tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24331609884548574572024-03-13T08:55:41.909-06:00Victorious Heroine"Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." -Romans 8:37Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-42580820186351156012015-11-10T16:45:00.000-07:002015-11-10T16:45:09.220-07:00God's Early Christmas PresentsI've been thinking of James 1:2 today: "Count it all joy, brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds."<br />
What? Joy? We're supposed to experience joy when facing hard things?<br />
<br />
I'm realizing that life's hard things are like God's early Christmas presents.<br />
<br />
You know how on Christmas Day when you're six years old, someone hands you cash, and you're secretly thinking, "Umm, okay, but I was kind of hoping for that toy I was telling you about"?<br />
On the other hand, when you're 18 years old, and someone hands you cash for Christmas, it's awesome, because you appreciate it and know exactly how you're going to use it.<br />
<br />
Life's hard things are hard to appreciate as gifts until later down the road.<br />
<br />
When I was younger, it was riding a bike and eating my vegetables.<br />
Half a year ago, it was finishing high school.<br />
Today, it's registering for classes for spring semester and getting through a really hard college geography course.<br />
<br />
These are all God's Christmas presents. While that seems weird now, I'll know that it was good for me later--just like I'm glad now that I ate my vegetables, learned how to ride a bike, and graduated from high school.<br />
<br />
Hard things really are blessings--presents, even. It just may take a while to see why.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-20758550171919112222015-10-22T16:08:00.002-06:002015-10-22T16:08:59.348-06:00Politics: Thoughts on Hilary Clinton & The Benghazi Case<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Note to the Reader</b>: I was catching up a bit on the news today (which is something that I'm finding more and more important as an 18-year-old registered voter and American citizen, even though I've never really discussed it on this blog), and I saw the headlines for Hilary Clinton on trial for the Benghazi case. My first thoughts were, "Thank you, God, finally this is being addressed!" However, I've been hearing some aggressive comments against Hilary Clinton and I wanted to write these thoughts down and share them with whoever wants to read them. Since I haven't posted in a long time, I thought that even though it's political, something written on this blog is better than nothing. Let me know if you'd like to see more posts like this, and feel free to comment your thoughts on this. Thank you, and enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The media is exploding with news on Hilary Clinton and the Benghazi case today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is strong evidence that Hilary Clinton royally messed up, that she did something selfish which resulted in the severe harm and death of many good people and their families.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the other hand, I don't think any person has gone through life without doing a selfish thing that severely hurt (or, on a rare occasion, killed) someone else. I've probably done several selfish things in my life that hurt people--LOTS of times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hilary Clinton is no exception to this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's the thing: she may have messed up, but that doesn't mean she should be hated. And I'm not talking about the cultural meaning for hate, (e.g. "Don't be such a hater!") I'm talking about the hatred that is outright wishing harm upon someone else. I know plenty of conservatives and liberals who absolutely hate Mrs. Clinton. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">By the way, this is coming from a Republican here. I'm not trying to defend any selfish actions that have caused the death of others, just to be clear. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just want to say this: There is no one--not liberal, conservative, Democrat, Independent, Republican, male, female, American, or non-American who is better than Hilary Clinton, and Hilary Clinton is no better than anyone else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of people are saying that it's people like Hilary Clinton that are killing America. From my perspective, I think it's the attitude that people are better than us or that we're better than everyone else that's really destroying the world, not to mention the hatred.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Public service announcement: It's a 100% guarantee that hate is NOT going to make this nation better. Love your neighbor--because he or she is just like you: full of a past with mistakes and regret, but also full of potential for a hope and a future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God's grace is open for everyone--even Hilary Clinton.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Questions for the Reader: What are your thoughts on Clinton and the Benghazi Case, and/or the email scandal? Any thoughts on the 2016 presidential election in general? Any thoughts on Paul Ryan becoming the next Speaker of the House?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="first-line-none" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Rom-8-33" id="en-NLT-28111" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">"Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself.</span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><b> </b></span></span><span class="text Rom-8-34" id="en-NLT-28112" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Rom-8-35" id="en-NLT-28113" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?</span><span class="text Rom-8-36" id="en-NLT-28114" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>(As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”</span><span class="text Rom-8-37" id="en-NLT-28115" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Rom-8-38" id="en-NLT-28116" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-NLT-28117" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">--Romans 8:33-39</span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-20224712435717280722015-03-30T10:41:00.001-06:002015-03-30T10:41:37.571-06:003 Seconds of Envy<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Yesterday on Facebook, I saw SEVERAL classmates and teachers post selfies of themselves in front of the beautiful masterpiece: "The School of Athens" by Raphael. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://uploads5.wikiart.org/images/raphael/school-of-athens-detail-from-right-hand-side-showing-diogenes-on-the-steps-and-euclid-1511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://uploads5.wikiart.org/images/raphael/school-of-athens-detail-from-right-hand-side-showing-diogenes-on-the-steps-and-euclid-1511.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo found: <a href="http://uploads5.wikiart.org/images/raphael/school-of-athens-detail-from-right-hand-side-showing-diogenes-on-the-steps-and-euclid-1511.jpg">http://uploads5.wikiart.org/images/raphael/school-of-athens-detail-from-right-hand-side-showing-diogenes-on-the-steps-and-euclid-1511.jpg</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is one of my favorite paintings ever and right there, all over Facebook, were friends, classmates, and teachers alike taking in that masterpiece <i>in person</i>. And I wasn't there with them.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I was jealous. Not <i>really</i> jealous, but just enough to feel sad about my life for three seconds.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">And friends, three seconds of envy can be <u><b>DANGEROUS</b></u>--to you, to your heart, to your thoughts, to your soul, to your relationship with God--<i>ALL</i> of it can be poisoned with just three seconds of envy.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">That's when I decided to take about 60 seconds to reflect. </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">While it is awesome that my friends saw a beautiful painting in person, does that make any part of my life worse? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">No, it doesn't. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">That's when I decided that even though my life often feels pretty mundane, it's actually really beautiful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Even on my worst days, I go outside and see purple mountains and really green grass--painted and sculpted by the Lord of All Creation Himself! I think that tops Raphael any day of the week.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Be Grateful</span></b><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">If you ever find yourself in those poisonous 3 seconds of envy, STOP and take 60 seconds to be grateful for all of the days that God has made your life<i> amazing</i> in ways both big and small. (Here's a hint: there are <b><i>billions</i></b> of ways, whether you see them or not.)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Remember</span></b><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">After those 60 seconds of gratitude are up, remember that person you envied before. Remember that n</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">o life dedicated to God is better or worse than another life that is also dedicated to God. </span><u style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">You are no better than anyone else, and no one else is better than you.</u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> As brothers and sisters in Christ, we all blend into one perfect, holy person--that's Jesus.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Challenge Yourself</span></b><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">The next time that you find yourself in those 3 seconds of envy, challenge yourself! Turn it into 3 seconds of rejoicing in that person's happiness. This is very hard to do, but don't forget that with God, all things are possible. You'll find that you will become just as happy as the other person and then all of a sudden, no one is happier than the other. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At that point, when everyone is grateful and rejoicing in others' happiness, what do we have left to envy?</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-56000239414405244732015-03-19T11:35:00.001-06:002015-03-19T11:35:44.988-06:00One Small Thought<i>Note: There are times when I think that my blog posts aren't worth publishing unless they are a certain length. Then I thought, "What if I just post small thoughts every once in a while?" So I'm giving it a try. I hope you enjoy it.</i><br />
<br />
I've been writing some short stories this school year, and I'm finding a slight pattern in the endings: someone gets sick or hurt, and someone unexpected comes around and helps them.<br />
<br />
At first that was somewhat discouraging: "Aren't I a better storyteller than that?"<br />
<br />
No, for crying out loud, that's the story we're living in!<br />
<br />
No one comes out of this life unscathed, and we are all tempted to buy into the lie that we have to figure it out alone.<br />
<br />
But we don't have to.<br />
<br />
That's why it was such an amazing thing that Jesus died for us on the cross. He didn't have to help us. He could have left us alone.<br />
<br />
But he didn't.<br />
<br />
He was the unexpected hero to come and help us in our misery and hurt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So I keep telling stories every now and then, enjoying the search for the patterns that represent real life that I didn't know were there at first.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-20036828742108690242015-03-06T23:00:00.003-07:002015-03-06T23:00:59.843-07:00How My Week Went & How Life Pretty Much Goes in General<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>In answer to the question, "How was your week?"</u></div>
<br />
This week was really good and really hard.<br />
<br />
It was emotionally, physically, academically, and spiritually challenging and draining. I gave my ALL in all of those areas this week (except maybe in spiritual, that was more of God working in me than me doing the work). I came through in many ways, but I also failed in many ways this week.<br />
<br />
One minute I was running through a meadow because I was so happy, the next minute I was gritting my teeth trying not to say something I would regret.<br />
<br />
One minute I was praying "You're amazing, God!" and the next minute I was praying, "God, what--why--how, URGG!"<br />
<br />
One day I wanted to journal about how perfect life is and the next day I wanted to angrily scribble about how stupid and unfair life is. Both times, I ended up not writing anything at all, believe it or not.<br />
<br />
This week I felt like a child and I also felt like an adult. One night I would be venting about how I have no idea what I'm doing and how much help I need, and (literally) the next day I was thinking "This isn't too bad, being an adult. I can handle this."<br />
<br />
One day I was praising God for how many wonderful people He has placed into my life and then the next day I was asking God why in the world he put "this one annoying person" into my life.<br />
<br />
One day I accused someone for not "being there" enough, and the next day I felt like an idiot because she has actually given up a lot of her time just to make sure I'm doing okay.<br />
<br />
One day I was daydreaming about graduating high school, and the next day...well, I was still daydreaming about graduating high school. (Some things don't change.)<br />
<br />
One minute I remembered how God has come through for me so many times that I've been hurt in my life, and the next minute I remembered how God came through (and forgave me) for so many <u>other people</u> I've hurt in my life.<br />
<br />
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."<br />
<br />
Glennon Melton-Doyle has a great word for life and how much it see-saws: "Brutiful."<br />
<br />
Life is brutiful...Brutal <u>AND</u> Beautiful!<br />
<br />
Both/And. Mixed. Joined. Together. Tough & Lovely. Brutal & Beautiful. BRUTIFUL.<br />
<br />
So, yeah...that was my week!<br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
How was yours?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-21128195387827703952015-01-27T12:12:00.002-07:002015-01-27T12:12:09.608-07:00Cinderella Mornings<div>
