It's a Mentality

As I get closer to graduating college, God has slowly begun unveiling all the ways in which He has already prepared me for the real world thus far. I've always been aware of the heavy influence basketball has had on my life, for much of who I am today I owe to my coach and the Ladyneck Basketball program. However, it wasn't until this year that I began to recognize just how much God used basketball to prepare me for this next chapter of my life! 

I remember cringing as "GET YOUR HANDS OFF YOUR KNEES" echoed throughout E.B. Carrington Gymnasium my freshman year of basketball and Coach began listing what would be expected of us if we desired to play White Oak Ladyneck Basketball. As my teammates and I stood with our hands placed atop heads, ensuring we kept them as far away from our knees as possible, we soon discovered the reasoning behind this high demand...a demand that I realize now, 8yrs later, positively impacted the way I would live my life and one I will forever be grateful for! It went something like this, give or take a few words, of course: "Never put your hands on your knees because putting your hands on your knees is a sign of weakness. If you do it in practice, you'll do it in a game. I don't care if you're about to run out of energy, don't let your opponent know you're tired because they'll see that and take advantage of it. It's a mentality! Basketball is a mentality. Your physical game is limited by the thoughts inside your head. Don't sell yourself short. If you believe you can do something, you're right. You can do it. However, it works both ways. If you think you can't do something, you won't be able to do it. You've lost the game before the clock even started. When you feel yourself getting tired, dig in. Play harder. Fight. Keep your hands off your knees. Don't give up. "

Like I said, God has been revealing a lot to me lately as I've prepared myself for the new adventure that awaits me. For example, I now understand the importance of keeping my hands off my knees. I realize now that this didn't simply apply to running up and down a basketball court eight years ago, but instead applies to me now as I'll soon be running through life. As you know, life is full of challenges. We finally make it up one mountain only to look across and find that a second mountain awaits us. However, like basketball, we need to dig in, play harder, fight, and keep our hands off our knees when the going gets tough. If we don't, our opponents (co-workers, giants, etc.) will see it as a weakness and take advantage of our state of mind. They'll sneak in, "steal the ball" from us and take the winning shot without a moment's hesitation which is why it's so important we "get our head in the game" and believe from the get-go that we're capable of doing and being anything we desire, whatever that may be. 

I dream of being a talk show host and changing the world! I hope to encourage those around me to "seek the sunshine" during even the darkest hours and find joy in every situation they face, trusting that God is working for the good, that good being becoming like Christ! I believe happiness is a choice and life is all about how you perceive circumstances, and I hope to encourage others to look on the bright side of every situation because I truly believe there is always a bright side, even it's simply thanking God for putting breath in our lungs once more! How does one become a talk show host, though? Your guess is as good as mine! I honestly have no idea but I'm willing to find out because I believe we can achieve anything and everything we set our minds to! However, it's not going to easy. It's going to be really, really hard. I may foul out (fail) or be outnumbered (3-0n-1) but I refuse to give up! Just as Coach told us to keep our hands off our knees when playing basketball games, I intend on keeping my hands off my knees as I play the game of life, and I hope you will do the same! After all, it's a mentality! Fight until it becomes reality!

I would like to encourage you to get your hands off your knees and fight! It doesn't matter what the situation is, it only matters how you perceive the situation because, like basketball, life is a mentality. If you view goals as unattainable, you'll never reach them. You will have lost the game before ever stepping onto the court. However, if you believe you have the potential to achieve anything you set your mind to, you can, but only if you're willing to put in the effort!

When you feel yourself getting tired, dig in.
When you're facing an opponent (co-worker) who is more talented (qualified) than you, play harder.
When you want something, fight for it.
When you think it's hopeless, stay positive, believe in yourself, and keep your hands off your knees.

"You're only as strong as your next move." What will your next move be? Will you get tougher when the going gets tough, or will you put your hands on your knees and call it quits? Will you fight for the things you really want in life, or will you give up the moment it gets hard? Remember, like basketball, life is a mentality. Don't accept defeat. 

The Last One: Part 1

The title of this blog was named after the series finale of Friends because, just as the six friends shared heartbreaking goodbyes and had one last cup of coffee at Central Perk before heading in different directions, I will inevitably be attending "the last one" of every Aggie (and Phi Lamb) tradition I know and love, and tying up loose ends at Texas A&M University. In other words, this post represents the first of two parts (fall/spring semester) as I embrace the "season finale" of my college career.  

