Sunday, December 9, 2012

Digging to Find Me




Have you ever thought that you were incomplete without a cute pair of shoes, or a shirt that was flattering to your figure? Well, if you had asked me yesterday I would have smiled and gushed, "No! Of course not! I am complete in Christ and I know that." But today I found out that I wasn't. I realized I couldn't stand to let my friends see me unless my hair was perfectly in place and I was wearing something either a) new b) flattering or c) colorful. When had I become this person that was addicted to the outside stuff? I couldn't be just ME anymore. Shoes, clothes and hair had become an idol without me even realizing.

So I am writing so that you don't fall into the same trap I have. You may not even see it coming. Don't let this beauty idol be accepted because your just a "teen girl that wants to be pretty". I know you have probably heard this about a million times, but please listen "YOU are beautiful." No I'm not talking about those hot heels you wore yesterday. Those shoes aren't you. Your dazzling smile, your kind words, your compassionate heart. That's YOU. Please don't let this dark world brainwash you from that concept.

Yep, I'm gonna have to dig myself out of this ugly trap... But its worth it, because I will find the beautiful person God has created me to be. I also know, I am not alone. God isn't gonna leave me in this mess. He's right at my side helping me get out of this one. So goodbye all. I need to dig beneath all the shoes and hair and clothes and curves to find ME again.


Monday, September 24, 2012

"Acts of God"


Too many times when bad things happen we immediatly point our fingers at God, asking where He is and why He isn't helping us. Why do we rarely ever thank Him when good things happen? I mean, how often when we hear about a terrible hurricane, we whisper a, 'God, please help them'. Then when we walk outside and it's a beautiful day, we don't even take the time to say 'Thank you Jesus'. This video talks about those "Acts of God" that may enter our lives. I really hope you enjoy the humor and the message behind it.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

If You Really Knew Me



Now before you read this post I would like you to watch the entire video. Late one night, I saw this video and my heart broke. But I kept watching knowing that at the end she would hold up a card that said, "God changed me. He healed my brokeness." I waited and waited at the edge of my seat for the card... but it never came. Never. I couldn't believe that Cassie thought she would have to go her entire life broken, a mess, complicated, misunderstood etc. She said, she would just have to get used to it. In her mind, that's where her story ended.

But Cassie isn't some make believe girl on the Internet. She lives across the street from you. She's two seats behind you in math class. She bags your groceries. Do you not see her pain? Can't you see past the plastic masks she holds up? Cassies all around the world are crying out for help! You can help them. You have the hope that they are looking for. You have Jesus. That is the only thing that can save them. You and me hold the key to Life. So please, please! I am pleading with you to no longer sit in your computer chairs while the world is dying! You are the Change, the Hope and Life. Find a way to show others Life through Christ. Stand up for those who are being bullied. Become friends with the outcasts. Raise awareness about people like Cassie. Pray for the Cassies.

But maybe as you are sitting in your computer chair you think, "but I am Cassie...." You are not alone. I have a past, I used to be a Cassie. I used to Cut. I couldn't handle my life, so I Cut. The pain inside of me overflowed to the outside in the form of Cutting.  It was the only way I thought I could release the pain. I tried to stop, but it just seemed impossible. I was suddenly entrapped in a vicious cycle I couldn't get out of.  I found myself going back to it again and again.  Then someone cared enough to come clean with me about the path I was headed down.  So I finally stopped, but the hurt inside didn't. I would cry myself to sleep. I used to scream at night, wanting so badly to get a scissors in my hand. Then in the midst of my brokeness Jesus entered in. There is Life and Hope in Jesus Christ. I was so afraid I would be lost in that world forever. But He saved me.
Please contact me: we have a page called Lean on Me. You can post there and I can give you my help and prayers. Remember: "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair; out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on solid ground, and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:1-3.

Friday, August 10, 2012

It Could Have Been You.

I've really wanted to write a post about the shooting in Aurora, Colorado, and the shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, but I couldn't until now. I don't even know how to start or where to begin. When I heard about what happened in Aurora, I was immediately in tears and my heart bled for the victims and their families. The shooting that happened on opening night of "The Dark Knight Rise" in Aurora, Colorado, is one of the worst mass-shootings of U.S. history. 71 were wounded, and there were at least 12 deaths. What am I even to say about this crazy upside down world? The victims were not special people that lived abnormal lives. They were people just like you and me, who went to see a thrilling movie and it turned into a horror show. You can look anywhere over the web and hear countless stories of victims, heroes and eulogies. Some of them shot were children, mothers, fathers, spouses, brothers, sisters, boyfriends, girlfriends etc. It could have been you. It could have been me.

