Precious.

Hymn.

If to distant lands I scatter
If I sail to farthest seas
Would you find and firm and gather 'til I only dwell in Thee?
If I flee from greenest pastures
Would you leave to look for me?
Forfeit glory to come after
'Til I only dwell in Thee

If my heart has one ambition
If my soul one goal to seek
This my solitary vision 'til I only dwell in Thee
That I only dwell in Thee
'Til I only dwell in Thee

-Brooke Fraser

April.

Seven days of class left. Easter Break. Finals. Guatemala.

Woah.

It's getting a little scary. And I'm feeling...overwhelmed...to say the least. Side story: one time, I was at dinner with my sorority "family" and my big asked my little how she was feeling, "Overwhelmed? Underwhelmed?" To which, my little replied, "I'm just whelmed." Easily one of the most unexpected and hilarious things I've heard in a while. Anyways, things are always busy this time of year. So many tests, so many assignments, so little time. But in the midst of all of this, I'm trying to really take advantage of these last couple of weeks and enjoy them. Trying to find the balance between my social life and getting all of my schoolwork done...that is the hard part. There have been moments where I feel like I'm drowning in everything.

But, God is good and uses other people to wake me up when I start having these feelings. On Thursday at RUF (Reformed University Fellowship...an on-campus ministry), the seniors were given the chance to say whatever they desired at the large group gathering. Some shared testimonies, some shared what RUF means to them, and others shared advice. Lots of wisdom was spread throughout that room. A few of the seniors in particular cautioned us against falling into the "norm" here at school; that norm being to be constantly stressed/busy, going to the PAC (which is a wonderful thing...until it becomes a matter of "I have to because..."), and making better grades than everyone around you. One senior put it in "good enough" terms, saying that she didn't feel "good enough" until she had accomplished a certain amount of things. This is a wonderful place and I am so thankful to be here, but it changes your mindset in subtle ways, as does any environment. Thursday night challenged me to examine my heart and see where it lies. I was also challenged to look up. Yes, I have a busy week ahead of me. But I will conquer it. The Lord will lead me through and I will continue to look up at Him. He will be my mindset and my peace.

What a beautiful world...

It's spring! Let's all give a big HOORAY!

Oh how I wish this past weekend could have lasted forever. Yesterday was the first time in a while that I have been in complete denial that today would be Monday. To say that waking up this morning was difficult would be a gigantic understatement.

Will you re-live this weekend with me for a few minutes?

Thank you :)

It started off bright and early on Friday morning at about 7:00 as Katharine and I headed to a bagel restaurant to have breakfast with some of our middle school girls. Despite the earliness and lack of caffeine in my system, Friday morning is quickly becoming one of my favorite parts of the week. Time with those girls is always filled with laughter...usually about absolutely nothing. So much fun.

Moving forward... classes were cancelled on Friday due to this thing the university does where students present research all day long. Students are encouraged to attend the presentations throughout the day. So, naturally, David and I went hiking. It was beautiful and so much fun.

I really couldn't have asked for a better way to spend a day. Then (after a much needed shower), itwas baseball game time! Our sorority has an "informal" the night before formal and this year it was a trip to our city's baseball game. I honestly think that was the first time I have stayed the entire time at a baseball game and enjoyed every second of it. Tons of fun. And then it was movie night time. This week's flick: Wall-E. Quality.

On to Saturday! Chain of events: breakfast with some of my favorite people, haircut, target run, getting ready and then FORMAL! Aka my favorite event of the year. A night full of good food, great people, and swing dancing...I mean, what more could you ask for? Basically all of my favorite things in one place. Because Jesus was there too, which is really cool. So yeah, all of my favorite things were there. We danced the night away (still reaping those consequences...but totally worth it) and it was a blast. Sunday was relaxing and beautiful. It felt like summer.

Basically one of the best weekends to date. I am so blessed. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.