The college life can best be defined as too much work, a lot of procrastination, and even more junk food. In the short time I've been at college, I have acquired an unhealthy addiction to coffee - not just because of the lack of sleep I get at night, but also because it just goes so well with chocolate. I mean who doesn't like coffee and chocolate? And if your one of those people, we can't be friends. At the same time, I've learned a lot about myself and grown deeper in my relationship with God. I praise and thank God everyday for sending me to a college where I'm continually encouraged in pursuing a deeper relationship with Him. As you can tell, I have acquired the three most essential things in life in my first four months on campus - more of Jesus, chocolate, and coffee. Can I get a hallelujah amen?? I mean really, people, this is serious stuff.
Entering college, I thought I would like to be a teacher. I love kids. Well, I kind of love kids. Okay, so my love for children is conditional, but you can't argue with the fact that they smell funny, they pick their snotty, running noses, and they say the most awkward things. But, nevertheless, I do love kids... most of the time. So why not spend my life investing my time in the future generations of America? Because that's not God's plan for me and praise Him for that. Currently, I'm taking an introduction to education class that will now be counted as one of my extracurriculars. I've had to observe in a classroom for 20 hours, 2 hours a week. I know, bless my heart. I appreciate your sympathy.
I must now interject this blog post with a short story that should scare you. I was observing the other day and the kids were telling the class about a mammal they chose to research and a fun fact about that animal. One child got up and told about pigs. That's normal, right? What isn't normal is when a little boy raising his hand and jumping out of his seat decides to announce, "I was watching The Walking Dead and these zombies were chasing these pigs!" That is not okay. We've gone from teaching our kids that pigs go oink to indoctrinating them with ideas of zombies. Oh, but that is not the end! Then a kid tells a fact about a fox and all of the kids belt out, "What does the fox say?!" No! This is NOT a musical and you should not be singing that song! And now I am honored to present to you, my fellow bloggers and blog readers, the future generation of America! May God bless America…
But anywho! Like I said, God has led me in another direction and, because I hate fish and would not find it extremely appealing to end up in the belly of a whale like Jonah, I decided to obey and follow His will for my life. After much prayer and consideration, I switched over to print media in mass communications. Through this process, I've learned to rely on God and his sovereignty. His plans are so much better than ours and when we do what He's called us to do for the sake of the Gospel, He grants us so much joy in doing His work.
Proverbs 16:9 declares, "The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps," and Psalm 16:11 states, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Oh how good it is to be in the presence of the Lord. Take courage that wherever He leads you, you will not walk alone. If you're a believer, He is always with you and will never lead you astray!
So, my dear readers, I encourage you to follow God, seek the Lord, and always, always drink more coffee and eat more chocolate!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Pray for Peja (Kosovo 2013)
"Allahu Akbar. Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah. Ash-hadu anna Muhammad-ar-Rasoolullah. Hayya 'alas-Salah. Hayya 'alal-falah. Allahu Akbar. La ilaha ill-Allah."
Translation: "Allah is most great. I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah. I bear witness that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah. Come to prayer. Come to success. Allah is most great. There is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah."
As I lay in my bed, the cry of the Muslim call to prayer reverberated in my head just as it had throughout the hills and valleys of Peja, Kosovo. My heart could not help but feel heavy and overwhelmed by the desperate cries of a people to a god who will never answer. They are so devoted to something that will never be able to satisfy the cries of their heart and yet they continue to search and seek and devote themselves to a god with false promises.
Needless to say, I had great difficulty in getting to sleep that night. My mind took a journey of its own as I thought about and prayed for the people of Peja. At the time, I had no idea what they were saying in their call to prayer, but I could hear the passion and desperation as they tried to reach the unreachable, to simply grasp hope and salvation. And then it hit me - the thought that will forever remain sketched into the memory of my convicted mind. So many Muslims are more devoted to their religion than Christians are to their relationship with the one true GOD, myself included. How can we as believers be so content to pray and read our Bible without passionately seeking Him in every area of our lives, while people are giving everything to search for salvation where it will never be found?
