I never admitted this before, but I really desired some kind of "holy popularity" while a student at my Christian college. I really wanted to be recognized. I wanted to be in a specific sorority, but didn't get a bid. I wanted to be on the homecoming court, but never got nominated. I really wanted to be a leader on the Beach Reach mission trip, but wasn't chosen.

I felt like I was finally becoming a truer version of myself that I was finally proud of, but I wanted to be recognized for it. I wanted validation. 

Looking back on my years at DBU, there is so much I am glad about and thankful for. I'm really glad I worked 2 jobs throughout my time there. I'm really glad I learned how to simplify my schedule and say no (even if it took me all three years to learn it). I'm really, really glad that I took my education seriously and loved my classes and did well in them. I'm really glad I traveled. I'm really glad I served. I'm really glad I lead.

I am truly honored that I WAS honored and validated in some ways. However, I wish I would have taken the time to be more grateful for what I was celebrated for and I wish I would have taken less time to yearn for more. I also should have taken time to celebrate myself more! Even more than all of that, I wish I had the maturity at the time to be celebrated by God and not man. 

It's all a part of the human condition, I guess - to want more, to want success, to want validation and encouragement. Going to DBU was such a blessing on so many levels. I learned so much about God, about others, about Communication, about myself. But I wish I could have learned sooner to not long for the celebration of man.

In college, I really desired to know if I was doing a good job and if other people liked me. But God taught me that if I take my insecurities to Him, then He'll replace them with security IN Him. PTL!

Want to change the world? You can! Change the way you live. Change your world.

Want to live in a car-free world? Stop using a car. Now the world you live in becomes one in which you walk, bike, and use mass transit. Others might not follow, but that’s their choice. If you want to live where there aren’t any cars, there exist such places (seriously, Google it!) and you can move to one of those places if that’s important to you. But already, you can live in a car-free world.

Want to live in a world where your food isn’t shipped thousands of miles and grown unsustainably by agribusiness? Start a garden. You can just start with one plant, and then another, and another until you have enough to eat eventually. Or start a community garden, or use farmer’s markets, or join (or start) a CSA. You can make a difference in the world just by changing the way you consume your food.

Want to live in a non-consumerist world? Stop buying things. Make things last, reuse things and move to reusable things (such as cloth napkins and glass containers). Fix things when they break, trade your unwanted belongings to others, join Freecycle. Stop watching ads (which might mean you stop watching TV or reading ad-supported magazines and newspapers). Write to your local officials and ask them to create regulations on advertising to children. If you want to stop being a compulsory consumer, you can. 

Want to live in a paperless world? Stop buying and using paper. Want to live in a world with no orphans? Adopt. Want to live in a world with no trash? Embrace a zero-waste lifestyle. Want to conserve water? Do it. 

If you want a change, then make a change. You likely can't change the whole world for everyone living in it, but you can certainly change the world you live in. 

This post was originally crafted by Leo Babauta and edited by me. 

I was first introduced to the concept of eucharisteo when I was about 18 or so. I think I came across it in a blog post or online article of some sort, but I'm not sure where exactly. Most likely, it was something by Ann Voskamp, but I'm not certain. What I remember is immediately feeling challenged, encouraged, and inspired by the idea of living a life around the concept. Since then, I've studied it, meditated on it, started (but never actually finished) the Ann Voskamp book about it, and now I've tattooed it on my body. 

Eucharisteo is the greek word for thanksgiving. Within it, is the greek word charis, meaning grace, and it's root word chara, which means joy. I love that this one word encapsulates all three concepts of thanksgiving, grace, and joy. I also love that Jesus himself spoke it. Luke 22 says that when in the upper room with His disciples, he took the bread, he eucharisteo (or gave thanks), he broke it, and he gave it to them saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." (This is where the catholic church gets the word eucharist.) 

To me, this word means that the root of true joy is found in having thanksgiving for the grace we've been given in Christ. 

