The Big Orange Mess...in The Big Orange Country

Tomorrow starts the first day of class..which will also be the first day of senior year...wait what?!! Yes, this will be my senior year of college. It's crazy to think about how this time has already come and it seriously feels like the past three years have happened in a blink of an eye.As I prepare to start my final year of college at UT, I think about my freshman year and starting this new chapter of my life. As my friends and family know, I absolutely LOVE Knoxville and it feels like home to me...but it was not always like that. My first year here was hard, overwhelming, and nothing I imagined it would be. There were many days that I would lay in my dorm room and just wonder if I made the right decision coming to Knoxville. But, as I decided to stay and continue my time at the University of Tennessee, I realized the Lord had a plan set out for me all along. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11, which says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse has held so much meaning for me as I have been on my college journey.

So, as I start the final part of my chapter here at UT, I look back and see how God really does make all things beautiful. I can honestly say that I would not be the same person if I didn't stay here and I can honestly say that I wouldn't have wanted my college years to be any different..because they have been some of the best years of my life.

                                        

Coming to the University of Tennessee, I have found many things here.
I found my best friends here...friends that have become like family.
I have found amazing opportunites here..such as going to New York City and Chicago.
I have found life-changing experiences...such as cherish the important things.
I have found traditions here...going to football games and singing Rocky Top every five seconds

I realize this is a more in-depth post, but I wanted to share a little of my journey at Tennessee and why it has meant so much to me.So, on that note, I hope that wherever you are in life, to never give up because you may not realize how much the Lord is working in your life and what a wonderful plan He has set for you.

Rocky Top, you will always be home sweet home to me!

                                             
                                       
                                         

#75

75. Read The Hunger Games

This past week, I decided to start reading the Hunger Games series, and let me tell you..it was awesome! Before reading, I heard from a lot of people that this series was so good and such an easy read. To be honest, I am not much of a reader but once I actually sit down with a book I can't stop..so maybe I should do it more often. I loved the fact of just sitting down and reading a book...there is something so relaxing about it. But anyways, I bought The Hunger Games and I started reading it and I seriously finished the book later that night...I always wanted to know what was going to happen next.



So, I would highly recommend this series for you to read. It was a great book and I think guys and girls would both enjoy it. There is a little of romance and action for everyone to enjoy. Also, if you have any free time, I encourage you to think about reading a good book before you decide to sit on the couch and watch TV.

The Big Orange Mess...Captivated by The One

This past Monday, I came home to catch up and visit with my family for a few days before my hectic school schedule starts back up. As I came back, I was looking through some old books of mine and I found the book Captivating. I realized that I never finished it, but decided to look through it and start where I left off. Then it struck me, I feel like I was meant to start this book once again because it was something I needed to hear.                                                                
A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a few friends about relationships and how society puts so much focus on finding "the one." Yes, I admit that I struggle with this and it is no easy subject for me. But, we were talking about where we find our worth and how much emphasis we place on these romantic relationships, because let's face it everybody wants to feel needed and loved. Many people question their value if they feel like no one wants to pursue them and let relationships define who they are as a person. But, as I was going through this book, it reminded me of where I should find my worth and how valuable I am as a young woman.
So, I thought I would share a few key points that really stuck with me and I hope that when we face days that we question our value, we will be reminded of these things.

1. Many girls, including myself,  all have to face what the word "beauty" really means. We often question ourselves with "am I pretty enough?" "am I skinny enough?" "does my hair look good?" But, when we realize that there is much much more to beauty than this, we see the real us. We can also take heart in the fact that the Creator of the universe is so deeply in love with us and finds each and everyone of us simply beautiful . In Psalm 45, it says, the King is enthralled by your beauty.

2. A major thing that really stuck with me was the fact of being the person God created you to be. In this world, we struggle so much on the thought of being who others will be pleased with and living up to others standards. In Captivating, Eldredge states, "We act in self-protective ways and refuse to offer what we truly see, believe, and know. We will not risk rejection or looking like a fool." I will be the first to admit that I have a unique personality at times (hence the rapping video) and I know it is part of what makes me who I am, but I often wonder what others may think.
 I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

3. Many times in life we search so long to find things that can satisfy us, even in relationships. But, I have personally learned that these worldly things do not complete the satisfacation my heart desires. This book discusses when we turn to these things, we are giving our heart to them instead of to the heart of God. How much I needed to be reminded of that! 
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17

So, I hope that we can all be reminded of these things, including guys. We are each wonderfully made and each have a unique story to tell. I know it is easier said than done, but my prayer is that when we are striving so hard to find "the one", we remember to seek "The One" who created us and views us as His beautiful children. For He has a wonderful plan set out for you!

                                               

                                       
                                                                
                        
                                                      

#14

14. See Chris August in concert
For those who know me, know that I am a huge Chris August fan. He is one of my favorite artists and I first heard his song "Starry Night" on Klove back in the fall. Ever since then, I have been waiting for him to come to Tennessee so I would get the chance to see him live. Well, last night, it finally happened. I went to the Smokies game, a minor league baseball team, and following the game, they  held a Christian concert featuring Chris August and the Sidewalk Prophets.

