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?

      

Easy Binder Organization

Since starting college how I organized my classwork has changed drastically. Folders and spirals for the first time in forever (they'll be music, they'll be fun... sorry but I couldn't resist a Frozen reference). 

And this new system really works well for me. It's much friendlier on my back! Now that I'm carrying around so many textbooks, binders were really out of the question. Although I have had at least one "looseleaf textbook" each semester due to the sheer size of the book (this semester it's actually just 100+ page financial report we're working with all semester); in which case I would only put a spiral and the chapters we were working on in it.  

But in High School, I used a very different system that I loved. Each class had a binder and each binder was set up the same way using 5 dividers with tabs.

The first divider was labelled "To Do" and is exactly what the name implied: it housed my homework for that night which was often a worksheet or packet section. I also put any homework calendars, monthly/unit overview sheets, or project rubrics here. (Once my homework was finished I would put it right before the "To Do" so it was easy to find.) 

The second divider was labelled "Current Topic" and is, again, very self explanatory. Any notes, handouts, or finished homework from the chapter or unit being worked on went here and was always in chronological order.

The third divider was labelled "Past Topics." Basically once we were tested on the "Current Topic" that section was moved here. This was really nice when it came time for midterms/finals because all the notes were here and uncluttered.

The fourth divider was labelled "Reference." This was almost always the smallest binder section and usually housed the course syllabus and anything that would be used consistently throughout the semester. Some examples being the Periodic Table in Chemistry, formula sheets in Physics or math classes, special grammar handouts for French, etc. 

The final divider was labelled "Paper" and you guessed it, it had plenty of looseleaf stocked up.

This method was fantastic because I always knew where to find my homework (both To Do and to turn in), to look for notes from last class, and to not worry about misplacing my syllabus because they were in their assigned spots.

What do you use for your class organization system? 

What's In My Agenda

So this is a follow up to another post about how I organize my baby agenda. First, a disclaimer: these are tips and tricks that work FOR ME, customization is key to lasting organization. I suggest you at least try them but if you know one of these tips will not work with your lifestyle skip it or adapt it and find something that does work. Now, let's get started.

- To organize an agenda or planner you first need to get an agenda! It doesn't have to super fancy or expensive but I do suggest an actual planner over a simple notebook. I have this Five Star one from Mead and it's perfect! 

I love the vertical layout and simple cover but if horizontal chunks and Lilly Pulitzer, Jonathan Adler, or your school's agenda are more your speed go for because this thing is going to be with you for a LONG time!

- Next comes the color coding aka my favorite part! At the beginning of the semester I assign each of my classes and activities a color. Everything related to it is that color: it's folder, spiral, and highlighter. When I see a green box next to something on my To Do list I immediately know it's for MKTG345.

-  Finally, use your planner! WRITE STUFF DOWN! It should be one of the first things you put in your backpack and one of the first things you pull out in class or when you sit down to study, do homework, etc. And the (in my opinion) most fun part, CROSS STUFF OFF! Seeing the fruits of your efforts is super fulfilling and excellent motivation. 

What are some of your agenda organizing tips?

On Repeat: The Beatles

This weekend marked the golden anniversary of The Beatles arrival in the U.S. and their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Being my favorite band I listen to a LOT of Beatles' music and today is no different. Here's a sampling of my favorites.  

In My Life

- I've already decided this will be what my father-daughter dance will be at my wedding.

Across the Universe

- Although this song is not intended to be a worship song by any means, I can't help but feel closer to The Lord while listening to it. Maybe it's something about how the minutiae of life is contrasted with the phrase Jai guru deva ohm which means "victory to God divine."

Eight Days a Week

- So upbeat and fun to dance to! This is another future wedding song.

Octopus's Garden

- This kid's I nanny and babysit for love this song and I can see why. It's so sweet and almost sounds like it could be a cartoon.

Here Comes the Sun

- Who can't help but smile when they hear this song? I always think the scene in The Parent Trap when it comes on.