Fightin' Texas Aggie Football:
I attended my last Fightin' Texas Aggie football game as a student this semester. Nearly 40,000 students stand as proud members of the 12th Man every home game making us the largest college football student section in the NATION! I wish I could put into words the transformation that takes place inside after one attend's their first Aggie football game but even if I were to elaborate excessively, I would not be able to do it justice. It's something you have to experience for yourself because there truly is "a spirit [that] can ne'er be told...it's the spirit of Aggieland!" However, I will say this: When we sing The Aggie War Hymn, tears flood my eyes as, what seems to be, an electric current shoots up and down my spine and goosebumps appear all over my body. For the past three years I have gazed intently as thousands (soon to be 106,000) of Aggies "throw their arms 'round each other and sing Hullabaloo!" It's a memory engraved in the back of my mind and on my heart forever, a memory I will take with me wherever I go. The passion I have for serving Texas A&M University has led to a lifestyle that allows me to represent the 12^th Man in all I say and do. Aside from my heart for school spirit, I have a thirst for discovering not what the world has to offer me, but what I have to offer the world! E. King Gill “stood by in case his team needed him." In the same way, I will stand by, eagerly ready to serve whoever is in need, Aggie or not, with an enthusiastic smile and helping hand. Representing the 12^th Man is an honor and I will continue to devote my life to reaching out and serving others until I take my last breath. I am a Fightin’ Texas Aggie and that is no accident! I know God placed me at Texas A&M University for a reason and, as a result, I aim to reach above and beyond what is expected of me by doing all that I can, and more, to represent the 12^th Man with pride! 

 

This picture was taken when Ratchel (Ratchet Rachel), me, Dr. P and Harmonica were FIRST ROW, second deck! This NEVER happens and is a HUGE deal because the student section seats are randomized! 

This picture was taken three years ago at my very first Midnight Yell, formally known as First Yell.

We couldn't feel our fingers and our clothes were soaking wet, but we whooped and hollered our hearts out one last time together! I wouldn't have wanted to spend my last game (as a student) with anybody else!

I think I've already posted a picture of my overalls before but if not, I made these for my senior year! I'm making memories the only way I know how - wearing goofy outfits, a side-ponytail, and a big grin on my chin!

Songfest:

Three years ago, I made the decision to participate in Chi-O's Songfest and it is, by far, one of the best decisions I've made at Texas A&M! Blessings have overflowed from it! Not only was I blessed with the opportunity to meet and get to know a LOT of girls in Sigma Phi Lambda (whom I may have never even MET otherwise), but I also met two of my best friends as we "boogie-woogied" on the back row together. From Dottie Hunt Studio to Texas A&M's Songfest, God has revealed through dancing what it means to smile despite my missed counts/wrong dance moves (or failures) and continue tapping to the rhythm (of life), even if I'm off-beat! I'm so thankful that my parents put me through dance growing up, for I wouldn't be who I am today without it and I wouldn't have participated in Songfest!



This was the year we (Sigma Phi Lambda/Ol' Ags) won! "Bed Rockin' Out" was the theme and, as you can see, the girls/guys were dressed as Fred and Wilma Flintstone!

For Songfest 2013, the theme was "Let's Get Gatsby" so all the girls dressed as flappers and the guys dressed in suits and ties!

This is a picture of Jess and I at Songfest 2014! This year's theme was Transformers. The red flannels represented cars and halfway through we took them off as we "transformed" into robots! 

Birthday Party:

Okay, so MAYBE this isn't an Aggie/Phi Lamb tradition...but, seeing that it was my last birthday in college, I thought the post was necessary regardless! If you know me at all, you know I'm not one to follow the crowd. For my 22nd birthday, I wanted to avoid singing the typical "Feelin' 22" song by Taylor Swift and had a "TwoTwo and Tennis Shoes" party for my 22nd birthday at Chuck E. Cheese instead! Everyone wore tutus and I dressed like this random toddler I found on Pinterest! It was a night to remember...mostly because I'm actually horrified of Chuck E. Cheese and almost cried when he began approaching me without warning! Aside from "the incident" God has blessed me with yet another year filled with love, laughter, and silly outfits! 

