Happy Leap Day everyone!!!!
Its 12:15am so I'm going to make this short. This year we get an extra day to live, so use it wisely!!
Live as if you'll die tomorrow, act as if you'll live forever!We've been blessed with an extra day, so lets not waste it.
I shall spend my extra day taking tests and taking care of school stuff, then getting extra cookies at Subway! So goodnight, or good morning, however you see it. I'm off to bed!
~Psalm 118:24- This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it~
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Just Joking?
I was doing my devotional this morning before the day really got going and I came across an interesting verse.
~Proverbs 26:18-19 - Just as damaging as a mad man shooting a lethal weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking".~
"Wow" was my first thought. I had no idea that verse was even in the Bible! How many of you have a friend like this -or you have been the friend who does this-, someone who says something really mean or inappropriate and then follows it up with "I was only joking!"? Do we always believe that person from there on out? I know growing up I learned that there is a little truth behind ever insult.
This really struck me, because how many of us do it? I know I have at some points. Sometimes I really am just joking, at other times I say it just so they don't think I mean it. I'll admit it, its something I'm not really proud of doing. But if everyone is honest with themselves, everyone has done it before.
So here's a challenge. Try speaking just truthful things to people! Now don't be mean about it. "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" certainly holds true in this place. But try not to be the person who goes around covering themselves with "just joking".
~Proverbs 26:18-19 - Just as damaging as a mad man shooting a lethal weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking".~
~Proverbs 26:18-19 - Just as damaging as a mad man shooting a lethal weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking".~
"Wow" was my first thought. I had no idea that verse was even in the Bible! How many of you have a friend like this -or you have been the friend who does this-, someone who says something really mean or inappropriate and then follows it up with "I was only joking!"? Do we always believe that person from there on out? I know growing up I learned that there is a little truth behind ever insult.
This really struck me, because how many of us do it? I know I have at some points. Sometimes I really am just joking, at other times I say it just so they don't think I mean it. I'll admit it, its something I'm not really proud of doing. But if everyone is honest with themselves, everyone has done it before.
So here's a challenge. Try speaking just truthful things to people! Now don't be mean about it. "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" certainly holds true in this place. But try not to be the person who goes around covering themselves with "just joking".
~Proverbs 26:18-19 - Just as damaging as a mad man shooting a lethal weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking".~
Monday, February 27, 2012
Test Day Association
There has to be a group at each school where all the instructors get together and decide just how many texts and major assignments they can cram into the same week or even the same day! I have a test in both Sociology and Psychology on Wednesday as well as a bunch of stuff for a poem research paper for English. All I can say is I'm glad I've dropped math...it takes a load of stress off of me!
But then you get teachers like my English one, they seem to forget that most students take more than just their class. Most of us are full time students and have at least part time jobs. So think of the hours that we have to spend in the classrooms and then at our work places. Then the time it takes us to get to each place, added to the time we spend doing homework. Necessary chores that pop up during the week such as grocery shopping, bank stops, eating, chores things like that. And of course we have to have some of our own personal time which is mostly equal to sleep.
Anyway, now that I have ranted for a bit, I really need to get off and start tackling that mountain of homework. I really hope I have to energy to go for a few more hours..
But then you get teachers like my English one, they seem to forget that most students take more than just their class. Most of us are full time students and have at least part time jobs. So think of the hours that we have to spend in the classrooms and then at our work places. Then the time it takes us to get to each place, added to the time we spend doing homework. Necessary chores that pop up during the week such as grocery shopping, bank stops, eating, chores things like that. And of course we have to have some of our own personal time which is mostly equal to sleep.
Anyway, now that I have ranted for a bit, I really need to get off and start tackling that mountain of homework. I really hope I have to energy to go for a few more hours..
Sunday, February 26, 2012
I'm Back!!!
Hey all! I'm sorry for my extended leave of absence. I came down with the stomach bug last Monday and it wiped me out for a week! So add work and busy weekend...yeah I'm sorry!
But I'm back now, just in time for the last week of February! I can't believe the month is almost over! I'm really not sad to see it go though, I don't care for this month to much. The weathers horrible!
My good news of the day is that I'm dropping my algebra class. Its just been too much so I'll take it again at a later date after I get back into math some. Can't say I'm too upset.
Sorry this is short, but Sundays are Sundays and always extremely busy. Here's a quick shout-out to one of my best friends, she turned 19 yesterday. Laters!!!
~Psalm 66:9- Our lives are in His hands, and He keeps our feet from stumbling.~
But I'm back now, just in time for the last week of February! I can't believe the month is almost over! I'm really not sad to see it go though, I don't care for this month to much. The weathers horrible!
My good news of the day is that I'm dropping my algebra class. Its just been too much so I'll take it again at a later date after I get back into math some. Can't say I'm too upset.
Sorry this is short, but Sundays are Sundays and always extremely busy. Here's a quick shout-out to one of my best friends, she turned 19 yesterday. Laters!!!
~Psalm 66:9- Our lives are in His hands, and He keeps our feet from stumbling.~
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Day of Rest?
