Dear college student, seize the day…

As a newly minted college graduate who is still trying to figure out who I am in God and just life in general, as I look through my social media channels and the blogsphere and see people still in that college phase, I have this urgency to tell you to step outside of that college bubble.

So here it goes – words that go against everything you’re told and probably against what you want. But, I pray that you’ll read this with an open mind and a love for Christ. That’s all it takes for the Holy Spirit to work in you.

Gaiola Bridge in Naples, Italy. Image via Pinterest.

Dear college student,

You’re told that college is the best four years of your life – four years to spend with your friends with no real responsibilities until grown-up life settles in after graduation. Four years to just have fun and discover yourself.

But those four years pass by incredibly fast. And its in those four years that you have the potential to grow exponentially in your relationship with Christ – to witness to fellow students on campus, to give back to your community and soak up so much new knowledge.

Don’t wait to serve your Lord after graduation. Start now, because right now you have the free time, passion and supernatural amounts of energy to change the world with practically no sleep.

I have written to you, young men (and women!), because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. -1 John 2:14

Contrary to the world’s advice, don’t focus on yourself. Focus on others because in return it will show you what you’re made of and what you’re capable of doing. Give yourself in service to your friends, professors, the poor and oppressed in your community. Give until you feel like you can’t possibly commit another minute so you fall into bed exhausted - haunted by happy smiles in the midst of poverty or Godly love in the midst of partying and drinking on campus.

And then wake up in the morning with a renewed drive to show another person how much God loves him/her; to lend a helping hand; and to learn something new and extraordinary. Then, go and apply that knowledge right away – share it with someone else, write it down or implement it at work.

Your friends won’t get it. They may tell you to relax, live a little – “YOLO” and all that. But you just smile, and say “I have work to do. The Lord needs me.” Stand firm. That in itself is a great testimony. And believe me when I tell you – our college campuses need the Lord. There is a hunger for the truth, approval and guidance. It’s a missionary field most people don’t consider and we’re the prime missioanaries that God can use.

And in return, God will smile upon you with the full strength of His blessings and His love will pour into every aspect of your life – your school work, relationships, family, ministry and even into your dreams.

How do you approach God?

As I’m reading through the books of Kings, I’m struck by the difference of how Israel approached God and how we approach Him today. Yes, times have changed, but God has not and so haven’t humans.

In the beginning of the first book of Kings, it is written about the life of Solomon and the temple he constructed for the Lord. There are chapters dedicated to describing the intricate details of this temple – the elaborate designs, only the finest of materials, and the grandeur that building exhibited.

Even moving the ark of the Lord from Zion to the new temple was an event of its own with the elders present and every Israelite present to give offerings and pray for the safe and peaceful journey of the ark.

The people of Israel knew who God was – He is all-powerful, almighty and the King of Kings who deserves the very best of everything. And so they gave Him only the best – they only approached Him in this Holy temple after offering sacrifices and asking for mercy.

In 1 Kings, 8:23, Solomon begins his prayer at the dedication of the temple with these words: “Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heave above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their Hearts.”

Our approach to church and even God today is very different – it’s more casual and tinged with a good dose of pride. We treat God almost like a best friend or good companion.

Yes, we start almost every service with worship, but it’s not the kind of worship filled with humility and awe. We talk about how great God is and how He wants us to be happy, but our lives don’t reflect the fact that we walk before a God that holds the whole world in His hands. We expect His kindness, mercy and blessings, but we don’t take the time to think of His wrath and high expectations for our lives.

Image via USA Today.

Have you been to the Lincoln Memorial in D.C.? I personally haven’t, but seeing photos like this and hearing friends share their experiences, I’ve learned that standing next to this sculpture makes you feel incredibly small.

Now, close your eyes and imagine standing before the throne of our God. The Bible says that heaven is His throne and earth is a mere footstool. All of earth is just a resting place for His feet.

A day in the life of Laura Love

Laura Love is the new face of the Vera Wang fragrance. And a former ballet dancer. Here is a little peak into her day courtesy of the insanely talented Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg.

Enjoy!

Video via AnnStreetStudio.com.

In another life, I would be a ballet dancer – that grace and flexibility is entrancing. And the scenes on the streets of New York? Do I even need to explain? I will always be a big city girl at heart.

And of course, Vera Wang is probably one of the most talented and successful fashion designers of this day and age.

Happy Hump Day! We’re halfway through the week and boy, has it been a busy one! How is your week going so far?

-Yelena

For love was poured out into my heart…

Photo via Dust Jacket.

May I start with a great big thank you? Your response to my last post humbled me. It gives me hope and strength knowing that I’m not the only one feeling these emotions and battling these insecurities.

Please know that I’m praying for every one of you who reached out via email, social media or by leaving a comment, because together with God’s help, we can transform our lives into something beautiful and filled with purpose.

