Home Sweet Home

Yesterday I boarded a plane to Asheville, North Carolina for a job interview. This is my story...

So, I got to the big booming Green Bay airport (ok, not really...it's tiny) and talked to Jackie on the phone until I got on board. I flew to Detroit and had to walk through this stinking underground tunnel that looks like an underwater experience with weird lights and electronic music (if you've been in the Detroit airport, you know what I'm talking about). I then waited to board the uber small plane that would take me to Asheville. It was a gorgeous day. Not a cloud in the sky and I could look out the window and behold God's amazing creative hand as I stared at mountain ranges and snow caps. It was breathtaking. When I got to the small airport, I had one thing on the mind- how to get to my motel. I need to get to the Days Inn just a mile away (across the highway) but I didn't know how. I stared walking, talking again to Jackie as she laughed her head off at me (picture me, dressed in professional attire, walking down a fairly busy airport driveway, carting a rolling backpack behind me...). So, I decided to take a cab instead. Here's the thing about airport cabs, you have to pay for the amount of time they sat there. I only had $15 with me and the driver said it would start at $8! So...I told him to go ahead and drive. I nervously watched the meter climb...$10, $10.25, $10.50. When it got to $13.50, I told him to pull over and I would get out there. I handed him my money and looked at my surroundings...a McDonald's parking lot. But, in the distance, about 1/2 a mile away was the towering Days Inn sign, a glimmer of hope. I called Jackie again, knowing that she would again get a kick out of my story, and I headed down the access road, once again my luggage in tow.

I got check in fine, met the Residence Director from Taejon Christian International School in South Korea. This was the final step in the interview process. I was applying to be a Resident Assistant at the school. I had to meet with the school's psychologist and he analyzed my personality based on a few tests I had taken before. I met the other guy applying for a job, Mike (who, is moving to S. Korea in just 12 days...crazy! God bless, Mike!). I was introduced to the headmaster and we all went out to eat. What I didn't know was that EVERYONE in the South drinks sweet tea. Pointer: if you're interviewing for a job that requires you to move and adapt in a different country, try to show them that you can adapt to a different culture. Needless to say, I didn't drink sweet tea and I ordered my predictable "water with lemon". Stares ensued and I felt like a moron. We met for a while that night, talking about the school and the ministry. I headed back to my room, chatted on the phone with Julie for an hour, and fell asleep.

The next morning, we all went out to Waffle House for breakfast where I ordered a Pecan Waffle (in the South it's pecan...in the north, it's peecon...let's just say, they could tell I was a Yankee.). We met again after that and contracts were extended to both me and Mike. Now, this isn't just a short term missions trip we're talking about. This isn't just a 1 month experience in a foreign country. This is a 2-year minimum commitment. I would be investing in the lives of 11 and 12th grade girls in the boarding program of a very prestigous Christian school in South Korea. I would be uprooting my life in the states...well, just read my previous blogs and you'll get the gist.

So, after much prayer (thank you, friends who have been so faithful in that area for me) and consideration, I've made my decision. Well, it wasn't really a choice. God made it pretty clear where He wants me and let's just say, I haven't been this excited about the ministry in a long time.

On July 30th, 2007, I will move to Teajon, South Korea to work as an RA in Springer Dorm at TCIS. I wouldn't have been able to guess in a million years that this was where the Lord was leading me. But I'm thankful He has. What an amazing God we serve! S. Korea, here I come!!

But for now, let me just relish in my last 4 months at IWU. Cherish the moments with friends and live in the present. Therefore, you probably won't hear about Korea for a while...just about my life right now. Thanks for reading and praying. God bless!

Entertaining Angels

"are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"...Hebrews 1:14.

Isn't it crazy to think that I could have met an angel? What does it mean that angels are "ministering spirits"? What does that mean for us? I don't have the answers, I'm just putting the question out there. I wish I had the time to do a full exegesis on the passage...maybe after finals.

Speaking of finals, they are wreched wreched tests that profs. use to suck the life and joy out of students campus-wide in their last few days together before extended breaks...that's all I have to say about that.

