Hey bloggers.
Another late night post.
It's been a long week here, and I apologize to anyone who reads daily, but with my current schedule, it gets pretty hard to post every day.
Today, one year ago, on 6.15.14, I was baptized with both of my sisters, and my best friend Alyssa. I was baptized when I was very young, at the first church I attended, but I don't really remember it, and, at the time, I didn't understand exactly what being a Christian meant.
But when I moved in the summer before my eighth grade year, the youth pastor at my new church did a very good job at explaining to me what the gospel was. It wasn't that there hadn't been people like that in the past, but at this age, when I was trying to figure out who I was, the words began to make sense. I began to understand the importance of Jesus's death, and what Love that really was.
And a few years ago, when my current church formed, I saw that Love branching out in all the people that gathered there. We built a baptismal last summer, and the four of us were the first to get baptized. It was so special that I got to baptized with three of my closest friends, and God knew what He was doing that day.
Since then, I've still had troubles....I've still been anxious, persecuted, confused, broken...but, especially in this first year of college, and figuring out who I am as an adult, I've seen firsthand just how important it is that God is number one in my life. He is all that I have to cling to, and all that I could ever need.
And so, on this 6.15.15, I want to take a moment to praise for God's mercy and grace, giving eternal life and forgiveness to a lowly sinner like me. He is great.
As a close to this post, I want to make a sort of announcement. The rest of my summer is going to be fairly busy with work, as well as prepping for the upcoming school year, and as much as I love writing this, I just don't know that I will consistently have the time.
So, this is a farewell post of sorts. I've have made my goal of writing everyday for the past three months or so, and let me say bloggers, it has been WONDERFUL. Thank you to everyone who has read any of posts, and special thanks to those who kept coming back. I intend to write at least once a week, from here on out, but for the day to day, this may be goodbye.
I love you guys so much, and thanks for lending an ear. It means more than you know, my Starlit Fairytales.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Minty Perfection
Hey bloggers! What's up? Today has been a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooOoOoOoooooooong day at work, like a 12 hour day, but it's all good because I learned a lot and met a lot of people.
Today, I've been thinking a lot about the deep stuff, you know? I guess when you are doing small, repetitive tasks, your mind has to wander somewhere, right? And my deep, philosophical thoughts for the day are this:
1. Don't ever, ever, EVER take for granted the people you love. I'm serious. Tell them...and tell them often. Because it's only when they are gone that you realize everything you should have told them...how important they are, how much you need them. Because missing people is hard, but missing people you never told how much you care about them is way harder.
2. This goes hand in hand with 1), but, if you love someone or something...don't let it go. You are given so much when you are given life-and I know I'm guilty of this-but you don't take the opportunities that could change your life. So if you are afraid...don't be. Do whatever it is you are dreaming for, reaching for, aiming for, working towards...take a chance because it may be the last one you get.
3. I guess this is a stair step because, my friends, my last piece of advice is this: DO NOT FEAR.
Do not fear. Don't be afraid of chances or change or people or places. You accomplish so much when you have courage. And courage can be hard to come by. But God promises us that we don't have to be afraid: we have an Almighty Father who holds the entire world in His hands.
So go for it.
I love you guys, you minty perfections, and I hope you all had a wonderful, wonderful Sunday.
Today, I've been thinking a lot about the deep stuff, you know? I guess when you are doing small, repetitive tasks, your mind has to wander somewhere, right? And my deep, philosophical thoughts for the day are this:
1. Don't ever, ever, EVER take for granted the people you love. I'm serious. Tell them...and tell them often. Because it's only when they are gone that you realize everything you should have told them...how important they are, how much you need them. Because missing people is hard, but missing people you never told how much you care about them is way harder.
2. This goes hand in hand with 1), but, if you love someone or something...don't let it go. You are given so much when you are given life-and I know I'm guilty of this-but you don't take the opportunities that could change your life. So if you are afraid...don't be. Do whatever it is you are dreaming for, reaching for, aiming for, working towards...take a chance because it may be the last one you get.
3. I guess this is a stair step because, my friends, my last piece of advice is this: DO NOT FEAR.
Do not fear. Don't be afraid of chances or change or people or places. You accomplish so much when you have courage. And courage can be hard to come by. But God promises us that we don't have to be afraid: we have an Almighty Father who holds the entire world in His hands.
So go for it.
I love you guys, you minty perfections, and I hope you all had a wonderful, wonderful Sunday.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Condensed Gum Wrappers {Saturday Song List Editions}
Hey bloggers, and welcome to Saturday! That means.....MUSIC! Yep! I hope you all are having a good day, and I hope you are ready for some tunes!
Without further ado:
1. South- Sleeping At Last
I don't know if I've suggested this one before, but I know I've recommended Sleeping At Last. All of their music is so good, and so relaxing, and if you need to take a moment to breathe and think...this is a good song. It's very soft, subtle guitar, and the lyrics are always on point.
