Looking Behind, Looking Ahead

2013 Year In Review

Looking Behind (Highlights of 2013):

• Dating my best friend. This is probably a given, but it has been an incredible time, and it is so fun to look back and see how much we've grown together since January.
• Traveling to St. Croix. Getting to share God with some awesome kiddos in a beautiful place is definitely one of my favorite memories of the year.  Mmm, passion fruit.
• Expanding my sewing skills. I know I haven't posted anything here (sorry!), but I've gotten to do a lot of creative things over the past year, including designing two (three, counting the Black Eyed Peas) halloween costumes, learning how to fit a paper pattern, and continuing to work in the Costume Shop.
• Maturing. I've seen myself grow in a lot of different ways over the  last year. I think I've changed in the way I do life, and it is a good change. God has taught me a lot about myself, about others, and about relating.

Looking Ahead (Dreams and Goals for 2014)
What will 2014 be like? When I started to write this, I got rather stuck because I couldn't think of any fancy "Dreams And Goals For 2014." But then I realized, who knows what this next year will hold? How exciting is that? There are things that I am expecting to happen, and things that I am hoping will happen, and things I wish would happen. What is exciting, though, is that I don't know. God is the only one who knows what might happen this next year. That is what makes life so exciting: It is like a roller coaster ride, and you never know what is around the next bend.

Sabbath.

What is Sabbath? Isn't it a weird thing to think about? One day, out of every week, when God commanded us to not do things.

To rest.

But what does that look like? For the Pharisees, that meant doing absolutely nothing. Jesus' disciples even got in trouble for picking heads of wheat as a snack! For Jews living in present-day Israel, it means not even pushing the button on the elevator (the elevator is programmed to stop at ever floor because of this). For some of my friends, Sabbath is simply taking a break from the routine, and doing fun things for a day.

But is that all? A set of rules (or not!) of how not to work?

Sabbath is based on this: God performed the work of creation for six days, so on the seventh day, He rested.

God - the all-powerful King of the universe - needed a break. If He needs to take a break sometimes, how much more so do we, weak, human beings we are!

But how on earth do we do that? In this fast-paced, plugged-in environment we live in, it can be hard to get away for an hour, let alone a whole day.

Here's what I propose: that, rather than a set of Don't's, Sabbath should be more about the heart. Take a day to do what you find fulfilling and restful, and find God in that. For example, you can probably guess by the title of this blog that I very much enjoy sewing. To make that my Sabbath, I would set aside some time to simply sew. As I sewed, I would dwell on the good things that God has done for me, and reflect on the questions that have been on my mind.

Sabbath is a heart attitude. It is a matter of finding God in the little, fun, joyful moments that fill your day. It's a matter of taking the time to spend time with God, and glorify Him.

Sexy Gospel (Or, This Is What I Teach My Youth Kids)

I just got back from helping lead an awesome youth retreat (so if this post seems rather scattered, it's because I haven't gotten much sleep haha). The topic was sex and relationships, and we had a really amazing time talking about what a healthy relationship looks like, why we have the natural urges and desires that we do, and what sorts of things we can be doing to prepare for a God-glorifying relationship and marriage in the future. It was an awesome retreat. I was so impressed by the kinds of questions the kids were asking - they were really deep! I also learned a lot myself. There was so much great stuff brought up, and I wanted to share some of the highlights that really stuck out to me.

• Purity is not just "avoiding sex". It is way more. True purity is seeking to live out your life - and your relationships - in a way that constantly glorifies God. This definitely includes avoiding sex before marriage, but it also affects many other aspects of a relationship.
• Sex is not the point of marriage. In Christian circles, it is easy to fall into the trap of just getting to the honeymoon, but if that's all there is, then why bother getting married at all? The point of marriage is to spend your whole life growing closer to one person, allowing yourself to be totally vulnerable with them, and learning to love them unconditionally - the way God loves each and every one of us.
• It is important to be aware that other people may give and recieve love and affection differently than you. Things that you might consider totally fine (hugging your friend, for example), they might consider to be too forward or uncomfortable. Communication and openness are key.

