1. Mindy Kaling’s Dartmouth Speech. She talks about how much of her life has been lived out of order... and how okay that is. I'm a sucker for a good commencement speech--- do you have a fave you've listened to?

2. Season Twos....

This is Us. Could I argue this is one of the most captivating and real shows on television right now? Brett has even started sitting through a handful of episodes with me. I've caught those tears in his eyes a few times. And me? I've blubbered through every episode. 

Meet Kaylee. On Tuesdays and Thursdays this past year, I mentored a handful of Freshmen women at Texas Tech. In Christianese, I've been discipling them. Reading the Bible with them, working through their life stories, unburying some of life's joys and hurts, laughing and crying at all of Freshmen years' ups and downs, and watching a lot of The Bachelor with them. A few months ago I was hanging out with Kaylee on a Tuesday and she mentioned how college was different from what she expected, so I asked her to share some of her profound truth nuggets for future college freshmen. 

I bolded my favorite part, because it's TRUTHHHH. 

I'll have what she's having is also my new monthly pop-culture and all things interesting series. I'm one of those people who is filled with joy when I share a something or other with someone else and they are changed or impacted by that something or other. Like a movie, song, piece of art, pair of good shoes, inspirational quote, etc. 

So, maybe I'll share what I'm loving with you. And maybe you'll share something with me too? What inspires you this month? This week? What song are you obsessed with? What movie do is a must for you this year? 

I'll gladly throw one hand in the air and dance, eyes closed tight, round and round. Because summer is finally here.

Shauna Neiquest writes in her book, Present Over Perfect, how frightening it was for her to go snorkeling with her son on a summer vacation. She had been working, going, performing,  and surviving for so long, she hadn't been alone with herself or her thoughts. In a moment, without noise, without a to-do list, without anyone to perform for...she was alone, exhausted, tired of living fast, and scared of what it would look like to slow down and pay attention to what her body and soul really needed. 

I've been there, have you?

Somehow you feel stranded in a moment of quiet, a moment you desperately need but have no idea how to embrace because it's so foreign and scary.

Having a school schedule with a free summer has become one of the greatest gifts to Brett and I as we seek to stay in tune with who we are and what our souls need. 

For me, summer is sacred.