Has anyone else noticed that sometimes Sunday seems to be the busiest day of the week? We get up in the morning, come home for lunch and a few hours of "rest" and then go back to church for a few more hours. Sometimes the hours of "rest" between services and when we get home is filled with last minute homework, preparing for something else going on at church, catching up on household chores that may not have gotten done on Saturday, or taking a nap because you are to exhausted for anything else.
It just seems that for the official day of rest, everyone spends most of it being fairly busy and productive.We start focusing more on prepping for church, all the extra activities at church (meetings, lunches, choir etc), getting ready for the new week approaching, things like that. Sundays can become more dreaded than Mondays! I know sometimes mine is.
So lets step back and remind ourselves what is special about Sundays. Its the Lords Day. Remember why we do the extra church activities that if we cut out would make our lives easier. Remember that even though everyday should be spent focusing on our Lord, Sundays should be a special day of praise for Him!
Prepare yourselves people, tomorrow is the dreaded Monday!!!!
~Psalm 118:24- This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it~
It just seems that for the official day of rest, everyone spends most of it being fairly busy and productive.We start focusing more on prepping for church, all the extra activities at church (meetings, lunches, choir etc), getting ready for the new week approaching, things like that. Sundays can become more dreaded than Mondays! I know sometimes mine is.
So lets step back and remind ourselves what is special about Sundays. Its the Lords Day. Remember why we do the extra church activities that if we cut out would make our lives easier. Remember that even though everyday should be spent focusing on our Lord, Sundays should be a special day of praise for Him!
Prepare yourselves people, tomorrow is the dreaded Monday!!!!
~Psalm 118:24- This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it~
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Rain
After an extremely long dry summer, we are having an extremely long wet winter!
Its getting a little annoying actually. I haven't had sunshine in days and everyone's mood is being effected by it. But hopefully, the sun will come out tomorrow! I don't think its been helping the sickness around here that every time we go outside we get soaked and freeze.
I finished Mockingjay, the final book the The Hunger Games trilogy! I went to Hot Topic and found some earrings and necklaces of the logo from the books. Made me super happy, cause I would like the earrings especially! I can't wait for the movie to come out!
February is almost over and I'm not sure I believe it. Time is all messed up in my head. I can't figure out if I should feel like its been more or less time since the beginning of the year. So many things have happened that make it feel long...but at the same time it all feels like they happened yesterday so its short. Like Valentines Day. I feel like that was forever ago, but at the same time it seems to be only yesterday. Am I the only one who's mind is going completely nuts?
Headed off to clean my room and get ready for bed. Then hopefully I'll be able to sleep quickly. Goodnight to all!!!
~Psalm 147:8- He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills~
Its getting a little annoying actually. I haven't had sunshine in days and everyone's mood is being effected by it. But hopefully, the sun will come out tomorrow! I don't think its been helping the sickness around here that every time we go outside we get soaked and freeze.
I finished Mockingjay, the final book the The Hunger Games trilogy! I went to Hot Topic and found some earrings and necklaces of the logo from the books. Made me super happy, cause I would like the earrings especially! I can't wait for the movie to come out!
February is almost over and I'm not sure I believe it. Time is all messed up in my head. I can't figure out if I should feel like its been more or less time since the beginning of the year. So many things have happened that make it feel long...but at the same time it all feels like they happened yesterday so its short. Like Valentines Day. I feel like that was forever ago, but at the same time it seems to be only yesterday. Am I the only one who's mind is going completely nuts?
Headed off to clean my room and get ready for bed. Then hopefully I'll be able to sleep quickly. Goodnight to all!!!
~Psalm 147:8- He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills~
Friday, February 17, 2012
FRIDAY!!!
Its Friday night, yay!!!!!!
So today, I went back to BAM and bought the box set of the Hunger Games. I finished book 2 and am 3 chapters into book 3. I wonder how many times I'm going to cry in this series...
All in all, today was a good day. This is another short entry because one of my close friends is spending the night since we're both going into work in the morning. So Happy weekend to all, and to all a good night!
~John 3:16- For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son. That who soever believes in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life~
So today, I went back to BAM and bought the box set of the Hunger Games. I finished book 2 and am 3 chapters into book 3. I wonder how many times I'm going to cry in this series...
All in all, today was a good day. This is another short entry because one of my close friends is spending the night since we're both going into work in the morning. So Happy weekend to all, and to all a good night!
~John 3:16- For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son. That who soever believes in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life~
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Lollypop
A 5 year old girl asked her brother, "what is love?" He replied, "love is when you steal my chocolate out of my lunchbox everyday and I keep putting it in the same spot."
Just a cute little reminder of what love really is. Its not that fuzzy feeling that you get when you look at someone you love, its not always "tough love", sometimes its just sweet and innocent. When even when a person you love does something annoying over and over and over again, you don't do much to stop it. That's love.
Remember that when you think you're in love with something. If you aren't willing to lay down your life for them...not give up little things for them, maybe its not the love you think it is...
(and yes, I know "Lollypop" has nothing to do with this. I just came up with something random!)
~1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres~
Just a cute little reminder of what love really is. Its not that fuzzy feeling that you get when you look at someone you love, its not always "tough love", sometimes its just sweet and innocent. When even when a person you love does something annoying over and over and over again, you don't do much to stop it. That's love.