This is the thought that lingered in the back of my mind as I, along with seven others, sought to live out and share the Gospel in Peja, Kosovo.
Our adventure began July 5th as our team of eight left our comfort zone of America for the Muslim country of Kosovo. With our overnight stay in Vienna, it seemed to take years to finally arrive at our final destination, but the long plane flights and treks through an unknown city to find our hotel soon proved to be worth the wait. At our arrival, we were met by the missionaries we would be working with for the week.
From there we constructed our game plan for a kids' camp we would be working in one of the villages. The kids' camp consisted of kids of all ages who came to play sports such as basketball, volleyball, and wiffle ball, but my favorites were jump rope and dancing. I'm proud to say that we brought the wobble and gangnam style to Kosovo. Okay, so maybe we weren't the first to introduce the Kosovars to these dances, but I'd like to think so. We also performed a moral skit at the end of each day since we weren't allowed to directly share the Gospel at the school. The kids' camp provided many opportunities to build relationships and I met some amazing people I will never forget. At the end of the week, we invited some of our new friends to a waterfall in Peja, where we had the opportunity to directly share the Gospel. I will always remember the moment my friends and I prayed for the girls we were talking to and one of the Kosovar girls said she had never felt like she did when we were praying for them. She contributed the feeling to Allah, but we made it clear that what she was feeling was GOD Himself. I will forever hold these girls near and dear to my heart. I have a hope for their salvation and implore you to join with me in prayer for their eyes to be opened to the saving work of JESUS CHRIST on the cross. GOD is definitely at work among them.
Along with the kids' camp, we also distributed food to some people living in apartments. Don't think American apartments. It was far from anything you'll ever see in the states. I actually got the chance to see the inside of the rundown building where these people lived their day-to-day lives. As I walked up a few stairs nito the apartments to help distribute the flour and oil, I was met by rotting wood floors. We went down a hallway to the right that was completely dark as my eyes tried to adjust as quickly as possible to dimly lit setting. From there we walked up concrete stairs without railing to the man's room in the apartments. And when I say room, I mean a walk in closet or small office in an American home. It was heart wrenching to see people living this way and to think that just a few days before I was buying a new comforter for my dorm room that he would most likely be astonished to even entertain the thought of occupying. It really makes you realize just how fortunate you are and how much you take for granted.
Towards the end of the week, we distributed food in some of the village homes. These people were so hospitable, offering us food and drinks and places to sit while we talked with them. At one house we visited, there was a woman who had the best sense of humor and a love for life. I mean, she was crazy and I think that if we both spoke the same language, we would be great friends! But towards the end when we prayed for her, she began to cry because she was so touched by us taking the time to come to her home and love on her and her family. Such simple acts of love and kindness go a long way. Sometimes we forget that and miss out on opportunities to live out the Gospel.
I've learned so much on this mission trip. Before we even set foot on American soil nine days later, I already decided that Kosovo would be a place I would love to visit again. In the short amount of time I was there, I fell in love with a people who I believe GOD is touching in mighty ways for His glory and I'm so excited for the plans He has for them and their salvation. I would like to thank the wonderful missionaries for allowing us to come and help. You all are such a blessing and an inspiration. And thank you to our translators! And a special thanks to my church for allowing young people to have the opportunity to go with the Gospel and fulfill the call of Acts 1:8.
Please pray for the people of Kosovo! GOD is at work. May His will be done.
"This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of GOD our SAVIOR, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:3-4
"For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things." - Psalm 107:9
Translation: "Allah is most great. I bear witness that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah. I bear witness that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah. Come to prayer. Come to success. Allah is most great. There is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah."
As I lay in my bed, the cry of the Muslim call to prayer reverberated in my head just as it had throughout the hills and valleys of Peja, Kosovo. My heart could not help but feel heavy and overwhelmed by the desperate cries of a people to a god who will never answer. They are so devoted to something that will never be able to satisfy the cries of their heart and yet they continue to search and seek and devote themselves to a god with false promises.
