In an attempt to try and update this on a regular basis, I’ve decided to begin posting weekly blogs where I can reflect on things that have happened over that week. It can get really easy to slip into the routine of things so much that you forget to stop, look around, and take in every ounce of goodness that’s occurring around you. Especially with the events that have been going on around the world surrounding violence, terrorism, and overall negativity, I figure these posts will inevitably be a great way to remember the good things that happen as well.

The idea behind “How Wow Pow Chow” came from an ice breaker that I was introduced to within my Cru community. It was designed to get a group of people in the mindset to talk about spirituality, and also serve as a reminder that God is always working behind the scenes in your life, whether you realize it or not. So in these weekly blog posts, I will acknowledge these topics:

• HOW: How has God been working on your life this week?
• WOW: What is something really great that has happened this week?
• POW: What is something that happened this week that may have not been the greatest?
• CHOW: Any interesting/note-worthy food you’ve eaten this week?

Without further adieu, here begins the “How Wow Pow Chow” series on this blog.

How has God worked on your life this week?

Plants I spotted outside my office building on my way to the bathroom earlier this week. My bladder is no match for a hella cool Instagram post.

Lately, at least for the past few months, I’ve been consumed with trying to figure out what the “next step” should be, whether it revolves around something as minuscule as the tasks I have to do at work that day, or something as major as trying to find my purpose after I’m done with college. I’ve found myself more worried about crossing things off my to-do list, that I forget just how blessed I am in this current moment in my life. Earlier this week, on my way to the bathroom, I found these potted plants sitting outside my office building, and my inner Instagram glutton needed to get a photo. It looked like someone had intended to leave these outside for a small space of time, and so I wanted to get my photo before they were taken back inside. So I stopped, took my photo, and returned to my original objective of going to the bathroom. The next time I passed that area, the plants were gone.

Sometimes, you need to take a step back from living a chaotic life and take a look around once in awhile. If you don’t do this often enough, you’ll wind up driving yourself into insanity, and the beautiful things won’t be around for you to look at anymore. Speed bumps occasionally come up so you can slow down and not live such a fast paced life all the time. This week, God told me to be patient, look around once in awhile, and hold onto the present for as long as you can – in the end, everything will be okay.

What is something great that happened this week?

Taken the moment I got home to Sacramento after nearly a 7-hour drive from Chino Hills.

Most people aren’t particularly fond of the idea of sitting in a car for nearly 7 hours, let alone being the one driving for that period of time. Since I tend to have the unpopular opinion, it should come as no surprise to know that I don’t really mind being behind the wheel for 7 hours straight. I mean, 7 hours by myself with my own thoughts, AND I get to control the music selection? I can’t imagine a better way to spend my day! (#introvert)

With the combination of getting to be alone with my thoughts, literally driving through God’s creations, and getting to my destination in one piece, I’d say my Friday was a pretty great day.

What is something that happened this week that wasn’t so great?

I had to say farewell to two really good friends this week. They have both had a tremendous impact on my life, and it was extremely difficult seeing them go. It’s so cheesy to say, but these definitely weren’t “goodbye,” but “see you later,” and it’s comforting knowing that they are both only a short ways away in terms of communication. Though it was hard seeing them off (on back-to-back days, I might add. It was a roller coaster of a week), I’m excited for them both and to see what God has in store for them as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.

Any interesting/note-worthy food you’ve eaten this week?

I soon realized I was eating lunch by myself, reading a book called “We Should Hang Out Sometime.” Oh irony, you are magnificent.

The office I work in is located in an area across the street from the main campus of Cal Poly. Conveniently, so is the Innovation Brew Works. As much as I try to save my money by bringing my own lunch, sometimes the craving for pizza is way too strong for even the strongest-willed and most practical of people. Thus, pizza trumps leftovers, bar none. Pictured above is the barbecue chicken pizza and in-house brewed cream soda. I may or may not have gotten this twice this week.

What are some great things that happened in your own life this week? How have you seen God working through you? Leave it in the comments, and I’ll see you next week!