What I'm reading: My mom always forwards me amazing blog posts that really fill me with joy. I have also been seeing amazing articles popping up on my Facebook feed, as well. Putting more joy in the world is always a good thing.
1) Eyes Up
2) Bravery
3) Be Beautifully Human
4) Don't Date a Girl who Travels
5) Stop Doing These Things
6) Let Go
Con mucho amor.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
List #2: Favorite Places and Spaces
What I've been doing: I have been busy taking a creative writing class. But it's still my resolution to take time to blog and be creative. Here's list numero dos.
1) My bedroom at school: It's where I watch television and where I do my homework. It's where I take naps and where I read. It's filled with people and things I love.
2) The coast: My grandma has had a beach house since before I was born. I grew up spending summer weekends playing in the sand and walking along the shore. The Oregon Coast never ceases to leave me breathless.
3) Bookstores: I could easily spend hours wandering Barnes & Noble. In high school I would rather receive books than anything else for presents. :) Good thing I want to teach Language Arts.
4) Costa Rica: My second home with my second family. A place that will always have my heart. Sunsets and hills filled with lights. Doesn't get much better than that.
5) Wildhorse aka Washington Family Ranch: The summer camp that changed my life over and over again. I have transformed and learned so much at this amazing place. I have seen other high schoolers and leaders change, as well. Jesus does big things here.
6) The couch at home: My favorite place to nap.
7) Hawaii: Going to Oahu last spring break was incredible. Getting to spend time with loved ones and enjoy the warm waters and lush scenery was priceless. The fact that I get to go back this year is too perfect for words.
8) Forever 21 & Nordstroms: A girls favorite place. Putting together outfits and hunting for deals. Heaven.
Con mucho amor.
1) My bedroom at school: It's where I watch television and where I do my homework. It's where I take naps and where I read. It's filled with people and things I love.
2) The coast: My grandma has had a beach house since before I was born. I grew up spending summer weekends playing in the sand and walking along the shore. The Oregon Coast never ceases to leave me breathless.
3) Bookstores: I could easily spend hours wandering Barnes & Noble. In high school I would rather receive books than anything else for presents. :) Good thing I want to teach Language Arts.
4) Costa Rica: My second home with my second family. A place that will always have my heart. Sunsets and hills filled with lights. Doesn't get much better than that.
5) Wildhorse aka Washington Family Ranch: The summer camp that changed my life over and over again. I have transformed and learned so much at this amazing place. I have seen other high schoolers and leaders change, as well. Jesus does big things here.
6) The couch at home: My favorite place to nap.
7) Hawaii: Going to Oahu last spring break was incredible. Getting to spend time with loved ones and enjoy the warm waters and lush scenery was priceless. The fact that I get to go back this year is too perfect for words.
8) Forever 21 & Nordstroms: A girls favorite place. Putting together outfits and hunting for deals. Heaven.
Con mucho amor.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
List #1: Significant Events in 2013
Significant Life Events of 2013
1) 21: Getting dressed up and fancy for my 21st birthday. Good thing people still think I look like I am in high school, though. Mom says I will appreciate it someday when I am older.
2) Heaven gained an angel: My grandma passed away in April. I miss her so very much.
3) Student teaching: This is a photo of my first teacher gift ever. A yummy caramel apple on Halloween. 7th graders can be so difficult sometimes, but it is so incredibly rewarding.
4) Senior thesis: I read at 800 page novel by Charles Dickens for my senior thesis. I wrote a 20-page paper and presented it to my whole class and the English department faculty. Never in my life have a read so much for one class. Good thing it paid off since I received an A on my thesis!
5) Oahu: Spring break trip. Cannot wait to return this year.
6) Kittens: I discovered my love for cats in 2013. I got to play with kittens at my aunt's house. My sister's house at school also has a cute kitty. I WANT ONE!
7) Lip Sync: Getting to choreograph for lip sync with my little was a highlight of my junior year.
8) Family: They are crazy, but I love them.
9) Friends: Each year it amazes me how much closer I become with the people around me. New roommates, friends, classmates, sorority sisters, coworkers. Here's just a sampling of the many relationships I treasure in my life.
10) Cooking: I also discovered a love for making things, mostly sweet treats.
11) Costa Rica: Getting to return over the summer to celebrate my host brother's wedding was one of my favorite moments of the year. Seeing them at the airport seriously felt like I was home again. How did I get so lucky?
