God Must Crack Himself Up

For those of you who don't know, I am a pastor's daughter. My father has been on staff at three different churches in my lifetime and it has been quite an experience. I love being a PK (Pastor's Kid). I have learned so much about  the body of Christ and I have grown in so many areas through different experiences in the church. I have been granted a unique perspective of the church and I thank God everyday for that.

One thing that comes along with being a PK is being apart of different church activities. One of the most influential of these activities for me has been church camp. From the time I was three I have been apart of a church camp that my dad helps lead worship at. For the past 7 years it has been at a camp called Camp Revolution, but growing up, he helped at a camp called THEE Camp. 

THEE Camp (The Heaven and Earth Experience) is attached to so many of my childhood summer memories. It started out being held at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, but eventually they moved it to...wait for it...SOUTHWEST BAPTIST UNIVERSITY. Yep. Little did I know that I would one day be doing much more than spending a week every summer helping out in the Snack Shack and riding around in a golf cart. My Seminar class is held in the same room that I remember sitting in with Jo Burden and playing with her new dachshund puppy. The cafeteria food that I suffered through years ago, is the same that I suffer through now. 

I never, ever, not once, ever, at all, EVER expected to be attending SBU. 12 short months ago when I heard those letters come out of my father's mouth followed by "we should check it out", I dramatically shouted "over my dead body." And yet, here I am.

It's funny how God isn't on our agenda, isn't it? How we can be DEAD SET against something, and that is the very thing we end up doing. I never in a million years would have dreamed a year ago that I would be living in, and more-so, enjoying SBU. It makes me reconsider everything that I say I will "never ever ever ever ever never ever ever do." 

But God knew what He was doing in sending me here. If I had stayed dead-set in my ways and not filled out that application last September, and refused to go on a campus tour, who knows where I would be right now! I feel complete certainty in being here, and I am happy. I am happy that God doesn't take into consideration what WE want unless it is directly aligned with what HE wants. Because-hold your socks on-WE DON'T MATTER. We are put on this earth for HIS purpose, and what we want is not always what He has put in plan for our lives. But trust me, His plan is 1093858% better.

Now, this is kind of a double topic blog. I have wanted to talk about SBU being apart of my childhood and present, but I have also wanted to talk (more) about camp.

Camp has shaped my life in huge ways; From the age where I was far off from being allowed to attend, to my last year being an actual camper. Camp has opened up doors to friendship,joy, memories, strengthening, and healing. 

Camp is where I met my family. Yes, they are my family. Maybe not by actual blood, but by camp blood. People who have walked beside my family and I, loved us like no other, related to my parents on amazing levels, and just plain shared life with us. It may be one week of camp, but it has created a lifelong bond between us all. 

These are the Richardsons. I have known them for what feels like forever, and I have loved them just as long. Brian is the camp director of Camp Revolution and Sharla helps lead worship. Their boys are some of my favorite boys EVER. The twins Jarrett and Jordan have grown up before my eyes and I am in awe as to how great they have turned out to be. 

These are the Burdens. Ted and Jo are PHENOMENAL people and they raised some PHENOMENAL kids and have PHENOMENAL grandkids! Ted had his last year as a part of the camp team in 2012, but he will ALWAYS be a part of the camp family.

This is Mike, Amy, and Lyla Duvall. THEY ARE WONDERFUL. Easily some of the greatest people I know. Mike plays on the worship team and Amy keeps my mama company and helps in the Oasis. Lyla was born at camp in 2012 and so she will forever be Camp Princess, deservingly so.

I could write novels about this last family. "Aunt" Casey and "Uncle Lee"...some of my absolute favorite people in the world. I will never be able to express enough how much they mean to me and how much I appreciate and love these two. Lee leads worship at camp and Casey sits around all week...JUST KIDDING. Casey is a powerhouse and makes sure everything is in order at camp. She is a beast. They have easily taken on the role of my aunt and uncle and I could tell story upon story of all the times we have had together.

I could go on about each person who is in my life because of camp, but I don't think I would ever be able to put every single one on here. I have been blessed by a one week experience each year that continues to bless my life throughout the entire year. And for that, I say thank You.

It's a Redneckin' Good Time

Hey Y'all!

Thought I'd post some pictures of a redneck-themed barbecue my dorm had with our brother dorms tonight.

