College

I finished another journal today! I love journaling. My favorite part is to read back and see all the ways the Lord has worked in my life. Times when I basically thought the world was ending were merely a speed bump in my story. I can look back on those times with thankfulness now because of what they taught me about Jesus and myself. Speaking of sweet times, I came across the entry I wrote the night before I graduated from ETSU and it was filled with sweet memories...

"I graduate college TOMORROW! How crazy is that?! I feel like I keep talking about it but it won't really come. I don't feel ready to be done with college. I'm not ready to leave my friends and family in the fall. Although, I don't think I'll ever feel ready. It has been a great four years! So many good times and some hard times- but ultimately they ended up good.

During college, I figured out who I am and where I "fit". I made my faith my own. I made friendships that will last forever and some that only lasted a short time but had a great impact on my life. I "got in the wheelbarrow". I realized my love for teenagers and desire to show them Jesus' love. I spent a month at Frontier Ranch. I learned about God's never ending, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love for me. I watched Katy Ann and Austin grow up. I had my heart broken. I broke others' hearts. I ate tons of Barberitos. I learned that I can be artsy and musical... if I try. I watched my sister grow up and grew to love and admire her more everyday. I spent way too much money. Fall break to Charleston was the best trip in spite of stomach problems. I had long talks over iced soy vanilla lattes. I lived with my best friends. I watched people start relationships with the Lord. I released all inhibitions at dance parties. Kimber and I drove to Boone a lot. I watched my friends be great Younglife leaders. I went to the beach with friends every spring break- each trip was different and great. I spent a month in Oregon. I loved being at Windy Gap. "With You" by Chris Brown was my favorite song. I was a lifeguard. People called me hessie, Jaguar, Lynn, and Gooz. I was a Younglife leader with my Younglife leader. I had friends who loved me enough to tell me things I didn't want to hear. I spent many days at the lake. I rarely did homework. I learned how to be a leader. I learned how much I need Jesus. I became friens with my parents. I listened to lots of Drew and Ellie. My favorite treat was peanut butter m&ms and coke. I got really sick for a while, but eventually got better. I climbed trees at the VA. I went night hiking and night swimming. I learned lots of lessons the hard way. I went rollerblading. I watched my sweet Charlie grow up. I worked at Hollister for a week. I learned to let people love me. I figured out I don't have to be perfect. I watched through tears as some people very dear to me moved away. I learned to trust God. I watched (but didn't really watch) movies with my friends. I played tennis with Zach. I watched my friends get their hearts broken. I smoked cloves and drank cream soda. I dressed in goofy outfits. I went to concerts. I was (and still am) indecisive. I lived in Rose Park, the Casa, and the Mold house. I learned from my friends. I peed in my pants. I pulled all-nighters. I took girls to Younglife camp. I saw brokenness in the form of eating disorders, breakups, abuse, and abortion. I have seen the beauty and joy of adoption. I went to drive-in movies. I passed notes in class. I had many sweet moments with the Lord. I read the pals sign everyday. I played cornhole and ultimate frisbee. I spent many hours at the Caldwell's house laughing, crying and everything in between. I was on student staff with Amber. I read the Blue Book. I endured many homeschool jokes. I got scared. I worked at the Bristol Races. I watched my Younglife team grow and change. I went to Waffle House in the middle of the night. I watched YouTube videos over and over. I was "Sue" at club. I forgot and re-learned how much I need Jesus. I loved going to church for the first time. I played on the playground in the Tree Streets. I changed my major 33589733 times. I spent way too much time of facebook. I went to the Carter Family Fold. I grew out of my shy, awkward stage. I drove to Charleston to watch the sunrise. I had my first kiss. I ran away from the Lord. I ran back to the Lord. I prayed like crazy. I made mistakes. I got hurt. I learned to be intentional. I met many different kinds of people- funny, angry, crazy, mean, happy, & lovely. I overanalyzed. I sang at the top of my lungs. I watched every season of Dawson's Creek. I loved and was loved. I learned. I grew up. I became the real me."

No wonder I miss it so much!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a sweet time that was! Reading this makes me miss it, but it also makes me excited for the times ahead. Bring it!