A life of eucharisteo is a life lived with an attitude of gratitude, full of gracious communication, and a constant pursuit of true joy in Christ. Having eucharisteo tattooed on my wrist is my constant ministry to myself and to others around me. It is my overarching life goal and my resolution in 2017 to live a life of eucharisteo. I'll let you know how it goes!

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"I have no idea what the future holds. I have no idea where God will send me or if those places will seem different to many of you. But this I do know: if I do not tell Him wholeheartedly that I am willing to go anywhere He leads and serve anyone He says, He is going to do His good pleasure anyway. And without me." -Beth Moore

As we enter into the new year, I am reflecting on this thought presented by Beth Moore. As we are still without the Army's orders on where we are to go next, Robby and I are in a season of waiting. Not knowing where we will be this year or when we will be there makes it a bit difficult to create goals and expectations for 2017. But I can rest in the fact that God is good and His plan is, too. 

This year, my resolutions are a little less concrete and a little more abstract. 2017 will be the year that I pursue love and eucharisteo in every area of my life - my relationships, my communication, my marriage - and that can be done no matter where I am or what I am doing. I have no idea what the Lord's plan is, and that can be frustrating, but I am purposing in my heart to be willing and obedient to where He leads. 

I pray that this year I will continue to grow, continue to learn, continue to adventure, and continue to pursue a healthy, happy, whole life. My resolution to actively practice love and eucharisteo in the new year ought to aid in the continuing effort to build on top of what I've achieved in 2016. 

What about you? What are your goals and resolutions for the new year? I'd love if we could be praying over each other's as we embark on this new year together!

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I must say, all things considered, 2016 was good to me. Robby joined the Army, I began my Masters, we moved to Arizona, and we grew a TON.

My vision board for 2016 was centered on the words strength and adventure. I knew I was going to need strength to live apart from my husband for seven months while he was in training. (I didn't know that we would be separated for eleven months and counting!). I also knew that I was going to have to look at the whole year with a sense of adventure because there were so many unknowns we were walking into. 

Here were some of my goals:
1. Strengthen my marriage despite the distance
2. Create a home in which to exercise hospitality
3. Grow myself through art and creativity
4. Pursue my education
5. Practice self-care

In January, I applied for and got into the master's program in Counseling at Liberty. In February, Robby went off to basic training and began his career in the Army. In March, alone without my husband, I found creative projects to keep myself productive and busy. I was able to create a quilt from start to finish and am very proud of it! In April, Robby graduated basic training and we were reunited after two and a half months completely apart. It was magical! In May, I moved my entire life from Dallas to Arizona to be near my husband as he began the next leg of his training. I gained a ton of independence and counted it to be a fantastic adventure. In June, I finally began my master's classes and fell completely in love with what I was learning. In July, I was able to return home to Dallas and meet my baby nephew for the first time (definitely the highlight of my summer!). In August, Robby and I got very plugged into our church here in Sierra Vista, and I found a new source of relational and spiritual health. In September, I drove all the way to San Diego by myself and went on a solo adventure. In October, I got my first tattoo (something I never thought I'd do!). In November, we hosted Thanksgiving for 18 Soldiers inside of our tiny one bedroom apartment. Finally, in December, I checked two things off of my bucket list - Robby and traveled down Historic Route 66, stopping to see Cadillac Ranch (where I spray painted a car!) and then we camped in the Grand Canyon. 

All in all, I accomplished my goals. My marriage is stronger and we are now in year three. My home is a safe haven for the many friends we've made. I've taken up calligraphy, learned to hand embroider, and I made a quilt! I've completed 40% of my master's degree and expect to graduate this coming summer. I have found many ways to practice self-care through beginning to journal again, using essential oils, continuing yoga, spending time in meditation, and progressing in my quest for minimalism.

I also grew in many unexpected ways. I surprised myself. I gained more independence, I dove fully into a new church, I traveled more than I thought I would, and for crying out loud, I got a freaking tattoo!! How awesome! I love that I've been stretched and challenged so much this year. I've grown a lot and I am proud of myself. 

2017 brings many more unknowns, but I am looking forward to what it will bring. No matter the exact circumstances, I know it's going to be good. 

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