2. I've Got This Friend- Civil Wars
Okay, so I used to have a HUGE obsession with the Civil Wars, just because their voices match so perfectly. Every song of theirs is pretty great, but I've been listening to this one all week. It's very folksy music if you are into that, and Joy's voice is just perfect.
3. Not Today- Twenty One Pilots
Yep, that's right. Another t.o.p. song, just because I love them so much. If you have listened to them before, you probably know the story for this one...good beat, good lyrics. Just worth mentioning because I love this song so much, but it's totally up to you whether you like it or not.
Anyway, I love you guys, and I'm sorry for the string of short posts here lately! But, my condensed gum wrappers, I hope things go well for you today, and that you all are getting plenty of sleep and water, because you know...stay healthy! (Wow, good music and good advice. Double whammy today). Any who, farewell my friends.
Without further ado:
1. South- Sleeping At Last
I don't know if I've suggested this one before, but I know I've recommended Sleeping At Last. All of their music is so good, and so relaxing, and if you need to take a moment to breathe and think...this is a good song. It's very soft, subtle guitar, and the lyrics are always on point.
2. I've Got This Friend- Civil Wars
Okay, so I used to have a HUGE obsession with the Civil Wars, just because their voices match so perfectly. Every song of theirs is pretty great, but I've been listening to this one all week. It's very folksy music if you are into that, and Joy's voice is just perfect.
3. Not Today- Twenty One Pilots
Yep, that's right. Another t.o.p. song, just because I love them so much. If you have listened to them before, you probably know the story for this one...good beat, good lyrics. Just worth mentioning because I love this song so much, but it's totally up to you whether you like it or not.
Anyway, I love you guys, and I'm sorry for the string of short posts here lately! But, my condensed gum wrappers, I hope things go well for you today, and that you all are getting plenty of sleep and water, because you know...stay healthy! (Wow, good music and good advice. Double whammy today). Any who, farewell my friends.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Echoing Pine Trees
Do you ever just listen to the way the night sounds when it's really, really late (later than it is now) or I suppose you could say really, really early?
It sounds...not like silence.
There is a hum. And sure, I know...it's the hum of the multitudes of technological inventions that cover the city, but there's another hum, that you only hear if you are completely silent.
Night is the only time you can hear your thoughts floating through the air.
Yeah, you can hear them.
Sometimes, they are loud, and overbearing, and can even block out that mechanical whir of technology. Sometimes, you have to take a step back to hear them. Sometimes, it takes more hours than there are in the night to sort through them. And if it's really bad, sometimes they hang around and buzz in your ear the next morning, the next day, the next afternoon, all the way into the very next night.
It becomes a backdrop, a continuous thing sometimes, and lasts several days (for me at least). And those are the times I feel the most troubled; troubled by thoughts that hum even when I'm speaking outloud.
I apologize, if you are reading, for the late post...it's been a long day, and work was extremely busy. And I also apologize a bit for the nature of the post, because I don't know if it is technically encouraging. It's just something I've been going through/thinking about. But if your thoughts won't leave you alone, I'm praying for you. And I'm praying that you figure out what they are trying to say, and whether they are important or not.
And I love you, you echoing pine trees, and I hope you have a spectacular day tomorrow.
It sounds...not like silence.
There is a hum. And sure, I know...it's the hum of the multitudes of technological inventions that cover the city, but there's another hum, that you only hear if you are completely silent.
Night is the only time you can hear your thoughts floating through the air.
Yeah, you can hear them.
Sometimes, they are loud, and overbearing, and can even block out that mechanical whir of technology. Sometimes, you have to take a step back to hear them. Sometimes, it takes more hours than there are in the night to sort through them. And if it's really bad, sometimes they hang around and buzz in your ear the next morning, the next day, the next afternoon, all the way into the very next night.
It becomes a backdrop, a continuous thing sometimes, and lasts several days (for me at least). And those are the times I feel the most troubled; troubled by thoughts that hum even when I'm speaking outloud.
I apologize, if you are reading, for the late post...it's been a long day, and work was extremely busy. And I also apologize a bit for the nature of the post, because I don't know if it is technically encouraging. It's just something I've been going through/thinking about. But if your thoughts won't leave you alone, I'm praying for you. And I'm praying that you figure out what they are trying to say, and whether they are important or not.
And I love you, you echoing pine trees, and I hope you have a spectacular day tomorrow.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Iced Nectarines
Hello friends! To start off, I would like to say that blueberry bagels are on point at all hours of the day...not kidding.
Second, it's beginning to feel a lot like (Christmas) summer. It doesn't really feel like Christmas...I just felt like adding that in because, you know, the song? Right? Hm? Anyway...
