Hallelujah we are free at last!

It appears Spring has finally decided to make it's appearance, and not a moment too soon! I am not much of a Winter type of person so every March or April I wait for the consecutive weeks of weather in the 70's, and IT HAS ARRIVED.

I love the spring for many reasons. Birds chirping, the sun shining, outdoor activities, school coming to an end, I don't know how someone could not love the months of march april and may.

This picture most accurately describes spring to me, sno cones, red buds, sun burns, and days at the park

It's not all rainbows and butterflies though, let me tell you. Coming out of winter months leaves me in desperation for a tan, because I am a firm believer of the notion that everyone looks better tan (but no need to overdo it, wrinkles and leathery skin aren't cute either). Which also means the first sun burn of the season, which you can see in the above picture... yikes.


I also always need a pedicure ASAP because my feet have been hiding in my socks all winter. It's worth the judgmental discussions going on between the nail person and her colleague because a good pedicure can make a woman feel like a million bucks, can i get an amen?

You didn't get a pedicure if you didn't take a picture right?

Then there's that winter weight...you started with a New Years resolution to lose the extra weight and when the season for shorts and tank tops comes, it's the moment of truth. This year for me hasn't been as traumatic as the years in the past, because I have been losing weight, still...it might take a lot of effort to get me into a swim suit just yet.

I think i'll have some veggies with those veggies....

Speaking of swim suits, thank goodness for Spring Break. Spring Break is what keeps us sane as we anticipate the end of school. I've got a countdown until May 9th, 41 days, that's including weekends so we're almost there, we've got this!

Over Spring Break my mom, sister, fiance, and nephew took a trip to Arkansas and stopped by our favorite celebrities house on the way #fangirling #duggars

And my favorite part of spring? Easter!Because it marks the resurrection of our risen savior, and there has never been such a celebration of life greater than Easter in the history of the world. After the ultimate sacrifice, and the remarkable rising from the dead.

Matthew 28:5-7 

…5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.7"Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."…

Love one another

My heart is heavy today because of the large amounts of hate by the fraternity members of OU SAE. In the book of John we are told to love one another...

"A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you , so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another". John 13:34-35

The Lord doesn't tell us if you are white only love other white people, or if you are Native American only love other Native Americans. NO. He simply said love one another. 

The thing I am frustrated about most of the time is the fact that racism is still a thing. It is a barbaric, uneducated tool straight from the devil. And it frustrates me that people don't educate themselves on things like this OU SAE incident so they can form their own opinion and be able to contribute an EDUCATED opinion on the matter. 

People have said the whole state of Oklahoma is a racist backwoods state. Nothing could offend me more than to be lumped in with the members of this fraternity because we live in the same state. 

Our state is a beautiful one full of wonderful people who love anyone and everyone, and will give you the shirt off of their own back rather than see anyone go without. Of course there are the few that make us all look bad, but those people are everywhere. 

What we have to do is make sure that above anything else we are loving our neighbors. No matter what, at all costs, because the Lord didn't choose who to love, but how to love. 

"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17

Senioritis

sen·ior·i·tis

ˌsēnyəˈrītis/

noun

humorous

1. a supposed affliction of students in their final year of high school or college, characterized by a decline in motivation or performance.

An age old problem effecting students everywhere. Really it's all I can do to type out this blog. All of our hard work and late nights studying, all nighters pulled, and cramming for tests. By the end of our four years we are past done. The only known remedy?

Graduation.

Senior year is the beginning of the end, especially in college and it is marked by a lot of "lasts".

With two of my best friends and teammates before our last first game of the season, EVER!

Last times to go get donuts after morning weights...

And then there's Senior day. Nothing in the world will make you realize you're graduating sooner than playing in your last home game...

Yes, all of these are related to soccer...

Let me tell ya, it's real. My only problem is i'm not officially in my last semester, I still have to come back for one more in the fall. I remember getting senioritis in high school but pulling through just in time. However when you are staring down the barrel of your last years in any type of formal education, it's hard to not be overwhelmed. 

I would like to now go into a list of things you can do to avoid the symptoms and things that will help you get through these last few months of school.... But i've got nothing for you. 

All I have for you is, be strong. We've got this....maybe. 

Rest in peace

What does it mean it rest in peace? Something I thought about in depth this past week as my Papa passed away. He was 84, a Korean War Vet, father to 4 grandfather to 12, and a great grandfather.

My brothers and cousins as pall bearers.

Something most people, if not everyone wonders when a loved one dies is where have they gone? I take comfort in knowing that my Papa gave his heart to the Lord months before it was his time. 

So something to take away from experiencing death is something the Lord tells us in Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

So in my Papa's death, I take comfort knowing that he is rejoicing in the streets of gold with his Creator. He is no longer experiencing pain, or discomfort, but will forever be in peace. 

And someday, we will all join him in his praise, and be together in Heaven forever. 

Oh the places you will go...

As each kid in my family graduated high school, my mom gave us a copy of the great Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go" because she is a brilliant woman and knows the value of a great author!

Recently I was thinking about this book and where I have been since it has been four years (my goodness i'm about to graduate college) since I was given my own copy, and the places that fill my passport and heart amaze me.

Until this summer, I had not been abroad, then I went to 7 countries! At the beginning of summer I had the honor of visiting Nicaragua for a mission trip. This experience changed me and to see the Lord move through language barriers, health obstacles, and traveling obstacles, amazed me.