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to waste time? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've done some productive things today, but I'll be honest, I haven't accomplished much. I'm WAY too overwhelmed by my task list! All I want to do is snuggle my puppy, eat chocolate cake, and watch re-runs of <i>The Carol Burnett Show</i>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I call mornings like these "Cinderella mornings." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can probably relate--those mornings where you look at your to-do list and become increasingly overwhelmed and then become paralyzed by the tasks before you. And then you start daydreaming, because, let's face it, any state of mind is better than the reality you're facing now, right?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I bet you anything Cinderella was like that (yes, I know she's fictional, stay with me). She'd wake up early in the morning, go about her morning routine, deal with her cranky family members, and get started on a to-do list as high as the ceiling in the house...and by the way, Cinderella will be cleaning every inch of it later on! Yet every now and then, when she had the opportunity, she'd stare and daydream about the castle out her window. "Will I ever get out of this?" she thought. "Will I ever see the day where I'll get to spend just an hour in that castle?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's when I think about heaven.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's that place that we think about all the time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"What will it be like after I leave the world? Will I have arrows that shoot hearts? Will I have wings and play the harp all day on a ceiling?" (Apparently today's theme is ceilings...) No!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Heaven is that place we've always dreamed of living in. It's the most perfect place there is. I think of heaven as the place where everyone gets to sing together in front of God (kind of like church worship service but you can actually SEE God right there!). It might have a small pasture with a summer breeze and cherry trees, and unlimited access to a library with billions and billions of books (happy, thought-provoking, beautiful books). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And time with God, lots of awesome, precious, endless time with God. La la la... :) <3</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then I think about the evenings in heaven (that is, of course, if heaven has an evening). I've heard that in some cultures in the world, almost every night for family dinner, someone cooks a fabulous meal and everyone eats and talks about anything and everything for hours...and hours...and hours, on a rooftop, surrounded by growing, fresh, colorful vegetables in the night air. I think evenings in heaven will be like that. People spending time with one another in the most beautiful place imaginable, telling stories, sharing thoughts and memories, and getting to know God more, being completely unified with Him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Selah.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yup. That sounds way better than making vocabulary flash cards and studying for tests, but I can still have joy doing those things knowing that I won't be doing them forever! In the meantime, I'm setting aside that time for chocolate cake and t.v. re-runs. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Jas-1-16" id="en-NIV-30283" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">"Don’t be deceived,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30283Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30283Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> my dear brothers and sisters.</span><span class="text Jas-1-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><b> </b></span><span class="text Jas-1-17" id="en-NIV-30284" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Every good and perfect gift is from above,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> who does not change<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> like shifting shadows.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Jas-1-18" id="en-NIV-30285" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">He chose to give us birth <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30285AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30285AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>through the word of truth,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30285AF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30285AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that we might be a kind of firstfruits<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30285AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30285AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of all he created." James 1:16-18 (NIV)</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-17980141267456143992015-01-01T15:28:00.001-07:002015-01-01T15:28:44.694-07:00Welcome, 2015Today I'm still reflecting on 2014. I know I should have done that yesterday, but I don't think it's ever too late to reflect.<br />
<br />
Here's what I learned in 2014:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>I learned to be more responsible.</b> It's okay that I'm becoming an adult--adulthood is HARDDD, but it's <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">beautiful.</u> Have I mentioned that I'll be eighteen in only 6 days? (See <a href="http://victoriousheroine.blogspot.com/2014/07/saying-good-bye-to-peter-pan.html">this post</a> for more about what I learned in becoming an adult.)</li>
<li><b>I learned to forgive and to love.</b> I know that these sound like easy things to pick up, but I realized this year that I had no idea how DIFFICULT it is to really love the people around you, and to forgive the people who have affected your life for the worse, big or small. I also learned how to love and forgive myself, which I had to do before I ever accomplished this with anyone else. I learned that I was a little worse for wear, that I still had a lot of hurt that God's been trying to walk me through, and that if anyone is worthy of listening to for opinions and advice, it's definitely God. He taught me how much worth I have and that it's not about who I have been before or how other people around me have done things that hurt. I'm defined by who I am in God's eyes alone and how I interact with Him.</li>
<li><b>I learned how to be <u>honest about who I am.</u></b> I learned that even though I'm a messy human being, it's okay to embrace that messiness. I can do hard things. I can make the right decisions. I can do as I ought. I can do my best without worrying how I'm going to be judged by others. All of these things in the end glorify God, and I was never expected to be without mistakes in the first place. When God said "Be perfect as I am perfect" I believe that he wanted us to do our best. To give our 100%. Just show up. Pray. Love. Forgive. Rest, knowing that you gave it your all and asked God to make up for what you inevitably lacked. Ask for his forgiveness (and don't forget to forgive yourself) in the ways that you will inevitably mess up. Ask God to help you learn, help you forgive, and ask Him to still love you and forgive you. That's perfection. It's knowing that because of God's grace, we are able to be His children who do as we ought. "All beautiful you are my darling, there is no flaw in you." We're flawless because we're His children who have accepted Him. (See <a href="http://victoriousheroine.blogspot.com/2014/02/carry-on-warrior.html">this post</a> for more about what I learned in being honest.)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Maybe the reason why I keep looking back on 2014 is because it was kind of a train wreck that I can't look away from. 2014 was probably one of the hardest, yet most beautiful years of my life. It really demonstrated what it means for God to make beautiful things out of the ugliest of messes. 2014 was that disastrous train wreck that showed the ways where I was weak, but it also showed me the ways in which God is strong...and beautiful and wise and perfect and loving. And it showed that He can make me all those things too.<br />
<br />
Therefore...<br />
<br />
Welcome, 2015. Maybe you're an oncoming, ugly and beautiful train wreck just like 2014. But maybe you're a Christmas present that I wasn't expecting. Maybe you're like a giant fortune cookie that gives me a ton of advice or encouragement that I need. Maybe you're like a roadmap that will show me where I need to be going and the steps that I need to take to get there. And maybe you're a travel guide that shows me just how beautiful each of those places on the map really are if I decide to see them in person.<br />
<br />
<i>Dear God, </i><br />
<i>I pray that 2015 is like all of these things. I know that I'll have a few train wrecks, but will you help me learn from them? Maybe it'll be like spring, where all of the flowers are ruined by pounds of snow from winter and they'll grow again when the sun warms the ground. </i><br />
<i>Will you give me fortune cookies that have encouragement and wisdom and gentle reminders--and yes, even hard, painful, killer reminders? </i><br />
<i>Will you be my roadmap--a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path--guiding me where I need to go and the steps I need to take to get there? Will you also be my travel guide and point out the ways in which this life is so beautiful and breathtaking, which I often forget to appreciate? </i><br />
<i>2015 is no longer the future. It's the present. And you, O Lord, are the hope for the future. A gift full of bright beginnings with grace and love.</i><br />
<i>I'm ready for another year, only because you're here to help me through it--just like you were always here to help me through the last one.</i><br />
<i>Just one more question before we go. Am I still young enough for you to hold my hand?</i><br />
<i>Amen.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-65059322589378520382014-12-03T17:26:00.003-07:002014-12-03T17:26:53.320-07:00Overcoming Evil in Moments of WeaknessI was sad today.<br />
<br />
I don't know why.<br />
<br />
I have no reason to be sad at all.<br />
<br />
All of my friends and family are healthy. Everyone is safe.<br />
I'm healthy. I'm safe.<br />
<br />
At first, I thought, "Maybe I'm lonely..."<br />
<br />
Yes. Maybe a little. But youth group is tomorrow. My siblings will be home from school in a couple of hours. I have no reason to be lonely. And God's here. He always keeps me company. For crying out loud, I spent nearly an hour socializing with a classmate today. We both live in the same state and plan on meeting in person soon, so I pretty much just made a new friend today! So how is it that I'm feeling lonely?<br />
<br />
"It's cold."<br />
<br />
Yes. But a sweater can fix that. And the fireplace is on.<br />
<br />
"It's too quiet."<br />
<br />
I normally like quiet. What is wrong with quiet? And as I said before, my siblings will be fixing that in a couple of hours. :)<br />
<br />
So why am I sad?<br />
<br />
What am I longing for?<br />
<br />
What's going on?<br />
<br />
God's here. He's with me. He's keeping me safe, keeping me healthy, allowing me to breathe.<br />
<br />
I'm in a warm and loving home.<br />
<br />
All is very, very well.<br />
<br />
But I still feel empty.<br />
<br />
"So what lie am I believing here?" I asked God and my heart.<br />
<br />
I have nothing to worry about right now, grace is abounding all around me, it's beautiful (and yes, cold) outside.<br />
<br />
Is it guilt? Shame? Envy? Unrighteous anger? Lack of self-esteem? Fear?<br />
<br />
I don't know.<br />
<br />
There's always a battle between good and evil being fought around us. Evil can stir up feelings of sadness and self-pity even when everything in our heart and soul is screaming God's words that all is well.<br />
<br />
Did you know that evil can even mess with us physically?<br />
<br />
I've had backaches, pains, and toughest of all, headaches that have been extinguished by prayer and staring demons in the face saying, "Go away. In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to stop and leave!"<br />
<br />
Yes, you and I have the authority to do that. Isn't that awesome?<br />
<br />
I must warn you, though, evil doesn't always decide to obey you. That's when you pray for God to send angels and to use HIS power to help you conquer evil in that moment.<br />
<br />
My headaches and backaches tend to go away after that.<br />
<br />
Seriously. You need to try it sometime.<br />
<br />
So here I am, fighting this battle occurring in my mind. I'm taking my own advice, commanding the evil forces to depart from me. And praying for angels to surround me. Declaring that I break all agreements with the enemy, that I repent and commit to follow the truth that comes from God. And finally, praying for the Holy Spirit to come into my head, heart, and soul to overcome emotions and feelings of pity and sadness.<br />
<br />
And you know what?<br />
<br />
He does.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-24720498611964460522014-11-11T12:49:00.001-07:002014-11-11T12:49:41.286-07:00Saying the Wrong Thing<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Has anyone else gone through a phase
of thinking:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"Boy I hope I say the right thing at the right time." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"I hope I give the right answer.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I really don't want to give the wrong one and affect this
person's view of me." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">I have said (and sometimes still
say) things like this in my head, fearing that what I have to say is “the wrong
thing” or “the wrong answer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">If you do this too, then...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>STOP!</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">I
have often heard: "What other people think or say about you doesn't
matter. Be you!" But it's easy to forget to apply this message to our own
lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ll lose sleep over giving “the
right answer” to a question from my parent, teacher, friend, etc. asking
myself, "What if I say the wrong thing? What if I don't give them the
answer they're wanting to hear?" only to discover that they just wanted <b><i><u>my
best</u></i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> answer, not "the right answer."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Here are the lies we believe when we
worry about saying what others want to hear:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My thoughts and opinions don't matter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I'm not smart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What people want to hear is much more important than the truth
that needs to be shared.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">That last point is important,
because it’s a HUGE trap we can fall into if we're not careful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Pharisees fell for that trap: “They do all their deeds to be seen by others”
(Matthew 23:5a, ESV). They walked around preaching the Law, but they never
worried about speaking the truth. It’s no surprise that the Pharisees were
angry and offended when Jesus corrected them, speaking the truth in love:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="top-05" style="background: white; line-height: 16.15pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 1.0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">“<span class="textmatt-15-10">Jesus called the crowd to him
and said,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">‘Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile
them,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">but what comes out of their mouth, that is
what defiles them.’ </span><span class="textmatt-15-12">Then the disciples came to him and asked, ‘Do you know that
the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?’ </span><span class="textmatt-15-13">He replied,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has
not planted</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If
the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit’” (Matthew 15: 10-13, NIV).</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="woj" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus never stopped speaking the
truth just because the Pharisees didn't want to hear it or because they thought
it was the wrong thing to say. He cares a lot about what each and every one of
us has in our hearts and on our mouths—we just have to be careful that it won’t
defile us and our audiences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">You see, we're not always going to
be right when we speak, but we're much better off when we focus on giving our
best answers and speaking the truth in love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Read this carefully: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You shouldn't have to worry about
giving "the right answer." Give<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i><u>your
best</u></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">answer. And
if you're wrong, then accept correction with grace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Here is the truth that fights with