Remember that when you think you're in love with something. If you aren't willing to lay down your life for them...not give up little things for them, maybe its not the love you think it is...
(and yes, I know "Lollypop" has nothing to do with this. I just came up with something random!)
~1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres~
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Hunger Games
So today I went to my local library and looked up the Hunger Games to see if it was back on the shelves yet.
It wasn't.
So, what does this book loving nerd go and do? Screw waiting in line to read it, I'll just go to B.A.M. and buy it!!! And now I'm done. Yes, I shall admit, I cried over that book. It had me literally on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next!! If you really want to read something that will captivate you, this is definitely the book to do so! Although...it is quite bloody and ruthless I'm sad to say. Make sure you can handle the literacy-ness of it. If you read it in the context of being a good story with a lesson behind it and the authors take on government etc, it's wonderful!
Kinda like in Harry Potter, you hate the fact so many of your favorite characters get killed, but that just brings out the realness of the situation. Life isn't perfect, not everyone comes home after the war. Everyone makes sacrifices, some people make the ultimate one. There are some strong views hidden between the sentences. Alright, yes I'm a nerd for diving this deep into books, you can blame my English class for giving me the literary terms of it. In my defense, I've always been kinda a book worm who took things beyond the first read through.
I'm not going to go off about the book because some of you might not have read it and I don't want to spoil anything! Now I need to check with the library and see if they have the others or if I'll have to go off and buy those as well!!
~Genesis 1:1- In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth~
It wasn't.
So, what does this book loving nerd go and do? Screw waiting in line to read it, I'll just go to B.A.M. and buy it!!! And now I'm done. Yes, I shall admit, I cried over that book. It had me literally on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next!! If you really want to read something that will captivate you, this is definitely the book to do so! Although...it is quite bloody and ruthless I'm sad to say. Make sure you can handle the literacy-ness of it. If you read it in the context of being a good story with a lesson behind it and the authors take on government etc, it's wonderful!
Kinda like in Harry Potter, you hate the fact so many of your favorite characters get killed, but that just brings out the realness of the situation. Life isn't perfect, not everyone comes home after the war. Everyone makes sacrifices, some people make the ultimate one. There are some strong views hidden between the sentences. Alright, yes I'm a nerd for diving this deep into books, you can blame my English class for giving me the literary terms of it. In my defense, I've always been kinda a book worm who took things beyond the first read through.
I'm not going to go off about the book because some of you might not have read it and I don't want to spoil anything! Now I need to check with the library and see if they have the others or if I'll have to go off and buy those as well!!
~Genesis 1:1- In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth~
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentines Day, Fire alarms and Sheriffs.
First off, I'd like to congratulate my parents on reaching their 26th wedding anniversary! Second, you got married on Valentines day? Really? Ok fine I forgive you...
Anyway, this will be short because I am going to go watch a movie and I still have math homework to finish, but Happy Valentines Day everyone! Or maybe just Happy Single's Awareness Day for others! For me and most of my friends...its Tuesday and there is lots of chocolate, so give us the chocolate and save the rest of it!
I have a whole bunch of thoughts on Valentines Day...but bashing it on V-day its self is fairly normal for a lot of people too...so maybe I'll just save it for another time. I got some chocolate, so the day was great.
Although...I did manage to set of the fire alarm in our house and the sheriff showed up an hour later or so! So that added to the chocolate makes for a pretty great day! I was trying to put more wood in the fireplace and set off the smoke alarms, and then someone in my neighborhood called the police and they came to my house by accident. My happy thoughts of the day are I still have my house and I'm not in jail!
Love you all, happy over-rated love day! <3
~1 Corinthians 13:13- And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love~
Anyway, this will be short because I am going to go watch a movie and I still have math homework to finish, but Happy Valentines Day everyone! Or maybe just Happy Single's Awareness Day for others! For me and most of my friends...its Tuesday and there is lots of chocolate, so give us the chocolate and save the rest of it!
I have a whole bunch of thoughts on Valentines Day...but bashing it on V-day its self is fairly normal for a lot of people too...so maybe I'll just save it for another time. I got some chocolate, so the day was great.
Although...I did manage to set of the fire alarm in our house and the sheriff showed up an hour later or so! So that added to the chocolate makes for a pretty great day! I was trying to put more wood in the fireplace and set off the smoke alarms, and then someone in my neighborhood called the police and they came to my house by accident. My happy thoughts of the day are I still have my house and I'm not in jail!
Love you all, happy over-rated love day! <3
~1 Corinthians 13:13- And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love~
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sweet 16
Happy birthday to my little sister Bryanna!! She is 16 years old today!
She's taught me a few things. Recently, its how much of a role model I am to her and how much just being there is for her.
I have a confession to make here, something that still hurts me and probably will for awhile.
Last semester Bryanna joined a volleyball team with a private school. Every time she had a home game, she would beg me to come and watch her. I'm sorry to say I never went. I always had to work late, or they were done with the game before I got off work, or I decided I had more important things to do than drive 30 minutes to watch her. I told her I would go in the spring semester, I was just to busy with work and school this time around.
Its not that I couldn't ask off of work. I could have asked to get off at 5 instead of 6 once and there wouldn't be much of a problem. But I never put forth the effort. I kept saying, "Next time, next time". When we broke for Christmas holidays, I never thought that there wouldn't be a next time.
