Always here for us =)

One of my favorite verses in the New Testament:

"I am able to do all things in Him who empowers me."
                                    -Philippians 4:13

This verse has been so helpful to me throughout high school and my freshman year of college. Every time I became stressed or overly anxious, Philippians 4:13 would come to mind and remind me that all of this outward worrying was for nothing. Nothing I did, felt, or thought would mean anything without Christ. All my successes and all my failures were and are not due to my own mind, emotion, and will. Instead, each time I studied or took an exam, I could only turn to the Lord and depend on him to be my strength and guide me. Another verse that supported this verse and was equally as encouraging was John 15:5, which is mentioned in the first footnote for Philippians 4:13:

"Apart from Me you can do nothing." 
                      -John 15:5

John 15:5 shows us the organic relationship we have with the Lord. He is our living and we ought to remember that each day. We must keep our hearts open to the Lord and always continue to seek him. I can testify that I have often not been faithful in pursuing the Lord, but each time I go through a trial or am in need, these verses encourage me to seek the Lord again. For this, I am incredibly thankful that I have the precious Word of God to comfort me and be my enjoyment each day! I also really appreciate the friend who first wrote Philippians 4:13 on my eraser many years ago during midterms. She may not know how much of an impact the verse has had on my life nor even remember writing the verse, but such a simple act has helped me through so much and always reminded me to turn to the Lord.

However, a turn to the Lord shouldn't come only when you're in need, but there should be a constant and relentless pursuing of the Lord even when times are good. =)

Everything's Bigger in Texas

My trip to Austin, TX last week was fantastic and full of fun and excitement! I really enjoyed my time there because I got to spend time with my best bud =). It was really awesome being in the area where she's lived for the past year and visiting the places she goes on a normal basis. Places we visited included various buildings on the UT campus, her apartment obviously, and delicious food places such as Galaxy! We, well I, also ate at a place called Freebirds, which was really really yummy and perhaps on par with Chipotle! I never thought I'd say that, but it's true. The meat at Freebirds is actually better than Chipotle though. Good thing Chapel Hill doesn't have a Freebirds because then I'd be forced to make a decision between it and Chipotle!

Anyway, all in all, my time in Austin was fun and it was a beautiful city (besides the lack of trees...). I told my friend already that if I had visited UT before filling out college applications, I probably would have chosen UT over UNC. I'm not saying I regret choosing to go to UNC or that i dislike it, but Austin and the people there are just amazing. I LOVED it! I see now why my friend chose to go there and why she has enjoyed her time so much! I can't wait to visit her again and hopefully meet more people and spend more time in the homes! The saints in Austin are incredibly sweet and the church life is so real and precious. The older ones are great patterns for us, the younger believers =). Because of the good impression Austin made on me, I'm seriously considering UT for pharmacy school. We'll see where the Lord leads me!

Another dimension to my trip was the draw of Austin as my hometown. I was born in Austin but moved shortly after so I don't remember a thing about Texas. I should probably just call myself a native North Carolinian =P. I like describing myself as a Texan though, it makes me a little different from most others I meet around here. Anyway, it was fascinating being in the city I was born in, seeing St. David's Hospital, wondering how much has changed, going to places my parents might've been, and meeting people who knew me and my family! 19 years had passed and I finally made it back to my roots =). Who knows, maybe one day I'll end up living in Texas again!

Traveling to Austin was so much fun that I realized how little of the nation I've seen, let alone the world. I really want to travel more, especially to places like Europe and Australia. I feel like those kinds of international trips would be mind-boggling and a dream come true =). For now, maybe I'll just try to stick around here and visit places like Canada (never been there!), Hawaii, Alaska, Seattle, and everywhere else that might be interesting! I can't travel alone though, travel buddies are necessary, so let's all plan together!