There should be a longer post in the next couple days.

And one picture of the beauty that I got to walk in while talking to God on the way back to my dorm.

Oceans

I have always been awestruck by the ocean. 
The might in the waves.
The power in the current.
The beauty it exhibits. 

This summer I was introduced to a song called Oceans by Hillsong at Camp Revolution. I thought "hey, cool song. Oceans are cool. Hillsong is cool. Singing is cool. I can dig it". Then, I came to SBU. That's when I thought "hey, that song relates completely and fully to my life right now". 

Before I continue, I want to give you a chance to listen to the song. 

About once a year there is a song that I hear and it is like God is standing behind me saying "this song is for you. listen up". With this song He was yelling "EASTON TRUST ME. I HAVE YOU. I LOVE YOU. I WANT TO TAKE YOU TO WHERE YOU NEED TO BE". 

For a while my response was not the most positive. I didn't trust. I felt lost. I felt powerless. 

Silly Easton.

He was always there. 

I didn't trust because the enemy told me not to trust.

I felt lost because my eyes were on myself, not on the Father.

I felt powerless because I AM powerless. I'm powerless on my own.

But with Him--trusting Him, focusing on Him, following Him--I can conquer all things. I can go through the great unknown. I will find Him when I look for Him, because He never leaves me. I can call on Him and He will answer. 

He is guiding my every move. 

There is grace through Him. 

There is freedom from fear through Him. 

There is direction through Him.

I got the chance to lead this song at my home-church this past weekend and my oh my. The power of His love and all that He brought me through in this past week hit hard. And the best part is, He's not done yet. He has so much more to lead me through. There are bigger, harder, things that He is going to call me to do. But I got it. You know why?


I am His

           and
                 
                  He is mine. 

Happy August Thanksgiving

Tomorrow I go home for my birthday.

Home to my family.

Home to my dog.

Home to my most favorite city.

Even with all the excitement, a part of me wouldn't mind staying here this weekend. Even with missing home, a part of me already feels comfortable here. Even with all my loves being in Kansas City, I am finding some more favorites down here.

And I am thankful.

Thankful that my King knows my every step, big and small. Thankful that He has provided a campus that I feel safe in. Thankful that He has washed me in a peace and comfort unlike any I have ever felt before.

I am thankful.

Thankful for the new relationships I have gained. Thankful for the new adventures I have embarked on (i.e. going to Walmart three days in a row). Thankful for the new schedule that I am slowly, but surely adapting to.

I am thankful.

There will not be a day that I don't think of Kansas City. There will not be a day that I am not thinking about my parents, my brothers, my dog, my favorite places, my friends, my room. There will not be a day that I am not in need of hearing a familiar voice over the phone.
But God provides.

And I am thankful.

Thankful for my CHURCH FAMILY that has supported me, encouraged me, loved me through all of this. How sweet the body of Christ is! I have been overwhelmed with the support of my church. I get daily texts, emails, or Facebook messages, and I appreciate each one more than I can say. Encouragement is SUCH a huge thing when going through a big transition, and my church family has made all of this 10000000 times easier. 

I am thankful. 

I have had the most hectic, crazy, wonderful, overwhelming, lovely, unexpected, peaceful, life changing week. A week that has seemed to drag on, yet speed before my eyes. I am so anxious to see what God has to reveal to me. I am so excited to see what He wants me to learn. I am so overjoyed to meet the people that He has scattered along my path over the next few days, weeks, months, years. 

I AM THANKFUL. 

That's Pretty Neat

Funny thing about starting a blog...you find yourself constantly trying to find a good topic to blog about. I think I have started 3 different posts in the last 24 hours, and ended up deleting each one. 

So let me tell you about college life. It is the weirdest and greatest thing. Everywhere I go there are people. I. LOVE. PEOPLE. Sure, I know I will be annoyed with this fact in the future, but right now let me feel like this is a great thing. I was blessed to be able to room 2 floors above a couple of old high school friends and blessed-yet again-to make some new friends. I have gotten to know quite a few people over the past six days and some of them I've gotten to know quite well. Let me tell you, 6 days of college feels like much more than 6 days. 

Dorm life is one of the most unique things I've experienced. I have lived with one girl (my mama) my entire life and being here surrounded by almost 200 of them daily in my living space is a very new thing. But, like most things, I am trying my best to embrace it.
YOLO.

