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101 in 1001: A Year Update

Abi Leah1 Comment

Start date: Friday, May 11, 2018
First Update: 6 Months
End date: Friday, February 05, 2021

Hello everyone! It’s been a little over a year since I started my 101 in 1001 challenge so it’s time for another update. The 101 in 1001 challenge is a list of 101 things I want to do in 1001 days (2.75 years). I’ve timed it so this challenge will end by my 21st birthday but I’ve got so much still to do! You can see the full list of goals and check my progress here.

Goals I’ve crossed off:

38. Take my sisters on “sister-dates” (March 2019)

Being away from home was pretty hard. But setting up sister-dates made for an extra something to look forward to. Spending that one-on-one time with my sisters gives us a chance to catch up and just enjoy each others’ company.

39. Volunteer with my family a Saturday morning (March 2019)

My church back home has a homeless ministry that serves breakfast downtown every Saturday morning. My roommate and her family have been going for a while and my family has gone as well. But with school and being away, I needed to plan for a chance to finally go and see what the ministry was all about. Spending the morning with like-minded people while catching a glimpse into the world of others was interesting and challenging. I am glad for the chance to go and broaden my worldview and I am looking forward to the next time I can serve again.

43. Go to a drive-in/outdoor movie (April 2019)

Every year my school hosts a Spring Festival which includes flower crowns and tie-dye shirts and an outdoor movie! This year we watched Mary Poppins Returns and it was so much fun. (I mean it’s Mary Poppins!!) It was my third time watching the movie but it was still so fun to be there with friends and enjoy the outside festivities.

52. Explore downtown Charlotte (July 2019)

This one was fun to do too because it included my cousins (who are pretty awesome people) and my family. We were going to go on a walking tour but instead explored the streets on our own as well as the major stops like King’s Kitchen, NASCAR’s Hall of Fame, and the Mint Museum. I highly recommend checking out downtown Charlotte if you are in town!

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59. Find a church by the university (Spring 2019)

Finding a church by my school was harder than I thought it would be. With so many churches in the small town, you’d think we’d have no problem! But when it comes to finding a church, my friends and I knew that we wanted to find somewhere that taught the Truth, not just a good-feeling message, and somewhere we could get involved. We visited big churches, small churches, contemporary, traditional and everything in between before finally deciding on a small Baptist Church. It took time but it was totally worth it.

74. Visit my high school teachers after I graduate (March 2018)

High school was such a good time for me. Junior and Senior years specifically shaped a lot of my views and challenged me in and out of the classroom in ways I couldn’t imagine. The teachers those two years played an important role in that. Going back to visit the school and personally thank those teachers for challenging me and preparing me for this college journey was an important thing. It was great to reflect and thank those who work year-round preparing students for the future. And I think they appreciated it too.

80. Celebrate Easter really big (April 2019)

Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays and potentially one of the most underrated ones. Christmas gets most of the celebration in both the religious and non-religious worlds but Easter is most important! Without Christ rising victoriously from the dead having had defeated our sins, we would still be searching for a way to prove ourselves worthy of God’s acceptance. So Easter definitely deserves more praise. This year my family went all out with a Bible-themed scavenger hunt, pastries made by my sister, and a big meal with the extended family. Hopefully, this tradition will continue.

88. Make a new vision board (January 2019)

The vision board concept it a cool one for me because I find that each time I make one I learn more about myself. It’s true that images speak louder than words and often hold concepts and ideas that can reveal themselves over time. As I made this vision board, I allowed myself to just pick images that I was drawn to. Those images ended up being more “outdoorsy” than I would have initially chosen but as time moved on, I found those things reflected interests and opportunities I didn’t know I had. It’s fun to see visually how those interests change over time and how they come out in my everyday life.

I’ve completed 25 of my 101 goals! How have you been coming along in your 101 in 1001 journey? What things have you learned about yourself through it? Follow my progress and see the complete list here.

signi

A Letter to Freshman Year

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Dear Freshman Year of College,

College. The best four years of my life. Or so I was told.
They were right in a way. If this past year has been a testament to what is to come then there are many many great things in store for my college adventure.

What I wasn’t told was how fast the years would go.
I’ve only finished one of the four years of college and yet those two semesters have flown by. If I didn’t pay attention, I would have missed it.

My first semester was crazy with settling in and figuring out a routine. But it was fun and welcoming as I learned to call this new school home. And home it really became with new friends and great mentors. Suddenly I didn’t need to focus on anyone else’s growth. Here I could be free, be me, and take the time I needed to grow and explore the world and new opportunities.

My second semester was a little bit harder. I missed my family like crazy but I learned to let go and trust God’s plans. This semester provided many opportunities to grow in faith and trust and it gave me many opportunities to step back and remember that I’m not in control.

