Songs of Joy.

I have some big news. Last night was our first Kappa Bible Study. Ashley and I had been preparing for this night for a long time. It was like Bid Day for the Chaplains. All day I had been looking forward to it, and preparing as best as I could. A meeting with the leader of Greek Impact, Kitty, got me even more excited. God provided more than I ever thought He would. I truly had been underestimating His magnificent power. I had this excited feeling, like He was going to surprise me somehow, but I did not fully give into His love. I was still concerned and doubting the turn-out. 

We are studying one of Marian Jordan's books, Sex and the City Uncovered: Exposing the Emptiness and Healing the Hurt. Kitty provided us with ten books, that we could give to the girls for a lesser price. I thought ten was being optimistic. But as 7:15 inched closer and closer, the excitement grew. God was giving me such joy, a joy that seemed to push away the depressing fact that my beloved Golden Retriever has yet to be found. He seemed to whisper, you just wait. Looking back, I feel like I was experiencing a real-life Jesus Calling devotional, except even more magnified. 

And boy, did He come through. We had 19 girls at our first meeting! Possibly a Kappa record? Praise the Lord. He is GOOD! All good. And he has no other idea in mind than your good! He has shown me this week how to trust. How to look only to Him. I had been only putting half my trust in Him, not fully giving in, not relinquishing my desire to control. But when your dog has run away, with no collar, and is eleven years old, there is no control. I have no idea where she is, whom she is with, or even if she is alive. *sob* But I know God is good. I know that He will get me through this and, better still, He will show me His love and mercy through it all. 

So, some many words of encouragement about my life. And one particular verse speaking to me through it all...

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

Psalm 125:5

Bid Day.

My day yesterday was consumed with screaming, whistles, Kappa chants, and 80+ new kappa members. It was thrilling, exhilarating, and full of mixed feelings. Why mixed feelings, you ask? 

Because this beautiful animal has been missing since Friday. 

Please keep her and my family in your prayers. She's 11 years old. I have grown up with this perfect dog, and though I am far away, I miss her more than words can describe. 

Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.

          Ecclesiastes 7:10

Flowing Locks.

I have been slightly obsessed with hair lately. Here's my excuse for an inspiration post. 

All photos found on tumblr. 

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

         Hebrews 4:12 

Minnie.

Enjoy Minnie! 

I hope you are having a great week. 

  The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of Him.
      Mark 1:12-13 

Live and Learn.

So I just read this article assigned for my philosophy class. I know that this is not something I would typically post on this blog, and I know that I have been terribly neglecting my already small audience but I found this very enlightening.

Live and Learn is an essay written by Louis Menand addressing the crisis, in my opinion, of college education. The desire to truly learn and grow the mind is diminishing. I am not saying that I am above my fellow students. Many of them have higher GPA's and study more hours out of the week. But I see so many of my peers simply studying to pass, to get a degree, and to get a job (which is always nice). What happened to learning? To being enlightened? And to having respect for the professors who have dedicated their lives to a particular subject? Business is great, it makes the world go around, but there is so much more to this life than a cubicle and punching in numbers. There is art and expression out there. There are things worth knowing.

As you can see, this piece got me a little fired up. Please read it, if you like. And let me know what you think! I will do my best to post some cool things this week. Hopefully I will have some time, but until then...

Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

           Ephesians 4:15

Oh yeah, and on a super random note, I have had deja vu more than 3 times today. Does anyone else think that to be a little strange? 

Go Kappa.

Here's what has been consuming my life these past few days. 

  "But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."     

        Matthew 9:13

Have a great Saturday. Hopefully I will have more detailed post next week.

Going With The Flow.

I have been so busy, my blog has been the one to take last priority. But here's an update on what I have been doing lately. 

On Saturday I drove back to Raleigh to attend the Capital Area Debutante's party. It was so much fun. My dress is BCBG. Above is a picture of my mom and me. It was a very formal occasion. 

Yesterday was a luncheon for a good friend of mine. I wish I had some pictures of that, but it was very nice, taking place at a delicious French restaurant. 

Now I am back in Columbia, with all my Kappa sisters. Recruitment starts tomorrow. Hopefully I will be able to get some small posts lined up, but if not, have a wonderful week! 

Therefore this is what the LORD says:

   “If you repent, I will restore you 

   that you may serve me; 

if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, 

   you will be my spokesman. 

Let this people turn to you, 

   but you must not turn to them. 

I will make you a wall to this people, 

   a fortified wall of bronze; 

they will fight against you 

   but will not overcome you, 

for I am with you 

   to rescue and save you,” 

            declares the LORD. 

“I will save you from the hands of the wicked 

   and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.”

Jeremiah 15:19-21

The Help.

Photos found on Google Images

Sorry I have been so M.I.A. recently, but I have found something about which I must post. The Help. I read the book and though it was a few years ago, I found the film very similar. I even teared up on more than one occasion, which means a lot. And it incredibly funny. Emma Stone truly surprised me. I had only seen her in House Bunny and the previews for Easy A and wasn't too psyched about her playing the part, but she did an excellent job portraying Skeeter, a single girl who isn't afraid to say what needs to be said. You must see this movie. 

I have been so busy this week, I hope to get in a few more good posts this week. But for now, that is all. 

He stilled the storm to a whisper;

the waves of the sea were hushed.

Psalm 107:29 

New Horizons.

shirt-HardTail; skirt-BCBG; button-down--Dad's; shoes-Jeffrey Campbell

I am all moved into the kappa house! 

Posting will be more sporadic from now on. I wish it wasn't the case, but life is going to be very busy. I will do my best to keep you updated! 

 He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And He will be their peace.

        Micah 5:4-5

Inspiration For The Week.

Life has been a bit hectic lately. So enjoy these photos. 

 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men.

         Psalm 107:31

Verdure.

I wish I was a tree. They have no obligations, except to flow with the seasons and enjoy the wonder of us humans. They view the world from above, feeling the sunshine first and basking in it without a care. There is no currency, no market, no worries, no wants; there is simply night and day, rain and shine. Sounds like the life for me. 

Obviously the economy has made this day a gloomy one. But there is hope. 

I hope you enjoyed the pictures I took at the farm today, slightly nature obsessed. 

A verse I have mentioned often:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Some Things Worth Mentioning.

The title of this post basically explains what I have to say. Just a few (two) things that I feel you must know! 

So I read this post on Donald Miller's blog today. If you are Facebook friends with me, you have probably seen me post it, but I definitely thought it blog-worthy as well. And if you follow the blog, you must have heard me go on and on about  how much I love Donald Miller. The post is called How To Live A Great Love Story, and it focuses specifically on the women. If you haven't yet clicked it, and you are a single/unmarried girl, please do. You won't regret it. I promise. 

And my other thing worth mentioning: the social network for bookworms (LIKE ME!). It's called Goodreads.com and if you have ever wanted to put all the books you are reading, have read, and want to read in one place, this is for you. Make an account, and friend me! 

Oh yeah, and just for laughs...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

   and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways submit to him, 

   and he will make your paths straight

Proverbs 3:5-6

A Happy Summer Look.

 dress-unknown; hat-J. Crew; shoes-Urban Outfitters

Happy August! 

 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:38-39