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.