Graduate school has been a stretching, proving, uncomfortable, and learning experience. It’s hard to describe; there is a lot going on, AND you’re learning about complex real-world issues. Sometimes it feels confusing and dissonant with the world I used to know. The way I used to see and view things. “Wait, there is so much…
Read MoreJust Knock
This is about an experience I had at FSY in July 2023. It was early in the morning. I was sitting at our kitchen table, writing notes, when a frantic knock sounded on our door. I opened it, and two girls stood there, pale and panicked. They immediately asked for their counselor, and she came…
Read MoreTo Become Like Them
In Institute last week, we were talking about grace. These lessons are always interesting to me because teachers approach it differently. Teachers choose certain concepts to focus on, and the class responds accordingly with their thoughts. Honestly, in my very limited opinion, I think one of the reasons we all differ so much on this…
Read MoreAnd He Does
Before I got into graduate school, it seemed like this elite club only certain people could join—a semi-impossible goal that was forever beyond my reach. Now that I’m in graduate school, it’s challenging…and I’m not sure why I wanted into this exclusive club in the first place. All jokes aside, grad school is hard. It’s…
Read MoreI Learned it From You
Have you ever had a moment that changed you forever? One where you felt so loved, so happy, so full of joy? One you will never forget and never let go of? One that will always be important to you? I’m going to tell you about one of those moments for me. One from almost…
Read MoreSo That It Continues to Matter
This is an essay that I entered into a contest. Although I did not win, I am grateful for what I learned while reflecting upon how I want to light the way forward.
Read MoreOne Fallen Calendar at a Time
I wonder if God sent an angel to wake me up. Maybe with that charge, He gave the angel the ability to affect the environment around them. I wonder if the angel pondered on how best to wake me up, to help me out, to prepare me for a very important weekend. Hmm. Would a…
Read MoreMaybe it’s Not Impossible After All
Before I begin, here’s a quick note: For those who are interested in some random, sporadic, unorganized, messy, and possibly boring updates/thoughts, they are at the bottom of this post. When I was a teenager, I struggled significantly with depression. I saw the world in shades of gray, and I genuinely believed that life would…
Read MoreAll From The Heart
Sharing and spreading joy can be so fulfilling and addicting. Let’s be honest, watching others smile or laugh is simply good for the soul. It’s good for the heart. That’s one of the many reasons I loved FSY: I got to spread joy and love all day, everyday. In big ways. And in small ways….
Read MoreLine Upon Line
The knock was faint. I am a pretty deep sleeper, but I heard it anyway. Personally, I think the spirit woke me up. Because we were in a little apartment pod with four bedrooms and six counselors, I didn’t hurry to get up. Someone else would get the door, right? That thought process didn’t cut…
Read MoreThe Right Place
We were sitting in the hall, near the doors, when she came up to me. Although I was sitting there with my friend (who was also a counselor), I think the young woman came up to me specifically. That’s how I remember it anyway. She had a look of desperation, and there was a sadness…
Read MoreI Miss Them Too
Leaders of the church and other members encourage you to be still after finishing your prayer. They recommend you stay kneeling, quietly and reverently listening. To be honest, I’m not very good at it. My mind wanders and thinks about all sorts of things. Like the book I’m reading, or what happened that day, or…
Read MoreYou’re Worth it
I remember sitting in a meeting with some other FSY counselors and a few assistant coordinators. We were talking about the chaos that unfolded and the stress that other counselors felt when the flock of sheep trotted by. You know, the stress of trying to keep the youth out of the road, making sure everyone…
Read MoreA Question I Didn’t Know I Had
I love Q&A panels. I had been fortunate enough to take part in two before this one, and they excited me and were always experiences filled with miracles. We sat on the edge of the stage, our feet dangling. Shoulder to shoulder, we faced the girls in the audience. I made sure to wink and…
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