Summer Nights

It's official...I'm in love...with summer. I am enjoying my Texas summer...probably too much. However, I got spoiled with the cool East Coast weather and forgot how hot and humid Texas is! So, while the days are long and hot, I am definitely enjoying the cooler, summer nights along with the beautiful Texas sunsets! I had one goal in coming home: RELAX and remember the art of a de-stressed lifestyle! Besides a relaxing trip to the beach in the Pacific, here are some things that I am thoroughly enjoying as I get some R&R:

Joshua Radin is a new favorite that puts me in the summer mood!

Nothing like those summer nights to lay in the hammock or sit by the pool and read...for fun. If you need some good summer reads, I highly recommend these:

Nothing like those summer nights to sit on the patio, catch up with good friends, and eat some great food! No better place than the Triangle in Austin to sit around and ponder life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This little Italian market called Mandola's is such a fun atmosphere and has WONDERFUL gelatto-so wonderful that our discussion quickly turned to moving to Europe (namely Oxford, Italy, or Spain) where we can sit and sip tea and talk all day long until our heart's desire....maybe we will, maybe we won't...but perhaps we will...

Oh the joys of being young, dreaming big, and grad school which frees up summer for revitalization and rejuvenation. Summer nights: Won't you please stay for a while? 2L year of law school: Won't you please stay far, far away for a long, long time? I'm having too much fun...
Until next time, be blessed....

Every Road That's Traveled...

It's official: My first year and two credits of my second year of law school are done! These are just a few words that come to mind when thinking back over my first year of law school: intense, exhausting, exhilarating, excruciating, challenging, fulfilling, a dream come true, and stretching. This past year flew by so fast. The other day, I was wondering where it went...then I realized I left it at the library...

It is difficult to put the law school experience into words. Maybe it is the fact that the Monday after finals ended (which count 100% of your final grade in each class), I started a 2 week intensive class, drove home as soon as that ended, and have been working on law review ever since I got home that leads me to drone on about how exhausted I am. They say that the first year of law school they scare you to death, the second they work you to death, and the third, they bore you to death. After the year I have had, I am interested to see what "work you to death" means...

I was recently on iTunes, looking at the top ten Christian songs of the week. I noticed Amy Grant was back in the top ten with her new song: "Better than a Hallelujah." As many of you may (or may not know), I love Amy Grant. Call me old fashioned, but I boldly and unashamedly claim it. Maybe it is the fact that we share the same name or that I used to want to be her when I was "younger." For whatever reason, Amy holds a special place in my heart. One word describes her in my mind: TIMELESS. No matter what her circumstances in life or where she has been, she always seems to make a come back. Some may say it is time for her to stop making "come-backs," but then again, their songs aren't on the top ten, now are they? I admire her drive, resilience, and ability to persevere-not to mention, her music never gets old and there is a song for every emotion and stage of life. Anyway, as I was reflecting on the past year of my life while listening to Amy's new album, the theme of roads revisited my mind. These are a few of the words to one of Amy's songs, "Every Road:"

Every road that's traveled, teaches something new;
Every road that's narrow pushes us to choose.
I'd be lying if I said I had not tried to leave a time or two;
But every road that leads me, leads me back to you.

Just like Robert Frost was my inspiration as I started my first year of law school, Amy Grant is my inspiration as I conclude it. I have traveled this road, and I have been taught something new: what it takes to be an advocate of the law, the discipline the study of law requires, what it takes to be a better writer and communicator, the high calling and integrity involved with being a lawyer, and the importance of working hard to ensure a better future for myself. I have been pushed to choose between complacency and excellence; laziness and diligence; retreat or perseverance. I have definitely threatened to quit a time or two (or three or four) but for whatever reason, I have been led back to the study of law. I have said it and will say it again: law school has been the most challenging and exhausting experience of my life thus far. With the intensity of the program, there have been times where my relationship with the Lord has taken a back seat. As much as I hate to admit that, I am also gracious that the Lord continued to pursue me. Despite the hard days, just as I returned to the study of law, the road continues to return my heart to my beautiful Savior.

I am grateful to be on this road that is leading me to a path of a career full of opportunity and fulfillment. In my short time in the study of law, I have gained a deeper passion for the importance of advocating and understanding of what it means to allow the Lord to work in my life so that He can reach His full potential in and through me. The Lord has been gracious in granting me perseverance and reliance this past year. I'm excited and driven. I can't wait to see what's at the end of the road.

Speaking of roads, the drive home was long; but it was comforting when I passed the Texas state line to see the wide open spaces. I was beginning to feel claustrophobic in the mountains. Even so, I have to admit I am gradually falling in love with the East Coast...and I don't hate it. Maybe God is preparing me for something new "somewhere down the road...." I am becoming more okay with that as each day passes....

As I conclude, I realize that each person that reads this blog is most likely on a very different road or journey than I am on. That is the beauty of the diversity that life brings. I pray that each person that reads this will realize that every road that's traveled teaches something new. While on the path set before you, whether it be a road of joy or full of sorrow, seek what the Lord wants to teach you as you make the journey.