Thirdly, I want to talk about strength. I have a really good friend (I've talked about her a lot before) that continually...through everything I've seen anyway...shows a great deal of strength. And before, I've wondered how she can consistently stay so strong, and not give up, even when the world attempts everything it can to hold her down?
She has been through so many things, yet she tries to stay positive, and she always stays selfless. And it's quite amazing, because she has a backstory more difficult and cloudy than most.
But when I thought about, I realized that, through everything, she leaned on God.
And God is an amazing source of strength.
"So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand." Isaiah 41:10.
God promises us a helping hand, and endless strength through whatever burdens we have to carry whatever distances. And my friend Alyssa has always trusted Him for her strength...not anyone down here on earth. No one here can ever hold you up like Him, and He will never let you fall.
We all need strength...the strength to take a stand for what we believe in, and the strength to take a step back when we know it's not the right path. The strength to move forward when it seems impossible, and the strength to take a breath when we know we are moving too fast.
I hope you all can find strength in our amazing God today, and I hope all of you have an amazing afternoon, my iced nectarines.
Second, it's beginning to feel a lot like (Christmas) summer. It doesn't really feel like Christmas...I just felt like adding that in because, you know, the song? Right? Hm? Anyway...
Thirdly, I want to talk about strength. I have a really good friend (I've talked about her a lot before) that continually...through everything I've seen anyway...shows a great deal of strength. And before, I've wondered how she can consistently stay so strong, and not give up, even when the world attempts everything it can to hold her down?
She has been through so many things, yet she tries to stay positive, and she always stays selfless. And it's quite amazing, because she has a backstory more difficult and cloudy than most.
But when I thought about, I realized that, through everything, she leaned on God.
And God is an amazing source of strength.
"So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand." Isaiah 41:10.
God promises us a helping hand, and endless strength through whatever burdens we have to carry whatever distances. And my friend Alyssa has always trusted Him for her strength...not anyone down here on earth. No one here can ever hold you up like Him, and He will never let you fall.
We all need strength...the strength to take a stand for what we believe in, and the strength to take a step back when we know it's not the right path. The strength to move forward when it seems impossible, and the strength to take a breath when we know we are moving too fast.
I hope you all can find strength in our amazing God today, and I hope all of you have an amazing afternoon, my iced nectarines.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Leafy Tabletops
Hello my bloggers. I do apologize for the late posting, if anyone's reading. I mean, I know this isn't like a major click-point for the day or anything of that nature, but it is a goal that I set for myself and I am steadily reaching it, day by day, one post at a time.
Today consisted of hanging out with best friends, meeting up with missed friends, and hitting up the job schedule. Work was...not relaxing...but very routine, which is nice. And it was pretty busy, which is always good!
I want to talk about keeping my head up today, and keeping my eyes away from the shadows that so eloquently cajole me into drifting towards them. Because, especially in a routine situation, it's easy to look at the monotony, the slow-going, sometimes speedy, repetitive schedule, motions, patterns, habits, thoughts...and the whirlwind is always devastating...
Unless you can focus upwards.
Unless you can remind yourself of the good.
What's the good in my life? I have a really good family...a really great family-no...a fantastic family. A family that backs me up when they see the worst of me, when I get the most angry, the most jealous, the most hurt, the most obnoxious. And they keep coming back for more of me, even when I'm no fun to be around. And when I am happy, they are happy with me. And I love them, through thick and thin.
What else is good...well, I have some pretty Grade A friends. I don't mean your average A minus friends, or maybe even A friends, but I have A+++ friends with like twenty two bonus points added. Like, topping the charts friends. Mainly because they put up with both sides of me...the light and dark let's say. And frankly, the dark shows its face a lot more than I would want it to. But they are always there.
I have a good God. Which is pretty self-explanatory, but you know what? There's not enough praise that can be said about His Goodness. Because He is almighty in power, overflowing in mercy, and completely and utterly amazing in everything He has done. My Savior is one of Grace, and that is so, SO good, you guys.
I guess that covers the basics. The good basics. The good in my life that is always worth mentioning and focusing on.
I especially love you, my bloggers, if anyone is reading. Because the fact that you are here, whether daily, or a couple times a month, makes me smile just a little bit more. And trust me, I'm smiling. Stay cool, you leafy tabletops.
Today consisted of hanging out with best friends, meeting up with missed friends, and hitting up the job schedule. Work was...not relaxing...but very routine, which is nice. And it was pretty busy, which is always good!
I want to talk about keeping my head up today, and keeping my eyes away from the shadows that so eloquently cajole me into drifting towards them. Because, especially in a routine situation, it's easy to look at the monotony, the slow-going, sometimes speedy, repetitive schedule, motions, patterns, habits, thoughts...and the whirlwind is always devastating...
Unless you can focus upwards.
Unless you can remind yourself of the good.