Needless to say, I had great difficulty in getting to sleep that night. My mind took a journey of its own as I thought about and prayed for the people of Peja. At the time, I had no idea what they were saying in their call to prayer, but I could hear the passion and desperation as they tried to reach the unreachable, to simply grasp hope and salvation. And then it hit me - the thought that will forever remain sketched into the memory of my convicted mind. So many Muslims are more devoted to their religion than Christians are to their relationship with the one true GOD, myself included. How can we as believers be so content to pray and read our Bible without passionately seeking Him in every area of our lives, while people are giving everything to search for salvation where it will never be found?
This is the thought that lingered in the back of my mind as I, along with seven others, sought to live out and share the Gospel in Peja, Kosovo.
Our adventure began July 5th as our team of eight left our comfort zone of America for the Muslim country of Kosovo. With our overnight stay in Vienna, it seemed to take years to finally arrive at our final destination, but the long plane flights and treks through an unknown city to find our hotel soon proved to be worth the wait. At our arrival, we were met by the missionaries we would be working with for the week.
From there we constructed our game plan for a kids' camp we would be working in one of the villages. The kids' camp consisted of kids of all ages who came to play sports such as basketball, volleyball, and wiffle ball, but my favorites were jump rope and dancing. I'm proud to say that we brought the wobble and gangnam style to Kosovo. Okay, so maybe we weren't the first to introduce the Kosovars to these dances, but I'd like to think so. We also performed a moral skit at the end of each day since we weren't allowed to directly share the Gospel at the school. The kids' camp provided many opportunities to build relationships and I met some amazing people I will never forget. At the end of the week, we invited some of our new friends to a waterfall in Peja, where we had the opportunity to directly share the Gospel. I will always remember the moment my friends and I prayed for the girls we were talking to and one of the Kosovar girls said she had never felt like she did when we were praying for them. She contributed the feeling to Allah, but we made it clear that what she was feeling was GOD Himself. I will forever hold these girls near and dear to my heart. I have a hope for their salvation and implore you to join with me in prayer for their eyes to be opened to the saving work of JESUS CHRIST on the cross. GOD is definitely at work among them.
Along with the kids' camp, we also distributed food to some people living in apartments. Don't think American apartments. It was far from anything you'll ever see in the states. I actually got the chance to see the inside of the rundown building where these people lived their day-to-day lives. As I walked up a few stairs nito the apartments to help distribute the flour and oil, I was met by rotting wood floors. We went down a hallway to the right that was completely dark as my eyes tried to adjust as quickly as possible to dimly lit setting. From there we walked up concrete stairs without railing to the man's room in the apartments. And when I say room, I mean a walk in closet or small office in an American home. It was heart wrenching to see people living this way and to think that just a few days before I was buying a new comforter for my dorm room that he would most likely be astonished to even entertain the thought of occupying. It really makes you realize just how fortunate you are and how much you take for granted.
Towards the end of the week, we distributed food in some of the village homes. These people were so hospitable, offering us food and drinks and places to sit while we talked with them. At one house we visited, there was a woman who had the best sense of humor and a love for life. I mean, she was crazy and I think that if we both spoke the same language, we would be great friends! But towards the end when we prayed for her, she began to cry because she was so touched by us taking the time to come to her home and love on her and her family. Such simple acts of love and kindness go a long way. Sometimes we forget that and miss out on opportunities to live out the Gospel.
I've learned so much on this mission trip. Before we even set foot on American soil nine days later, I already decided that Kosovo would be a place I would love to visit again. In the short amount of time I was there, I fell in love with a people who I believe GOD is touching in mighty ways for His glory and I'm so excited for the plans He has for them and their salvation. I would like to thank the wonderful missionaries for allowing us to come and help. You all are such a blessing and an inspiration. And thank you to our translators! And a special thanks to my church for allowing young people to have the opportunity to go with the Gospel and fulfill the call of Acts 1:8.
Please pray for the people of Kosovo! GOD is at work. May His will be done.
