Last weekend, for the S.T.I.M training (see previous post), I learned so much and took in so much. I learned more and more about injustices in the world, Jesus' heart for restoration, and our call to action. I think it is interesting that as I am coming into this summer, going to Fresno, we have been studying justice and beginning our section on evangelism in our bible studies at school. I guess Jesus' really is trying to prepare my heart and mind! It's scary and exciting all at the same time. I honestly have no idea what this summer is going to be like, but I'm loving the time of preparation.

This week has been going well too! Monday I had most of the day off, caught up on some sleep, did some homework and went to newlove (after school program I work at). Then yesterday I got to go to the small group leaders training group that my friend David and I are leading. It's going so well, and it's so great to see how God desires to keep our ministry going by bring up rising leaders. It has been fun to see our group of new leaders going through the process of becoming a leader. The nerves, excitement, fear and joy. Brings me back to my SGLT time, about two years ago! I can't believe how fast time has gone. It's going to be sad to leave my community college and InterVarsity chapter. I've grown so much over the last (almost) 3 years, they have been so trans-formative to my life. Afterward, my friend Jessy and I were able to hang out and have coffee together. So good to catch up with her lately! We seem to barely get to see each other anymore. Today, I was able to plan bible study and to hang out with my co-leader and close friend, Tim. We eat bagels, and talk about Jesus and life. What could be better? I then went to lunch with my best friend Kylie, to our favorite restaurant Carrows, and got to talk and laugh! It became a MARVELOUS day when my Chemistry lab got canceled! Kylie and I went to the computer lab and talked to each other on facebook while sitting next to each other. It was so silly but made us laugh a ton. Today has really been such a good day! :) When I came home my Mom and I went to this field right by my house to take my outfit shots today, I really am happy with how it turned out with such a lovely background. There is a lot of photos to be posted today!

Shirt/Skirt/Belt: Kohls
Tights: Target
Shoes: Thrifted (Sorry forgot to photograph those!)

Earrings: F21 (just little pearls)

Walking through the grass to get to a better spot. My shoes were definitely not made for this kind of terrain...

The sun was pretty harsh while taking these, but I really liked the sunkissed look.

sweater: thrifted

I'm sitting on a fence in this one...

It was SO windy!

Tomorrow, Kylie and I are going to see...OCEANS!

So stoked.

Happy Thursdays everyone.

Love,
Shannon

A Clumsy Blogger

I have been lacking so much in the blogging department lately. It makes me sad because I enjoy doing it so much. I think I've just been in a weird place and find myself not wanting to stay on the internet very long. I think something though I wish to do, is be more open and honest in my blog. I want to be more vulnerable with some things and feelings that are going on. I always admire people who are able to share several aspects of their life with others through their blog. I'm looking for that same outlet and community.

Also, I am up to five followers! That amazes me because two of them I don't know! Thank you for following and I'm sorry for the lack of posts.

At this time of my life, I feel like I'm searching for a lot of inner healing. A Clumsy Way of Healing  might be a more appropriate name for my blog at the moment. I won't go into too personal details, but life has been so interesting lately. I have been so up and down and all over the place, mentally especially. I'm continually searching for what I want, how I feel, what I'm supposed to be. I'm really seeking to let Jesus be the center of my life but finding that I'm struggling giving up control. I like to make plans myself and have an idea of my future. I can get caught up in the ideas of success and wanting to achieve. However, my reasons behind it are not right. I want to do it for me, to be able to say "look what I did." I feel that should change from, "look what I did," to "look at how God is working through my life." In reality, whatever I do, it's because he wants me there. I can walk in so much rest if only I just allowed it to happen.

A major step I am taking, and feeling God push me towards, is going out and serving. I have been to so many conferences, teachings, meetings, sermons and bible studies. I have done service here and their in some areas, but lack in many other areas. However, I just feel a desire for something bigger. To put years of teaching into real action. The opportunity came up to go live in Fresno, CA for 6 weeks through a program called FUI (Fresno Urban Internship.) I am going to be learning to work in Urban ministry in one of the poorest cities in the nation. Their is so much brokenness in Fresno, and in reality I am terrified to displace myself like this. However, I know that God already has the experience planned out for me. It is going to be trans-formative. I'm praying that not only will God use me to give to others whatever I can, but I'm praying that He teaches me and grows me in ways that I couldn't have imagined. I'm excited, scared, nervous and full of joy. This will be my first time doing any kind of ministry like this- I'm going to be stretched!

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'-Matthew 25:40

Following Jesus is a Crazy Way of Life. It's incredible. It's scary. It's uncomfortable. It's beautiful.

This weekend, I am going to a cross-cultural ministry training called S.T.I.M (Students Training In Missions). I'm really looking forward to the content and am so amazed that I will even be there! I never thought I would be someone to do something like this, but I guess God saw me fit for it.

Another plus is that I will be going with some really close friends! There will be six of us, I believe going. Two of us to FUI and the others will be going to Bosnia! Who knew God would be bringing people to work on such a broad scale from just a little community college in a city no one has heard of?

Wishing a lovely weekend for everyone,
Shannon

Alejandro

That song is continually stuck in my head. You've done it again Lady GaGa, your catchy tunes are once again embedded in my brain!

Anyways, today was a lovely day. I was able to plan bible study with my co-leader and close friend, Tim. I love the passage we are doing, and I really am praying it hits us all deeply. Bible Study will be great this week! Afterward, Kylie and I had lunch together, which is always fun :) Then I went to my chemistry lab, to a fairly easy lab. I got out a bit earlier than usual and was happy to get home. The rest of my night was spent doing some homework, cleaning, and taking some photos. Tomorrow is going to be a packed day! But a lovely one.

My outfit for today:

 

Shirt: Gift (Brand: Converse, @ Target)
Vest: Thrifted (brand: Chaps)
Jeans: L.E.I
Flats: Target
Bracelet: ?
Earrings: Forever 21

The wind is having some fun with my hair :)

Natural smile!

Have a great Thursday <3

Absent Blogger

I know my blog is just a baby still, but I took a break from it for a few weeks. It wasn't just my blog, but other blogs, flickr and facebook. I am not going to go into details, but my boyfriend and I broke up a few weeks ago. I really needed some time to re-group from some things, so I decided to stay clear of the internet for a while and try to focus on God more and put the time into other places. The break was good, and I enjoyed not checking any social networking sites for a while. I am happy to be back now though and even happier to be able to post outfits and look at some other of my favorite blogs. I am quite behind!

Today's Outfit:

Shirt: JC Penney's (this shirt is probably 6 or 7 years old, bought for a britney spears costume when I was in 6th grade!)
Blazer: Free!
Jeans: Levi's (I was trying to get the 'boyfriend' look)
Sandals: Madden Girl, bought at Ross
Necklace: gift
Earrings: Kohls (Bought in a set of 3 pairs for $2.40!)


I was inspired from an add in a fashion magazine to do this outfit. It was really comfortable and felt put together. Very versatile!

Some detail...

I like that my hair is finally growing out!

Wishing everyone wonderful Wednesdays :)