happy halloween.

When you're in college and separated from the real world, the actual day of Halloween isn't as fun. No candy, no trick-or-treating, very few costumes. It's kind of a sad existence.

But, it's okay. Because this past weekend wasn't just any weekend. It was Hallo-weekend. My wonderful friend, Brady, and I dressed up and helped work a haunted house on campus. Another friend took it upon herself to do our makeup. The design was called "rotting flesh." Very spooky. Then, we spent three hours working the Torture Room, where Brady got sawed in half and my throat while slit, right before I got dragged across the room through puddles of fake blood. It. Was. Awesome. Definitely something to check off my bucket list.

A very happy Halloween to all.

banquet time.

Things I've learned recently...being in charge kind of sucks sometimes. It's stressful and overwhelming and can be too much. But, it's all worth it in the end.

Last week, Washington Township YoungLife had our annual fundraising banquet. We invite community members, parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to show up to see what Young Life is doing at North Central High School and all the middle schools. The banquet ranks up there as a close second to summer camp in a full year of YL experiences.

I love that the banquet combines all of the different groups of people who are in the YoungLife community: the kids, the leaders, the committee, and the parents. Everyone gets to see what the other side looks like.

But, my absolute favorite parts of the night is when the kids are involved. About forty high school students showed up at the banquet to sit with a table of adults and share answers about how they are different because of being involved in YoungLife and because of their relationship with Jesus. The answers they share are honest and real and beautifully convey that they are searching for something more in life and have found it.

We also film a fantastic video that showcases each leader along with a high school-er that they have a close relationship with. I loved sitting with Emma and reminding myself why relationships are important and why I'm a YL leader and why she loves that I'm in her life. Watching it last week choked me up. Too emotional.

The last part was Cardboard Testimonies. A group of kids shared a poster with who they were before they were involved in YoungLife and who they are now.

More than any of the stress that I had about being in charge of all of the high school-ers and more than  anything that went wrong that night, it was worth it in the end. More than any of the overwhelming feelings I felt beforehand, it was all worth it to see the love and caring North Central #YLfam come together. They love each other and it means the world to me to see everyone supporting each other in this.

insta-life.

I love blogging. And I love words. And I love stories. But, I think, more than any of that, I just really love pictures. A picture is its own story. You can make it up, use your imagination, and think about the possibilities of what was going on when that tiny moment was captured. 

Hence, why I'm OBSESSED with Instagram. Not a new obsession, but definitely a worthy one. At work, my boss and I share the same idea that pictures with filters and fading and borders are the best kind. We've been working on a project where I go and take pictures of Butler, we Insta those beauts, and then turn them into notecards that the office can use as thank yous. Yep, you're right, it's pretty much the most awesome project ever. 

What a beautiful place I live. 

fall poem, not by me.

What if autumn leaves were sins, hurts, regrets

Stripped of power

Falling lifeless to the ground

Their colors a promise

Of all things being made new

Better, bolder, brighter

Then every stem, vein-each particle

Returns to dust

Nourishing the ground, 

Calling roots to dig deeper

Seeds to sprout

What if a bare tree, mistaken for dead,

Were warmed by the sun

So that branches once barren

BURST 

With green, new life

I was

I am

I am becoming

it's fall.

In case you hadn't noticed, the leaves are falling. Also, the days are shorter. And the weather is getting colder. And I have to wear clothes.

In other words, it's Fall. Which is great and all, but it means that it's the end of my favorite season. Summer, I miss you. I'm mourning you. Life isn't the same without you.

So, I've been kind of bitter about Fall coming to say the least. Nothing against Fall...it's just not Summer.

But, this Sunday, I had a little bit of change of mind. Because of a little celebration about Fall. And a reminder that seasons are important. All seasons.

At church, we talked about how Fall is a time to remember that God is a transformative God. That He is always working and changing and making things new and different. Bigger and brighter and more bold. Just like the changing colors of the falling leaves.

Later, at my small group bible study, we put a crafty plan into action. We gathered leaves & then painted Mod Podge on them. I had read somewhere that it was supposed to preserve them & make them keep their color longer & not dry out. So far, so good. When I got back home later that night, I didn't want to do homework, so I continued on the crafting streak. The beautiful leaves became our first Fall decoration in our room.

Sometimes I just need a reminder that God makes beautiful things. Even when it's not what I want. And, what better way to discover that than through a little crafting.

college life.

Every so often, I feel like a real college student. I usually don't live the college life that is portrayed in the movies. But, every once in awhile. Sometimes, you just have to say it.

"This is sooooo college." 

Homecoming 2012. It was here. And it was the best. After a full week of events & competitions & craziness, we found out that our team, my sorority paired with a fraternity and a residence hall, won various things throughout the week, as well as placing 2nd overall! It was exciting for us. My favorite part of the day was when one of my most beautiful friends won Homecoming Queen. She is one of the sweetest people I know and it was really great to see how happy she was. Congrats Sarah!

Once again, through all of this, I couldn't help but think...only in college.

So, even though this isn't my usual life, it was worth it to spend a day in the life of a typical college student. What could make any Saturday better than plenty of time with friends and feeling free?

it's always a good time.

Life has been filled with Young Life recently. And lots of it. From my new position as a Student Staff member for my YL area and helping the new college leaders feel connected to spending time with all of the really great junior girls from NC, it's been a lot to handle. Sometimes I think that it's too much. I feel a little overwhelmed, but then I show up. And then, it's all better. I remember that living a full life is the best life, the life that matters. A life full of joy and friends and laughter and being free. 

This is one of my favorite things that we've done over the past few weeks. It's a promo video for our weekly Club & it runs during homeroom announcements every day at the high school. The kids loved, loved, LOVED making it. And I loved seeing their creative, wild side. 

procrastination

Top Favorite Things Right Now...

1. TED talks, especially this one by Candy Chang

2. This article about the important things to say in life

3. This awesome video about nothing.

4. This song. Not the usual type of music I listen to. But one of my friends played it during art class the other day...and now all I want to do is go to Goodwill & sing this song.

5. It's FALL BREAK.