I discovered today just how selfish I am. I wrote previously about moving to South Korea. Well, to be frank, I don't want to go anymore. The thought of leaving my friends and family to move half-way around the world only to make new friends and minister to students I may or may not relate to just doesn't appeal to me as much as it did last month. This sudden change in mental outlook caused me to stop and think for a bit. I haven't really prayed about this as much as I should. Things have just all fallen into place so perfectly. My other passions have faded away (no seminary just yet). My interviews went well. My friends and family are supportive. Everyone seems so excited! Then I realized that while all this was falling into place, I wasn't on my knees nearly enough. Sure, I was praying about it. Every single day. But this is a HUGE decision. Why wasn't I fasting and spending hours in silence with our Maker? Why was I not seeking His face with every once of my being? Even if this decision wasn't looming, why hasn't that been my way of life? He doesn't want me to seek His will, He wants me to seek HIM!

So, tonight I stole away to the Community Center Office. The tiny room that houses three RD desks (UC, Townhouses, and Male Apartments) and all the RA boxes is strangely comforting. I just sat and chatted with the Lord. Granted, the RAs on duty came in at 11 for their master keys and I may have looked pretty crazy just sitting the dark of a very very cold room. But reading the Scriptures, journaling prayers to our Lord and just talking to Him has revealed some amazing things. Why don't I want to go to Korea anymore? Because I'm selfish. Plain and simple. I listed off a bunch of reasons why I didn't want to go and they all started with "I don't" or "I won't"...me me me. What is ministry?? The very root of ministry needs to be selflessness. I lost my drive for Korea because I took my eyes off of the ministry side of things. What a great chance the Lord has placed before me!! I have the opportunity to hang out and minister to high school girls from various countries and cultures. I have the chance to spread the love of Christ to those who may not know Him. It's not about me. It's all about what God can accomplish through a willing vessel. So, really, I don't have this chance at all...God does. All I have to do is accept it. He's leading me down a path I never expected and asking me to lay aside my own needs and wants. He's asking me to give up my comfort to follow Him. He's asking me to stop being so dang selfish!! He's asking me to go...






...by george, I think I will.

Strange Days

I might move to Korea. Did I think I would move to Korea last year? Last month? Last week? No to all accounts. When I first heard of the job I thought "wow, that sounds cool, maybe after seminary." But the Lord has done some crazy things in my heart and now I feel strangely called to this country and ministry. I had my first phone interview on Sunday night and two more are going to follow in the next weeks. If all goes well, I go through a few psychological tests and then fly to Charleston, SC right after Christmas for a face to face interview. What's the job? I'd be a resident assistant for middle school and high school students living at this Christian boarding school. I'd have my own apartment and all my needs would be provided. I would get a salary plus annuity to help with my school loans (it's so weird to actually imagine having money, you don't get that in college). Not all the students at this school are Christians so it would be an amazing ministry. I would be able to work in student development and share the love of Christ with those who don't know Him while upholding and encouraging those who do. It's a two year commitment and surprisingly that doesn't scare me. There are many other RAs my age there so I wouldn't be completely lonely.

I feel like God is tugging me in this new direction and it's exciting but scary. What will happen to these relationships I've spent 4 years building up? How many weddings will I miss out on? How many reunions will I not be able to attend? What if one of the my friends starts dating a guy and I'm not there to disapprove? (hey, it could happen, we're mostly single now but some day...) The fact of the matter is I could spend all day saying "what about" or "what if". That's no way to live. If God is calling me to South Korea then I must go. No if's and's or but's. I'm resting in the fact that last month this wasn't even on the scope. I prayed that God would give me the desire to go and change my heart to be like His. I believe that this is the result. I'm actually desiring this adventure and ministry. The bottom line is, it's not about me. It's about our Father and the minsitry that He has called me to. My whole life may be a series of crazy adventures. They're just starting sooner than I anticipated.



I'm ok with that...

Which Way is Up?

It's 2am. I should be sleeping considering that I got about 10 hours in the past two nights combined. I got to see some pretty amazing friends this past weekend. Thank you, God for friends that keep in touch across the miles and can somehow hold you accountable over the phone. Paul, Bre, Julie, Jackie, and Shawn...miss you already! It was too short of a visit and I, for one, needed more time!!

1/2 of the semester left, what now? I'm up to my ears in seminary entrance essays, job applications, and complete confusion. Amidst all the chaos and uncertainty of the future I have this strange peace about life. God's got it, plain and simple. He's got it, so why should I fear anything? I just have to let him take the reigns and we'll continue on the best road trip ever (with the best music...no annoying 80s songs that always seem to creep onto the radio).

I'm tired...goodnight!

I Wish I Were a Philosopher

I've just spent about 30 minutes neglecting my Church Leadership homework in favor of reading various IWU religion prof. blogs. Goodness I wish I could write like them. Then I read the comments left by my fellow students, raising perfectly legitimate questions on the blogs of these intensely intellectual men and jealousy rises up in my veins. How I wish I could banter with the best.

