My SLU Experience of a Lifetime

I stood at the top of the steps looking out at the marble tomb. The wind slapped my cheeks as if to remind me that this was real life. I was about to lay the weath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Weeks before, I had written a paper about Abraham Lincoln and how he began as a nobody, but turned into one of our nation's greatest leaders. I submitted the paper to SLU, hoping I would be chosen for the honor to lay the wreath but slightly doubting my abilities. 

Then I waited.

Two days into SLU 201 in Washington D.C., I assumed they chose other winners to lay the wreath, but as we received announcements for the rest of the night, I was asked to come to the front of the large conference room. While up there, I was told that I was chosen to lay the wreath at the Arlington Cemetery. 

My heart skipped a beat. Was this real?! I looked around at the student leaders next to me who had also been chosen, our excitement obvious.

The next day was incredible. I took it all in. 

I was honored to have a VIP tour of the Arlington Cemetery, leading us to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

When we got to the top of the stairs, my heart began to pound hard. One of the guards gave each of us students laying the wreath a strong handshake and specific orders in what to do. In my mind, I was so nervous I would forget what to do! 

Finally the time came. We marched down the stairs in an orderly manner, placed our hands on the wreath, and saluted as they played "Taps." 

As the song played, my mind raced. I was standing where Presidents have stood. I was a part of one of the most honorable ceremonies.

Wow.

Laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was such a privilege and a memory I will cherish always.

+++++

The only place I know that can provide experiences like these is SLU. 

Student Leadership University invites students to think, dream, and lead while providing boundless opportunities to grow in your leadership skills. I mean, where else can you go that gives you the chance to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

I invite you to begin your journey at SLU where wisdom and life-changing experiences await. 

#slulead
www.slulead.com

This is the Day

I woke up & had my quiet time outside where the weather was perfect & the sun had just risen. I thanked God for the beautiful day He created.

I went inside & checked my phone to see that my friend had texted me. He told me good morning and sent me Psalm 118:24 "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." It was so sweet!

As the day went on, I began some of my chemistry homework. I realized how much was on my plate, and began to stress & panic over all that I had to do plus, I never got to do want to do now-a-days. I cried because of anger that God would let this day be filled with school instead of relaxing & fun. 

As I was crying, I knew I needed encouragement from the word. Immediately, my first thought went to Psalm 118:24. God has made this day. I am to rejoice & be glad in it. 

No matter what is in the mix of the day—school, fun, stress, or joy—God has made this day for our pleasure. 

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

We Believe He's All We Need

“And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11

I’ve never been the kind of person to find value in how many likes I get on Instagram or favorites I get on Twitter… Never—until now.

I see others who are “more successful” in the social media world than I am, and I feel incompetent—not good enough.

I think that if I tweet something clever or post an artsy photo, I’ll receive more satisfaction and love and attention.

God created us to be desired and wanted, but we will never find that fulfillment in the number of double taps or retweets we receive. How, then, can we get the love, satisfaction, and attention that we need?

One word. Jesus.

Jesus is the One who satisfies us in the desert, who walks alongside of us to guide us. He’s the One who died a cruel death for us.

We know these truths, we even go so far as to say we believe these truths, but many times our desire to be desired gets in the way.

But think about it: if the all-knowing God made us with the desire to be loved and cared for, He wouldn’t leave us stranded. He would provide a way to fulfill our needs.

Only He can satisfy.

So next time you think you can’t measure up, things aren’t going your way, or you don’t feel cared for, remember to run to Christ because He satisfies.

We Believe He Loves Us

“To know God is not only to realize He is love—it’s to experience His love.”

The Bible is filled with verses stating that God is love, but in this famine-filled, depression-driven, illness-guided world, how can we fully experience God and His love for us?

Last year I was experiencing a difficult situation. I was confused and felt trapped. Recently, I looked back through my prayer journal. I see how God has answered my prayers and brought me through that time.

If God were not a loving God, would He be faithful to us?

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Isaiah 31:3

Think of a difficulty you have gone through.

How was Christ’s love evident?

Many times, I’ve been bombarded with thoughts straights from the devil. Doubts, lies, fears. But every time I call, God rescues me!

If God were not a loving God, would He rescue us?

“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.” Psalm 138:7

I was in my sin—dying and alone. I was continuously heading down the wide path leading to death. But He picked me up. He saved me. He died so I could live!

If God were not a loving God, would He die for us?

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to become sin itself, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

We experience His love every day. Whether we choose to acknowledge His love or not is the question.

Take a moment to pray and ask God to open your eyes so that you can experience His love.

He Satisfies

I've been wired in such a way where I desire deep talks—meaningful, purpose-filled situations.

Today, I was expecting those kind of talks when I hung out with my friends. I had planned in my mind that our conversations would be deep spiritual talks. 

It was far from what I desired.

We had small talk and threw rocks around at the lake.

When I got home, I was drained. They were supposed to fill me up! They were supposed to give me joy! They were supposed to satisfy me. Right?

I ran up to my room, and I knelt beside my bed and prayed. Why wasn't I content? 

Like he always does, God met me there at my point of need. 

His presence was what I needed! He knew that I needed him, and he soaked me in His presence. I could rest in Him because only He can satisfy. 

Praise God that He is the only One that satisfies! He is the only One! While people change and different situations arise, He is constant!

Fill up with His presence then you will overflow with His goodness! 

Take the Challenge

I'm slightly introverted, so I get refreshed when I'm alone. When I'm refreshed, I'm in a good attitude & others appreciate a good attitude instead of a snobby, annoying attitude. I believe I'm doing people good when I'm alone. 

And there's a time & a place for everything, but in Hebrews 10:24-25, it says to not neglect meeting together. It's a command—to meet together as Christians & encourage one another. 

This summer, I'm challenged (& it's very much a challenge for me) to meet together with believers & encourage one another when it's so easy to be by myself.

For those of you who find it easy to be around people & constantly meet together, what if you took it to the next level & instead of it just being a time to hang out, it was an intentional time to encourage each other in the Lord?

We each are called to a higher level spiritually. Take the next step up.

Just Listen

Another quick thought: for whatever you may be facing—joys inexpressible or sorrow and stress—just simply listen to what God has to say.

"Now I will take the load from your shoulders; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks. You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you; I answered out of the thundercloud and tested your faith when there was no water at Meribah." Psalm 81:6-7

"Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things." Psalm 81:10b

For the Hebrews the stomach represented emotion. The mouth lead to the stomach.

When we open our mouth, we give God access to our emotions; when we give Him our emotions, He promises to give us good things.