Forty Eight

It Gets Better.

Tonight I had the privilege of attending Elon's benefit show for the It Gets Better Campaign.  I don't know if I can put into words just how much pride I have for the university that I recently graduated from and the amazing student body that is still inspiring the masses.  If you don't know "It Gets Better" is all about reaching out and bringing a positive message to the LGBTQ community and letting those people know that it does get better and that all the bullying and hate that they may receive will stop and life will get better.  For me, this is one of the most important causes to be a part of.  I can not and will not ever understand anyone showing hatred towards another human being, especially when the only reason for the hate or harm is because of their sexual orientation.  

Love is what drives our lives - everyone is entitled to love whomever they choose.  It's not up to any of us to judge those around us or to tell someone they are wrong.  If you read my blog or have read it before you know that I am all about Jesus.  It is because of my love for God and his love for me that I support the gay community.  Jesus doesn't call us to love everyone except the gays - NO, he says to love your neighbor as yourself.  Whether that neighbor is white, black, blue, gay, straight, transgender.  God's love is for everyone and I believe that if Jesus were walking around today he would be embracing those in the LGBTQ community, telling them that he came to earth for them as well and that they were loved unconditionally.  No scripture I've ever studied tells me to hate my gay brothers and sisters or anyone for that matter.  It is my job to love every single person I can and to make Jesus famous.  And those two things, I try to do everyday.  

My opinion is only my own, but I just can't understand how anyone who claims christianity can hate anyone, ever.  I'm proud of the students at Elon who refuse to sit silent while their friends are suffering. I'm grateful that I was able to spend two hours hearing testimonies from gay students and allies encouraging those in the room that it does get better.  And I'm forever appreciative for the passion I have been given for the stage and the power it has to transform lives.

If you're still reading this just know, I love you, and it does get better, I promise.

Forty Nine

Two things:

1.  I told you how I left my church to start working with another youth group, right?  Well tonight was my first night going solo as a leader with the girls.  I loved it and they are precious, of course.  I had to take a photo of my name tag because I'm just so legit.  

2.  These guys are wonderful and we got some food after church tonight.  At least for Ryan and I this is week two of din din together so I'm thinking the tradition should continue.  But really, I'm loving getting involved at another church and having some new friends to hang out with.  

Fifty

Wow, time really does fly.  When I started this blog I really had no idea where I would be at this time - it's amazing to me how much life can change.  For today there's a big change I guess.. It's different having to schedule time with your best friend when she comes to Elon for our homecoming weekend!  But, we did!  I'm so used to her just being across the quad and being able to stop by her room anytime but alas, life changes, people move and friends get separated.  Luckily she's not too far!  So, tonight I got to catch up with Elisa and we had some delicious hot chocolate!  

Fifty One

Remember how I used to live at Blue Ribbon and just work all the time?  

Well, now I do that to the max.  

One Six Four - Fifty Two

OH MY GOSH.  I took quite the break from the blog.  Too long, indeed!  

Let's catch you up to speed on the life.  Here's what happened in the past one hundred and thirteen days..

1.  I GRADUATED.  Yes, that's right, I, Ivey, graduated from Elon University.  I did it.

2.  I started teaching acting at a studio in town and feel like a pretty legit adult.

3.  I was given a Tiffany&Co. bracelet which is one of my lifelong dreams.  (thanks, mom!)

4.  I went on an awesome trip with the youth that I love so much.

5.  On that subject, that was my last trip with them and in August I left my church to seek out another youth group to work with.  I'm still sad about it but excited for what God has in store for me on this next journey.

6.  I got to visit Boston again with my favorite man, James.

7.  I had a fairly quick relationship that taught me a lot about myself, who I am, who I want to be and what I won't settle for.  The quote is true "we accept the love we think we deserve" and I learned that I deserve more than I was given and I won't accept anything less ever again.

8.  I was reunited with all my FAVORITE friends from Elon.

9.  I found out that regular date nights with my "adult" friend, Taylor, can be the best nights of the week.

10.  I loved unconditionally, I laughed uncontrollably, I dreamed irrationally, I cried passionately, and I embraced this beautiful ride we call life.  

One Six Five

THE LAST HUGE PROJECT OF MY COLLEGE CAREER was just completed.  That's right, the end is in sight.  My final for my global class (which is the senior requirement, along with senior seminar, at Elon) was to do a thirty minute research presentation.  Mine was focused on music psychology and how music effects our mind.  

Thirty minute presentation via a website is no joke.  But here it is, if you want to see my hard work put into practice!

music and the mind  :)

Enjoy!

Here's me stressing - and feeling more intelligent sporting my Harvard sweatshirt and my glasses!  I needed all the help I could get!

One Six Six

So, have I told you about my Guilford Soccer shirt?  Well, if not then here you go.. I'm obsessed with this shirt.  I love it.  I bought it to wear to one of Justin's soccer games in the fall and I probably wore it at least two or three times a week because it is so incredibly comfy.  During fall break, I took it to the beach with me and I lost it.  LOST IT.  I thought I was going to cry, I may actually have shed a tear.  Anyway, when I went back at spring break I found it!  YAY!  

I say all of that because today I wore my favorite shirt for the first time all summer.
I'm telling you, it's the simple things that make my life so much fun.  :).