Life Is Good

~Isaiah 61:11~





~Psalm 97:11~





~John 7:37-38~

Not What My Hands Have Done

It was the saddest thing you've ever seen. He looked so pitiful, but no one acknowledged him. His clothes were torn, old, and dirty. His face was sunken from starvation, and his legs were too weak to carry him any further. There he sat, on the side of the dusty road, watching the crowd as it past by. The sun beat down upon his bare back, making his sunburns crack and bleed when he moved. You wouldn't know he was in pain though. His once dark, gleaming, and mysterious eyes were now red and bloodshot from lack of water. He licked his lips, trying to sooth the small cuts that blistered from the dry heat. Patiently, he sat, waiting for someone to stop. His faith and hope could have driven him onward, but his body failed him. His sight went blurry, his head burned with pain, and then he collapsed. But right before it all seemed to fade away, he saw her. He couldn't decide if it was real or just a dream. And the, he lost all sight, pain, and consciousness.

She picked him up as gently as a mother would her newborn child. When she walked, carrying him in her arms, it was as if she flawlessly glided across the ground. Her eyes were captivating. They glowed with a warm loving light. Her face radiant with beauty. She ran her cool fingers across his tinder forehead, brushing his matted hair from his pitiful face. She gazed at him with a curious wonder in her eyes. Smiling slightly, she held him closer and took off. She ran with grace delicacy. Her soft feet hit the ground with a soothing pace. The world flew by in a dizzying blur. In no time at all, she began to slow down as she approached her destination. Stepping across the marble threshold of the house, she spoke. Her voice was like a sweet melody that will forever repeat itself in your head. Words poured off her tongue like water running down a riverbed. Her breath smelled of honey and peonies.

Startled, he tried to discover where the noise came from. It seemed to surround him, wrapping him in a soothing embrace. He tried to find a pattern in the noise, but it kept changing. Right when he was about to give up, it stopped. Confused, he listened harder. Louder than before, it started again. This time it was almost overwhelming. At that moment it made perfect sense. It was no song to entertain, but a command. Excitement grew quickly inside him. Wanting so badly to call out and answer, it almost drove him crazy. That's when he started to burn. This burning was like the hot, throbbing, pain one gets when thawing from the cold. It seemed like forever before the pain subsided, but when it did, he was more than grateful.

She sat silently now, waiting. Her face still showed no sign of worry. She gazed at the young boy, as if he was perfect. Her eyes gleamed with love for him. It seemed like she had known him his entire life. Her patience never wavered. Slowly, touching his hand, she spoke to him. His face, which was tense from pain, softened when she spoke.

It was then when he could understand it all. It was her voice he heard. Her voice and words soothed both his body and soul. A new energy ran through his veins. He began to realize the power she had over him. When he was fully conscious again, he had been completely healed. Not only was he cured, but he wasn't hungry or thirsty. He had no need. He couldn't find the words to express his gratitude for what she gave him – new life. He had nothing to give her in return. But when he looked her in the eyes, he knew it didn't matter. She had chosen him. All she asked for was love and respect, which was all he had. With her strength, he never again doubted that he would be alone, hurt, judged or imperfect.

April Fool's Day Prank

So on April Fool's Day, a couple of my friends and I wanted to pull a prank on some other friends of ours. This is what we texted to them:

"Please pray....bek was running and got swiped by a car crossing the road. In ER they r stitching her leg."


This is actually MY leg in the photo with fake blood on it by my friend's car. When they received the text, they all believed it and were pretty mad when I called them saying, "April Fool's!" Since then, I have had to promise never to play such a mean trick again...that is, until next year. =)

27 is my favorite number. And that's a random fact.