Alas, maybe I'm destined to just sing through my thoughts and put them all to melodies that float in the air at coffee shops. Who knows, maybe, just maybe someday I'll be able to conjure up a blog worthy of a Coach D. or Ken Schenck reading. Until then, I'll retire to my keyboard and continue to imagine new chord progressions and rhymes.

Get out of the Boat

Summer. It was supposed to be an amazing time. I was supposed to work at the cafe for 7 weeks and then go on tour with SLAM. I was supposed to... Well, my friends, when you ask the Lord to send you trials in order to make you a stronger person and more Christ-like, He answers (be careful what you pray for). I have worked at the cafe a grand total of 4 times since being home, I've painfully injured my back and am basically bed ridden and have to go to the chiropractor every single day. i got a job as a telemarketer but was asked to do some pretty unethical stuff so I quit after 2 days and once again, I am jobless. I don't have 1/2 of my support raised for tour and I have $400 for school in the fall. PRAISE THE LORD!!!

What?!? Praise the Lord? Life pretty much sucks right now. Why would I be praising the Lord? Because He is calling me out of this boat I'm in. He's walking on the water and wants me to join him in this amazing experience. In order to do that, I need to let go of MY plans. He's answered my prayer and He is sending trials my way. What a privilege! I took my calculator out yesterday and started figuring out how much money I had to earn to be able to go back to school in the fall. Tears started streaming down my face when I realized I wouldn't have enough. Why on earth am I going on a tour for half the summer when I need a job to earn money for school?? It was at that point that my mom came up to me and ask "did you add God in?" hmm. Did I? Why do we limit what the Lord can do? He has always provided for me. Every single year I haven't had enough money for school, yet here I am, a senior. What makes me think He'll stop providing now?

So, I'm getting out of the boat. I don't know what tomorrow will bring. But I know I need to trust that God's got me. So, bring on the waves, I'm ready.

Whoa

So, I'm a senior. I have officially finished the hardest year of my college schooling thus far and can I just say...it feels uh-mazing. I just don't know what to do with myself! Between packing and checkouts (one of the joys of being an RA), I just sit and think about what a tough year it's been. From decisions to hardships to being comepletely overwhelmed by school work, it's been one wild year. So, what now? Bring on the summer!! I'm interning at my church as worship leader for 7 weeks then its off to PA for SLAM (sharing love and mercy). For 7 amazing weeks, I get to travel around the east coast performing for kids in outreach centers and other places. Skits, dancing, and singing, all for the Lord. I'm just so excited and can't wait to see the Lord work through our gifts and talents to see little ones come unto him.

So, keep checking in throughout the summer. I'm sure I'll have a ton of great stories from the road. Thank the Lord for summer vacation!!

It's About Time...

So, it's March of 2006. I haven't updated in like 10 years. Partly because I don't have the time. Partly because I figure nobody reads these blogs anyway. Yet here I am, updating, mostly for my own sake. Four weeks left of junior year. Let's just say that these are crazy days. Senior friends freaking out because they have no idea what to do. Feeling so sad that I'm losing some of my closest friends to that blasted graduation event. Yet, realizing the sweetness in the coming summer.

I'm interning at my church for the first 6 weeks of the summer. I will be the worship leader. After that, I'm touring for 7 weeks with SLAM (sharing love and mercy). 8 college students. Inner city camps and parks. Skits, music, dance and getting to hang out with some pretty amazing kids who just need the love of Jesus in their lives. Wow, the Lord is good!

But for now, I need to live in the moment. It's been a rough semester, not academically but emotionally. Events have taken my heart down some troubled paths. Yet, the Lord is still good! He's teaching me that I need to protect my heart each and everyday...such a hard job for a girl!

In other news, my new CD comes out on Wednesday. If you would've asked me in high school if I'd ever record a CD, I would've said "probably not." If you would've asked me last year if I'd ever record another CD, I would've said "oh, no way." But God continues to amaze me with opportunities. So, here we are. I pray that this album is a minstry and not just an entertainment piece. I wrote a song over spring break that didn't make it on the album in time. But I pray that the words speak to all those in limbo with the future...

Welcome indecision. Pull up, take a seat

Enter alternative, unknown we finally meet

Cease this masquerade. Play on vulnerability

These maybe's keep on trying my heart's agility

Will it be yes or will it be no?

Is this my path or the wrong way to go?

Will it be now or later on?

Is it my path that I am on?

