Mackenzie Standing

Today is my 20th birthday. While in the grand scheme of life, birthdays really aren't a big deal, I still like the opportunity they give to reflect on where God has taken me. And so, since I love lists and today is kind of all about me, I present to you a list of the top twenty things I've learned over the last twenty years: 1. Twenty years is really no time at all. 2. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life--for me and for you. My life is so much better with Him as priority number one. 3. After Jesus, family is the most important thing. 4. Sometimes, you get really lucky and have friends that become family. 5. Popcorn over the stove beats the microwave stuff everyday.       6. Oftentimes, God calls you to participate in His plans in ways that you really don't want to. However, oftentimes you find yourself liking what He's called you to much more than expected. Which leads me to... 7. Montana's not as bad as it seems. 8. Travel is fantastic, but th

There's a book that goes almost everywhere with me. The pink cover is decorated with textured swirls and a brown pleather stripe; my name is embossed on it in shiny silver letters. Its life of travel is evident by the way the edges are slowly turning gray, some pages more crinkled that they were previously. They testify to a life of getting packed in purses and backpacks and thumbed through around campfires and in classrooms. It's a book that brings so much peace and joy, yet one I do not love nearly enough. Open it up and you'll find many stories. There's the story of my life as told through the mementoes tucked into the pages. A paper crown from a Christmas cracker. A letter from a dear woman of God written after she prayed for me. A notecard full of all of the InterVarsity announcements I presented sometime months ago. A square with Ephesians 2:10 printed on bright green card stock, passed out at church to remind us that we are, most definitely, God's masterp

One of the greatest blessings of this past semester has been this woman right here: My roommate, Bri, is one of the best people on this planet. She's compassionate, listens to me when I need someone to talk to, and brings the spunk to our roommate relationship. I've so loved growing closer to her this last semester. She says some darn funny things, too, which I've written down to blackmail her with. Or, at the very least, add to my toast at her wedding. There were too many to wait until the end of the year to post them, and so, without further ado, I present to you the Fall 2013 Roommate Quote Book (with some commentary from other awesome members of our community): Bri: You know what I need? I need practice wearing a corset. Just “huaugh” and that’s it. I’m going to go order one. I just need to learn how to breathe properly. Or improperly; whatever it is. Bri: And don’t try to undress me, because that’s not cool. Mac: I’ve had so much Emergen-C today, I