Wednesday, February 23, 2011

snow.

I can remember a time when Snow Days were fun. When instead of school and sitting through classes, I was able to sip hot coco and watch tv; waiting for my mom to tell us it was okay to go sledding down a nearby hill. But somewhere along the way, I’ve changed my reaction to snow. Now, I really just don’t like it. Sure, snow is really gorgeous and makes washington look like a scene out of Narnia, but it really sucks if you actually have to get to places. When you’re taking difficult classes, and that one or two hours a week that you normally get are taken away, getting through the homework is a lot harder. Especially because I’m a visual learner, I need people to solve problems on a whiteboard for me to comprehend it.

As I have grown up, the joy of snow has melted away. It has turned into a drag instead of an exciting surprise. As I watch the snow fall, I pray quietly to myself, asking it to stop. I completely feel like the Grinch or Scrooge or any other joykill, but in my mind, I make sense. As the snow day drags on to a snow week, people’s Facebook status’ slowly turn from “yay, snow!” to “ugh, when will it go away?!” I just fast forward to those ending status’. I immediately want the snow to be gone so I can just do what I had planned for that day.

Maybe you’re someone who absolutely loves the snow. In a way, I envy you. I wish I could just push aside my plans with glee, go out and enjoy it. But I feel like the snow-loving child that was once dwelling inside of me has moved into some other youthful soul. While a responsible young adult has moved into mine. So today, as I sit at home, I might be drinking hot coco - but instead of watching tv, I’ll be working on an essay.

me without you.

For Christmas this year, my Aunt gave my mom an iPod shuffle with around 80 songs already loaded onto it. I was just skipping through the songs, trying to find one that wasn’t a mariachi song. Then I came across this song. I instantly liked it. The lyrics are so pure and true. It was a really great song to put on repeat. As I sat and did math, the lyrics soaked into me. I felt like sharing it with you all. Hope you enjoy.

Imagine Me Without You  – Jaci Velasquez

As long as stars shine down from heaven
And the rivers run into the sea
Til the end of time forever
You’re the only love I’ll need

In my life you’re all that matters
In my eyes the only truth I see
When my hopes and dreams have shattered
You’re the one that’s there for me

When I found you I was blessed
And I will never leave you, I need you

(Chorus)
Imagine me without you
I’d be lost and so confused
I wouldn’t last a day, I’d be afraid
Without you there to see me through

Imagine me without you
Lord, you know it’s just impossible
Because of you, it’s all brand new
My life is now worthwhile
I can’t imagine me without you

When you caught me I was falling
You’re love lifted me back on my feet
It was like you heard me calling
And you rush to set me free

When I found you I was blessed
And I will never leave you, I need you

Chorus

When I found you I was blessed
And I will never leave you, I need you oh

Chorus

I can’t imagine me without you

birthday party.

I wanted to make this post nice and short as family awaits me downstairs. The aromas are wafting up the stairs, so I should probably get going and find myself a seat at the dinner table. I hope your day is filled with much love and laughter. Maybe a few presents thrown in too. But most importantly, I hope we all take a moment to remember why we really celebrate today. Today is the birthday of our Savior!

Happy birthday Jesus!

I hope you all have a wonderful, very merry Christmas.

adequate.

Some days I feel like complete scum. I feel like I don’t measure up to the many bars that I sense are placed around me. I feel like I could always be better. I’m always failing at something in life. If it isn’t my grades, it’s practing piano. If it isn’t practicing piano, it’s being short-tempered. If it isn’t being short-tempered, it is not picking up my room. It’s just an overwhelming circle of demands that swallow me whole.

I think I am a fairly confident person. I think I have a good sense of who I am. But sometimes I just feel myself falling. Slipping off the path I thought I was superglued to. It can be so easy to focus on all our failures and short comings, that it becomes hard to realize all that shines within us. I get caught up in all the things that I’m not. All the things that I don’t know. All the things I’ve failed at. Everything I wish I was. No matter who you are, you’re going to think the grass is greener on the other side. You’ll think: if only I was that… Then, I’d be truly happy. We all believe that whisper inside of us. Telling us that just one more thing is all we need. We get swept into the desire to be perfect. It can be startling when we look at all that we aren’t.

