Graduating Single

This article has been floating around Facebook lately and I finally sat down to read it the other day. I actually loved it and I think it had so many great points. The article is written by a 23 year old woman who is graduating college as a single person. I was thinking just how much I could relate to her ideas. While I am only going to be 22 and graduating (which is still young!), I couldn't help but spend some time thinking about how many times just this semester I have heard "have you met someone yet?" or "where are the cute guys and why aren't you hanging out with them." I do know that people have great intentions and they want me to be happy, I never have been able to get past the idea that I am happy now! 

I know especially in my friend group and certainly around campus, the excitement of many people revolves around the "next step" of marriage. People are thinking about graduating in May and then getting married. In society, its the next gradual step and I get that! I am doing things a little differently, graduating a bit early, looking forward to starting my career, and basking in the excitement of being single and having freedom! Unlike the author of the article, I do not feel the overwhelming desire to get married and have a family right now in my life! I am not saying that someday that wouldn't be nice, but right now I am content. I really am. 

The author also talks about when God has ceased to be enough in our lives and I think that is a whole other topic that is important. In my generation especially, I think a relationship with Christ takes a back burner approach in many of my peer's lives (mine too, unfortunately). I have realized throughout my college career, just how important it is to put the effort and time into growing my relationship with the Lord. It has to be a priority daily, and it is important to me that I make it one. For that reason alone, I appreciate people's good intentions of wanting me to be happy... I just don't want people to overlook the truth that I am happy and content where I am at too. If God never brings "that" man into my life, I can still have a full and fun-filled life! 

 “I’d rather have the right God than the wrong man.” –- Christen Rapske

Happy 21st Elizabeth!

Last week Ronna, Shelby and I took Elizabeth to The Melting Pot downtown to celebrate her 21st Birthday! Other than Ronna, none of had ever been. It was quite the experience and while we had fun, it is certainly a once in very-long-time kind of thing!

The picture isn't the best quality, but we had fun getting dressed up and not eating at the cafeteria for once!

(Ronna, Elizabeth, Shelby, and me!)

Elizabeth was treated to dinner...and candy :-)

We had a great spinach and artichoke cheese dip for our appetizer! 

With the deal that we used (shhh.. thanks Groupon!), we each got a salad- I forgot to take a picture but certainly the best Caesar salad I have ever had!)- and an entree! Our waitress told us we could each pick a trio in order to try three things each! I chose to get 2 orders of Filet Mignon and the middle pasta is Wild Mushroom Sacchetti which I have to learn how to make because they were divine. Needless to say, I picked well! haha. 

We all shared these veggies too, which were so delish! We just chose the free cooking method, which was just chicken broth but it was so good (and healthy, too...right?)

The sauces that came with the meal were so good! I am on the lookout for copycat recipes for everything so if you have any ideas, please share! 

Elizabeth made this little collage with more of everyone's food and a repeat of us! 

It really was a fun night! I hope year 21 is great, EB! 

A Reminder

Oh life. How is already the end of September? Time really does fly by as you get older... I cannot believe that in 10 weeks I will be a college graduate.

You know those times when life just seems like a lot? To be extremely honest, these last few weeks have been just all around tough. There has just been a lot going on and things that have me feeling confused. Life is just happening and I am learning through it all... which is all I could ask for!

I read this entry in the Jesus Calling devotional the other day and it really spoke to me so I wanted to share!

"Wait quietly in my Presence....... Lay your requests before me and wait in expectation." 

I have been feeling convicted lately about waiting. I am beyond excited to graduate, but there are a lot of unknowns in my future. I don't have a job lined up, I want to go back to Austin, but what if that doesn't work out...then what? What will I do with my life being single and newly graduated? ---These are the questions that tend to become overwhelming.

Still, God is good. He's been teaching me to wait on His timing and guidance and to give up my struggles to Him. It seems so simple, but for a planner and control freak, it can be difficult to not know the next step! But, I am ready... and excited to see what comes next! 

