Currently listening to: I'll Follow You Into The Dark
(by the lovely Death Cab for Cutie.)
It's the first day of 2011. Wait, 2010 is Over?! I honestly feel this holiday season went by without me even being aware that it was happening. I've been so busy that it all just flew by!
With that being said, the best year of my life (so far) is over and done with. With both the good and the bad, I couldn't be more happy with the events of the year behind us, or more excited for the year ahead.
A Summary of 2010..
Bowling, iPod/iTunes references, New Year's with Catchprase then staying up until 6:30 am, staying awake at Austin's until 4 am EVERY night, Teazer runs with Kasey, Parachute, one Teazer run in particular, Jesus, Death Cab, SLO trip in the pouring rain, ruined boots, the original 6, the Tank game, Oka, confusing futures, the nasty dirty Tempurpedic mattress, Pismo girl trip, After church Panera lunches, MBS shows, Valentine's Day bike ride to the Lavagnino's, totaling Toby on the way to SLO trip #2, Vikki keeping Kasey's Birthday Weekend Extravaganza everything it was supposed to be, job hunting, 6 Flags with Jordan and Tommy, coming home from Hollywood with literally nothing to mine and Jordan's names, Voodoo Hannah Montana, new music, spring break in SLO, A Day Without Shoes, mud volleyball, just blow soams daddy chunks like a boss, becoming a Barista, trouble at home, Kasey's grad, Mexico, SWC, Ikea, Red Airplanes, Bonfire Voyage, SLO trip #4,5,6, Jr. High Group, Mae, moving, the good ole' days, Disneyland trip #1, my birthday, applying to Biola, Disneyland trip #2 with the Fast's, movie nights, meowing, Practically Perfect Halloween, Biola acceptance, In N Out, Christmas '10, New Year's at the Herrick's...
Most importantly, I realized that I have the most amazing group of people in my life. God has really blessed me with great company. These are tight-knit friendships that I know are here to stay. Even though we are all coming into our own as different people, this last year has bonded us in a way that I know can't be broken.
All I have to say to 2011 is you have a lot to live up to. I can't wait to see what you have in store :)
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Happy Anniversary!
Currently Playing: Needtobreathe (on repeat)
Current Emotion: Pure Wonderment
It's hitting me that it's been about a year of transformation. I choke up just thinking about where I was, and how far I've come over the last year.
Seriously, it's only been a YEAR? How is that possible?! It just feels like so much longer! I know I've said it before, and I'll gladly say it again: I've learned more over the last year, than I did in my entire junior high and high school careers combined.
For those who don't completely know my life story:
I used to consider myself Agnostic, because I knew there was a higher power, but I believed in science, and honestly, didn't live my life worshipping anything but this life on earth. I was always a decent person, but towards the end of high school I didn't make great decisions, and by the time I was halfway into my first semester at Fresno State, I didn't even know who I was anymore.
Around this time last year, I decided changes were needed. I slowly started giving my life to Christ. I still celebrated the commercial Christmas, but I was starting to become more aware of Him. All of a sudden, I was given a Bible for Christmas, I started attending Sunday church service and college group in January (I had already been attending youth group since November), and I developed this desire to learn everything I could about God and this thing called "Christianity."
I gave my life up to Christ completely, and was saved last winter.
Since then, I have fallen IN LOVE with Christ! I can't even imagine myself before. Life is just... different. A good different, of course, but I haven't looked at things the same since that time.
I've read, had bible studies, prayed, developed relationships with amazing people who have become both mentors and family to me, found unconditional love, LEARNED unconditional love, worshipped, changed career options, changed schools, accepted my flaws, ACCEPTED FORGIVENESS!!, been baptized, gone on two missions trips, learned patience, centered my life around Christ, gotten a job, put God first, put God second then realized what I had done and put him first again, found a favorite Bible verse, learned what a man in Christ is and how important that is, seen true beauty, become involved in church in any way possible, found a passion for Jr. High ministry, had epiphanies, matured, learned my spiritual gifts, found symbolism, cried, laughed, been angry, been confused, been happy.. Ahhh the list goes on, and on!!
