Leadership

Today's chapter covered the past experiences of leaders, what they did and what they would do differently to share Christ to their chapter. I really loved all of the suggestions they made. Except for the fact that they hope that you start out with freshman then work your way up. A lot of our girls are not saved. So my entire chapter needs work. Now granted next fall I plan on focusing on the freshman and building them up, but for now it's gonna be tough just getting everyone's attention. Another thing they offer is co-ed bible studies. Which is BRILLIANT! Get the guys and girls to come for the first 5 weeks then you split up. Or host a four-house (2 sororities 2 fraternities) and you have a speaker about relationships then you break up and host a hot topic panel. Which is a great idea, it will be tough getting people there. But when we do, I think great things can happen. I also think that I might ask my friend Marcus that is an ATO for doing a coed bible study with them. Honestly because he's the only Greek guy I know that is saved. The only one. How sad is that? But I would love to get something started. But this chapter had some really great ideas but they also suggest that you have multiple actives talk to the new members about their faith. It would have to be just me and/or Brooke doing this because I don't know anyone else that is saved or would be willing to share the Gospel with these girls. So here I am again worried about having to do this on my own. But who cares. The end of this chapter ends with this statement:

"There are only three things that are going to last: God, His Word, and the souls of men. These three things should influence all that we do."

So this is my prayer, that I would have the courage of Christ in me when I begin these initiatives of Bible studies and sharing the Gospel personally. Also that I would follow up on all these things. Lastly to find an advisor or leader of some sort to help me get these things going.

Liep,
Goda

To Do:

Today in chapters 3-4, I read on the legacy of men serving at Arkansas and Ole Miss. But the more effective chapter that I was able to draw from was chapter 4, concerning what Jenkins would consider to be wise decisions. If acting out on these things it will provide for much more effective ministry:

• Live in your chapter's housing/be available
• Pick your battles/ don't be involved in anything and everything
• Take them with you/ to bible studies, to church, to anything
• Don't take on other letters/ give your chapter your time
• Sharing Christ with pledges/ dividing up your pledge class and sharing Christ with a chosen few
• Being faithful to Bible studies/ have people know who you are completely & truthfully
• Consider to not get too serious in your dating/ relationships can distract you
• Get involved in a local campus ministry/ great materials & references
• Attend a local church faithfully
• Build friendships with non-believers/

"I once heard a Baptist preacher say that if all there was to life was comin to know Christ ad waiting for heaven, then when we were baptized we should just ask the preacher to hold our head under the water. This was a humorous but true indictment against Christinas who form a 'holy huddle' and do nothing to reach out to the lost around them."

• Don't just lead by example/ actively share the Gospel
• Making Christ Lord of your life

Let this be my prayer: I want to be one of those people the Lord strongly supports. I want to be living my life in such a way that when God wants to use someone to accomplish something big, He will use me.

Liep,
Goda

Something New

So today I started my next devotional. Even though I have one my discipler Molli and I will be doing for the rest of the break covering the Holy Spirit. But for now I'm thoroughly enjoying this book called, "Leaving a Legacy for Christ in your Fraternity or Sorority." And it covers exactly that. It's to encourage those that are in and out of the Greek system and encouraging them to begin ministry there no matter what. Because Greeks are the key to affecting an entire campus. Due to our heavy involvement in everything on campus, our nationwide sisterhood, our involvement with non-Believers, and our strong sisterhood within ourselves; we are the vital key to starting something legendary. Leaving a legacy in your chapter isn't hard. We hold traditions in everything. The way we conduct meeting, who we party with, what we do on Homecoming. Whatever it is, we have a purpose or a tradition behind it. I cannot wait to get into this book and truly learn from it. No doubt it will be a good read, but I hope that  I will be able to grow and act on everything I've learned from it. I was so excited when Elizabeth told me she had a gift for me. Turns out it was this book from her friend Angela from NC, she had gone to China with Elizabeth last summer. She happens to be a Sigma Sigma Sigma at a small university. But it was really neat to hear how hard she works to minister to her chapter. It was encouraging and convicting. Because I feel that yes, Molli and I have been working hard within our own chapter to spread the Word, but there's so much more we can do. There are so many other chapters that need the Gospel. For example, one of my best friends that is a Theta came and talked to me one night and told me she thought I had it all together when it comes to my relationship with God. I have to say I know my eyes got big! But I told her nothing beats Christian community, which I'm not always able to find within Alpha Gam, but I can find it within my Bible study and a select few in my chapter. Taylor can't find that in Theta. She has maybe one friend that will talk about Godly things with her. So creating a Christian community between all believing Greeks is something that I would absolutely love to work on. But for now I'm going to continue to pray for a huge revolution within Alpha Gam. I want hearts to be changed and committed to Christ. I'm going to be praying for that every day. I believe in the awesome power of prayer, so I'm going to utilize it.