However, I think God will chisel away at us. Mold us and move us to be who He wants us to be. He will never give us more than we can handle. He’ll help us through our short comings.

And with that knowledge, I take a step back and breathe. Realizing that I’m not superhuman. I’m not perfect. But what I am is a child of God. I am loved. I am unique. Although I may not be all that I wish I was, I am all that God wanted me to be.

identity.

I wonder what the world would be like if everyone was just themselves. If peer pressure was irrelevant. If everyone was accepting of each other. If there were no jocks, nerds or bullies. But everyone was just… themselves. Not feeling the need to build up and keep a certain reputation. Not being pressured to do things they really don’t want. Not caring if their social circle was cool. A world where teenagers didn’t keep lies from their parents. Where people dated each other for the right reasons. Where people wore what they really wanted. A world where teens would feel comfortable exploring and discovering who they are. I wonder what it would be like if all girls had enough respect for themselves that they wouldn’t allow guys to walk all over them. And what it would be like if guys respected girls enough to not walk on them. An atmosphere where you could become whatever you wanted to be without needing the approval of your friends or family. Where people didn’t put a box on who they are and who they can be.

This world fascinates me.

I think being a teenager is one of the most critical time periods in any persons life. It’s where you decide what you want to do when you’re older. It’s when you figure out what you’re good at and what you’re bad at. It’s when you grow into who you are and who you will be. I think it’s so sad when teenagers don’t stretch themselves and learn during these times. When they let other people influence such an important time in their life. It might sound rude but I think this is a time to be borderline selfish. To focus on you and what you want to do for the rest of your life. In no way does that mean you have to shove others out of the picture or become completely egocentric, but you need to find a balance. To find what you would be happiest doing. What your passions are. You need to find what you want in life. Not what your parents, grandma, social circle or boyfriend want.

Imagine who you would be in this world. What would your identity be?

different.

I have lived in Washington my entire life. Its norms have become my norms. So, as you can imagine, it’s always strange to travel to places and see their norms.

I think each city has its own feel. Its own style. Its own rhythm. And when you enter another city, it takes you a little while to understand their beat. And once you start to see their pattern, you start to realize how different yours is. It’s interesting how different parts of the world are.  How that shirt that you would die for back at home, is now here looked at with disgust.

I think your environment has a great deal of impact on who you are. As much as you might not think so, just travel to other states. Picture yourself growing up in that state. It truly can be drastic.
In my psychology class this past quarter, one of the big discussions we had was whether nature (who you naturally are) or nurture (how the people around you treat you / your environment) has the bigger impact on a person. And really, no one knows. But it’s a good thing to think about; let your gears turn as you try to decide for yourself.

So, as I am here in a different place, sticking out like a sore thumb, I am grateful for who I am. I’m thankful that I consider myself a Seattle-ite and for the place I call home.

winter retreat.

s I type this, I smile with anticipation of all that this weekend will be. I’m so excited to just get away from crap that’s been happening at home. Just random stupid things that are so pointless and immature. I like being down in the snow lodge with other christians; worshiping, learning and laughing together. It’ll be a much needed three days. My prayer for this weekend is that I would grow deeper in love with my Creator as I watch those around me fall more in love with Him. And even though I’ve only been with this youth group for about two years, I feel comfortable and secure being around them. I’m excited for all that God will do with this  group of people. Not only for this weekend, but for the rest of our lives. He’s creating memories and a foundation that will last us a life time. It will remind us to be a light among darkness. And to go and change the world for Him.

I’m excited to drink hot coco and nibble on freshly baked brownies as we play card games. Or rock out on guitar hero. Completely fail at playing pool. Go run around in the snow. Wake up to smells of breakfast and chatter from the boys, who have walked across a snowy field to eat some food. To sing worship songs three times a day. And to form closer bonds with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Ahhhh. It’s going to be fantastic!