With both the good and bad, it's been a wonderful year.
I even prayed out loud for the first time the other day.
All I want to do is study God and share about my life with Christ! If I could only do that for the rest of my life, I would be happy. I would die knowing that I glorified God and hopefully helped someone who was, at one point, in my shoes.
Even though I feel I've accomplished a ton as a young Christian, I'm not going to hit a stalemate. In fact, I refuse! I still have this thirst for more and a sponge-like mindset, and if anything, I'm feeling as encouraged as ever to better myself and better my relationship with Jesus Christ. I'm at a very lucky time in my life, and I constantly thank God for not letting me pass through this time unaware of the blessings I've been given.
This will be my first year where I will be focusing on CHRISTmas. It's not commercial to me anymore, but about celebrating the birth of my Savior, while spending time with my friends and family. It's a thank you for giving me the year that I've had! In growth, faithfulness, sacrifice, heartache, and everything in between.
I have a lot in store for the year 2011. I'm going to work on struggles, strengthen my walls against old ones, try my hardest to get outside of my comfort zone and create relationships with non-Christians, build my knowledge about the Bible and theology, etc. The list will continue to grow. I don't just have faith that God will help me do these things, I am confident that they will happen! God is so faithful, and as unworthy as I may be, I'll spend every day of my life growing closer to, and ultimately better understanding Him by giving glory and praise!
Happy Anniversary God!! And to many more to come! THANK YOU for bringing me to You and blessing me with this life! This year has been all because of YOU! I love You with ALL of my heart :)
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God"
-Ephesians 2:8
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me"
-Galatians 2:20
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him"
-Colossians 3:17
Current Emotion: Pure Wonderment
It's hitting me that it's been about a year of transformation. I choke up just thinking about where I was, and how far I've come over the last year.
Seriously, it's only been a YEAR? How is that possible?! It just feels like so much longer! I know I've said it before, and I'll gladly say it again: I've learned more over the last year, than I did in my entire junior high and high school careers combined.
For those who don't completely know my life story:
I used to consider myself Agnostic, because I knew there was a higher power, but I believed in science, and honestly, didn't live my life worshipping anything but this life on earth. I was always a decent person, but towards the end of high school I didn't make great decisions, and by the time I was halfway into my first semester at Fresno State, I didn't even know who I was anymore.
Around this time last year, I decided changes were needed. I slowly started giving my life to Christ. I still celebrated the commercial Christmas, but I was starting to become more aware of Him. All of a sudden, I was given a Bible for Christmas, I started attending Sunday church service and college group in January (I had already been attending youth group since November), and I developed this desire to learn everything I could about God and this thing called "Christianity."
I gave my life up to Christ completely, and was saved last winter.
Since then, I have fallen IN LOVE with Christ! I can't even imagine myself before. Life is just... different. A good different, of course, but I haven't looked at things the same since that time.
I've read, had bible studies, prayed, developed relationships with amazing people who have become both mentors and family to me, found unconditional love, LEARNED unconditional love, worshipped, changed career options, changed schools, accepted my flaws, ACCEPTED FORGIVENESS!!, been baptized, gone on two missions trips, learned patience, centered my life around Christ, gotten a job, put God first, put God second then realized what I had done and put him first again, found a favorite Bible verse, learned what a man in Christ is and how important that is, seen true beauty, become involved in church in any way possible, found a passion for Jr. High ministry, had epiphanies, matured, learned my spiritual gifts, found symbolism, cried, laughed, been angry, been confused, been happy.. Ahhh the list goes on, and on!!
With both the good and bad, it's been a wonderful year.
I even prayed out loud for the first time the other day.
All I want to do is study God and share about my life with Christ! If I could only do that for the rest of my life, I would be happy. I would die knowing that I glorified God and hopefully helped someone who was, at one point, in my shoes.
Even though I feel I've accomplished a ton as a young Christian, I'm not going to hit a stalemate. In fact, I refuse! I still have this thirst for more and a sponge-like mindset, and if anything, I'm feeling as encouraged as ever to better myself and better my relationship with Jesus Christ. I'm at a very lucky time in my life, and I constantly thank God for not letting me pass through this time unaware of the blessings I've been given.