Liep,
Goda

This past semester

So a lot has happened. Too much to fit in one post. But I've determined that I will post every day over winter break... starting today. I mean I got off Friday, but it's Monday and who cares. When's a better time than now? I'm glad I'm on break. These last two weeks have been hell. Hell on my heart & mind. I lost a friendship due to a stupid drunken mistake I made last semester. I'm so sorry for what I did, but I'm also really disappointed in the fact that she would chose this guy over me. She can't give up on him and it's so frustrating to watch. But I can't blame her for being mad at me, but her giving up on our friendship and not willing to listen to me explain or apologize in person  isn't worth my time. It isn't worth me exhausting all my emotion and energy on gaining her friendship back. I went about seeking her forgiveness biblically and appropriately, as according to all the lessons I had learned in the past. But it was hell on my mind too, as my tweet said: "5 exams. 4 days. 1 brain. These do not add up." It was really tough, but I fixed a grade, won back a better grade, and maintained overall a pretty great GPA. I'm not happy with the way my grades turned out. Honestly, I'm really disappointed in myself. I can't believe I let my grades slip this much. I realize it was only one C, but there were too many B's and not enough A's. Ugh. Oh well, I guess some people would call this motivation to do better. I definitely agree with this. I will do better next semester. I will also do better with my bible study, all of my VP positions, and especially my grades. I just hope I can actually do that. But in better news, I got my summer internship! I will be working with the Mid Atlantic PGA Section in the Junior Golf Tournament Administration. I killed the phone interview and got a call back two days later and accepted the job on he spot. I could not be more excited, especially when I get a text from another junior PGMer that applied for the same job saying he didn't get it. Quite funny, especially when he's incredibly attractive and probably better qualified than me. But I'm so glad I got it, but I found out that they took three ladies. Which is great, but this could mean they'll either be my best friends or worst enemies. We'll just have to wait and see. I completed all of my finals. It was tough but I got er done! The worst part of finals weeks was completing the Greek Life Standards of Excellence, which included a two inch binder documenting anything and everything philanthropy and community service our chapter has done. It wasn't easy, I even had to stay an extra day but I got it done. So I ended the semester on a high note. I'm glad I'm home. I've already worked out once, done some DIY stuff, and turned in my car to get tommy fixed. Lordwilling it will be soon. So I'm without a car and I should get more done. Speaking of which I really need to work on philanthropy hours. So I'll get back to you soon.
LiEP,
Goda

My Man

My man will have coffee in his veins that lead to a heart set on God. His soul will run on caffeine and the glory of God. This will overflow into a hyperactive love of his family and the church. He will have a beard that is as rosy as his cheeks. His smile will spread because of the verses that cross through his cranium. His hands will reach for the little hands that reach up for his. His feet will go wherever the Lord calls for them to. Whether it be across the street, or across oceans my man will have the Lord of Lords, the God of the universe on his side.

Another Afternoon at Purdy's

To sum up my afternoon:
- I have ridden a longboard with Elizabeth down Main Street
- Salem is blowing my mind with his deep spiritual conversations
- I'm noticing this creepy European man that has done nothing and watches women leave the shop
- I have sat here and gotten 1/4 of everything I've wanted to get done
- I have signed up for Encounter! Yay!