Barn Dance:

Barn Dance is Sigma Phi Lambda's fall semester Date Party! Although I don't like organized dancing (i.e. two-stepping), I've always, ALWAYS enjoyed myself at Barn Dance! I must say, however, my all-time favorite part about any dance we have at Texas A&M is ending it with The Aggie War Hymn! It brings tears to my eyes every single time and will be one of the things I miss most about this place! 

 

  Sigma Phi Lambda's "Yellow Rose Barn Dance" 2012

Barn Dance 2013

Sigma Phi Lambda officers at "Flowers n' Flannels" (Barn Dance 2014)

Phi Lamb's Christmas Party:

Nothing makes you giggle more than walking into a room filled with nearly 400 silly girls dressed in ugly Christmas sweaters, reindeer antlers, and swaddling clothes! The costume contest is a nail-biter to say the least. 

I was a Christmas tree my first year! Santa's eight reindeer, a snowflake, and the three wise men also made an appearance that night. 

Kooky Kristin wanted to be a snowman the second time around! I refused to be a "regular" snowman, of course, so we stuffed ourselves with plastic sacks to make ourselves look 3-D!

Christmas Party 2014 - "Fleece" Navidad (Get it? Phi LAMB? HAHAHA!)

I can't believe how fast the semester flew by! It seems like just yesterday I was fetching water in the kitchen after riding my bike when a letter addressed to me from Texas A&M University caught my eye on the counter! This has been the best semester by FAR and I know it will only continue to get better as the memories continue piling up! I'm so thankful for each and every opportunity that has been placed along my path! It has been tough at times, but I'll never back down from a challenge! God has revealed Himself to me in ways I could have never imagined. He taught me the importance of relying on Him wholeheartedly in any and all situations as I witnessed His handiwork in even the tiniest details! I made a lot of mistakes and had to learn lessons the hard way but it was in those moments I experienced the grace of God on a whole new level. As always, He is good and I owe everything to Him!

Because Central Perk played a significant role throughout Friends, returning to it one last time during the series finale only made sense...so the six friends laid their keys to the apartment on the kitchen counter and made their way out the door for one last cup of coffee. Although I am already halfway done with my "cup of coffee" here at Texas A&M, I am enjoying it one "sip" at a time! I can't wait to see what God has in store next semester! 

Divine Moments

As I've mentioned before, I'm reading a book called Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus. The entire book stresses the importance of recognizing and grasping the divine moments God places right in front of our eyes on a regular basis. These moments can be as simple as sharing a kind word with a stranger on the bus or as difficult as leaving your comfort zone to follow your dreams. When you choose to seize a moment, it could make no difference at all or it could make all the difference in the world. Just as happiness is a choice, we decide whether or not we will embrace the divine moments God places along our path. We can choose to seize those moments or we can turn our backs to them and walk away, never knowing what could have been, always asking ourselves, "What if?"

I faced a divine moment last Tuesday:
In case you're just now joining us, I dream of being a talk show host. I've wanted to do that since my junior year of high school. It's been six years and God has yet to direct me otherwise, so that's the direction I'm headed in for now! With that being said, I love The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She encourages millions of people across the world to "be kind to one another." In the same way, I hope to encourage the world to "Give a stranger a smile. It may be the only sunshine he sees all day!" After all, you never know what one simple smile can do to a person's life!

I had just gotten home from class last Tuesday when suddenly I received a notification informing me that a friend had mentioned me in a tweet. I noticed the tweet included both mine and Ellen's Twitter names so out of curiosity, I opened my Twitter app. The tweet read, "@TheEllenShow @kristin_koonce how fast can you get to Denton?" Puzzled, I made my way to Ellen's Twitter page to see what my friend was referring to. Tears flooded my eyes as I read Ellen's tweet: "Hey University of North Texas - my show's coming to Denton tomorrow. That’s right. Denton. You don’t want to miss this." My heart began beating rapidly inside my chest and before making any further decisions, I pinched my arm to ensure I was conscious. As soon as I came to the realization that this wasn't a dream, I began packing. I had originally planned on going home the following day, but when I found out The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be screening a segment at UNT, I decided to drive 4.5hrs to Denton, make a "WE LOVE ELLEN" sign, and scream at the top of my lungs for the beloved talk show host instead. I didn't know what God had in store, but I knew I was going to find out! After all, it's not every day your favorite talk show host, and the person who inspires you daily to continue pressing on towards the career you aspire to have one day, films a segment of her show just a few hours away from you. On top of that, it was finals week at Texas A&M but the only thing I had to worry about was submitting one last research paper on Friday! On more than one occasion, God revealed to me how blessed I was to have only been taking 6hrs this last semester and this was another one of those moments! However, although I'm not one to skip class, I probably would have made an exception just this once! HA!

