7 Quick Takes

-one-

Sunday before Mass, I went to confession and visited the chapel on campus since being back at school. I love these precious moments alone with Jesus where I all need to do is be present and let His love and grace transform me while I love Him in return.

-two-

I was actually introduced to Blessed is She a few months ago and recently started reading their daily devotions. Beginning my day by centering my soul on Jesus before or while walking to class has been an enormous blessing.

-three-

One of my sorority sisters began selling Scentsy last semester and now that the Christmas rushes are over, I was able to get my stuff this week. I got three bars of wax in Camu Camu (a fruity scent), White Tea and Cactus (it smells flowery and clean), and my favorite Shaka (it smells like men's deodorant.)  

                         -four-
Wednesday was the first day of the spring semester... my last spring semester too! I'm taking two finance classes, two management classes, and dropped my philosophy class until next semester when I'm less busy.

                                -five-

It's three weeks until Greek Retreat and I'm stoked! We had a meeting about it today and I can't wait. If you're a UL Greek you can sign up here! Not student but want to be involved? You can contribute to the programming costs of this excellent week by sponsoring students here!

-six and seven-

I'd be lying if I said I haven't been bingeing on the ten amazing seasons of FRIENDS for the few weeks. My favorite seasons are easily the third, fourth, and fifth. For the record, I'm officially pro-THEY WERE ON A BREAK; also Chandler is my spirit animal.

I've been back in Louisiana for a week and a half, but now that the semester has started I've finally been able to reconnect with my friends. On Tuesday night, I also joined my friends in Wisconsin via Google+ hangout to chat before

A Theme for 2015

This year I've decided to do something different and decided against a New Year's Resolution. Not that resolutions are bad but because I want something more. So this year I've decided on implementing a New Year's Theme, something that will encompass me for the year (and fingers crossed, for life.)

My theme for this year was easy: intentional. I think this is a word that gets thrown around a lot because it sounds good but then loses some of the gravity it deserves. What does it actually mean to be intentional?

According to my old pal the Internet, it's to have a purpose: to make decisions with true understanding of its consequences. I think the best way (which is not to say that it will be easy or painless) is to ask myself some important questions often.

• Will this action lead me to happiness? 
• And more importantly, will this action lead me to holiness?

 I have a feeling 2015 will be a very introspective and hopefully freeing year.

Happy (late) New Years!

Almost Everything You Wanted to Know about Prayer Journals…Almost ;)

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life  many years and bring you prosperity. - Proverbs 3: 1-2

For the past few weeks I've added something new to my prayer life and time with the Lord. It's inexpensive, portable, adaptable, and honestly something I wish I had started a long time ago. By this post's title you can probably guess what it is. ;) A prayer journal. 

You may be sitting there thinking "Um, no. I'm not a writer, I'm not a journal-er," or maybe "I tried that and got nothing out of it." Yep, I feel you because I thought those things as well. But after some gentle nudging (so gentle I'm sure they didn't even realize they were) by a friend I decided to give it another shot. And boy is it good, and let me elaborate why.

A sample page from my journal.
Sidenotes: the "summary, questions, insights, etc. are actually from Matthew 12 not 11.
Also the PostIts are to cover up prayer requests for the sake of privacy. Sorry.

- A Way to Look Back and Reflect

I'm nostalgic about pretty much everything. In the short time I've had this journal I already love reading previous entries. It's funny to see what was on my heart a few days or the week before, and how Jesus has come into my life with those answers, encouragement, and love. I can't wait to look back months or years from now and smile (or shake my head) at what past Alley was thinking.   

- Getting Things Down

I find that actually writing out a concern or prayer usually I makes me think about it more deeply. This is especially helpful in cases where I feel overwhelmed. This is also great when I'm talking with others about something that's been rough or hard to deal with; instead of saying "not good" or "I don't know" (which are perfectly honest answers, just not helpful) when asked "what's wrong?" I can at least have a starting point to explain. 

- Remembering Scripture

I highlight, underline, and sometimes use Washi tape in my Bible, but simply highlighting isn't enough to help us remember. The act of writing/rewriting is what really helps commit stuff to memory.  Even if all I do write a brief summary of the Bible chapter or section of the chapter I've just read, I can better recall it when I need to.

- Processing Scripture

Again, writing things down tends to make me think more deeply about them. An epiphany or question about what I've just read can be easily added to a summary.

    Some sample questions to ask yourself.

    - The 5W's. Who wrote this book? Were they writing it to someone? Why?