Then I found out just this Sunday that there was a shooting just ten minutes from my house. It was in a Sikh temple, and left 7 dead and 3 injured... To them it was just another church service. Another day you had to get up extra early for church. Smash some breakfast in your face, and pile in the car as your parents speed to church. Meanwhile you pray in the backseat that they won't get another speeding ticket again. You think its another crazy Sunday, just like any other, and in a blink of an eye, you realize it could be your last... It could have been you. It could have been me

Do not take your life for granted. Never. Remember tomorrow is not promised to you. Enjoy the little things. Take time to play with your little sister. Tell your dad you love him. Take your dog for a walk. Take a walk with God. Life is so fragile. There may be no tomorrow. So please don't get into fights with those you love about trivial things. Because when the curtain falls, and your life is done, what can be said about it? How many souls did you save? How was your relationship with God? I'm begging you! Do something with the life God has given you!

I would also like to remind you to please, please, pray for those still in the hospital or recovering from injuries. Also pray for the families of the victims that have been wounded or died in these horrible massacres. But remember, even though what happened was abhorrent and terrible event, do not forget: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28. In this verse it doesn't say all things are good....because this wasn't a good thing in any sense of the word....but all things with God's influence can work together so that something good can come out of it. So now you can decide to do something special and different with your life because of  these circumstances.

Monday, July 23, 2012

I've Been Changed


Now before you click the Play button, I want you to read what I am about to say.

A couple weeks ago I went to our Church Youth Camp. This is the first song the choir sang. It's about being changed, healed, freed etc. from your past. The song goes on to say, how no matter what, we will never go back to the way things were before. When they were singing, I was lifting my hands and singing along, but my heart wasn't in it. My mind wandered from the basketball game a few hours before, to that cute guy standing a few paces away from me, to what we were eating for breakfast the next morning. I thought I was praising God, but I really wasn't.

As the week progressed, things didn't really change for me, until one night God spoke to my heart. I was kneeling down and praying, and then all of a sudden, everything was different. It's not something I can explain to you very well in words, but it was a night I will never forget. I cried in the prescence of my Almighty God, and couldn't stop. I realized how confused and mislead I really was. It was somehow like I acquired the mind of God and He spoke right to my heart, and filled me with love. That night totally changed how I worshiped God. From that night on, I praised the Lord with my whole heart.

Then on the very last night of camp, the choir came up and sang this song again. This time I lifted my hands not because of routine, but because I was making a promise with God that I wouldn't ever go back. I closed my eyes and listened to the words of the song:


I've been changed, healed, freed, delivered. I couldn't believe it! Every single word of that verse was true. God had changed me. Healed me from my emptiness. Freed me from addictions. Delivered me from my problems.


Within this moment I found joy, peace, grace and favor. God gave me joy within my heart. Peace about my situations. Poured grace over all my sins. He had given me favor again in His sight.

The lyrics of these songs were my promise to God, because I was never going back to the emptiness, brokenness, loneliness or pain I had been in. My heart melted in God's presence, and there are no words to describe the feeling God had filled me with.

But, my friend, you don't have to go to some church camp to get back with God. You don't have to have some amazing service where you are crying on your face before God, to change. You can talk to Him right here. You can sing this song as a promise before God. I can assure you, if you truly talk to God and make the promise that you won't go back. He will be right there with you.  You will feel Him like you've never felt before. For now is the time to say my past is over.....right now......today! Hallelujah!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

God's Not Going to College



The idea of my big brother growing up and leaving for college, has always scared me. But now that I realize that he will be leaving in only a couple of months, it pratically brings tears to my eyes. Sometimes I just burst into tears for no reason, when he's just standing in the room. The first time this happened, my brother was very touched by this flood of emotion, but now, after about the fifth time, he just rolls his eyes. I tell him how worried I am about him and how I don't know how he will possibly live on his own, how he will get a job, or make friends.

The last time this happened, he actually said something that made me stop and think. He commented, "You know, I don't think your that upset that I won't be okay. I think your crying over the fact that you will be left here alone. Plus you think I will forget about you, because I'll live so far away." That made me stop crying, because inside I knew he was right.