Until next time...be blessed....and know I am getting my fill of Blue Bell and Tex-Mex to last through the next upcoming year...

Super Hero Strength...

The snow has finally disappeared...thank goodness. This past week was spring break. I was hoping to have more free time to give a more thorough update of my blog, work on summer internship applications, and rest. Unfortunately, the moot court tournament starts tomorrow. Each 1L is required to give an argument as to why the court should hear their case using case law. We have spent all semester writing a long brief (what you file with the court for them to hear a trial). I must give an argument "on brief" (aka: for my side) and then "off brief" (against my side). Considering we have been researching and writing for months to prepare "on brief" arguments, the thought of doing an "off brief" argument is a little daunting. Needless to say, my spring break was spent working on my oral argument, updating outlines, and doing homework. While I do wonder some days what I have gotten myself into, I am still enjoying law school. I have already seen how it is making me a more well rounded thinker...and I like that.

While I did spend most of my week at the library, I did manage to get away for two days with some of my girl friends to Myrtle Beach. While it was too cold to spend too much time at the beach, we did get our fair share of shopping, good food, and movies in! It was a much needed escape from Lynchburg...with all the mountains surrounding, I was starting to get claustrophobic.....no lie....this Texas girls needs some wide open spaces!!!

While I am getting ready for my first round of the tournament tomorrow, I took a break and came across this article. When I interned in Guatemala, I got the privilege of interacting with these children every day. They truly are as precious as the picture makes them out to be! As I read this article, I was reminded that I often times muster up my own super human strength to accomplish a task. However, it is not on my own strength that I can do anything. I find the more I try to do it on my own, the more overwhelmed I become. The more overwhelmed I become, the more I ultimately fail because I am human and my strength will fade. I can only accomplish great things (aka: present an oral argument) by God's grace and strength alone. These super heroes are my inspiration to get through preparation for this argument tonight, so I thought I would share...

www.itsyourmission.com/news-super.shtml

I will write a more detailed update after the moot court tournament this week. It will be interesting...law school is a daily reminder that I am not the "strongest" in the fact that I am surrounded by brilliant people...it's always a race to the top...until next time be blessed....

Use Your Brain...

I am snowed in...again. Days like today lead me to ponder...more than usual that is. However, today while I have been snowed in, I have been working away on case briefs and a daunting research assignment coming up. So, even though school is not in session today...these wheels just keep on turnin....

With the realization that all I do these days is read, think, eat, read, think, read, think some more, go to bed thinking and wake up thinking, I find myself wondering if I should be doing more for the glory of God. However, I am daily learning there is a season for everything under the sun.

A friend of mine wrote this uplifting and insightful article that put intellect in a new light for me! Go to the post and read the entry titled "He'll Blow Your Mind." Whether you exercise your brain muscles with a good book or your finger muscles with the remote in hand...it will both encourage and challenge you...just "think" about it...

www.sageministries.org/Girls/Blog

Well, I better get back to the thinking tank...until next time be blessed...

Much Belated Update...

I seriously don't know what happens to the time. I can't believe it has been two months since I last updated my blog. With the intensity of school and desire to spend as much time away from the computer as possible when I am not doing school work (which rarely happens), updating my blog got put on the back burner. I will try to be better at that this semester, but no promises! Since my last blog update, my first (intense) round of finals came and went, along with my first semester of law school, next went my Christmas vacation, and so did 2009 now that I think about it. Time flies when you are having fun!

Immediately following my last final, the snow in Lynchburg started. Fearful that I would be stranded here for Christmas like I was on Thanksgiving, I crafted a plan to escape the winter wonderland. So, my winter break began in Wilmington, NC. However, I did not completely escape the winter wonderland. In fact, we drove straight through it. Even though it took 8 hours to get home as opposed to 4, it was fun! I can honestly say I have now driven (or ridden rather) in tons of snow, through the mountains, in a two-door little convertible. Looking back on it now, it was quite dangerous, but at the time, I found it quite exhilarating, sort of like an unexpected twist on a roller coaster! Kids, don't try that at home....

Update of past two months since finals: Lynchburg, VA to Wilmington to Charlotte, NC to Austin, TEXAS...after five LONG months...lots of quality family time! Austin to Waco to Dallas...twice...and lots of quality friend time! Austin to Pittsburgh to Raleigh to Lynchburg. (still not sure about the logic behind that route, but I didn't have to get off the plane so it worked...). Mini trip from Lynchburg to Richmond and Jamestown to do some sight-seeing then back to Lynchburg. Reality set in...Then back to the grind...

School is back in full swing. "They" said that the hardest part of law school has passed. Although, with the rigor of the first two weeks and getting back into the swing of things, I am not sure I believe them (whoever "they" are). While first semester ended well (God's strength and grace are sufficient), I am still figuring out this law school thing, how to balance work with play, and yes, even though I have one semester down, how not to allow law school to scare the pants off of me! However, I am determined to conquer this fear with the Lord's help....I'll let you know how it goes....

I hope all is well...I will post a more thorough update soon! Until next time be blessed and know I am enjoying the snow!

The Reason for the Season...