SO all-in-all, it has been successful and very lax all at the same time! But signing up for Encounter is super duper exciting! Oh update! We just had our first greeter team meeting and I was able to share my 4 H's which is ultimately your shortened testimony. Which was totally on the spot, and came out nicely. Here it is summed up:
History: born in a Christian home, believed to be saved at a young age but really I wasn't saved until I understood the difference between fear of hell and fear of God. then I faced my hard times in high school when I dealt with my pride and my self-efficiency when I should be relying on God in everything and Him satisfying my needs, desires and joy. I wasn't experiencing growth and that was frustrating me. But then I realized it was my fault for not being in the word and spending more time with roses and not thorns. Then I went into my high times which was spring break with cru last spring when I realized that my ministry was in the Greek world. When I would rather go party next door I was required to do quiet time. And I was frustrated and humbled to realize that I am a child of God that can only be satisfied by what he can give me, not Friday nights. Not a red solo cup, but rather the red lines in the holy word conveying the great works of his son. But I have found my niche in cru and found that I can serve god no matter where I am just like my grandma Susie. I consider her my hero, with her being such a solid biblical example that is willing to share the word of God to women that are in jail. I never had really considered the significance of this before but ministry is every where. Even behind bars. So all-in-all God has placed some incredible people in my life and I am so thankful for that. I am continuously humbled and amazed to find out how exactly he is working in my life.

So this is my prayer: that I may cherish the time I spend with roses and make the time I spend with thorns more effective.

LiEP,
Michelle

Fall Getaway

I have to brag a little bit, but I personally believe that I have the best Bible study group ever. Not only does our B-Stud group call ourselves the Wolfpack, but we also had T-shirts made for us all to wear at Fall Getaway! We also are caring and love each other, hold each other accountable, encourage each other, understand where we stand in Christ and help each other with all the things we struggle with. We are a force to reckoned with. When I say my Bible study I also mean Sarah, Elizabeth, Hannah, Jordan, and Audrey. Not that the rest are useless but rather we are the movers and shakers of our b-stud. We are team leaders in Cru, we are  those that are leading others within our group, we are those that have a firm foundation in Christ and are actively bringing others to Christ. While I do think that the rest of our group are being great active Christians, I believe that the bonds I share with these five are the bonds that will go down in history. I can't brag enough on how awesome we are.
But back to fall getaway, I had an incredible time, but it was different from last year to this year. As a freshman not knowing many people it seemed like a bigger ordeal. I really did enjoy serving as a member of the greeter team and helping with registration but it did steal a little bit of the magic. I made so many friends, both freshman and those from Berea. I also have determined that I have a Cru crush. Even though it is an awkward situation, it will be ok. I have also learned that I still need to work on patience even with those that are believers. While even Sarah agrees that I have had exponential growth in this area, I still could use a lot of work. I've realized that God has placed so many people in my life to work on my patience in so many various ways. And I've decided that God will give me a husband that requires much patience... because the Lord is preparing me! But finally, I have also decided that I want to be in some form of ministry for the rest of my life. I have also determined that I must go back to Ireland. I have to see Dromoland and all its inhabitants and see how they're growing and the great work that is happening there! I have to have spiritual conversations with Yvonne and tell her God loves her and she needs to commit to something. I need to see Dave Foley and give him a hug and praise the Lord with him because he is now a born again believer. I have to go back. Some way. Some how. It will happen. I don't know how. But it will happen.

Liep,
Michelle Goda

P.S. - oh yeah, and I really wanna go to Encounter this year and meet my husband this winter.

XII XII

This is the tattoo I hope to get. It is the duplicated roman numeral for twelve. This is to represent Romans 12:12 "Rejoice in hope, be constant in prayer, and be patient in tribulation." This is a verse where I have found accountability and strength in my daily walk in Christ. Also, with it being a roman numeral and not necessarily a fish symbol or a cross, should I chose to cross international borders I can use the tattoo as a witnessing tool without being red flagged for being an unwanted missionary. I hope to get it on my left wrist before the semester is over... but we'll see.