Growing up is a part of life, whether we like it or not. It doesn't matter if we are talking about our relationship with our brothers, sisters, friends or even God. As time passes, things change. We grow and sometimes those things around us don't stay the same. As for God, when we grow, fortunately, God grows with us. When we grow older there seems to be more things to fill our day, and God is many times left out of our growth. He is either too confusing to try to understand, or too simple and childish.

When we were younger, our life with God was predictable. We read our little picture Bible, kneeled beside our bed and prayed every night. As we get older many times we forget that God grows with us, and cares about the same things we do. He is right there beside you talking to you at your level, but often times we aren't listening. It's important,as we grow, we let God grow with us and change us for the better as we  become closer to Him.

With my brother going into college, my relationship with him will change. If I choose to allow myself to grow with this relationship, I think it can be just as strong but in a different way. Fortunately, God won't ever leave you to go to college. He is always there, sticking close by no matter what happens. I may not be able to stick close to my brother, physically, but God will never leave him or me. Just like He will never leave you.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Befuddled

Okay... Where do I even begin? I guess, I should start with I'm sorry. I feel terrible that I haven't been able to post in the past month. I could easily come up with about a million excuses. Let's just say it would be along the lines of: I've been busy, I forgot, been spending too much time on etc., etc., etc.

But one of the real reasons why I haven't posted is, because I've been extremely confused. I've been faced with throngs of problems and trials over the past month. Frankly, I feel so befuddled, that I don't really know how I could encourage all of you, when I am such a mess. What's made it so challenging is that, I've been faced with problems I thought I got over months ago. Things like: loneliness, getting involved in the world's mess, not thinking on those things which are pure and holy etc. I've faced those problems and been done with them centuries ago. But then BOOM! Suddenly, I'm being struck with utterly terrifying loneliness, and find myself listening and dwelling on ungodly junk. Now where did this come from? Hadn't I gotten over this months ago? Am I strong enough to face it again? Now on top of that, a spirit of confusion has now swept around me, like a dark cloak. I sometimes can't spiritually see straight and my feet don't even know where to go. To make it worse, it feels like the devil has been tormenting me at every corner.

Unfortunately, this has left me in a awful disjointed state, and not wanting to write. Today I will not only be encouraging you, but also encouraging myself. So, if you are like me, going through the valley of death, do not fear. You are not alone. I relate, and know how you feel. But just remember that this is only for a season, and keep holding on to Jesus. Even when you feel like you are struggling just to keep your head above the water. Don't give up! For this too shall pass. I have to remind myself that every day. With Jesus and each other we'll walk through this, and climb to another mountain top once again.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

"Making Time" for God

Here is a video, talking about how much time we spend with God. Seriously, do we "make time" for God, even though He is the Creator of time, and the Creator of us? This video will put a fun spin on how much time we actually spend with God.


Sunday, April 8, 2012

Alive Alive Alive Forevermore

Here is an adorable video of a little girl singing 'Alive Alive Alive Forevermore'. This little girl is so cute and precious, that I had to share it with you on this Resurrection Sunday. I pray you had a blessed Easter!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

God's Word Tour

Hi All! As many of you know this week I will be taking a week trip with my Bible Quizzing team to our Bible Quizzing Extravaganza. My quiz team mates and I will be driving all the way there (18 hours or longer). I thought it would be an encouragment for all of us if I posted a video of my teamates quoting a verse that we learned this year, and then talking about what that verse meant to us. If there are no technical difficulties, you should be receiving videos for each day I am gone. I hope that those of you here, will be able to watch the videos, and enjoy learning about God's Word with us!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Little Problems

Hunger Games. Need I say more? Practically every teen has read or at least heard of the Hunger Games books. As many of you know the movie came out yesterday, and God gave me the privilege of seeing it opening night. But that wasn't even the best part. Here's the cool part: I wanted to buy the People Magazine Hunger Games Special Edition after watching the movie, but I couldn't find it at any stores. It was sold out. I went to all kinds of stores, asking and searching for the magazine, but no one had it. I was so disappointed, because I wanted to read the magazine on my trip to Texas. As I was walking in the parking lot, I decided to chat with God.