"This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of GOD our SAVIOR, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:3-4
"For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things." - Psalm 107:9
Reading the Bible
Our beautiful translators
My jump rope buddies
Peja, Kosovo
Our team
My new friend, Deniza
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Dad: A Daughter's First Love
I've always heard that a dad is a daughter's first love and I have no doubt that this is true. One of the first people to show me love was my daddy. You know it's love when a grown man plays Barbies and Polly Pockets while employing funny voices and acting skills to play out a scene with his little girl. Love is however more than playing with dolls. It's always being there when I needed to sit on his lap and talk, watching TV late at night with me when I couldn't sleep, letting me sit right next to him in the truck, and not getting angry when I puked all over him on the way to my elementary school one morning. Now that is love.
Some of my greatest memories have been made with my padre. The crazy ones anyways and probably some of the most embarrassing moments that will haunt me for the rest of my life, but that's okay because I wouldn't trade them for anything. Let's just say it's good that my dad and I both have the same sense of humor or things could get really weird. I can recall two of these memorable events without even having to think long and hard about our fun times together. Both are stories he likes to bring to my remembrance more often than necessary.
One of the funniest memories I can recall took place in my own backyard. I was in elementary school at the time so I wasn't too old. My dad and I were playing our regular game of wiffle ball. He would pitch the ball and I would whack that thing like my life depended on it. I even remember cracking a few balls. I guess my athletic ability left during puberty, but anyways back to the story. We'd been playing for a while when it came to that one pitch that seared a memory so deep into the ridges of my brain that I'll probably go out with one big guffaw when I'm laying on my deathbed. Okay, it's not that funny, but you get the point. He threw the ball and BAM! I smacked that sucker so hard Babe Ruth would be green with envy! But instead of it flying into the air like a graceful dove, it hit my dad straight in the knee. But you see, it didn't look like it hit him in the knee if you know what I mean. So being the compassionate child I was, I yelled out, "Daddy, are you okay?! Did it hit you in the bell?!" As his knee was throbbing in pain, he looked up and said, "What???" To which I replied, "You know... Ding dong." My oh my. The things I came up with at such a young age. And if you think this story is bad, just wait until you read the next one.
This is a story that I have kept to myself and have threatened to kill my parents if they ever told anyone. Well, not really. But it is that bad that it may warrant such a threat so you should feel a special privilege for me sharing this with you because it may be one of the most embarrassing childhood stories I know. The setting was late at night in the den and as usual, my dad and I were playing horsey. I don't know if you ever played this game, but it involves me riding around on my dad's back as he was down on hands and knees neighing like the barnyard animal. When he went to put me down, he slid me over his head and onto the floor, but when I went over his head, I let one rip. I feel awkward using the word "fart", but that is exactly what I did. Right on his head. I was a gassy little thing and possessed the gift of tooting on command. Yes, I was one of THOSE children. And I think that this would be a great time to claim that I have grown out of that phase. Anyways, my dad yelled something like, "EWWWWWWWWWW! I felt that on my head!" I laughed until I thought I was going to pee all over myself. Good times...
That's my dad and me for you. Playing hardcore wiffle ball and farting on heads. Oh dear. Like I said, I'm glad we both have the same sense of humor. GOD has truly blessed me with such a great dad, playmate, and a man I will always admire. I wouldn't trade him for anything else in the world. Not John Mayer, a '65 red convertible mustang, my own private island... Nothing. You just can't replace someone so amazing and special. I don't care what it is. I love you padre and I always will! Happy Father's Day!
Forever your little girl,
Carlee (AKA: Sweatheart) (Yes, I spelled "sweetheart" wrong when I was little, okay? Don't judge.)
Some of my greatest memories have been made with my padre. The crazy ones anyways and probably some of the most embarrassing moments that will haunt me for the rest of my life, but that's okay because I wouldn't trade them for anything. Let's just say it's good that my dad and I both have the same sense of humor or things could get really weird. I can recall two of these memorable events without even having to think long and hard about our fun times together. Both are stories he likes to bring to my remembrance more often than necessary.