The retreat was a really awesome, and I loved getting to talk through some of this stuff with my youth girls. They had so many profound thoughts and questions, I'm pretty sure I learned more that they did!

Let's catch up!

You: Oh, hey Lydia! It's been forever! How have you been??
Me: Oh, hi there, Reader!! I know, I disappeared for a bit there...sorry about that...I don't even have a good excuse! I've been good, just busy with school and stuff!
You: That's okay, I've been busy too!
Me: Thanks Reader! That is so nice of you! you're so understanding.
You: What kinds of things have you been up to?
Me: Well, school is in full swing, but I have fun classes this semester so that's good. For one of y classes, I even got to design two halloween costumes and display them in a fashion show. It was super fun. I've also continued my involvement with the Well, my church, and my other on-campus activities.
You: That sounds awesome! So, what has God been doing in your life the last few months?
Me: Well, I think He's been showing me a lot about myself and my relationship with Him. It has been a rather humbling experience (Isn't that always the case? Nobody quite likes getting a good look at their true self), but it has been really cool at the same time. Here are some things I've learned about myself:

• I struggle with actively engaging - if I am not consciously thinking about what's happening or being said, I can fall into a pattern of passivity and check out.
• I don't like being in front of large groups of people, but people tend to see me as a leader.
• I am an ISFP on the Myers-Briggs personality test - i.e. I'm pretty quiet until something needs to be done.
• I have the spiritual gift of Shepherding - i.e. I love, love, love taking care of people and guiding them.
• I am a daughter of the King, and that is the important thing. (hey look, I made a rhyme!)

You: wow, that's great! Sounds like you're doing great! Can't wait to read more of the blog  posts that you will regularly write...RIGHT?
Me: yes, yes I promise! ;)

The Fruits of the Spirit

This semester at The Well, we've been memorizing "heart verses". I.e., we're not committing them to memory, we're learning them by heart. One a week.

 I've taken to writing them on my white board so I can read them easily during the day. As I was sipping my coffee this morning, I began meditating on this week's verse: Galatians 5:22-23.

 The fruits of the Spirit.

I was familiar with the verse, of course. There isn't a PK in the world that hasn't heard it in Sunday School at some point. But I hadn't really meditated on it. For a long time, in my mind I had thought of the "fruits of the spirit" as this list of characteristics of the perfect Christian. To be a "good person" you had to be loving and have self-control. So, naturally, I tried to be better at these things. But it was hard! How do you just have more faithfulness? Seriously?

It's not up to me.

They're fruits.

By-products of growth.

If I'm growing closer to God, and seeking His face, these things will come. The Holy Spirit is the one who gives joy, peace, and patience.

That is so sweet.

How To Shower In A College Dorm

This may seem like a really random topic, but hey, it's something every freshman has to figure out, and I might as well try and save you some awkwardness.

Via

YOU WILL NEED:
-A shower caddy filled with the essentials
-a bathrobe
-flip flops
-a towel

1. While in your room, get naked. I advise doing this in your room to avoid the discomfort of trying to undress in a cramped shower stall that might be wet.
2. Put on your robe and flip flops, and grab your supplies. Arm yourself! And make your way to the bathroom. Make sure your door is unlocked!
3. In the bathroom, set your caddy outside the shower and only take in what you'll need. I keep things like my toothbrush and facewash in my caddy, and I'd rather not have them get wet every time I shower. This is also a great time to hang up your towel.
4. Take off your flip flops, climb in the shower, and hang up your robe. The flip flops are personal preference: I know many people who shower wearing them, and I know many people who don't. I just figure hey, these bathrooms get cleaned every single day. They're not that bad. Also, I don't like trying to shower while wearing shoes.
5. Have a delightful shower!
6. when you're done, towel off. I advise doing this in the shower, then wrapping the towel around your head, putting your robe and flip flops back on, and making the trek back.

Helping Hand

I am so thankful for the community at the Well. Tonight, I got to see just how much God moves through this community.