Finals are here and I am overwhelmed....overwhelmed with all that I have to do and learn as well as God's mercy, grace, strength, and endurance that have been getting me through the days on little or no sleep...and sadly to say, little or no food some days. It is in these days that I need to be reminded of why I came to law school. Hence, this blog....

Not only did I come to law school to challenge myself, but because of my heart to defend the fatherless and oppresed (Ps. 10:17-18). Many of you know that two summers ago, I traveled abroad to Guatemala to work with orphans all over the country. I have always had a heart for orphan ministry, but my life was changed as a result of this trip. I returned with a newfound heartbeat to help the least of these. While I was there, I learned of the dire need for lawyers to aid in international laws and the adoption process. The need is not for any lawyer, but Christian lawyers. So, I came back and got serious about God's calling on my life. Next step: law school-to gain the knowledge, skills, and education to advocate for those that need a voice and to change the world, one person at a time. I do have big dreams for myself, but I know that the Lord is capable of doing more that I can dream or imagine for myself. I guess you could say I am not going to settle for living in the ordinary, but am going to strive for the extraordinary life Christ has set out for me....

Did you know that there are 145 million orphans in the world? I don't know about you, but to me that number is staggering. The Bible says that the poor we will have with us always. To be honest, when I first heard this verse, I thought, "Interesting. So if we will always have the poor with us, why should I do my part to help reduce it? Isn't it a lost cause?" The more I thought about it and discussed this, the more I realized how far from the truth my thought process was. The poor we will always have with us, so we should have more of an urgency to help those that are in need and the least of these. That verse is portraying the idea that the poor we will have with us always so the heart of service we must always have! That is a high calling, which will require great sacrifices.

With that being said, I would like to take this time to mention that I am honored to be a part of a council called The Voice Council. It is comprised of people in their twenties and thirties who have a passion for the cause of orphans. While I serve on this counceil to "Be a Voice," I also give money monthly to the organization. 100% of the donations go to the orphans. This is not true of many organizations, which usually take out a portion of your donation for overhead costs, such as salaries and such. Buckner is sold out to ensuring that 100% of your money goes to the cause you intended it to go to.

For the time being while I gain the education to help these people, I feel as if I cannot do much. However, by giving, I feel as if I am doing a small part in helping to make their lives better. I mentioned that it takes sacrifices to help the least of these: time, energy, prayers, and even financial. For a poor law student, my monthly donation is a sacrifice (you would understand if you were a law student minimizing Starbucks coffee intake). However, this is a great cause because there is a huge need. I can assure you that the the reward is far greater than the sacrifice.

James 1:27 says, "Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneslef from being polluted by the world." This verse has been on my heart ever since I went to Guatemala. Again, this is a high calling. There are so many things in this world that are enticing and alluring. I have to be the first to admit that I daily allow myself to be allured by the things of the world. One thing that I have found is that when I am investing in other's lives and serving the least of these, I find myself thinking and concerned on the things of the Lord. This is what causes us to have pure lives-when our entire mind, body, soul, and heart are consumed with the things of the Lord. SO in summary, caring for the oprhans and widows=pure religion=protection from being polluted by the world!


I also write this blog to be reminded that Christ is the reason for this season. I hope and pray that you will take time this season to think about others needs. I know this is hard to do with all the gifts, family gatherings, memories, Christmas parties, finals, and other things that we have going on. But, I promise whether you serve with your time or money (0r both), you will be enriched as a result. I pray that the Lord will tug on your heart to become invested in the lives of others whether it is your neighbor, co-worker, or the 145 million orphans in the world.

If you are moved as a result of this blog and intereseted in giving, please visit the link. I promise your life will be changed as a result and you will not miss the money!


https://donate.bucknerfoundation.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=2845

Until next time, be blessed!

He Can Move the Mountains...

I would love to have time to write an inspirational piece, but since most of my writing has been going into my objective memo that is due at the end of the week, I will be brief. Here is what has been on my mind as of late as a result of many conversations, devotionals, and sermons. The Lord has surely been trying to teach me something...I am convinced that repetition is no coincidence...

Matthew 17:20 says, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." The Lord wants to do immeasurably all than we can ask or imagine in our lives. (See Ephesians 3:20). As I sit here and write, I am at the ski lodge overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. (see above pictures). As I look at the mountains, Matthew 17:20 is put in a different light. These mountains are enormous. The idea that God could move them blows my mind. We serve a mighty God. If God can move these ginormous mountains, how much more able is He to move the "mountains" in our own lives? As I sit here and watch the sunset, I pray that the Lord allows each of you to shed your fears and allow Him to move the "mountains" in your life. It is only when we place our fear in the Lord that He can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine....

Law school has probably been one of the most difficult "adventures" I have embarked on. It is certainly not a journey I could do without the Lord's strength. Each day as I walk into school and pass the mountains, Psalm 121 comes to mind: "I life my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from: My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth." He has been my Help and I know He will continue to do so (He has also provided an amazing support group to get me through)! The Lord is not only capable of moving mountains, but He never fails to prove Himself faithful....

Until next time, be blessed.....