the lies you’ve been believing:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Your opinions DO matter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You ARE important. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You CAN share what you think and what is true without having to
worry that people will think any less of you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Look for the people in your life
who:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 38.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 38.7pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">love you for your opinions, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 38.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 38.7pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">encourage you to speak out the truth, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 38.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 38.7pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">o<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and lovingly correct you when you're wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">The people who aren't helping you
towards Christ will shut you down for speaking the truth and sharing what's on
your heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Overall, just do your best and be
your best. <u>Never</u><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>stop
sharing what's on your heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-43566453447561284662014-10-28T13:45:00.003-06:002014-10-28T13:45:38.573-06:00Delight"Bliss."<br />
1. supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment<br />
2. (Theology) the joy of heaven<br />
3. heaven; paradise<br />
<br />
Synonyms: joy, happiness, <u><i><b>delight</b></i>.</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(From <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bliss">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bliss</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Bliss+definition&oq=bliss+definition&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0l5.4998j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8">https://www.google.com/search?q=Bliss+definition&oq=bliss+definition&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0l5.4998j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8</a>)</span></div>
<u><br /></u>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Better is one day in your courts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
than a thousand elsewhere;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the Lord bestows favor and honor;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>no good thing does he withhold</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>from those whose walk is blameless.</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lord Almighty,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blessed is the one who trusts in you."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--Psalm 84:10-12</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">I used to think of bliss as a distraction from the important things, but really, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">bliss is that place one step away from experiencing heaven. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Bliss happens when you delight yourself in the Lord.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">I read the passage above this morning in my quiet time, and this part stuck out to me: "no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless...blessed is the one who trusts in you."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">God really does love His children. He doesn't spoil them, but He surely likes bless them...just because. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">For example, yesterday, while I was walking my dog around in my backyard, I saw that my favorite tree had almost lost all of its leaves. Looking down, I saw a multitude of beautifully colored leaves and collected a few:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI9o3h1WhHN4CbBHnx2MIWpdNkH6qERYd2_dqyEEIDS59JBW6RJPT2LBlMWrPXXLuEdA_txcDuD9tghOKOo_b0ax6oryxqE92S4KP1bZ3lKDdn62iZ9IVYRetJ-Bk5r1LqCA0UJmxxy6p/s1600/IMG_20141027_115828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI9o3h1WhHN4CbBHnx2MIWpdNkH6qERYd2_dqyEEIDS59JBW6RJPT2LBlMWrPXXLuEdA_txcDuD9tghOKOo_b0ax6oryxqE92S4KP1bZ3lKDdn62iZ9IVYRetJ-Bk5r1LqCA0UJmxxy6p/s1600/IMG_20141027_115828.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTG5Un-X61VGFrfu-NLZfzRn-mb7Wz2FIjkS357uTjHj5MEdVjGXXCDMqA3QABww_bK0sGmh7uqcjuXy6vDaKtj09cgI7aDNEKznQ_hAXAyFYJP-FUkwW2YdL6RuBomKQiIABYkN3ZUZv/s1600/IMG_20141027_115851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTG5Un-X61VGFrfu-NLZfzRn-mb7Wz2FIjkS357uTjHj5MEdVjGXXCDMqA3QABww_bK0sGmh7uqcjuXy6vDaKtj09cgI7aDNEKznQ_hAXAyFYJP-FUkwW2YdL6RuBomKQiIABYkN3ZUZv/s1600/IMG_20141027_115851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTG5Un-X61VGFrfu-NLZfzRn-mb7Wz2FIjkS357uTjHj5MEdVjGXXCDMqA3QABww_bK0sGmh7uqcjuXy6vDaKtj09cgI7aDNEKznQ_hAXAyFYJP-FUkwW2YdL6RuBomKQiIABYkN3ZUZv/s1600/IMG_20141027_115851.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5S648vjL5Slc01zMha4oxDXvWChO1Kgb-kmLTxh73fhAW2jrs2YcRJwzOazu8h6UN7sZZve_1dGcUjUfkxM1zlrp63oERm47-_iN0maGatkve5qijZW1Gk9usFfOaXHT-N3w0oL4yr62/s1600/IMG_20141027_115906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5S648vjL5Slc01zMha4oxDXvWChO1Kgb-kmLTxh73fhAW2jrs2YcRJwzOazu8h6UN7sZZve_1dGcUjUfkxM1zlrp63oERm47-_iN0maGatkve5qijZW1Gk9usFfOaXHT-N3w0oL4yr62/s1600/IMG_20141027_115906.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnCRfOdcbsEhuPxx2FPFVwmugipejCyPt5MJIx9updqc33dbOQcYXTj7g2mICHb9DL9L2WF4G9709dsLz1L0l6x29sb3Xq_jlnKEzHssz8BPCaAru34sZi11SBEolucfJ5VI5rIrsjgfI/s1600/IMG_20141027_115859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnCRfOdcbsEhuPxx2FPFVwmugipejCyPt5MJIx9updqc33dbOQcYXTj7g2mICHb9DL9L2WF4G9709dsLz1L0l6x29sb3Xq_jlnKEzHssz8BPCaAru34sZi11SBEolucfJ5VI5rIrsjgfI/s1600/IMG_20141027_115859.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Aren't they lovely?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They remind me of how beautiful God is and that while the world is constantly changing, there are still things that never change like beauty, love, truth, and goodness. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My point is: <i>delight yourself in the Lord</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
God gives blessings everyday, but it's hard to always recognize them. That's why it's so important to be on the lookout for the things that will catch your eye. They just might be presents from God telling you that He loves you and thinks you're amazing. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." --Psalm 37:4</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTG5Un-X61VGFrfu-NLZfzRn-mb7Wz2FIjkS357uTjHj5MEdVjGXXCDMqA3QABww_bK0sGmh7uqcjuXy6vDaKtj09cgI7aDNEKznQ_hAXAyFYJP-FUkwW2YdL6RuBomKQiIABYkN3ZUZv/s1600/IMG_20141027_115851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-80080495384347568612014-10-16T13:01:00.001-06:002014-10-16T13:01:23.203-06:00Two Poems DivergedOne of my new favorite movies, <i>Dead Poets Society</i>, mentions two poems that have struck me in these last few days. One is an excerpt from Henry David Thoreau's <i>Walden</i> about why one would go to the woods, and the other is a poem by Walt Whitman called "Oh Me! Oh Life!" which answers the ever-popular question, "Why are we here, in the world, and what is our purpose?"<br />
<br />
The reason why I mention these two poems together is that they both attempt to answer this question with two different perspectives.<br />
<br />
Henry David Thoreau wrote in <i>Walden</i>:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 29.25px;">I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear, nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion. For most men, it appears to me, are in a strange uncertainty about it, whether it is of the devil or of God, and have somewhat hastily concluded that it is the chief end of man here to 'glorify God and enjoy him forever.'"</span></span><br />
<br />
Thoreau makes a very good point, that we are here to choose life over death, and to avoid the realization at the end of our lives that we had not lived.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, he says that "most men...have somewhat hastily concluded that it is the chief end of man here to 'glorify God and enjoy him forever.'"<br />
<br />
What a shame, to believe that such a glorious calling is nothing but a hasty conclusion!<br />
<br />
If I were to visit the woods, this would be my purpose: to enjoy God and glorify Him. At this season of my life, I praise God every day for the trees. The leaves and their colors are absolutely captivating, and it my heart skips a beat realizing that God made me ruler of all of it (as well as you!); that you and I are in fact the crowning glory of those beautiful colors on the leaves, the constellations in the stars on the dark night sky, and the brightness that overcomes the cold morning air in the sunrise at the beginning of every day: that all of us were made to top those beautiful sights, and to give our glory back to the Lord (<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">2 Peter 1:3-11, ESV</span>).<br />
<br />
I disagree with Thoreau: this is not a hasty conclusion at all. I did not come up with that conclusion on my own. It is in fact what I was assigned to do by the Voice of Truth Himself on the day He gave me breath (<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Jeremiah 1:5, ESV; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, ESV</span>). It's not a conclusion I made for myself: it's a calling.<br />
<br />
I believe that Walt Whitman describes the facts of life much better: that amongst our hurt and pain, our hearts cry out, "Oh me! Oh life!" and "what could I possibly be good for?"<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 29.25px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"O Me! O life! of the questions of these recurring,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew’d,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The question, O me! so sad, recurring-What good amid these, O me, O life?<span id="more-96" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 29.25px; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Answer. </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />That you are here-that life exists and identity,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse."</span></div>
Whitman knows quite well that we are sad wretches, searching around the earth for an answer to what we are good for, what we were made for, and why we are here, still daring to live. The answer: that we're here! That we are a part of a beautiful story set all around us, and we are important characters in it! And that our lives will contribute a verse to the greatest play of all time.<br />
<br />
As Professor Keating very well stated, "<b>What will your verse be?</b>"<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-9615592402324219232014-09-30T17:08:00.001-06:002014-09-30T17:08:25.793-06:00A Pet Peeve and an EncouragementI've been seeing memes and pictures like these on the internet lately:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVNwOkVrDofQsuR9t-pkIbZux7vaFdSl-aaeJo9stoc6_BfBlaBzUETTLMYs_bVt7Kxzj3mLx4Vz0uIVdanxdNzavRc-aCMrB3KF8tCZqnQMwwQH4ps7_11zxPY1I2-2L_Toh82t0pnPc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-09-30+at+4.45.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVNwOkVrDofQsuR9t-pkIbZux7vaFdSl-aaeJo9stoc6_BfBlaBzUETTLMYs_bVt7Kxzj3mLx4Vz0uIVdanxdNzavRc-aCMrB3KF8tCZqnQMwwQH4ps7_11zxPY1I2-2L_Toh82t0pnPc/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-09-30+at+4.45.58+PM.png" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFFVdZOZ1kwvzopeqIxCisEr7Jc-sUTRlBM_TIhOKzFN07k1NGnvu3jhCSQalIgkx6Xos7jECymgXqVsPUjpdWPhG5Dd-79Ipgp5a57KTnYO_MPlYOLBxuKam9tpxWHrGegVx4B0U57lX/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-09-30+at+4.28.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFFVdZOZ1kwvzopeqIxCisEr7Jc-sUTRlBM_TIhOKzFN07k1NGnvu3jhCSQalIgkx6Xos7jECymgXqVsPUjpdWPhG5Dd-79Ipgp5a57KTnYO_MPlYOLBxuKam9tpxWHrGegVx4B0U57lX/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-09-30+at+4.28.02+PM.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll be honest: I don't like being told that my faith is weak just because I don't hit the share button.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, I know that my faith is defined by how I live, not by how many times I "like" or "share" these kinds of posts. I believe that it's better to show Jesus in my everyday actions than to nauseate people with "Re-share for Jesus!" posts. My hope is that Jesus' presence in my life is perfectly obvious without my having to re-post these pictures all over the Internet.<br />
<br />
A lot of the pictures I see are also quite discouraging. In fact, if I were a non-Christian coming across these photos, I'd probably be buying into the stereotypes that the world makes for us: "Oh, those Christians are always guilting people into their beliefs. They're such hypocrites! Isn't their religion about loving and encouraging?"<br />
<br />
I'm not trying to be harsh on people that put pictures like this on their social network feeds. If their goal is to share Jesus with others, then I applaud them for having their heart in the right place.<br />
<br />
The problem is that <i><u>these kinds of pictures do not accomplish the goal well</u></i>.<br />
<br />
Here's a simple question: if you want to introduce others to Christ, is guilting them or pressuring them the right way to invite them into a lifelong, loving, committed relationship with Him?<br />
<br />
I don't write this post to be judgmental, mean, or preachy. I'd like to gently remind my fellow brothers and sisters to think before you post, and continue to build each other up in Christ.<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29285B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29285B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">grace to those who hear." --Ephesians 4:29</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-80475097982364393192014-09-15T15:09:00.000-06:002014-09-15T15:09:37.245-06:00The Season of Change is Coming SoonI was just thinking a minute ago about how seasons sometimes have subtitles.<br />
<br />
Winter: the cold season and the season of Christmas, the new year, and even Valentine's Day. (A thought just occurred to me about Valentine's Day. It is a holiday in which we celebrate love, but we celebrate it in the middle of winter--it's cold, nasty, and difficult. Doesn't that in and of itself represent what love is all about? How love is about caring about someone or wanting the best for them, even when it's cold, nasty, and difficult?)<br />
<br />
Spring: the season of new beginnings, life, and resurrection. (Obviously, that would be why we celebrate Easter in this season, but we also celebrate Mother's Day, and late into the season, we celebrate Father's Day. We celebrate the lives of those around us in the spring.)<br />
<br />
Summer: the season of EXTREME heat, and the season of rest. (I find a lot more pictures of the beach and vacation articles on Pinterest during this time of year, don't you?)<br />
<br />
And finally...<br />
<br />
Autumn (I like the name autumn better than fall!): the season of change and color.<br />
<br />
Autumn is not here yet, but it's coming soon. (Did you know the autumnal equinox is next Tuesday?)<br />
<br />
I always think that this time of the year is strange--when we are all ahead of the autumn season. School has started, so all the parents and students are saying, "It must be fall, since we're getting into the school routine and starting sports [and other extracurricular activities]." I have even seen Halloween decorations and specialty costume stores put up. My grocery store is covered with candy bags decorated with spiders and ghoulish faces on them. Halloween commercials are now found on every television channel.<br />
<br />