I've made a couple wrong turns

Planting this fear inside

Of chosing the wrong course, telling me it's time to hide

Will it be yes...(etc.)

Maybe tomorrow I'll find certainty

Only when I'm down on my knees

Our great Father, guide me, lead on

My compass fails me and clarity is gone

So leave me indecision, no more will I flee

Cuz prayers are being lifted and someone's looking out for me.

Treading Water

Thank you to Nathanael Miles who so kindly pointed out to me that my blog hadn't been updated since Sept 2...by the way, he was checking this in the middle of the Religion Division's Colloquium today. Way to pay attention Nathanael.

Well, here we are. The semester is coming to a close. If I had to give one word to summarize the first semester of my junior year at IWU it would be- are-you-kidding-me-right-now? Everything would've been fine if not for these atrocious classes I am enrolled in. The work hasn't stopped and my room has been the most viewed scenery this year. My roommate is off in Taiwan student teaching and still has about 3.5 weeks left. It has been truly sad. My joy has depleated. Being an RA hasn't been stressful, it's actually helped me this year. The girls are so encouraging and living in the Lodges with an amazing RA staff has been fabulous. Still, it doesn't lessen the pain felt from Dr. Bounds' theology exams or Dr. Turcott's communication theory papers, or even worse, Prof. Edwards crazy huge prompt books for directing class. But, lest I forget, junior year is what separates the girls from the...tougher girls. So, right here, right now, the complaining with cease and I will ever be greatful for a crazy semester that has made me work hard, longer, and with more veracity than any before.

The joy of the Lord really is my strength. I lost my joy for a time this semester and, consequently, lost my strength. Neglecting to spend time in the Word, I mean significant time in the Word hinders you more than you ever thought possible. I just thank the Lord that He brought be back on track and that this semester is finally drawing to a close.

The Journey of Junior Year

Ok, so you may call me the worst blogger in the history of bloggers if you wish. It's been...a while since the last one. But I think a little grace is in order. So, it's back to school (although I never really left) after the BSE (best summer ever!). I loved ever minute of this summer. I grew so much in the Lord and I just pray that I don't backslide with all the stresses of school approaching. For the past 2.5 weeks I've been living here, in North Lodge 107 and attending RA training. Yup, for the second year, I'm gonna be an RA. Why? Because I want to see this campus make a 180. I want to see revival in the hearts of those around me. I want to make an impact and show that I really care about the girls living in my unit. So, pray for me. It's gonna be a long year. To top that off, I'm entering the JUNIOR YEAR (dum, dum, dum...melodic dum's to infer danger ahead). My classes are all major classes....well, except badminton, and I'm super pumped about it. I'm also nervous. Maybe I really don't have what it takes. I'm gonna be getting into some pretty deep theological issues in my classes this year and I pray that I'll be about to sort it all out.

Other than being a little scared for classes, I'm ready for the year to begin. My RA staff is amazing, my friends are supportive, and the Lord is sovereign. If you get a chance, pray for the fam...Kim, my sister, is in Bolivia until Dec. teaching at the Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center. Bolivia isn't a very politically stable country and there is a lot of unrest there. The little bro, Kyle, is now a freshman at Greenville College in Illinios. Get this, his major is Christian Contemporary Music. Grr!! The little punk gets to spend class time in a recording studio and studying the likes of Michael W. Smith. Am I jealous? No, because I'm where the Lord wants me. But if you think of it, pray for him.

Well, you made it! Thanks for reading! Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Summertime...

Who doesn't love the summer? Beautiful weather, no school, jobs that earn money...I've been back on campus for about three weeks now working for conference services- tech staff. It's been a rough ride. The first week was ok because I was surrounded by friends still here for May term. But last week was one of the lonliest weeks of my life. Work from 8-5 then returning to my room where I sat and practiced music, learned (kinda) how to knit, and watched two seasons of Friends. It was tough. I'm such a people person and there weren't any of my good friends around, no family, nothing. It was the best week...why? Because it caused me to appreciate my friends more than ever. It made me turn to the Lord for my comfort and I found it! Just praying out loud in conversation form really puts Him right there, next to you. Now Danika is back from China and Pudge is around...it's turning into a pretty great summer. Making some new friends and growing leaps and bounds in the Lord. I wish I could write all the amazing things He's teaching me, but it would just be too long. It's not that God is showing me His will just yet, but He is revealing some pretty incredible possibilities that I had never thought of. I'm content with not knowing. I'm content in my singleness and solitude this summer. I'm ready, willing, and now able to accept whatever our awesome Lord has in store for my life.

