Thursday, September 30, 2010

A Happy Ending, Still in Process

When I look back at my life I wonder what I'll think. I know I'm young, and to ponder this is so bizarre, but really when I take those long walks down memory lane this is what I see.

I see this staircase. As I'm sitting at the top I can hear the yelling and crying. She runs right pass me cursing and talking to herself. The door below slams. Years pass until the day I see him again. Not that it matters, though hopes through our family were there, I was never truly his.
That day marked the rest of my life. It marked my choices, my beliefs, my lack of faith and courage in love.
With the following years, I can feel the ice. I can feel the angst I felt when my hero thought the best option for me was to be placed with family. From the "families" I can relive these moments as if they are on a constant wheel before my eyes. The images of bruises are as if they were placed there yesterday. The stench of breath tainted with alcohol reminds me of that fist he would periodically place upon her face. A baby's cry makes me think of when she would leave me alone with him, those long nights spent on the bathroom floor are far to familiar to me. I can still hear the snickers of on looking peers as the whips pierced my skin as a source of entertainment.
I was a child who didn't believe in tears, a child forced to fend for myself, a little girl who didn't believe in love, a little girl who didn't let a man anywhere near. A child abandoned.
With a small amount of time passed, I remember getting the sister I always wanted. I remember feeling briefly home. Still numb and resistant, I had a pillow to lay my against head for that short year.
When that was all over, because the good days always halt to an end, I was back with my hero. She continued to be full of sorrow as different faces came in and out of our lives. Roofs of all different sorts were our definition of home. The line, "home is where the heart is," was all we could rely on for the years that passed.
With glazed eyes and broken promises, we lived together with pure content that had an underlining disparity in my brick soul.
After continuous hurt, loneliness, and betrayal, that little girl reached a point where this life was all she ever looked forward to. There was no light in site, and her reality was paved with the same old path of unattainable dreams.

So, I look back and I see this broken child. I want to go to that little girl and hug her, I want to tell her that everything is going to be okay, I want to tell her that she's about to discover a love that is going to rock and transform her world.

In March of 2006, I can still remember the stiff wind against my cheeks as I stood at the bottom of the mountain. Eyes closed and heart open I remember each step to the peak. I reminisce on this vision, the first vision to give me chills and comfort at once. The cross stood tall and overlooked the children who were like me in many ways. I've never felt a love so overwhelming, a love so strong, a love so peaceful. That broken little girl was mended.
Right now, as I look back at the trials that came after that experience, from rain to gun point, and from death to discovery, I still feel hurt and I still feel lost at times, but overall I still feel Gods unchanging love. My father who saved me from myself, my God who took me out of the social statistic. No one on this land chose me, but He did.
Photobucket
When I look back on my life so far, I see triumph, I see a girl who loves unconditionally, I see a child heart that's still vulnerable. I see a girl who is still afraid to trust, I see a young woman who perseveres, I see a young woman who's faith undoubtedly shapes her life. I see a woman who is strong willed and stubborn. I see a woman who is still growing and learning to walk with her heart daily. I see a girl who isn't afraid to to cry. I see a girl who was the exception.

Wouldn't Change A Thing

It's been a really long time since I've written on my blog. A part of me has been trying to live in bliss, and by writing all of my truths inevitably spill.
Now that I'm here again, I can honestly say these last few weeks have flown with a blur. My life has been so unbelievably busy with school, work, teaching guard, and being youth staff. I miss my old routines, I miss how my life did not fluctuate. The toll that this unknown, new complex reality has placed upon my mind is something that I've never really felt. I've never felt so independent, and it's been years since I've felt this alone.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not in a place where I'm sad by any means. It may be strange, but I think this has been an amazing growth period for me. I am happy with myself, and I've learned that being alone doesn't mean that love isn't always surrounding. This transition has made me understand that when you've grown up like me, people are a necessity. To be able to say that I am honestly happy with the changes that have happened just justifies the truth behind Gods will and timing.
When Loma was in question I was so angry with God and I turned the blame everywhere I possibly could. His plans for me were different and beneficial. In the moment leaving was hard and the absolute last thing I would've ever chosen for my path, but this is clearly not my path to choose!
Right now, I am stressed, constantly moving, happy, silenced, living, and praying. I love where I am mentally and spiritually.
So there's the update that so many of you have been asking for. I'm sorry for not replying to calls, text messages, emails, messages, wall posts, etc. Please know that I love you all dearly and I wish I wasn't so busy and as soon as things start to settle down I will schedule many lunch/coffee dates!

I am going to end with a list of things:

1. Here's a bible verse that has truly gotten me through the last few years.


3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. - 2 Cor 1:3-7




2. I've been working at AMC for the last two months and this has been going NON STOP since CR 2 (which I loved). So bask in the lyrical genius. joke.