This will be my first year where I will be focusing on CHRISTmas. It's not commercial to me anymore, but about celebrating the birth of my Savior, while spending time with my friends and family. It's a thank you for giving me the year that I've had! In growth, faithfulness, sacrifice, heartache, and everything in between.
I have a lot in store for the year 2011. I'm going to work on struggles, strengthen my walls against old ones, try my hardest to get outside of my comfort zone and create relationships with non-Christians, build my knowledge about the Bible and theology, etc. The list will continue to grow. I don't just have faith that God will help me do these things, I am confident that they will happen! God is so faithful, and as unworthy as I may be, I'll spend every day of my life growing closer to, and ultimately better understanding Him by giving glory and praise!
Happy Anniversary God!! And to many more to come! THANK YOU for bringing me to You and blessing me with this life! This year has been all because of YOU! I love You with ALL of my heart :)
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God"
-Ephesians 2:8
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me"
-Galatians 2:20
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him"
-Colossians 3:17
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Just Because...
"I would rather entertain and hope people learned something, than educate and hope people were entertained."
-Walt Disney
-Walt Disney
Monday, November 29, 2010
Trying To Move On
This week has been full of realizations that might have taken too long to make. It's been something that everyone has seen, and even if I saw little bits and pieces of it, I was too stubborn to believe them... That, and too optimistic.
Well, tonight I was reading one of my dear friend's blog, and I stumbled across this..
"because It seems like giving up hope in people I care deeply about is accepting failure. But, in retrospect, I suppose I need to do what I need to do to protect myself. Essentially, this is a vital defense mechanism that I have yet to master.
I guess If I should have high hopes for anyone changing, it should be for me."
It really spoke to me. I have SO much hope for people, and believe that they can become the person I need them to be. Newsflash, they can't, and I'm not mad, or bitter about it, I'm just accepting it and moving on. I used to believe that it was just bad timing, and that may very well be true, but I can't keep thinking that because it's tearing me apart. It's not worth the effort, especially since I'm getting no effort in return.
Nice guys (and girls) may finish last at first, but that's only because God's has something better for them. And hey, if I'm completely wrong about this, it'll happen without me having to make 100% of the effort. For now, I'm moving on with my life. Maybe I'm numb, or maybe it's because I, for the first time in my life, have a group of friends (and coworkers) who have my back during this time, but I'm doing fine, and I feel as if it'll only get better :)
And to my friends, I love you guys, and I'm counting on you guys to keep me accountable for this decision!!
Well, tonight I was reading one of my dear friend's blog, and I stumbled across this..
"because It seems like giving up hope in people I care deeply about is accepting failure. But, in retrospect, I suppose I need to do what I need to do to protect myself. Essentially, this is a vital defense mechanism that I have yet to master.
I guess If I should have high hopes for anyone changing, it should be for me."
It really spoke to me. I have SO much hope for people, and believe that they can become the person I need them to be. Newsflash, they can't, and I'm not mad, or bitter about it, I'm just accepting it and moving on. I used to believe that it was just bad timing, and that may very well be true, but I can't keep thinking that because it's tearing me apart. It's not worth the effort, especially since I'm getting no effort in return.
Nice guys (and girls) may finish last at first, but that's only because God's has something better for them. And hey, if I'm completely wrong about this, it'll happen without me having to make 100% of the effort. For now, I'm moving on with my life. Maybe I'm numb, or maybe it's because I, for the first time in my life, have a group of friends (and coworkers) who have my back during this time, but I'm doing fine, and I feel as if it'll only get better :)
And to my friends, I love you guys, and I'm counting on you guys to keep me accountable for this decision!!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm just going to come out and say it: I'm blessed.
Really though, as I sit in my 90% unpacked room and think about my life, I am so thankful for the gifts that God has given me throughout my life, and over this last year...
