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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

5 Amazing Things About My Day


Hello friends! I am having a great week and it is only Tuesday. I was thinking maybe I will start posting five amazing things that happened to me or five things that I enjoyed about my day on every Tuesday and or every Thursday. This post was inspired by my lovely roommate Laura :)

//ONE// I actually got to sleep in today, it has been a little over a week. I swear I thought I was going to die of lack of sleep. You know what makes that even better..I get to sleep in tomorrow too. :)

//TWO// All of the exercise I got in today! My friend Emily and I rode our bikes to the gym, worked out for about an hour and a half, then I had dance practice and rode my bike back. This was so nice and it was such a beautiful day for a bike ride. :)

//THREE//  Pretty Little Liars was on today, and its probably my absolute favorite thing about Tuesdays. Once the clock hits 5 o'clock My roommates and my friends come over and we cuddle up on our futon watch, then between commercials dish out our theories for the show and its characters. Anyone see this weeks episode?? Thoughts?

//Four// Ordering a cute new journal from Amazon! I have been eyeing it for about a month now, just never got around to buying it. My last journal for my church notes is falling apart, given I've had it for nearly 6 or 7 years and I needed a new one, or just an excuse to buy one haha. Plus a friend of mine has Amazon Prime so free shipping! So that justifies the purchase right?

//Five// I was finally able to attend a bible study that was recently started for the people in my building and for my major. I was so happy I got to go. It was really small and just five of us but we basically played games and talked and got to know each other. I really enjoyed that, definitely an answer to prayer, getting plugged in with girls my age at school.


So that was my Tuesday, what did you guys enjoy about today?? Anyone else excited for Greys Anatomy to come back on Thursday??? I know I am! Jackson, that is all I am going to say. Ha! Thoughts and Comments below. 



Saturday, February 22, 2014

Instagram Blog Hop Saturday 2/22

Hi friends! Here we have the Instagram Blog Hop link up! Come join and follow me on Instagram and meet other friends! Its a great way to grow your blog and get new followers. Show some loveeee!
Im at Danceeinthegarden









Happy Saturday! :)





Friday, February 21, 2014

Trying to Fix the Situation

How many times have you witnessed a family member or a friend go down a path that you knew was wrong for them? One too many right? Sitting back when the ones you love make bad decisions is hard.  I'm over here like screaming out no! Don't go there! Go this way! That's not a good idea!

That easily turns into - well that's not what I think you should be doing, and my way is better than what your choosing for your life. Because I know what's best for you right? Haha! I mean my intentions are good. I want you to know the joy of living for Jesus and all the goodness that comes from that. When your holy, your happy.   I'm sitting here thinking just let Jesus have control!

There's a point where I need to take a step back and realize I'm not in charge of your life and I can't do anything to change your situation. I can encourage you and try to get you to see that what God has for you is far better than what you could try and do on your own, but you have to want it.

I was recently faced with something that I wanted to try and fix. I started to notice it made me angry, the way your living your life doesn't affect me whatsoever, but it started affecting the way others view Christianity and that made me so upset. How come though? This sort of stuff happens all the time. When people begin tainting the name of Jesus it becomes personal. We already have enough people calling Christians hypocrites don't go and give them more reasons! Please! I value Him and then it becomes hard to extend GRACE. "It's the very thing we are hesitant to extend when we are confronted with the guilt of others- especially when their guilt has robbed us of something we consider valuable." - Andy Stanley-
Wait wait wait but that's the whole point of Christianity. Grace. It's something that I definitely have been having a hard time extending. It's something I've been convicted of. God had me open up to the book of Hosea and it was clear that my heart wasn't in the right place. I can't control anybody and can't even control my own life no matter how hard I try. I can't fix anyone. God is in control, he's the one who fixes and heals.
God will transform the valley of trouble into a gateway for hope. Hosea 2:5

A gateway for hope! Do you see that people?? Hope! He turns our bad into good. He is is bigger and his plan for our life always leads to goodness. Jesus is bigger. His glory is bigger. He has triumphed over our stupid mistakes so who am I to say anything about your life? Hosea 4:1-4
His grace covers it all.