HOME!

I'm home. After spending an entire semester away from the great city of Green Bay, last week I returned. Can't say everything's the same: new babies, friends married, and a ton of new buildings and construction...This week was spent sleeping and catching up with old friends. Next week: waitressing, chilling with friends who are finally coming home from college, and saying bye to Jason, a great friend who is growing up and moving into his career (literally). It's kinda crazy. I didn't really realize how quickly things change. I guess I'm in that time of life where pretty big decisions come into play. Watching Dawson's Creek reruns every morning this week, I came to miss high school. Then Jason so aptly reminded me that I was really immature back then and I've changed for the better...thank you Jason. Oh well, I guess this blast from the past will tide me over until next summer when I experience it all over again.

Two weeks left until I head back (somewhat regretfully) to IWU. I was excited to return until I realized how many people I love and miss here. Oh well, these nostalgic ramblings just might be my sleep-deprived body telling me to hit the sack. Until next time...

Bitter Sweet

So tonight I fully realized that my sophomore year is coming to an end. My time in Shatford is expiring, and the power suite of Jen, Ang, and Megan will be no more. Not to mention the staff that I have grown to love so much will have just a few more meetings together. Sad? Extremely. I hate getting older. The amazing girls in my unit will no longer be just a few steps away. Yet there is so much awaiting me. I can't wait to go home. January 7th I rolled down the street and haven't seen my house, little brother, or friends since. I miss my corner room on the second floor with the big windows where I can just sit and look out to the neighborhood or the backyard and read. I miss going to church, knowing everyone, and joking around with Pastor Adam and the rest of the worship team. I miss my restaurant where I waitress, making Starbuck's drinks all day and having a blast with the rest of the waitstaff (and the ghetto dishwashers and stuck-up chefs). And, yes, I miss Wisconsin cheese. I miss going to Storheim's Frozen Custard and eating cheese curds with the youth group or high school friends. While my three weeks at home this May will be short-lived...I can't wait. Then it's back to school. I anticipate that this summer will fly by. Between working my tail off, spending hours upon hours with my keyboard and guitar in the dorm room, and hanging out with friends, I'll be plenty busy. Sooner than I know it, it'll be time to move into the north lodge and start my junior year. Bitter sweet? Of course. Leaving the familiar behind and moving will be a challenge. But life would be so boring if not for challenges and change. It's all just another bend in the road...

Blessings

Another on-duty weekend in the good ole' Shatford House. You know, while it may seem like a bummer to have to spend my entire weekend in a dorm and miss out on what my friends are doing, it truly is a blessing. I get to chill with some amazing freshmen girls and like tonight, chill with some pretty amazing RAs for 3 hours while watching the 9th season of friends (good times). I also get to complete all the things on my "to do list" that I have procrastinated on all month...

So, this week I finally figured out what to do for the rest of my life (or at least right after graduation). I could just picture God up there sitting on the edge of His seat, cheering me on to actually see where He was leading. Who am I to think that He has given me this insurmountable passion for music for mere pleasure? Churches are crying out for qualified worship leaders who truly have a passion for praising our awesome Father. That's where you'll find me. Working in a church, leading the worship part time while I hopefully tour independently part time. Yup, you heard me. I'm taking the plundge and concentrating on writing more and pursuing this "hobby" as a potential vocation. Hopefully after a summer on campus (living in Evans 103 all by myself) with my keyboard and yet-to-be-purchased guitar I'll have a clearly defined goal and direction. I hope you realize just how exciting this is. Five years ago I was going to be a Marine Biologist training dolphins at Sea World. Three years ago I was going to start my own record lable in London, England, and one year ago I was going to be a Public relations consultant for a non-profit organization. Praise God for clarity!!

Survivor: St. George

Spring break '05 has come and gone and it was an adventure to say the least...

