Summer Wishes Recap {'The Circle' Link Up}

End of Summer Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: It's a bit depressing that I didn't finish all my wishes, but such is my imperfect existence.  I'm glad I have a perfect grace-giving God who loves me anyway! 

College Style Guide

Style Love,
-Bess-

{College Bound Girl} Dorm Ideas

Love from me to all my dorm-dwelling sisters! 

-Bess-

P.S.: Which "dorm" {above} is your favorite?

P.P.S.: Feeling a bit overwhelmed or homesick right about now?  God is right there with you!  Praying for you, college sis.

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith & in purity."

-1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

Triangles Collage {Back to School DIY}

There's something about adorable school supplies that makes me yearn to be a student again!  Here's an easy back to school DIY project perfect for notebooks, binders, journals, & more.  Why buy when you can make?

What You Need:

catalogs/magazines

scissors

gluestick

1 sheet white printer paper 

3 ring binder with clear cover sleeve

What You Do:

Begin by cutting lots {& lots} of triangles about the same size from your catalogs/magazines {you can start by creating a cardboard triangle template, if you like}.  Next, arrange them on your white printer paper {or journal, notebook, etc.} & glue em down.  Once dry, slide your collage sheet into your 3 ring binder cover sleeve.  There you have it, a super cute {artsy/colorful} binder for school!        

the finished product

the rubbish pile =)

Back to School/Crafty Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: Are you working on any back to school projects?

"Salt" {College Bound Girl Flick}

Be salty, sister!

Love,

-Bess-

College Girl 101: Tips from a Graduate {Course 2}

1. Take notes & more notes!
Some professors will openly recommend that you jot down concepts/ideas covered in class, others won't.  But, either way, taking notes is smart.  When it's time for a test you've got a self-made study guide at your fingertips!

2. Ask your professors for help.
If you've got a question about an assignment, find yourself falling behind, or just plain struggling in a class seek out your instructor's help!  On each class syllabus the instructor's office hours & email should be listed.  Stop by the office & chat or send em a message.  This not only lets your professor offer assistance, but makes it clear that you care about doing well in the class.  I have to say, this saved me from a near rock-bottom {excuse the poor pun} experience in Geology my first year {I just couldn't seem to identify one stone from another}!  

3. Use the library & other campus resources.
The campus library can be a great place for studying, conducting research, or simply a quiet place to finish up homework.  Make use of other campus resources, too, like computer labs {perfect for printing off papers, etc. - learn your campus' public printing rules (you may have a certain number of free copies, have to pay a small fee, or it could be totally free)}.  My school also had a writing & math lab where you could essentially get free tutoring & help on assignments {I made use of the math lab, especially!}.  Check & see what other resources your campus offers!      

4. Make news friends.
There's a unique camaraderie born when a group of people share in like experiences.   Chowing down on Ramen Noodles, burning the midnight oil cramming for an exam, & living in the commune known as dorms is part of that fellowship that is quintessentially college life.  And, it's the perfect recipe for friendship {& possibly stomach aches, I've never tried the ever famous "noodles"}.  But, in the case of all relationships, you still have to make an effort to find friends - especially truly kindred spirits.  Strike up conversations, ask classmates questions, & be friendly.  As one out in the post college world, I can testify that it isn't as easy as I thought it would be to find new friends after graduation.  Make great friends now & do your best to stay in touch once the mortarboards {graduation caps} have been flung! 

5. Be salty, sister!
So many people are searching in college for direction, who they are, what to believe in, hope, & on & on.  Attending a secular college, I saw these searchers time & again - & talking to friends who went to faith-affiliated, or Bible, colleges those schools weren't exempt from the unsalty & lost, either.  In addition, there can be a bombardment of those {professors & students, alike} who say your belief in a Creator God is mere folklore.  What a perfect time & place to be salt & light {Matthew 5:13-16}!  Research biblical answers for possible tough questions that might come your way {& remember to always speak the Truth in love}.  Invite a classmate to church with you, host a dorm prayer group/Bible study {or join one}, & listen for the nudges of the Holy Spirit {maybe you'll be led to speak to that lonely looking girl in Chemistry or leave a note on the dorm door of a neighbor}.  Oh, & pray - pray lots {that's always a good rule}.  Pray to stay strong in your faith & to stand up & be that salty light.  P.S.: Every time I had to write the word "evolution" in my notes I'd write a number 1 above the letter l, a 2 above the i, & a 3 over the e.  Yep, it spells lie.            

Love {& College Knowledge},
-Bess-  

The Unabashed Hoper

Today I was reading my devotional when this thought barged in – it wasn’t about the topic of my reading, but some word or phrase brought this to my mind & heart…  What would be better?  God coming through in a clear way when all my raggedly held hope is shredded to bits & I’m barely holding a scrap & trust has all but left the building?  Or.  God coming through in a clear way when I’m down in the valley, no less, but still grasping with white knuckles to hope & trust & with a song of praise on my lips beautifully paired with my salty tears?

This really got me thinking.  Sure, at times {many times} it’s easier to give up & let the winds of doubt turn our flag of hope {not to mention, trust in the goodness & power of our God} to ribbons.  But, does that show our belief that our trust in the loving & all-knowing {which must surely include what’s best for us & when} power of God is something firm to be believed not only in the good times {when the seas are clear, turquoise-y colored & calm}, but the bad – especially the bad?  Is God truly true, trustworthy, & loving?  Yes!  So, it seems to me, as my own boat is being buffeted by a mighty gale & I fear for my flag {& life}, wouldn’t it be better if, when Jesus steps onto the surface of my raging sea to come out & meet me, that I be praising Him through the tempest, with my flag of hope {& trust} hoisted high?  I think so.  Will it be easy?  Probably not.  Will it be worth it?  Oh, you better believe it!

Love & Hope & Trust {& Praises} in the Storm,

-Bess-

P.S.: I feel like when we do this, it not only shows the world that our hope is in our perfect, loving,  & trustworthy Heavenly Father, but it is a way to truly show our love for Him who first loved us {1 John 4:19}.