What's the good in my life? I have a really good family...a really great family-no...a fantastic family. A family that backs me up when they see the worst of me, when I get the most angry, the most jealous, the most hurt, the most obnoxious. And they keep coming back for more of me, even when I'm no fun to be around. And when I am happy, they are happy with me. And I love them, through thick and thin.
What else is good...well, I have some pretty Grade A friends. I don't mean your average A minus friends, or maybe even A friends, but I have A+++ friends with like twenty two bonus points added. Like, topping the charts friends. Mainly because they put up with both sides of me...the light and dark let's say. And frankly, the dark shows its face a lot more than I would want it to. But they are always there.
I have a good God. Which is pretty self-explanatory, but you know what? There's not enough praise that can be said about His Goodness. Because He is almighty in power, overflowing in mercy, and completely and utterly amazing in everything He has done. My Savior is one of Grace, and that is so, SO good, you guys.
I guess that covers the basics. The good basics. The good in my life that is always worth mentioning and focusing on.
I especially love you, my bloggers, if anyone is reading. Because the fact that you are here, whether daily, or a couple times a month, makes me smile just a little bit more. And trust me, I'm smiling. Stay cool, you leafy tabletops.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Caramel Orchids
What up you guys!
Hope you are having a good day! It finally FINALLY feels like summer outside today, which is excellent, and I've enjoyed the sunshine.
Today, I went on an adventure and explored a museum and ate Mexican icecream (twas fantastically delicious). Also, there's something aesthetically pleasing to me about a simple coffee cup and plate, steaming up and looking all delicious and addicting. Not that I bought any coffee today, but I've had like three cups today.
It's going to be a long working week for me, so I apologize in advance for the length/lack of blog posts that may occur this week. And especially for today's blog length! But I love you all very much, my caramel orchids, and I promise to attempt better posts in the next few days!
Hope you are having a good day! It finally FINALLY feels like summer outside today, which is excellent, and I've enjoyed the sunshine.
Today, I went on an adventure and explored a museum and ate Mexican icecream (twas fantastically delicious). Also, there's something aesthetically pleasing to me about a simple coffee cup and plate, steaming up and looking all delicious and addicting. Not that I bought any coffee today, but I've had like three cups today.
It's going to be a long working week for me, so I apologize in advance for the length/lack of blog posts that may occur this week. And especially for today's blog length! But I love you all very much, my caramel orchids, and I promise to attempt better posts in the next few days!
Monday, June 8, 2015
Leather Spices
Heyooooo! How's it hanging??
Okay, so today, I thought I would inform you a little bit about my life and say, that, even though I barely got any burns from staying out in the sun, there was ONE area that got burned...my chin and my lips...So in case you're curious, my lips are very sunburned and in very much pain. Haha, but I'm not complaining, because I'd take this over my whole body being sore any day!
Anyway, it's been a goody day; I spent the day training for a new job, and while it wasn't a lot of work, it was nice to start a routine.
I feel like my life has been go go go, in a good way, the last few weeks, but my schedule is getting so hectic I hardly have time to think!
Which...I'm not fond of, because...I love to think.
But in the words of twenty one pilots (ah, yes, enjoy their presence), there is such a thing as thinking too much...and sometimes its those very thoughts that can bring us back down. The thinking I'm talking about here is the what-if's and the maybe-so's and the if-only's and the I wish I wish I wish's. These thoughts only turn us on ourselves, and we become our greatest enemy.
But don't let yourself stop yourself.
Keep your thoughts up, focused on good, not bad; the way things are, not the way they could be...and I'm not saying it will dramatically change your life immediately, but it makes the day to day a little more bearable, a little more enjoyable.
I wish you all good thoughts tonight, and for the rest of the week, my leather spices, and I hope you have a great evening. I'm sorry for the short post, and I can't promise much longer ones in the future, but I do love you all very much.
Okay, so today, I thought I would inform you a little bit about my life and say, that, even though I barely got any burns from staying out in the sun, there was ONE area that got burned...my chin and my lips...So in case you're curious, my lips are very sunburned and in very much pain. Haha, but I'm not complaining, because I'd take this over my whole body being sore any day!
Anyway, it's been a goody day; I spent the day training for a new job, and while it wasn't a lot of work, it was nice to start a routine.
I feel like my life has been go go go, in a good way, the last few weeks, but my schedule is getting so hectic I hardly have time to think!
Which...I'm not fond of, because...I love to think.
But in the words of twenty one pilots (ah, yes, enjoy their presence), there is such a thing as thinking too much...and sometimes its those very thoughts that can bring us back down. The thinking I'm talking about here is the what-if's and the maybe-so's and the if-only's and the I wish I wish I wish's. These thoughts only turn us on ourselves, and we become our greatest enemy.
But don't let yourself stop yourself.
Keep your thoughts up, focused on good, not bad; the way things are, not the way they could be...and I'm not saying it will dramatically change your life immediately, but it makes the day to day a little more bearable, a little more enjoyable.