Yet, when I look outside at my backyard, the tree is still green--not a hint of orange, red, or yellow. All the bees are buzzing around flower bushes, the sky is still as blue as a robin's egg, and it's 86º at only one o'clock in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
Autumn usually means that I don't have to see ants crawl into the side of the house. It means that I get to enjoy how the wooden fence in the backyard gets wet, dark stains from the hundreds of raindrops and how the cold foggy mist feels on my face after a rainstorm. It means that I can wear sweaters, scarves, fuzzy socks, boots, and blue jeans every single day of the week, and so will everyone else I know. It means that I can bake pumpkin bread with chocolate chips and drink caramel apple cider at coffee shops. Autumn is the season of reading books next to a fireplace, sleeping with extra blankets, and enjoying comfortable walks outside, knowing that it won't be too hot or too cold.<br />
<br />
No wonder we are all ready for the fall...but it's not here yet!<br />
<br />
Right now is the season of patience. It's the season where farmers are preparing their fields knowing that it will rain soon, and there will be plenty to do when harvest comes. Right now is the season where everyone wants something in their lives to change, and they anticipate it wholeheartedly.<br />
<br />
It reminds me of the seasons of life we have with God. How we impatiently anticipate a change that God is about to grant to us, but He hasn't quite decided to do it yet. It's that difficult season of waiting.<br />
<br />
Right now in my backyard, it's still extremely hot. The tree is still green, even though I really want to see it turn orange and red. I likely won't see the flames blazing in the fireplace this evening, and I didn't notice any fog or mist in the atmosphere early this morning.<br />
<br />
But I know all of those glorious things about the season of change are coming. I trust God that He's going to give us those gifts...in a little while, but not quite yet.<br />
<br />
What do we do in a season of patience? What do we do when we're waiting on God to bring change into our lives?<br />
<br />
We pray, we breathe, we worship, we meditate on God's Word, and we take in the gifts that He's already given us for right now.<br />
<br />
I heard this at church yesterday: waiting on God is not necessarily the same as waiting in line. It's more like how you want a waiter to serve you when you are at a restaurant. Waiting is the act of serving God, not a lack of action on God's part.<br />
<br />
The gifts that I can appreciate about my backyard right now is that the tomato plant is still producing yellow and red cherry tomatoes. The tree may not be orange, red, and yellow, but throughout the summer, I've seen it in dozens of shades of bright and dark greens. I've seen tons of squirrels and birds visit the tree and appreciate it more than I have. I have enjoyed the feelings of putting my hands in cold water, and seeing how my face looks when it's sun-kissed.<br />
<br />
I still anticipate, but I can still appreciate. And that is the beauty of patience, even when I long for the season of change.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. 'Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, that He might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation.'" --Isaiah 25:1, 9b</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-90470758563991279802014-07-10T23:00:00.003-06:002014-07-10T23:00:47.566-06:00Saying Good-bye to Peter Pan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cartoonsimages.com/sites/default/files/field/image/waltdisney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cartoonsimages.com/sites/default/files/field/image/waltdisney.jpg" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a confession to make: I get upset, tired, and angry from time to time.<br />
<br />
The other day I had a heated discussion with my mom (ok, it was more of a one-sided rant) with me going on and on and on about how terribly miserable I am and how difficult my life is. (I'm sorry to admit that I say stuff like that.)<br />
<br />
Then my mom said three words that no child in the history of mankind has EVER wanted to hear from a parent: "Then move out."<br />
<br />
I froze. "What?"<br />
<br />
"Move out." She went on to say that she didn't exactly mean "Pack your things and get out of this house right now if you don't like it here. Good luck making it on your own." She didn't mean that at all.<br />
<br />
She meant that I am pitifully dependent on my family...for pretty much everything.<br />
<br />
I'm seventeen, and my habitat has been about the same as it has been since I was ten years old. My parents drive me everywhere, because I do not have a license. I can't go anywhere without having a family meeting and looking at our entire schedule. I can never say, "Hey, I'm going out of the house for a little while," unless I'm going to walk the dog, go for a run, or ride my bike...<i>in the neighborhood</i>.<br />
<br />
I hardly ever go anywhere by myself because I usually go to events that my parents have planned for the whole family. Probably the only places that I go voluntarily are the gym, the library, school, church, and youth group. But then, I can't go to any of those places (except the library) without someone driving me (and then a family member usually attends those places with me). I'm at home a lot because I haven't been getting a driver's license so I can go to community college or get a job so I can make friends with classmates and co-workers.<br />
<br />
This is my life right now, and the truth is: I've never really been bothered by it until now. I've always been comfortable following my family around like a dog on a leash, being driven everywhere, never having to worry about leaving the house.<br />
<br />
My entire life is the definition of DEPENDENCE when my growth as a teenager demands that I find INDEPENDENCE. This doesn't mean rebelling against my parents, it doesn't mean "looking out for #1," or deciding that I'm right and everyone else is wrong.<br />
<br />
It means deciding how I want to make an impact in the world, making decisions for myself, learning my own life lessons, and taking steps toward surviving as an individual under God...leaving childhood behind and becoming an adult.<br />
<br />
Friends, <u>this is a terrifying mission to accept.</u><br />
<br />
Do you know how birds learn to fly? Young birds spend the beginning of their lives being fed by their mother and never leaving the nest. All they know is that tiny confined space consisting entirely of little sticks, cotton, and leaves. All they know is life with the other birds in their family. When the bird is ready to fly, do you know what happens?<br />
<br />
It's quite fascinating: the mother starts to push her child out of the nest. And I don't mean a little shove to say, "If you want, you can go." No! I mean, the mother flaps her wings uncontrollably, kicking and pushing that little bird <i>out</i> of that nest. That's not saying "Hey, if you want, go ahead." That is saying, "Go. Go. Go now. GO! Fly, it's time. Right now. Ready, go!!!"<br />
<br />
You know how that little bird responds at first, "What are you doing? Stop! It's too high! I can't! Please, I don't want to go. I'm scared!" Then finally, the mother gives one last push, and this story can have one of two endings: 1) either the bird decides not to fly and falls to the ground, hopeless, and in a lot of cases, dead; or 2) the bird starts to flap its wings and flies away--it soars in the air, leaving its dependence on its family behind, and discovering <u>independence</u>.<br />
<br />
The process of independence is a little different for human beings, because leaving the nest and growing up doesn't traditionally happen within a few minutes. One thing I do know now is that I have to stop refusing to grow up, like Peter Pan. It's a great thing to accept adulthood--after all, most of my life will be spent as an adult--that is, if I decide to leave childhood behind. I think growing up will be a great adventure--an adventure that Peter Pan was too afraid to experience.<br />
<br />
It will probably be another year or two before I leave my parents' house. I still have to graduate high school, I still need to get a driver's license, I still need to get a job, and find an ambition with which to glorify God (some people call that pursuing a career, but I think an ambition is more than that [this topic may be another blog post in and of itself]).<br />
<br />
Now is the time where I begin taking the steps to accepting the challenge of growing up. It's the time where God writes the final pages of this first chapter of my life. Now is when He helps me figure out what's next.<br />
<br />
Yes, the words "move on," "move out," "time to grow up," and "leave the nest" are terrifying.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, I hear these strong words from God and the people who are ready to support me and cheer me on as I accept the daring challenge of grasping independence:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;">"<u>You <i>are</i> ready. It's time to fly.</u>"</span><br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-9" id="en-NIV-28675" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">"For</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> we know in part</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28675S" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28675S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> and we prophesy in part,</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b> </b></span></span><span class="text 1Cor-13-10" id="en-NIV-28676" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">but when completeness comes,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28676T" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28676T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span> what is in part disappears.</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-11" id="en-NIV-28677" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28677U" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28677U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span>behind me. </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-NIV-28678" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28678V" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28678V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span> then we shall see face to face.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28678W" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28678W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></span> Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28679Y" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28679Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">But the greatest of these is love."</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">--1 Corinthians 13:9-13</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Photo Credit: </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cartoonsimages.com/sites/default/files/field/image/waltdisney.jpg">http://cartoonsimages.com/sites/default/files/field/image/waltdisney.jpg</a></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-50445949505839460082014-06-11T21:55:00.000-06:002014-06-11T21:55:27.963-06:00Letter to the Readers: Another Blog!Hello readers, and happy summer!<br />
<br />
I have an announcement to make. You may have noticed another tab on the top of the page labeled "Victorious Notebook."<br />
<br />
That, friends, is my new blog!<br />
<br />
<i>Victorious Notebook</i> is a "spinoff" blog for my reading and writing projects, which I want all of you to be a part of. The first post explains everything, so if you're interested in following the blog, please go to the link at the top of the page and read the post titled, "Welcome to Victorious Notebook!"<br />
<br />
I'm very excited to have another outlet for writing, and I hope that you will enjoy it too.<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
--HayleyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-57277625949348531192014-05-20T08:47:00.001-06:002014-05-20T08:47:42.258-06:00Welcome to the Twilight Zone: A Metaphor Based on My Experience at "The Tower of Terror"<span style="color: red;"><b>Disclaimer:</b> This is a post about one of the experiences I had at my Disney World vacation last summer. If you've been waiting for a post like this one, this is the chance to start reading. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">However, if you're bothered by spoilers or long articles, this might be a post to skip. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">While I do make some exaggerations in this article for humor and descriptions, I'm not trying to make everyone believe that The Tower of Terror is the worst ride ever, or that no one should ride it. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">I think it's a great experience for everyone, even though I didn't enjoy riding it the first time.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">I'll also be sure to write about other fun experiences I had at Disney that will not be long, spooky, or have spoilers! :)</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
Life as a student in the month of May is a lot like the experience of riding "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror" at a Disney park. In other words, "terror" <b><i><u>definitely</u></i></b> warrants the name.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wdwlive.com/photos/disney-mgm-studios/sunset-boulevard/the-twilight-zone-tower-of-terror/tower-of-terror-2-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.wdwlive.com/photos/disney-mgm-studios/sunset-boulevard/the-twilight-zone-tower-of-terror/tower-of-terror-2-5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Tower of Terror reminds me a lot about what the month of May is like for high school/college students. So, I'm going to walk you guys through the first time I rode the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride and how it's a metaphor for my life right now as a student.<br />
<br />
So you're walking in to this condemned place, feeling all jittery and excited like: "Oh my goodness, this is going to be a fun ride!" But I'm not a normal person, so I was interviewing everyone in my family who has ridden the ride before:<br />
"Are you sure it's not scary?"<br />
"My word, this is a tall building!"<br />
"Is this even safe?"<br />
"Ummm, why are there screaming people in the open window under the hotel sign?"<br />
That's right, dear readers, the people who are currently on the ride are clearly visible <b><i><u>and screaming </u></i></b>looking out of an open window of this condemned, creepy building. And then the window mysteriously closes....<br />
"Hey Mom, I don't know if I want to go on this ride."<br />
Dad says, "Don't be ridiculous, it'll be fun."<br />
Right. Of course. This is Disney World after all. Nothing to worry about.<br />
<br />
Anyway, you finally get into the part of the line where you're inside of this creep-o place, and your first glance when you walk through the doors looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/The_Twilight_Zone_Tower_of_Terror--Hotel_Lobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/The_Twilight_Zone_Tower_of_Terror--Hotel_Lobby.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah....is anybody else noticing that there are NO guests walking around the lobby of this hotel?<br />
Is anybody else checking out the uncanny amount of cobwebs in this room?<br />
Has the health department ever known about this?<br />
And the question that of course, I'm thinking is: Why in the world am I still here?<br />
Oh that's right, it's a Disney World ride...moving on. (At this point my dad is excitedly pointing out all of the special effects, and I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going insane, or if I'm totally overreacting for no good reason.)<br />
<ul>
