First day of school!

The first day of school is always fun and exciting. It kind of serves as a marker for the start of new opportunities to learn new things, new adventures, new people, new classes, the list goes on. 

It's one hundred percent necessary to capture this big day, especially when you realize the number of "first days of school" you have left are dwindling quickly. So, obviously we  got some shots of this big day. (It's the big guy's last ever first day of school, and I only have one more left. *tear*) 

Still a couple of kids at heart ;)

This day is always kinda neat in that it's like a new start. It's also neat because it means that daily campus coffee shop runs to truly embrace the college white girl lifestyle are once again a thing. How blissful. You really probably don't even realize how blissful this really is. So pictures to illustrate may be necessary.

See? Bliss. 

Ok I'm being dramatic and slightly sarcastic. 

Anyway, besides that little college luxury, each new school year holds new blessings as well as challenges that bring so much growth. 

To look forward to the upcoming days is like waiting to open a Christmas present. It's beautifully wrapped and we know it holds a surprise. The anticipation for that coming surprise(s) that we slowly see as we begin to unwrap is similar to the feelings at the beginning of a new phase in life, such as the start of a new school year. We start to see glimpses of His plan and of the coming challenges as each day passes, as we open the package a bit more each day. It's pretty stinkin' awesome! 

Sidenote: as a perfect example to the lovely little surprises that life brings as we unwrap each day, Matt surprised me this evening with beautiful flowers to end the first day of school :)

Whatta sweetie!

Ok back on track: 

I think that the ability to continue education each year is a huge blessing, even though isometimes through the stresses it can bring it doesn't always feel like a blessing. God places us in each stage of life, whether that is college, work, parenthood, etc., for a bigger purpose than we usually see. He has such an awesome plan, it's so incredible to see Him work and to see it play out day by day. Even on the days that life is tough or we question the power of His great plan when things don't go our way, He is working and preparing us for the coming stages of life and the coming eternal life. It is so crucial to keep both open minds and hearts to His love and His word each moment of life. In each moment of growth, through each annoying project, through each encouragement and accomplishment to each discouragement and failure. Sometimes this seems near impossible as our human pride and lack of understanding often get in the way. But consciously putting Him first in each day's activities and just acknowledging His goodness, His grace, and His presence in all we do makes for a joyful and peaceful life, even through hardships. True faith is remaining faithful through the quiet times, through the times we feel most distant from God through discouragement, shame, exhaustion, etc. 

As life zips along and as more "first days of school" pass, I want to consciously be growing in His love and in His callings for my life without losing sight of this through all the distractions the days can bring. In little moments and in the big picture, He is always working. 

And life does fly by. It really does. I feel like I was just one of the many lost speed walking freshmen with navigating around campus with a frantic look on my face, the classic lanyard, and campus map in hand. And now I'm doing this for the third time like it's the easiest thing next to breathing. It's crazy how quickly the days pass and how much He blesses us with each day. 

Life is such an incredible gift, I want to embrace every moment and every person He brings into it this year. That will undoubtedly be easier said than done, but my goal is to pursue this indefinitely, even through discouragement. 

He is so good. He is love, beauty, goodness, and so incredibly awesome. The least I can do is seek Him each day, know Him and make Him known to the best of my ability, although I am an imperfect person without the wisdom or understanding of how to a always best go about this. He will grant the graces and necessary. 

"Preach daily, if necessary, use words." 

 

A what?

~Jeremiah 29:11~

Tomorrow I will move back to school to start my junior year. Not only am I moving back to school, but I'm moving into a...sorority. No, that was not a typo. 

If you would have asked me a year ago if I would ever join a sorority I probably would have laughed and rebuked the question with, "Absolutely not!" It was honestly the last place I thought I would find myself. 

Based on actual real life experience, I can verify that this actually is the reaction of almost every girl on bid day. 

Can you see why I was like "oh heck nah" on the idea of even going through rush? Perhaps the craziness is due to pure joy that the weirdness of rush is finally over, but either way, kinda freaky, right? 

But, here I am. About to live in one of these sororities. (Btw, I'm glad that I am now.) It's so funny yet so amazing how God can lead us to places we never thought we'd go on our own, reveal to us work to be done, and bless us greatly with fellowship and graces that come from following where He leads. 