When Jesus said it was finished he meant it. So I really need to stop, because I'm no better. I can try to show favor to those who I agree on life decisions with, but God doesn't. He's loves us even when we go against him. He really showed me that I'm a sinner just like everyone else. And that's a duh, but really a good reminder. When I'm not being humble, I'm glad The Lord is always there to remind me of my place and to show me that I need to be careful so that I don't try and take the place of him. "When I lose humility I am unable to show compassion." A wise friend told me that. :)
That statement can't be more true.

This song really hit me with this line "you've made this sinner holy, ....cause your glory is so beautiful" Song is by All Sons and Daughters - Your Glory

And really His glory is so beautiful and bigger than any of this, anything your facing and anything I think. Try to keep this in view. It's easy to lose sight.

His glory is bigger.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Things I'm Afraid to Tell You

I was reading a few days ago and I came across this blog post from Two Thirds Hazel about things she was afraid to tell. At first glancing at the post, I thought oh what a great idea and I love reading stuff like this. I was expecting to read a few thoughts of hers that were funny of situations or people she may have been in or experienced. I love stuff like that and was ready for a good laugh. Well I was a little wrong and it was much different from what I had thought. Still very good, and inspired me to write a post of my own on the same topic. So here's my own take on it. This is a list of "things i'm afraid to tell you."

//One// I have a huge fear of my family not being saved, and never knowing/ feeling the love and joy of Jesus.

//Two// I didn't get to grow up with a mother because she passed away when I was two years old, and honestly I wouldn't change a thing if I could. I've loved just growing up with my awesome single dad. He's been playing both roles and It doesn't bother me that I've never had a mother. (I have three older sisters who have done the best they could to be there for me in motherly ways, so it's not like I had zero women in my life...and many other great women who have been a big influence).

//Three// I hate politics and I don't watch the news, and probably have no idea whats going on in the world. Thats sort of embarrassing, but I don't really care. Its all depressing and gives me major anxiety. I know Jesus reigns over all, but it still freaks me out. So I avoid it, problem solved.

//Four// I absolutely hate cardio anything. Ive been dancing since I practically started walking and I love it, but I have like no stamina. I would rather lift weights and do a million sit-ups before running a mile. With that being said, I will still do cardio because it is an important part of being healthy and exercising. I just hate it.

//Five// I don't really enjoy guy movies, and I am sure theres a ton of movies you have watched that I have never even heard of. When people ask me to watch super hero movies or action movies, my response is typically~ no thanks. I'll watch chick flicks and disney movies all day though, except Cars, or like that Lego Movie because that obviously classifies as a boy movie.

//Six// A lot of people annoy me. As much as I love being social and being around people, I love it just as much to not be around people. I really feel a lot of people don't know how to be a real human being and that they never make any sense. Maybe thats just me, and maybe I'm the one who never makes any sense. Ha.

//Seven// I cry almost every time I think about my dog Bailey getting older, because I don't think I gave her the best puppy years she could have had. I could have given her more walks, more cuddles, more treats, more fetch....I've had her since I was nine and I don't think she has much left in her.

//Eight// I am not sure how people get through life without Jesus. If you don't have a personal relationship with him, I believe you're really missing out. I should be bold enough to say that to your face, but its not easy and I'm not. But really your missing out and he has so much in store for you and wants to build a relationship with you. You should get to know him. He's always there and always listens. He's the bestest friend. :) But anyways I think you're missing out and kinda crazy if you don't know him.

//Nine// I hate and I'm incredibly afraid of driving. It gives me the WORST anxiety ever. Im not afraid of my driving, I just have no trust in other drivers. I am almost certain they 100% have no idea what they are doing. I wish someone could chauffeur me around all the time, but then again maybe not 'cause I don't trust others driving either. Ha!

