A Piece of Paper That Changes Everything...

We always speak of it as the most expensive piece of paper one can obtain, but I don't think I've ever understood the meaning of a diploma until today.

Yes, it's official.

I am a college graduate.

Bachelor of Arts in Comprehensive Communication (Journalism) with minors in Theatre and Bible to be exact. What is surprising me is that I have not made a single comment in connection to the ironic "value" of that piece of parchment, but I can't help but sit here and experience my mind trying to grasp the enormous symbolic and literal change that just occurred in my life.

One side of me feels like I want to take on the world. Full-force. Just move somewhere away from the confining cornfields of southwest Ohio where I find myself now and pursue the dreams I've imagined all my life.

The other side of me is still focused on Cedarville. Focused on the friendships I've built, the actions I've set in motion, the possibilities at hand. I love Cedarville. Immensely. It has taught me so much, challenged me intensely, and has seen me through incredible undulations of life. So much of me feels as if I need to give back, to stay involved, to be able to encourage prospective students, current CU family, and alumni. I find so much excitement in imagining myself continuing to pour into CU, but my biggest thing right now is just the need to stop trying to weigh out every detail and trust God to make my way.

I am a planner. A visionary. A strategist. Sitting here, not knowing my exact direction and not entirely being in control is my most intimidating opposition. It's times like this that I find myself so torn. So tempted to weigh out pros and cons, make lists, make contrasting agendas etc. etc. while knowing I just need to stop, hand over all my concerns and confusion to the One and Only Sovereign God and just watch Him work it out.

Another thing about me... I think and feel and live so often through song lyrics. For example, I just can't keep certain lyrics from running through my head right now, a song I performed with OneVoice Ensemble this year..

A wave of Your hand can command the seas to hold their peace
If you can handle the seas
Then I know that You can deal with all my needs
So I will put every situation
Into Your capable hands
I don't have to know the plan
Because You are

You are the sovereign God
Bigger than all my problems
And every situation
There is nothing too hard
For the sovereign God

He is able to do exceedingly abundantly
Above all we ask or think
So take all your burdens and lay them at His feet
And watch Him meet the need
We have the victory

I hate being vulnerable. I've always felt that I need to remain strong, in control, and hide any evidence of not "having it all together," but I've learned more and more that it is through my vulnerable times that God shows me my need for Him. Through my lacking, He proves time and time again that He is my Jireh and my sustainer.

God is good, ya'll... Pray that I won't fail to see that at all times.

Congratulations Cedarville University Class of 2010. It's been unbelievable. I hope your time has been as stretching and as impactful as mine has been. Love you all!

Yah- that just happened...ELLIV 2010

What a night. 2,400+ in attendance, lights, pyro, staging, incredible talent... PA-CHOW!

After a year of planning, organizing, orchestrating and months of rehearsing, ELLIV 2010 hit the stage on April 24th. Red carpet led nominees and performers into the Jeremiah Chapel and onlookers enjoyed the rush as a swanky band filled the air with songs like "That Thing You Do" and "Johnny Be Good."

Everyone rushed in to find their seat of choice (in their designated sections that is, thanks bouncers (-: ) and glared with anticipation at the overhead countdown clocks. As 7'o'clock approached, I couldn't stop jittering with excitement as all of the hours of hard work, stress, and excitement was coming to fruition in front of my eyes.

We kicked off the night with a throwback number with our own fancy twist in the form of September. Ya, we know it's April... but who doesn't LOVE some Earth, Wind and Fire?! As the hosts then welcomed the crowd to the classiest event in the state of Ohio (Legit- it is), we all got an adrenaline rush, anticipating what would come next.

After great performances of "Fireflies," "Battlefield" (with the group working my choreography!),"Say Hey," a cute rendition of "How Does She Know?" and muteMath's "Typical," the act that was truly my baby hit the stage. An amazing Michael Jackson a capella medley wow-ed the stage, and just as the audience thought it was over, my dancers tore up the stage with a RIDICULOUSLY awesome performance of "Thriller." I have to admit, I have had an obsession with "Thriller" since I was very young and I have pushed to teach and perform the choreography as often as possible throughout my life, but I have to be real, THIS was the best performance EVER! :-)

As the crowd attempted to contain their amazement after that act, they were handed more fun thanks to "Haven't Met You Yet," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered,' and then the finale... a multi-cultural, high energy dance number, "Jai Ho." I can't even tell you how hard those kids worked. It was probably the most intricate choreography I've done for ELLIV over the years and these amateur dancers did an incredible job of learning from me and getting into character. As the final pyro was shot and the final pose was hit, the confetti fell on the final moments of ELLIV.

For everyone involved, a genuine thank you. It was an incredible experience and a true blessing to have been able to teach you and lead you through it all!

ELLIV 2011... where you at? BRING IT!!


WANNA SEE HIGHLIGHTS? Ya, I know you do!
http://www.vimeo.com/11214334