Because I'm not as close-knit with my family anymore because of our school and jobs, I can't tell you what exactly is wrong with her, but she seriously hurt her knee. First she was fine, then it messed up again and she was out of volleyball for two weeks. A few weeks ago, they decided the damage was enough to sideline her for the rest of the season. She didn't want to keep hurting it with only a few games left. Her plan is to work it back up to playing shape over the remaining semester/summer and join again next fall.
It hit me that I might never have a chance to watch my little sister play volleyball. Next year I am transferring to a different school so I may never be home for a chance to watch. I realized how selfish I was by never going. How nothing was stopping me-but myself.
As I write this, I am reminded of a monologue I performed once with the line "Do people ever realize life while they live it? Every...every minute." If someone in your life has been asking you to do something, just do it. Maybe its a sibling begging you to do something with them, your spouse asking for help with a project, your best friend wanting to watch a movie, or the new kid just wanting to hang. Time and money have absolutely nothing on relationships with other people. We should measure our lives by the happy memories we have with the ones we love, not how much time and money we spent on it.
So thank you, Bryanna, for showing me that. Happy birthday sweetheart!
~Ephesians 5:16- Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days~
She's taught me a few things. Recently, its how much of a role model I am to her and how much just being there is for her.
I have a confession to make here, something that still hurts me and probably will for awhile.
Last semester Bryanna joined a volleyball team with a private school. Every time she had a home game, she would beg me to come and watch her. I'm sorry to say I never went. I always had to work late, or they were done with the game before I got off work, or I decided I had more important things to do than drive 30 minutes to watch her. I told her I would go in the spring semester, I was just to busy with work and school this time around.
Its not that I couldn't ask off of work. I could have asked to get off at 5 instead of 6 once and there wouldn't be much of a problem. But I never put forth the effort. I kept saying, "Next time, next time". When we broke for Christmas holidays, I never thought that there wouldn't be a next time.
Because I'm not as close-knit with my family anymore because of our school and jobs, I can't tell you what exactly is wrong with her, but she seriously hurt her knee. First she was fine, then it messed up again and she was out of volleyball for two weeks. A few weeks ago, they decided the damage was enough to sideline her for the rest of the season. She didn't want to keep hurting it with only a few games left. Her plan is to work it back up to playing shape over the remaining semester/summer and join again next fall.
It hit me that I might never have a chance to watch my little sister play volleyball. Next year I am transferring to a different school so I may never be home for a chance to watch. I realized how selfish I was by never going. How nothing was stopping me-but myself.
As I write this, I am reminded of a monologue I performed once with the line "Do people ever realize life while they live it? Every...every minute." If someone in your life has been asking you to do something, just do it. Maybe its a sibling begging you to do something with them, your spouse asking for help with a project, your best friend wanting to watch a movie, or the new kid just wanting to hang. Time and money have absolutely nothing on relationships with other people. We should measure our lives by the happy memories we have with the ones we love, not how much time and money we spent on it.
So thank you, Bryanna, for showing me that. Happy birthday sweetheart!
~Ephesians 5:16- Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days~
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Anything I Put My Mind Too
Someone once said I could do anything I put my mind too.
Pretty much everyone has heard that at least once in their life. You're sitting down over your homework ready to give up and someone encourages you to keep going. You get involved in sports and feel like a loser, then someone pumps you up. But lately I've come across something that sums this up better than what people say, and I've known it for forever. I can do anything when God helps me!
Sometimes, God calls us to do something we think is absolutely impossible. "Hey God, yeah that thing You want me to do? Uh yeah that...Umm...so I don't think I'm ready to do that. So, since You're so big and great and all, I'm just going to sit back and let someone else do it. You can get someone else to do it, right? Great, because I really don't think I can do it...so yeah. Nice chat. Bless mom and dad, my friends and family, other prayer requests etc etc and show me Your will for my life and whatever You call me to do I'll do it!" How do I know you might be praying this prayer? Because I've prayed it. WAY to many times.
About this time last year, my youth group decided to do a mission trip in August to Arlington, TX. to do put on a VBS in the mornings and a youth revival in the evenings. As time went on, my youth leader pretty much told me I was going to be the VBS director and they wanted me to lead the worship team in the evenings. I had just turned 18 and agreed only to go along with it until I found a way out of it. In May I started a new full time job. I started using that as my excuse. If I couldn't get out work for a week, then I wasn't going to go. But I never really stressed to my boss that it would be nice to get off. It was just kinda a "if it happens great, if not eh I don't really care".
I went to Camp in June and I really felt God working on me to do something. I can't tell you how many times I prayed for Him to reveal what He wanted me to do and told Him I would do it! I got back home, VBS came back up and I completely shut it down again. Finally, about two weeks before we were supposed to leave for the week, I surrendered to God and went to my boss and very meekly (with shaking legs) told her that I trusted God would find a worker to replace me for that week, because I was going on this mission trip. Thankfully I work for a church and she understood and let me go. Immediately I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders.