God often calls us to things that we don't understand. Things that we wouldn't choose for ourself, things that seem difficult or unlike us. Faith put into action is when we decide to trust and persevere anyway (with the help of His grace through prayer and His Word to guide us). It's like when we are willing He swoops us up and plants us on a ledge over a big cliff and asks us to jump, resting in the promises that He will catch us. We as humans seeing all the logical ways that this could go horribly wrong (aka death, injury, etc.) cling tight to the earth like, "Uh, God, what are you doing? Is this even safe? Are you sure you can catch me? Gravity has proven to be pretty powerful..." And He's like, "Girl, I got this." 

It's normal to question, healthy even, because it causes us to call out to Him and trust that if we follow His command He will catch us, protect us, provide us with the proper resources, and restore us when we grow weary. 

There is nothing more marvelous about any biblical figure (Noah, Moses, Hosea, Abraham, etc.) than you and I, except that these people were willing to say yes to God despite the odds they were up against or the unknown territory the Lord led them to. We are all called to do His work, to open our minds & hearts to where He can lead us to do just that. The examples in Scripture serve as a challenge to us. Actually being willing to be put in vulnerable situations, identifying, and responding to that call is the constant challenge. At different times the call may be different, and it will be different for each person. We all have different strengths, we all have different gifts. God uses these differences. As strange as the call may be, if it is God-led, it. will. not. fail. 

So like I said, I never thought this sorority thing is something I would do. After two years of college I still didn't even know who Vera Bradley was (apparently it's a brand) or the meaning of the term monogram. Apparently it's a trend to have every piece of fabric you owned embroidered with your initials, like in case you forget which backpack or jacket is yours or something... I probably shouldn't mention that at first I thought it was strange how much sorority girls talked about getting annual breast exams... Then I figured out that's mammogram not "monogram". Common misconception... Right? 

Anyway, I had heard many of these terms throughout my time at school but I really didn't plan on actually learning the importance or meaning of them, let alone joining of one of these organizations that popularizes them. But since when does my plan ever really work out anyway?

It's all about Him and His plan. He will pull us out of our comfort zones again and again and just when we think we're where we need to be, He will yank us again. Not for the sake of jerking us around, but for the sake of using us to further His kingdom and allowing us to put our full trust in Him. We grow to love Him more and more when His faithfulness is revealed and we give Him all our trust. When we understand that our entire meaning and purpose rests in Him, we will only be fulfilled when we follow the things He set us on this earth to do- both big and small things. 

Sometimes from what our limited minds can see & understand it doesn't seem to make much sense and we often go through storms or discomforts to see His plans unravel. It may seem strange or even dangerous. But like He says in the oh so cliche and famous verse in Jeremiah, His plan is not to harm us but to prosper us. He sees the whole picture. He has our whole lives, our whole futures in His hands. 

In a few short paragraphs, Oswald Chambers says it better than I can when speaking on the idea of obedience & following Gods plan in My Utmost & His Highest: 

(http://utmost.org/god’s-purpose-or-mine/)

We don't really have much control on either the process or the outcome, although like my man Chambers said, it is not about the outcome. I have to remember that taking the risk and moving into a sorority is not the end goal, I haven't been led, chose to say okay, and then just plopped there as God brushes His hands off like, "okay, good, we're done here." Nor is there really an "end goal" of this. It requires constant obedience throughout the entire process in big ways and small ways. He is glorified through the decision we make daily to know Him and make Him known in every action. When May comes and I move out for the summer, sure a lot of His plan will have unraveled and revealed over the course of the year, but that doesn't mean there will be this big epiphany or moment where the goal has been met. It is ongoing, more of His plan will be revealed and put into action the more we are willing, the more we say "yes". God is glorified through the process, through His plan in action. 

He has the control over it, over everything. If this is true then why would we not put our trust in our Creator and Savior with this promise? Well, usually because we like to feel like we have control, we like to be comfortable, and we have doubting & prideful hearts. Shaking those things that we cling to can be the most difficult thing to do. Fear of the unknown is something I've experienced time and time again. It's incredible how we can be so calmed by God's grace when we just give it to Him by saying yes. When it no longer becomes about what WE should do or can do, but about what HE can do through us and about what He can reveal  to us.

I believe that He put it in my heart to take the risk of joining an organization coined a "sorority" comprised of a group of women, all with different stories, all beautiful in all different ways, all His children. He saw the value that it could have for me when I was caught up in being skeptical of the stereotype. I'm confident that He has a lot in store to teach me through this experience and I know that He will continue to provide me the strength and grace to press on, as well as use me for His work as long as I work to follow the examples of all those in Scripture who were just willing to say "yes" with an open heart and mind.

