in all honesty. Tonight the three of us were finally able to connect at the same time! We updated each other on the boys in or lives (or lack there of--in my special case!) we talked about our summer jobs, mission trips, upcoming visits to various states, our new room decor, family, and the challenges of being home. Let me just say, it was what I needed. Thanks, God for placing amazing friends in my life, both at home and at school.

So, here's to three way calling! I miss you, Noelle and Lindsey!