1. I believe laughter is the best medicine.

2. Mushrooms should not have been created.

3. Competition is fun.

4. I have a fear of deep water.

5. I love my million dollar view from my bedroom window.

6. I speak in spoonerisms all the time.

7. Children fascinate me.

8. I wish I had a time-turner like Hermione in Harry Potter.

9. My first hamster died in my hands no more than 5 minutes after I got him.

10. My favorite color is green.

11. I can't stand toothpaste tubes/bottles with a flip lid.

12. Spiders are demons.

13. I LOVE flowers.

14. Thunderstorms are refreshing.

15. I have a weakness for dark chocolate.

16. I proposed to the piano man at my Aunt's wedding. Don't worry, I was 4.

17. My favorite girl name is Lillian.

18. The Italians and Greeks know how to cook.

19. Christian Siriano rocks my world.

20. I'm a child of God.

21. I don't like crying in public.

22. I have lost count of my nicknames.

23. I love deeply.

24. Johnny Depp is a cool guy.

25. Can't stand traffic.

26. I can remember what you were wearing the day a met you.

27. I want to travel. Anywhere but here is fine with me.

I had a dream..

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night crying because of a dream you just had? I have. Normally it's because the dream had to do with the death or sickness of a family member or a friend. But not this time. I've never had a dream like this before....

There I was, sitting on top of a hill where a breeze blew the grass, making the long blades appear like flowing water. The view from where I sat was magnificent. The green rolling hills were below me, and the blue mountains towered above them, creating a beautiful horizon. There was no sun. But there was a soft, warm, buttery light cast over everything I could see. As I looked beyond the mountains, the world seemed at peace. For a while I was satisfied just sitting there admiring the splendor. But sooner than I hoped, I found myself coming back to reality. I was just a girl - an unsatisfied, incapable, sinful, hopeless, jealous, broken, burdened, confused girl. While I sat there pondering all the cons about myself and my life, the world seemed to darken. All of the sudden, feeling like someone was watching me, I turn around. There He was, walking up the hill towards me. He didn't stop. He continued climbing the hill until He stood right in front of me. Confused as to why He hasn't said a word, I look up at Him. Still not speaking, He looks down at me, making eye contact. As I look into His eyes, I become overwhelmed. I instantly knew why He didn't speak. His eyes spoke louder than thunder in a storm. They were filled with love, pity, comfort, assurance, blessings, promises, truth, wisdom, forgiveness, acceptance, strength, satisfaction, healing, gentleness, perfection, and breathtaking beauty. They drew me to tears. As my vision blurred, I buried my head in my hands and broke. At once, He reached down and picked me up, gently standing me on my feet. He brushed my hair out of my face before carefully wiping away the tears from my eyes. When I could see again, I realized who He was - my Savior. Overwhelmed with joy, love, and awe, I fall to my knees crying. This time He took my hand. I glanced up at Him to find Him smiling down at me. My mind seemed to be washed clear of all the things, I had no longer than a few moments ago, thought about. In His eyes I was perfect. He was completely satisfied with me.....

It's been a while hasn't it?

Wow! I haven't blogged in months. Sorry. This semester has been pretty hard. I'm getting ready to graduate and go to college, and the fact that my family is moving to Georgia has been hard to wrap my mind around.
There are so many thoughts and emotions running through me right now, it's sometimes hard to focus on the tasks at hand. Because of this, I'm learning to cast my burdens, anxieties, and pains on Christ. He came to save me from them, and to carry them all myself is saying I don't need Christ. Without Him I would have no hope in this life or the next. Because of what he has done for me, I can live with hope of what is to come.
I have also been learning to be free. By this I mean, not take on burdens, tasks, and responsibilities that are not mine to take. This has been very hard for me, but with strength from my savior, I will overcome it! Not to long ago I tasted that sense of freedom - no worries, no burdens,and no pain. Now you could say I'm addicted. I've got the love of my creator, and that's all I need in this life. I don't have to be afraid of letting go, being myself, and having fun. Life isn't always serious. I don't have to worry myself crazy over what other people think of me, or how and why they judge me. In God's sight, I'm perfect and holy because of His son, and that's what should truly matter.

Just thought I would share this...

I wrote a paper a while back, and H thought I should share it..So, here it is. Enjoy!




It Changed My Life

When my little sister, Mary, was only six years old, she had a massive cerebral hemorrhage that removed her ability to speak or use her entire right side. This was a traumatizing event. Not only was I shocked by it, but I was majorly affected long term. Three notable effects it had on me were my being taught the importance of assisting others, my learning to accept help from the community and church, and my deeper dependence on God for help.