In a kind of side note, I just wanted to say how awesome God has been the last couple of months. He’s constantly reminding me that he has it under control. And through all my indecisiveness and confusion, he has a plan for me. He had done things that I don’t understand in the moment, but looking back now, I am so incredibly grateful that He did those things to me. It shows me that he knows what’s best for me, even when I don’t. So, just a word of encouragement – although God might be changing things in your life, I can assure you that in the end it will be for the good of everyone. And that’s a promise from our Heavenly Father.

growing up.

I’m a junior this year. Which means I’m going to be a senior next year… which means I’m going to be going to college soon. This is really how my mind works. A few of my friends went off to college this year. I love seeing all the pictures they post on facebook. Their dorm room. Their favorite hang out spots. Their friends. I’m so incredibly excited to go to college. Making new friends, experiencing new things, living on my own. It’s a really scary and exhilarating thought. There are other things that I’m thinking of doing before I go to college though. I think the Lord wants me to do a DTS with YWAM. I just feel him tugging on my heart, whispering “I want you to do this.” Which is awesome. Traveling and sharing the gospel? What an awesome, life-changing experience. There are so many possibilities that it’s overwhelming, but I’m so thrilled for whatever I’m going to end up doing. It’s going to be a critical time in my life – where I actually go out and explore the world on my own. I can’t help but smile when thinking about all that the Lord has planned for me.

I have a ring I wear daily that has this verse inscribed on it. It’s a constant comforter when I’m overwhelmed by my future. I find the following verse appropriate for this post.

Jeremiah 29.11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

giving thanks.

In honor of thanksgiving, I thought I would write a post about things I’m thankful for. Pretty unoriginal idea for thanksgiving, I know, but… It never hurts to remember thinks that you truly are thankful for.

In no particular order:

God. My family. Good health. A warm house (especially during these freezing days). Coffee. Friends. Music. Piano. Fuzzy socks. Yummy foods. Laughter. Bubbles. Warm showers. Little children. My future. Ice cream. Trees. Stars. Summer. The beach. Traveling. My cute Spanish grandma. Intelligent conversations. Dreams. My phone. Worship songs. Church camp. Small groups. School. Inside jokes. Smiling. Sweatpants. My TOMS shoes. Living in Washington. My wonderful childhood. Acoustic music. God’s promises to me. Being forgiven of my sins. Singing. Mechanical pencils. Finger paint. CDs. Amazing lyrics. Loud thunder. Midnight movies. Far side comics. Calculators. Band. Urban Outfitters. Moccasins. Polaroid pictures. Chalk. Driving. Understanding math. Relaxing. Peppermint tea (with milk and honey). Summer dresses. Tights. Christmas. Surprises. Bubble tea.  Thanksgiving.

Honestly, I could go on and on about random things that I’m thankful for. It’s overwhelming when you think about all the blessings that we have. We overlook so many thinks, but thanksgiving gives us a chance to really stop and think about our blessings. So, today and everyday, give thanks.

entwined.

we are all branches; somehow connected to one another.

This picture was taken in color, but turned out looking like I took it in black and white. It shows a typical fall day; gray skies with  no clouds in sight. You may also notice the bit of snow accumulated on top of the branches. I love trees. No two trees are the same. Each one is beautiful and intricate. Due to living in the pacific northwest, people here seem to be numb to their beauty. But if you pause to take in the magnificence of a tree, it won’t take you long to understand why I love them.  

This is just one of the joys of living in washington.

Romans 11: 16 “… if the root is holy, so are the branches”

math.

A post about math was bound to happen at some point. I’ll keep this short though.

There are few things that I find more satisfying than full pages of completed math. I love looking over all my answers and knowing that I did it correctly. Even though I procrastinate on getting it done, I never regret spending the time and doing it. It’s a really wonderful thing.

ponder this.

“Prices represent one of the most efficient communication devices ever invented.”

I read this quote a while ago. It really made me stop and think. It makes so much sense and it has a great deal of meaning to it. I showed to a couple of my friends shortly after reading it and they both were confused at its meaning. I think it you just let the meaning really sink it, it becomes obvious. The quote really made me rethink the way I perceive money. It’s very interesting to me.

