If you’ve met my mom, she’ll tell you I’m the worst at making decisions. That statement will begin the retelling of my childhood trip to the toy store when I would stare at the wall of stuffed animals and wonder about which one to choose.  A similar story rings true today, 15 years later, with planners. I love making to do lists to organize my thoughts in the craziness of college.  I’ve collected lots of tips over the years about how to be the most productive, from conquering the most important task first thing in the morning to checking off the top three priorities for the day. Today I’ll be…

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members to one another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” – Romans 12: 4-8 There’s a shelf at my school filled with books faculty and…

November 19th was National Camp Day. I know, probably my new favorite day of the year.  I used to be confused when people explained ways they saw God. Some see Him in their friends, in the way the sun peaks through the clouds, or in a church. I see God at summer camp. I see Him in the kids who arrive at the cabin, who show us Christ’s love through their own knowledge, growth, and sense of wonder. I see Him in the counselors who are dedicated to making kids feel at peace, helping spread Christ’s joy, and love them well.  I’m not sure I can fully describe the way…

Dear Journal,  I am learning to be okay with taking less time for things and not finishing things so far in advance. I’m learning it’s okay to not be glued to my desk. It’s okay to finish assignments the day before they are due.  I’m in a season of great joy right now. Praise Jesus for all the positive vibes, including living with my friends, leading Young Life, having a supportive family, and gaining confidence in myself.  This weekend was so refreshing, I had to share in a raw journal entry post. On Friday, I woke up at 5:30a.m. to meet our high school friends for our first Campaigners, Young…

January isn’t here yet, but I want to do more this year. Will I have time for any of this? Probably. Will I reach all of these goals perfectly? Probably not. I know there will be a lot going on this year with class, extracurricular activities, and internship preparation. These will be habits I plan to incorporate daily, whether it is before, after, or in between the homework, projects, extracurriculars, and friendships I have. Academics My parent’s hard work and Tara Westover’s “Educated” taught me not to take my own education for granted. I’m taking these last two years in my undergraduate to truly learn the material and not get…

One of our area directors shakes my shoulder, waking me up for our daily meeting. Shoving my feet into my Chacos, I step out into the morning light. I join the other counselors at a picnic table, our Bibles open before 7a.m.. We’ve been exploring the Gospel of Mark. Each day, section by section, we read parts of Jesus’ ministry and look for ways we can apply it to the work we are doing this summer.  The day has just begun. After a few announcements, it’s back to the cabin to call our campers away from sleep and get them ready for breakfast. Every meal is filled with Disney music, second…

Dear Mom(s),  It must not have been easy. There must have been moments of weakness, fear, or doubt when it comes to raising one or multiple other humans. We’re messy, loud, and bound to make mistakes. But there is also joy. When the pain subsides and you meet your child for the first time, when they learn something new, or accomplish something you’ve helped them work for. Thanks for always being there for us. When we were little and had you chasing after us with a Wet One, waking us up for school, driving us to college. Thanks for being just a phone call away, even when we thought we…

Growing up, I thought there was only one way to pray to our Lord. False. As with many things in life, I have found there are many different paths to take, each unique to us. Prayer is the same way. I believe the Lord accepts every unique way anyone chooses to glorify Him. I’ve listed some ways I have found work best for me when I want to connect with our Heavenly Father. Devotionals & Scripture Study I’ve finally gotten back into the habit of spending time with the Lord in the morning through a daily devotional. I’d finished “Jesus Calling” with the end of the year and was looking…

Today I covered the edges of my mirror with sticky notes. Each square has a different word I am using to describe myself. Every time I step in front of the mirror, my eyes wrap around the frame, taking in each uplifting expression. Life has not always been this way. I’ve been struck with overwhelming anxiety, fear, and failure more than once. But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Here’s something that’s been on my mind for the past 96 days: comparison. I’ve compared myself to other people’s size, fitness, skills, accomplishments and more. It’s been mentally exhausting. If I’m being honest, comparison made me question everything…

Hiking down the west face Cadillac trail in Acadia National Park, I grip the rock with my fingertips and try not to look over the drop off. Breathing deeply, I inch my way slowly across the rock, focusing on keeping my balance. “Just stand up, Rach,” my dad calls me by my nickname, only a step behind even though I requested a five second space between us. This isn’t the first time his pointers have made me roll my eyes. Yet, I have found my parents to be right almost every time, if I just take the time to listen. My dad has always been this way. A constant presence…