When my sister was in the hospital, I learned how to assist others in time of need. I saw my family broken because of Mary's emergency. My parents sacrificed many things to help her recover. When I saw them expending themselves, it made me feel as if I needed to give, too. But there wasn't much I thought I could do - I was only eleven. Then I realized that, no matter what form help came in, it would always be appreciated. So, I dedicated myself to comforting and taking care of my other siblings. Because my parents were almost always at the hospital, I became a nanny for my baby sister, a best friend to my big sister, and a comforter to my younger sister, who took Mary's situation the hardest. I began to understand like never before when to help, comfort, love, and pray for them. I now care very deeply for others and strive to serve them to the best of my abilities.

Additionally, accepting help from the community and church was a new experience for me. While learning how to care for others, I noticed the church embracing and praying for us and the community assisting us through the hardest times. Consequently, I came to the realization that I didn't have to do everything myself, and I wasn't the only one who cared. I learned how to rely on both the community and church for support for both me and my family. People from all over the country were calling, helping, and encouraging us. I was comforted knowing that we didn't have to go through this sad situation all on our own. I realized the value of being a part of such a community and determined to participate with them in serving others. Because of my sister's stroke, I am now a member of the church and enjoy assisting families and friends in need.

Most importantly, this traumatic circumstance renewed my dependence upon God for help. When I saw Mary lying in the hospital bed, unable to talk or move her right side, my spirit was broken. I wanted to second-guess my belief in God and His graciousness. I wondered why this horrible thing could happen to anyone, especially to my very own sister. I remember finding myself many times on my knees praying even when I doubted everything I believed. I needed comfort and strength during those many weeks before Mary improved. When she survived the surgery, it was a miracle before my eyes. Though I didn't realize it at the time, the only reason I was comforted and she was healed was because of God. Seeing her improve so rapidly made my faith grow rapidly stronger. I realize now that all things come from God. Everything that happens, happens because God appoints it. I also now realize that He has a purpose for everything He does. I know that He grants His people help, eternal love, comfort, strength, and perfect truth, even when they don't ask for or deserve it. His comfort and care surpass all others'. Seeing my sister on the hospital bed, completely dependent upon help from others and God's grace, made me realize I needed to be the same way with God – forever relying on Him for strength and help. Her stroke caused me to understand that God's steadfast love and faithfulness is all I need to survive because I know He will provide for me, even in death. I know now that not only Mary couldn't live without Him, but neither could I.

My little sister's stroke shaped my development in significant ways. Though the journey through it all was hard, sad, and painful, the effects in the end were for my betterment; I matured in ways I might not have otherwise - I learned the importance of assisting others, how to accept help from others, and, ultimately, how to rest upon God.

A late night = "thirstysomething" man, and a HUGE quiche <3

It was a girls' night. That's probably all I have to say! But I will expand a bit for those who don't understand the title. For those of you who know this story, sit back and remember the good times!
So, one Friday night, G and I went to stay the night at Callie's house. We hadn't had dinner yet, and we arrived late. When we got there we found out that Callie, Abby, and Rachel had all waited for us to come before they even started cooking dinner!! Therefore, we were all starving. So, Callie had a genius idea - we'd make some quiche. We figured it would cook fast, so we made TONS. Let me tell you, we did NOT use a recipe! We were all saying, "Aw, it can't be that hard!" So we cracked one dozen eggs, chopped four huge potatoes, broke burning hot bacon, used two cups of milk, and what looked like too much salt and pepper. The pie dish was full to the brim. Callie attempted to transfer the dish to the oven but not without spilling some of it on the way. Triumph! It was in the oven and cooking. All we had to do now was wait. So, while we waited, we turn on some music, goofed off, decided on what else we were going to do do that night, etc. About 15-20 minutes later, Callie remembered the quiche! We run over to the oven to look at our dinner......We started laughing. The quiche was HUGE! We had forgotten eggs poof up when they're cooked! We made the largest quiche we had ever seen! Callie removed the pan from the oven and set it on top of the stove, accidentally sticking the iron frying pan handle (which was on the stove) into our quiche! It was SO funny! Then when we started serving it, we realized that we forgot crust! Again, we started laughing. We each take a bite - no flavor. We start laughing again. We were so hungry we didn't really care, so we begin to scarf it down. But this is when Callie makes an absolutely hysterical comment about our dinner, causing G to spew her food all over the table, including on Abby's food. You guessed, we were laughing again. Abby had to get a new plate and slice of quiche, while G cleaned up her food off the table. Next we decided to watch a movie. We were all reading the back of the movie, and we came across a word that none of us recognized - "thirstysomething man". After reading the word 100 times and trying to guess what it meant, I pick up the movie one last time and read the word. We were reading it wrong all along! What it really said was, "thirtysomething man". Laughing at our stupidity, we watched the movie to end our long funny night...
I didn't really do the story justice because there was too much to write about. But I did my best! I will say I had to stop typing occasionally to laugh! Good times! I love you girls! <3>

