I'm Back 2.0

I just wanted you to see how cute my mom and I are...

Well, I forgot I had a blog. This year has been so full that I haven't even thought about sitting down and typing out some random thoughts to put on the internet. So, if you are curious, here is a look at my year.

PART 1 (MARCH)

I TURNED 23!       

     

Around the time that I was about to have my birthday, I saw an article that my friend posted on Facebook called "Why 23 is The Worst Age". So naturally, I read it. The article basically described a confused/broke young adult with a college degree and no future. After reading about how horrible my year should be as a new 23 year old, I was frustrated. It amazes me how most young people view this age as a waste. Yes, most of my close friends are married or in a serious relationships. Am I, "in the depths of despair?" (Anne of Green Gables reference)...No! Over the last few months I have come to appreciate being single more than ever. And unlike many of my single christian ladies, I'm not sitting here waiting for the "perfect man". I have realized the importance of this season. Since it is just me that I have to take care of, I have found that I can say YES. I can say yes to anything God would have me do, and not have to worry about how it would effect someone else. Don't get me wrong, I am really looking forward to getting married and having a family someday, but I am not going to let that halt my life. My life does not start when I say "I do" to a man, It starts when I say "I will" to Jesus. (Hey that was good.)

Next soapbox. College opens doors to careers, but don't let it cripple you. What I mean is, we are young! Just because your dream job hasn't come along, it doesn't mean you should be wandering aimlessly. Get a job to pay the bills and plug in somewhere doing what you love! (Even if it is not for  pay) Now, if you are like, me and are not done with school....hang in there! Yes, I didn't choose the longer route,(pay as you go), but I promise it will be worth it if you don't quit. This is a pep-talk for myself too.

All of this to say, 23 has been one of my best years so far and I am only half way through it! I have had so much fun and made new friends that like to have fun. So there. 23 is fun.

Red Velvet Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory is heaven. 

PART 2 (MARCH)

I MOVED OUT!

In March I moved into my own little apartment, and I absolutely LOVE it! I am really enjoying having my own space and being able to make it a reflection of my personality. The biggest difficulty I have had, is learning how to cook for one person. Seriously....it's so hard. Tonight I am going to make spaghetti, I think. I will have to freeze the leftover sauce. This should be interesting.

 PART 3 (JUNE)

MY BEST FRIEND GOT MARRIED! (Yes, I teared up while writing this...)

I have honestly rewritten this part five times. It is so hard to describe how wonderful and surreal this event was. Cathryne and I have been friends for eleven years now and I am so incredibly blessed to have her in my life. Through the years our relationship has stayed the same. Not our lives, but our friendship. No matter what season our lives are in, she has always been the same, steady, wise, and beautiful person. I remember being in Jr. High and going through wedding magazines with her and dreaming about that most magical day of a girls life. Magical is the only way to describe her wedding. It was the perfect day and I am so happy to have been a part of it.

See Cathryne's blog! Slice of Southern Pie

 PART 4 (JUNE-JULY)

VICTORY CAMP_SUMMER 2015

If you didn't know, I have the coolest job in the world. This summer was incredible. I was given the opportunity to head up our kids camp services. I did this last year too but I felt even more on my own this year so it counts more. Haha! I came up with games, wrote puppet skits, made schedules...etc. I was definitely in my element. I love the microphone and got to be the MC for hundreds of campers. My absolute most favorite moment, was when I had the opportunity to bring the Word on one of the nights of camp. (aka...preach) It was amazing to see God move through me and to see lives changed because I said yes. Even though I panicked a bit before I went up.

I love my staff and interns!

PART 5 (RIGHT NOW)

I just wanted to share a few more things that have made this year a winner.

1. Torri Kelly - look her up....now.

2. Toute Suite - If you live in, or around Houston, go there.

3. SnapChat is life. Follow me: jschlem

4. Top Golf is ridiculously fun.

5. How did I survive 23 years without a Keurig.



Well that is all for now! It took 3 1/2 cups of coffee and a ton of rewrites because my cat kept jumping on the keyboard, but I did it!

Have a great rest of the week!