Final Semester

....no matter how many times I say it or think it, it is hard for me to think about this season of my life coming to a close. It is not a surprise to anyone that knows me, but freshman year was a tough one. I didn't want to be in Bethany, and I certainly didn't want to live in a small dorm room where I basically knew no one. However, through the past three years, God has been doing some major work on me.

I have learned more than ever what it means to be content. I started praying a while back for the Lord to teach me to be content wherever I was. I don't want to be an ungrateful person and I don't want to be someone who wishes life away. I truly do desire to savor each moment and learn something from each situation. Being at college is an opportunity many people don't have, and while it might not be my most favorite thing, I appreciate it.

This semester though.... I am finding that I am LOVING my new apartment. I truly do. I live with my sweet roommate Shelby in senior housing and we have a cute little living room/dining room area, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom to ourselves. My friends Ronna and Elizabeth live right below us on the first floor so we see them a lot! Kathleen lives across campus in the dorm I used to live in, but I see her all the time, which is fabulous! (we have two classes together!). I am finding I love all my classes, and I am even enjoying chapel so far...even though we've only had one!

It's probably the knowledge that soon enough... less than 4 months, my life will be changing completely. I'm not nervous or dreading working for the rest of my life. I am excited about the upcoming new chapter and even the job search. But more and more each day, I am realizing that I am sad. I'm sad I am going to be leaving my friends and even SNU....next semester will roll along right by without me...my friends will have late night laughing sessions and I'll be miles away in a different phase of life. It really is a weird feeling...one I never saw coming 3 years ago when I first arrived on campus. Growing up is strange sometimes!

Anyways. I've been a not so good blogger, but I decided to come here and write again because I really enjoy it. I love writing and being able to get my thoughts down in one place...so I blog.

That's my life lately and I am choosing to cherish each moment in the next 16 weeks before graduation...eek!

Working 9 to 5......

Hello blogging world. 

Who was it that said summer was for relaxing? I'd like to sit down and visit with him! 

It's hard to believe school has been out for over a month already. I've been working two jobs pretty much every day as well as taking an accelerated college algebra course online. 

I think I have hit that point in my life where I truly am becoming adult-like.  I have really been thankful that I love my job at The Page House. The owner hired me for the summer office manager position after I completed my 60 hour internship. It truly is rewarding to do something you love. It's a great plus that my work is only 7 minutes from my house too! 

Isn't it gorgeous? 

Nevertheless, summer has been busy. I worked 9-5 the other day and the 5:30-11 babysitting that evening. Most days resemble this one--busy but fun. I feel blessed that I can do both, even if sometimes it is difficult o get up in the mornings. :) 

Kathleen and I are on week 7 out of 8 of our online math class. As of right now, we both have an A in the class. It has been 4 years since I've taken a math class so I really am surprised that its going so well. Most of the concepts I remember, but without my sister and parents providing input I would be completely lost. Thankful that in this season of live, Kathleen and I can share college courses and memories together! 

Summer is here!

Well, I just finished my last final of the semester. I cannot believe that I only have one semester left in college. I had a tough first year, but time really has flown by. Kathleen and I have everything pretty much packed..... Bless our hearts. We packed two dorm rooms in one small Toyota Camry. It is quite comical. Yesterday I was getting frustrated because I wasn't sure everything was going to fit. I couldn't help but laugh though when I remembered that in August, we moved in with 2 Camrys and a mini-van. We had taken stuff home, but apparently we had more left than thought.

I have to drive because since I am short, the seat can move closer to the steering wheel and we can fit more on the floor behind my seat. Kathleen still might end up holding miscellaneous stuff- I'll have to take pictures!

But we made it! I'm so ready for summer vacation...even if I have to take a college algebra course!

The Small Things...

It really is the small things.

I just finished my final exam for my Organizational Behavior class. Honestly, this has been one of my favorite classes of my college career. This semester, the class only had 5 people in it- myself included. Having the small group dynamic was applicable to the course material but also to all of us students opening up and really getting into learning. This semester was the first time I have had the professor that taught this class and I actually have him for another business class as well. I was in his class every day at 8 o'clock.