I guess I should explain the quote. It pretty much means that the price we are willing to pay for something says a lot about how much value we place on that item. It’s a communication device in the sense that a price of something tells you instantly how much value that item holds. That’s really what it means. The quote is just more pithy than my explanation.

This quote randomly popped into my mind a few minutes ago as I was just thinking about the prices of various things I want to buy. I couldn’t remember the exact quote, so I went and searched back on my Facebook profile because I posted it as my status a few months back. I was set on finding the quote and sharing it with you.

I think it’s a pretty cool quote and once you understand it, I hope it makes you think like it made me think. I hope I’m not the only one who finds the quote interesting.

I am here.

I feel like I write a lot of posts with just lyrics. But in all honesty, so many songs sum up my feelings and situations in a better way than I ever could. Sometimes, it’s all you need; a good song. Just to remind yourself that you aren’t alone in whatever you’re going through. With that said, here is another song. One that I play over and over. The lyrics encourage me every time I listen to it. I also like to sing it really loudly, probably to the dismay of my family.

Francesca Battistelli – Blue sky

When you’re down and you’re out
And you don’t think you have a friend
When you’re lost in the doubt
And you can’t see what’s around the bend

Just hold on
Don’t turn around
Keep on walking
Don’t lose heart
‘Cause I am here, I am here
Wherever you are, wherever you are

(Chorus)
When the rain is falling
And there’s no silver lining
And you just can’t seem to find the light
When you need a reason
To help you keep believing
Let my love be your blue sky

Don’t you know that I know
Life can be so hard it makes you wanna give up
But don’t you know over the horizon
The sunny day you’re looking for
Is waiting right here in my love

Just hold on
Don’t turn around
Keep on walking
Don’t lose heart
‘Cause I am here, I am here
Wherever you are, wherever you are

(Chorus)

Come on come on
Don’t you be afraid
Whatever comes tomorrow
My love is here to stay

(Chorus)

TOMS.

I officially have my first pair of TOMS shoes. They are gorgeous. They smell new and clean. They’re olive. I sat in Nordstrom for about an hour trying to decide which color I was going to walk away with. With the help of my sister, I decided on the olive. I’m really excited to wear them everywhere. They are my first but I dearly hope they aren’t my last.

I just felt like sharing my excitement with you all.

OH, and I’m hanging out with someone who I’ve wanted to hang out with for forever tomorrow  (<- confusing sentence). I am also quite excited about that.

I might explode of excitement; wearing these shoes while hanging out. WOAH there.

the fear of the unknown.

This song spoke to me today in a way that it hasn’t in previous listenings. I felt like sharing it with you all. It’s pretty much my feelings and emotions all wrapped up.

I’m letting go – Francesca Battistelli

My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge

Like an acrobat
There’s no turning back

(Chorus)
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
I’m losing control
Of my destiny
It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

(Chorus)

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid

(Chorus)

Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me

(side note : I really like her name… Francesca Battistelli… so great)
Today while scrolling through my Facebook news feed, I came across a video that one of my friends had posted. It was the first of eight videos. A documentary on The Westboro Baptist Church from Topeka, Kansas. The church is made up of a little under 100 people and is 80% just one big biological family. I had never heard of this family/church and so I spend about an hour of my morning watching all eight videos. I was intrigued by them all.

It is a church that routinely goes and holds up signs on intersection corners that say God hates America. To name just a few signs : “thank God for 9/11″ “America is doomed” “you’re going to Hell” “God hates homosexuals” “thank God for dead soldiers” “God hates you” As you can imagine, people are not very accepting of this. The church members often get flipped off, sworn and yelled at. The church does not back down, they yell right back. Perhaps the most jaw-dropping thing that the church talks about, is that they rejoice in the death of soldiers fighting in Iraq.

This was disgusting to me. It made me mad. How could people be happy in the death of men and woman fighting for our freedom? The church claimed that these soldiers were out fighting (which is bad in and of itself) for a corrupt country. That God was taking out His wrath on the soldiers. That if a soldier was to die, it was God’s anger for that person. That the soldier deserved to die. I’m not making this up. They, to the core, believe this.