Over the week, I not only saw God working in my fellow students, I felt Him working in me. I realized that even though I was doing pretty good leading VBS and singing back up vocals in the praise team, I could have contributed so much more and done so much more if I had been on board following His will the entire time. My human nature and unwillingness held me back and I can tell you I suffered for it. I still learned stuff and I wouldn't trade it for anything! But I know that I missed out on so many things just because I wasn't willing to serve him.
Maybe God is telling you that there is something He wants you to do. Or maybe, He doesn't want you to do it, He just wants you to be willing to do it. Something my friend Jake said when he spoke at camp about missions, most people don't go until they hear Him tell them too. Not many people go until God tells them to stop. Maybe you have a gift for God, and an opportunity arises for you to use that talent for God. Instead of backing away, waiting for another solution to arise, be willing to step up and do it for Him! Be excited about it! Maybe all He wants you to do is be willing. He might have it in His plan for someone else to do it, but if you just sit back and wait for that to happen, You might miss out on an incredible opportunity!
My youth leader recently opened up his big mouth again and got me roped into maybe doing a really hard thing for me that could serve God. At first, I was terrified and angry that he even brought up the possibility! But then I remembered the lesson I learned last year, and decided that even if it wasn't God's will for me to do it, I would still be completely willing for Him to use me if He so chooses. I'll admit, now with the thought that with God, all things are possible, I'm super excited and I kinda hope it becomes reality.
You are never to young, or even to old, to be used by God if He is calling you. Remember, sometimes, you just have to be willing.
~1 Timothy 4:12- Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.~
Pretty much everyone has heard that at least once in their life. You're sitting down over your homework ready to give up and someone encourages you to keep going. You get involved in sports and feel like a loser, then someone pumps you up. But lately I've come across something that sums this up better than what people say, and I've known it for forever. I can do anything when God helps me!
Sometimes, God calls us to do something we think is absolutely impossible. "Hey God, yeah that thing You want me to do? Uh yeah that...Umm...so I don't think I'm ready to do that. So, since You're so big and great and all, I'm just going to sit back and let someone else do it. You can get someone else to do it, right? Great, because I really don't think I can do it...so yeah. Nice chat. Bless mom and dad, my friends and family, other prayer requests etc etc and show me Your will for my life and whatever You call me to do I'll do it!" How do I know you might be praying this prayer? Because I've prayed it. WAY to many times.
About this time last year, my youth group decided to do a mission trip in August to Arlington, TX. to do put on a VBS in the mornings and a youth revival in the evenings. As time went on, my youth leader pretty much told me I was going to be the VBS director and they wanted me to lead the worship team in the evenings. I had just turned 18 and agreed only to go along with it until I found a way out of it. In May I started a new full time job. I started using that as my excuse. If I couldn't get out work for a week, then I wasn't going to go. But I never really stressed to my boss that it would be nice to get off. It was just kinda a "if it happens great, if not eh I don't really care".
I went to Camp in June and I really felt God working on me to do something. I can't tell you how many times I prayed for Him to reveal what He wanted me to do and told Him I would do it! I got back home, VBS came back up and I completely shut it down again. Finally, about two weeks before we were supposed to leave for the week, I surrendered to God and went to my boss and very meekly (with shaking legs) told her that I trusted God would find a worker to replace me for that week, because I was going on this mission trip. Thankfully I work for a church and she understood and let me go. Immediately I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders.
Over the week, I not only saw God working in my fellow students, I felt Him working in me. I realized that even though I was doing pretty good leading VBS and singing back up vocals in the praise team, I could have contributed so much more and done so much more if I had been on board following His will the entire time. My human nature and unwillingness held me back and I can tell you I suffered for it. I still learned stuff and I wouldn't trade it for anything! But I know that I missed out on so many things just because I wasn't willing to serve him.
Maybe God is telling you that there is something He wants you to do. Or maybe, He doesn't want you to do it, He just wants you to be willing to do it. Something my friend Jake said when he spoke at camp about missions, most people don't go until they hear Him tell them too. Not many people go until God tells them to stop. Maybe you have a gift for God, and an opportunity arises for you to use that talent for God. Instead of backing away, waiting for another solution to arise, be willing to step up and do it for Him! Be excited about it! Maybe all He wants you to do is be willing. He might have it in His plan for someone else to do it, but if you just sit back and wait for that to happen, You might miss out on an incredible opportunity!
My youth leader recently opened up his big mouth again and got me roped into maybe doing a really hard thing for me that could serve God. At first, I was terrified and angry that he even brought up the possibility! But then I remembered the lesson I learned last year, and decided that even if it wasn't God's will for me to do it, I would still be completely willing for Him to use me if He so chooses. I'll admit, now with the thought that with God, all things are possible, I'm super excited and I kinda hope it becomes reality.
You are never to young, or even to old, to be used by God if He is calling you. Remember, sometimes, you just have to be willing.
~1 Timothy 4:12- Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.~
Saturday, February 11, 2012
1,100
So today I had a crazy idea. I grabbed a bunch of puzzels that totally 2,300 pieces and set out to do them all today!! Only I started them at 3:30ish, so I only made it through 4 and 1,100 pieces. It was fun and I got to spend some time with my sister.
Now I'm watching The Two Towers with my mom and sisters. Extended editions! I didn't get my homework done...but family time is more important. I can just catch up tomorrow afternoon between church and AWANA. Now Sam is giving his little speech about not giving up. :) I can quote it, but I won't do it on here today.
