How the heck are we supposed to do it?

We’re attacked daily by temptations and by these dark powers who seem to rule the world.  Every. flipping. day.  Will it ever end?
Nope.

It gets exhausting.

Have you ever been affected by spiritual warfare?  It’s definitely real, so it’s likely you have.
Have you discounted it, saying “Oh, that was just a coincidence?”  Hm.  You may want to reconsider.

It can get so discouraging.  One friend struggles with his family, another with her faith, another with his past, and still another with pretty much every aspect of her life.  Spiritual attack comes at us from every side.

What’s a Catholic to do?  Get down, see no hope for the world, think that junior year of college must be the end of everything good in life. Of course.  Right?

Wrong.

Our battles aren’t with the things of this world.  Our battles are based in our fight for salvation.  Every day is an active battle for our soul, and sometimes, it’s easy to win that battle for the day.  Other days, it’s pretty clear to us that satan is winning against us.  But is he really winning?

Ultimately, our salvation is won already.  We have to strive for it ourselves, and we can forfeit that salvation through our actions.  (Get ye to confession, ya’ll!)  But as we walk, and fight, and struggle, and ultimately conquer with and through the Lord, He is there as that loving shepherd who only seeks our good.  

The other side, the dark side, looks pretty nice sometimes.  Hence, temptation.  And if you’ve been to that place before, it can be even easier to go there.  But if you’ve been there before, you also know how empty and dark and hopeless it feels.  With the Lord, we find that redemption that the psalmist speaks of.  Redemption which brings fullness and light and oh-so-much Hope.

So go fight that battle.  Face the rulers of this world with your rosary and holy hour and confession.  Tackle your temptations head-on through unity with the Lord.

Be Strong in the Faith.
And pray with and for each other, not being afraid, because He has won for us.  

--1--

Just a small little housekeeping note: I have moved my “Sunday Musings” to a sub-heading of my Thoughts and Ramblings.  You can find it {here}.  I just felt like the Sunday Musings weren’t enough like my others posts, but I didn’t want to stop doing them entirely… so feel free to look at them (or not) if you desire!

--2--

So on Wednesday, I signed up for my classes for next year.  I had thought it would be an easy semester.  Well, comparatively speaking, it is.  But I have made a decision to do a double thesis in the fall.  (Oh, goodness, what have I done?!?)  But, you see, I don’t feel that intimidated by it right now!  I’m sure that come October I’ll be questioning my sanity.  My thought now is that I will start to research over the summer (HAHAHA! Good joke, Allison).  It’s a nice thought anyway.

--3--

Any time there’s a book quiz, it’s mandatory that I take it.  I saw this one entitled “BBC Believes You Only Read 6 of These Books…” and thought “Challenge accepted!”  Soooo….. I’ve read 30!  Yay me!  Obviously I still have more to go, but it’s awesome that I’ve read so many classics.  

If you take the quiz (it’s really easy), comment with your score!

--4--

Having a birthday in early June is turning out to be quite difficult for the second time in my life.  The first time was when I was 15.  I was applying for jobs for the first time, but online applications wouldn’t go through because I wasn’t yet of legal working age!  But… I would be legal by the time I started working!  No luck.  This time around, I’m 20, so I’m not legally allowed to serve alcohol in some restaurants.  But… I’ll turn 21 a mere 15 days after I start working!  Still, lots of places won’t accept that online application.  How silly!

--5--

Speaking of jobs, I am disappointed in how frustrating this job search is.  I have an amazing internship lined up at a parish near my house, but it’s unpaid (yet I’m getting credit for it!) so I’m looking for a part-time job as well.  With applications in to Staples, Coldstone Creamery, Red Lobster, and the entire Great American Restaurant chain, I haven’t heard anything back yet, but I have hope…. 

My brother keeps encouraging me to try for a job that’s related to my field(s) of Theology and Communications, but there are two problems with that.  1) Lots/most of them are unpaid internships and 2) I’ve kinda always wanted to work in the restaurant industry.  We shall see, we shall see.

--6--

Possibly the cutest thing I’ve seen all week, my sister posted some pictures of my nephews {on her blog}.  It took me a minute, but it’s of the 11-year-old riding a ripstick with the 3-year-old.  Adorable!

--7--

My dear friend Grace (the same one I mention frequently) and I are heading back to Virginia next weekend, to babysit 6 of my nieces and nephews for the weekend!  I’m super excited both for 2 5-hour road trips with her, and also to spend a really fun time with the kids.  I also can’t wait to just get away from campus for 3 days!  So basically it’s gonna be a great weekend.