class canceled & a good book...or four :)

So last night I was informed that my only class this morning was canceled. Where the average teen would rejoice over the fact that school was canceled, I reacted differently. Yes, I was looking forward to going to class this morning. I ended up getting an extra 30minutes of sleep, dropping off my sister for her classes and seeing some friends. So, I guess you could say that it made up for the late cancellation notice. When I got home I realized that with and extra hour and 45minutes now added to my day, I could get finished with my leftover home work faster. Yay! After finishing my work at record speed, (at MY record speed) I decided to get started an a new book.
Nancy had let me borrow her new "Twilight" book after watching the movie twice in one evening. It was like Christmas. As soon as a got home from her house, I started on the book. It took me about ten hours to read it. Of course I didn't read it all in one sitting, just most of it. :) After what seemed to be a LONG weekend, Nancy brought me the second book- "New Moon". I couldn't wait to get started. So naturally, I raced home and dived into it. (Note that ALL home work was taken care of BEFORE receiving it.) Yet again, I finished the second book in my own record time- 10 hours. I'm not as fast at reading as Nancy is. She claims to be able to read the entire "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (which has 626 pages) in four hours. :) I don't know how she does it. ANYWAY, I was at her house again yesterday, and she gave me the last two books of Twilight. All that to say, I'm already on the third and TOTALLY in love with Edward Cullen- the vampire. Let this be a warning to the fainthearted, weak stomached, emotional, gullible, and average girl- ONCE YOU PICK THE BOOK UP, YOU WILL NOT PUT IT DOWN! That saying, I'm going to be responsible and clean my room, and THEN I will devour "Eclipse".

Paint, Sweets, & a Day with Lil'Sis..

So, last week I told my littlest sister that I would try to find time and play with her. Well, here it is a week later, and I just got around to it. Terrible huh? After I got home from class this morning and finished my homework, I got out the paints.
Mim and I painted for a few hours. Well, at least I did. She gave up after about 45 minutes of it. While I continued to sit there in the kitchen and paint, she proceeded to go help herself to the OLD Christmas candy. I didn't say anything about it but watched her from the corner of my eye. She came back to the table with the candy she had chosen, which was the largest lollipop I have ever seen. She quickly reminded me that I had bought it for her for Christmas last year, and she hadn't finished it yet. I commented saying, "oh, wow!" and waited to see if she was going to ask if she could eat it or not. Of course she didn't ask! When I was her age I probably wouldn't have asked either. I guess because Mom wasn't at home, she figured it was ok to have some. I think she noticed me watching and waiting, so she started talking in a teenager voice about how she would have to sit there all year and lick the lollipop because it was simply to big to put in her mouth, and there was no way she could bite it because it was way too hard. I couldn't help myself. I burst out laughing. I knew that she was trying to keep me from telling her she couldn't have it, while also trying to be "cool". I happened to be right, because as soon as she heard Mom pull up in the drive way, she immediately wrapped up the sucker, put it away, and started acting 7 again.
When Mom walked in and asked us what we'd been doing, Mim said, "We've just been paintin'.." I kept my mouth shut and didn't correct her. I'm sure she thanks me for it too, because come to find out, she had cake and part of a candy cane earlier that day. If I had been a tattletale, she might not have gotten that EXTRA slice of chocolate cake after dinner...All that to say, I had a blast today Mim! (even though you're not old enough to read this) Oh, and sorry Mom for not telling you..I hope you understand. :)

party!