Now I'm watching The Two Towers with my mom and sisters. Extended editions! I didn't get my homework done...but family time is more important. I can just catch up tomorrow afternoon between church and AWANA. Now Sam is giving his little speech about not giving up. :) I can quote it, but I won't do it on here today.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Turn on the Heater!!!
I think colleges are out to destroy us.
Come on!! So many teachers, you miss one class and you have to work like crazy to catch up, there is no extra credit to be done, they are unforgiving and merciless and I totally understand that! They want to put in there time and for it to actually be beneficial to us. My deal? Why do the keep the classrooms so stinking COLD?
Today for example. Its 40 something degrees outside, its raining and overcast, and then we walk inside and its just as cold as outdoors!! What is up with that? Has anyone else noticed?
At the beginning of the school year (at least here in Texas, where its still summer in September) we go to school in our shorts and T-shirts, walk inside and its 33 degrees! We freeze!! Then in the autumn months (September-October) you can't ever tell what the temp is going to be. You walk in everyday for a week and its really warm so the following week you don't bother taking your jacket (because duh, its still warm outside and the sun is shining) and its back to just above freezing!
We're cold outside, we're cold inside, we get sick, we miss classes, we fall behind, our weakened immunity system gets sick at little stuff and we have to miss more classes, we get a horrible grade in the class not because we aren't working hard and want to succeed, we're just so SICK! The key to surviving college? Not reading, not sleep, not adequate food, its not getting sick. Sleep and food just help you not to get sick. Cause pretty much if you get sick you're screwed.
Alrighty...so there is my rant for the day! Sorry, just tired of sitting in cold seats for an hour! By the time I warm and comfortable I have to go to another class where my seat is cold again. Anyway, here's to you! Hope you stay healthy this winter!!!
~John 11:35- Jesus wept.~
(Yeah...Jesus wept because there is no hope for us college students...haha! :)
Come on!! So many teachers, you miss one class and you have to work like crazy to catch up, there is no extra credit to be done, they are unforgiving and merciless and I totally understand that! They want to put in there time and for it to actually be beneficial to us. My deal? Why do the keep the classrooms so stinking COLD?
Today for example. Its 40 something degrees outside, its raining and overcast, and then we walk inside and its just as cold as outdoors!! What is up with that? Has anyone else noticed?
At the beginning of the school year (at least here in Texas, where its still summer in September) we go to school in our shorts and T-shirts, walk inside and its 33 degrees! We freeze!! Then in the autumn months (September-October) you can't ever tell what the temp is going to be. You walk in everyday for a week and its really warm so the following week you don't bother taking your jacket (because duh, its still warm outside and the sun is shining) and its back to just above freezing!
We're cold outside, we're cold inside, we get sick, we miss classes, we fall behind, our weakened immunity system gets sick at little stuff and we have to miss more classes, we get a horrible grade in the class not because we aren't working hard and want to succeed, we're just so SICK! The key to surviving college? Not reading, not sleep, not adequate food, its not getting sick. Sleep and food just help you not to get sick. Cause pretty much if you get sick you're screwed.
Alrighty...so there is my rant for the day! Sorry, just tired of sitting in cold seats for an hour! By the time I warm and comfortable I have to go to another class where my seat is cold again. Anyway, here's to you! Hope you stay healthy this winter!!!
~John 11:35- Jesus wept.~
(Yeah...Jesus wept because there is no hope for us college students...haha! :)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Algebra=Unknown!!!!!!!
I just have one question about algebra, why do there have to be so many stinking unknowns?????? I mean really...with all the "let x be 4 and y be 72", we have to guess half of the problem!!! And somehow it all comes out correct no matter how you put it? Maybe I'm just to practical minded but that just doesn't add up! And why is it needed for a basic college degree? How on earth are we going to be using slope intercepts and graphing and 45x<1y and goodness knows what else if we are having a music degree? Or if we're going into business math. Wouldn't it be simpler to have a BASIC math class for a BASIC degree? We may never use some of this stuff and unless we're going for something specific, how about we cover just basics? How to calculate expenses, percentages, stuff like that that everyone needs to know! Might make filing our taxes easier because we can figure out all that stuff on our own instead of having our heads filled with x and y graphs and so many unknowns where we make up half of our answers.
Yes, I am struggling with this class and I absolutely hate it. I think my mind is to practical and I can't except not having all the variables and making up my own. Can't stand it!
~Isaiah 60:1- Arise, shine; for they light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.~
Yes, I am struggling with this class and I absolutely hate it. I think my mind is to practical and I can't except not having all the variables and making up my own. Can't stand it!
~Isaiah 60:1- Arise, shine; for they light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.~
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Beauty
Today I woke up at 6am like normal, went through my morning routine and left my house at 7am to something beautiful.
The sky was a perfect periwinkle blue, the morning clouds shades of pink, orange and purple that I can't even describe. Looking to the right before I pulled out of my neighborhood, I saw a perfect full moon, the biggest I've ever seen it, still hanging low in the sky. It was no longer while, but was a mix of orange and red.