And because God is the reader of our hearts and minds, He’s been working on my heart this weekend during a church conference in Nebraska. Each church service was so incredibly blessed, because the presence of God could truly be felt - like every bone in my body seemed to melt, my hands shook and my heart was so humbled, soothed and encouraged, I left a bit more encouraged and filled with so much hope.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. //Romans 5:5

This verse was read at one of the services this weekend and it’s been haunting my mind since. I love the promise it holds and the phrasing is like balm on an open wound.

A tale of an ordinary girl & Reality

Before we start, can I just say this post is quite personal and kind of long? I thought about not publishing it, but as always, the Holy Spirit has other ideas, so here it is. My personal struggles, hopes and an introduction to my so-called friend, “Reality.”

I’m about as ordinary as it gets and that’s always bothered me. I’ve spent too many nights to even count, crying about not being great at something, about not having that special something that makes me stand out.

I am pretty, but I am not by any definition one of those people blessed with natural, awe-inspiring beauty.

I am smart, probably smarter than most of my classmates, but I’m not a brilliant genius.

I am creative, as in sometimes I come up with a good outfit and I can sort of sketch, but I am by no means an artist and have no patience for DIY, crafts or other home decor projects.

I am outgoing enough – I can make friends, socialize and network….if necessary, but as INTJ, after every social event, I need time alone to recharge and think.

I’m not fat, nor am I thin. Quite average, if not a tiny bit overweight.

There are certain things people say I’m really good at, but I am not great at any of those things nor can any of them be described as my life’s calling or something I’m utterly passionate about.

I’m equal parts creative and Type-A, so I understand the artsy types and I can run a regression and analyze all sorts of data. I can design and I still love Excel (the things it can do!).

So now you know a whole lot more about me, but at the same time, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, so?”

Call it an identity crisis or the case of “Plain Jane,” but it’s something I’ve struggled with it for as long as I can remember. I know most of these things are just my insecurities talking, because I am healthy, beautiful, smart and so incredibly blessed. But, these thoughts are there and I guess that’s the point of this post – I’ve decided I need to accept and heal them until they no longer plague my world.

Over the years, I’ve dabbled in different things, trying to find where I fit. I tried focusing on my education and I loved it, but I am by no means a life-long academic. I tried fashion, and I enjoyed it, but couldn’t muster the passion it takes to succeed in the industry. I tried the corporate, traditional approach and felt so stifled, I’d have to physically leave the building to get some fresh air and escape.

Each time I tried something, I left with a bit more of a stoop in my shoulders – defeated and still quite ordinary. And each time I was frustrated, even if a bit angry with God. Because, I had prayed for guidance and I had tried, over and over again. But, nothing fit.

Once Upon a Time // A short film about Coco Chanel

I’m not a big fan of old black & white movies, but I’m a huge fan of Coco Chanel. Her story as a young fashion designer is truly extraordinary and her clothes are magnificient. So when I stumbled across this little film on Haute Design, I couldn’t resist sharing it with you. To me, this is art - the fashions, the adorable little shop on the street, the personalities, the accents and the hats, oh the hats!

Fashion lover or not, I hope this little film brings a little beauty into your day today. :)

For a bit more inspiration, I’d like to direct you to two virtual friends of mine who are doing great things right now:

>> Miss Katie is getting ready to release her e-book this summer on living an inspired life. In anticipation, she just launched an Instagram campaign and is asking for submissions of the scenes of YOUR inspired life. More details here!

>> Miss Lane just wrote the loveliest post about true beauty and dealing with our personal insecurities. So, if you’ve ever had one of those days, weeks or even years where you can’t walk by the mirror without critizing something or other about yourself, then this post is for you.

Every day, I am humbled by the lovely and talented people like the ladies above that I meet in this blogosphere. They do make this online world a much better place!

-Yelena

For God shows no partiality

On Sunday, we had two missionaries visit our church and both of them spoke about the organization they work for, the mission trips they’ve been on and the miracles they’ve experienced. And I sat there and listened….and felt incredibly selfish and defensive.

I keep hearing these stories – of guys and girls my age who are dedicating their time and sometimes their entire lives to serve God in a third world country. You know what I did the last few years? I finished college. And that seems selfish in comparison.

Yes, in the last post on the topic, I wrote that we’re all called to different ministries, and I still believe that. But, the thought that scares me is…. if those four years of college were my ministry at that time, did I do it justice? Or did my personal insecurities and ambitions keep me away from testifying and living a Godly life? Do I live the lifestyle of a missionary on an American college campus?

I fought against writing this blog post, because I want this space to inspiring and encouraging. But, at the end of the day, I also want it to be honest and sometimes reality isn’t all that inspiring, because sometimes, we have to work through the ugly stuff that’s stopping us from serving God freely.

And this is it for me: the battle between selfish ambitions and a life of service. It’s a daily and life-long battle. And sometimes, it’s quite ugly and painful.