<li>Student-life metaphor: You've been at school for a long time now (kind of like how you've been in line for a long time) and things were going pretty ok all year. It's been exciting and scary, but you've been doing really well. You start to think, "hmm, this is getting kind of creepy, maybe I should start preparing for the worst now" but of course, if you struggle with chronic procrastination like I do, you're not going to be thinking about preparing for the worst now, because you're being distracted (kind of like the absence of hotel guests and amount of cobwebs in the lobby). And...you just wait until the worst does come. It can't be that bad...</li>
</ul>
You walk in to this chamber of darkness and old books, and an old television set in the corner of the wall magically turns on and guess what program we're about to watch? The Twilight Zone! Cool, you've heard of this show! Hmm, never seen this episode before...<br />
<br />
Rod Serling shows up on the screen and says, "You unlock this door with the key of imagination, beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into . . . The Twilight Zone." Wow, this is going to be a good episode.<br />
<br />
"Hollywood, 1939. Amidst the glitz and the glitter of a bustling young movie talent at the height of its golden age, the Hollywood Tower Hotel was a star in its own right..." Hey! That's the hotel we're in right now! Wait a minute... Are we in a Twilight Zone episode?<br />
"The time is now, on an evening very much like the one we have just witnessed. Tonight's story on The Twilight Zone is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction. This, as you may recognize, is a maintenance service elevator, still in operation, waiting for you. We invite you, if you dare, to step aboard because in tonight's episode you are the star. And this elevator travels directly to...The Twilight Zone." Oh goodness. We're in a Twilight Zone episode. I guess I like The Twilight Zone, but I have NEVER wanted to be a part of it!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Student-life metaphor: Things are starting to pick up now. A little more stressful, some things are still familiar, but your teachers and assignments are now surprising you a lot like how the familiar storyteller Rod Sterling is surprising you with your participation in an episode of a story that you really DO NOT want to participate in. A storm is brewing, but you're still paralyzed by all of the surprises.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The creepy bellhop that led us into the library is kicking us out of the room because the video is finished, and we are now being led into a boiler room...getting in line to go on some really creepy elevators.<br />
<br />
You look down right next to you, which happens to be right where the elevator generator is, and uh...there's sparks coming out of it, and...let's just say it's seen better days.<br />
<br />
This is Disney World. I'll be safe. It's fine.<br />
<br />
You're up. Time to get into the elevator. (I was sitting in the far back row on the left between my grandpa and my mom.) Thank goodness there are seat belts on this thing, and you immediately make the decision to buckle up, because you'll take any safety precaution you can get at this point.<br />
<br />
Another bellhop checks to make sure that you're all buckled up and safe, she says some obvious safety stuff like hold on to the arm rests, don't unbuckle, and good luck.<br />
Thanks, bellhop. Luck is exactly what I need right now...not.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Student-life metaphor: This is the part of the school year where you know you're about to take your last steps, if you will, and the rest is the ride to the finish. It's a little scary. You know that this ride is about to take you to summer and no homework and everything you've been waiting for all year long. But it's also a ride that takes you to final exams, missing your friends, finishing up every last assignment down to the last minute. But you're not giving up now. You're getting on this ride. The only thing that anyone can do is to wish you luck and make sure you buckle up.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The doors to the elevator close. Here we go...<br />
<br />
All of a sudden you hear Rod Serling's voice: "You are the passengers on a most uncommon elevator about to ascend into your very own episode of The Twilight Zone."<br />
Oh boy. You can feel the elevator rising and all of a sudden, you can see down a long hotel corridor, and some ghosts say hi. Well, actually they don't really say hi, they wave at you...and wait a second, are they inviting you to come with them?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Student-life metaphor: These ghosts kind of remind me of the college students who talk about how miserable their life is during their final exams and end of the year stuff, because their end of the year always comes before we do. Those poor students always remind me that I'm about to go through the same difficulty very soon.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Lightning flashes, the ghosts are gone. Good thing too, because they were starting to freak you out.<br />
Then the hallway disappears. All that's left is the window at the end.<br />
What's going on here?<br />
You see some really pretty stars and darkness, and then the window begins to move...<br />
It quickly evolves into the window from the opening of the Twilight Zone--and the window shatters!<br />
<br />
Stuff just got real.<br />
<br />
Rod Sterling's back: "One stormy night long ago, five people stepped in the door of an elevator and into a nightmare. That door is opening once again and this time, it's opening for you."<br />
<br />
Two words go through your head: Oh, crud.<br />
<br />
KAPLAM! The elevator plummets (on my ride, the first drop was <i><u><b>all fifty feet.</b></u></i> The absolute lowest it can drop). It goes SO fast, that your bottom starts to come up off of the seat, only to be stopped by your seat belt (I told you those seat belts would be a blessing). You hold onto those armrests for dear life, close your eyes, and don't open them up again until you know you're safe.<br />
<br />
The elevator rises and falls, rises and falls. Now, windows are starting to open up when you rise, and then drop. You can see the whole park from those windows--not that I would know, because my eyes were completely shut and my head was down the entire time.<br />
<br />
My grandpa kept trying to take my hand when we were near the window and said, "Look up! It's great! Look up!" My only response was keeping my eyes shut and my head down, as I shook my head "nuh-uh, I can't. No way."<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Student-life metaphor: You get hit hard with reality. Yes, you're coming to the very end, but your life is at its highest stress level that it's ever been. The best way you can handle it is to keep your head down, keep moving, keep studying, finish what you can, and don't stop until the last day of school is over. Each day feels like a harder and harder challenge to make it to the end. Fortunately, you have people with you trying to get you to enjoy the ride as you're trying to get to the end, but sadly, sometimes we still keep our heads down, and miss some of the good things.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Up and down, up and down, up and down. You're starting to worry for your life, it's so scary. You're even praying when you can. Up and down, up and down, up and down.<br />
<br />
You finally go up and then come back down for the last time. It's over. You can open your eyes now. You're taking deep breaths. You're alive!!!<br />
<br />
Rod Sterling's back again. Where was he when we were plummeting 50 feet?<br />
"A warm welcome back to those of you who made it--"<br />
Gee, thanks.<br />
"--and a friendly word of warning, something you won't find in any guidebook: the next time you check into a deserted hotel on the dark side of Hollywood, make sure you know just what kind of vacancy you're filling, or you may find yourself a permanent resident...of The Twilight Zone."<br />
<br />
One of the first things you get to see before you exit is the picture of you "enjoying" the ride....or screaming your head off.<br />
<br />
I still remember my picture on The Tower of Terror. As I said before, I was sitting in between my mom and my grandpa. They were holding my hands as I had my head down facing my knees, and eyes completely shut. Everyone in my family was saying, "Hey look! It looks like Hayley's praying!"<br />
My response: "I was!!!"<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Student-life metaphor: It's the last day of school and life is looking up for a change. Everyone is congratulating you, and maybe in some cases, you're graduating! You're looking back on the last few weeks, and the only thing that you can say is "Thank goodness I made it out alive." You get a whole 3 months before you'll have to experience anything like this again, but in the meantime, you can enjoy summer vacation. Hooray!</li>
</ul>
<br />
As my family and I were walking out of Tower of Terror about to move on to the next ride, I ran up to my dad and started talking about how SUPER SCARY that ride was. Who knows why, but he began to explain why Tower of Terror is his favorite ride, and you begin to wonder why people volunteer to get on a ride that will make you so stressed and terrified.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Student-life metaphor: Have you ever wondered why people volunteer to put themselves through high school and college, often willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars that will take their whole lives to pay off? Yet, when we think of school, we groan at the thought of it, remembering how difficult and scary it is?</li>
</ul>
<br />
On the ride home from our second day at Disney World, I looked at an advertisement billboard for Tower of Terror, and I looked at my mom and said, "You know, it's a good feeling when you conquer your fear by doing something that you didn't want to do. I can now say to myself that I rode a really dark, tall, and scary ride for the first time."<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Student-life metaphor: One of the things that an education provides is being able to conquer our fears, and train ourselves to do hard things that we normally wouldn't ever want to do. For example, I'm about to finish a pre-calculus class, which was beyond a doubt one of the hardest classes I've ever had to pass. But even though I'm going to remember how much I struggled, I'm also going to remember how good I will feel when I finish it. And hopefully, I will remember the times where I worked as hard as I possibly could to conquer that fear and difficulty, and how it was all for the improvement of my mind and soul, and for the glory of God.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
I know that many of you are about to enter finals or summer vacation, and I hope you all remember during this time that God is always there to help you and strengthen you, and that while something may be difficult and scary, the reward of conquering it is indescribable.<br />
<br />
Another moral of the story is to not go exploring in creepy, abandoned hotels...<br />
Unless, of course, they're at Disney World. :)<br />
<br />
Questions for the Reader: Did you have any super scary and difficult classes this year? Have you ever been to a Disney park? Have you ever ridden a really scary ride like Tower of Terror? <b><u>(Please tell me all about it in the comments, I love reading your stories!)</u></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text 2Cor-10-3" id="en-NIV-28975" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. </span><span class="text 2Cor-10-4" id="en-NIV-28976" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">The weapons we fight with<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28976B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28976C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> to demolish strongholds. </span><span class="text 2Cor-10-5" id="en-NIV-28977" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28977E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> and we take captive every thought to make it obedient<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28977F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> to Christ." </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text 2Cor-10-5" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">--2 Corinthians 10:3-5</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-11636987481008172002014-04-22T14:10:00.001-06:002014-04-22T14:16:34.765-06:00So Much Like You (A Poem)<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">I'm surprised to find myself posting this poem.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">I have a friend who is really into poetry, and I've been thinking about writing more poems myself. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">Today, I had a random urge to write a poem....and I came up with this. I haven't written a poem in FOREVER, mainly because I'm really bad at rhythms and rhyming things, and word choices, and iambic pantameter vs. trochaic hexameter, stressed vs. unstressed syllables, and line lengths, and subtle vs. not-so-subtle symbols, and things like that.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">The really cool thing about this poem is that it sort of turned into my own little psalm of praise, and it talks about how awesome it is that we are made in the image of God.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">Feedback would be nice, and if you guys would like to see more of this sort of thing, please let me know! :)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshZF8qrdMLWw9sm39JB-KRBoOSZqCD5RsjKYadXaZFQ1FG_mDqIt-x1hCZnH0_L0fXbyF6Bkf2TlQ3d98HlAoxGZZIr51wrOXgfqBGeruK7FJ_kFLPE0W4bdGL5Jvru5WQlTtotef7qc/s320/forget-me-not_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshZF8qrdMLWw9sm39JB-KRBoOSZqCD5RsjKYadXaZFQ1FG_mDqIt-x1hCZnH0_L0fXbyF6Bkf2TlQ3d98HlAoxGZZIr51wrOXgfqBGeruK7FJ_kFLPE0W4bdGL5Jvru5WQlTtotef7qc/s320/forget-me-not_1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-78ebb379-8aed-b968-b01f-2b9bbcb3d6da"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-78ebb379-8aed-b968-b01f-2b9bbcb3d6da"><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So Much Like You</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></u></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-78ebb379-8aed-b968-b01f-2b9bbcb3d6da">
</span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-78ebb379-8aed-b968-b01f-2b9bbcb3d6da"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(a poem inspired by Song of Solomon 4:7)</span></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-78ebb379-8aed-b968-b01f-2b9bbcb3d6da">
</span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-78ebb379-8aed-b968-b01f-2b9bbcb3d6da"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">by Hayley Robinson</span></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-78ebb379-8aed-b968-b01f-2b9bbcb3d6da">