The people of the church often stand out side a soldiers memorial service with their signs yelling and chanting. I can’t imagine the anger I would feel if I was attending a service for someone who had lost their life fighting for us, and a bunch of people were outside saying how that person deserved to die. That they were in fact thanking God for killing the solider.

Westburrow Church justifies their acts by saying that they are warning America. They are trying to help people repent. They think it is their obligation to the world to alarm them of their corrupt life-styles. They feel as though they are being the light to a dark and blind country.

What the family was saying was profound and I pondered their words and ideas for some time. While I do believe there is truth in some of what they were saying, they were going about preaching the truth in the wrong way. Yes, living a corrupt lifestyle is not what God wants. He wants us to love him and live our lives for him. But, he doesn’t want us going out and telling people flat our they are going to Hell. Who are we to judge? Who are we to condemn other people? We don’t know their past, their thoughts, their future or what God has in store for them. Standing a street corners and memorial services telling people they are going to hell is hardly a way to win people for Christ.

The church claims that they are living the lifestyle that people wanting to go to Heaven need to live. I don’t believe this. I think striving to serve God, reading your bible, praying, letting others see the light that God puts inside of you shine. That’s what being a Christian is about. We are to show others love. We are not to condemn and ridicule them. We are to open our arms, comfort and point them in the right direction. If we see others in sin, we are to offer a hand. We are not to go telling them that they are going to Hell. We are not God. We do not know where people are going.

For those of you who are interested in watching the very videos I watched, I will post the first one here and you can go and find the other seven through that one. I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on the videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOrz5k0jWdU

Jesus loves you all.

in Your hands.

Just a comforting word. Jesus has you in His hands. He’s got it all together. When you’re stressed and freaking out about a billion different things; remind yourself that you’re being guided and helped out along the way.
Chris Tomlin – Everlasting God
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won’t grow weary
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won’t grow weary
You’re the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Be encouraged, live your life and give Him the glory.
Matthew 7:7-11  (NIV)

7“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

James 1:5 (New Living Translation)

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
Hearing answers from God. Hmm… This is for sure something I struggle with. I think there are two parts to this. Number one : hearing an answer from God. Number two : actually doing what God told you to do. Yeah, both of those can be difficult in and of themselves.

I’ve been really trying to hear from Him recently. Trying to figure out what He wants for me. What’s best – in everything I do. I’ve been praying and thinking about something pretty influential in my life lately and I feel like I’m getting a message from God… an answer I didn’t want.

I haven’t literally heard him say an answer to me. But my feelings and heart have changed. It’s like, He’s just molded my heart into something else. My heart now feels that I need to move on. He’s changed me internally and now my external acts are to reflect it.

Me getting this answer is totally an answer to prayer, but just what I didn’t want to hear. Doing what God has told me, is going to be difficult. But with the knowledge that God wants me to do this because there’s going to be something greater for me in the future is incredibly comforting. It’ll still be hard, but worth it in the end. He has something better for me out there.

What is God saying to you? And maybe more importantly, if you hear an answer for Him – will you able to do what He says? I hope this in someway, somehow helps you. Or makes you think. I’m excited to see what God’s going to do in the future. And I want to keep doing what He wants so that I’ll be able to receive all that he has planned for me.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

split second.

Have you ever thought about how fragile life is? I have, that’s for sure.

It’s incredible how much credit we give ourselves. We don’t do anything stupid. We think we’re strong and almost, in a sense, untouchable. We don’t ever really think that we are going to be that story on King 5 News. That’s just a sad story that happened to an unlucky soul. But the truth is that we are all very weak. We can’t control many variables in life.

When you think about the biology of our bodies, it’s astonishing. It’s amazing how our bodies work – everything functioning without us telling it to. But really at the root of it all, we’re just bones, blood and cells. So easily broken. There are 864,000 seconds in a day. (Yep, I took out my calculator for that one.) Any one of those moments could drastically change our lives. Car accidents are split second; the majority of them ending in life long problems.