I wish you all good thoughts tonight, and for the rest of the week, my leather spices, and I hope you have a great evening. I'm sorry for the short post, and I can't promise much longer ones in the future, but I do love you all very much.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Cosmic Bookshelves
Hey bloggers, what's happening?!
It's finally Sunday, and I am finally home from my adventure at the beach! I had a GREAT time catching up with my friends that I have missed oh so much...and it made me more than ready to see them again in August! It was a nice, relaxing break before I start back working, and let me say...I will be sifting sand through my belongings UNTIL August!
Anyway, I hope you have all had a good Sunday, and that life is treating you well.
Today, I was given yet another reminder that in order to make it through anything and everything, our Almighty Father HAS to be number one. He has to take precedence over all...to be our King. And I wouldn't want it any other way. His timing is perfect, even though I don't understand at first glance.
In fact, it usually takes much, much longer for me to realize what God is doing in my life. And all that He does is for good. If you've hit a rough patch, just keep plowing through, because every step makes you more whole, more complete...even when you feel like you are falling apart. It's another bullet for your resume, another scar for your stories...everything you do is a step towards becoming who God intended you to be.
God loves you, more than we can ever fathom as human beings, and that love is something we can't escape. God's love is what weaves us into who we are, and what allows us to live even when we fall, even when we sin. His Love is above all of that.
I hope you can see how much God loves you, my cosmic bookshelves, and I hope you have a wonderful evening. See you all tomorrow.
It's finally Sunday, and I am finally home from my adventure at the beach! I had a GREAT time catching up with my friends that I have missed oh so much...and it made me more than ready to see them again in August! It was a nice, relaxing break before I start back working, and let me say...I will be sifting sand through my belongings UNTIL August!
Anyway, I hope you have all had a good Sunday, and that life is treating you well.
Today, I was given yet another reminder that in order to make it through anything and everything, our Almighty Father HAS to be number one. He has to take precedence over all...to be our King. And I wouldn't want it any other way. His timing is perfect, even though I don't understand at first glance.
In fact, it usually takes much, much longer for me to realize what God is doing in my life. And all that He does is for good. If you've hit a rough patch, just keep plowing through, because every step makes you more whole, more complete...even when you feel like you are falling apart. It's another bullet for your resume, another scar for your stories...everything you do is a step towards becoming who God intended you to be.
God loves you, more than we can ever fathom as human beings, and that love is something we can't escape. God's love is what weaves us into who we are, and what allows us to live even when we fall, even when we sin. His Love is above all of that.
I hope you can see how much God loves you, my cosmic bookshelves, and I hope you have a wonderful evening. See you all tomorrow.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Hyper Lobsters {Saturday Song List Edition}
Hello bloggers! Hope you are all having a WONDERFUL Saturday, and that you aren't as sunburned as my friends, Christi and Taylor!
Today is finally Saturday Song Day again, and I hope I've found some interesting tunes. Honestly, we've kind of been listening to a lot of Camp Rock and High School Musical the last few days, but don't worry-I won't add those.
Welp, here it goes!
1. Ride this Feeling-Kate Miller-Heidke
The artist's voice in this song is extremely beautiful and relaxing, and the whole song itself has a very chill vibe, and to me, what sounds like an uplifting message. It sounds like she's trying to stay positive, keep moving forward with everything she's got. And I like it. But I'll let you decide if you give it a listen.
2. Polarize-Twenty One Pilots
Yeah, yeah. They're back. But anywho, this song is one of my favorites on Blurryface-like most of them-but my favorite part is towards the middle, where the music slows down...you'll know what I'm talking about if you listen. But it's a super good song.
3. Bikes-Lucy Rose
I love this song, and it was actually introduced to me a few years ago by my friend, Tiexeina. It's an excellent song, and like the first song, the artist has an excellent voice. It's very light and airy and in general just a really pretty song, and it takes me back to driving in the car with my sister. Good times, good times.
Anywhoooo...there's my music, and I hope you take the time to listen, and enjoy. It's been pretty fun here, and definitely relaxing...but hey, call me cheesy, I do miss the parents even though it's only been a couple days. Then again, I have pretty cool parents.
Hope you all have a lovely day, my hyper lobsters, and I will see you all tomorrow!
Today is finally Saturday Song Day again, and I hope I've found some interesting tunes. Honestly, we've kind of been listening to a lot of Camp Rock and High School Musical the last few days, but don't worry-I won't add those.
Welp, here it goes!
1. Ride this Feeling-Kate Miller-Heidke
The artist's voice in this song is extremely beautiful and relaxing, and the whole song itself has a very chill vibe, and to me, what sounds like an uplifting message. It sounds like she's trying to stay positive, keep moving forward with everything she's got. And I like it. But I'll let you decide if you give it a listen.