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-78ebb379-8b02-63de-b73a-795884956e19" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“All beautiful you are, my darling. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is no flaw in you.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, these words are so thrilling, </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">and how wonderful, that they should come from You.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You, a majestic and perfect God</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">who loves me for me and never changes.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How often I’ve fought</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">to never be thought </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">of as the strangest.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Yet, You have always sought</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">and have always pursued me.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You, perfectly and amazingly generous and good,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Who knows all things before they occur,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And so often I nod off to sleep,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Falling into a place where all is a blur</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And then I forget who I am in You</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Until You help me remember. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Without You,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I never could.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">All beautiful am I?</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord, how undeserving of these words am I,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">that You of all beings--</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You, among all things--</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">should find me flawless, perfect, and beautiful…</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That You should find me </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">to be</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So much like You.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You, who created time and space,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You who put the stars in place,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You who made the world with Your breath and Your word</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">With Your words and Your breath, O Lord,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You made the entire world!</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You of all beings--</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You, who are beyond all things--</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Created me</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So that I could glorify, worship,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">and always be</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So much like You.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“All beautiful you are my darling.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is no flaw in you.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, Lord, I accept it now.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Surely I must be </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If my place is to bow</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">before You.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Surely You created me</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">to be </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So much like You.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And if my place is to be like You,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then of course, I must be without one flaw,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Even though I’ve broken every one of Your laws.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You’ve so graciously forgiven me.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And each day you give me the chance to be</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So much like You.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To breathe, </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To act,</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To speak, </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">and to always be</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So much like You.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Question for the Reader: Do you like my poem? :) Do you write poetry? Who are your favorite poets? (Any Dr. Seuss, Emily Dickinson, and George Herbert fans out there?)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Gen-1-25" id="en-ESV-25" style="font-size: 16px;">"And God saw that it was good. </span><span class="text Gen-1-26" id="en-ESV-26">Then God said, 'Let us make man<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span>in our image, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></span>after our likeness. And <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span>let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">So God created man in his own image,</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">in the image of God he created him; </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">male and female he created them. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">And God blessed them." --Genesis 1:25b-28a</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: </span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshZF8qrdMLWw9sm39JB-KRBoOSZqCD5RsjKYadXaZFQ1FG_mDqIt-x1hCZnH0_L0fXbyF6Bkf2TlQ3d98HlAoxGZZIr51wrOXgfqBGeruK7FJ_kFLPE0W4bdGL5Jvru5WQlTtotef7qc/s320/forget-me-not_1.jpg">https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshZF8qrdMLWw9sm39JB-KRBoOSZqCD5RsjKYadXaZFQ1FG_mDqIt-x1hCZnH0_L0fXbyF6Bkf2TlQ3d98HlAoxGZZIr51wrOXgfqBGeruK7FJ_kFLPE0W4bdGL5Jvru5WQlTtotef7qc/s320/forget-me-not_1.jpg</a></span></span></div>
</div>
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-2051823100649248252014-04-20T21:39:00.001-06:002014-04-20T21:39:20.842-06:00Where is Death's Victory?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">I wrote this post last night, and this morning at church we sang this song:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">"Oh death, where is your sting? Oh hell, where is your victory?...My God is not dead, he's alive! He's alive!"I think this is one of the best messages about Easter.</span></div>
<br />
It's 10:27 pm, the night before Easter, and I've been thinking a lot about some of my secret fears.<br />
<br />
One of them, I think I conquered today: for about a year now, I've been working on a piece by Charlie Parker on the alto sax called "Dewey Square." It's very difficult, and for the last few days, I was a little afraid to perform it...what if I messed up and completely ruined it? What if I'm not as good as I thought I was? What if all of that practice goes to waste? What if people think I stink at it? What if I made a mistake choosing to play the piece?<br />
<br />
But I knew I had to.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'm making this too sentimental, but when I first heard the original recording, I fell completely in love with it. It was fun, it was light, it was quick, and it felt like a song that entirely expressed overwhelming joy...and it's jazz. :)<br />
<br />
So I learned it.<br />
<br />
And then when the recital was coming up, and it was time for me to pick a tune to play, I couldn't choose any other one but Dewey Square.<br />
<br />
Finally, approximately 5 hours ago as I write this, it was time for me to perform. I had never been so nervous leading up to a performance in my entire music career, probably because I've never worked so hard on a piece leading up to a performance before.<br />
<br />
Let me introduce you to one of my secret fears: disappointing people. This falls under the same category of perfectionism and unnecessarily killing myself to make everyone like me, when it will inevitably never happen.<br />
<br />
When I walked on the stage for the dress rehearsal, a wave of peace overcame me, and the rehearsal was practically perfect. At the final performance though, I was a little bit more nervous knowing that this was "the real thing." I messed up a couple of times, but hardly anyone noticed. When I watched my dad's videotape of the performance, I could tell where I messed up, but I knew that was only because I was the one on stage.<br />
<br />
Afterwards, I felt so happy to have finished it once and for all. I found myself asking, "Why was I ever nervous and afraid in the first place?"<br />
<br />
Tonight, I just finished watching "The Book Thief." As some of you know, the story is narrated by death, which for most of the film, absolutely sickened me. It was gross to hear how death would think of a person and his/her life in general. It was quite condescending.<br />
<br />
The very last line in death's narration was this: "I am haunted by humans."<br />
<br />
Isn't that perfectly excellent? I could not have been more happier about that statement when I heard it.<br />
<br />
After all of the revolting language that death had used to describe mankind, the truth comes out: death is afraid of us.<br />
<br />
This leads me to my confession of another secret fear: anything related to death, ghosts, horror, or evil that is invisible to me, or surprises me.<br />
<br />
It's a funny thing about fear though: fear is something that often comes from something we feel threatened by, or unloved by.<br />
<br />
For most of my childhood, I have hated Halloween, especially haunted houses, haunted house rides, ghosts and disgusting, horrifying images on the neighbors' houses, and worst of all: people who would invite me to stare all these things in the face...and <u><i>enjoy</i></u> it!<br />
<br />
The reason I dislike these things so much is because they are the absolute opposite of who God is. God is life. Those things are death. God is love. Those things are fear. God is amazingly good. Those things are dripping with evil. God looks out for me, and keeps me safe in His arms. Those things want nothing but harm for me...or at least want to laugh at my fear. God says, "I love you, I will keep you safe, and all is well. You are so important." Those things laugh at me and try to make me feel small.<br />
<br />
When I heard that death is haunted by humans, I rejoiced to God.<br />
<br />
THANK GOODNESS that Jesus has overcome the dead. Praise the Lord that Jesus overcame death, giving us the privilege to be sons and daughters of God: which gives us MUCH more power over death.<br />
<br />
And that's why death is afraid of us.<br />
<br />
Now I can go to sleep tonight knowing that I need not be afraid of death. In all of my years being afraid of things relating to death, I know now that death is much more afraid of me, taunted by me, and hates me, because through Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection, I am no longer a small, meaningless lie, like death is.<br />
<br />
Because of Jesus, we now represent death's greatest conqueror, which we also celebrate in Jesus's resurrection today:<br />
<br />
LIFE.<br />
<br />
Happy Easter!<br />
<div class="reg" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="reg" style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px; text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">"When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-size: 15px;">“Where, O death, is your victory? </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">Where, O death, is your sting?”</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-size: 15px;">The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." </span></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px;">--1 Corinthians 15:54-58</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-36003564013325965962014-04-14T10:00:00.001-06:002014-04-14T10:00:33.458-06:00Letter to the Readers: Questions, Anyone?Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
So you've probably seen that big ominous box on the blog for the last couple of weeks containing the promise of awesome posts coming soon.<br />
<br />
It finally starts today.<br />
<br />
!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
One of my favorite ideas on the poll above is to have an interview with me and the readers, but I also liked the vlog post idea.<br />
<br />
Here's how this is going to work:<br />
<br />
For the next few days, <u><b><i>you are all invited to send me any questions you'd like (within the bounds of appropriateness and reason!).</i></b></u> It could be anything from "What is your favorite color?" to "What do you want to be when you grow up?" to "Who is your favorite baroque musician and your favorite artist from the 17th century?" (I'd have to do a little historical research to answer that question, but I'm willing!)<br />
<br />
All you have to do is <b><u><i>send me whatever question(s) you have in the contact form</i></u></b> to the left of this post. <b><u><i>Make sure that you write your question in the message box in the following format:</i></u></b><br />
<br />
"Interview Question: What is your favorite color?<br />
--(Name or "Anonymous" or one letter "Your blog bud" or whatever you like to sign your messages with.)"<br />
<br />
That way, I know that the question you're asking is intended for the vlog post, and isn't a private question. Plus, I get more questions for the video and I get to know my readers, which makes me a happy camper. :)<br />
<br />
I do not intend to shut down the contact form anytime soon, but <u><b><i>I'd like all questions for the interview to be sent in by this Thursday, April 17th. </i></b></u><br />
<br />
Then, I'll go through all of the questions that I receive and make a vlog post about it (hopefully within the month of April).<br />
<br />
If you have any questions about this interview in general, feel free to leave a comment on this post.<br />
<br />
I hope you all have a marvelous day, and don't forget to send in those questions!<br />
<br />
This is going to be so much fun, and I'm really excited!!!!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
HayleyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-39191559023406280562014-04-09T13:45:00.000-06:002014-04-09T13:47:54.605-06:00GREAT NEWS!!!You guys....<br />
<br />
Just....<br />
<br />
As some of my friends would say: "alksdjflsjdfal;jdlfja;lskdjf"<br />
<br />
Or if you are more of a visual person...<br />
<br />
Roll the clip:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwSOLmmYWfT79M8ZGTPEkTo76VL2PYHzwH8xm0RpTOSHLTozX9S9El21WRI0EvYPlfVIyDuYa7QpI5xt7BoZSFi-VXRm50RP9cGbMG3Mpec4WKT7H1buvMZ9goh8C8MOnpp9UWwWAi2tR/s1600/20120116185930!Yay.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwSOLmmYWfT79M8ZGTPEkTo76VL2PYHzwH8xm0RpTOSHLTozX9S9El21WRI0EvYPlfVIyDuYa7QpI5xt7BoZSFi-VXRm50RP9cGbMG3Mpec4WKT7H1buvMZ9goh8C8MOnpp9UWwWAi2tR/s1600/20120116185930!Yay.gif" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Other reactions include:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Really?????</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Get. Out!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
NO WAY!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mean, just...for real?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*Squealing like a little girl*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...wut.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
