We move at such a rapid pace, life tugs and pulls at us and we respond by sprinting towards goal after goal. We are such over achievers, which is a great thing because it allows us to get involved, meet new people, and indulge in incredible new experiences. But God never intended for us to go around the clock. We were not designed to run in energizer bunny mode 24/7. We can live like this for a little while, but eventually something has got to give. Usually, that is our emotional health, or our relationships, or, worst of all, our times of intimacy with God.
We were created in the image of God to live in relationship with Him, not to run around saying we are doing so many things to for the Kingdom to come on Earth as it is in heaven. Spending time with Him is essential to find purpose and fulfillment in all the things we do. He is always on the move also, but the Sabbath was instigated for a reason. He knew of man-kind's tendency to go-go-go. Sure, we have work to do. And yes, we have people to care for and goals to reach. But if we aren't caring for ourselves and aren't caring for the most important relationship in our lives, how can we expect ourselves to sustainably care for ourselves? If we're constantly broken down from lack of sleep or from continually over-extending ourselves, there won't be anything to offer others.
So as we wrap up this semester, it is my hope that we can take this summer to slow down, give ourselves some grace, and find rest. You deserve to take a breather, take a nap, and don't feel bad for it. Moments of rest are precious. 
God, thank you for the reminder that you want to give us rest. It isn't always easy, we are so eager to go out, get involved, and achieve our goals. But I have to confess that taking a break is needed, and honestly feels good. Draw me away to your presence for a special time of rest, I pray.
I hope you all have the best summer ever! Xoxo, Amy

I think we can all agree that life is crazy right now. At this point in the semester, everything is in full swing, and balancing classes, extracurriculars, jobs, figuring out summer plans, can all just be super overwhelming. One thing I love about Auburn is how much everyone loves to be involved. I know for me, this year has brought a lot of new ways to be involved on campus, in the Auburn community, and in my own chapter. It’s been so exciting to jump into new experiences, many of which I’ve hoped to be a part of since I started at Auburn. As much fun as it has been to be a part of these roles, I’ve discovered that just because I’m filling my schedule, doesn’t mean I’m finding fulfillment. I’ve even found myself looking for the next thing coming my way instead of focusing on what’s in front of me. But I’m learning that it’s not just getting certain positions, it’s about being present where I am. That what I’ve been given is a gift, and I need to nurture and invest in the blessings I have, rather than seek the next best thing. It’s about being present in my current circumstances and being faithful with what I have now.

In 2 Timothy, Paul is writing to Timothy about the gift of grace we have been given and the power of our testimony. He is saying how we are given things in this life to make Christ known, and he encourages Timothy to “guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 

Whether you’re in a season similar to mine where there’s a lot going on and a lot of opportunities to serve, or whether there’s not a ton going on and you’re not super sure what the next step looks like, we have the opportunity to use our circumstances for the benefit of the kingdom. We have been entrusted with our current season, and we get to use that for good. To learn, to grow, and to make Christ known wherever we are. We have been blessed with the season we are in, and it is our job as leaders to be good stewards of what we have been given. Be faithfully present and know that you are doing good works where you are right now.

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Hey everyone!  I can't believe we're already a month into this semester, I hope your semesters are starting off so well and that nothing is too stressful yet!
I wanted to share something that I've been learning the last few weeks. I feel like it's easy in the craziness of our every day lives and especially in college working towards our goals and our futures, to get caught up in what we don't have. The comparison trap is real, and I definitely find myself looking at what I want but don't yet have. But that is not the life we are called to live in.
​In 2 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul is writing to the people of Corinth and is encouraging them to give to others freely and generously. He shares that "God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." We are blessed materially and spiritually so that we will have an abundance for every good work. When we stop looking so much at the world around us and start looking at all the wonderful gifts we have been given-through our skills, our passions, those around us-  we start to see that we are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. 
We have an opportunity to transform our perspective from a mindset of scarcity to an openness to abundance. We are able to build our confidence and trust in God and in what He gives us the ability to accomplish. When you make time to accept and appreciate the joy within your own everyday lives and when you believe that you are capable of handling challenging times, your mindset will change from feeling like you have to work for and force everything into place to trusting that God wants to give you more than you could ever make for yourself. 
Trust that so long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other, taking life one step at a time, you will get to where you need to go. 

Hi everyone! I'm Amy and I will be serving as the Director of Spiritual Life for 2022! I am so excited to begin posting on here and to share encouragement with y'all! If you're like me, I love starting new things, which is part of the reason I love the breath of fresh air that comes with a new year. Over the break, I've spent some time reflecting on the past year: how much I've grown, how much things have changed, things I love that have entered my life. It's exciting to see how much things can grow and change in a year, and it makes me eager to jump into this new semester and see all that is to come. 
Or maybe you're not like me. Last year may have been really hard, and it can be overwhelming to think of all that may happen in this upcoming semester. 
I've been reading in Genesis over the break and seasons of change always makes me think of Joseph. He experienced tremendous change and hardship over the course of his life. From being his father's favorite, to being exiled by his brothers and sold into slavery, to eventually gaining favor from Pharaoh, saving Egypt from famine, and reuniting with his family: his story shares great highs and extraordinary lows. But really, that's life. And through it all Joseph still chose to walk faithfully and to trust that God had a good plan for him.
Romans 8:26 says that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Whatever this new year may bring, you are called and you have a purpose in the will of the Father. Trust in Him and jump into the new year expectant that He has good things planned for you. Let 2022 be the fresh start that you've been craving. Let it be the time you forget what's been holding you back, forgive yourself for past mistakes, and begin again. This is the perfect time to start and I'm so proud of you.