It’s been a week now since I’ve closed my textbooks and turned in my final exam. Every day since then I’ve reflected over the many blessings that one school year gave me and I’ve missed those times. I’ve also realized how much I’ve grown in faith, in confidence, and in heath as I learned to navigate a new world where decisions became mine and mine alone. There were times when I didn’t want to change, to move, to leave the comforts of wherever I was in that moment, but I learned that change is good, change is natural, and when I surrender those moments to God, change can be such a blessing.

One year, one-fourth of my college career has come and gone. But the memories and the many lessons will forever be remembered. I am so grateful for this time and I so look forward to the next three years. May I always remember to trust God, to remember the little moments, and to not waste the precious time that I have.

signi

a short life lesson

Abi Leah2 Comments

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Life. It’s full of good days and it’s full of bad days. Some days we feel like we are keeping everything under control, while others, not so much. No matter how life is making you feel right now – calm or stressed – the life you are living now is preparing you for the future.

For my life right now, I am feeling pretty full. I have finished my first semester of college, I get to spend time with my family, and I am looking forward to hanging out with my friends come second semester. There is nothing pulling for my attention, no assignments to do. But it wasn’t always this calm.

I remember those days when I questioned everything: my life purpose, my family, my friends, even God. But there’s the thing, every minute I spent stressed, depressed, questioning life, was another minute closer to where I am now.

God uses all of those tough times to shape us into the people He designed us to be. While life isn’t a finish line that we can cross – there will always be more to learn – we can have hope in remembering that God uses everything for our good. Do not be discouraged and do not lose hope. Rather, trust in God who is in control. Trust that those tough times will help you to grow stronger as a person and in your faith.

That is my challenge for you this week. If your life is calm, thank God for using those though times to shape you. If your life is rough, remember that strength comes from perseverance and that you are not alone.

signi

My New Year Goals – 2019

Abi Leah2 Comments

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New years are great because they gives everyone a chance to start fresh even if things in your life keep right on going. There’s a new mindset and a fresh look on the projects we’ve been working on. And I think that’s great.

1. Take up photography again.

I’ve always loved photography. It’s such an easy way to capture life’s big (or small) moments. While I’ve taken a break from photography, I’ve been saving quite a few ideas on Pinterest and admiring some of my favorite photographers’ works. I hope all of that inspiration-searching pays off in my own work.

2. Make it to a least one (but hopefully more) sporting event.

I’ve never been a fan of playing sports, but I can appreciate those who are. College is great because there are always sporting events happening on campus and most of the time, the tickets are either free or cheap. So this should be a good time to get out there and cheer on my classmates.

3. Go camping with some friends.

Camping is one of those things that I’ve never done but I’ve always wanted to do. Last semester, I gathered up a group of friends to go camping but due to weather and other things, we didn’t get out. Hopefully this year I can be more intentional about making that camping trip happen.

So those are some of my goals for this year! If you’ve been following on my Instagram, you’ll also know that I’ve been striving for sustainability and less waste in my life. I wrote a blog post with more goals specifically for zero waste over here. What are some of your goals for this new year?

signi

Exams Are Over! + Recent Posts I Loved

Abi Leah2 Comments

Hello everyone! I survived my exams! I’ve gotten two of my six grades back and I did pretty well so that’s good! While I was gone studying my head off, some of my favorite bloggers posted some great posts that I wanted to share with you! So here are some of the recent blog posts that I loved. :)

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Four Reasons Why You Should Be Writing In A Journal
by Specsclad

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Specsclad started her 25 Days of Self-Care Blogmas posts this December. One of my favorite post from this series so far was her Four Reasons Why You Should Be Writing In A Journal post. (But the rest of her posts have been great too!) I think it’s really nice that she decided to take a different perspective on Blogmas and do the Self-care theme. Be sure to check out her post here and her blog here.

Peru – The Highlights
By Silke

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Silke from Belgenius wrote a post recapping her trip to Peru. I loved seeing all the pictures she took and reading her travel tips. The pictures are really beautiful. Be sure to check out her post here and her blog here.

November – December Illustrations
By Tabi

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Tabi from Busy Bear posted some of her recent drawings from November and December. I love all of her drawings (who wouldn’t?) but I especially loved the one of the whale. It’s so cute and happy! Check out her blog post here and her blog here!

Those were just some of the many posts that I had to catch up on after my break for exams. Be sure to check out these three amazing bloggers’ blogs! I hope you all have a great 2 days until Christmas!

signi

May Memories

Abi Leah10 Comments

Hello, everyone! Let’s talk about May. The last month of school. Crazy and utterly exhausting but SO full of happy memories! In a way, I miss it but at the same time, I’m so glad it’s over!

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The first week of May was full of happy friend memories. One of my best friends made me a beautiful pillow in between her study times. How she did it, I have no idea, but it’s beautiful and I love it so much! AP exams weren’t fun but it came with excused absenses and trips to Aldi’s to get ice cream. My 6 friends and I shared a whole tub of ice cream and it was amazing! A couple of days later, I started my new bullet journal!

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For Mother’s Day, my family and I took a trip to the mountains for the weekend. It was beautiful and a great way to spend the day celebrating my mom. We were even able to see a couple of geese in the river!