Well...what happened?
I didn't meet Ellen and I didn't get to be on her show, but that is not the point of this blog post. The point is, I saw a divine moment and I seized it. I didn't know what was in store. All I knew was Ellen DeGeneres would be screening part of her show a few hours away from me and I could either overlook this rare opportunity or I could clasp it with both hands and run full speed ahead. I chose the latter. I didn't drive 4.5hrs to Denton, TX expecting to land an internship for The Ellen DeGeneres Show. I simply saw this opportunity as God's way of testing my faith and trust in Him, preparing me for future situations where I will have to drop everything and be willing to go wherever He calls me if I'm even the least bit serious about following my dreams. Had I not gone, I would have always been asking myself, "What if?" I would have lived a life of regret, always wondering what could have been. Nora Roberts quoted, "If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place." It didn't matter to me whether I got to meet Ellen or be on her show (although that would've been another dream come true). It mattered that I went. I took a leap of faith. I didn't know what God had in store, but I was willing to find out! I wasn't afraid to lose. I stepped off the sideline and stepped into the game with confidence. That in itself is a victory.

I would like to encourage you to do the same and take advantage of the divine moments you face in this life! Don't allow fear to overcome you. Believe that God can do anything because miracles happen every day! Live your life with tenacity and be willing to go wherever He calls you. Don't sit back and watch life happen. Refuse to stay where you are. Strike out swinging. Take initiative. Listen to God's voice and journey with Him! Chase daylight. 

I would like to close with this excerpt from Chasing Daylight: 
"There are few things more powerful than a life lived with passionate clarity. Every moment is waiting to be seized by those who are chasing daylight. We all have dreams, hopes, and aspirations. Why, then, do some of us realize our dreams and advance forward while others watch timidly from a distance and hope for a break? Chasing Daylight is a call to live a life of blazing urgency. We have but one life. We are given one opportunity to pursue our dreams and fulfill our divine purpose. Every moment counts, and we must engage them with fierceness and zeal. Put an end to passive observation, paralyzed by the need for perfect opportunity, and start seizing the raw, untapped potential of your life with God. Are you willing to risk failure? Are you ready to get in the game? You may stumble, but you will find yourself falling foward, propelled toward the God-inspired adventure He intends you to live."

Letters from Christ

I once heard a sermon that was titled "You Are a Letter from Christ" and one of the bullet points read: "If you are a follower of Jesus, then you are His letter to everyone around you." In other words, we are communicating a message at all times throughout our daily lives whether we intend to or not because "the message [we] convey with [our] life is absolutely unavoidable." As the sermon continued, I was reminded of a mirror that hung in the youth hallway at my home church, First United Methodist, many years ago: 

You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.

It hung directly cross from the stairwell so that as soon as you opened the door, your image reflected in the mirror. It was a weekly encouragement to strive for a life that reflected God's heart rather than our own, and even now, 8yrs later, it has made me consciously aware of how others may be interpreting the life of Kristin Koonce. It is the most challenging, yet most rewarding task here on earth as it motivates us to:
1) "Live in such a way that those who don't know God but know you, may come to know God because they know you." 
2) "Live in such a way that if anyone should speak badly of you, no one would believe it."

As I write this, I am reminded of Francesca Battistelli's song, Write Your Story. The lyrics are as follows:

I'm an empty page

I'm an open book

Write Your story on my heart

Come on and make Your mark

Author of my hope

Maker of the stars

Let me be Your work of art

Won't You write Your story on my heart

I want my history

To be Your legacy

Go ahead and show this world

What You've done in me

And when the music fades

I want my life to say

I let You write Your story

What do our letters, our lives, say about us? What message do our lives send? Can others "read" our actions and know immediately who it is we live for? Does Christ's light shine through us so brightly, others can see the message of the Gospel being reflected at all times? God needs us to share His story to the world! 

Let Him write His story on your heart so that when sent, your "letter" to the world has Christ's name written all over it!

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you." Philippians 1:27-28