Hebrews 10: 23-26

Hebrews is incredible. Nuff said. I don't know how else to describe the empowerment it brings to those that are in Christ. It is such a great book for those in the Church trying to grow together in the Word and in Him. Today my devotional for my discipleship with Molli was in Hebrews 10:23-26:
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and al the more as you see the Day is approaching." Wow. Cling to the faith with a death grip. Because He is faithful. Give each other a swift kick in the rear end to do good deeds and share the Gospel. Don't give up on holding each other accountable. Because while some groups do, we are true believers and will be upholding our testimony when we remain accountable and growing in the Word. Encourage one another, with tough love and loving kindness. Because at the end of the day, we are one day closer to Christ's return. Should not have any trouble applying that to our Wolfpack, that's what we call our bible study. However, unfortunately we're finding that some of our original members are falling away from the word and into a pit of sexual impurity, drunkenness, and ultimate self-righteous actions. It's disgusting and so sad to see a Greek sister find hope in hooking up with strangers and taking pride in being drunk on the weekends. It breaks my heart and disgusts me all in the same thought. It's also frustrating and definitely a selfish sin to consider that she is able to have relations with so many people and I can't even have a man tell me he thinks I'm attractive. Ugh. I will struggle with this until I get engaged, but honestly, I have decided to put my energy into becoming a daughter of Christ. The apple of His eye rather than the gem in the eye of a man on this earth. Even though I find a greek PGMer to be incredibly attractive, driven, witty, and potentially Christian; I can't allow myself to be consumed with the hopes of being his greatest desire. I also have to refuse teasing and being teased by a brief memory from high school. I know I won't marry one, and don't know if I can marry the other, so why exhaust myself with striving for their attention? I'm just ranting, but this makes me feel dignified for expressing my woes via keyboard. So I digress. But I still feel single. But realize that I am complete in Christ. And that will never be cliché.

Long time no "see"...

I am sorry it's been awhile. I'm sorry that I haven't updated you because a lot of exciting things have happened. And by the time I get around to actually typing it all up, I'm sure I'll forget something. Oh well, I'm tired and I have to get up super early for work tomorrow. Also I'm super tired from a busy day starting at 5 am to get to work at 6 to realize I wasn't supposed to be there, then practiced, then had a glorious lunch with a new & improved mature Payton, then went stand-up paddleboarding with Andrew, then went and worked out with the ladies at the church. I'm pooped.

I apologize

I apologize for only ranting when on this blog. I seems that every time I end up making it to posting something I don't have any exciting news to share, but rather steam to blow off. Well the only exciting and slightly fascinating thing that has happened today was I worked out at Planet Fitness with Annemarie, Norah, Becca, Julie & Jessica.  It was a grand old time. I ran in to two other PHS alumni, one was a skitch and partied way too much. The other was a redhead that I always thought was super cute, he was on the basketball team and was always buff and single... Oh well I'm not even sure if I remember his name correctly.
Becoming more and more like an adult and realized the bank tellers probably think I'm stupid because I've put down the wrong deposit amount twice now.
I made it home and fell in love with my dogs all over again!
Then I made myself an awesome breakfast including a plumicot. Plum + apricot = Plumicot. It was incredibly yummy!
Now I have to figure out what all I have to do today. You know how when you're driving home and you think of all the things you need to do, then by the time you make it home you forget ALL OF IT! Ugh. Oh well I'm pretty sure it includes ordering books, organizing my binders, and recruitment nonsense. Oh yeah and eventually I need to do back to school shopping.

Liep, Michelle
P.S. Don't worry it won't be just words, eventually I'll start posting outfits and workouts... maybe haha!

Confession

Sometimes I imagine I'm driving past my future husband. I imagine that he sees me and thinks hmmm she's pretty cute. So whenever I drive I'll act like I'm cooler than I actually am! I'll sit a little taller, or slouch a little more just so I don't look prissy. I crack myself up.

Sick of it...

I am presently sick of these things:
- Working on Sundays
- Missing out on the College Group
- Having to do everyone else's job while at work
- Being friendzoned
- Bad coffee
- Personal procrastination
- Fox News
- How easily my room can get messy
- How fast my summer disappeared
- Having to keep working on these things that don't have deadlines (or deadlines that are coming up way too quickly)

Goda Golfers

I got to play golf with my Dad and sister, actually it was more like I laughed with them. I can't ever take a round with my dad seriously! He cracks me up especially when he plays with Mag because he gets on her. Actually he funniest when he's playing bad because he does and says funny stuff. Until I fell apart and my stomach was aching. I played awfully but I still beat both of them courtesy of a few mulligans. It's funny how I can still beat them after only playing 18 twice this summer & 9 holes about 5 times. But I don't know how I feel about taking the PAT this fall. I know I already have a caddie, but I don't think I'm ready... nor will I ever be.
Liep,
Michelle