//Ten// Im in school, but I actually don't like being a student. I'd rather be teaching then learning, but I would never become a teacher. I don't like sitting in class. I'd almost rather being doing anything else.  For now I'm still in college pursuing my degree though.

Well thats some of me and a side I don't usually share. :) Hope you learned about me, and please share some of your own. Link back or comment!

Until next time friends.


Friday, February 14, 2014

Five on Friday

So newly single this Valentines Day after 5 1/2 years was a bit weird I must admit. Still a lovely day nonetheless. Anyways, It's a Friday and its the weekend so that in itself is something to be excited about.




So first we have

Chocolate covered strawberries...My favorite. They are my potluck go to. Easy to make and easy to devour. ANDDD even when you don't have a valentine, chocolate never lets you down. NEVER.





Two~ is my new bike. Even though I would have preferred to have another color, it is still so cute, and is a huge help to get around campus. 





Three~ would be the movie Frozen. I've watched it at least 3 times within the last week and I still haven't gotten tired of it. 




Four~ Awkward Valentines Day Cards. It speaks for itself.



Five~ Last, but not least is my new fragrance that my sister bought me for Valentines Day. Viva La Juicy La Fleur, from a girl who was hooked on strictly Viva La Juicy only,  I was surprised that I fell in love with their new scent. Good job Juicy, good job. I am one very happy customer. :)







Monday, February 3, 2014

Transitioning

So it's a new season and I am trying to accept it and move on, but every time I think about how much time and effort went into the last season of my life, I feel like I just can't get over this bump..actually it is more like a wall. I begin to get angry, I begin to get sad, and I begin to question. Im trying to hold on to something that God wants me to let go of, but how do I go about doing it?

A question...

Why would God take away something so good? Doesn't he want what's best for his children, and he makes all things work together for the good of US....

But it is funny how when I think  that yes the Lord is for us and makes things work together for our good, I suddenly think that means it's  "what I want, what I think I need, and what I think is best for me" When actually that is not the case. How do I know what's best for me... my creator knows what's best for me, he made all the tiny delicate parts of my body and made me so detailed. He knows me better than I know myself.

I believe the Lord throws us hard trials to deal with because it makes us grow.. remember my blog I wrote growth well yeah I believe that and I hate the fact that theres no other way around this and this is Gods way of making me grow, let me tell ya. It is not fun and it sucks. (I'm being real) I believe God wants to strengthen me in areas that I may be weak in and bless me. Even though I can't see his purpose now, I need to give it over to God and trust that he has my best interest at heart, because he does. He promises that. You know that quote "God only gives you what you can handle" well I think that is so true, buttttttt I feel like this part should be added "God only gives you what you can handle, because he promises to be there for you every step of the way!" How else would we get through it??? On our own? Ha good luck. Hasn't that failed before?

 "God doesn't give us what we can handle; God helps us handle what we are given."
He is there for me and he is with me helping me through it all. Immanuel-God with us. He promises.

I wrote this down and it's just some of my thoughts and me directing it to God so I though I would share.

-You said you would finish the work in me, a promise to bring me closer to you and your heart. Though I cannot see it, and it hurts and it doesn't seem to make sense now, please give me a willing spirit, no matter how hard it is. Give me a driving passion for you and to chase after all that you are. I choose joy, and I am filled with hope because you are with me. I have been filled with the joy of your presence. I can't do it on my own. I know that I am not alone, because you promised you would be by my side every step of the way. You are Immanuel.-

Jesus chooses to have a personal relationship with me and wants me to bring him my problems. He is transforming me and finishing the work. That process I cannot do on my own. This new season is going to be good, even though the transition is hard. I know this because I know my God is with me and promises me goodness.

Some verses that encouraged me

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me
~Psalm 51:12

For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever
~2 Corinthians 4:17

So to wrap it all up, I know he is working on transforming me to be more like his son and yeah like I said it hurts and it sucks, but ya know what I have to remember  :) "Consider it pure joy"

Consider it pure joy my brothers and sister whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces PERSEVERANCE
~James 1:2-3