1. Jesus. I wouldn't be able to do anything without Him. God is the reason why I feel blessed, and He continues to pour out His love to me through His son, and His grace. He gives me the courage to follow His will for me, and teaches me how to love unconditionally.
2. My immediate family. My dad still makes me laugh more than anyone I know, and I know it's hard for him to be so strong with all that he deals with on a regular basis. My mom is my biggest fan, and even though we don't get along, I know I can always count on her.. Even to run to Old Navy an hour before it closes on Thanksgiving :P. My sister is turning into the most beautiful woman. She's really coming into her own and I love her so much. I'm really going to miss her as she continues her second half of high school.
3. My friends. Holy moly. The friends I've made over the last 11 months, and the few I still have from high school continuously show me unconditional love. I love them all, and I know that they will always be by my side. They make me feel "normal" and less awkward :)
4. My distant family. I rarely see them, and today was the first time I saw some of them since Christmas. Some are going through awful times, and some have very different interests than me, but I know we all feel blessed to have each other. We may never see each other, but when I do see them, I feel like they never even left!
5. The roof over my head, the reliable car I drive, heating and air conditioning, etc. These are the little things we often look passed. Since college group on Sunday, I've really looked at all of my material possessions differently, and I'm so thankful to have these things.
6. My job at Starbucks. I am so lucky to have such a reliable job with coworkers and a manager that I enjoy working with. I spend a lot of my time at work, so it's nice to know I'm welcome. The discount doesn't hurt, either. I'd be extremely broke if I didn't have it.
7. My church. The people I've encountered at CCF have been nothing but wonderful. I love going to church on Sundays knowing that, even if I come by myself, I won't feel alone. They've accepted me with open arms, and continue to support me, and give me opportunities I could have never dreamed of.
8. ABC Family. They're playing amazing movies today. Beauty and the Beast gave me the chills, I DVR'd Snow White, and of course I sang every Mary Poppins song as it played.
9. Freedom of religion. Lately, it's been on my heart a LOT. Christians in other parts of the world are being KILLED for their faith, and others have to hide their Bibles. Living in the US gives me the freedom to be a Christian, and although I may be judged and/or tested, I'm lucky that's the extent of it.
The list goes on, and on, but that just about covers the basics.
I hope that everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving, and the holidays are as stressless as they can be!
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus"
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Really though, as I sit in my 90% unpacked room and think about my life, I am so thankful for the gifts that God has given me throughout my life, and over this last year...
1. Jesus. I wouldn't be able to do anything without Him. God is the reason why I feel blessed, and He continues to pour out His love to me through His son, and His grace. He gives me the courage to follow His will for me, and teaches me how to love unconditionally.
2. My immediate family. My dad still makes me laugh more than anyone I know, and I know it's hard for him to be so strong with all that he deals with on a regular basis. My mom is my biggest fan, and even though we don't get along, I know I can always count on her.. Even to run to Old Navy an hour before it closes on Thanksgiving :P. My sister is turning into the most beautiful woman. She's really coming into her own and I love her so much. I'm really going to miss her as she continues her second half of high school.
3. My friends. Holy moly. The friends I've made over the last 11 months, and the few I still have from high school continuously show me unconditional love. I love them all, and I know that they will always be by my side. They make me feel "normal" and less awkward :)
4. My distant family. I rarely see them, and today was the first time I saw some of them since Christmas. Some are going through awful times, and some have very different interests than me, but I know we all feel blessed to have each other. We may never see each other, but when I do see them, I feel like they never even left!
5. The roof over my head, the reliable car I drive, heating and air conditioning, etc. These are the little things we often look passed. Since college group on Sunday, I've really looked at all of my material possessions differently, and I'm so thankful to have these things.
6. My job at Starbucks. I am so lucky to have such a reliable job with coworkers and a manager that I enjoy working with. I spend a lot of my time at work, so it's nice to know I'm welcome. The discount doesn't hurt, either. I'd be extremely broke if I didn't have it.
7. My church. The people I've encountered at CCF have been nothing but wonderful. I love going to church on Sundays knowing that, even if I come by myself, I won't feel alone. They've accepted me with open arms, and continue to support me, and give me opportunities I could have never dreamed of.