I hope ya’ll have a great week!

Yesterday, I had a day where I literally ran from one thing to another.  Work 9:30-1, interview at 1, lunch at 1:30, interview at 2, meeting with a professor at 2:30, meeting for my thesis at 3, turn in a bibliography at 3:30, class 4-5:15, dinner 5:30-6:30, then work on my project until 1 am.

I mentioned earlier in the week that I was working furiously on a major project.  It was only 6 days ago that I found out that I was to present today…. whereas we were supposed to have 3-4 weeks to prepare.  I panicked, but I literally had no other choice than to agree.

Today I presented for 30 minutes about Sacred Scripture.  Whew.  It’s hard to talk for that long!  But I feel like it went well, and I keep getting excited reviews from my classmates.  (One even told me that she was taking notes the entire time…)  I’m just glad it’s over and that I don’t have to worry about it any more.  (I learned while practicing last night that I hold my breath while I'm presenting ... I stopped 16 minutes in and let out more air than I thought was possible to hold in one's lungs.  Yike

Of course, it never ends.  I found out two days ago that a big design project is due next week (whoops) and I have an exam next Thursday as well.

So tomorrow, I’ll pick up the pace again and have a meeting at 9, resume meeting at 10, chapel meeting at 11, Mass at 12, lunch with a friend at 1, break time until 2:30, start the Rosa reunion at 3:30, drive my brother to the airport (yay! I can’t wait to see him!), and then reunion-ize for the rest of the evening.

I just don’t know.  Somehow it’ll all get done!

7 weeks and 3 days.

That’s all that’s left of Junior year.

I just got back to school from spring break, where I read a little homework but predominantly spent my time painting, visiting family, organizing, and doing general non-school things.  It was much needed, and I had some phenomenal conversations with people which changed the way I think about life, in a good way.

I went home prepared to tackle a large class project, a 30-minute presentation that is a huge part of my grade for one of my classes.  I wanted to get a head start on it, so that I’d have less to do during the rest of my classes.  But life happened, and I realized that it would be better for my sanity to do other things, to recharge and regroup, and then to work on this huge project when I returned to school.  So I came back, caught up with my friends about their own breaks, and tackled the homework.

Yesterday I spent about an hour in academic advising, preparing for my senior year and trying to figure out the insanity that is my class schedule.  My poor advisors were so confused.  (this just goes to show how silly it is to change the entire core curriculum and then have half the school on the new one and half the school on the old one.  No two resources match up.  It's bedlam.)  But, I think it’s all finally figured out, and ......
......
......
(I can’t even tell you how exciting this is…)
......
......
I get an elective.
A completely and totally free elective.
Whatever.I.Want.To.Take.I.Can.Take.

What is this amazingness?

This is the first time I’ve even been able to think about having an elective, because up until now, my schedule has been jam-packed and I’ve been overloaded with courses.  I’ve taken 4 semesters of 6 classes (the most allowed), and I thought that my senior year would have 5 courses per semester.  How relieving!

After this current semester, I’m also finished with my minor and finished with all my core classes.
Yikes.  This graduation thing is getting real.

--1--

7 posts in 7 days was ... a flop.  That's what I get for committing to something like that one week before spring break and midterms.  Whoops.  Now I know!

--2--

This week I had a cold to end all colds.  I was out of commission for a day, unable to even go to work.  And I'm not one to call in sick for a sniffle.  This was bad.  Unfortunately, the severity of the cold was completely my fault (a walk in wind and snow will do things to you...).  Yeah.  Oh well.  The walk was worth it.

And then I was kind enough to pass my severe cold along to Grace, who is leaving on mission to Honduras today.  Whoops.  Today we figured out, though, that she's basically a day "behind" me in "severity of cold".  So tomorrow, she'll be feeling pretty  good!

--3--

Spring. Break. Today. 3:30 pm. 
It's.
So.
Close.

--4--

I wanted to share my latest post at CatholicMom.com: College Student, Call Home!  It's my response to a question asked in my introduction post.

--5--

In a fun little turn of events, I found out last week that I will be even busier next year than I am currently.  It's a good, exciting, fulfilling, potentially-holiness-enhancing reason, but simultaneously daunting.  Please pray for me as I prepare to take on a new leadership role here at school (and go through lots of training in the meantime)!

--6--

Tuesday is supposed to be 68 degrees at home... please God, and thank you in advance.  
(can you tell I'm ready for spring?!)

--7--

Please keep in your prayers all those who are going on Mission this week, especially my dear friend Grace who's leading the Honduras mission, and Abby who is doing a dance mission in Panama!