I hated the fact I had to hurry to school and along the 20 minute ride I saw all the signs of the pure beauty of the morning disappearing. It began to get brighter, more cars came out and the pretty colors were replaced by the yellow sunbeams.
But all this came back to me as I left work tonight heading to church. It was just as pretty as this morning, and when I left church to head home, the brilliant white moon was once again glowing in the dark .
How often do we take these things for granted? The sun and moon switch places everyday; always have, always will. How often do we slow down our lives to just look at the beauty surrounding us? Our eyes are focused on the road, on traffic symbols and little tiny glowing screens. We are to busy hitting the mall, pouring over our books, wasting hours at the computer or at work to notice the simple beauty that is the world around us.
Here's a challenge to anyone who reads this, whenever you read this. Wake up early sometime and watch the sunrise, or clear your evening to watch the sunset. I know its February and its kinda cold out there...but take some blankets, a cup of tea or whatever you want to keep you warm, and just take in the beauty that we so often take for granted.
I'm so thankful for my morning drives to school...between that, my music from Christian station KVNE, I am reminded of how truly awesome our God is!
~Genesis 1:16-18- God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good.~
The sky was a perfect periwinkle blue, the morning clouds shades of pink, orange and purple that I can't even describe. Looking to the right before I pulled out of my neighborhood, I saw a perfect full moon, the biggest I've ever seen it, still hanging low in the sky. It was no longer while, but was a mix of orange and red.
I hated the fact I had to hurry to school and along the 20 minute ride I saw all the signs of the pure beauty of the morning disappearing. It began to get brighter, more cars came out and the pretty colors were replaced by the yellow sunbeams.
But all this came back to me as I left work tonight heading to church. It was just as pretty as this morning, and when I left church to head home, the brilliant white moon was once again glowing in the dark .
How often do we take these things for granted? The sun and moon switch places everyday; always have, always will. How often do we slow down our lives to just look at the beauty surrounding us? Our eyes are focused on the road, on traffic symbols and little tiny glowing screens. We are to busy hitting the mall, pouring over our books, wasting hours at the computer or at work to notice the simple beauty that is the world around us.
Here's a challenge to anyone who reads this, whenever you read this. Wake up early sometime and watch the sunrise, or clear your evening to watch the sunset. I know its February and its kinda cold out there...but take some blankets, a cup of tea or whatever you want to keep you warm, and just take in the beauty that we so often take for granted.
I'm so thankful for my morning drives to school...between that, my music from Christian station KVNE, I am reminded of how truly awesome our God is!
~Genesis 1:16-18- God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good.~
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Finding a New Normal
Finding a new normal is something we all hate doing.
Yesterday I came home to find out that my moms new job had moved her from part-time to full-time. This means that she'll have to work pretty much every night and 2 Sundays, then 1 off. This is going to be hard for us because we've already had to get used to a new normal with her schedule and just as we started getting into that habit...it changes again.
This means now 4 of 5 of us have jobs, 3 of us have school to balance, my youngest sister just decided to pull herself out of volleyball because of a knee injury and has to have therapy. I'm learning to live with some of my own physical problems, my dad is dealing with the fact he's getting older and its harder for him to do his job. I'm starting being tutored in math tonight, so that will take me out of the house for some nights.
My parents lead the music in our church, so that means now I will be required to step in for my mom on most Sundays, which is something I'm a little scared to do. I don't think my piano skills are up to par in order to do it...but there isn't much choice.
Our normal is going to be changing a lot in the months to come. And honestly I don't like it. No one likes change, and especially not ones that come so close together. So we go, embarking on this new normal.
~Matthew 28:20- Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.~
Yesterday I came home to find out that my moms new job had moved her from part-time to full-time. This means that she'll have to work pretty much every night and 2 Sundays, then 1 off. This is going to be hard for us because we've already had to get used to a new normal with her schedule and just as we started getting into that habit...it changes again.
This means now 4 of 5 of us have jobs, 3 of us have school to balance, my youngest sister just decided to pull herself out of volleyball because of a knee injury and has to have therapy. I'm learning to live with some of my own physical problems, my dad is dealing with the fact he's getting older and its harder for him to do his job. I'm starting being tutored in math tonight, so that will take me out of the house for some nights.
My parents lead the music in our church, so that means now I will be required to step in for my mom on most Sundays, which is something I'm a little scared to do. I don't think my piano skills are up to par in order to do it...but there isn't much choice.
Our normal is going to be changing a lot in the months to come. And honestly I don't like it. No one likes change, and especially not ones that come so close together. So we go, embarking on this new normal.
~Matthew 28:20- Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.~
Monday, February 6, 2012
Brown Cinnamon
Hey all!
So today I decided to try and dye my hair with a friend of mine. We went with a temporary dye because while I really want a change in my hair I don't want it to be something crazy or something that is going to last for a freaky long time! So we went with the brown cinnamon. As it turns out, because my hair is so dark there wasn't enough of a color to make that much of a difference in my hair color. So now I have some very dry hair with just a slight change in the coloring. But it was a fun experiment!! I can now say that I have dyed my hair! And if I ever try it again I am going to be going for a vivid red color and see what I end up with! The plus side of this is that in a week it will all be gone.