One of the funniest memories I can recall took place in my own backyard. I was in elementary school at the time so I wasn't too old. My dad and I were playing our regular game of wiffle ball. He would pitch the ball and I would whack that thing like my life depended on it. I even remember cracking a few balls. I guess my athletic ability left during puberty, but anyways back to the story. We'd been playing for a while when it came to that one pitch that seared a memory so deep into the ridges of my brain that I'll probably go out with one big guffaw when I'm laying on my deathbed. Okay, it's not that funny, but you get the point. He threw the ball and BAM! I smacked that sucker so hard Babe Ruth would be green with envy! But instead of it flying into the air like a graceful dove, it hit my dad straight in the knee. But you see, it didn't look like it hit him in the knee if you know what I mean. So being the compassionate child I was, I yelled out, "Daddy, are you okay?! Did it hit you in the bell?!" As his knee was throbbing in pain, he looked up and said, "What???" To which I replied, "You know... Ding dong." My oh my. The things I came up with at such a young age. And if you think this story is bad, just wait until you read the next one.
This is a story that I have kept to myself and have threatened to kill my parents if they ever told anyone. Well, not really. But it is that bad that it may warrant such a threat so you should feel a special privilege for me sharing this with you because it may be one of the most embarrassing childhood stories I know. The setting was late at night in the den and as usual, my dad and I were playing horsey. I don't know if you ever played this game, but it involves me riding around on my dad's back as he was down on hands and knees neighing like the barnyard animal. When he went to put me down, he slid me over his head and onto the floor, but when I went over his head, I let one rip. I feel awkward using the word "fart", but that is exactly what I did. Right on his head. I was a gassy little thing and possessed the gift of tooting on command. Yes, I was one of THOSE children. And I think that this would be a great time to claim that I have grown out of that phase. Anyways, my dad yelled something like, "EWWWWWWWWWW! I felt that on my head!" I laughed until I thought I was going to pee all over myself. Good times...
That's my dad and me for you. Playing hardcore wiffle ball and farting on heads. Oh dear. Like I said, I'm glad we both have the same sense of humor. GOD has truly blessed me with such a great dad, playmate, and a man I will always admire. I wouldn't trade him for anything else in the world. Not John Mayer, a '65 red convertible mustang, my own private island... Nothing. You just can't replace someone so amazing and special. I don't care what it is. I love you padre and I always will! Happy Father's Day!
Forever your little girl,
Carlee (AKA: Sweatheart) (Yes, I spelled "sweetheart" wrong when I was little, okay? Don't judge.)
Friday, June 7, 2013
My Bucket List Endeavors
My first blog post. So to be honest, I have no idea why I created a blog other than the fact that it's on my bucket list. I mean, I really have nothing of interest to say. In fact, I feel somewhat awkward as I write this knowing that it will probably never receive the amount of fame I secretly dream of it having.
As I said, this is one of my items on my bucket list. I believe that every individual on earth should have a bucket list and do crazy things. I mean we all know the phrase YOLO, right? Well, I want to be that girl, or woman because that is what I am, a grown woman who now has a blog, who goes out of her comfort zone to live a life of no regrets. Okay so maybe I will regret some of the things I do on my bucket list, but at least I won't regret that I never tried something for fear of what others would think.
But anywho, back to the topic! A bucket list. I know you're wondering what items I have on my bucket list and what crazy things I've done. At least I hope so because I'm trying to build suspense here. Don't worry! I'll tell you and maybe you, if anyone ever reads this, will be inspired to create your own.
So far my bucket list consists of these ten things:
1) Read the entire Bible - And yes, it is sad that I haven't done this, but I'm working on it! I've learned that it's more important to read and understand that to simply read to finish.
2) Sing in a black choir - I admit that I'm probably the whitest girl that ever walked on GOD's green earth, but I like to refer to myself as an inside-out oreo even if it is a complete lie.
3) Become fluent in Spanish - Easier said than done.
4) Go star gazing - I admit that I have a problem, maybe even an obsession for looking at the night sky. I will defintely be completing this one soon.