--1--

One year ago today, I was standing in St. Peter's Square.  I was 4 feet away from Papa Benedict.  I was hearing him speak.  I was eating pizza and gelato while waiting for a Sede Vacante to begin.  I stood in the Square as Papa boarded a helicopter and left the city.  I heard people calling goodbye, and bells tolling for his departure.  I stood in darkness with some seminarians and 10 friends as the single bell rang to tell us, "We have no Pope."

--2--

--3--

I don't think I'll ever forgot February 2013.  After Pope Benedict announced his resignation, we had a sudden meeting at our campus (I was studying in Gaming, Austria for the semester).  Together, we voted to decide that we wanted to get rid of a 3-day weekend later in the semester in order to have the opportunity to bus down to Rome 2 days earlier than planned.  They had to have a certain number of signatures in order to book the bus, and although it was down to the wire, we did it.  

Two weeks later, about 100 students and professors' families boarded 3 buses and headed 10+ hours south to Rome.  Grace and I had been to Rome earlier in the semester, which I am forever grateful for, because while everyone else was freaking out over "being in Rome", I was like, "POPE BENEDICT AAAHHHHH" and was (slightly less) distracted by everything outside of the Square.

We arrived at 6 am, and waited in line outside the gates for over an hour, where we met some seminarians from the States and prayed morning prayer with them.  And then, we got separated.

--4--

When there's a group of 100 crazily excited college students trying to battle their way into the front row of a massive square, there's bound to be separation.  So when a group of about 15 of us got separated from the group, we weren't surprised, but we were definitely bummed.  That group had front-row seats with our massive Franciscan University sign.  Our group was near the back, next to a blockade, with a puny little sign.  Chances of being near Papa, slim to none.

--5--

Finally, after hours of waiting, the Pope emerged from behind the walls of the Vatican, and he rode around the square, blessing people, stopping every so often.  We didn't know what route he was taking, and we were 80% sure that he wasn't coming near us.  BUT THEN… the guards approached a family across the barricade from us.  They were Americans, living in Rome, and they had a baby.  The pope would bless their baby.

Yes.
Moments later, Pope Benedict rode by, within an arms' length of where I was standing.  First, he stopped and blessed the baby, and then he turned to our side.  He looked at us for a long moment, as literally all of us called to him, reached out, and loved him. He met our eyes with his, and smiling, he gave us a blessing and continued on.

--6--

 In the afternoon, we were back outside St. Peter's, and we watched on large screens as Papa made his way from the Papal apartments to a waiting helicopter.  Though we didn't know each other, we gathered close to each other as if proximity would make it better.  With tears in our eyes, we waved to the Pope as he flew away.

The rest of the day was a blur.  I got interviewed a couple times for European newspapers and TV stations, answering, "What does this mean for me?" and "Why are you here?"  Then, for several hours, we wandered around the city, visiting churches, eating snacks, and talking.  Digesting.  Finally, it was time.  In the darkness, we made our way to the Square.  Once there, we joined a group of American seminarians who were leading a rosary.  Gradually, more people joined in, and soon we were praying an international rosary.  We ended, then stood in silence to wait.

At 8:00 pm exactly, a single bell began ringing.  It rang through the darkness and made the whole city stop, it seemed.  We stood, not knowing what to do, and finally, someone begin singing the Salve.  The small groups scattered around the square joined in, and after it ended, there was silence again.  I remember not knowing what to do.  We had no pope.  We were (temporarily) leader-less.  It was a feeling of loss and sadness and yet incredible Hope and Trust.

My second trip to Rome was powerful, difficult, and rewarding.  I honestly don't think I'l ever forget the feeling of standing with so many people, all for the same reason; or singing praise and worship at the North American College seminary; or praying in the language of the Church, led by the Holy Father himself.  It taught me the universality of our Faith.

--7--

After that little trip down memory lane, I'll be back tomorrow for another post… I may have missed the last two days, but I'll finish the week out strong!

Today I woke up to discover that it had snowed overnight.  It was a horrible moment and realization… Unexpected snow should usually be an exciting time, but instead, I just realized how anxious I was for spring.

Speaking of Spring… my spring break is coming up in under two weeks!  I'm going home, and I'm looking forward to being productive.  I'm forcing myself to be productive.  (Yes, sleeping counts as being productive… at least while on break.)

Something I was planning on accomplishing over Christmas break that just didn't get done was refinishing a set of drawers that I'd like to put in my room.  

My room is decorated in blues and yellows, so I'm thinking a gradient blue.  But maybe this will be the one non-matching piece in the room.  I really don't know!  I'm just excited to complete a project that I'll be able to use and enjoy for a long time.