After I finished the final (I was the second one left in the room) my professor motioned me out of the room. I was a little nervous since he didn't even look up when the other three finished and handed in their tests. We walked to the hallway and he shut the door. He proceeded to talk to me for 10 minutes. He encouraged me and told me he was proud of me and my work this semester. He said he has seen my dedication all throughout the semester in both of his classes by being 15 minutes early and rising up above the things that could have worn me down (assuming he was talking about group projects). He then went on to ask me what my future plans were; when I told him I wanted to be in HR in a business, he said he could see how I was in the perfect position to be on track to taking over a company, due to my track record. He mentioned he could see me going far and "places".

He told me he was thankful for me and he was encouraged by the example I was setting for my peers. Kathleen and I think this professor has been teaching at least 29 years. My professor told me that in all of his years of teaching, I was easily one of his favorite students and that was to be "commended". I almost couldn't believe that he said that! He gave me a side hug as he finished talking and said that he has honored to see me two times more (for my other class with him) before I graduate. When I told him I don't graduate until December, he seemed a little sad I wasn't signed up for any more of his classes!

Today was just a reminder to me that other people, even professors who often get bad reps, believe in me and see how God has me in the perfect place. It really is the little things in life. I may or may not have cried when I walked to go get some coffee. I was just so thankful for the unexpected pep talk from my professor after my hand had about fallen off from writing essays over organizational development interventions :-)

"I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do. " -Corrie Ten Boom

Sister

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of.  You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.  ~Amy Li

I'm so thankful for my sweet sister! Thankfully I can't recall a time when I wanted to "get rid" of her-- she truly is my favorite person. I am so grateful we've been able to spend this past year at college together. Today, we took a break from studying and wrapping the end of the semester assignments to go have lunch off campus. We were being silly and clearly were tired from a long week, so of course we took pictures!

Love her!

Things I love lately

Countdown! App: Let me just tell you... this iPhone application has been my favorite thing throughout my college career. Senior year and I still use it to see how many days are left in the semester! Summer is a coming, friends!

Signs of Spring on Campus: My walk to my class yesterday morning was so pretty. It is no secret that Oklahoma is not one of my favorite places on earth, but I do appreciate the beauty on my small little campus. The green grass and bright colors of plants and trees against the old brick buildings is gorgeous!

Flip Flop Weather...officially: Ok, so I have been wearing flip flops all Winter long, but that is beside the point. The 80 degree day enables me to freely wear my flip flops and not get made fun of for it! I sure do love that I can wear capris and short sleeves now too...even if I did that all Winter too..

Being able to spend this past year with my sister!: I really am so thankful that I've been able to go to school with Kathleen these past few months. I am so proud of her and how well she is doing her first year here at SNU. I'm sure she will not like me very much for posting this picture, but I was able to attend her Honor's Society ceremony on Sunday and I could not be more excited to see where life will take her next! I know she will go on to do great things!

What are you loving these days?

I feel like I say it all the time...

but I am tired... honestly worn out. As the end of the semester draws to a close, last minute projects and assignments are looming above my head. With not sleeping well (last night it was 85 degrees in our dorm room) and getting up early, the hours of being productive in a day don't seem to be nearly enough.

Kathleen and I headed to Panera today after class to study and work on papers in a place where we didn't feel like we needed to wear our swimming suits to keep cool. Plus, it is always nice to get out of the dorm room and spread out at a booth with some yummy treats. Thankfully we had some gift cards that allowed us to eat lunch as well as have coffee and a snack. The plus of studying for way too many hours in an afternoon? Unlimited refills on delicious java! For two coffee addicts, this is good good news!

Thankfully we have both gotten a lot accomplished and three hours later, my productive streak is still in tact!

For a Monday, today hasn't been so bad after all!

Just a reminder...

God is good, isn't He?

That statement is something that is so simple, yet so profound. There are moments where I get overwhelmed in life, as we all tend to do. While I have come a long way, I still have a hard time completely trusting that God will have every detail covered. But, He never fails. Ever. Last week on spring break, I was reminded once again of His unfailing, never ending provision for my life. 