3. Here's a picture of Me, my god son Alex, my non biological sister Heather, and my big brother Brandon at the 2010 Pacific Islander Festival!





<3Sharon

Friday, June 11, 2010

The Blog I've Been Dreading

Writing is my way of expression. It's the way I clear and mend my thoughts out of the crazy complexities. I have chosen not to write for the past few weeks because I've been absolutely broken and confused. Typically, that's when the majority of my writing should take place, but I pushed it off because I didn't really want to face what my future has in store for me and writing it now just makes it that much more real. With that said, I will be taking a semester of from PLNU.
Most people know that I will be taking a semester off, but only few really know why. I've been trying to convince myself that I am confident and okay with this decision, but the truth is, I am really afraid. If you're reading this and I told you it was because I just wanted to knock out the rest of my GE's, while that is true, the story goes deeper.
Point Loma was everything I ever dreamed. I love the sense of community, I love the wonderful people I met, and I love how much I've grown because of Loma. One thing I learned while I was at Loma was that I have this mentality of a fixer. I feel like it is my obligation to fix and help everyone and everything that is going on around me. I get so lost in this fixation that I neglect to fix myself, and I fail to see when I need to put myself and my needs first.
With events and obstacles that were thrown at me during my freshman year, that problem surfaced, and by the time I tried to do something about this problem, it was just to late. I was so mixed up in trying to fix everyone else that I drove myself to a point where I just couldn't handle life. So after long days and nights of tears, confusion, and prayer, the decision was made. Two women that I love and admire thought it was in my best interest to learn to take care of myself as well. So that's that. I will be out of Loma and into Mesa for one semester.
It's taken a lot of coping and I'm still dealing with the everything that's been throw at me, it hasn't been easy by any means, but I know that I am strong and I know that God will guide me through this change, and I WILL be back at Loma.
I know it's only a semester, but when I think back to the two semesters I've already spent at Loma, a semester is a long time. It's a long time of no caf lane, it's long time of no Time Out, it's a long time of no chapel, it's a long time of separation from my wonderful sisters, and it's a long time of no beautiful, unique community that I found.
In the next few months, I am going to strive to truly understand what it means to put myself first, which is something that I've never done, and I am going to count down the days until I return to Loma.

For now I will hold the photographs and memories close to my heart. Following is a series of pictures that will forever remind me of the family that I've gained during my freshman year at Loma.

Love you tons N3N






GYRAD

Trying To Be Serious


Raptors!


Weird Love!

Freshman!

Freshies Hug

Sophomores!

Sophomores Are Crazy!


N3N <3>

Monday, May 10, 2010

Epic

Alright, if you're a potential Sea Lion this blog is specifically for you.
This year has been amazing. The student body has connected, we're undoubtedly a community of love. With the pressure from finals and the end of the year approaching... what's left for us?

AN EPIC LIBRARY DANCE PARTY!!!
471 Sea Lions packed the third floor of Ryan and engaged in one of the most awesome events ever. Shout out to Eric Hill and Ian McKay for arranging such an amazing study break!! Now back to studying :)



Finals


It is Monday May 10, 2010 at 1:34 am.


Laptops, water, grapes, soda, pretzels, nutella, and hot fries.




There's officially 5 days left of college and we are immersing

ourselves in final prep.


I'm going to miss these nights with N3N.



Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11

<3 Sharon

Thursday, April 22, 2010

HE has my heart.

I can't even describe how incredibly busy I've been.
I wish there was more time in the day to get everything
done.
The end of the semester is approaching and it's definitely crunch
time. I feel like my priorites are getting all mixed up. I think it's
that time I go into silence once more.

With that said, though I have been overwhelmed with school, I'm
trying to remember that His plans for me are what matters most.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

<3 Sharon

Thursday, April 8, 2010

PLNU Assassin's!


Assassin's is pretty self explanatory. The Object of the game is to assassinate your target. You get a card with a name on it and the goal is to kill that person and take their targets, meanwhile someone is trying to kill you.

I never thought that I would give in and play assassin's.
I didn't really see the point... until now!
My partner and I had never played the game before so we
didn't really know what to expect. I was on my way home from work and I got a call from my hall mate, "Daniel Spaite is here, he is looking for you and he's going to kill you." At that point, my partner Jennifer had been killed by Daniel already.

I approached Nease and stealthily snuck into my room. My hall turned into a massive battle ground, Daniel Spaite couldn't get me and he left in anger and defeat.
From that point I knew had to be on watch. Walking down Caf Lane was pretty sketchy because I knew he could be anywhere!
The next day, I was sitting in Time Out and I saw Daniel coming, I shot him and made my get away; unfortunately, he found me and that was the end of my life. Aside from being soaked by the water Daniel through at me, Assassin's was incredibly fun and I can't wait to play again!