2. Polarize-Twenty One Pilots
Yeah, yeah. They're back. But anywho, this song is one of my favorites on Blurryface-like most of them-but my favorite part is towards the middle, where the music slows down...you'll know what I'm talking about if you listen. But it's a super good song.
3. Bikes-Lucy Rose
I love this song, and it was actually introduced to me a few years ago by my friend, Tiexeina. It's an excellent song, and like the first song, the artist has an excellent voice. It's very light and airy and in general just a really pretty song, and it takes me back to driving in the car with my sister. Good times, good times.
Anywhoooo...there's my music, and I hope you take the time to listen, and enjoy. It's been pretty fun here, and definitely relaxing...but hey, call me cheesy, I do miss the parents even though it's only been a couple days. Then again, I have pretty cool parents.
Hope you all have a lovely day, my hyper lobsters, and I will see you all tomorrow!
Friday, June 5, 2015
Buttered Watermelons
Aloha my blogger friends! I hope all is going well!
Today, I'm missing my friend Jill quite a bit. It's strange not having her to call or talk to at odd hours of the night, but I'm hoping to hear from her soon. If she has wifi, time to read this, the motivation to actually get here...this is my message saying HEY and I MISS YOU. (Is this like a present day message in a bottle? A glass carrier case in the big blue abyss of the internet? Wow. So artsy.)
Anywho....We've spent the day at the beach, and it has been so good catching up with my friends from school. It's weird making friends and practically living with them for a year, and then leaving for two months. But weekends like these make it better.
Today I've been thinking a lot about letting go and letting God, because there are a lot of things in our life that we try to control that we have no business controlling...and the load becomes so much lighter when we give Him all our struggles.
If you are having trouble carrying it all, take a look at what you are holding onto. I promise you...no matter what it is...God has got this. God can carry all of it, and all you have to do is trust and follow-have faith. Because God loves you, and He isn't going to let you drown amidst your struggle. You may be persecuted, but the path will never be impossible.
Matthew 19:26 says, "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.""
If say that's pretty encouraging.
I hope you have a wonderful evening, my buttered watermelons, and I love you guys.
Today, I'm missing my friend Jill quite a bit. It's strange not having her to call or talk to at odd hours of the night, but I'm hoping to hear from her soon. If she has wifi, time to read this, the motivation to actually get here...this is my message saying HEY and I MISS YOU. (Is this like a present day message in a bottle? A glass carrier case in the big blue abyss of the internet? Wow. So artsy.)
Anywho....We've spent the day at the beach, and it has been so good catching up with my friends from school. It's weird making friends and practically living with them for a year, and then leaving for two months. But weekends like these make it better.
Today I've been thinking a lot about letting go and letting God, because there are a lot of things in our life that we try to control that we have no business controlling...and the load becomes so much lighter when we give Him all our struggles.
If you are having trouble carrying it all, take a look at what you are holding onto. I promise you...no matter what it is...God has got this. God can carry all of it, and all you have to do is trust and follow-have faith. Because God loves you, and He isn't going to let you drown amidst your struggle. You may be persecuted, but the path will never be impossible.
Matthew 19:26 says, "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.""
If say that's pretty encouraging.
I hope you have a wonderful evening, my buttered watermelons, and I love you guys.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Spontaneous Adjectives
Hello bloggers! How is it going? Having a pretty good day? Yeah?
So my newest goal this week (hopefully for the rest of the summer) is to get TOTALLY FIT YAH! I mean, I usually run a bit, but I want to start doing weight training again, so that I can do as many pull-ups as my sister....who doesn't really work out, mind you. But she can still do way more pull-ups than me. Go figure.
But anyway...my goal is set and I promise I WILL reach it. I'm committed...I'm ready. Yeeeessss.
Commitment and dedication are important...and they're both extremely important in my life. I've always, always, all my life made lists and set goals and worked until I achieved those goals, no matter how long it takes. But sometimes...I find myself committing to the wrong things, making the wrong things the focus of my daily life.
And when you commit yourself to the wrong direction, it can be hard to set it right again.
God is the only one who can show you which direction you need to be going, what instructions you need, and it's up to us to open our ears and listen to Him (which can be a lot harder than I want it to be)!
Anyway, for me, I've always found it easier to distinguish His voice when I'm talking to him everyday, getting wrapped up in the Word, keeping the focus on Him. Because when the focus is up there, the path usually becomes a lot more clear...and a lot more narrow.
Following God's instructions doesn't always make life fine and dandy, and it certainly, certainly doesn't make it any easier. But in the end, it's always towards good, and it's always worth it.
"Great is our Lord and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure." Psalm 147:5. He understands it when we don't. So trust in Him, and you'll find yourself reaching goals you never imagined.
I love you guys, my spontaneous adjectives, and I hope you have a fabulous day.
So my newest goal this week (hopefully for the rest of the summer) is to get TOTALLY FIT YAH! I mean, I usually run a bit, but I want to start doing weight training again, so that I can do as many pull-ups as my sister....who doesn't really work out, mind you. But she can still do way more pull-ups than me. Go figure.