"God, if it is at all possible could you please let me get People Magazine Hunger Games Special Edition. I promise I won't even open it until I get on the trip. But, God, just please let me be able to buy it and get it before our trip. Amen." So my mom and I went into a dollar store to pick up some grocery items. I quick looked around, and didn't even notice an aisle with magazines, my heart plummeted. But just as my mom was checking out, I decided to ask the manager anyway.

"Um, do you have the People Hunger Games Special Edition Magazine here?" I asked. He rolled his eyes.

"All of our magazines are in that rack over there," he droned. That's when I noticed, the small rack. I scanned over the magazines. Suddenly, it appeared! Tucked in the back were four copies of my magazine. I couldn't believe it!

"Thank you, thank you, Jesus!" I whispered. I still was shocked at this little old dollar store had one of the last copies of this magazine. But God had somehow, someway had put this magazine in my path, and even though all the other stores were sold out. He found a way for me to have one.

Sometimes we forget that God cares about our little problems too. I mean, do you think not having that magazine would change my life forever? Probably not. But God still answered my little prayer in the middle of a parking lot, because He loves us. So don't ever think that your small problems don't matter to God. He loves you so much, and won't ever brush you aside. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me the People Hunger Games Special Edition for my trip! So what little question haven't you bothered to ask God about?

Sunday, March 18, 2012

My Smart Phone Made Me Stupid


A few days ago, I was talking one of my friends telling him a hilarious story. He was laughing, and we were just joking around, when suddenly I heard ding from the inside of his pocket. His hand flew to his pocket and snatched his phone. I thought he was simply going to check his phone and continue the conversation, but he stared intently at the screen. I proceeded to talk, and told him something funny that had happened the day before. He started laughing, and I was happy that I had caught his attention. I told him I thought it was funny too. Suddenly, he glanced up from his phone, "Oh, no, someone just texted me a joke. You can keep going though." Great. That made me feel real important. I guess, whoever texted him was way more important than I was. Was he too stupid to see how much this had hurt me?

The title of this video says it all. Has your smart phone made you stupid? I think it is absolutely crazy that teens treat their phone as if it contains their soul. I, at times, have unfortunately been sucked into that virtual world (don't think that my friend was the only one who had done this). I sometimes need to be reminded that the world around us is much more important than that buzzing, ringing, piece of metal in my purse. After you view this video I pray that it will remind you how important it is, that we enjoy the people around us and put our phones on silent (that means no vibrating either). Also if you have any friends that are addicted to their cell phones, show them this video. It may also help to open their eyes to the way they are treating others around them. Don't forget to enjoy your real family and friends right now. Don't let your smart phone make you stupid.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Beautiful


This song is 'Beautiful' by MercyMe. Now I normally don't ever listen to this song, because it is not my style of music, but I loved this slide show. It spoke volumes to me, saying that God loves me, and thinks I am beautiful no matter what. Sometimes, we feel lonely and forgotten inside, and think they we could never be loved again. But God loves you, and thinks your beautiful. If today is just one of those day when you feel ugly and alone, watch this video. I hope it will uplift your spirits and remind you how much you are loved.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

The Blind Shrimp, the Goby, and the Flick


Above is a picture of the goby fish and the blind shrimp. These two creatures are really intriguing!  What's so amazing about the goby and the blind shrimp is that they are totally dependant upon each other for their lives, even though they are completely different spieces. The goby is a pretty much regular looking fish, and really has no real means of protection. The blind shrimp is literally blind and is in a totally different category as far as sea creatures go, but has a special talent for digging holes.  These two come together, and make an inseperable, and stunning team. It's the shrimp's job to make a hole under the water, in the sand for a home, and a place of protection. But while the shrimp is digging he can't see if there are predators nearby. That's where the goby comes in. He sits outside the hole that the shrimp is making and keeps an eye out for predators. If he sees anything that might be a threat to him or his companion, he flicks his fin to warn the shrimp. But the cool part about this is that the shrimp always has a tentacle wrapped around the goby's fin, so he can feel the flick as he is digging and removing sand. As soon as the shrimp feels the goby's sudden movement, the two of them dive deep down in the hole and away from danger. So the shrimp gets a protector, and the goby gets a home. Isn't that an amazing relationship!