WOOHOO!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for walking with me down Happy Reaction Lane, and welcome back to VH.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Why am I so excited you ask?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">WE WON ANOTHER AWARD!!!!!</span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Roll the clip again:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGM7cB9EPUYLAy0NUkTWMgjWL8huZFy-J8a8R9kBKhuCOaBv802pVmL8T3TQaaN3w_Z_2PAXpOQW_vI4m1846sKNmX9HtMLBAqYlcWsj-dc0Wz7VuA-kQg6LyX4u601W1Ev5oRMJgiYJs/s1600/20120116185930%2521Yay.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGM7cB9EPUYLAy0NUkTWMgjWL8huZFy-J8a8R9kBKhuCOaBv802pVmL8T3TQaaN3w_Z_2PAXpOQW_vI4m1846sKNmX9HtMLBAqYlcWsj-dc0Wz7VuA-kQg6LyX4u601W1Ev5oRMJgiYJs/s1600/20120116185930%2521Yay.gif" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sorry, I just really love that clip. :) Haha.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's called the Liebster Award: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrO4RzxPoHQsA1iXoybLlBImljtH8OraFDZCFyxf7rzS5bTEQHF3hMwvwJqkghKaJwTrkO6SDGsMOhPSF-yMCEhwAnpZlFJfZEaRoAi9TCvRRRCjl8cMX-L46W2pgTO7-lpYJmWXRZ2-v/s1600/Liebster-Award-300x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrO4RzxPoHQsA1iXoybLlBImljtH8OraFDZCFyxf7rzS5bTEQHF3hMwvwJqkghKaJwTrkO6SDGsMOhPSF-yMCEhwAnpZlFJfZEaRoAi9TCvRRRCjl8cMX-L46W2pgTO7-lpYJmWXRZ2-v/s1600/Liebster-Award-300x300.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Isn't it preeetty? :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Liebster Award is an award for encouraging readership and followers for new bloggers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are the 5 rules for accepting the nomination:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Thank the wonderful, awesome, amazing blogger that nominated you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Answer the 11 questions that the nominator provided.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Nominate 11 other bloggers who have less than 200 followers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Post 11 different questions for the nominees to answer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Contact your nominees to let them know that they've been nominated for the award.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lois, you're the best! Thank you SO much for nominating me for the Liebster Award (as well as the Versatile Blogger Award) and as always, best wishes to you on your blog: <a href="http://youmeandacupofteablog.blogspot.com/">You, Me, and a Cup of Tea.</a> It's definitely one of my favorites.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now here are the answers to your questions:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. <b><i>Who's your favorite author?</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oooh, that's a tough one. I really enjoy C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, and John & Stasi Eldredge. I can't really decide between the three. C.S. Lewis writes great fiction as well as nonfiction books that really make me think; Jane Austen writes beautiful stories that are almost like fairytales to me; and John & Stasi Eldredge have written excellent books that have shaped my worldview and spiritual walk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. <b><i>What is your favorite book?</i></b></div>
Besides the Bible, I'd have to say that <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> by Jane Austen is my favorite book, because it's written by one of my favorite authors, and it has really great messages about important lessons in life. Thinking more about why I love this book so much, I should really write a book review in another post, because I don't have enough room to write about it here. To be continued!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. <b><i>Why did you start blogging?</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple of reasons. First, I wanted to have a place where I could share thoughts, opinions, and life updates with friends, family, and classmates online. Secondly, I saw that a lot of my classmates in my online school program had a blog, and it greatly appealed to me. I also knew it could help improve my writing, which I have always enjoyed doing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. <b><i>What is your favorite TV show?</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't pick just one! My favorites are The Cosby Show (re-runs), I Love Lucy (re-runs), and The Mentalist (not a re-run!). I don't usually watch anything else.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. <b><i>What is your favorite movie?</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really like "The Blind Side," "Pride and Prejudice" (Yes, the Keira Knightley version, don't judge me!) and "The Princess Bride." I'm also a sucker for most Disney movies. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. <b><i>What is your current school status?</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Approximately 6 1/2 weeks left until I finish my junior year of high school!!!! Yipee!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. <b><i>Peanut butter or nutella?</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nutella. Definitely nutella. Moving on...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. <b><i>If you could go on your dream vacation and money was no object, where would you go? </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First I would go on my church's missions trip coming up to Hungary, and then I'd probably explore the rest of Europe, as well as New Zealand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9. <b><i>If you could read a book for the first time again, what would it be and why?</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'd probably choose "Epic" by John Eldredge. It was the book that I read before I was baptized (that was 7 years ago yesterday!) and I've grown so much spiritually since then, that I wonder what it would be like to read that book again as if it were the first time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. <b><i>What is your favorite book to movie adaptation?</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This took me a while to think about, but one of my favorite book to movie adaptations is "Hoot." The book written by Carl Hiassen won a Newberry Honor, and the movie was directed by Will Shriner, and starred Logan Lerman. It's a great story about a high school teen boy who moves from Montana to Florida and ends up saving a population of endangered owls. I strongly recommend both the book and the movie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
11. <b><i>Do you like tea?</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course! My favorite tea is combining Country Peach Passion and Raspberry Zinger (they are both from the Celestial Seasonings brand) and adding stevia. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(In my best impression for an Academy award winning actor reading off a list) "And the nominees for The Liebster Award are..."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Rejoice Always by Sarah Berry</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. The Hill Country by Moriah Robinson</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Serendipity by Alicia Lewin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Emily is Smiling by Emily</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Country Girl's Daybook by Iris Hanlin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Positively Ducky by Karen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(I could list 6 blogs, but not quite 11.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are my questions for you, nominees:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Who are your heroes?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. What is your favorite Bible verse?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. What is your favorite quote?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. What is/was your favorite class/subject in school (college courses count!)?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. What is your favorite part about blogging?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Coffee or Tea?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. On-stage plays or Movies?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. If you could listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9. If you were a book character, who would you be?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. What is the highest-priority item on your bucket list?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
11. What is the best blog post you have ever read or written yourself?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will be sure to contact the people on the nominees list, just in case they missed this post. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you to all readers who encourage me to keep this blog going, and therefore make it possible for me to have won an award today. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Question for the Reader: What has been your favorite post on this blog?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act." --Psalm 37:5</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-24984460119516174442014-03-20T12:03:00.001-06:002014-03-20T13:50:36.327-06:00119 HoursDid you know that there are 168 hours in an entire week?<br />
<br />
About 49 of those hours are for sleep (assuming that you sleep about 7 hours per night on average), which leaves about 119 hours awake or active in a week total.<br />
<br />
119 hours. 7,140 minutes. 428,400 seconds.<br />
<br />
That changes my entire thought process when someone says "How was your day?" or "How was your week?" Because it's a lot of time to summarize in a few sentences.<br />
<br />
You never hear anyone say: "Well, about 59 hours of the week, I spent at school or doing homework, and then about 2 hours this week, I spent doing chores and laundry, and then..."unless they're a mathematician or hyper-scheduler or something, I don't know, but that's not your every day summary of a week.<br />
<br />
A lot of the time I have to think about my week, because I really do spend between 50 to 60 hours at school and studying, and then I spend who-knows-how-many hours on the Internet: emailing, calendar editing, checking and updating social networks, and...dare I say it, watching YouTube and playing Candy Crush.<br />
<br />
But here's the <i>really</i> sad part:<br />
<br />
When I calculated how many hours I spend doing life with others, I figured out that the average total amount of time I spend with my closest friends are 6 hours.<br />
<br />
Yes, you read that correctly: 6. hours...out of 119.<br />
<br />
Now those 6 hours only account for the times that I'm actually in the same building or room with said friends (not including school). That does not account for other activities on weekends where I might run into them on occasion or the times where I text, call, e-mail, or instant-message them.<br />
<br />
But even still: 6 hours is a very small number. If that were a percentage of their week that I was doing life with my closest friends, it would be about 5%.<br />
<br />
I think if a lot of us made a percentage of how much they are doing life with their brothers and sisters in Christ out of the average 119 hours we have in a week, I'm sure many of them would not be fully satisfied with that number.<br />
<br />
Everyone has a lot of time that they spend working, raising families, being productive, and keeping things like their houses and finances in one piece, and thanks to the social networks and the Internet itself, we have lots of ways to communicate with one another.<br />
<br />
But communication and "social interaction" is not at all the same as doing life, or spending time face-to-face.<br />
<br />
I know for sure, that if I really had the desire, and worked at it, I could possibly turn that 5% of my week doing life with others into a 7%, and then maybe even 10%.<br />
<br />
Building relationships and doing life with others is one of the key fundamentals to being God's church and growing in Him...and yes, it's a very hard thing to do. But isn't that what being a Christian is about?Glorifying God and loving His people, even when it's hard?<br />
<br />
We have 119 hours in every week to glorify God and do life with others. How are you spending yours?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-60059279107793172112014-03-06T16:26:00.000-07:002014-03-06T16:26:37.185-07:00Where I See Myself in 19 Weeks (and How You Can Help!) A few months ago for the 30 Day Blog Challenge (which I still have yet to officially finish....sorry), I answered the question: "If I could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?" <a href="http://victoriousheroine.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-30-day-blog-challenge-day-19-well.html">My answer</a> was Europe.<br />
<br />
But I have a confession to make: that was the general answer.<br />
<br />
Every summer at my church, several people in the congregation go on a mission trip to an English camp in Eger, Hungary. For several summers, I've been dreaming about going to Eger with my church. Here's what has usually gone through my head: "I really hope to go there someday," or "I can see myself going there in the future." But more recently, I've been praying <u>very</u> hard about it, and the monologue in my head has turned into: "I'm ready to go to Eger <i>this summer. </i>And it's only 19 weeks from now. I'm sure I'll get there soon."<br />
<br />
Here's some info about the English Camp that our church missions group will be going to:<br />
<br />
The campers in Hungary are people my age: mostly teens, but specifically, they are young people from the ages of 12 to 21, and a lot of them don't know Jesus because of the gypsy cultural influence in their community.<br />
<br />
When I think about my own life and background, I know that I am very blessed. God worked in amazing ways so that I could have several opportunities to know Him more. But then, there are plenty of kids out there who don't have the same background as I do, and while God has a perfect plan for them, I know that I can use my gifts and abilities to help them find out what theirs are in order to serve God, too.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I have three objectives in going on this trip:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">1) <b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To share the gospel</span></b> by way of getting to know the kids and sharing my testimony with them.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">2) <b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To teach</span></b> teens about a language that they are interested in, which also happens to be my native language: English.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">3) <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To get to know the teens in order to establish friendships</span> </span></b>with them, so that they can get better at their English by communicating with a native speaker such as myself, also, so that they can know more about American culture as I also get to know more about Hungarian culture, and that they may be led to Christ by the example of all the missionaries coming to the camp.</span><br />
<br />
Here's the downside: this trip costs money. In order to raise enough, I'm going to need some help. If you are interested, here is a way to start:<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Buy a t-shirt!</span> </b>White Fields Community Church (the church I attend), for the very first time, is selling t-shirts, and <i>all of the proceeds</i> go to missions. Plus, they come in multiple different sizes and colors! If you're interested in buying one, check out this link: <a href="https://squareup.com/market/white-fields-community-church" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">https://squareup.com/market/<wbr></wbr>white-fields-community-church</a> (P.S. All you have to do is click on whatever colored shirt you want in the middle of the page, pick the size, and buy it! Careful, though, at the bottom of some screens, you might find ads that say "You Might Also Like," which don't belong to the church.)<br />
<br />
Within the next few weeks/months, I'll probably come up with some more ideas for people to help, but for now, if you have any questions, please let me know, and please consider buying a shirt for the missions team! :)<br />
<br />
Another way to help in a big way is to pray. Here is a list of things that I'll need to prepare for this trip, and a list of things that the camp and the missions group will need prayer for, as well.<br />
<br />
<u>Please Pray for Me as I Try to Accomplish These Things in Preparation for the Trip:</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Applying for and getting a job in the near future</li>
<li>Getting my very first passport, and making sure preparing to fly overseas goes smoothly</li>
<li>Preparing my heart and mind to be a useful missionary and to help the missions team</li>
</ul>
<u>Please Pray for My Church, the Camp Leaders, and the Future Camp Attendees as Camp is Coming Soon:</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>All of the other people on the church missions team will have their hearts and minds prepared to minister the camp attendees in the way that God sees fit</li>