Scary Week

Let me just run down the past week that has run me down.
Monday: Little girl gets hit in the head and we have to call the ambulance.
Tuesday: My "day off" and I have to take Maddy to the vet to find out she had a fever because of the gash she had taken out of her face after fighting a raccoon. She ended up having to wear the cone of shame and stay inside that night so she didn't get over heated. I had to sleep with the drowsy doggy downstairs. As cute as she is, she wore me out. I was so nervous because I was afraid that she would end up getting more sick or not heal. I just didn't want her to get any worse. I don't know how I'm gonna handle having a kid.
Wednesday: I found out that Haris Suleman's plane crashed and they found his body in the Pacific Ocean and they still haven't found Babar (his father). He was going to be the youngest person to fly around the world, in the shortest amount of time. The worst part is, he was 17 hours away from getting home. He was 17, 17 hours away from home. Tragic. Yusuf was the one to tell me, while I was at work. I had a dream that I watched someone die while I was working and I couldn't keep working because of how hard I was crying and how distraught I was. Thankfully that did not happen, but I did tear up a little and cry on the way home.
Thursday: I was finally able to go on vacation! I went with Mom, Mag, Kate, and & Shelly to Holiday World. It had been an incredibly long time since I had gone but I'm glad I did. We were able to go on some of the new rides and even meet some people from Tennessee.  But it was determined that I am an old woman. After I was sore from roller coasters, got tired after lunch, & to top it off the Voyage killed me. I drooled and couldn't handle how bad my head hurt from the rattling the coaster gave me.
Friday: I made it all the way out to work to find out they didn't need me. But my supervisor was very caring and recognized how taxed I was from the week and offered his support. I have had a very tough time reading schedules apparently and only worked one hour today. Grrr.
So that's that. It's almost over though! Thanks goodness!
Liep - Michelle

Horrifying Day

Today I learned what it feels like to be responsible for someone's child when they get seriously injured and I never wanna feel that way again. Today one of our junior golfer was hit in the head with a golf club. I'm not saying it was my fault but it might as well have been. I really wish I had been able to stop it or had made a change to the situation. Anything. Made her hit her ball first. Made him go grab another club. Made her grab another club, or even just back up. I know it's not entirely my fault, but I do blame myself to some extent. But fortunately, as soon as she was hit she was able to walk and I picked her up and carried her to another mother with a golf cart. I felt something warm on my ear and pulled her away and found out she was bleeding, that was the one thing that freaked me out. The realization that this was real and she could pass out in my arms. So I said, Oh my god blood. The member mom kinda took over after I set her on the cart, she was slightly more calm than I was after putting a towel on her wound. She drove her up and I was already on the radio telling James to get the emergency contacts and be ready to call 911. She took her up to the golf shop and James took care of her. I had to hold it together while they took care her. I had the kid that hit her and his sister complaining about wanting water or their golf ball or their personal golf clubs and it took everything in me not to say do you not realize you nearly killed a little girl?! But of course they had no idea, they didn't know any better and their mom didn't want them to either. I found out later that her mom had been down at the pool and right before the ambulance showed up the little girl nearly had a seizure or passed out, and the mom started crying out oh my god my little baby. James nearly broke down right there. I can't blame him. I was about to start crying about five times during the gap between the hit and the finding out she was ok in the ambulance. I finally got the chance to after James returned and asked me if I was ok. I told him I needed to cry while I was scraping some of her blood off of my ear and hand. That got me. Right there. Her blood was on my hand, and I was less than 50 yards from where it happened. And I told him I needed to cry. So I did. He hugged me and I cried and told him I blamed myself and he repeated it wasn't my fault, we prayed about it. I had to tell some other people what had happened and it was hard everytime not to blame myself. But I have realized that it's not my fault. But now I will do everything in my power to never let it happen again. Also, when I normally do blame a coworker for certain difficulties in the job... this time I was glad he screwed up once this morning because if I had made him do something then he would've been there when it happened and wouldn't have handled it correctly. SO praise the Lord James and I were there and took care of the situation. I hate that it happened. And I never want it to happen again. Trusting God to forgive me for this accident will but hard but it is necessary because  I have a whole week of junior golf ahead of me, so look out juniors I will be the safety Nazi this week!