You see, I have been trying to find an internship for this upcoming summer. Since I graduate in December (really!?) and hope to find a job in the HR world, I really need some experience for my resume other than simply babysitting. I had an interview the first week of January that sounded so promising, exciting, and seemingly the perfect fit-- or so I thought. After three months of never hearing back despite the fact that I checked in with them often, I began to get discouraged.

Through having some connections in my hometown, I began searching for other potential options. Can I just stop right here and say that it truly is "who you know (not always what you know). In order to graduate, I need to fulfill an internship requirement for my school and I had some trouble finding a company/place that could work with me. 

Before spring break, I made a call to one of the places I had contacted due to a friend. I wanted to see if there was an opportunity for me there and see if I could stop in to meet the owner while I was home. Instantly, I knew while conversing with this lady that she was so sweet and eager to help. 

So, I contacted her and went to meet her on Thursday. First of all, she is a Christian and runs her business on Christian morals and values. She has a passion for people, but an even bigger heart for the kingdom. How neat is that? Embarrassing tidbit of the day: as I was getting ready, I tried to print out my requirements for school as well as a copy of my resume. Of course neither one of our two printers at home would connect-- my sister even tried to use two different computers to make it work. I was so embarrassed that I was unprepared for this meeting because I knew better... I have taken so many communication classes to know what to do for an interview and here I was. 

However, it wasn't even a problem. She did not even bring it up, and when I mentioned it, she told me I could email it if I wanted. She went on to say that without even seeing my resume, she would be delighted to have me help her this summer because she could tell that I had what she had been looking for.... THEN, (it gets better)- She just causally brought up that we would start with getting my class requirements out of the way and then she offered me a summer.job....paid..... really?    

Let me tell you... just a quick pop in visit to meet the owner turned into an hour long meeting. I left that place so excited and at peace that it was if God was reminding me that He already knew the outcome of this meeting when I was stressing out trying to get the printer to connect to the computer (why does technology have to be so finicky sometimes though?!). He knew that something would work out. He had it planned even though all I could see was how quickly summer is approaching and how without options I was. 

My sister and I went to visit my mom at school after I was done and I was so excited I am pretty sure I didn't stop smiling. I bet her students thought something was majorly wrong with me. Just a case of the Thursdays and being able to see God working even within a silly summer internship--no big deal. But, really... it is one. 

I am so thankful for continually being able to learn, always being able to grow in my walk with the Lord, and be reminded of such a simply promise that God will take care of my every need--even the smallest things. I am always open to learning, but sometimes it just takes me a while to remember. I am beyond grateful for an ever patient Creator. 

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

Final Steps....

Today I met with my advisor and got everything set up for me to graduate in December. I signed up for my final semester of classes, got everything prepared for my summer internship, and triple checked that all my hours I have taken are entered. It does seem a little surreal that I am only 17 hours away from completing my Bachelor's degree. When did this happen? I am excited for what's to come. 

These quotes were on Pinterest this morning and I love them! 

This is one of my favorite songs and I have come to see how the lyrics really speak truth, especially on my life lately.... 

Don't miss it

Happy Monday! 

Last Spring Break in the books!

I am just sitting here thinking about how I just completed my final spring break of my college career. Not to sound all nostalgic or overly sappy, it is hard for me to believe that my days at college truly are numbered. I am so grateful for all I have accomplished these past few years, but I am a tad bit sad that I won't have a spring break next year! 

Nevertheless, this past week was so, so great. It was so badly needed and I am so thankful that I was able to go home. There is just something about having space, you know? A room, a big bed, a bathroom where shower shoes aren't required (still grosses me out), a sweet family to spend the evenings with, a puppy to cuddle with, families to babysit for, friends and the list goes on--- space is good. 

I am sad that it is over but hopeful that Thursday (maybe even Wednesday) will get here soon so I can head home for Easter. However, three tests and a handful of assignments must be conquered first! I feel so blessed that we are able to have the transportation to go home again. There is just something about home that is so good and refreshing. 

