Let's Go Kayaking!

Kayaking is by far my favorite hobby.  In the summertime, my family and I will pack up the kayaks and canoes and head out for an adventure to Devil’s Lake State Park or another nearby lake.  For anyone who hasn’t gone kayaking before, I would highly recommend it.  When the water is calm with a slight breeze on a warm summer day, those are prime conditions for kayaking.  You can also go fishing while you kayak, or you can enjoy the sights of nature from your seat.  At Devil’s Lake State Park I take in the sights of the bluffs that surround the lake, the clouds, blue sky, and the various eagles and turkey vultures that make their way through the sky in an eloquent way.  This past summer I had the opportunity in August to go kayaking several times and I absolutely loved it!

Sunflowers

When I think of sunflowers I think of their profound beauty.  They have the potential to grow extremely and they are all so different from one another.  Yellow peddles and their black inner body creates a magnificent contrast for the eye.  Whether there are a plethora of them in a field or just one in a garden, they are one of my favorite flowers.  This past summer on the drive home from Door County in Wisconsin we stumbled across a field of sunflowers.  The sun provides them with nourishment and they are constantly facing the sun for that.  I came across this quote about sunflowers and would like to share it with you!

“Sunflowers.  Just as they follow the sun throughout their days, we too must follow the Son throughout our days.”

Squirrels. Squirrels. Squirrels.

Yes, it is rare to meet someone whose favorite animal is a squirrel. BUT, alas, you have now officially been introduced to a girl whose favorite animal is a squirrel.  There’s something about them that’s different from other animals.  To be specific, black and grey squirrels are my favorite.  Their fluffy tails and adventurous minds make them unique.  Countless times during my walks to class across campus at UW-Oshkosh I have found myself squirrel watching, and other people notice it!  Have you ever seen a squirrel with a short stubby tail?  Or one with fluffy brown ears?  Maybe you’ve even seen one carrying some sort of exotic piece of people food.  The next time you’re gazing out your window, driving, or walking to class take a moment to appreciate the squirrels that surround you!

Fall Retreat!

Fall Retreat is October 4^th through the 6^th!  There’s something about driving three hours north to McNaughton, WI in the peak of fall that rejuvenates the soul.  Fort Wilderness will forever have a special place in my heart.  Last year was the first year that I traveled up there to spend a weekend in nature with an incredible community of people.  Building friendships and learning how to grow in my faith, it was simply glorious!  Not to mention, fall is one of my favorite seasons.  The changing of the leaves, the crispness of the air, and the contrast of the bright blue sky against all of the fall colors all bring joy into my life.  With fall come many other fun activities such as carving pumpkins, hot apple cider drinking, eating caramel apples, adventuring to places off the map to see fall colors, and enjoying those warm fall bonfires.

#FallingPlates

I first saw this video at a winter conference with Cru last year called TCX! I remember when I first saw this video it impacted my life in several ways.  It makes me think about how I am living my life.  Am I living it for myself or others centered?  Am I seeking acceptance from others and centering my life around people pleasing?  Or am I living to glorify God?

Galations 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

My freshman year of college I got involved with an organization on campus called Cru.  I have made so many incredible friendships through Cru and can truly say that I live in community with around 200 other  wonderfulpeople.  Living in community is important for our lives because we were created to be in community!  Seek out others and live life with them!  The friendships you make in college are truly a blessing.