My new jam

This is my new jam. "Teach Us How" by United Pursuit Band. Really tight worship music. I just downloaded two of their albums and am really loving their music!

A senior in the city.

"Have you ever heard the term hipster?"

"A what? A hip-sta?"

"Yes, a hipster."
"Hip. Ster. H-I-P-S-T-E-R? No, I've never heard of that before. What's a hipster?"

This was the conversation I had in an on-camera interview with Connie and Maria, two young ladies of Brooklyn, New York. Okay, so they are young at heart; Connie is in her 80s and Maria is 91! These women had a lot to say about my generation and gave some insight to the recent hipster movement.

My senior thesis film is an exploration of the term "hipster." To vaguely define the term, a hipster is a subculture of creative and artistic 20-30 year-olds, that accept vintage and individual ideas in lieu of mainstream trends. Again, very vague. The image associated with the word "hipster": skinny jeans, scarves, bicycles, think rimmed glasses, TOMS shoes and anything vintage/purchased at a thrift store.

When I say the word "hipster" I get the following reactions:

a). "What's a hipster?"

b). "Oh, yeah, hipster." (With a slightly confused look on their face)

c). "Ugh. Hipsters."

d). "I know what it is, I'm definitely not one."

These reactions tell me that people either don't know the meaning behind the word "hipster" or really don't want to be associated with it.

I have decided to make a documentary that takes a look at the hipster sub culture. My crew and I went to New York City last weekend to ask some locals and tourists what they thought about "hipsterdom." We also had a great interview with a talented hair stylist and youth leader, Edgar. He welcomed us into his super creative apartment and talked about the importance of truly loving on people.

Of course, we took a day to be tourists in the city, too. Here are some pictures from the trip. Photo creds to Jordan Imhoff and Justin Fugett.

Shea, the Director of Photography (photo credit: Jordan Imhoff)

Justin and I in Time Square (photo credit: Jordan Imhoff)

Grand Central Station (photo credit: Justin Fugett)

Shea and Justin (photo credit: Jordan Imhoff)

Edgar (photo credit: Jordan Imhoff)



Time Square!

Oh, and here's a picture of Maria from Jordan's blog.

I'm a senior.

So I haven't posted in a long time. I got distracted. Mainly by this guy.

Anyway. The new semester has started and we are already at week four. Between my senior project, documentary class, other classes, work, being an RA, being a friend, being a girlfriend and loving Jesus, I have a lot on my plate this year. Yes. I am stressed. But the Lord has been so faithful already. God has reassured me through my devotions and Scripture that he really loves me. He will work for the good of me because I love him. He knows my heart, he knows my sin, but he chooses to love me anyway.God is present as I plan for today, future projects and post graduation.

I am thankful.

Tonight's prayer.

Apart from You I can do nothing. Without You I am nothing. Oh, God, if only I could put into words what I am feeling. I am so thankful for You. For your grace and faithfulness to me. God, thank you for giving me faith. For tugging at my heart every second of every moment of every day. There are people that don’t have faith. Of any kind. They live for selfish gain because it is all they know. My heart just aches for them. God, help me to reach out to people who don’t know you. Remove any fear and fill me with courage. My life would seriously be nothing if it were not for Your influence. The way I carry myself, the way I talk, the way I work; all would be different without You. God open their hearts. May those who have little faith encounter Your grace and accept your gift of life. Provide them with hope, oh God. Show them what real faith is. What real love is, eternal love. Jesus touch their hearts. Thank you for this burden, this opportunity to see what others are truly missing. You are a good, good God.

Pensacola, Polly, Cheese Lunch, and Snookie

I recently returned from a relaxing and adventurous trip to Pensacola, FL! I went with Justin [my cool new boyfriend, yes, blogging world, I am dating. Who thought that would happen? Not me. It's wonderful, you should ask me to tell the story sometime] to visit his family and spend some time away from Virginia Beach. We both have been living in Virginia Beach for at least three years, for him it's been four! It was nice getting away and experiencing a new culture.

Let us remember. I am from the North. New Jersey in fact. The Jersey Shore to be even more specific. I am now dating a boy from the South. There's a big difference. A lot of his family asked if I knew Snookie, if I was related to Snookie, and wondered why I didn't have the Snookie "poof." Of course, the joking was all in good fun [I hope?].

While in Florida, I experience what it's like to live on a dirt road and have a pond in the backyard. I went to "cheese lunch" with Justin's family, stepped foot on the softest, whitest sand I have ever seen, and went kayaking in the sound of Pensacola Beach. Oh, and I pet a sweet greyhound named Polly for the first time.

I went to Alabama for the first time! Justin's aunt and uncle have a farm out there. We took lots of pictures and met lots of family.

Now I am back in the swing of things, but am so thankful to the restful time I had in Florida.

Here are some pictures from the trip!

Sunset at the beach!

Justin and I at Fort Pickens! Also, please note that I am all SOARed out in Summer Orientation gear! [Gotta put in a plug for my office]

This is Polly. She just wants you to love her.

Justin and I in the Pensacola Lighthouse.

Justin and I kayaking through the sound.

Justin and I at the farm.

The view from the lighthouse. Also, the order of these pictures really didn't make sense, but we're just gonna roll with it.

He will not abandon.

God is at work. Always. He consistently uses our circumstances for the good of His kingdom. He has called us according to His purpose to give glory to Him and to spread the word of His love. Sometimes I miss that memo. My mind tends to cling to the worst possible scenario when things do not work out my way.

In an attempt to seek peace after dealing with some recent news, I stumbled upon Psalm 138.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
with your right hand you save me.
8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.



The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. He has not abandoned me and will never abandon me. His work is not complete. Today I experienced God's love in the exact capacity I needed. It was a great reminder that He is using every minute of my time and my family's time to direct people to Him. Right now His purpose is not clear to me. However, I have found comfort in the fact that it is all part of His sovereign plan. I can roll with that.

-Jersey

Use me!

I am currently praying for God to use me. I want to go on a missions trip. Or something. I want to serve. In what capacity? I'm not sure. Being an RA is an awesome ministry but I want to reach outside of the Regent bubble.

Right now I am just waiting for the right opportunity. But I am preparing myself while I wait. I am reading through Acts again. I am reading about amazing leaders whose unashamed love for Christ saved the souls of many.

Please pray for opportunities and continued joy. Pray that God will use me!