Greek life can definitely be a dangerous battle ground when it comes to trying to stand strong in the faith. But so was the battle ground David fought Goliath on, as were many other circumstances and journeys God led countless great figures in the Scriptures to. He leads us where He needs His love and work to be done, and to where His plan can unfold. He doesn't promise that we will feel comfortable with it. But then where would trust come in if we did? 

I was apprehensive about this whole idea but by His goodness He has placed me into a wonderful group of young women and a chapter that is full of new blessings and experiences that He will use both to teach me and encourage me in my walk, as well as use me as a vessel to encourage others.

This experience will surely come with challenges and discouragements, but I am also sure that it will come with many encouragements, increased fellowship and love, and growth for the better. 

I am already beginning to develop great friendships and fellowships with both nonbelievers and believers and I'm eager to see what beautiful relationships develop throughout this process. 

All in all I'm excited for this new grand adventure. For the fun and friendships it will bring, for the growth I will inevitably encounter, and for the opportunity to just love more of His people. Each one of my sisters is a child of God and each one is so incredibly special.

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask The Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His field."

~Matthew 9:37

My prayer is that throughout this year I will be able to do His work with the support and fellowship of the beautiful group of women around me in whichever ways He sees fit, both inside & outside of the walls of the beautiful home I will dwell in. 

Here's to a new adventure! 

Summer Recap

Today marks the last day of my internship working in investment services. I feel like a real grown up. It kind of stinks sometimes...So many sunny summer days spent in an office wearing business casual (who came up with that term anyway?) answering client calls while my friends sent me pictures of their summer adventures abroad or lazy days by the pool. There were definitely moments I was awfully bitter about this growing up thing, about this responsibility thing. It isn't always glamorous. But in the end I'm so grateful for the opportunity that I had and the ways it allowed me to grow and learn. 

The amount I learned about insurance, wise investments, and finances in general is crazy for only being here for 12 short weeks. I gained some great practical life and career knowledge that I'll need as I graduate and begin a real career not too long from now, so I guess I can't complain too much about that. I definitely feel way ahead of the curve now. That in itself is a blessing. So check "learning what an annuity is" off my bucket list. Ha, yeah right that wasn't on there. But if it was, I could check it off now. ;) 

Additionally, I learned a lot about myself- about what type of work I like and don't like, about how to work with a variety of different types of people with different life stories, of different ages, and more. These are the three little ladies I spent the most time in the same office with all summer: 

I'll never forget these three. These gals were a blessing to work with for more reasons than one. I can confidently say I learned something important from each one of them and I couldn't have asked for a better group to spend my days with. 

Cupcake dates to Yummy Cupcakes and Starbucks coffee runs happened more often than probably necessary, and I'm totally okay with that :) 

(Sometimes blurry) Seflies were taken, joy was experienced. 

I've heard some internship horror stories from some of my peers, so I can say I more than lucked out with such a great group and experience. I developed great connections with my coworkers and I was also blessed enough to develop a great friendship with one of these coworkers in particular. 

(Like I said, selfies were taken, joy was experienced.) 

Paula is of the sweetest ladies I've ever met. I never expected to have such a great relationship with a "boss", but I'm sure glad that I did. It made for a great experience and made my days so enjoyable. She taught me a lot about loving people even when it's no fun, always putting other people's feelings before her own and showing warm friendliness to all who crossed her path even on long days or days she felt discouraged and stressed. Her cheerful smile, peppy attitude, and genuinity are too rare in many people in corporate America these days. She displays what Christlike love and patience truly is in her  daily actions without even realizing it. I really admired that in her and I truly believe God set her in my life as an example of how to be more gentle, more patient, and more generous as a young woman. 

Throughout my time as an intern, I feel like I really began to understand more about what I value in people and in work through a lot of time spent in the office as well as through a lot of reflection and prayer throughout the weeks away from school. 

Throughout the last few months, God revealed a lot to me about myself, my true desires, my strengths/weaknesses, and where my heart is. It kind of hit me like a brick. I think it's been a long time coming and a work in progress for awhile, but this summer really allowed me to reflect on it, spend more time in The Word, and learn the true meaning of discipline through working full time, meeting deadlines, presenting myself professionally, and more. 