The food here is...

Let's not talk about the food...

Just know that it ain't yo mama's cooking...

Or even like your local McDonald's cooking...

Or your local gas stations cooking...

But it's food.

So that's pretty neat.

Classes have already overwhelmed me a wee bit. I think it is just the whole "hey you're in college now, so grow up and read 30 pages of 5 different textbooks every day" thing. I went through high school not having to worry about this whole studying deal and so it will be a very new thing for me to get used to it.
But it will be fun and a learning process.

Earlier I mentioned how I love people. I LOVE PEOPLE. People are my passion. People are great. Meeting people is one of my favorite things in the world. It's also something that can intimidate me to the end of the world. So I am trying this new thing in college called "I am going to be me and nobody else and if people want to know me then that is FANTASTIC, but if not, well that is alright too." It's really freeing. Y'all should try it some time. 

So yeah.

It's pretty neat. 

Loving This

Today I worshipped at my school.

Today I WORSHIPPED at my SCHOOL.

I just love love love to be able to say that!

I love walking around campus and knowing that though not everyone is a believer, I am free to worship my God and speak His name and sing His praise.

That's all I have to say for now.

Now enjoy a few pictures that I've been able to take over the past few days.....

How Sweet The Father's Love For Us

"My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way,and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down soundly."

Proverbs 3:21-24

Holy cow people...transition and change are evil twins. These past three days have been the weirdest, most draining, absolutely fantastic days. Yes-all three of those combined. 

My first night was the hardest night I have ever had...ever...in my life...EVER. I was convinced that I had made the most tragic mistake of my life. I was ready to pack my little CR-V up at 2:23 a.m. and drive all the way back to Kansas City. I figured I was not in the best frame of mind and eventually fell asleep, but when I woke up nothing had changed in my sad little head. I found myself on the phone with my parents, BEGGING them to call SBU to get our money back and enroll me in classes in one of the Metropolitan community colleges. I was completely ready to throw out the window all that my family and I went through to get me here. I was too busy letting Satan seep into my mind and take over my thoughts, emotions, and actions to remember all that God has taught me these past few months.

That He is able.

That He is strong.

That He is all-knowing.

That He is never ceasing. 

That He LOVES ME. 

How sweet are those thoughts above the thoughts that Satan places in our heads? Yet, so easily I give him control of my actions.

This takes me to Proverbs 3:21...

      "Don't lose sight of common sense and DISCERNMENT."

I cannot count how many times I fail to discern whose voice is inside of my head. Why would I so easily believe that Christ would want me anywhere but here, when for months I have known that this is where He has called me to be? I let fear of the unknown overpower the peace in knowing that God is in control. 

Which all leads me to yesterday evening and today.

Complete. Peace.

Peace that comes only from Jesus.

Peace that covers me.

Peace that brings tears of joy to my eyes.

HOW GREAT IS MY KING?!

He knows me and He loves me and He cares for me and He wants the best for me and He COMFORTS me. My God doesn't leave me hanging. He doesn't make me figure things out on my own.

HE LOVES ME AND WANTS THE BEST FOR ME.

Last night was easily one of the most fun nights of this whole past year. Two words: dance party.

Yes, yes, I am at a Baptist school....so let's just call it a "moving back and forth, looking ridiculous, grooving like a white girl" party. 

Today just echoed the fun and joy from yesterday, although it contained less white girl grooving.

Today I got to serve in the Bolivar community, experience my first college football game, and hang out with some amazing new friends. He blessed me with the sweetest of RAs and one fantastic lady who knows just what I am transitioning through. I have been able to be MYSELF which is so precious and important to me. And I am THANKFUL. 

My Lord provides. Even if all it takes is putting people in my path, He knows just what I need.

How sweet it is to be loved by Him, known by Him, and cared for by Him.

"Hang on to them, for the will refresh your soul."

Proverbs 3:22

College Is...

Well, I am here.

Wait, WHAT?!

I feel so weird saying that. The place that I have been preparing for for the past 9 months is now the place that I live during the week. The reality has settled in and I can't say I like it one bit.

There is no way to really prepare yourself for leaving for school. There is no way to become okay with the fact that you will be living 2 and a half hours away from the people you love most. There is no way to make another place feel like home. There is no way to say goodbye to your family without feeling like everything was normal (trust me, I tried). 