There are an unsettling amount of horrific things that can change our lives, I’m sure you can think of a few. The possible sadness in the world can be overwhelming at times. I am so thankful that my family and I have all been blessed with good health. I think it’s safe to assume that most people go through their days not really giving their health a second thought.

If you have ever been really sick or broken (or even fractured) a bone. You realize how much you love and take for granted your heath. You don’t notice how much you enjoy swallowing without pain until you have an awfully sore throat. Or how much you use your pinkie finger until you break it. We then wish we would have appreciated our throat and pinkies.

I felt like writing this post because this is something that I think of a lot. The fragility of life. I’m not sure if it crosses my mind more often that it does most other people. But it is a frequent thought to me. When driving, I regularly think about how easy it would be for one of the on-coming cars to cross the line and shatter my family’s life. It would be so easy… I am so thankful that nothing like this has happened to my family.
It’s just another thing to add to the list of blessings God has given me.

connect the dots.

Psalms 139: 1-6 and 13-16.
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.”

 ”You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them
.”

If you take the time to read and really think about both of those; it’s incredible and mind-boggling. My favorite part is, “And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” That’s amazing. God knew our every day before we were even born. This is a wonderful part of scripture that can bring you a lot of peace.

Recently I’ve been amazed at God’s big picture. At how he has the world working together – everyone contributing something. It’s as if we are a symphony, each of us playing a different instrument and different notes. Somehow we all come together and the sound played is a beautiful song that God has composed, written and directed. He has our lives mapped out and it’s up to us to stay on that path. He has a wonderful story written in our books. Because of our sinful nature, we stumble, fall and trip off of the path. By His grace we are picked up and brought back to the original path.

God is working in, through and with people right now. He’s planting seeds now so that in the future we will have strong trees bearing fruit for Him. There are things happening now that will influence and affect you in the future. He brings people together in mysterious ways. 

Recently, I’ve become friends with a wonderful girl. We met at a youth group that neither of us regularly attend. We both happened to be early one evening and started talking. A few days later, we both were at the church again and talked some more. A couple weeks went by and we once again ran into each other at the church. Each time we saw each other, conversation developed. We instantly clicked. I don’t normally click very quickly with people, but with her it was different. We learned that we had a lot in common and enjoyed a lot of the same things.

It amazes me that we even met. We both just happened to be somewhere at the same time. And we just started talking. I truly believe that God was molding our lives weeks or months previous to us meeting – setting up this date in which we would become acquainted. It excites me to know that God had this whole thing planned out since before I was born. I feel that He brought her into my life as an answer to my prayers. I have been praying for more friends. Not that I dislike the ones that I have – I have just wanted an older friend who could help me in my walk with God. He has surprised me and brought me someone incredible.

Imagine what He’s doing in your life that you are at this moment oblivious to. What dots is He connecting?

autumn.

Fall is my favorite time of year, hands down. I absolutely love it. I love the smell. I love the outburst of color. I love the scarves and pea-coats. I love the start of the school year. Fall signifies many wonderful things to me.
I can’t even put into words how Fall smells. It smells so fresh and clean to me. Like, the entire world was put into a big washing machine; it comes out smelling brand new. Everything smells so alive and vivid. I love going out and soaking up all the fresh chilly air. Autumn often brings perfect days, at least here in the northwest. The days are crisp and bright. You can turn your face up to the sky and feel the warmth of the sun contrasting with the cold air. It’s perfect for a warm cup of coffee, a blanket (maybe a snuggie?) and a just-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookie.
God’s power and awesomeness is so apparent when you see the leaves changing. He blesses us with change. If the leaves were always orange, yellow and crimson – we wouldn’t take a second look at them. Because they change this time of year, we marvel at them. The leaves are so beautiful; the world explodes with color. The trees change to all kinds of deep and brilliant colors. It’s as if God was to take out His 64-box of crayons and color to His heart’s content.
A new school year signifies growth. A fresh start. A chance to forget that bad grade in history you got last year and really apply yourself to this year’s class schedule. To make new friends. To explore your talents. To find and work on your flaws. To improve and become more like the person God wants you to be.
Being the girl that I am, I also love the wardrobe that comes with Fall. I adore all the options that you can choose from. The different coats, scarves, gloves, hats and boots. You get to pile on the layers and patterns. I’m not sure if this excites me more than the normal teenage girl. Some girls get excited about wearing super-short skirts and shorts during the summer. Where as I get really excited about wearing soft scarves and plaid pea-coats.
A lot of people look at Fall as a negative. They dread the start of school, the end of summer and the cease to warm weather. But really, it’s such an incredible time. People should rejoice and thank our Savior for blessing us with a gorgeous season.
And hey, it gives us a chance to bring out those oh-so-hysterical snuggies.