Let it Be

- Basically perfect.

Hey Jude

- Again, basically perfect and a great crowd pleaser. It was so fun singing this at the Paul McCartney concert with 40,000 others.

There's so many more I didn't include for the sake of keeping this post a bearable length.

But surprise! Here's a quick clip of that first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show! I couldn't resist. :)

What are your favorite Beatles' songs?

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? 

What's in My Backpack?

The Spring Semester is in now in full swing! Today I figured I would show what I keep in my backpack. I love these kind of posts!

My Backpack: I got this black Heckler for Christmas 2011 and I love it! North Face is an awesome, quality brand; a little over two year's with this puppy and it's still strong as ever! I also like the classic black color because it will always match what I'm wearing.

What goes with me everyday. Not pictured: Sunnies

My Agenda: In high school I usually just bought the $5 school agenda that was sold during registration but last year I got one from Target that I absolutely loved! It's a Five Star academic-year planner from Mead. I realized the vertical layout isn't for everyone but it's perfect for me; it feels like there's a lot more space to work with! I also love the check boxes to see what I've done and what I have yet to down. (Another post later on how I organized my baby agenda.) 

Pencil Pouches: I really love using cosmetic bags because they're lined to protect from makeup spills which translates perfectly for pen and highlighter explosions. They also tend to be more fun than regular pencil pouches. Vera Bradley, Lilly Pulitzer, and Kate Spade are great places to start looking.

One is full of pens and pencils, an eraser, a flashdrive, Sharpies, Wite-Out minis, scissors, and a mini stapler. The other holds my graphing calculator. I also have a financial calculator.

Highlighters: Along with my agenda these are my babies! I use them everyday to organized my notes and classes!

My Waterbottle: I drink A LOT of water and love having my trusty Camelbak on me at all times.

Books and supplies for my Tuesday/Thursday classes.

My Umbrella: Rain seems to come out of nowhere in Louisiana, I like to have my umbrella on me incase a downpour strikes! Mine was a Christmas gift last year and is from Jonathan Adler.

My wristlet: Again this basically goes everywhere with me as it holds my phone, IDs, keys, and money.

I also keep tissues, a mini first-aid kit, Tide to Go pen, mini deodorant, handsantizer, face wipes, Advil, eyedrops, cuticle cream, feminine products, and Chapstick. 

Books and Supplies for my Monday/Wednesday and online class.

And of course spirals, folders, and textbooks! I have a spiral and folder for each class (and a highlighter, all in the same color.) I have textbooks for four of my classes but only bring what I need for that day. I have a binder for one class because it houses a 100+ page financial report we're using throughout the semester. I had a binder for each class in high school with my special organizing system. But for college it gets far too bulky.  

What are your backpack essentials?

Facts about Me

In no particular order...

1. I'm lefthanded

2. My heart is plagued with wanderlust

3. I love any and everything related to Harry Potter

4. Wisconsin is the most beautiful place in the world

5. I have to hang toilet paper with the flap behind the roll

6. I'm extremely obsessed with Disney (films, music, World, etc.)

5. I have a love/hate relationship with snow

6. My favorite movie is elf and I watch it year-round

7. Chandler Bing is my spirit animal

8. My car is named Hank (the Tank)

9. I'm majoring in Finance and (hopefully) minoring in Leadership 

10. I love organizing

11. Matthew is my favorite book of the Bible (specifically chapter 6)

12. Freshly cut grass, vinegar, and are some of my favorite scents

13. I have anxiety

14. Joining Alpha Omicron Pi was one of the best decisions of my life

15. I want to live abroad (preferably somewhere in the UK)

16. The Beatles are my favorite band

17. I love going to the movies by myself

18. I have a huge crush JFK (don't ask)

19. I'm addicted to pinterest and twitter 

20. Brushing my teeth calms me down when I feel stressed

What are some quirky facts about you?