Something in the Genes (50/100)

"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall I eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall I wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all." --Matthew 6:30-32

Yesterday could easily appear as if it were any other Wednesday. Yet it was special, a day where I was reminded the importance of looking in between the lines to capture the loving and creative God we serve. 

I was reminded of that as I reflected on what 50 days without clothes shopping has looked like for me. 

Honestly, I am grateful to say it has not been nearly as bad as I thought; I think it's because the reason I decided to do 100 days without shopping what because I felt called to--not just because. I had a great peace to start the challenge, and it has been pretty darn amazing thus far. 

When I began telling my friends and family about my challenge, the reactions were very scattered. Some flat out laughed at me. Some told me they were excited I was challenging myself in this regard. Some requested they be present to see others reactions when I told them the first time. One went who far as to say jokingly, "what are you going to do, spend more time at home now!?" (love you too mom). Nonetheless, the conversations that budded from this topic were just too funny.

So you ask, how am I doing with the no clothes shopping thing? It's quite funny because when I started it didn't seem like that big of a deal. I will tell you that these first 50 days have held significant impact, with all gratitude and thanks to our awesome Creator. 

I feel I have been really living and recognizing the value of Matthew 6:30-32, as quoted above. Here is a few ways as to how:

1. Appreciation of what I have

My goodness I have truly been reminded within this 50 days of how immensely blessed I am to have a closet of clean clothes, from casual to professional, Sunday best to Friday festive. I've been even reminded of what a blessing it is to have a washer and dryer and the means to personally clean and care for my clothes. Instead of looking at my closet and thinking "what's missing?" I now think "What can I find to where today?" My closet used to be viewed as kind of like an evergreen website page, which constantly needs to be refreshed. I don't feel that way at all anymore, because I am grateful to have what I do:-)

2. It's ok to like fashion

As it is probably apparent, I have an affinity for fashion. Besides liking jeans, I know it is in my genes. Before I could read I would flip through my moms fashion and family magazines all day (commonly upside down). I designed two of my homecoming dresses in high school that my oh-so talented mother brought to life. I love picking out what to wear, finding fun color combinations and well-fitted outfits. I see it as an opportunity to express my creative heart. I feel God has significantly reshaped my once strong fascination of clothes to one that glorifies Him thoroughly--I look forward to what 50 more days will bring! I feel God's reaffirmed that yes my dear Sarah, get dressed and enjoy it, and by doing so glorify me! 

3.  Compliments

I know this may seem funny, but I know it's a God thing because it has caught my attention every time. On many days where I've worn a piece of clothing that I have had for a few years--I was complimented about it! For example, I wore shoes today that I've had since senior year of high school--and they were complimented!! 

4. Returns

Typically when I buy something it's for good--no messing around. After I started my 100 day quest to not shop, I stared at my closet one day and a few items caught my eye that still had tags on them. I realized they weren't needed, and promptly returned them. Not only did I have money to do other things with to bring glory to Him and had opportunities to be in community with friends, I was just about as excited for returning the clothes as I used to feel when I bought them. Pretty groovy huh?

5. Acts of Kindness

I have been exceptionally thrilled to give back or simply give to others. I always have, but something about having possibly a little bit of extra money each month to go to a cause I believe in, to church, to treating friends to ice cream or den pop and snacks has been abundantly refreshing, energizing, and purely fun. It has been rewarding to use my money toward building relationships and feeling as if I am forwarding the Kingdom of Heaven in more abundant ways. 

With all of the goodness and happiness it have brought me, I challenge you to give up something that could make an impact on your life, others, and most importantly, His glory. Pray about it see where He leads you--He may surprise you in marvelous ways only a Heavenly Father could sculpt!

Peace & Happiness, Sarah

What I Learned My First Semester of Grad School

This semester would not be possible without the people above--my family, my best friends, and the SALP staff. My family and friends were able to continuously encourage my journey, reminding me of the richness of the life we live, and the reason we are here: Him.

I've spent many hours learning, laughing, and growing within my assistantship in the Student Activities and Leadership Programs office (SALP) and the awesome staff I get to work with. I've helped plan and facilitate leadership retreats, the emerging leaders program, and am currently working on the Gender and Leadership Summit conference, strengths program, social justice certificate, spring leadership retreat...just to name a few. Which leads me to my biggest lesson learned this year:

#1. Life is about spinning plates

Having nearly 1/2 a dozen programs in the works at any given time, my supervisor Kate continuously stated how it's all about spinning plates. You work on one project and transfer to another and then jump back with enough time that the other one hasn't stopped spinning (i.e. you don't forget about it). At work this was originally challenging, because I can get so immersed in one task it easy to forget of the others--yet 5 months has passed and I am a spinning plates afficionada. I think this mindset has also been beneficial to my life, having family and friends all great distances away. I am learning to 'spin plates' in that regard by sending simple text messages, weekly cards, scheduling phone calls, visits and adventures. Keeping my friendships spinning has been a huge area of growth and improvement to me this year.

#2. Life is about growing where your planted

When I originally moved to Kalamazoo, I was constantly looking to when I could visit Grand Rapids and head home to Saginaw. As much I was enjoying my new life, I wasn't overly concerned with growing roots and planting myself right where I was. As the semester unfolded and classes began, the more I began to pray and reflect on the meaning of now. What does God want me to do here? What is my purpose here? In little ways each day, he began to show me. I began enjoying time outside of class with friends, spending time with my roommates, seeing the blessings in simple interactions with students, getting the Kalamazoo Gazette, attending a church regularly--where I'm beginning a small group with the Women's Ministry director! I feel my roots are off to a great start, and so thankful I recognized that although I have so much I look forward to outside of Kzoo, I have plenty to look forward to, right here, right now.