Back in KY!

It's been fun to be back in Kentucky and reunited with my Alpha Gamma Delta sisters! It's been awesome seeing them again. We're all here to get prepped and ready for this year's fall recruitment. I know my class is so excited to change everything and bring in an awesome pledge class. We really want to make Alpha Gam Gamma O so much better but it's hard to when the people that are in it are not particularly motivated... But on a different note, when I first joined a sorority I had no idea that I would be able to this close to this many women just because of three letters. But it's so cool when you are able to come together to help each other be the best they can be just so you can strive together to win awards and bring change to certain causes. I love our awesome advisors and wish all of our members would realize how hard they work and what they give to the chapter. Shanna is one of the most incredible women I know. I have so much respect for her because even though despite her size her heart is huge and her ideas and imagination is out of this world. Anyway, I just love all of these women and all of the things we stand for.  I can't wait to be a leader in this chapter for the rest of my life. I even wanna be an advisor after I graduate also a leadership consultant! 

Liep, Michelle

NOT THE BEV CART GIRL

I don't consider myself to be an unreasonable kind of feminist. I find the right for women to be paid the same as men, I expect women to be able to possess the same jobs in all fields, especially politics. Also, I expect women that possess leadership roles to be respected as leaders and should be called by their well-earned prestigious title. But something the other day really sent me over the edge. I have had members ask me if I would be driving the beverage cart. At first I was flattered, because generally the women that drive them are considered to be young and very attractive. But then I started thinking... is that all that men assume. If a female is on a golf course then she must be on the bev cart or some kind of freak of nature. She must be a hot, gorgeous athlete and she only golfs if her boyfriend does. Also when ever someone calls into the golf shop and hears a female's voice then they automatically assume they have called the wrong number. NO, believe it or not, a woman can be working in a golf shop. Also a woman can be on the course, in a cart and not be delivering beers. I don't know why this hasn't bothered me before now. I knew I was entering a business that invented the phrase the "men's club." I mean you know how many people have told me that golf stands for "Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden." I knew I was entering the gentlemen's club but it is frustrating when people don't realize that you could be overseeing the golf course they chunk divots out of someday. Oh well, I hoe to be one of those women to change the face of golf. As much as I would love to be the trophy wife for a professional golfer (Adam Scott ;) I would much rather be the name that people think of when they think of the PGA. I don't know what it will take to become that. Whether that means becoming a commentator, a well-known teaching professional or even the first female president of the PGA of America, I'm more than willing to do it and would love to be known to be the first to do it. That's all. Rant's over.

Liep, Michelle

TOO MUCH!

I don't know where to begin... but I've had a lot going on. I have been working A TON! I was also able to attend the Alpha Gamma Delta Convention at the JW Marriott this past weekend. I learned so much and met so many incredible people. I'm super duper tired and want to write so much but don't have time to. Well I've cried twice in the shower over being overwhelmed, so there's admitting that. I guess what's so frustrating is that I'm one of the hardest working people and now they want me to continue working. UGH! I am so thankful for this opportunity to learn and grow in the profession, but I get tired of working, but realize this is an opportunity to share the gospel at work with my continuous joy and integrity to continue working. Well, now it's time to get to bed so I can wake up and take on tomorrow.

LIEP, Michelle

Summer Job

Hey folks!
Just wanted to share what I've been up to this summer! I've been interning for my co-op at the Woodland Country Club of Carmel. I've been able to serve as a "bag girl" for a majority of my time here. But I've also been able to serve in the golf shop and help with junior golf clinics which have been super fun! It's been quite a journey but I'm enjoying it and all the cool opportunities that are coming out of it!

Back to the Blog

Hey guys! Which is more or less, no one. But that's fine, because I've decided to start this blog because I want to post my thoughts, daily devotions, outfits, and doubt too many people will care beside me:) But I missed posting things to the internet, I find it easier to type it out rather than hunt down my notebook and write down my thoughts. I am a returning blogger, but my original blog was... well... blah. Hate to admit it but it was awful. So here's round two! Hoping to be bigger, badder, and better than ever! So thank you and I hope you enjoy... it's kinda funny talking to yourself.
-Michelle