57 Days and then what?

In just 57 days, if all goes according to plan, the creeks don't rise and I don't kick the bucket, I will proudly and so thankfully walk across the stage from one comfortable, routine-set lifestyle into a world I have yet to ever step foot - a world I call 'uncertainty.'

In just 57 days, my apartment in Chapel Hill will be boarded and boxed and every memory I made sealed and sent into a file cabinet in the back of my brain only to be revisited when I'm in a "missing Carolina moment" or my girlfriends and I find ourselves rehashing every stupid thing we ever committed (lots and lots).

In just 57 days, I will be making that last drive as a college student on I-40 only to set the cruise control when I hit I-85, hurrying home before my gas gauge reads empty and my stomach growls anxiously awaiting a home-cooked meal.

In just 57 days, I have one last opportunity to soak up every ray of sunshine that brightens Polk Place quad and one last opportunity to roll out of bed with 30min of sleep and countless hours of stressful studying written on my face and woven through my un-brushed hair. I have one last opportunity to take full advantage of student discounts at South Point Cinemas so a movie costs 9 dollars instead of 10 - lucky me.

For all I know, in just 57 days, I may not be able to afford internet and my blog posts will be even more seldom - imagine that!

I plan, in the next 57 days, to take lots of pictures and smile at every stranger I meet on Carolina's campus.

If it only takes 21 days to make a habit, I wonder what I can do with 57?

Dear Blog, I'm Sorry I Forgot About You

Ridgecrest, Asheville

It all clicks now. He doesn't need me. My weakness makes His power perfect. Well, that's a relief. It's also mind-blowing and scary. You see, my eyes were opened a couple weeks ago when I retreated into the snowy mountains for a weekend with Mom and Dad's Sunday school class. Bert, the teacher and incredible leader of the class, simply said "It's not about you," I'm embarrassed to say that I was stunned. What do you mean that my life is not about me?

The Bible, when studied correctly, shows me that God sent His Son not first and foremost to save ME from MY sins. He sent His Son so that His plan could be accomplished. Without blood, there would be no free gift. There would be no redemption nor grace.

To steal from Bert, "We exist as a community to spread a passion for Christ in such a way that His word becomes the food and daily nourishment for learning and living the God-centered life. A life in which we are transformed by the power of the Spirit, by seeing the face of God in the Lord Jesus Christ!"

If I look back over the course of this year, how excited have I been for Christ? I can get excited so easily while watching a close UNC basketball game and proudly sport my Carolina badge, but why am I not jumping up and down about something that is FREE and EVER-LASTING? I'll, with no reservation, send a YouTube link to friends that has me on the floor laughing, but why can I not tell my own family members about the good news of Christ?

Paul says to be unashamed and to be boast proudly in the Lord. Why am I so quiet?

Sophisticated Fun

"Is it Meg or Megan?"

It's the question that still haunts my dreams at night. Truth be told, I don't care. I'll answer to both; just don't call me Whitney. I thought it'd be a good idea as a young girl pursuing big dreams of becoming this world-changing, marathon-running, Paula Deen-cooking lady of grace to have a shortened, more sophisticated name.

As of yet, I haven't even successfully mastered the name change ... a long journey ahead, folks. For now, I'm Megan. Or Meg. Or MegJones. Or MJ. Or May May (that's a throwback).

Anywho, hi! This whole blogging thing is completely out of the ordinary for me. But, Maggie and Erin do it, so it must be okay. (Yes, that's my rationale for most decisions in life).

I'll most likely regret my posts - as they will probably be centered around embarrassing MegJones epiphanies. I'm not really sure where this is going ... but ... I can assure you, it'll be sophisticated fun.

I'll keep you posted.