#3. Working with/for students will be a part of my life's work

Beginning my job and my graduate coursework, I was quite sure that being a student affairs professional and working in higher education is where God has called me, I continuously prayed for His guidance in terms of this time and of what my future looks like. To be honest, I've been overly surprised how much I love my work, my classes, and the everyday thrill of driving to a job and school I love. I feel He has only encouraged me to thrive in His ways, right where He led me to.

#4. Be excited when life goes the other way of "your plan"

Hot damn I am a planner--I enjoy planning for today, tomorrow, next week, next year, and the next century. In many ways I learned this semester that God must continuously laugh at my plans, because many of them did not go as planned this year. He has chartered a course that I certainly couldn't have guessed or planned. And for that, I am daily thankful and grateful for how much He loves me and guides me and has everything occur at the opportune moment, time, place, and with the right people. In short, I am less neurotic about planning in general, because when recently when I have let go and let Him take over more, I have been so unabashedly happy. I truly couldn't ask for much more!

Here's to my first semester of grad school, and the 1.5 years to go! With Him, I am nothing but lavishly excited. 

The Top 6 Things I Learned in 2010 (because I like even #'s)

Thanks to God, my friends, and my family that my life and growth possible: )

Never Doubt How Much People Care About You

God greatly worked in stretching my understanding and capabilities in friendships and in family relationships. In the past, I often thought there was only so much I could ask, may it be in questions, time, support. God has led me to some wonderful friendships that continuously break down my once barriers, and teach me so much about what it means to care and love someone. God continues to humble me with all the dynamic, inspiring, loving, encouraging people that I call my family and friends. You make my life effervescent, and I am so grateful we are all in this together.

Above All, Believe in Strength that is Unseen

Although many instances come to mind, going to Boston all by myself stands out the most. If you were to tell me as a first-year college student I would be going on a plane to Boston all by myself and staying in my own hotel room and asking a famous journalist questions standing up, I would’ve thought you were ridiculous. I would’ve thought this because even when I’ve been carried by God, I’ve chosen to hold on to the ‘tangible’ hand, adventuring with a friend, a family member. This year I learned that I never have to wait for someone’s hand for help and strength. God constantly reminded me that we are in this together, and that He will keep me safe and always face the day with me. If anything I could share, it would be to not let the tangible thwart you from moving forward, higher above where you are not simply imagining your dreams, but living your life from their aerial view.

Learn to Listen to Your Inner Health and Happiness Meter

I sometimes get intoxicated by the idea that life has a set formula, of what makes me happy, of what keeps me in good health. 2010 challenged this assumption, leading me to realize that what I need to feel happiest and healthiest is always directed by a few things (mainly Christ) but that it’s so important to really listen to myself, because every day is a new day of grace, adventure, and opportunity. God has provided us with road maps, but I am now a huge advocate of celebrating each day for your healthiest and happiest self and finding those unique morsels every day. It’s never easy, but it’s so important to talk to God about these areas and live them out with Him each day. God’s GPS is never off, and it’s important to tune into it everyday.

How ridiculous is this? I Googled 'God GPS' and didn't expect this. Ha! zazzle.com

Learn to Say No

This one has always been a battle for me for a myriad of reasons. God’s knocked on my door plenty of times telling me the more I say yes I cannot adequately fulfill the role, no matter the task. I can acutely remember the times I’ve said no, partly because it was a BIG deal and partly because I was experiencing nauseating cognitive dissonance—but I am working on it. In all honesty, the more I’ve practiced saying no, I’ve realized I feel that much more in control of what is really honest, true, and real in life, instead of saying yes to everything. Therefore, when I say no, I’m really saying yes to so much more, and I love learning this now.

Surprise Yourself

I really learned how awesome it is to tell yourself yes to something that would not typically be your first instinct. This is one of my favorite things about God, of how He is always everywhere, even when we think He may be not, or that He wouldn’t take ‘me’ there etc. I think because of the initial reaction that wow ‘I can’t believe I am doing this and am not failing/crying/whining/wishing I was somewhere else etc., I feel I’ve experienced God that much more, because there’s no way I would’ve done those certain things without Him. I love how God constantly reinvigorates who I am and leads me to the road less traveled, and wherever the destination small or big, He’s always right there in every way. Therefore, surprise yourself, and be surprised by the God we serve.

One of my favor days of my life. Thanks be to God. Harvard University!!!

Never Underestimate the Power of Prayer and Time

The 21^st century is the antithesis of patience and waiting I sometimes think. We like our information 2 seconds ago, our food really fast, and instant access to communication. I really learned this year that sure, but for the most part, God has a timeframe of His own. He’s not with us to mass produce anything, but to intricately sculpt and mold everything that we are. There are some things I have prayed about for years that were answered, and it was beautiful to witness their being. Some things I’ve been praying for over the course of years that I will continue to pray for, but I feel in my heart they are being worked on. God has overnight and standard mailing rates, and I will continue to say that I know God always knows best. His timing is always just rightJ God loves to hear and receive our prayers too, and this year I really grew in our daily conversation, and look forward to implementing prayer in deeper ways this year.

blogs.kkbmovement.org

Thanks 2010: ) 2011, this is the longest post I plan to have this year. Holla.