Have a great week everyone- it's back to reality for me! 

Patience

I was going to write this blog post about how hard of a thing being patient is for me sometimes. Like many things (ahem...being a control freak....) I have a hard time waiting on God's timing because I am fearful He won't answer in time. Since I started college, I do think I have gotten much better at this and I have learned a lot about resting in God's promises instead of my own. However, one recent example where I have had to continually learn to leave the situation in God's hand is with a summer internship.
I know I am not the only one that struggles with letting go of my plans and trusting God, but I do want to continuously become more patient!

I am nearing the end of my college career and I just need one more internship to fulfill the requirements for graduation. I have been waiting since the first of the year to hear back from a company in Wisconsin about a potential internship position. I went through the interview process and was told I would hear back in two weeks, well-- two months later I am still waiting. So, I have recently started looking into other options. I have submitted my resume to multiple places in and around Austin for positions that are in my desired field. By talking with a friend about what I was looking for, she mentioned that she knew of a business that might be a good fit for me. The best thing is it is only 10 minutes from my house!

God, like always, has better plans than my own. One would think that I could remember that the moment I started to get impatient or stressed out. As of right now, I am still continuing to wait and see where God wants me this summer, but I really do feel that this new opportunity is just God's way of saying, "I've got this Jenna, be patient."

Easier said than done, but I am so thankful I am still learning. I feel so blessed to be able to have and see a plan where all the pieces seem to fit together. I know that it was God's timing that made it perfect that the phone call I had this morning was so encouraging.

I was reading my blog feed before I started this post and came across a friend's post that was on the topic of patience. Check out Michelle's blog post to see how even thought the Israelites struggled with patience, they had something to learn as well.

Spontaneity

...is wonderful. This weekend my sister and I hopped in the car and drove home on the spur of the moment!

Around 10:30 on Saturday morning, we were FaceTiming with my mom and she mentioned that she had dinner in the crock pot and we could make it home in time for supper. Since Kathleen was hungry, she looked at me and twenty minutes later we had gas in the car and were hightailing it out.of.Bethany. 

We really just missed these two people a lot:

We had a lot of fun and it was a much needed quick trip. We were home less than 24 hours (which meant a lot of driving in a short period) but we slept well in our own beds, had a yummy supper (and brought back the leftovers) and spent time with our grandparents, second parents, and two of our favorite people ever so it was WELL worth it! My mom and dad leave to go to Israel at the end of this week for about 10 days. We were glad to see them one last time before they left and we couldn't talk to them as easily! 

The countdown is on for Spring Break! 10 and a half days and we will be Texas bound once again!! 

For now though? I am spending Monday afternoon in our dorm study room, working on one of my many papers with the window open and a Sonic drink for motivation! 

I hope you have a wonderful Monday and had almost as good of a weekend as we did! 

All About Cha

Right now I'm sitting at a cute little coffee shop in Edmond just a few miles from school. Jen told me she found this place and we finally decided to come here today! I was sad that Kathleen had other plans, but we will certainly come back!

I had a caramel macchiato and Bryan, Jen's boyfriend, got this nifty tea that blossomed as it steeped!

So thankful for a sweet friend like Jen and the fact that we can actually hang out this semester!

Gnocchi in Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Kathleen and I were in Aldi the other day when we came across a package of gnocchi and decided to try it! It was super easy and dorm friendly! 

Gnocchi in Parmesan Garlic Sauce 

My Life as a Mrs.

1 pound gnocchi (or other pasta)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup cooking liquid
fresh cracked pepper
salt

Cook gnocchi according to the package instructions (I like to salt the water). Be sure to reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. (Jenna's notes: I saved and used nearly 1 cup!)

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the garlic and saute for 1 minute (stirring constantly. Add the cooked and drained gnocchi, top with Parmesan, and cooking liquid. Stir until nice and creamy. Reduce heat to a low simmer and allow the liquid to reduce (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Update on "The Blizzard"

First of all, I want to say....

Oh, what was that? You see rain instead of snow? ...me too. 

