Top 10 favorite memories from Summer 2008

In contrast to last summer, where I was in San Diego and pretty much in heaven with 120 other college students who loved Jesus, this summer felt a little more like reality. I definitely did not have the same amount of fellowship or encouragement as I did last summer, however God was still faithful and good, as always, and blessed it. 

So here we go, in no particular order, my top 10 favorite events from the summer of '08:

1. Reuniting with SDSP'ers at David & Britta's wedding- being able to be a part of such a wonderful and God-honoring event!

2. Walking on a gorgeous trail by Michelle Miller's house in Milwaukee- just talking to her and learning so much....she will definitely be a lifelong friend!

3. Visiting Epikos church in Milwaukee with Jon and Michelle- amazing sermon and exciting to see the heart of a modern, but smaller church.....and going to Kop's afterwards for the best custard ever....

4. Enjoying my time in Boulder- the gorgeous flatirons.....my hike with dad and Jared....my bike ride with mom....spending a full day with Elise on pearl street and laying out on the green lawn, getting good time with Nana and Papa

5. Car-tripping to Dallas on July 4th weekend to visit Seliece's sister- driving around on July 4th at 4:30 p.m., wasting time before Truluck's opened at 5 for dinner....then driving 45 minutes after dinner to find a frozen yogurt shop which resembled Pink Berry, getting to spend time with Annie Shamoon

6. Cruising with the fam- sharing a room with Michelle and Jared...having great family time and laughing a lot....eating amazing food, meeting Anna & Dave

7. Spending time outside of work with Pure Austin people- our cooking night when Tiffany, Yanet, Ashlee, and Anne all came over and we cooked a delicious dinner...seeing Yanet laugh hysterically on the trampoline, going to see the Dark Knight with Katy....and having to work the opening shift 5 hours later

8. Having a 2-week sleepover with Anne- being able to talk about pretty much everything with her...

9. Being encouraged by older girls- me and Paige's movie night/coffee date, seeing Adrianne and being able to re-connect with her, meeting Kristina at Pure Austin and having her pursue spending time with me....

10. Loving my time at home (overall)- my talks with mom....being cooked for again...rearranging my room and sleeping in my comfy bed....having a family that loves me and wants the best for me, but also challenges me to grow

Thank you, Lord, for blessing my summer! 

Psalm 136:1

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever."

Goals

Goals are great. and necessary. And since the fall is about to start, what better time to assess where I am and assure I continue to grow and move forward in every area of my life.

I will divide my goals into 4 categories:  Spiritual, Mental, Physical, and Social. 

Spiritually, I would like to continue to spend daily time in the Word and in prayer. I cannot neglect this sacred time with the Lord. It will be crucial in providing me with fuel to get through my day and walk in the Spirit and not the flesh. I must connect with Him daily....this is non-negotiable. 

Mentally, my goal is to get a 4.0 this semester. I know it's going to take work, but after having a rough year last year school-wise and lacking focus, I really am ready to hit the books, even though I may have to be reminded of this many times throughout the semester...

Physically, I would like to be fit. That's all. No more, no less. We'll see how long it takes me to reach this/ find some form of working out that I actually enjoy.....

Socially, I would like to enjoy and get to know more of the girls I'm living with in the Tridelt house. I am so thankful for the fellowship God has already blessed me with! 

 My prayer is that no matter what I am doing or how hectic things get, the Lord would give me the strength and diligence to press on, asking him simply to help me do "the next thing".