Today was a mix of ups and downs. I had an algebra test this morning (don't ask how it went...I'm scared to find out), got back a test I took in Sociology last week (made a 101, I was extremely pleased with myself!) and had a super fun time in Sociology and Psychology with a fairly good time in English!
If you ever want to make people look at you weirdly, try these things in your school hallway! (Or Wal*Mart)
1. Make eye contact and walk with your head up
2. Even weirder...say hi!!
3. Sing some of Tolkien's songs in the hallway and your classroom.
4. Start fingering through some piano songs on your desk while humming the tune. (Or strum your air guitar or any other instrument that you have, just practice the fingering!!)
5. Get in the elevator and stay facing the other riders and smile
6. Greet your professor with a loud good morning!!
7. Skip around
8. Strike up a random conversation with the person sitting or standing next to you in class or the hallway, they might be really cool!
So this has absolutely nothing to do with anything...just a random list I came up with! Today I managed to do 5 of these things today at school. It was pretty fun!!
Just try smiling at someone today or tomorrow, a smile is the only universal language! Spread it!
~I Corinthians 1:27- But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.~
So today I decided to try and dye my hair with a friend of mine. We went with a temporary dye because while I really want a change in my hair I don't want it to be something crazy or something that is going to last for a freaky long time! So we went with the brown cinnamon. As it turns out, because my hair is so dark there wasn't enough of a color to make that much of a difference in my hair color. So now I have some very dry hair with just a slight change in the coloring. But it was a fun experiment!! I can now say that I have dyed my hair! And if I ever try it again I am going to be going for a vivid red color and see what I end up with! The plus side of this is that in a week it will all be gone.
Today was a mix of ups and downs. I had an algebra test this morning (don't ask how it went...I'm scared to find out), got back a test I took in Sociology last week (made a 101, I was extremely pleased with myself!) and had a super fun time in Sociology and Psychology with a fairly good time in English!
If you ever want to make people look at you weirdly, try these things in your school hallway! (Or Wal*Mart)
1. Make eye contact and walk with your head up
2. Even weirder...say hi!!
3. Sing some of Tolkien's songs in the hallway and your classroom.
4. Start fingering through some piano songs on your desk while humming the tune. (Or strum your air guitar or any other instrument that you have, just practice the fingering!!)
5. Get in the elevator and stay facing the other riders and smile
6. Greet your professor with a loud good morning!!
7. Skip around
8. Strike up a random conversation with the person sitting or standing next to you in class or the hallway, they might be really cool!
So this has absolutely nothing to do with anything...just a random list I came up with! Today I managed to do 5 of these things today at school. It was pretty fun!!
Just try smiling at someone today or tomorrow, a smile is the only universal language! Spread it!
~I Corinthians 1:27- But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.~
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Once Upon a Time
Once Upon a Time...
Don't ask me why I decided to use once upon a time as my first title, it just seemed like a fun idea. Growing up lots of our favorite stories started with once upon a time. Those words seem promising, like a great adventure is coming and we will want to hear it over and over again.
Life isn't exactly a fairy tale...but it is an adventure!
I decided to start this in case some teen or young adult happens to stumbling upon it and wouldn't mind reading it. As I said, life is an adventure, and we as teens and young adults are about to embark on the greatest one every: growing up! Maybe someone needs to read about someone else struggling along in life as well just so they know they aren't alone. I know I often feel like I am the only person in the universe who is going through what I'm going through at this point in time, but then I have to remind myself that I'm not alone. I know you others are out there as well, so here's to you!
You're not alone on this big scary adventure called life!!
Maybe only one person will ever read this...maybe no one will. But at least its out here. And also it gives me an outlet to have my thoughts out there.
I plan on updating once a day with at least a little something. Anything from music or movie reviews, to a lesson I learned, to a thought I had, just ramblings on stuff or just encouraging words. I'll also be posting a Bible verse at the end of every blog.
Today's is the main text from my Pastors sermon in church today. Paul talks about running a race and how we shouldn't quit.
~Philippians 3:14- I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.~
Don't ask me why I decided to use once upon a time as my first title, it just seemed like a fun idea. Growing up lots of our favorite stories started with once upon a time. Those words seem promising, like a great adventure is coming and we will want to hear it over and over again.
Life isn't exactly a fairy tale...but it is an adventure!
I decided to start this in case some teen or young adult happens to stumbling upon it and wouldn't mind reading it. As I said, life is an adventure, and we as teens and young adults are about to embark on the greatest one every: growing up! Maybe someone needs to read about someone else struggling along in life as well just so they know they aren't alone. I know I often feel like I am the only person in the universe who is going through what I'm going through at this point in time, but then I have to remind myself that I'm not alone. I know you others are out there as well, so here's to you!
You're not alone on this big scary adventure called life!!
Maybe only one person will ever read this...maybe no one will. But at least its out here. And also it gives me an outlet to have my thoughts out there.
I plan on updating once a day with at least a little something. Anything from music or movie reviews, to a lesson I learned, to a thought I had, just ramblings on stuff or just encouraging words. I'll also be posting a Bible verse at the end of every blog.
Today's is the main text from my Pastors sermon in church today. Paul talks about running a race and how we shouldn't quit.
~Philippians 3:14- I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.~
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