<li>The camp leaders will have clear minds to have as much prepared that's necessary</li>
<li>The future camp attendees will have open ears, minds, and hearts to learn English in a way that is the least frustrating and most beneficial to everyone</li>
<li>Many of the future camp attendees will come to know more about Jesus and accept Him as Lord of their lives</li>
</ul>
I hope that I will be able to go, but in the meantime, I'll be praying that this missions trip goes according to God's plan, and turns out wonderfully, with or without me. If it is the Lord's plan that I go this year, please pray that I'll be able to use my gifts and experiences to minister in a way that is pleasing to God and brings more people to Him.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support!<br />
<br />
Don't forget to check out the link above for a t-shirt! :)<br />
<br />
Questions for the Reader: Have you ever gone on a missions trip? What was it like? Do you have any advice about missions for me? Do you have any advice about traveling out of the country?<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Rom-10-13" id="en-NIV-28202">"For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28202C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> will be saved.'<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span></span><span class="text Rom-10-14" id="en-NIV-28203" style="font-size: 16px;">How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?</span><span class="text Rom-10-14"> </span><span class="text Rom-10-15" id="en-NIV-28204" style="font-size: 16px;">And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' </span></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Rom-10-16" id="en-NIV-28205">But not all the Israelites accepted the good news.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28205F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> For Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our message?' C</span></span><span class="text Rom-10-17" id="en-NIV-28206" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">onsequently, faith comes from hearing the message,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28206H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span> and the message is heard through the word about Christ.</span><span class="text Rom-10-17" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="text Rom-10-18" id="en-NIV-28207" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: '</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Their voice has gone out into all the earth, </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">their words to the ends of the world.'" --Romans 10:13-18</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-77596374273141841042014-02-06T12:37:00.000-07:002014-02-06T12:37:01.302-07:00Carry On, WarriorIt's February 6th, and some of you are probably wondering where the monthly resolutions post is. Instead of making the goals that I normally do, I realized an overall life goal that I think is more important to focus on for now.<br />
<br />
More than ever, I've felt the pressure about answering the questions: "What's next? What am I going to do in my life? How can I do something that can benefit the world and glorify God?"<br />
<br />
I'm feeling the pressure of these questions mostly because it's registration time, which means that I need to be thinking about what classes I need to be taking for my senior year, which makes me think about college and beyond.<br />
<br />
...and it's scary. <u>Very</u> scary.<br />
<br />
Then I saw this video with my mom two nights ago: a TED Talk from Glennon Doyle Melton about what she learned about herself, the world, and superheroes at a mental hospital:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/NHHPNMIK-fY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<br />
<br />
One quote from Glennon's blog stuck with me:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The world doesn't need more 'strong' superheroes hiding the truth of who they really are beneath the capes of perfection, shame, cruelty, snark, addiction, or apathy. We need more plain old 'weak' people who are brave enough to come out of hiding. We need more messy, honest, fully human beings who will volunteer to tell the truth about who they are--who will live shamelessly out in the scary, messy world. It is braver to be Clark Kent than it is to be Superman. Carry on, Warrior."</span> </b></span></div>
<br />
I was in my Omnibus class this morning after pondering these things, and the teacher asked if anyone would like to write on the board, basically acting as secretary, taking notes of what was being discussed. After several moments of silence, I decided to be the one to raise my hand.<br />
<br />
Who knows why, but right then and there I got the exact encouragement I needed. One of my classmates immediately called me "Hayley the Brave."<br />
<br />
<i>Goodness</i>, I thought, <i>what a name. Surely I don't deserve it, just because I raised my hand to volunteer. Royalty, knights, and saints deserve those names, but surely not me. </i><br />
<br />
And it wasn't until just now, as I'm writing this, that God reminded me that as a child of the One, True King, it's ok to proudly wear a name like "Hayley the Brave."<br />
<br />
TO BE CLEAR: I'm not saying that I want all my friends to now call me something that formal on a regular basis, because I like the simple name of "Hayley" that I have now, and it would be weird to be called that all the time.<br />
<br />
All I'm trying to say is: I think all of us are more qualified to wear names like "Victorious Heroine" and "Hayley the Brave" if we decide to be a Clark Kent instead of a Superman, to be honest, kind, loving, and gracious, to be a warrior fighting against the "capes" and worldly temptations, and to represent and glorify God in all these things, as well as helping and encouraging others to do the same.<br />
<br />
Now <u>that's</u> a resolution.<br />
<span class="text Eph-6-10" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Eph-6-10" style="background-color: white;">"</span><span class="text Eph-6-10" style="background-color: white;">Finally, <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29331M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span>be strong in the Lord and in <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29331N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span>the strength of his might. </span><span class="text Eph-6-11" id="en-ESV-29332" style="background-color: white;">Put on <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29332P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></span>the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29332Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span>the schemes of the devil.</span><span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-ESV-29333" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>For <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span>we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span>the rulers, against the authorities, against <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span>the cosmic powers over <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span>this present darkness, against <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span>the spiritual forces of evil <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></span>in the heavenly places.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-13" id="en-ESV-29334" style="background-color: white;">Therefore <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29334X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></span>take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29334Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></span>the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-14" id="en-ESV-29335" style="background-color: white;">Stand therefore, <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29335Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></span>having fastened on the belt of truth, and <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29335AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></span>having put on the breastplate of righteousness,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-15" id="en-ESV-29336" style="background-color: white;">and, <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29336AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></span>as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-ESV-29337" style="background-color: white;">In all circumstances take up <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29337AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></span>the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29337AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></span>the flaming darts of <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29337AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></span>the evil one;</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-17" id="en-ESV-29338" style="background-color: white;">and take <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29338AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></span>the helmet of salvation, and <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29338AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></span>the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-18" id="en-ESV-29339" style="background-color: white;">praying <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></span>at all times <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></span>in the Spirit, <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></span>with all prayer and supplication. To that end <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></span>keep alert with all perseverance, making <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></span>supplication for all the saints,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-19" id="en-ESV-29340" style="background-color: white;">and <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29340AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></span>also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29340AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></span>boldly to proclaim <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29340AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></span>the mystery of the gospel,</span><span class="text Eph-6-20" id="en-ESV-29341" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>for which I <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29341AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></span>am an ambassador <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29341AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></span>in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." --Ephesians 6:10-20</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-33503177452128109662014-01-21T19:34:00.000-07:002014-01-21T19:34:22.422-07:00Letter to the Readers: I'm Alive, I PromiseHi everyone!<br />
<br />
I'm sorry for the unexpected month-long hiatus from VH posts. I'm not proud of slacking off from it, at all. Life has been very busy event-wise, academically, and spiritually, not to mention preparation for and the act of taking midterm exams as of the last couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
I'll be back soon with more posts for sure!<br />
<br />
For now, here's a beautiful song that our church sang on Sunday, that I've been really enjoying lately in my worship time:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/dy9nwe9_xzw/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/dy9nwe9_xzw&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/dy9nwe9_xzw&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
God's been speaking to me through it, and I hope you enjoy it as well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Blessings,<br />
HayleyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433160988454857457.post-17930289200072797662013-12-19T13:30:00.000-07:002013-12-19T13:30:47.919-07:00Top 30 Inspiring SongsSometimes when you're going through tough times, or you're just having a hard time feeling motivated for certain things, you just need to turn on some really good tunes when Christmas music doesn't cut it. Today, I'm going to show you my list of top 30 inspiring songs! :)<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">1. <i><u>Defying Gravity</u></i> by the Original Cast of Wicked</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">2. <i><u>Dare You To Move</u></i> by Switchfoot</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">3. <i><u>Do Everything</u></i> by Steven Curtis Chapman</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">4. <i><u>Beautiful Day</u></i> by U2</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">5. <i><u>True Colors</u> </i>by Michelle Chamuel (Studio Version)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">6. <i><u>It's Your Life</u></i> by Francesca Battistelli</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">7. <i><u>Brave</u></i> by Sara Bareilles</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">8. <i><u>Don't Worry, Be Happy</u></i> by Bobby McFerrin</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">9. <i><u>Every Good Thing</u></i> by The Afters</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">10. <i><u>Beautiful Things</u></i> by Gungor</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">11. <i><u>In Christ Alone</u> </i>by Newsboys</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">12. <i><u>Oceans</u></i> by Hillsong UNITED</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">13. <i><u>Overcome</u></i> by Jeremy Camp</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">14. <i><u>No One</u></i> by Alicia Keys</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">15. <i><u>Mean</u></i> by Taylor Swift</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">16. <i><u>This Is Your Life</u></i> by Switchfoot</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">17. <i><u>Waiting For Tomorrow</u></i> by Mandisa</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">18. <i><u>We Are</u></i> by Kari Jobe</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">19. <i><u>Walking on Sunshine</u></i> by Katrina & The Waves</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">20. <i><u>Ours</u></i> by Taylor Swift</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">21. <i><u>The Stand</u></i> by Hillsong</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">22. <i><u>The Voice of Truth</u></i> by Casting Crowns</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">23. <i><u>Great I Am</u></i> by New Life Worship</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">24. <i><u>Mine</u> </i>by Taylor Swift</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">25. <i><u>When I Speak Your Name</u></i> by Klaus & Kari Jobe</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">26. <i><u>Good Morning</u></i> by Mandisa</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">27. <i><u>Life is a Highway</u></i> by Rascal Flatts</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">28. <i><u>Unwritten</u></i> by Natasha Bedingfield</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">29. <i><u>Revelation Song</u></i> by Kari Jobe</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">30. <i><u>The Scientist</u> </i>by Holly Henry (Studio Version)</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I hope you like this list! Let me know in the comments what songs you think I missed or if you think it was absolutely perfect. :)<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful Christmas Break everyone!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." --2 Corinthians 4:16-18</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't forget to comment and share with your friends!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02207361915697555136noreply@blogger.com3