Thinking about this relationship makes me wonder about my relationship with God. I mean, I'm as blind as the shrimp, but God is like the goby showing me the way to go. While I'm in this world, I need to hold onto God and feel for the flick, that it is time to move on. I have to remember that I am blind, and that I need to depend fully on God to tell me where to go. Imagine if that shrimp took one of his tentacles off of the goby, he would be wandering in the water blind, and not even knowing which way to go. What if the the blind shrimp ignored the flick, and just kept right on moving sand away from his precious hole. Snap! He would be some body's dinner in a matter of seconds.

But lets take a moment to think about God's relationship to us. I mean if you think about it, God really needs us. Angels can't do the work that we can on this earth. The scripture says that God was looking far and wide for a vessel that he could use. God is also in need of a home; in that he wants to dwell among us. On this earth he chooses us to be those vessels he will dwell in. So in a way we are totally dependent on each other.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Radical in our Worship

All of us worship God in different ways, and we each have our own way of giving God glory, but are we just using that excuse to not do anything in church? I mean, how often do we stand in church sing the songs by heart and clap our hands, with absolute no expression on our faces. I tend to do that alot, but I've been thinking that maybe I need to start changing that habit. Jesus died on a cross for me, gave up His life for my sins and I don't even send him a cute thank you card. Instead, I say some words that mean absolutely nothing to me and smack my palms together. Is that really the best I can do? I was thinking it's time to start getting radical for Jesus. That's why I posted this video below. He is a guy, who loves Jesus from the inside out and isn't ashamed to worship God with all that he has in him. His nickname is Spinney, and you'll see why. This guy really inspires me and I hope he inspires you too. I posted both parts of the song, but you should make sure to watch the first part. Now lets start being radical for Jesus.



Sunday, February 19, 2012

Love Song


This beautiful song done by Jamie Grace and Mac Powell (Third Day), is called Love Song. It made me realize how much God loves us. The song is taken from Jesus' point of view, and almost brought me to tears. Sometimes I find myself feeling lonely without a boyfriend, but then I listen to this song and it reminds of God's love for me. I mean, He gave up His life for me, I don't know anyone who would do that. So listen to this song and let it remind you that He loves you and even died for you.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Hakuna Matata

Hakuna Matata, it means no worries for the rest of your days. Its a problem free philosophy! Hakuna Matata!! I absolutely love this song from Lion King. Whenever I listen to it or start thinking about what it means, the words relax me. Now this song is actually very true, but there was one major problem with it. You will never have Hakuna Matata without GOD. Think about it, how will you ever let go of your past, fears, or worries without having someone to dump them on.

Sometimes I hang on to my fears or worries because I don't know who to give them to. But often times I hang on to them, because I think my fears will protect me. They will help me not accidentally make a wrong choice or go too far into a situtation. But God is saying, "Let go of those worries and those fears give them to Me because I will carry them and I will protect you. Don't live a life guarding yourself and worrying. Enjoy those little moments, be carefree, and give your burdens to Me." So that's what I'm starting to do, I'm tired of caring around grudges and worries and I am giving them to God. You should try it too! So, Hakuna Matata or "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."- 1 Peter 5:7!!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Tarp Covered Memories

Memories. You remember them every day. Sometimes they haunt you, sometimes you push them into the corners of your brain to collect dust. Sometimes, you throw an old tarp on them to forget. Lately, I've been throwing a lot of tarps around.  It's starting to look like they're closing a museum around here with all of the tarps covering too many painful memories.

Today, I decided to take a new view on things.  I picked up our old family photo book and fliped through the pages. Remembering the days of when I was younger, and reliazing how much I have grown and changed.

God talks a lot in the Bible about remembering what he has brought us from. God loves when you reminisce and think back to all the things He has done in your life. Like it says in Isiah 46:9: "Remember the former things of old for I am God, and there is none else I am God, and there is none like me." When we think back and remember what the Lord has done in our life, our trust builds; and we realize how much he has done for us.

So take time today to look back on the miracles God worked in your life, and don't forgot to thank Him for all that He has done and all that He is going to do. Maybe I'll do a little cleaning around here and get rid of some of these old dusty tarps. I may find out that God has changed me so much that those memories don't need to be covered up any longer.

Friday, January 20, 2012

You are Beautiful

I was talking to God one evening and he revealed to me something really amazing. I have just finished writing my second book, and I was drawing my character for the illustrations. I loved all of my characters and the way they looked. Now my sketches of my characters are not perfect, on purpose. I did not sketch a bunch of beautiful perfect people, but they each are very special in their own way.