Last night, my suitemates and I saw the snow blowing outside our window and we began praying for lots and lots to fall. My roommate and I were restless last night just awaiting the text from the school that classes would be cancelled. I tried not to get too hopeful, but honestly the news had been predicting 8-16 inches for where we were so we were pretty excited!

But the text never came, sigh. 

When I was walking to my 8 AM class, this was the remnants of the "blizzard" 

At 9:45 here is the view outside my window! 

Happy Tuesday, friends!

"Blizzard Looks Worse Than The Last One..."

Yep, that's the headline on Yahoo News today...

This is the view outside my window right now...

I certainly would NOT classify rain as a blizzard... but what do I know? 

The best part of going to school in Oklahoma? When there is a threat of bad weather, class is cancelled. I walked into my Social Movements class today and the professor walked in 2 minutes after class was supposed to start and said, "Well, OU has cancelled their classes (OU is about 25 minutes from my campus) so I am canceling too." Apparently OU cancelled because of "ice" and "potential icy conditions" --- potential.... that means that nothing has happened yet... ay yi yi... So, I walked outside and saw this.... The Peniel (a main road through campus) Nile.... Bethany, Oklahoma has the worst drainage problem. But the point is, see that? It is just rain people.

I am not getting my hopes up but we are supposed to get some snow here tonight. I would not turn down an opportunity for a snow day tomorrow one bit, but I also am not counting on it. The school tends to be a tad paranoid so if there is a dusting of snow, classes probably will be delayed if not cancelled. 

I supposed we just wait and see if this storm really is "worse than the last one!" 

Snowy Day

Today we were so excited to see white stuff that it was difficult to sit through our chapel service. My friends Jen and Cory especially were having a hard time containing their excitement! Derek, another one of my friends, had class after chapel, but the rest of us didn't so we went out and played!

Jen, Kathleen, and me! 

Cory is from Florida...so bless his sweet heart, but he isn't used to the cold. His solution to ward off cold feet was to tie giant garbage bags around his socks. I guess they did keep his feet from getting wet... all the more power to him!  

We had some fun and made my car have "eyes" 

Me and my sweet sister walking to our 8AM class. We were loving the huge flakes. People thought we were crazy for not wearing coats, but it really wasn't that cold. The snow didn't stick around long and turned into slush! 

It sure was pretty while it lasted! 

Who is excited for Spring Break and sleep? Yours truly...

So, back to reality. Typing a paper for tomorrow as I sit watching the snow fall from my third floor window! Have a great day! 

Altar Ego

Kathleen and I went to church tonight. We go to LifeChurch.Tv here in Bethany, OK. We both really feel that it is "the" church for us right now and we get a lot out of it each week. Our pastor, Craig Groeschel, has written quite a few books. However, this one-- Altar Ego-- is his newest. He also just started a 4 week sermon series on it.  

If you're interested in watching the first part of this new series my church is doing, click here. You won't be disappointed! If you're anything like me, you sometimes struggle with feeling "not good enough." The truth is that you are who GOD says you are...and that is enough.

Week two's message, next week, is on "our need for control" which hello, convicted much already? I am excited to see what the message is about, but honestly being in control is something that I have struggled with a lot in my walk with Christ. Regardless of how many times I do step back and let God lead me, I still struggle with wanting to be in control of situations... I know, will I ever learn? Anyways,  I think it'll be one of those sermons that I will dread, yet desperately need.  

Faithfulness

Have you ever just had those moments when you're struck with how God is in the little things? Today, I woke up early to have my devotions before my class. I had a test at 8 that I honestly wasn't worried about because I knew I had studied enough to be ready. I was so encouraged by this morning's devotional (from "Jesus Calling") that I thought I'd share!

Do I choose to trust God in my choices, no matter what? I've been focusing hard on trusting Him rather than worrying--because it is so much better that way!

Today

What a difference a week makes....

Last Saturday at this time, I was sitting at home, playing Wii with my Dad and sister with nothing to do until I babysat later in the day. The Packers were playing just like they will today, but I had the ability to watch them from a comfy couch.

