Massive notes. Highlighters. Library hours (and I hated the library). Study groups. Flash Cards. The memory game with my flash cards. No time to sleep. Late nights. Coffee. Studying in the shower (that’s right…laminated my notes). More coffee. And lots of prayer.
Ah, yes.
Finals week.
Those days are so vivid in my mind. I even get a little shaky writing this- those test nerves.
If you’re in school, I’m sure you’re prepping for the LOOMING finals week. Every time I hear “finals week” I’m reminded of a talk the dean of students gave to us when I was in college. I still carry the notes from his talk in my bible 5 years later. They were so encouraging and just GOOD TRUTH for my heart. And now as I read through them once more, I’m realizing these points don’t just apply to finals week, but also to every busy season of life. Internships. Big events. Ministry. Weddings. New Puppies. (Much more on that on Friday!!!) Children. And on and on. I wanted to share these special notes with you in hopes that they encourage your heart, and help lead you through those busy seasons. (Thanks so much for that talk Joe Keller! Awesome Sauce.)
10 Ways to Live in the Midst of Life
- Set meditation moments (Joshua 1:7-9, Ps. 1:1-2; Colossians 3:1-3)
Spend time with Jesus. Find a verse you can draw upon throughout the day.
- Be faithful to your responsibilities (Matt. 25:20-22)
The Lord will bless your faithfulness.
- BE ALL THERE (Ps. 115:11; Prov. 3:5; James 4:14-16; Romans 11:36)
I always think of this phrase wherever I am. BE ALL THERE. Don’t be focused on the future, or be distracted…focus & trust His wisdom in having you where you are.
4. Breath the atmosphere of prayer (1 Thess. 5:17; Prov. 16:3)
Discipline yourself to do this…doesn’t come naturally.
- Eat and Sleep (Psalm 127; 1 Cor. 6:18-20; Ecc. 5:18-20)
For reals though….
- Serve out of your weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-10; Phil. 2:19-30)
“Serve because you love Jesus, not because it benefits you or fits into your schedule”
- Consider comfort (2 Cor. 4:18; Rom. 1:21-25; Ps. 18:1-2)
Think about what you run to and why. And then lay it at the feet of Jesus. God is our comfort. Rest in Him.
- Be quick to repent and ask for forgiveness (James 4:1-7; Matt. 5:23-24; Col. 3:13)
Just do it!
- Avoid analyzing when anxious (Phil. 4:6; Mattt. 6:25-34)
TRUTH: Don’t analyze your life right now. Sleep, eat, have moments with Jesus. (Have you noticed a lot of couples break up during finals week? Hmmm…don’t. Wait until after finals to analyze your relationship….or anything else you may analyze.)
- Breaks are a blessing, not a finish line (2 Pt. 1:5-11; Phil. 3:12-14)
Go Get ‘Em!
Thx Alyssa, that’s reaally helpfull… this month will be the hardest 🙂
Praying!!
This post is like GOLD! Alyssa, in the midst of the height of preparation for finals week, this has brough me so much joy! These notes along with your comments are great to have for any climax in a season. I will be sure to use this! You are a blessing, sister.
Thanks! This is awesome! Just what I needed to have to get ready for the hardest week of the semester.
Valuable tips and I sooo needed this. I wish I was done with school. I keep telling myself, one more year, one more year lol
Thanks so much for posting this. I’m prepping for finals week and finishing up the last week of classes and really needed this encouragement!
I’m not big on commenting, but I’ve read all of your blogs and this one is pretty awesome! Such perfect timing to. It’s great to have those reminders to do the little things. So thankful for the way your allowing God to work through you.
This was so beautiful, a tear was shed. I have been so stressed and this really reminded me what is truly important and stressing will merely make things worse. I just shared it with all my friends on facebook. I really hope people can take some piece of it with them as we all embark on this crazy month. Your words of wisdom are much appreciated. Thank you.
I sooo needed to read this. I wasn’t going to click on this blog but I’m glad I did. It pertains to a lot of areas of my life. Definitely has me thinking. God bless you!
thank you for sharing that it was what i needed to hear! you are really an encouragement! 🙂
😉
THANK YOU!!! I just finished finals & wished I had read this earlier today as I was about to finished my last final for the term. This is so helpful & encouraging. I’ll be sharing it with all my girl friends who are still doing finals 🙂
Thanks for sharing! This time can be so stressful and overwhelming. I will certainly be sharing this with my friends in hopes we will all be encouraged!!!
By any chance were you an R.A.?
Keep being a blessing hermana!
Thank You!!! Finals is coming and I’m studying my heart out right now. . . I needed this!
Thank you very much Alyssa! Encouraging and 10 ways I need to practice…God bless you!
Great thoughts for everyone everyday!
love this! so good and so encouraging<3 Thank you Alyssa!!
I’m not in school at the moment. Had to take a break from college because of family financial issues, but my life is such a mess and stressful and busy right now. This post came at a moment where I felt like I wanted to give up (of course, I could never give up but the feelings are still there). Thanks for sharing this amazing list as well as scripture readings to go along with it!! Love it! And love to you, sister in Christ!
Thank you so much for this! It came in perfect timing. Finals start next week and I have been so stressed it felt easier just to give up and take the grade I end up with. Being that it is my last semester and that I graduate tomorrow I have spent more time worried about that and my new job then what is going on in the present. Thank you for reminding me to slow down and focus on the now. You are an inspiration!
This is so encouraging and is exactly what I need right now! I am going to put this on my wall as a daily reminder to rely on Him because He is all the peace and strength I need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!
“laminated my notes”… never thought to do that in college lol. But this was a great article. It’s something i needed right now. Thanks for taking the time to post this 🙂 love your blog!
I’m uplifted and encouraged! Thanks Alyssa!
Thank you so much!
This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I am a first year university student and needless to say this week has been super overwhelming. I feel like I’ve been putting in so much effort and not reaping the rewards. But I have to remember to keep seeking God and that I can’t face this world on my own. I have to find comfort in him when I feel like giving up. A good reality check!
Thank you 🙂
Thanks so much Alyssa. Really needed this. God bless you
Thank you so much, I love your blog. I am a new christians and I love it when I get support like this, shows me God it’s in control. God bless You 🙂
thanks so much Alyssa! I am thirds years student. Now almost the end of semester. A lots of assignment, project and presentation have to finish up. Big event is coming and a lots of things have to settle down. seem this few week very tough for me. I found this article and very encourage and lifted me up! thanks so much! perfect timing. I read for study week and coming final exam! God bless you.
love love love this! I will need to come back to this at many points in my life I’m sure. 🙂
Alyssa,
I am a junior at UW, and I am going through finals week as we speak. Seeing this post really helped me calmed down and connect to something greater than me and my studies; God. Number 3 and 9 are both very relate-able things that I have been constantly reminding myself of this week. Thanks for the positive outlook on life. The relationship you have with Jefferson is one that I look up and strive for. You both are great!
Thanks!
I wish I would have found this before finals! But thank you for sharing these words of wisdom. I needed this. I look forward to applying these ways to even my daily life. You are awesome Alyssa! Such an amazing woman of God and a great role model.
I literally just spent the past 2 hours writing down and reflecting over your list while listening to Francesca Battestelli Christmas music! My finals are already over, but this will be so helpful in the everyday crazy life of a college student. And there will always be more finals :/. Thank you so much for sharing. You truly are a Proverbs 31 woman!