You see, this is the problem with Pinterest.  Literally everything looks like a great idea.  I have over 100 projects pinned to my "To Do" board, and I've maybe done one or two small ones.  So now I will actually use Pinterest as a resource and complete something.  Go me.

Today I’m starting what will hopefully be the first of 7 days of straight blogging.  Jen at Conversion Diary is hosting, and although I’m not in love with the thought of blogging without leaving time to edit, I think it will ultimately be good for me.

My last couple days have been quite busy.  Friday after class, I attended Mass with my household and then spent some time just talking with a household sister.  Grace was gone on retreat this weekend.  Since I basically spend all my time with her (and that’s not an exaggeration), and her roommate was going through Grace-withdrawals, we commiserated over our mutual sadness together.  Saturday was relaxing, thank goodness, and I was able to go on a cleaning spree in my room.  The weather was bee-YOU-ti-ful so we opened all the windows and got our first taste of spring.  Of course, today we’re back to 30-degree weather but we’re all in denial… the heavy winter coats haven’t come back out yet. 
Sunday evening we held household inductions, and I was on “inductions team” so I had a bit of preparation to do for that.  It was a beautiful ceremony, as usual, and now there are 5 new sisters in Mary’s rose garden!!  Grace was back from retreat so we spent a couple hours talking wayyy too late.  Oh well.  It’s all relative and worth it.

I've been missing my Irish dance lately… my pinterest boards are covered in Irish jewelry and Irish dresses and Irish everything else.  I've been watching everything Riverdance on youtube and listening to the Riverdance soundtrack.  Just let me dance again!

Time and Place… 3:28, my dorm room

What I can hear...  “Skyfall”, covered by Sam Tsui

This past week... was busy.  Hard.  Heart-wrenching.  I have learned for the gazillioneth time how much it hurts to give of oneself in love.  It’s beautiful and hard.

I've been reading... this post which was written by my friend.  He made me want to go pray right after reading it, so I think you all should read it too.  And then go pray.

Recent realization...  My sisters and brothers in Christ are some of the greatest gifts I have been given.  

I'm oh-so-grateful for... Time in the kitchen.  My job in the chapel.  Long talks with friends both on and off campus.  Letter writing.

Next week... Who knows?!  I have decided to resign myself to the fact that every day is a complete surprise, and no matter how much I “prepare” for something, there’s always going to be a little factor that is unexpected.

I'm looking forward to... hopefully spending time in the gorgeous weather this week!  Praise God for a little bit of warmth!

Today I wanted to do one of my writing prompts.  This one is Rapunzel: "5 things from your bucket list".  On my previous blog, I had my "dream list" posted, but I haven't added it on here

Go through my dresser and closet and give away everything that I don't wear, twice: I have a problem with giving things away.  I don’t understand why.  This semester I’ve committed to giving away everything that doesn’t fit (seems obvious but it’s hard!!).  Perhaps starting this summer, I will give away things that may fit, but that I just don’t wear.  What’s the point?  Detachment.  It’s stupid for me to own things that I haven’t and probably won’t wear when others can use it.

Visit 6 Continents:  (Yeah, for some reason, Antarctica just doesn’t do it for me…)  I am fascinated by culture and the way that other people live, and I think that the only good way to learn this is to experience it for myself.  The little traveling that I have done has only made me want to see more, and while I’d be a lot more uncomfortable in Asia, South America, or Asia than I was in Europe, I think it’d be really good for me to be pushed outside of this comfort zone.

Live in a city for (at least 6 months): I’ve always considered myself a “city person”, which is funny because I am most definitely introverted, and I usually think of cities as full of extroverts.  But there’s something about the lights, places, architecture, and diversity of people that draws me in.  I would love to live in the middle of a large city for at least a short period of time so that I can “test it out” and see how much I would love it for everyday life.

Ask my closest friends what is one thing about me that most bothers them, and work to change that: I think that, at least at this point in my life, my friends are the ones who know me best.  They see me at my best and my worst, and hopefully have an honest view of me.  Sometime soon, when I can actually devote time to it, I would love to find out maybe 5-8 things about myself that bothers, annoys, or frustrates my closest friends and change those things.  (This is something that I did casually with a fellow Crossroads walker while on the walk, and it was so helpful in “group dynamics”!)

Go on a week-long silent retreat:  I’m terrified of silence.  I think most Americans are.  I would love to escape into this silence for a week, allowing the Lord to really reach into my life and change whatever He wants to, without the distractions of the outside world.