Happy Monday! The weekend was unseasonably warm in Indianapolis, so this sunshine addict is one happy girl. In celebration of my birthday, my parents are coming to take me out to lunch, so today is truly a great Monday! I cannot wait to see them, show them my office and eat lunch with them. The following are also things I’m lovin’ this Monday.

1. I saw American Sniper on Saturday night. I haven’t seen a movie in the theaters in 2 years (the last one I saw was Lincoln… I may be a sucker for biopics) and this was the one to see. Man. Go see it! I have a completely new appreciation for those in the US Military and their families. The sacrifices that the men and women who don the uniform inspire me. The acting and production of the movie was intense and beautifully done. Even though it’s the only movie I’ve seen that was nominated for Best Picture, I think it should win hands down.
2. It’s half-marathon training season, and Saturday it was fifty degrees with sun. My five-mile run was enjoyable, especially for January. I’m hoping for some more unseasonably warm Saturdays in the next couple months. I am also remembering how much I love training. Last year I was studying the book of James while training and the verse, “Perseverance must finish its cause so you can be mature and complete, not lacking in anything,” became the theme of my spring. I am waiting to see which verses I am able to memorize through this training season.
3. Last night was 3 Party for Indiana University Sorority Recruitment. Seeing the photos blow up my social media reminds me of such a special season filled with wonderful women. The Phi Mu sisterhood played an integral role in my faith, character and who I am today. I am thankful to be a part of something bigger than me.
4. Mark Batterson’s The Circle Maker. I wish every Christian could read this book about the importance of prayer. The author does a great job weaving his own narrative throughout his exhortation of the power of praying through your dreams. Sometimes I question why I have to pray for something, thinking, “God is sovereign, it will all work out the way He wants it to,” but Batterson pushes back against that mindset. He reminds the reader that our hearts change in prayer. Being in a season of dreaming with open hands, asking the Lord to lead me where He wants to, this book reminded me that if my dreams can be accomplished without God, then they aren’t big enough. I highly recommend this challenging read.
5. Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Fun fact about me: my freshman year I was a AAADS minor. AAADS stands for African American and African Diaspora Studies. Yes, this sorority girl, who loves party tanks, shops at J.Crew and whose favorite movie is Legally Blonde, took quite a few AAADS classes and in the process gained a basis for my senior thesis, which I wrote on the role of Black pastors in the Civil Rights Movement. Much can be said about Martin Luther King Jr., and much will be said for decades to come, but the way he fought against injustice lights a fire under me to stick up for the social justice issues of our time, not just because its popular or trendy, but because God cares about justice. He is a God of mercy, compassion and freedom. Jesus came to set the captive free.

Have a great week!