Anyways, I was talking to God that night and He said something that really made me think. He said, "Anna, what would you do if Jen (one of my characters from my book), came up to you and asked why you didn't make her more beautiful like Brielle?" I was sorta stunned. "Well, I would tell her that I created her that way because it fit who she was. I mean, I made her with poofy brown hair, and clever green eyes, because that's who she is." Then He said, "Yes, but she isn't as pretty as Brielle or as sweet as Brie." I answered, "Well of course not! She wasn't meant to be sweet and pretty. In my book Jen is supposed to be outgoing and wild, so I wouldn't make her look any different than I already did." Still God persisted, "Okay, but what if Jen started crying and begged you, her creator, why you made her with only one arm and why you had made her with such plain hair?" I suddenly realized where God was getting at, "I made her with only one arm because I wanted my readers to always remember how unique Jen was and how she was different from all my other characters. Plus I knew Jen would come up with cool styles to put her hair in, so I wasn't afraid of making her hair brown and kinda frizzy." Then God responded, "I did the same for you, Anna. I had a special plan and purpose for your life and I made you exactly the way you are because if you looked like anybody else it wouldn't have fit the plan I have for your life. I think you are beautiful in your own special way."

That discussion with God totally changed the way I looked at myself and others. I finally was able to accept who I am and not try to turn myself into somebody else. I also hope this post will encourage you and help you to see yourself in a new way.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Pure Life Day

Hey everyone! Today is a very special holiday. It is Pure Life Day! Now you might be wondering what that is. It is a day of raising awareness to, and celebrating teen purity. This is a day that we focus on saving yourself for your husband. But purity is a lot more than just not having sex, it is a life style. A pure life style, living for God. The woman who started Pure Life Day, wrote a book called, “Pure Love, Pure Life”. I encourage all of you to buy a copy. Also if you are interested here is her website: http://purelovepurelife.com. Today you can go on the website and see the video she streamed about purity. Also on this website is a Pure Life pledge, I strongly suggest that you print off and sign the Pure Life pledge about staying pure. Happy Pure Life Day!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

I Believe in Scripture

This was an awesome video I found on a friend's blog. Now I don't want you to just hear what this guy is saying. I really want you to dig deep and listen to every word he says. When you do that you will be inspired and amazed. Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Kreativ Award

Kreativ Award 
Rules:
1) Link back to the person who gave you the award
2) Complete the form below
3) Award other blogs, and let them know that they have been awarded
4) Share seven random things about yourself
1) Name your favorite song:
Make a Move by Royal Tailor
2) Name your favorite dessert:
Chocolate Cake
3) What makes you angry:
Slavery (there are 27 million people in bondage right now)
4) When you're upset:
I am quiet and say nasty side remarks.
 5) What's your favorite pet?
Dog
 6) Black or white?
Black (black doesn't stain very easily:D)
 7) Biggest fear?
Being abandoned
8) Everyday attitude? 
Totally depends on how much I slept the night before.
9) What is perfection?
  Jesus
10) Guilty pleasure?
Thinking too much about whether a guy likes me

Seven random things:
I am very outgoing and say the first thing that comes to my mind in public. 
I hate ribbon
I love (and can't live without) my high tops.
I am gluten intolerant.
I have flunked Alegbra twice.
I don't have a friend that I can tell anything too.
I talk to guys easier than I talk to girls.

I WANT TO THANK Ashley at http://godzgirl1.wordpress.com/ FOR NOMINATING ME.  THANKS SO MUCH!

I award:

Amiee at http://allfilledup.wordpress.com/

Katie at http://katieoostman.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Guys and Shoes.

Here is an awesome little article I found while reading my Susie Magazine (a magazine created for teen Christian girls) about guys. It gave me a chance to really step back and look at the way things really are. I loved the article, so I wanted to make sure to share it with all of my lovely followers (didn't want you gals to miss out :).

Scene: You’re drooling over a really cute pair of shoes and decide they’re exactly what you want.

Problem: The store doesn’t have your size. So you squeeze into a half size smaller than your own shoe size. Uncomfortable, yes. But you really like the way they look.

Bigger problem: You purchase them and wear them to school, but by the end of the day your heels are sporting blisters, and your toes are threatening to fall off.