I can only imagine what 2014 will have in store.
Con mucho amor.
A Prayer
What I'm thinking about: I went to church today, and it felt so good to simply worship God.
Jesus,
I thank You for all You have given me. I thank You for the quietness of January. The time to relax and rejuvenate. I am so content with where I am right now. Help me to soak up this contentment. I thank You for the amazing family You have blessed me with. I thank You for surrounding me with such wonderful people.
Use me in the lives of those around me. Family, roommates, classmates, students, teachers, coworkers. Help me to form relationships with people that You want me to spend time with.
I pray as I head towards graduation that You would lead me in the right direction. I do not want to live where I want to live, or where my parents want me to live. Lead me to the right job in the right city where You want me.
Help me to find rest. Help me to not be stressed and just remember how big I am blessed.
Amen.
Con mucho amor.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
S l o w d o w n
What I've been doing: It has been over a year since I have last blogged. This brings great sadness to my heart. I miss being in Costa Rica. I miss speaking Spanish every day. I miss having adventures in other countries. Every since I've been back my life has been on fast forward. Working multiple jobs, taking classes (even over the summer), and trying to spend time with family and friends along the way. I am tired and worn out. BUT, I really miss blogging, I really miss writing, and I really miss being creative.
from: here and here
What I'm reading: During spring semester I will be full-time student teaching. I will be teaching two 10th grade English classes, one 9th grade English class, and two Spanish 1 classes. I am excited and beyond nervous. Working with middle schoolers last semester was amazing. Each morning I would teach a 7th grade advanced Language Arts class. It brought me many joys and many tears. I loved middle schoolers, though. In preparation for the spring I have been reading lots of teaching books lately.
Deeper Reading by Kelly Gallagher is a book one of my education professors suggested. Although my birthday isn't until February, I asked my mom to get me these education books so I can read them before I start teaching again. This book is all about how to get kids to read on a deeper level. It has some really great ideas that I am excited to try out. I also bought Reading Reasons, another book by Gallagher. It's next on my list. I feel like I have discovered a whole new genre of literature: teacher books.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is the book I will be teaching to the sophomores next semester. I read this book in high school. The book will have lots of moral lessons to discuss. One of the books the freshmen will be studying is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I had never read this book before, but I'm excited to dive in with the 9th graders.
Out of everything I have read so far over winter break, Creative is a Verb by Patti Digh, has made me think the most. I started this book several summers ago, back when I had time to art journal and create things. I want to make my classroom a creative place, so I thought it would be a good book to revisit. I gobbled it up over the past two days when we were at the beach. I felt like the book was talking directly to my heart. Here is her website that has links to her blog and twitter and every other way to communicate with the lady.
What I've been thinking about: Reading Digh's book made me look back over the past year. Lately I have been feeling like I am missing out on moments in life. Just last week my mom's cousins came over to our house. They had so much fun laughing and sharing stories. But where was I? Working. Although I am BEYOND grateful for my job over winter break, I did not get to spend as much time with the people I love. Throughout last semester I got an average of 4.5 hours of sleep each night. Most of the time I would be in my apartment working on homework or lesson planning behind my shut bedroom door. I know it is important to get good grades, to plan solid lessons for middle schoolers, and to work in order to make money, but I do not want to look back on life and regret not actually living it.
One of the sections in Creative is a Verb talks about stillness. Digh discusses how the world often gives signs to slow down the pace of life. She mentions how creative people are often silenced, how life gets in the way of creating. This quote from Kevyn Aucion reminds me to stay passionate, even when people tell me it's silly.
The past three days I have been at the beach. The beach is one of my favorite places in the world. Life slows down enough for me to read, sleep and exercise. Yesterday, for the first time in weeks, I did not have a headache. I actually got nine hours of sleep. And I finished a book. I was filled with peace.
I know 2014 will be just as busy as 2013. But each day or week I want to do something creative. I want to write a poem, share a story, do something kind for a stranger, inspire a high schooler, make a yummy meal, redecorate my bedroom. I plan on sharing it here on my blog.
So here's to 2014. Here's to slowing down. And here's to living a creative life.