At the start of the summer I prayed that the Lord would stretch my understanding of what He expects from me as well as prepare my heart for the upcoming year in Bloomington to better live as His disciple. It's always been in my heart, but I really found myself longing to know how to do this better and this summer that desire has grown immensely. By the grace of God, my understanding of what needs to be done in order to do that has increased immensely as well. I know for certain He stretched my understanding this summer, both in and out of the office, revealing to me things I need to either seek out and get involved in to better my relationship with Him and respond to the desire in my heart to further His kingdom. He also clearly revealed some things that need to be cut out (socially, personally, even fashionably as silly as it sounds, etc.) if I truly and fully want to claim the life of following Him. The following quote has beyond proved itself to be true over the past few months. 

I asked God to break me down, teach me and show me His way, and lead me wherever and to whatever He calls me to no matter the cost. More than ever, I have fully embraced that I need to sacrifice certain things that don't always encourage me in my walk with Him and things that may inhibit my ability to witness to Him, while at the same time pursue things that will strengthen my walk with Him and my ability to truly live the life I want to live, even if it's uncomfortable. And boy, it can be uncomfortable. But I realized that if in prayer I'm going to dare to utter the words, "Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander", and mean it, then I have to deal with and embrace the discomfort that will come with that. It's not meant to be easy. He has called me higher and deeper because I asked him to. He sure does answer prayer. 

I need prayers that I will continue to respond to that call as the school year begins because as I've already experienced, when we do, the rewards of peace and grace far exceed the small price to pay of sacrificing certain things the world promises are okay or will bring happiness, when in reality they don't. He stretches us and when we say okay, letting go of all things holding us back, the result is incredible.  

I feel like in so many ways the experience of working in this environment along with a lot of reflection time of the past year and discernment of messages He has been writing upon my heart, I've developed a whole new viewpoint on life and what's important to me (regardless of what the world says), as well as how to better prepare myself to be who He calls us as His children to be. I pray that all the people in my life experience this as well. It comes with an incredible amount of joy and peace that I just want to pour out to all around me. I feel like a whole new person in so many ways, while still being the same old me. Or like a new part of me has been discovered or uncovered and He is polishing it off to shine and really become a part of me. It's so crazy how much God can transform different areas of our lives, of our minds, and of our hearts at different times. 

I'll never totally get it right and I'm constantly growing, which is how it should be. But I'm really starting to see Him work and by trying to be 100% unashamedly open to that work, I am slowly seeing more and more tiny glimpses of His goodness and beginning to hear and answer call that I've never seen this way before. 

He wanted me to grow up this summer, in more ways than one. Professionally, socially, mentally, and spiritually. Now, I truly believe that this is why He provided this internship opportunity to begin with. It's not even in my field of study, I just kind of stumbled upon it and it fell into place. He knew where I belonged and where I would grow the most. Looking back I can say that without a doubt that has happened. 

So the bottom line is that I guess a few weeks of giving up beach days and sleeping in were beyond worth it, in more ways than one. But now I'm going to spend the next few days before going back to school by the pool, at the beach, oversleeping, and consuming more ice cream than necessary ;) 

He is so good! 

I think I'll start a blog.

Hi, I'm Jordan! Commonly known as J. It's easier, simpler, and what I respond to more often than to my actual name. 

I'm a lover of Jesus, all things rainbow sprinkles, sunshine, running, country music, outdoors, campfires, football, laughter, dark chocolate, popcorn (pronounced "poccorns"), coffee, carrots & celery (weird I know), animals, travel, and family. Also an IU Hoosier, adventurer, loud and lively soul, and a huge goofball if you know me at all. Most importantly, I'm a Wawrzyniak. Our family motto is, "spread the love and the cool." So that pretty much speaks for itself. 

I decided to start a blog for a few reasons: 

1. God has led me to. There is nothing better than sharing His goodness. 

2. Through the use of this little tool called a blog I hope to share a fresh and positive message that will encourage others.

3. Lastly, I've recently found myself wanting a creative, fun way to track and share the coming adventures and challenges God will bring to my life. My hope is that this is something that my friends and family will enjoy reading. If not, that must mean I'm an awful writer, but at least I'll have a little diary. I've always wanted one of those. ;)

Now to introduce the stars of the show. 

Jesus

This guy rocks. He's truly the star of the show aka of my life. I've always been a believer, but especially in the last year and half or so He has worked so diligently in my life. Well he always has, but I've especially noticed all the growth in my relationship with Him that's been happening over the past 18ish months. Aside from the obvious that He has saved me and provides me strength and grace to keep the faith and work to fight the good fight, He has provided so many people and situations/challenges recently that have helped to transform my heart from one that just believed and tried to do the right thing, to one that is truly learning to fall in love with Him and know Him better and more personally. It is so different and so beautiful. He is making me new every day and blessing my life immensely. He continues to prepare my heart to better witness to Him and fulfill the purpose He placed me here for. I'm no expert and I certainly don't have it all figured out, but all I know is that He has it under control if I keep my heart and mind open. He is so good! 

