Be Joyful Always

Try to remember the last time you experienced joy?

I have always had a difficult time differentiating between joy and happiness, and it is something that I've been thinking about a lot over the past couple of days after hearing a sermon on Sunday. I believe joy is a much deeper emotion that stems from within, but this isn't to say that joy can't be triggered by external forces. So, I've come to the conclusion that I need to figure out how to be more joyful.

I have been so incredibly blessed to have a church a block away from my house, where I have joined a young women's bible study. The young women were welcoming, open and one is even a current TFA corp member, which has been an unexpected answer to prayer. The entire group helped ease my nerves about institute and the transient period of life I've entered.

And these are my scattered thoughts of today.

Taking on Philadelphia by Storm...?

There's more to Philly than it's cheese steak, there's me!

I'd like to say I'm super excited about the prospects this city has to offer me as I begin the next two years of my life, but it is incredibly difficult to overcome the fact that I am all alone in an apartment that does not feel like home. Of course living so close to chinatown has it's perks, I have access to bubble tea all day long and I am just blocks away from center city.

Unfortunately, I have yet to venture the few blocks to center city because I have never wandered around anywhere on my own. Since I don't listen to music, talking buddies are extremely important when walking, and I know I wouldn't be able to purchase anything since I'd have nobody to reassure me.

Let's hope week 2 looks better

Last night I attended my very last Cafe Night at the Grove, and all the giving that happens in this one night amazes me. Every single person is responsible for some sort of contribution (other than that given at the door), making the experience so incredibly valuable. Though sadly ironical, it was fantastic to see broke college kids willing and eager to support missions.

Cheers to a night of giving! (and to TTP)

I STAND WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD

NASCAR > Planned Parenthood?

Apparently our government thinks so. A few days ago the House of Reps. has barred Planned Parenthood from receiving federal funding. Our country has been in such a frenzy about providing healthcare so I am completely at a loss of words as to how Planned Parenthood has been cut off while NASCAR will still receive funding.

For those of you who support the ban because you are pro-life, you should know that government funding does NOT go toward abortions- it is illegal. 97% of planned parenthood resources go toward PREVENTIVE care.

This bill is now going to the senate...

Visit 'I Stand with Planned Parenthood' for more information!

Ruffle Inspired Dessert Table

Taken from http://blog.amyatlas.com/2011/02/ruffled-and-romantic-guest-dessert-feature/

Dreaming of Sugar

I'm not ready.

Wondering what type of real grown up I'll turn out to be...

College has not prepared me for this.

I have come to the realization that I am about to transition into a period of life where I will be the most alone I have ever been. Of course some things stay the same, you always have family and hopefully you keep in touch with good friends, but the phase I am about to enter is not set up for me to meet new people or to even be comfortable.

Moving into college was unbearably awkward for me. Coming from a class of 40 ish to a campus of about 12,000 was humbling and it forced me to figure out who I was, and after numerous shifts in friendship groups, I did. In retrospect, I think nothing in life will be as easy as college has been.

We all aspire to be something great and I try to pump myself up by asking if the world is ready for me but who am I kidding....I am NOT ready for the world.