The village we visited took a 7 hour bus ride into the mountains, but Santo Domingo was well worth the trip.

Upon my return to the states, I took a road trip with my mom and sister to up state New York to visit family. It was here that I visited Canada for the first time. 

Here my twin and I stand on the bridge from New York to Canada, eh?

Next I took my travels to Europe, and what an incredible experience this was! In Europe we visited 5 different countries including Germany, Belgium,  the Netherlands, France, and Luxembourg. Being hugely interested in WWII history, this grand tour blew my mind in so many ways. If you are trying to decide on where to go in Europe, I suggest visiting Deutschland!

My best friend and I upon our arrival in Berlin.

In front of the remaining parts of the Berlin Wall. 

In the French channel.

And I have been all over the United States, from sea to shining sea. 

 I hold The Windy City near and dear to my heart, go cubs?

The National Mall on the Fourth of July was insane, and truly a remarkable experience!

I am a zoo going LOVER, and I can proudly say the San Diego Zoo was my favorite, then the Washington D.C. one and then the Tulsa Zoo!

 Viva Las Vegas, y'all.

Another place our soccer travels took us, The Grand Canyon!

But after all of this traveling and knowing what I know now about the incredible world around me, my favorite place in the whole wide world to go, is home. 

The view from the front porch of my home in Verdigris, Oklahoma

The one place that will always be closest to my heart, as well as the people in it. I hope you have a place to call home, and it means as much to you as mine does to me. Happy traveling!

I'm a big kid now

I've had a revelation:

I am a "Grown Up".

Go back and read that again if you struggle with the concept of me being an adult. I find myself sometimes repeating it to myself seeing if it will sink in. So far, no such luck. I'll keep you updated.

There have been a couple things that have helped me in discovering this and I thought I would share them, just in case you were wondering if you were one as well. So, here goes!

1. I have several jobs. 

Let me explain myself... Having several jobs requires a lot of responsibility and many things come with that. I wake up early in the morning, I have to put on make-up, do my hair, pack a lunch, dinner, and go through a to-do list for the day.

Some of you might say, Emily this isn't anything out of the ordinary, in fact this is kinda lame of you to think I want to read about this. I WILL HAVE YOU KNOW, if you have never gone to school with me, you do not know that I wear workout clothes everywhere. Even if i'm not working out... It's simply what i'm most comfortable in, and it takes me less than 5 minutes to get ready. (I've learned the error in my ways.....kinda)

Exhibit A. Vacationing, workout clothes. Would it kill me to throw on some jean shorts like my twin??

Exhibit B. Hanging out with friends, God Bless Quinn (far left) she is my BFFL. Then there's Brandi... (this was actually on Halloween).

Exhibit C. Brunch in the city, TAKE YOUR DANG HAT OFF EMILY! Good thing my friends are gorgeous!

2. I like Dark Chocolate.

This is something that hit me like a ton of bricks! I have always loved milk chocolate and turned my nose up to dark chocolate. HOWEVER, since my healthy eating, lack of more processed foods, and sweets in general, I now LOVE dark chocolate when I do treat myself!

My sister informed me that this also happened to her in her senior year of college and quickly welcomed me into adult-hood. SHE'S A HOOT!

It is imperative that you try these. YOU WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.

3. My eating habits.

This may be the funniest part. I eat like a grown up. I meal prep, I shop at multiple stores for specific items, and generally try and stay on the outer parts of the store to avoid the junk!

I have some form of fruit every morning. A banana or an apple to be specific (I tried a grapefruit, too much, not enough reward...).

There are some mornings where I HAVE to have coffee. The only coffee I used to drink were frappuccinos. Not anymore. I love lattes, macchiatos, iced coffees, really anything but just plain black. 

So there you have it. It's happened/is still happening. Is this a part of being a senior in college? If it is, I guess i'm on track. To the rest of you going through this...brace yourself, I have a feeling we're in for a bumpy ride.

What about love?

With Valentines day approaching I thought I would address the obvious... LOVE.As soon as the Christmas and New years decorations are up, here we are thinking about Valentines day.

For some, the question of who, if anyone, looms over their head. For others, how will they surprise the one they love and then there's when, when does it get to be your turn to be so deeply in love and find that one person that will forever be your valentine and never look back?

So, i've decided to try my best at defining love this valentines day.

The greatest definition of love in my book was demonstrated on a cross. 1 John 4:19 says it best, "We love because he first loved us."

For someone to love the human race so much that he gave his life, that someday we might live was is the best example of how we should love. John 15:12 says, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." 

My own definition of love is a simple one. Loving someone means you put their own needs before your own. You forgive them when they mess up, because they will. You pray for them more than you do yourself, not being able to imagine life without this person or people, doing whatever you can to make their life a good one.

When I think of love I think of my parents. For 36 years they have been the second greatest example of what love is, not only between the two of them, but the love they have showed to their six children, and anyone in need of love they have gone out of their way to help.

And then theirs my own love, the love of my life, the man who has my heart, and happens to be born on Valentines Day. There were times where I was worried I wouldn't have what my parents have, but being a hopeless romantic myself, I can't say I ever gave up on love. 

God had something planned for me and I for that, I am truly thankful! So this Valentines Day, whether you've found that special someone or are still searching, try and show someone true, unadulterated love.