Con mucho amor.
from: here and here
What I'm reading: During spring semester I will be full-time student teaching. I will be teaching two 10th grade English classes, one 9th grade English class, and two Spanish 1 classes. I am excited and beyond nervous. Working with middle schoolers last semester was amazing. Each morning I would teach a 7th grade advanced Language Arts class. It brought me many joys and many tears. I loved middle schoolers, though. In preparation for the spring I have been reading lots of teaching books lately.
Deeper Reading by Kelly Gallagher is a book one of my education professors suggested. Although my birthday isn't until February, I asked my mom to get me these education books so I can read them before I start teaching again. This book is all about how to get kids to read on a deeper level. It has some really great ideas that I am excited to try out. I also bought Reading Reasons, another book by Gallagher. It's next on my list. I feel like I have discovered a whole new genre of literature: teacher books.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is the book I will be teaching to the sophomores next semester. I read this book in high school. The book will have lots of moral lessons to discuss. One of the books the freshmen will be studying is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I had never read this book before, but I'm excited to dive in with the 9th graders.
Out of everything I have read so far over winter break, Creative is a Verb by Patti Digh, has made me think the most. I started this book several summers ago, back when I had time to art journal and create things. I want to make my classroom a creative place, so I thought it would be a good book to revisit. I gobbled it up over the past two days when we were at the beach. I felt like the book was talking directly to my heart. Here is her website that has links to her blog and twitter and every other way to communicate with the lady.
What I've been thinking about: Reading Digh's book made me look back over the past year. Lately I have been feeling like I am missing out on moments in life. Just last week my mom's cousins came over to our house. They had so much fun laughing and sharing stories. But where was I? Working. Although I am BEYOND grateful for my job over winter break, I did not get to spend as much time with the people I love. Throughout last semester I got an average of 4.5 hours of sleep each night. Most of the time I would be in my apartment working on homework or lesson planning behind my shut bedroom door. I know it is important to get good grades, to plan solid lessons for middle schoolers, and to work in order to make money, but I do not want to look back on life and regret not actually living it.
One of the sections in Creative is a Verb talks about stillness. Digh discusses how the world often gives signs to slow down the pace of life. She mentions how creative people are often silenced, how life gets in the way of creating. This quote from Kevyn Aucion reminds me to stay passionate, even when people tell me it's silly.
There are two types of people in the world: people who are passionate about things, and people who've had their passion punched, beaten, or whatever out of them. -Kevyn Aucion
The past three days I have been at the beach. The beach is one of my favorite places in the world. Life slows down enough for me to read, sleep and exercise. Yesterday, for the first time in weeks, I did not have a headache. I actually got nine hours of sleep. And I finished a book. I was filled with peace.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13
I know 2014 will be just as busy as 2013. But each day or week I want to do something creative. I want to write a poem, share a story, do something kind for a stranger, inspire a high schooler, make a yummy meal, redecorate my bedroom. I plan on sharing it here on my blog.
So here's to 2014. Here's to slowing down. And here's to living a creative life.
Con mucho amor.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Hasta Luego
What I've been doing: Apologies for not writing a post any sooner...I went to Panama, had a field trip to a coffee plantation, decorated the church for Christmas, had our last Thursday English class, finished taking all my finals, wrote a ten page paper in Spanish, learned how to make empanadas y chalupas, stayed up late, laughed a lot, cried even more... It's been a busy few weeks. :)
It is so surreal to think that I am leaving Costa Rica tomorrow morning. Don't get me wrong, I am super excited to see my family and friends in the US, but I am beyond sad to be leaving my wonderful life in Costa Rica.
I have only been here for 3.5 months, but I feel like I have known these people for years. I have the greatest friends and family from church, the best host family, and such a life full of love and contentment. I could never have imagined how everyone here has impacted my life, and how I've impacted theirs.
I have accomplished and done more than I ever thought I could while I was here. Zip lining, horseback riding, parasailing, traveling to Panama alone, taking busses to places we've never been, teaching an English class, trying new foods...so much to be proud of.
I really believe God is not done with me here in Costa Rica. My dream is to come back and teach English here. We'll just see what God has up his sleeves...
Here are some quotes that make me smile. What an absolutely amazing journey it has been. Although there were many good times and bad ones too, I would not have changed it for a second.
"Every time I think of you, I thank my God." Philippians 1:3
Your journey has molded you for your greater good. And it was exactly what it needed to be. Don't think that you've lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the NOW. And now is right on time. -Asha Tyson
It's better to look back on life and say: "I can't believe I did that" than to look back and say: "I wish I did that."