Next came a couple of pool parties with some amazing friends! My sister celebrated a birthday with some of her friends. Then I hosted a couple of last minute parties with my friends before school ended. I loved hanging out with everyone and can’t wait to make more memories with them this summer! Then came May 25. The day my exams started. I had my French exam first and did pretty well! After that, I had 3 more exams, British Literature, Chemistry, and Spanish. My last exam was yesterday! So glad to be done! :)

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Other Things I Loved

  • Smores Frappuccino from Starbucks (all time fav!)
  • All of the blooming flowers!
  • Celebration donuts at the end of exams!
  • Getting our piano tuned
  • And then having a mini concert :)

How was your May? What are you looking forward to in June? I’d love to hear from you! :)

signi

Guess Who’s Back!

Abi Leah3 Comments

Hello everyone! It’s been a while hasn’t it? I’m back and finished with all of my exams! Thanks to all of you for your patience and encouragement! It’s meant a lot to me. :)

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In case you didn’t know why I was gone for so long, I had exams and needed to take a break from blogging to focus on studying, studying, and more studying. I’ve already gotten back some of my final grades and I’m very happy with them. I’m not sure I would have done as well if I hadn’t taken a break from blogging. As much as I’ve missed you all, I’m glad I took the break.

There’s lot of excitement today! Summer is officially here and I’m back to blogging again. YAY! I’ve got lots of fun things planned for the very near future so keep an eye out for some more blog posts and Youtube videos!

I’m super excited to be blogging again! Thanks again for all of the encouragement!

signi

 

Life As A Student During My Busy Week

Abi Leah6 Comments

Hey, everybody! So I was trying to do Blogmas this year but I missed a post yesterday(!!!) and so yeah, that failed. Oh well. Anyway, life has been pretty hectic this week and it’s only Tuesday. Instead of a Blogmas post, here’s a life update and a glimpse at my life as a student during the busiest week of the year. :)

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So let’s see. Last weekend, I started working on a painting for my Oma. My mom thought it would be nice if I made a painting with a Dutch Prayer on it. I am about a quarter of the way done so I’d say it’s going pretty well!

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Yesterday was pretty crazy too. I had school as always but you know those weeks when the teachers are like, “It’s almost the end of the quarter and I don’t have enough things in the grade book!”? Yeah, it’s that kind of week. Except I have an exam on Friday! Yay! So I was assigned a lot of homework but it all worked out because I was able to get some things done before and during school. Then, after school, I went to my induction ceremony where I was inducted into the National Art Honors Society! Fun, fun! So that means, I’ll be able to post more about art because I’ll be doing more art. The ceremony was a lot of fun. The president and vice president gave out flowers to everyone who was inducted. I loved mine! It’s so pretty! :)

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Today, I woke up early to finish an essay for my Bible class but I feel really good about it so the grade should be pretty okay. Every Tuesday, my school has Chapel but because there is a Fine Arts’ Chapel tomorrow, the principal bought all of the students ice cream and played Christmas music on the intercom for 30 minutes! It was a great way to start the day! And the rest of the day was fun too. After school, I went to the dentist and it was pretty scary for me (because you know, sharp objects!) but my mom encouraged me to remember Bible verses so then I was okay.

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So that was my week so far. I have a busy rest of the week ahead of me, with two quizzes, a test, and a performance tomorrow, exam reviews on Thursday and my first exam on Friday. And there are fun things too, like Christmas parties, projects, performances, and birthday parties. But, the great thing to keep in mind is that in 8 short days, all of the exams will be over. :)

I hope you all have a great day and rest of the week! Keep being happy and hopeful. :) ~Abi

How is your week so far? Do you like these types of posts?

signi

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Snow and I Survived Exam Week!

Abi Leah8 Comments

Hey, guys! This post will be kind short because it snowed! And I want to spend the most time I can with my family in the snow.

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I had exams this past week and it was a bit different for me because I had classes (or was supposed to have classes) on Tuesday and Thursday. One of my Thursday classes got canceled at the last minute. But, I finished my exams on time and that’s the most important part. :)

The snow is absolutely beautiful! Yesterday, my family walked out to the park nearby and went sledding. It was really fun! It seemed that the whole neighborhood was out.

Okay, I have to go! Let me know if you have gotten snow this past week. Also, for those of you who are having exams coming up, Good luck and blessings!

signi

Save

Long time no write…

Abi Leah1 Comment

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Hi, everyone! So first off, I just want to say sorry for staying away for so long and not posting. The homework loads have doubled since midterms. But I’m back now!

So, Spring is on its way! (Or already here in some places.) And with Spring comes Spring Break. My Spring Break is next week and I’m super excited. I might be traveling with my family during our break. What are you guys doing for Spring Break? Let me know in the comments below!

I wanted to share with you some Bible verses that have encouraged me.

– Psalm 36:5-11 –

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgements are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord. How precious is your steadfast love O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright in heart! Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

This is my prayer for you. I hope you have a great week!

signi