But anyway...my goal is set and I promise I WILL reach it. I'm committed...I'm ready. Yeeeessss.
Commitment and dedication are important...and they're both extremely important in my life. I've always, always, all my life made lists and set goals and worked until I achieved those goals, no matter how long it takes. But sometimes...I find myself committing to the wrong things, making the wrong things the focus of my daily life.
And when you commit yourself to the wrong direction, it can be hard to set it right again.
God is the only one who can show you which direction you need to be going, what instructions you need, and it's up to us to open our ears and listen to Him (which can be a lot harder than I want it to be)!
Anyway, for me, I've always found it easier to distinguish His voice when I'm talking to him everyday, getting wrapped up in the Word, keeping the focus on Him. Because when the focus is up there, the path usually becomes a lot more clear...and a lot more narrow.
Following God's instructions doesn't always make life fine and dandy, and it certainly, certainly doesn't make it any easier. But in the end, it's always towards good, and it's always worth it.
"Great is our Lord and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure." Psalm 147:5. He understands it when we don't. So trust in Him, and you'll find yourself reaching goals you never imagined.
I love you guys, my spontaneous adjectives, and I hope you have a fabulous day.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Chrome Flower Pots
Hey friends; how's it hanging? It's been a fairly chill day here at the home, but I'm going to my first day of work this afternoon, and I'm pretty pumped...if for no other reason than to have a purpose and something to do.
Not to say I haven't been busy at home. But it's different kind of busy.
Anyway, I hope you are all having a wonderful day, and today I just wanted to share a few words of encouragement.
If you are having a rough time today, I believe in you. You CAN do this. You can climb whatever hill, reach the top of whatever mountain, cross any ocean that stands in front of you. You are so much stronger than whatever it is.
Galations 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest if we do not give up."
If things are going the way you planned, it will get better. It's all going to be okay, whether you feel up, or down right now. Let me tell you, God knows what He is doing (I say it all the time...but it's true) and you are going to be okay. You have the strength to persevere when things are going wrong, and you have the strength to put it back in order.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight."
If you are feeling sad today, that's okay, too. It's okay to feel sad every once in a while, as long as you realize when it's time to pick up the pieces and keep moving forward. You can't control what you feel, but you can control what you do...and the best path is always forward. I believe in you.
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you, nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged."
I hope you all find some peace today, whether you are having a hard day or not, and that happiness comes your way, for a moment at least. I love you all, my chrome flower pots, and I believe in you.
Not to say I haven't been busy at home. But it's different kind of busy.
Anyway, I hope you are all having a wonderful day, and today I just wanted to share a few words of encouragement.
If you are having a rough time today, I believe in you. You CAN do this. You can climb whatever hill, reach the top of whatever mountain, cross any ocean that stands in front of you. You are so much stronger than whatever it is.
Galations 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest if we do not give up."
If things are going the way you planned, it will get better. It's all going to be okay, whether you feel up, or down right now. Let me tell you, God knows what He is doing (I say it all the time...but it's true) and you are going to be okay. You have the strength to persevere when things are going wrong, and you have the strength to put it back in order.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight."
If you are feeling sad today, that's okay, too. It's okay to feel sad every once in a while, as long as you realize when it's time to pick up the pieces and keep moving forward. You can't control what you feel, but you can control what you do...and the best path is always forward. I believe in you.
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you, nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged."
I hope you all find some peace today, whether you are having a hard day or not, and that happiness comes your way, for a moment at least. I love you all, my chrome flower pots, and I believe in you.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Rambling Mailboxes
Hey bloggers, how's it hanging? I hope you are all having a fabulous day, and that you are finding little bits of sunshine, metaphorical and literal, in your day today.
Today, I want to talk about loving one another.
God puts everyone where they are for a reason; each person has a purpose, an intention, and is a creation made in the image of God. Therefore, we have to love everyone, because God loved them first and placed them here first.
If we aren't showing love, then what are we showing? Apathy? Dislike? Jealousy? Hatred? These aren't the Christ-like love that God hoped for us to resemble.
There's a difference between obsession, and love...a difference between agreeing with everything someone says, and loving them. Love is unconditional; it doesn't hang on whether someone is right or wrong. In John 13:34-35, it says "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
When we love despite circumstance, despite response, there is something that's a bit like that sunshine I was talking about. Christ shows in us, and makes himself known to those around us. And when a person loves like Christ, it is brilliant.
We are called to love even those who persecute us, when it's hardest to love. "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44. We are called to love even those who do wrong to us, or to others. It's something that sets apart from normal love, from loving the ones who love us back. When we love our enemies-even when it's hard-it creates a separation: earthly love versus Christ-like love.