I'll look back on this and smile becuase it was LIFE and I decided to live it.
We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.
Con mucho amor siempre.
It is so surreal to think that I am leaving Costa Rica tomorrow morning. Don't get me wrong, I am super excited to see my family and friends in the US, but I am beyond sad to be leaving my wonderful life in Costa Rica.
I have accomplished and done more than I ever thought I could while I was here. Zip lining, horseback riding, parasailing, traveling to Panama alone, taking busses to places we've never been, teaching an English class, trying new foods...so much to be proud of.
I really believe God is not done with me here in Costa Rica. My dream is to come back and teach English here. We'll just see what God has up his sleeves...
Here are some quotes that make me smile. What an absolutely amazing journey it has been. Although there were many good times and bad ones too, I would not have changed it for a second.
"Every time I think of you, I thank my God." Philippians 1:3
Your journey has molded you for your greater good. And it was exactly what it needed to be. Don't think that you've lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the NOW. And now is right on time. -Asha Tyson
It's better to look back on life and say: "I can't believe I did that" than to look back and say: "I wish I did that."
I'll look back on this and smile becuase it was LIFE and I decided to live it.
We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.
Con mucho amor siempre.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
la gran comision
What I'm learning: Tonight I got to hear a pastor from Dominican Republic speak at church, and it was incredibly powerful. He spoke with such passion and conviction. He was talking about how nobody knows when Jesus will come again...so what are we doing with our lives? He compared the world to a piece of dust. We are so tiny, and He is so big. How incredible is that He loves us, even though we are such a small and sinful world.
from: here
The pastor read through parts of Acts, and focused on this big question: "Que va a hacer con el resto del tiempo que el Dios le da a usted?" Translated, that means what are you going to do with the rest of the time God gives you on this earth?
He read Acts 1:8, which I loved. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” I really liked this verse, especially because I am in a different area of the world. God can use us wherever we are, in Oregon or in Costa Rica.
We also talked about the power we receive from the Holy Spirit. When we try to do things on our own, we are limited. When we try to only live on our own strength, we get so TIRED. This week I have had so much to get through, essays, tests, and being sick on top of it all. I should have leaned on God's strength and power, instead of trying to do it on my own. We NEED God's power to impact our communities. God's mission is GLOBAL; it's for everyone.
The pastor also said something very convicting. He said that when we are busy worrying about everything, we do not have the time for God. We need to speak with strength and boldness about our faith. This is something my host brother told me earlier this week. We need to BE BRAVE with our faith. We do not live to please people, but God. That's something I need to work on remembering. Acts 5:29 reads, "Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!"
So, the big question of the night is what are we doing with our lives...? Are we living intentionally and with purpose?
from: here
After church got over I just spent time talking with people. I get sadder and sadder about having to leave. I feel like God is not done working in me here in Costa Rica...
Con mucho amor.
"What I saw was just too beautiful to have happened by accident."
-Eugene Cerrin, Apollo Astronaut
The pastor read through parts of Acts, and focused on this big question: "Que va a hacer con el resto del tiempo que el Dios le da a usted?" Translated, that means what are you going to do with the rest of the time God gives you on this earth?
He read Acts 1:8, which I loved. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” I really liked this verse, especially because I am in a different area of the world. God can use us wherever we are, in Oregon or in Costa Rica.
We also talked about the power we receive from the Holy Spirit. When we try to do things on our own, we are limited. When we try to only live on our own strength, we get so TIRED. This week I have had so much to get through, essays, tests, and being sick on top of it all. I should have leaned on God's strength and power, instead of trying to do it on my own. We NEED God's power to impact our communities. God's mission is GLOBAL; it's for everyone.
The pastor also said something very convicting. He said that when we are busy worrying about everything, we do not have the time for God. We need to speak with strength and boldness about our faith. This is something my host brother told me earlier this week. We need to BE BRAVE with our faith. We do not live to please people, but God. That's something I need to work on remembering. Acts 5:29 reads, "Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!"
So, the big question of the night is what are we doing with our lives...? Are we living intentionally and with purpose?
After church got over I just spent time talking with people. I get sadder and sadder about having to leave. I feel like God is not done working in me here in Costa Rica...
Con mucho amor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)