The two IWU vans set out with 16 students (9 guys, 7 girls) at noon on Sunday. Lets just say that the guys didn't want to stop for rest room breaks and I ended up using a plastic bag for a very different purpose...Anyway, we got to St. George Island at around 3 in the morning and slept out on the beach. The next day, we kayacked 6 miles to Little St. George and set up camp. At 6:30, the fun started. We were sent into our tents because of rain. It turned into a huge storm that didn't let up until morning. Winds at 50 mph had me and Jackie holding up our tent the entire time. Three of the guys came by at around midnight to see how we were doing and the rain started again, so they stayed in Angela's tent and she came into ours (yeah for 3 girls in a two-man tent). Little did we know that there were a good 3 tornados in that area that night. The next day was amazing! The sun was shining but the wind was still strong. Angela got stung by a scorpion and the wind blew away one of our tents...But God allowed us to recover the Bibles that were in it along with a couple other items (including the tent bag, thanks for the irony). We left a day early and kayacked back (just the girls) in really rough waters and cold temps. It was so hard and scary, but we felt so buff after! We stuffed our faces with pizza and headed back to the good ole' IWU. All was going well (except for the really long graveyard driving shift I had between Alabama and Indiana with no music...) when a little friend showed up in Noblesville. Just 40 mins from school, a scorpion crawled out of my clothes and stung my neck...CRAZY! The whole van was screaming. What a way to cap off a crazy spring break.

I spent the next three days in the dorm alone...noboby else was allowed back on campus yet and my amazing RD gave me the keys to her apartment. So, I spent the time watching the entire first season of Gilmore Girls and sleeping. What a blessing to spend that time in solitude! When the guys got back, I finally had human interaction and chilled with Luke H. and Zack. Now everyone is back, including my wonderful roommie, Jen!

God taught me the importance of solitude this break. There were times when I would go off on the island and spend 2 hours in prayer or in the Word and it felt as though 15 mins. passed. He spoke to me louder than ever and I can't tell you how much I learned. Thank the Lord for struggles and triumphs!

Ready fo Break!

Michelle told me that I better update this or else she's gonna fire me from blogging.

I jogged up to Fort Wayne on Saturday to say hey to Michelle and Ben and Justin from Across the Sky. On the way there I got pulled over (92 in a 65...only a warning!) and got lost (I kinda ended up in Ohio)...It's ok though, totally worth it to see them.

Ready for spring break anyone! Just one more week...

Who Are We?

Who are we to doubt the Almighty God? He created the universe for goodness sake! He's the same God that was there when David stood to face Goliath. He was there when Abraham was about to sacrifice his son. He's got experience in the area of directing people's lives. Yet we still seem to think ourselves mighty enough to question him. I need to learn to trust him FULLY. No more of this day-in-day-out trust you today, maybe tomorrow junk. His timing is perfect. Deal with it!

Didn't mean to sound bitter. Just something laid on my heart. Have a blessed day everyone!

Insert Title Here

Why must we name our internet ramblings? Would a title really turn you off to reading the following insights? Isn't that just judging a book by it's cover?

What a day. I don't quite know what to do with myself. I have to continue to focus on this year, after all not even half the semester is gone. Yet I find myself thinking about next year and what that will bring. A new staff, new living quarters. On top of that, I still have to decide what to do this summer. Wouldn't it be nice if all summer jobs paid the same amount of money? That would alleviate so many problems. But that isn't the case and I'm left to chose between three great jobs and three very different locations. Hey, it's all good though...God's got it under control. He always does. If there's one thing that I've learned (this year particularly) it's that your plan isn't necessarily God's plan and he'll make sure you know that sooner or later.

So, what do you do when you realize that you've just spent two years at a school that doesn't have the major you really need? Do you stay at the school and make due or do you transfer? Any thoughts??

Alright, enough incoherent thoughts from this girl tonight. Theatre midterm studying is calling my name...

The Plunge

I promised myself over and over that I would never partake in this blogging, xanga madness. Well, ladies and gents, I've caved in. Can't say there will be much substance here, but if you're looking for deep thoughts to intrigue your mind, personal contact is much better. So without further ado, my thoughts:

I just got back from the great city of Nashville, Tennessee. I was down there all weekend for the GMA Academy. Basically, I went to a bunch of seminars that taught me how to be a better musician/songwriter and what I need to do to "make it". The past three days have probably been the most beneficial in a long time. Driving 6 hours, staying the night in a motel, and attending seminars (all alone) really allowed me time to think. God taught me more in my moments of lonliness than I could've ever asked for. My life seems to have so much more direction now. I met some awesome people (producers, artists, A&R reps) and my CD got the exposure that it needed. I take comfort knowing that it's all in God's hands. I am merely the clay waiting to be molded. On the lighter side, chillaxin' in Nashville with some amazing friends (Jen, Tom, Angela, Bethany, and Matt) wasn't too shabby either. (Margaret, wish you could've been there, having fun in France? Wally says hey)

But reality is a very hard wall to hit and it came in the form of IWU. I love the school and everyone here, but part of my heart still lies in Nashville, where the music never dies and dreams can be found around every corner. Until we meet again...