8. ABC Family. They're playing amazing movies today. Beauty and the Beast gave me the chills, I DVR'd Snow White, and of course I sang every Mary Poppins song as it played.
9. Freedom of religion. Lately, it's been on my heart a LOT. Christians in other parts of the world are being KILLED for their faith, and others have to hide their Bibles. Living in the US gives me the freedom to be a Christian, and although I may be judged and/or tested, I'm lucky that's the extent of it.
The list goes on, and on, but that just about covers the basics.
I hope that everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving, and the holidays are as stressless as they can be!
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus"
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Epidemic Failure"
I feel like someone just reached down my throat and punched my insides. I know I'm dramatic, but that's the only way I can explain the way I feel right now. I have a huge lump in my throat, which is holding back everything I want to say and cry about.
Nice guys (and girls) seem to always finish last.
What the eff is up with that?
9 weeks can't come any sooner.
Oh wait, that won't be much of an escape anymore, will it?
I repeat, be strong and brave! Don't be afraid and don't panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do"
-Joshua 1:9
Nice guys (and girls) seem to always finish last.
What the eff is up with that?
9 weeks can't come any sooner.
Oh wait, that won't be much of an escape anymore, will it?
I repeat, be strong and brave! Don't be afraid and don't panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do"
-Joshua 1:9
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Sheet Curtains!
In an effort to make my new room presentable for Thanksgiving, I worked for a few hours yesterday on my room.
Guess what I did..
Made curtains out of a bed sheet!
Because I don't have much wiggle room financially, with Biola tuition and Christmas coming up, my mom told me she saw the idea on TV and I gave it a try. It's really easy to do, and you don't even have to sew! (Unless you'd prefer it :P). And, it ends up looking like real curtains, promise :)
1. Take a sheet (Mine was just a twin size) and fold it length-wise. Think 'hot dog' if you're used to elementary school folding terms :)
2. Cut down the entire fold so you have two identical pieces
3. Take out the hem on the top part of the sheet (The part that folds over)
4. Put up, and pull back with a ribbon (Or whatever. I just used a black ribbon because I didn't want to buy anything)
Voila!
That really is all I had to do. Obviously, you can sew the side that was cut, but for those of us who can't sew to save our lives, it still turns out pretty well without a new hem :)
I'm falling in love with my room! I can't wait to see it when's it's finished :)
Thanksgiving's coming up! I'm excited to see my family, and I'm trying to be thankful on more days than Thursday... Look at what you have, and compare it to people in a 3rd world country. I guarantee you'll feel silly for having so many wants. I know I did!
It's Davis' birthday today! Bon fire at Austin's.. Can't wait for yummy smore's, friends, and rain!!
:)
Guess what I did..
Made curtains out of a bed sheet!
Because I don't have much wiggle room financially, with Biola tuition and Christmas coming up, my mom told me she saw the idea on TV and I gave it a try. It's really easy to do, and you don't even have to sew! (Unless you'd prefer it :P). And, it ends up looking like real curtains, promise :)
1. Take a sheet (Mine was just a twin size) and fold it length-wise. Think 'hot dog' if you're used to elementary school folding terms :)
2. Cut down the entire fold so you have two identical pieces
3. Take out the hem on the top part of the sheet (The part that folds over)
4. Put up, and pull back with a ribbon (Or whatever. I just used a black ribbon because I didn't want to buy anything)
Voila!
That really is all I had to do. Obviously, you can sew the side that was cut, but for those of us who can't sew to save our lives, it still turns out pretty well without a new hem :)
I'm falling in love with my room! I can't wait to see it when's it's finished :)
Thanksgiving's coming up! I'm excited to see my family, and I'm trying to be thankful on more days than Thursday... Look at what you have, and compare it to people in a 3rd world country. I guarantee you'll feel silly for having so many wants. I know I did!
It's Davis' birthday today! Bon fire at Austin's.. Can't wait for yummy smore's, friends, and rain!!
:)
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