The Perfect Plan

LIVE. YOUR. LIFE.

    Worrying has never been my thing. I know that I can plan for the future and make precautionary plans, but curve balls are simply a part of life that God allows to stretch us. I went to Mizzou not because I was already a True Daughter, but because it is where God was pointing me. I entered college being Pre-Pharmacy not knowing that I would choose to apply for the Radiography Program rather than UMKC 5 days prior to the deadline. I graduated college with expectations of working in a hospital, but applied for 30 rad tech positions and a single position outside of health care. 

    Looking back on these life altering decisions, I can see how God has prepared my heart for these moments. I can see that the time I invested into various organizations was purposeful and has directed me towards this moment. Here is the story:

     In February, I was looking through my Mizzou mailbox and found a yellow flyer that was for MCAC (http://mcac.missouri.edu). I thought it was pretty cool; however, it didn't seem pertinent to me. I had my post-grad plans figured out (apply for tech jobs in Columbia, Joplin, and Tulsa regions and prepare for PA school). The timing was terrible to look further into the job opportunity, thus I took notes on the back of it and took it as a shut door. 

 

    The funny thing about a shut door is that they can reopen when the time is right and when our hearts are more prepared for the decision that is placed in front of us. June 5th I applied for a College Adviser position. I saw it as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of future leaders and empower students to succeed. It was a way for me to serve and surrender my future plans completely to God. Unbeknownst to me, this was the position I looked at 4 months prior. Many steps have guided me in this direction, and without a shadow of a doubt I know what my next move is. I am thrilled to announce that I will be the College Adviser at Parkview High School through Missouri College Advising Corps this year. 

    God is so good. His plan is perfect. He might be silent, but He is always present. 

8 Reasons Why I Would Rush Phi Lamb

    I often get asked the question, "If I had the opportunity to start college all over again, would I choose the same path I have taken?" Would I have gone through Panhellenic Recruitment? Interviewed for AASB? Joined the SAB? Done MSA? Teamed up with ASB? My answer always returns to Proverbs 3:5-6:

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

 From the get go, God knew that I needed to be in a community like Sigma Phi Lambda. He made it evident that I needed to be in this sisterhood. Below are just a couple of the reasons why I would rush Phi Lamb all over again if I had the opportunity:

1. The sisterhood goes past Chapter Meetings.

           The women of Sigma Phi Lambda are more than just a group that comes together for weekly chapter meetings and socials. These girls legitimately care for one another. Phi Lamb is where you find your best friends for life. These ladies are pursuing Christ just like you and are part of the body of Christ.
 

  
     2.  Pledging 101: You pick us, we don't pick you. 

            As a female, it is nice hearing "You pick us, we don't pick you." In Phi Lamb, you have a pledge class of girls that are excited to be in Phi Lamb and are pumped to gain 25+ new friends immediately after rush. You have the opportunity to become close friends right off the bat through pledge retreat which might seem scary, but it sets the stage for your next couple of years at Mizzou. Through this, you have the ability to grow spiritually with girls that are going through the same stages of life that you are presently in. As a pledge, you get to be around pledge trainers that love the Lord and are eager to share wisdom they have gained while in college.

 
     3.  Prayer Groups.

           Prayer Groups are where genuine, transparent relationships are built. Within this group, you celebrate the joyful times of life and share in the hardships of life when you are going through the trenches. These ladies are the first to say "How can I pray for you?" and are the ones that will join you in becoming prayer warriors for campus, each other, this world, and life. They are the BEST!

  

     

 4.  Chapter Meetings

       

            If you know anyone in Greek life, they probably dread going to weekly chapter meetings.  Phi Lamb Chapter meetings are different. Imagine 80 girls singing praises to the Lord in unison, hearing a devotional from a fellow sister, and praying with one another. Yeah, I get chills every time. There is nothing like worshiping God with your best friends. 

 

      5. Big-Little Families 

         I wish there were words to express how wonderful it is to have a Big and to be a Big. Everyone loves being spoiled, and everyone loves spoiling others. Whether you have triplets like me or just a single little, the bond is strong. Being a little, you instantly gain a mentor who cares for you and wants to be a part of your life. As a Big, you have the opportunity to pour into someone and show them the love of Christ. Few things can compare to the blessing of having a "family" on campus.

My Big, Stephanie and I!

My GrandLittle Kaitlyn

My Littles: Brittany, Kelsey, & Shelby

  7.  The Social Events

      

     Only at a Sigma Phi Lambda event would I find myself running after a boat at the Lake of the Ozarks or dressing up like a zebra and doing an excerpt from the Lion King. No other place would I gain these memories of crazy mazes, eventful Halloween parties, and abnormally cold Semi-Formals.If these pictures aren't evidence enough, Phi Lamb is where you can be your goofy self and others will join in. You won't ever be the awkward lonely person on the dance floor.

  8.  The Missions Trips and Service Events

     

       There is nothing like witnessing God work through your friends. Seeing how He can use a group of girls to pick up debris, make little kids smile, or show elderly women the love of a daughter shows God's heart for us to be his hands on this earth. In Phi Lamb you are surrounded by women who are passionate about different things and who use their God given talents to change the world. The service events and trips that we take are more than just doing "good things", we are bringing the love of Jesus to whomever we serve. Serving with my sisters is just one way that we are the light and salt in the world. 

 There are SO MANY other great things about Phi Lamb, but I will leave you to experience it. If you rush Phi Lamb, you won't be let down. It will be everything and more than you would hope for in a community.