Solution: You finally take the shoes off and let your feet breathe again. Whew!

Lesson: There’s nothing you can do about your new shoes because they’ll never grow to be the size you need. Now you’re out a wad of cash, and you’re dealing with ugly blisters for the next week.
You’re Not AloneWe’ve all been there. We’ve either considered buying those cute shoes that the store doesn’t have in our size, or we’ve gone ahead and actually purchased them because they were just so cute. We know it’s just not worth it to get something that doesn’t fit. It brings discomfort and eventually pain.

You don’t want to settle for a shoe just because it’s cute. Get the shoe that’s perfect in size. Once you find the right style and size of shoe, you’ll probably even like it better than the other pair—because it feels good. It’s a perfect fit!

Guys are kind of like shoes. Don’t settle for a guy just because he’s cute, or you’ll eventually be disappointed. The relationship might look good at first, but after a while one of you will end up getting hurt. God created you as a unique individual. And guess what! He also created someone who fits you perfectly.

If you wait for the guy God has set aside for you, you’ll find that not only is he the perfect fit, but he’ll probably be much more attractive to you than others you could have dated that weren’t His choice.
How to Know if You’re SettlingHave you ever thought about making a list to describe the guy that you’re trusting God for? A list is a great tool and can save you from a ton of heartache if you let God help you create the list.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen girls who make a list with every intention of sticking with it and then change a few points here and there in order to have it describe a certain cute guy. If you find yourself doing this, you’re settling!

Once you begin cutting and pasting to make your list to fit the guy, you’ll find your list looking almost foreign to you. It’s no longer a list describing the guy whom God has set aside for you, and you end up selling yourself short. See, when you create a list with God’s help, you don’t fit the list to the guy—the guy fits the list or he doesn’t!

This is where Satan loves to toss a couple of lies at you:

You’re unworthy. He’ll try to make you think that you don’t deserve a guy like the one on your list.

You’re imagining things. He’ll also try to make you think that the guy described in your list doesn’t even exist.

Don’t believe the lies! You are worthy of nothing less than the best, and God is preparing someone to be the perfect guy for you. He does exist.
There IS Life Outside of DatingDon’t let your world revolve around dating. Guys really don’t make the world go round, God does. So while you’re waiting for Him to send the right guy into your life, focus on these five things:

Who am I? Great question! Use this time to discover who you really are. What are you passionate about? Start growing in those things you enjoy, because they’ll be useful to you in the future.

Beef up your spiritual muscles. Read the Bible seriously. Begin memorizing Scriptures and relating them to your life. Talk to God on a regular basis. Growing spiritually stronger now will help you become the godly lady your future guy will need.

Become a good student. Spend time studying and keeping your grades on target, and you’ll be better prepared for what God has in store for your future.

Strengthen your friendships. Have you ever noticed that when you begin dating someone, you lose a lot of the closeness you had with some of your friends? Take this time to make fun memories with them!

Participate on a missions trip. If you’ve never been on an international missions trip, I highly recommend you go on at least one. You may find a new passion that you didn’t realize you had. It’s so much easier to spend time away when you aren’t constantly thinking about a particular guy all the time. I can assure you that your life will change from this one trip. If fact, consider going on the SUSIE missions trip to Panama this summer! Get all the information at www.neverthesamemissions.com. Something incredible happens when you invest your life in those less fortunate.

Really important: While you’re waiting for the guy on your list to make an entrance into your life, don’t compromise by dating other guys who don’t even come close. If you can learn to trust God to write your love story, you’ll never be sorry.

Some girls think they’re abnormal or not good enough because they don’t have a boyfriend. They’re buying into more of Satan’s lies. It’s totally OK for you not be dating. God’s timing is perfect. He’s never early … but He’s also never late! So go ahead, girlfriend, and make that list.


-Misty Gatlin

Monday, January 2, 2012

New Year's Resolutions

Here is a list of questions to ask yourself about 2011. My whole family participated in these questions and it was interesting learning about what my family thought of the past year. If you want to you can just ask yourself these questions, or you might enjoy sharing it with your family and friends. What would be even more fun is if you asked yourself these questions every year and keep a binder filled with your answers. I think you would realize how much your have grown over the past years. Enjoy!!

20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
5. Pick three words to describe 2011.
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).
8. What were the best books you read this year?
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.