5) Swim in an ocean where I can see my feet (and know they're not about to be taken off by a shark)
6) Have a foot-popping kiss - If you've ever seen The Princess Diaries, you know exactly what I'm talking about! I mean there is nothing more romantic than raising your foot as your being kissed, right? Although with my luck, it would probably look as though I'm having a leg spasm.
The last four I've actually accomplished and I don't really know why I'm about to post this on the internet, but hey, I'm just going to be real and own up to what I've done.
7) Go coning - So if you don't know what this is, let me explain. Coning involves going through a fast food restaurant (like McDonald's) and ordering a vanilla ice cream cone. Then when you pull up to the window to retrieve you're delicious treat, you grab the ice cream and drive off, leaving the unsuspecting drive-thru worker in shock as they hold the now ice-creamless cone in their hand. It sounds dumb, but it is hilarious!
8) Get a tattoo of a boy's name - I did this one at church camp, but don't have a cow! It was a henna and it lasted about 3 weeks. One of the most spontaneous things I've ever done. Shout out to the one and only Wesley Parnelle.
As I said, this is one of my items on my bucket list. I believe that every individual on earth should have a bucket list and do crazy things. I mean we all know the phrase YOLO, right? Well, I want to be that girl, or woman because that is what I am, a grown woman who now has a blog, who goes out of her comfort zone to live a life of no regrets. Okay so maybe I will regret some of the things I do on my bucket list, but at least I won't regret that I never tried something for fear of what others would think.
But anywho, back to the topic! A bucket list. I know you're wondering what items I have on my bucket list and what crazy things I've done. At least I hope so because I'm trying to build suspense here. Don't worry! I'll tell you and maybe you, if anyone ever reads this, will be inspired to create your own.
So far my bucket list consists of these ten things:
1) Read the entire Bible - And yes, it is sad that I haven't done this, but I'm working on it! I've learned that it's more important to read and understand that to simply read to finish.
2) Sing in a black choir - I admit that I'm probably the whitest girl that ever walked on GOD's green earth, but I like to refer to myself as an inside-out oreo even if it is a complete lie.
3) Become fluent in Spanish - Easier said than done.
4) Go star gazing - I admit that I have a problem, maybe even an obsession for looking at the night sky. I will defintely be completing this one soon.
5) Swim in an ocean where I can see my feet (and know they're not about to be taken off by a shark)
6) Have a foot-popping kiss - If you've ever seen The Princess Diaries, you know exactly what I'm talking about! I mean there is nothing more romantic than raising your foot as your being kissed, right? Although with my luck, it would probably look as though I'm having a leg spasm.
The last four I've actually accomplished and I don't really know why I'm about to post this on the internet, but hey, I'm just going to be real and own up to what I've done.
7) Go coning - So if you don't know what this is, let me explain. Coning involves going through a fast food restaurant (like McDonald's) and ordering a vanilla ice cream cone. Then when you pull up to the window to retrieve you're delicious treat, you grab the ice cream and drive off, leaving the unsuspecting drive-thru worker in shock as they hold the now ice-creamless cone in their hand. It sounds dumb, but it is hilarious!
8) Get a tattoo of a boy's name - I did this one at church camp, but don't have a cow! It was a henna and it lasted about 3 weeks. One of the most spontaneous things I've ever done. Shout out to the one and only Wesley Parnelle.
9) Go skinny dipping - This has by far been the craziest thing I've ever done. It was at a friend's pool in the dark at 3 in the morning. We were the only ones there. And me, being the graceful person I am, dropped my towel in the water and left a huge track of water in her house from the back door to the bathroom where my clothes awaited my skinny dipping self. It was such a rush. I do apologize however for not having a picture of this one to include in the blog. I know. You're in tears right now. Just kidding! Trust me. If I had taken a picture (which would NEVER happen) and posted it, you WOULD be in tears. I'm crying now. No. But really it was great. Will I do it again? Probably not, but I'm glad I did.
10) Create a blog - You, my fellow blog reader, are seeing this one in action!
Well, I hope I haven't bored you into never reading again in your life. I think I bored myself. I guess this is the end of my first blog entry. Hope you enjoyed it and are already thinking of the wonderful possiblities your own bucket list can include!
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