This Godly love is a perfectly unconditional love, and reveals the wonder, majesty, mercy, and justice of God. It's not up to us to decide who deserves love; God has already made that call.
I hope that you are finding love today, but more than that, I hope you are showing love, to everyone you come across.
I love you, you rambling mailboxes, and will see you tomorrow.
Today, I want to talk about loving one another.
God puts everyone where they are for a reason; each person has a purpose, an intention, and is a creation made in the image of God. Therefore, we have to love everyone, because God loved them first and placed them here first.
If we aren't showing love, then what are we showing? Apathy? Dislike? Jealousy? Hatred? These aren't the Christ-like love that God hoped for us to resemble.
There's a difference between obsession, and love...a difference between agreeing with everything someone says, and loving them. Love is unconditional; it doesn't hang on whether someone is right or wrong. In John 13:34-35, it says "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
When we love despite circumstance, despite response, there is something that's a bit like that sunshine I was talking about. Christ shows in us, and makes himself known to those around us. And when a person loves like Christ, it is brilliant.
We are called to love even those who persecute us, when it's hardest to love. "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44. We are called to love even those who do wrong to us, or to others. It's something that sets apart from normal love, from loving the ones who love us back. When we love our enemies-even when it's hard-it creates a separation: earthly love versus Christ-like love.
This Godly love is a perfectly unconditional love, and reveals the wonder, majesty, mercy, and justice of God. It's not up to us to decide who deserves love; God has already made that call.
I hope that you are finding love today, but more than that, I hope you are showing love, to everyone you come across.
I love you, you rambling mailboxes, and will see you tomorrow.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Spectacular Condensation
Hello my fabulous bloggers. I hope you are having an excellent day, and things are going swell.
Things are fairly good here; I finally got a call a back from the restaurant I worked at last summer, and I will finally be working again this week. As much work as work really is, it is something that I enjoy doing, just because it gives me a purpose and gives me something to do. Although it's usually pretty easy to get stressed out.
Stress is something that I have thankfully escaped from these last two weeks; it's been relatively stress free. And I've done a lot of thinking, and a lot of reflection the last two weeks, and a lot of finding out who I am.
Deep, right?
But I'm serious. Finding yourself is important. If you don't know who you are, do you really know anyone? And you never stop finding yourself, it's something that keeps growing, keeps changing, keeps being molded until the day you leave Earth. As a person, you are always growing in one way or another.
That can be good growth, but sometimes it can be backwards growth. The last two weeks of school, I found myself growing backwards, growing back into a shell, becoming scared of who I was and who I would be.
It's something that you have to face head-on; you can't ignore it and hope that it disappears. To grow positively, you have to take positive action, but you also have to look at the negatives in your life. You have to figure out what in your life is an obstacle or a negative force, and as much as it may hurt, cut that out of your life. Sacrifice something that is comfortable for something that is good, spiritually, physically, and mentally, is always hard....but in the end, it's always worth it.
If you are having a hard time, I am praying for you. And if it helps, I believe in every single one of you. YOU are strong enough to make the change in your life that you need...but under one condition. You are only strong enough when God is the one in control, when you hand Him everything.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.
God will give you peace, and you may not understand it immediately. But don't be afraid of the future, especially when He is in control. He will guide you to the person you are supposed to be.
I love you all, you spectacular condensation.
Things are fairly good here; I finally got a call a back from the restaurant I worked at last summer, and I will finally be working again this week. As much work as work really is, it is something that I enjoy doing, just because it gives me a purpose and gives me something to do. Although it's usually pretty easy to get stressed out.
Stress is something that I have thankfully escaped from these last two weeks; it's been relatively stress free. And I've done a lot of thinking, and a lot of reflection the last two weeks, and a lot of finding out who I am.
Deep, right?
But I'm serious. Finding yourself is important. If you don't know who you are, do you really know anyone? And you never stop finding yourself, it's something that keeps growing, keeps changing, keeps being molded until the day you leave Earth. As a person, you are always growing in one way or another.
That can be good growth, but sometimes it can be backwards growth. The last two weeks of school, I found myself growing backwards, growing back into a shell, becoming scared of who I was and who I would be.
It's something that you have to face head-on; you can't ignore it and hope that it disappears. To grow positively, you have to take positive action, but you also have to look at the negatives in your life. You have to figure out what in your life is an obstacle or a negative force, and as much as it may hurt, cut that out of your life. Sacrifice something that is comfortable for something that is good, spiritually, physically, and mentally, is always hard....but in the end, it's always worth it.
If you are having a hard time, I am praying for you. And if it helps, I believe in every single one of you. YOU are strong enough to make the change in your life that you need...but under one condition. You are only strong enough when God is the one in control, when you hand Him everything.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.
God will give you peace, and you may not understand it immediately. But don't be afraid of the future, especially when He is in control. He will guide you to the person you are supposed to be.
I love you all, you spectacular condensation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)