The Fam (the love & cool spreaders)

Mom is easily my best friend. She's my number one confidant- we talk about anything and everything. I've never felt as if I have to hide anything from her. We're weird and silly in so many of the same ways, we laugh at the dumbest things together, and the older I get the more I realize how similar our brains are. I'm learning that now days it's rare for such a mother-daughter relationship to exist. As sad as that is and as much as I feel every girl's best friend should be her mom, it makes me realize how much of a blessing this really is. I swear if it wasn't weird, that girl would be maid of honor one day. Unfortunately, that's not really a thing. But this woman is magnificent nonetheless- an innovator, go getter, loving friend and family member always putting everyone before herself, and a beautiful person inside and out. She's a lover of baseball, kiddos, family, dark chocolate, rum and coke, fishing, sci-fi, and "tall nonfat no whip mochas". 

Dad is also one of my biggest supporters. He's the hardest worker I know and has a magnetic personality. EVERYONE loves Jon. Literally. I often wish I inherited that trait. One can only dream.

He's the guy that waits on everyone else, somehow knows everyone everywhere, makes up the silliest words and songs such as "dad is great, he gives us chocolate cake", and more. He can often be found either with a blow torch lighting off fireworks (even on a random Thursday in November), scheduling new family adventures to the mountains of Lake Tahoe or the jungles of Costa Rica, or sipping a beer while sweeping the pool. He constantly works to make the lives of those around him better, loves the Lord and family, values building relationships, and ultimately just rocks.  

Nick, also known as "Pickles" or "Nickle Pickle", is probably the best person I could have asked to grow up next to. Contrary to popular belief, he actually is my younger brother despite the fact that he is twice my size or that he has muscles bigger than the average 17 year old. He has a heart of gold and charm that draws people to him. He's actually funnier than I often give him credit for, protects me like it's his job (thank you), and still talks to me and asks me for advice (he actually appreciates any ounce of wisdom I may have, which is rare for a younger brother). He also tends to have random candy cravings around midnight. Everybody's got their quirks, I guess. However, he is a wonderful blessing. It blows my mind that he starts his senior year of high school today, but I am so excited to see where God will lead him in the near future.

Grandma and Grandpa are some of the cutest and funniest grandparents I know. They are proud gardeners, always bringing us fresh pickles from their garden, and board game extraordinaires, always having a new game they've learned and want to teach us. Nothing matches Gram's cooking or trendy style, and I swear I've never seen her toenails not done. Weekly pedicures are a must for her and she's the only grandma I know that owns her own handgun. Grandpa is the classic American man- he can fix anything, served as a Marine and as a policeman, and loves his Jack Daniels. He's a family man and a wonderful example. 

These two make our family what it is and hold us all together. I'm beyond grateful for them. 

Nana

I lost this beautiful soul in October of 2012 but the impact she had on my life is never lost. She set the ultimate example of selflessness, constantly giving of herself to others (both to family/friends and to people she hardly knew). She had a heart full of love and graciousness that just radiated. Her heavy Spanish accent, small frame, & salt and pepper hair just made her "Nana". I credit her for my creativity because throughout childhood she played numerous make believe games with me, turning the closet into a rocket ship or the basement into a hospital or school. She was one of my best friends, and always will be. 

Matt

There is so much that can be said about this guy, I could go on forever. God has greatly blessed me with his love and leadership. A man of God, man among men, leader among leaders, football player, hard worker, country music lover, outdoorsman, guitar player, supporter, jokester, family man and so much more. He's always up for an adventure and can make anybody laugh with his ability to imitate a wide variety of accents...some say it's like his pocket is the melting pot of the world.... Maybe that's a stretch, but he is pretty good at spontaneously taking on the different nationalities.  Finding a man that is confident in himself with a great sense of humor and that lives his life according to Christ's standard is so rare yet so beautiful. It makes a relationship so much more real than just casual dating or infatuation. He's the man. 

These are just a few of the stars of my show but there are several other awesome characters that will inevitably make numerous appearances, many of which are probably readers of this here blog. 

So here goes nothing. Your existence starts now, little blog.