College Kids Give Thanks

Over the past week, I have visited with several friends about what we, as college students, are thankful for.
Shay Morris said, “I’m thankful that I’m able to go to school.”

Kate McDowell, from Shamrock is thankful for the opportunity to go to college so that one day she can have a great job and go far in life. She is also thankful for movie theaters that show lots of movies because she loves watching them with her friends.

Carly Holland said, “I’m thankful for my parents. Their ongoing encouragement gets me through EVERY day.”

Dustin Ferguson, Klondike native, is thankful for Pull 'N’ Peel Twizzlers and Cookies 'N' Cream Hershey’s bars.

Mark Lemons said, “I’m thankful for my friend, confidant and pick-me-up…. the one and only… Kip!”

Tanner Kieschnick, from Vernon, said, “I’m thankful for my parents raising me well, free food and home cooked meals.”

Katie Schlosser, a fellow ag communication major from Plano, is thankful that she gets to go home for the break and see her family and have home cooked food.

Daniel Reeves said, “Thomas and I are both thankful for all the pretty women at Tech, and naps – that give us time to think about the pretty women at tech!”

Thomas Reeves added, “I am also thankful that water is free at restaurants, Taco Tuesdays at Rosas, canceled 8 o’clock classes, good friends, DVR, and that our internet works so awesome… that last one is sarcasm, which is ironic because, finally, I am thankful for sarcasm.”

Alison Kruse, from Dalhart, said “I’m thankful that my parents can send me to college to get an education. And I’m thankful to be an American.”

Harrison Walden, who grew up in Stratford, is thankful for his family and electronics because they keep him entertained. He is also thankful for SmartOnes®.

And finally, in addition to everything mentioned above, I am thankful for my relationship with God, my amazing family, stupendous friends and my soft pillow!

Psalm 136: 1 says, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.

Happy Trails and have a blessed Thanksgiving!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.

Other college students said:
"I'm thankful for sports because without them school would not be worth it."- Tate Baumgardner

"I'm thankful for late night trips to mcdonalds...and nap time! :)"- Andrea Walker

"I'm thankful for good professors."- Matt

"I'm thankful for Wild West."- Drew

"I'm thankful for 3 day weekends every week :)"- Jennifer McMannis

"I'm thankful for going home."- Carissa Bently

"Getting an education to have a successful career as a RN (Registered Nurse) helping people, not to mention having a job for the rest of my life!"- Lindsey Wilhelm

And to expound on what I am thankful for- I'm thankful for my mom, for being such an inspiration and my best friend. I'm thankful for my dad for teaching me so much about the cattle industry and life in general. I'm thankful for my older brother, Nick, for always listening to my complaints and my joys in life. I'm thankful for my younger, bigger brother, Zachary, for being my buddy and getting me involved in bow hunting. I'm thankful for my youngest, tallest brother, Jack for making me laugh and the sweet cards while I'm at college.

I'm thankful for a great ag communication program at Texas Tech and knowledgeable professors, Taco Tuesday's at Rosa's with Thomas and Carly, new friends through the Monday night Bible study group and great room mates!

I would LOVE to know what you are thankful for- sign up for an account and you will be able to leave a comment. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Shine Your Light

I recently read a very humbling conversation on Facebook (the world’s fastest growing social network on the Internet) and it caused me to stop are re-evaluate my life.

In a book I’m reading, a quote by S. Rickly Christian says, “Being a Christian means being concerned about the disparity between how we live and how we look, between what we do and what we say. It helps to know God doesn’t just care what we do on Sundays; he cares how we live and act the other six days as well. He cares that our Christianity is evidenced in every part of our lives: the mental, social, physical… as well as the spiritual.”

He also says, “Every Christian is a missionary – God’s representative – in his or her corner of the world. That’s why Christ said his life is an example for us to follow. By being faithful to the pattern of your own life in God, you will cause others to see Christ in you.”

The conversation on Facebook had to do with the fear of our friends not going to Heaven. It made me stop and think about the people in my life. Who, without a doubt, has a relationship with God? Who needs some encouragement?

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who has no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.- 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:1

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

It has been said to “preach always, and if necessary, use words”. I am very thankful for friends in my life who have kept me on the right path and been an example through their walk with God. I challenge you to live a life that is worthy of the sacrifice and set a Godly example everywhere you go, to everyone you meet. Be there for your friends. Pray that God will present the opportunity to discuss Him and eternal life.

Happy Trails and God Bless!
To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.

An Amazing Performance by Stellar Kart

Sunday evening, Stellar Kart, a very popular Christian band, performed an amazing show at the Ritz. How lucky are we to have such a great place like that in Wellington?

I had the opportunity to visit with Jon and Adam, members of the band, after the show. I was very curious about their favorite Bible verse.

Jon’s response was, “My favorite is John 10:27. Basically the gist of it is that God is our Sheppard and we are His sheep and we follow Him because we know His voice and that drives me in life because I am currently on this journey of finding out what Gods voice sounds like and I feel like knowing that is very important especially amongst the distractions so we can stay grounded.”

Adam’s favorite verse is Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. “That’s the story of my life. I definitely couldn’t do any of this on my own. Living life on the road is exhausting and just the responsibility of writing lyrics that can help people out and manage life and get through life and it’s something I wouldn’t want to try to do on my own. I don’t know what ‘all things’ means, but I’m pretty comfortable giving it over to God.”

I am amazed at the talent Adam, Jon, Jordan and Brian have been blessed with.

1 Peter 4:10-11 says, Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

I may be repeating myself from last week, but God is really putting it on my heart to encourage each of you to seek out His will for your life. If you haven’t discovered your niche, seek God’s voice and He will give you the strength to do all things so that He may be praised. God is so good!

Happy Trails and God Bless!

To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.

Skittles

I recently heard a great analogy at church. A very beautiful, godly young lady had a bowl of Skittles with her for children’s time. The kids knew right away what the bowl contained.

She asked the kids several questions about the skittles with the main point being that no matter what color they were – red, orange, yellow, green or purple - they were all Skittles.

I have heard many different analogies to explaining how we are all different, yet all belong to God, but on that certain Sunday, her lesson caused me to really stop and think.

God has blessed each of us with unique abilities and characteristics. Some people are good at sports and some are good at showing animals. Some people can speak in public, while others have the ability to organize and plan an event. Some people have brown hair while others are redheaded.

I think it’s amazing how each of us worship God in our own special, diverse way. Some sing, some dance, some stand in awe while others kneel and pray. Also, we each have a unique way of giving to God. Some people give their money through tithing, some people serve by donating their time and others lend a listening ear.

Romans 12: 6-8 says-We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

No matter what stage of life we are in, where we live, what our profession is, or what we look like, God loves us and we are a part of His family. Just like the Skittles, we all have something in common. Be proud and thankful for the talents and the unique life God has blessed you with.

Happy Trails and God Bless!

To contact Kristen with questions or comments, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com.