Chris August on stage

Smokies Stadium

If you have never heard Chris August or the Sidewalk Prophets, I would highly recommend you listen to them because they are unbelievable. It was so incredible to see fellow believers gathered at a baseball stadium to praise the One who is everything! It was an indescribale setting as people waited after watching 9 innings of a game to stand and lift their hands high to praise the Lord.
As much as I love Chris August, I know that it is not all about seeing him, but instead about the meaning his music holds.
                                                                                                              

                                                                    

7x70

                       
Therefore I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, I will sing praises to your name. 2 Samuel 22:50

The Big Orange Mess...With a Summer Like No Other!

In less than a month from now, I will be starting my final year of college and all the classes, studying, and exams will once again be part of my routine. Many people I know are excited to start their senior year, preparing for a whole new school term, and anxiously awaiting their friends to arrive back in town. But honestly, I am dreading when this time comes and I have to say good-bye to these summer days. I say this because this summer has been nothing like I imagined it would be...it has been even better!
    I know these next few weeks will be tough as I already had to say one of a few good-byes, or what my friends like to call  "see  ya later" this past week and it was anything but easy for me. But, as I was going through all my pictures this summer, I realized that this was one of the best summer's I have had. I decided to spend the summer in Knoxville and without a doubt in my mind, it was the best decision I could possibly make. I got the opportunity to hang out with some amazing friends, while also forming new friendships. We spent countless nights going on adventures and creating memories that I will always cherish. We spents hours and hours playing games, watching movies, eating delicious food, doing random crazy things, rapping, and my favorite..laughing so hard that we cried!     
    Looking back over these past two months, I see how blessed I am to have such wonderful and caring people in my life. They have made this summer amazing and they have become some of my best friends! I know I will look back on this summer and I will automatically start laughing because I will remember all the great times we had together...all the inside jokes, all the stories, and everything. As much as I dread the summer ending and people leaving, one quote comes to mind. "Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened."

                                             

So, here is a reflection of these summer months and some of the best times ever!!

We took a roadrip to see the Braves for my friend's 21st birthday! It was one of my favorite things this summer because I love the Braves and got to spend time with great friends!

This was in Chicago, and if you can't tell from earlier posts, I clearly fell in love with that city. This picture was from the day we saw the David Crowder Band.

This was at Litton's..one of the best places to eat in Knoxville.

Free Chick-fil-a day!

Lake Day!

Dinner at Aubrey's!

"I still recall every summer night like it was yesterday; the times would never end and my friends were family."

"I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun." - Charles Swindoll

                                           

The Big Orange Mess...and a RAPPING career?

It's the summer of 11 and we're actin like some felons
We went to Taco Bell where we learned we're hot as :0
We be jammin to some Starry Night as I wish I was Chris August wife
I like trees and my boy Chris is the bees knees, pleaseee
I made a baby with Tsweezie and a kitty, don't judge people just have pity
I sucked down a milkshake at a drug store, but no crack or meth that ain't me no more
I must confess I am still the Big Orange Mess
God Bless.

Yes, I am a mess and I may regret putting this on here later, but as you can clearly see my rapping career will not be going very far!

Things I have come to love this summer...

Before I know it, summer will be coming to an end and school will once again be starting up. But, this summer I have had many adventures and experiences that I have learned from. I have tried new things and learned how much I have been missing out on, while also realizing how much I enjoy the simple things. So, here is my summer lists of things I have come to love..                                                           

1. OUTDOORS: This summer I have been very busy, whether it be hanging out with friends, going to class everyday, or catching up with family, that I had very little time to actually sit down and watch TV. I have always had my certain shows that I try to follow, but this summer, I hated the fact of just watching TV. I even tried sitting down to watch a 30 minute show and couldn't do it. Instead, I enjoyed spending time outdoors...even though it was so blazing hot. I loved going to the pool, even though I had one growing up, I just forgot how much I really do love it.

2. CHICAGO: This summer I have come to love the great city of Chicago. This may be a given, but I fell in love with it. It was my first time there, and hopefully not my last.


3. FLOWERS: I have also come to love flowers. Yes, I have always thought they were beautiful but after going to the gardens in Chicago, all I do is look at flowers. I have lived in my apartment for a year now and have never noticed the flowers until I got back...they are quite pretty. If anybody gives me flowers, they will have my heart :)

4. RAINY DAYS: Another thing I have come to love is rainy days. Usually, I am the sunshine-kind-of-day person, but this summer I have had a few enjoyable rainy days. For instance, one rainy day consisted of going to the mall and trying on a billion dresses...it may not sound like fun to some but it was indeed!!

5. PURPLE HAIR: This summer I have gotten the chance to hang out with some great friends, but we never seem to have just a normal night. I thought it would be a great idea to dye some of my hair..purple. Don't worry, it was only a small strand that is temporary, but I enjoy trying new things haha

6. TWITTER: Yes, this summer I have joined the bandwagon. I have never been big into twitter...until my friend decided to create one for me. Now, I have learned all about twitter and what is considered tweet worthy. Don't have tweet regrets :)