all for love.

Like many other teenagers across the globe, this summer I went to a camp. It was my first church summer camp I’d ever gone to.  About two years ago I started going to a new church and have fallen in love with the youth ministry there. The days leading up to camp were both exciting and nerve-wracking. You always hear stories of people going to camp and coming back as changed, new people. Church camp can give people extremely incredible spiritual highs. I wanted something like that so badly but was nervous that for some reason I wasn’t ready… or even worthy of receiving a spiritual high. I craved something intense, and prayed that God would do something incredible in me.
I soon found myself stepping off the loud, crowded buss and walking on the path to what would be my living area for the next five days. A wave of excitement crashed down on me. I was at church camp! My cabin group consisted of five other girls. I was looking forward to growing closer to these girls that God had placed with me. Those five days went by way too quickly for my liking. I could have stayed there another week or two. I love being around believers; it’s so encouraging and uplifting. You are able to let your walls down and share with people your true problems and gunk, knowing that they’re there to help clean you. It’s amazing.
Out of the five days, the most impacting would be Tuesday: the day after we got there. During worship, the band was playing a song called “all for love” it was a relatively new song to me, but I immediately liked it. I love worship; it’s probably my favorite part of going to church. I always feel like I connect with God darning it. I love singing and worshiping my creator. In the middle of singing this song I starting crying. I didn’t know why… a rush of emotion just poured out of me. I was so thankful; so happy that I’m covered by God’s grace and love. I was so sorry that I hold on to so much instead of release all that I still cling on to. He deserves everything, yet we hold on to so much – we’re too scared, too proud, too independent to let go. The song hit me hard. Internally and externally. I couldn’t stop crying. I tried to hold it in, but couldn’t stop. It was such an emotional moment. I felt so close to God. Like he was standing right next to me, hugging me as I was over-flowing. Ever since that night, the song has become a favorite of mine. It reminds me that “everything I need is you.” That really, God needs to be our everything. He doesn’t want our leftovers. He wants everything.
All for love a Father gave
For only love could make a way
All for love the heavens cried
For love was crucified
Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You
Let me sing all for love
I will join the angel song
Ever holy is the Lord
King of Glory
King of all
Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You (x2)
All for a love a Saviour prayed
Abba Father have Your way
Though they know not what they do
Let the Cross draw man to You
Everything I need is YouMy beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You (x2)

adventure.

Hello. I am new to this blogging business but figured I’d give it a shot. Who knows, I might actually be good at it. I’ll cross my fingers.

I find the whole idea of a blog interesting. It’s as if a stranger or acquaintance was to walk up to you, hand you a journal and say, “hey, read all about my life.” Normally, people are slow to trust. However, the new world of blogging has thrown that idea out the window. For some reason, it’s much easier to open up through text. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. Sure – it’s fun to let your mind wander and toss your thoughts to the wind. But on the other hand, I feel it almost lessens the meaning of what you’re saying. You lose the emotion in the words, the body language, the tone. It’s suddenly just words; up for people to interpret. Hopefully I properly convey my thoughts to you.

We’ll see where this takes me. Nonetheless, it’s an adventure.

new place.

Hello blogger world.

I am new to this blog site. I have a blog, currently, but I really like this format better. Although obnoxious, I'm going to copy and paste my posts from my other blog onto this site. I will most likely start using this blog more - and I want my other posts to come along and join me here.

Hopefully people understand my reasoning.

love. Anita.