For the past week and a half, I've been helping plan a surprise 18th birthday party for one of my close friends (Nancy Drew). My friend KK and I were in charge of the decorations. So after we decided on a few ideas and colors for the party, she and I went shopping. It was a bit insane! We kept thinking that Nancy would show up all of the sudden and see what we were doing. If we weren't careful, she would have figured everything out. So, KK and I did the decoration shopping. I ended up taking home all of the supplies. Therefore, I made all the decorations (with some help from my awesome sisters). The entire week, not one person mentioned the party. Everyone told Nancy that they had to work this weekend, or were going out of town. I even put together another surprise party for her ON the day of her birthday, so she would assume that there wouldn't be anything else. It was great.

So the day of the real party came. It was crazy! over 50 people were going to be at this party! So, I arrive at the house, where we were having the party, at 2:45 pm. The people were supposed to start showing up at 5:30pm. We had to cook all kinds of food, set up decorations, and get the HUGE water slide running. (I was the biggest party I think I have ever attended, other than a wedding!) Here I am, sweaty, dirty, and nervous, trying to get things in order and the guests start arriving 45 minutes early! I'm freaking out a bit. It's ok though, we're just about ready, I think. No, we're not close, there's food and decorations that still need to be fixed! AH!

Only ten minutes before Nancy arrives blindfolded, was I able to go change and welcome everyone. When Nancy arrived, we told everyone to surround the car and not make a noise. Nancy stepped out of the car blindfolded. She was told to remove her blindfold, and as soon as she did, we all yelled, "SURPRISE!" It was perfect- she had no idea!

The party got started. There was music and games, and watter everywhere. All the guys were covered from head to toe in mud and grass. Everyone ate and had a good time. After the cake was cut and served, it was present time.

I had to leave the party early, because I was dog sitting and had to let the doggies out. So, I have no clue what gifts were given of how the party ended. But I'm sure I was a whole lot of fun!
My sister, G, took a ton of pictures, so hopefully I can post some pics of the party later..

a bit crazy..

Today has been quite a crazy day. At least for me. Not only did I have classes, but I also had errands and papers due.
After class, I had to go to the post office and see if a book I ordered had arrived. I had been needing this book for about 4 days now, and it still had not come in. My wish came true today-it was finally here! Now, I had to go home, read 40 pages, write and edit a paper on it, AND turn the paper in!
After reading, writing, and editing, I get ready to turn my paper in, but the laptop I was using won't connect to the site! So, I sign into my e-mail and start downloading the document. I go down stairs and pull up the site. I go back upstairs and find the document won't download! So, I do the copy and paste thing and e-mail it to myself. I go BACK downstairs to receive the email and find I can't log into my e-mail. I go BACK upstairs and log out. (you guessed..) I go BACK down stairs and sign in. FINALLY!
I received my e-mail, and was FINALLY able to turn in my paper. Looking back on it, I realize there was a much easier way to do this. Such as, taking the laptop down stairs with me the FIRST time to prevent all my running back and forth.

A piece of me

I never really wanted a blog until some family and friends got theirs.  But eventually I gave in (as you can see!) So here begins my first blog! 

My last first day of high school was last Wednesday.  It hadn't really sunk in till just about today.  For the most part, I'm quite excited about this school year.  I was really looking forward to seeing my friends at classes until I realized that I will have only two classes with those friends. The rest of my classes will be at the community colleges in the neighboring counties.  This, I think, is going to be hard for me to get used to.  I'm trusting in my Lord and Savior to help me through it and countless other things.  I'm looking to Him to walk with me every step of my life. <3