Even still, I am getting through it. I am trying to stay distracted and keep my mind off the fact that I could get in my car right now and drive home. I am setting up my room-slowly but surely-and making it feel as warm and homey as possible. I am texting my mom constantly. I am hanging pictures of all of my friends and family under my loft and pretending like all of them are actually surrounding me. 

So maybe I sound crazy, but it's the only way to stay sane at this point.

Even with all the difficulties of the BIGGEST change of my LIFE, Jesus has blessed me beyond belief with some amazing girls in my dorm.

My RA has made me feel so accepted and loved. She has made me feel secure and has made this transition that much easier. There are upperclassmen girls who I am friends with down here who have made me feel like life is normal and given me the chance to act like my normal sarcastic, ridiculous self. I have been able to cling to some of my Blue Springs friends down here whose familiar faces have made me feel sweet relief.

So although I will never be okay with not being with my family. Never feel right with not hanging out with my mom who is my rock. Never quite complete without cuddling with Koda bear. I will get through this. 

Change isn't easy. Change isn't simple. To put it simply-change SUCKS.

But I will get through it.

You Want To Do WHAT?!

Well tomorrow's the day. Today I finish up packing and load up the car. Tomorrow I drive down with my parents and two older brothers and we unpack what my mother and I have spent 3 weeks shopping for into a 10x15 foot room. 

Today I got the chance to go see my old high school. Not exactly what normal college freshman do on their last day before college, but it was exactly what I needed.

No, I didn't go for my own purpose. I went to take my little brother Gabe who is about to enter into his first year at the high school. But in helping him, I helped myself.

It gave me motivation, encouragement, and the push I needed to be truly excited for SBU. This will only make sense if you know what I plan on studying in college.

I want to be a high school English teacher. There...I said it...the truth is out. How crazy do you think I am now?! Not only do I want to teach high school, but I want to come back to Blue Springs and teach here. 

As I am sure you can imagine, there is hardly any encouragement that comes along with telling someone you want to teach high school. I have been scoffed at, told I would be "eaten alive", and "encouraged" to stick with teaching 6 year olds. 

This pushes me further.

I want to show that high schoolers are not that bad. That teachers can make a difference and bring passion to the classroom. My best teachers were the ones who taught because it was their PASSION. The teachers who put their heart and soul into every lesson they planned. The teachers who wanted their students to learn, but also wanted to connect to their students on a personal level. 

I had about four teachers like this in my four years as a high school student. Mrs. Darrah, Mrs. Reeder, Ms. Woods, and Mrs. Minnis. Each of these teachers has some major differences from one another, but their one thing in common is that they showed that they CARED.

Mrs. Darrah was my health teacher in ninth grade and she stands out to me anytime I think about the Freshman Center. She was one of the most fun teachers I have had and she made my first semester at a large and overwhelming place seem like a pretty great place. I looked forward to her class everyday and I am appreciative of the example she is to me as a person and a teacher.

Mrs. Reeder was a teacher that I had the three years that I went to BSHS. She is a woman who doesn't intimidate her students. It was in her class that I became truly passionate about history and she was the first person who showed me that it WAS possible to have a teacher as a friend. She made it easy to relate to her and she is truly a woman that I will stay in contact with throughout my life. 

Ms. Woods is the reason I want to teach English. She opened my mind to new perspectives and challenged (and strengthened) my beliefs. She put a spin on a traditional classroom and she made it easy to speak your opinion in her class. I was in her classroom when the realization that I was meant to be a English teacher popped in my head. In fact, she is who I plan on student teaching for in a few short years.

Mrs. Minnis was never a woman who I had as a teacher, but she showed more interest in me than almost any other teacher I have had. She made a huge impact on me over my Senior year, and I feel like to this day I can go to her for prayer and encouragement. She shined Jesus daily and that in itself strengthened my spirit daily.

These teachers are the reason I want to teach. They show that there is more reason in being a high school teacher than "not having to babysit" and the fact that you get out at 2:15 every day. 

I want to bring that kind of passion and encouragement to someone's life. 

So walking around my old school and being told I am "too short to teach high school" only encourages me more. 

I am ready to get to SBU and begin my journey into becoming a teacher.

A high school teacher.

A high school teacher that will NOT be beaten down.







Side note: Koda really doesn't want me to leave...