Nate spoke on Matthew 6, and he divided the chapter into two sections: the first part, which is about being real with God as you live out your faith (not performing in order to impress others), and the second part, which is about not worrying or living in fear, because God is in control. (If you'd like to listen to the message, it should be posted here very soon).

Nate challenged us to live as a community this way - not faking, and not judging others for their vulnerability. I know I needed to be reminded of that - it is so easy to fall into this trap of believing that if you don't have it all together, then you must not be a good Christian. If you'd just "pray harder" your life would be perfect.

But this is so not true. As Christians, we should be striving to be more Christ-like, but that is only possible if we allow each other to see our weaknesses and help us work through them. At the same time, we cannot judge those around us, because who wants to be judged when they are trying to be vulnerable?

I got to see this demonstrated in an inspiring way tonight. At the end of the sermon, Nate invited people to come up to the front, cut a piece of twine, and tie it around their wrist as a reminder to live committed to Christ. What Well leadership hadn't realized, though, is that it is very hard to tie a piece of twine around your own wrist. I was sitting in the front, and I got to witness people helping each other out left and right. One girl was struggling with it, and another girl, who I am pretty sure was a total stranger to the first girl, just walked up to her and helped her out. To me, that was a beautiful metaphor for how the Christian family is supposed to work: I may not know you that well, but we're in this together so let me love on you.

What I Love: 8/18/13

I am thankful for the gift of gratitude. It allows me to take joy in the things around me, embrace life's ups and downs, and give glory to God no matter what.

This is it! I have completed a full year of What I Love. I miss many days (ahem, the last couple. Ahem), but it really has been a great excersise in simply embracing what God has given me. It's been a fun ride!

From here on out, I will still be posting regularly. Much of it will probably still be What I Love-style, but I'm hoping to share with you guys more pictures, some of the projects I do this semester, and other exciting things in my life.

Until later!

What I Love: 8/15/13

Packing to prepare for my return to school! I've missed it, and I am excited to go back. What will this year hold?

What I Love: 8/14/13

Going camping with my family (yes, that is the reason for my absence). A lot of laughs, a lot of cookies, marshmallows, and coffee, and a lot of wonderful memory-making family time. :)

What I Love: 8/11/13

Being able to bless the people around me with food, music, fun times, and fellowship.

What I love: 8/9/13

When God answers prayer. This morning, I was really exhausted, had a headache, and didn't want to go to work. I knew this wasn't a good attitude to start the day with, so I prayed and asked God to change my view and help me have a good day. And He did! The store wasn't too busy, but it was just busy enough to keep me from getting bored. My boss was in a good mood, and I got to play with lots of pretty fabric. :) Thanks God!

What I Love: 8/7/13

Thinking, planning, and getting excited for Fall Semester! It is going to be so great.

What I Love: 8/6/13

Getting coffee with one of my best friends, and getting to chat about everything under the sun. So good. :)

What I Love: 8/5/13

Having coupons to save lots of money with when shopping. :)

What I Love: 8/4/13

Babysitting! Especially when it's a sweet seven-month-old who can't stop smiling.

What I Love: 8/3/13

That both Ben and Rachael will be home soon! It will be nice to have the whole family in one place, even if it's only for a little while.

What I Love: 7/31/13

The Gatekeeper at Cedar Point. It's a new ride that's really fun. We went yesterday (hence my lack of posting), and we got to ride it. You should try it sometime.

What I Love: 7/28/13

Introducing my boyfriend to gooseberries, card games, and kayaking. But not at the same time.

What I Love: 7/27/13

After my post about modesty yesterday, I was reminded of this fantastic resource I'd stumbled across a few years ago. It's called the Modesty Survey, and basically, it's a survey of hundreds of Christian guys who gave their input as to what they see as modest. I love this because I want to be modest and protect the guys around me, but sometimes I just don't know. I might think something is modest (or sometimes I'm afraid I just don't think), and this is a really useful guide to get an idea of how guys see the world.