It's not everyday you get coughed on by a giraffe, and other Jesus is AWESOME moments

I will be the first to tell you I've never been a huge animal person, but ya know Jesus' continues to find creative ways for me to love all of His creations. On Friday the SALP staff caravaned to Binder Park in Battle Creek, Mich., where many wonders of the world reside. We saw a snow leopard, a dinosaur, monkeys, emus, zebras, tortoises, and so many other wonderful animals. We even took a safari to Africa--only 5 minutes to get there!

On Friday I finally felt what people talk about as "love at first site." No not a man,--one of these days, I know Jesus is doing great things there, but anyways--I met a giraffe! They were just the sweetest animals ever. For a mere $1 for a piece of lettuce, you could feed them. This photo captures the giraffe enjoying his piece, and my shock that he didn't eat my finger! There tongues are so long and icky! But he just blew me away with his gentle nature, his charmingly awkward facial look, and his disposition to the world. He just seemed happy, happy for the day, for the company, for the food, for the little lovely life Jesus created for him.

Oh! And a little while later, he coughed on me! There was a little girl next to me and it blew all of her hair back. It was just the sweetest thing I must say!

So thanks Mr. Giraffe. You remind that each day is full of grace, love, and happiness. You were just such a genuine pleasure to meet, and I hope we meet again:-)

If you feel somedays as if Jesus is not close, pray for Him to show you the beauty of each day, and invite him into everything you do--He will 10000% greet you graciously right then. I think that's been my favorite thing about July; I really learned just how strongly He is everywhere.

Jesus was with me in my travels 2,500 miles, and even danced to the music with me.

Jesus continues to affirm my calling to be a student affairs professional.

Jesus continues to tell me 'You got this girl! I'm with ya!'

Jesus continues to feed me and keep money in the bank.

Jesus continues to nurture friendships that mean so much to me.

Jesus tells me its going to be ok, and not to worry, or hurry, or think too much.

Jesus showed me just how being there to give a hug is sometimes all that is needed.

Jesus has shown me that his trust is always the best way to provide wind and direction to my sails.

He tells me to pray, and to illuminate the life He's called me too.

This little light of my, I'm going to let it shine:-)

How has Jesus been AWESOME in your life this month? I challenge you to write a few things down. Is their a pattern? Is their a message? How does this encourage your walk with Him?

My Monday, My Yellow Flowers (16 days until T.Haas & I shake hands)

This week my parents came for the Awards Banquet and brought along with them these exquisite yellow roses. I have enjoyed watching them miraculously unfold with layers of beauty.

In many ways these roses don't just feel like any roses to me. They celebrate 4 years of active voluntary involvement at GVSU. As they seemed to tip toe to unfold, and then suddenly blossomed into magnificence, I feel we've lived a similar life. Who I was 4 years ago was a bud in comparison to the yellow rose I feel to be inside now.

I enjoyed Monday night with my parents in ways that I could not have imagined. The dean of the Honors College gave a keynote speech that encapsulated the rarity and importance of celebrating good work. He recently shared how he performed at Carnegie Hall, and when they ended, the 5-story theatre roared with applause. He said although that meant so much to him, at the end the conductor looked at them and said something that made everything just come together.

Bravo.

I almost begin to cry reflecting on this, because he then said bravo to all those who were recognized. It was very powerful to be graciously recognized for my contribution to student life at GVSU, but he made me realize something so much greater.

He led me to the epiphany that the little bravos are what are the most humbling, rewarding moments of all.

And that's what Monday night felt like. It was a celebration of what has been learned, occurred, transformed, grown, inspired, and humbled within me by Him and all those awesome people of His Kingdom that have encouraged me to become who I am. As much as the award was to me, it was so much more about everything and everyone who I have met, worked with, learned with, laughed with, made a difference with at GVSU.

It was so wonderful to have my parents there, to not only be a part of such a sacred moment, but to congratulate me. I feel sometimes that being at GVSU theirs a disconnect between what I do, and to have them realize how much I love and have been dedicated to student life at GVSU was a tremendous feeling. President Haas even told our table congratulations--how humbling as well.

Monday night reminded me that I am Sarah Amelia Schultz, and I am so ready to continue--not begin, but continue-- to light the world on fire with all of the gifts and spirit and people He has blessed me with.

So for the rest of my life, I will remember that my life changed the day I was told one simple, powerful, genuine word, because I could hear God saying it too.

50 Final GVSU Adventures

Reflecting on 3.5 years and embarking on my final semester as a Laker, I feel a little bit of everything. I've been continuously transformed through experiences, people, and the adventures that are so sacred to what college is all about. In celebration of Grand Valley's 50th year (I am so excited to say I graduated in GVSU's 50th year of shaping lives--a future student affairs professional would find this cool!) I wanted to make a list of 50 things to do in my final semester as Laker.

Some of these things have been done before, but for the love of GVSU and my senior year, they all deserve one 'grand' round of fun, laughter, adventure, and applause. I can't wait to share these experiences with the people I am grateful to call my family and friends: )

This list is in no particular order (please feel free to comment on what should be added if things are missed!) Here's the Grand 50:

1. Eat dinner at Fresh
2. Eat Klienese
3. Push and/or ride the gravity ball
4. Attend Presidents' Ball 2011
5. Throw a penny in the fountain
6. Eat lunch outside somewhere on campus
7. Get a picture with President Haas
8. Go to Laker Late Night and eat something college-y
9. Attend a sporting event
10. Study in Zumberge Library
11. Attend Leadership Summit
12. Relax in the arboretum
13. Go to Grand Haven for a visit
14. Attend a LIB 100 event
15. Wear a Louie the Laker tattoo (I have never done this!)
16. Go sledding in D9 parking lot
17. Eat a Laker Bowl
18. Go ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle
19. Participate in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week events
20. Participate in Leadership Week
21. Wear an 'I Am GV' tee
22. Go to a Campus Praise Rally
23. Go to CRU
24. Go to a Campus Ministry Service
25. Chat with a friend at the hidden' fountain
26. Visit Stafford, my first college home
27. Go on a run around campus
28. Get Starbucks coffee downtown
29. Study in Zumberge Library
30. Ride the 50
31. Eat at The Pub
32. Wear green on St. Patrick's Day
33. Send thank you's to people who made a difference in my college experience
34. Get a massage at the rec center
35. Do the community reading project, The Imortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
36. Meet the author when she comes, Rebecca Skloot
37. Work out at the rec center
38. Shake T. Haas' hand at graduation
39. Walk at Relay for Life
40. Walk under the Blue Structure my last week
41. Go to Buffalo Wild Wings, eat breadsticks at Ucello's, and half-off appetizers at Applebee's
42. Climb the rock climbing wall
43. Call 20/20 and ask a silly question
44. Submit something to the Lanthorn
45. Sing GVSU cheers
46. Study in my favorite place in Lake Ontario
47. Go to a performance in the PAC
48. Be a part of a small group
49. Buy something at the bookstore
50. Run in the turf building