A Day in the Sun

With Spring Break less than a week away here in the U.S., many college students are preparing to flock home, or for those more fortunate, pack their suitcases to enjoy the sunny beaches of Mexico, Florida, even Hawaii. I am fortunate enough to fly down south for the week and enjoy nothing more than sunny weather, beach, and spend some time with the family. However, that does not mean that fashion sense should be slacking. For those reading this who are also flying somewhere for break, allow me to help you and assist in packing what should be essentials for beach trekking...and for showing off that tan...

1. A beach tote. A beach tote is essential because when you're at the beach, you don't want to be lugging around a heavy bag with long straps. Instead, opt for a chic and smaller bag that fits exactly what you need. This cute tote from Kate Spade allows you to show off your arms while looking fashionable while doing it.

2. Open-toed flats. Every girl should have a pair of these in her closets where she can pull them out when the weather heats up. The nice thing about these specific design of flats is that it allows your feet to breathe while still looking nice. Let's face it: summer months can be smelly if feet are constantly in shoes that don't allow them to breathe. Plus, with a pedicure, tu est une belle tres belle. 

3. A straw fedora. You not only protect your hair from harmful UV rays, but it helps cover up those flyaway hairs. Plus, after drying your hair from the water and if your hair looks like a mess, it's a chic cover up. 

 4. Gladiator sandals. They are more comfortable than flip-flops (especially if they have genuine leather soles or some sort of comfortable sole), and they amp up any outfit. A simple t-shirt and shorts ensemble looks way different with a pair of gladiator sandals.

 5. A cute floral dress. A tropical vacation is synonymous with floral dresses. A chica needs one on her voyage. They work day or night too. Wear in the day with gladiator sandals or wear it in the evening with a pair of nice flats. Ooh...

6. A pair of sunglasses. Girl, you need to protect your eyes from the sun so that you don't get premature wrinkles. Invest in a pair of Ray-Bans. They not only provide UV protection but the majority of them have polarized lens too. And you'll look hot while doing it too.

7. To cover up your bathing suit while transitioning from the beach to the fro-yo stand to the mall, a cute romper is the way to go.

8. White shorts. They emphasize your tan to look even darker. Need I say more?

9. A tribal tee. Mixing things up while on vacation is a nice way to stand out among those opting for a boho style. Urban Outfitters has the best tees.

Why Attending a Christian University is Right for Me

I've heard all the popular statements: "God wants me to be a light in a dark world", "why wouldn't God want me to go to a secular university?", and "I can still be a Christian in an unfavorable un-Christian setting." While those utterances may be necessarily true, it might not be the best decision. Why, you may ask? I'm glad you asked, but I've been itching to tell you why.
First of all, there is something about united with fellow believers that makes you more confident and secure in your faith. When you are surrounded by a community that years to grow and thrive in Christ as you do, it does something in your soul. It makes you come alive. Just last night, a good friend of mine came in and we talked about some personal stuff. After diving just a tad deeper, I encouraged her, telling that Jesus is your Prince and that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Then, my roommate and I prayed for her in our room at one o'clock in the morning. And Jesus was there. He showed up; His presence clouded the atmosphere. We laid hands on her, confessing healing and emotional restoration, and it was such a wonderful moment. You can't get that at a secular university: when you feel anything other than good or joyful, people are more than willing to pray for or with you, and listen to you. They want to help you. They want to shower love over you. When I feel low and need some spiritual boosting, I ask my roommate to pray for me, and you know what? I feel more energized than had I been if I drank 3 Red Bull's.
Second, there is an on-campus chapel service for undergrad and I like it more than the church service back home. It's sad, but it's true. Why? Because it's alive. The worship prompts you to worship the King truthfully and honestly. It helps that the songs they sing are annointed. The chamberlain of the chapel speaks truth and vitality on everyone, and it just ignites a fire in you. People speak, they see visions, they speak healing over those who need it, and they bring words of encouragement. Not a week goes by when I don't want to go to Unchapel. It's simply not enough that I know Jesus and know the Bible; it's a different thing entirely when I experience it firsthand with a force as powerful as a surging wave.
That all being said, it really all depends which Christian university you attend. There are many Christian colleges and some of them may be academically rigorous but lacking the spiritual rigor and thirst and others may have the latter but not the former. I'm privileged to attend a school that has both, and let me tell you, I will never be the same because of that.