This week? I am planning out the most efficient way to get all my homework done before tomorrow is over. There is already a lot of stuff to do that is piling up. Rather than get overwhelmed however, I am blogging!

I sure wish I was at home in the comfort of my own bedroom and just hanging out with my favorite people. But, here I am in Bethany, waiting for "winter weather" to show up. Apparently it could snow, sleet, and become icy tonight!

I am constantly having to remind myself to be content where I am now in my life. For this season, it is being bombarded with homework and living in a dorm room in Oklahoma. In all things, find joy!

Have a great weekend, wherever you might be!

Playing Catch Up

Hello there friends.

Life has been crazy lately. I can hardly believe it is 2013 already. The year I become a college graduate.

Last semester, despite my good intentions to blog "often"-- I failed miserably. It wasn't because I had nothing to say, but the semester itself was my toughest yet and at times I wondered if I would make it through. I am not saying that to be dramatic at all because it really was the truth. Long story short, I had a professor who was new to my school that taught one of my favorite subjects. I barely could pass the tests and despite multiple trips to the professor's office I was told, "I just don't know what to tell you to help you get the grade you want." I thought that was a really encouraging way to handle a whole class full of people struggling to get through. :D

Anyways, God really taught me a LOT last semester such as, there are things (most everything, in fact) that Jenna Johnson cannot control or change. Other things such as, despite the fact I struggled with Social Psychology and I didn't understand why that was the case most days, that God was still good and still came through with teaching me what I needed to learn - not only through academics. However, I first had to stop and realize that I couldn't conquer Social Psychology, but God could... and then I had to let Him!

Along with that difficult class, I had a full plate of other time consuming classes. I soon found out that having a lot of upper division psychology classes at the same time meant a never ending to-do list of papers and assignments, which left very little time for things other than sleeping and attending classes!

I had an amazing opportunity though, to have my first internship with Reaching Our City, a local non-profit organization here in Bethany. I arrived not really knowing what to expect, but yet again, God provided many teaching and learning moments for me. I witnessed and worked alongside of people who live in poverty and found that my heart needed a serious reality check. I was able to gain some practical experience dealing with a diverse group of people through facilitating an event called the Christmas Toy Store. This program allowed the parents of underprivileged children to take part in a "shopping" experience where brand new toys were able to be chosen for free. Talk about learning the meaning of giving to others!

Christmas break came at the perfect time. I was worn out and ready to go home! I was able to come back to SNU rejuvenated after spending time with my family. We were also able to travel up to Wisconsin where I saw my best friend and other family.

Now, I'm back at school. The semester started yesterday and I am already tired! How does that work? Thankfully this semester is social psychology free and new classes are readily welcomed! After attending all of them, I've determined it will be yet another busy semester, but I think I am ready for the challenge. If God has taught me anything thus far, I cannot accomplish things on my own. Being the control-freak, perfectionist person that I am, it is a hard lesson to learn. In fact, I am still learning. Even though it took me a good two and half years of college to understand just how badly I need Christ daily... even in what I think are the silliest, most minuscule things I don't think He is concerned about.... I am so beyond grateful that God cares about all aspects of my life. This semester, I am encouraged about going through assignments with the assurance that God has brought me this far and He will get me through the rest of college--and the rest of my life--- if I learn to depend on Him. SO simple, but again, my controlling nature seems to get in the way sometimes.

I've learned a valuable lesson in college so far.... life is a learning experience. My expectations freshman year were to graduate with a whole bunch of book knowledge, yet I have been constantly surprised at how many life experiences that I have witnessed in addition to academics. It's been a crazy wonderful journey with all of the ups and downs.

So, here I am... beginning the first weekend of my last spring semester of college. I am officially a senior. I hear senior year is just as crazy as previous semesters... if not more... so I can't make any promises to "blog every day" or even every week. However, looking out my window tonight as I type this post, I can't help but feel blessed that God has His hand on every portion of our lives. He does care about my struggles because He promises to remain faithful in both the easiest and the toughest times. What a blessing it is for me to continually realize and accept His goodness!