    - What does this even mean? Is there a major lesson I can take away from this book, chapter, or       verse? Such as a command to obey, a sin to avoid, a promise to rejoice in, etc.? 

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Maybe you're thinking ok, sounds good, what do I need? Four things and you're set.

A page of my Bible, naturally covered in washi tape and highlighting.

An open heart. This is arguably the most important thing. Simply let the Lord come into your heart, be open to His Spirit, and enjoy your fellowship and communion with Him. :)

 Something to write in. It doesn't have to be fancy, a simple notebook will do. But if you prefer a leather-bound and locked diary go for it.

Something to write with. Pens, pencils, markers, it's all good

A Bible. If you're new to studying the Bible I suggest a) a study Bible -they tend to have lots of nice "extras" and explanations to help process what's going on and b) an easier to understand translation, I have the NIV translation and like it well enough.

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Some additional recommendations. 

 A plan. This doesn't have to be anything super complicated. If you are new to studying the Bible, I recommend the following method. (I say this as a 20-year-old girl who has found it works well for me, and not as a professional theologian.) Start with the New Testament: one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John), then one of the letters of St. Paul (Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, or Philemon), then an Old Testament book like Psalms or Proverbs. I find that one or two chapters a day is good (though three or four Psalms is manageable due to their shorter length.) 

A routine. This is two-fold; one part is setting aside a specific time each day to study, journal, and pray. I find that most people either do this after waking up or before bedtime, but if you are certain you'll be too tired at either of these times, the middle of the day is good too. The other part is for the actual time in the Word and a nice method is to Pray that you will be open to what Lord will teach you. Read and Write any summaries, 5W's, questions, or applications, etc. Pray again in thanksgiving for what you've learned, asking for clarity if you don't understand something, or both. Tell someone, this could be asking advice from a spiritual adviser, shared in a small group, or giving someone else advice.

This was super long but I really hope it helped or inspired you to add to your prayer life! 

Another page from my Bible.

Do you have any other journaling, Bible study, or prayer life tips?

      

Freedom: Reflection on GΓΣΣK Retreat

This weekend was one of the most fun weekends I have ever had in my life. To be with roughly 150 members of UL's Greek community as well as fifteenish students from UT, University of Florida, and Tulane. I learned a lot and bonded a lot with my sisters. Here's a run of how the weekend went. 

Friday

Well after working and a quick visit to the clinic to get my eyes checked out, I went over to Our Lady of Wisdom and the Catholic Student Center to help out with a few administration-y set up things and prayer for the retreat. Then after check-in was complete we got together with our family groups and ate dinner. Sadly, it was chik-fil-a sandwiches which while delicious do not make the cut for my New Year's Resolution. Then it was time for the bus ride up to Tall Timbers retreat center. One we got there we found our cabins and then went to the opening session. We watched this video which led to our discussion on the retreat's theme: Freedom. We then had time with our chapters to talk about whatever we wanted. This led to some really engaging discussion and questions. After a joke about getting Father Sibley to answer some questions we went out to find him and ask. He and Father McIntyre stayed to answer our questions for almost an hour.

Saturday

Our cabin was one of the few that didn't have hot water this weekend, not only that but the water pressure was horrible. This led to a very quick shower with most of the shampoo still left in my hair. We then had a catechetical mass, which is essentially a teaching mass and Father explains what's going on and WHY. It was really cool because he related it all back to Greek life and Rituals. We then had lab sessions about different topics I went to one about why Catholic do what we do, basically pick a Priest's brain round two. ;) We had free time for games like bazooka ball, volleyball, air hockey, hikes, studying, napping, etc. After this time we went to separate men's and women's labs. We had one about Finding the One (#plottwist it's Jesus) and I went to one about regret. We got then got back with our chapters and later family groups for more hanging out and discussion. Then maybe my second favorite part Adoration. I love being in the physical presence of Jesus and having that time to spend with Him. I also went to confession for the first time in almost 12 years. Finally my night wound down at the bonfire and a hike through the middle of the woods at night. I was pretty waiting for Jason to come get us the entire time. How I even fell asleep that night is a miracle. 

Sunday

We met with our family groups to discuss our experiences and how we can bring what we've learned to schools and chapters. We had mass, then chapter time (which double-dutied for packing time) and it was back to UL.

For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit to the yoke of slavery. - Galatians 5:1. 

Sorry this post was such an info dump but I had to write it all down! 

What are some of your retreat experiences?