<3 Sharon

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

School, Work, & Steal The Scenery!

Oh goodness! I can't believe how long its been since I've posted a blog :( It's incredible how quickly second semester is flying by!! The contents of my life have been school, life, work, and Steal The Scenery.

School has been a little stressful and tough, but I'm finally getting back on track. I must say, the professors here at Loma are really just wanting us to succeed. I have been absolutely blessed with amazing profs who are truly supportive.

Life has been on a pretty hectic path full of ups and downs. I've been hit with some pretty heavy stuff in the past few weeks, but I'm glad to say that I've persevered through. God is good!

Work has been great, I love my job and the people I work with. Now for some fun stuff!! STEAL THE SCENERY!


Steal The Scenery is a local San Diego band that's on its way to stardom. Of course I'm a tad bias because I have a pretty close friend in the band; however, I've voiced that I no longer acknowledge that my friend is in this band because I've become pretty obsessed with the music haha. Steal The Scenery will forever mark my second semester here at Loma. They are constantly playing in my room, car, and Ipod. Though their CD is remarkable, seeing them live is AWESOME. I really encourage everyone to check them out, I've already gathered a handful new fans who have fallen in love with the band and I'm confident that my readers will too ;)

Steal The Scenery has definitely become my 'go to' CD. Like I said earlier, life has hit me with some pretty tough stuff, but their songs can always put a smile on my face.


I feel like life has been so busy... here are snapshots of the last few weeks!!

-Hiking Stonewall, Spring Break, Family, Steal The Scenery!















>

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Keeping The Silence

So here's the story.

Last night in Cov. Group (Covenant Group) my hall was challenged to stay in silence for the rest of the night. It was supposed to be a time to just listen, pray, and hang out with God.
Early this morning we broke the silence with worship. I felt myself being called to keep the silence, so I decided that I was going to continue not talking and carry on with my day listening to God. I had no idea when it would hit me and I certainly had no idea what I was listening for... I just knew that I have been constantly asking and seeking God, but I was not listening nor watching.

Here's stories from my journey.

1) It was hard to keep my mind quiet. Although I was not actually speaking, my mind was constantly rambling!
2) Once I finally gained focus, the little sounds that I didn't hear before were strongly prevalent.
3) Walking around campus was intense. The sound of the wind, footsteps, voices, and all other noises blended intriguingly; however, I was able to pick apart all of the individual sounds.
4) The conversations around made me indifferent. There was so much complaint and so much dirtiness. I was really shocked by it.
5) Chapel. - Worship was intense. Hearing the voices, good or bad, it didn't matter. Collectively it was beautiful. It's funny how Chapels theme correlated with the idea of listening.

In the midst of all the noise and commotion I continued asking God to speak to me, I tried to find Him in the little things that were going on. At the very end of Time Out I had it. I got an indescribable feeling, but everything just clicked. My day replayed in my head and the sounds around me was not what I remembered... but it was what I saw.

I saw hands reaching for God in worship, I saw friends laughing and hugging, I saw couples holding hands, I saw trees swaying in the wind, I saw the ocean in calmness, I saw people in deep prayer, and I saw people I loved.

In every trace of life whether good or bad, there's a vision of Gods work. It was directly said to me in my 8:30 class and again later on in the day... but I didn't realize it then. I've been in a dry and torn place with my life and when I am praying or in a time of worship I see and feel God, but in times when I am just going through my daily routines I don't recognize that he's there.

So as I stood at the end of Time Out, I broke down and leaned on Chelsie's shoulder and peace swept through me. My God spoke and I heard. All of the sites I saw were marked with His grace and love. He told me that He is indeed everywhere and forever He will be.

--------

I've made a commitment. For the next few months I will be in silence from Tuesday at 10 p.m. (the end of my hall Cov. Group) to Wednesday at 9 p.m. (The beginning of Time Out). The only time that I will speak is in the act of praise. No phone, facebook, t.v., or music (worship excluded). So pray for me. For stength and focus. God speaks, we just need to listen. Dear God, I am absolutely in love with you and all of your works are beautifully intimate.

<3 Sharon

Monday, January 25, 2010

Pictures :)

A few days ago my friends and I decided to take pictures around campus! Enjoy!

"Fire Hydrant!!"

Jen and Jennie
:)

Jennifer Van Wey!


Jen, Jennie, and Jordan on the stairs below BAC!!

JENNIFER VAN WEY!! I'm pretty proud of this picture :)


Jordan, Jennie, and Jen!


Jennie and Jen


Whoooo :)

Jen and Jennie!!