Two truths

Ever felt like your life was turned upside down? Chances are, everyone has felt that way at one point or another. Whether it was because of school, work, relationships, family, friends, even regular day-to-day things that can make life seem impossible sometimes. Feeling overwhelmed or not in control of our lives can create a sense of stress or worry inside of us.  Yet, we are told to trust that the Lord has a plan for us, and that He makes ALL things work together for our good:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

It gets difficult to let go, and let God.

1.  You think you know what is going to happen. Well, you don't. Yep it's that simple.  You may create a plan for your life, a future, and it just might not be what the Lord has planned for you.  So at that point you can feel lost, confused, even angry.  Well, this quote from Thomas S. Monson is so true, and something we all should learn. Things don't always go the way that we want, so we simply "adjust our sails" and try something else.
2. You think you know what is best for you. Well, you don't always.  If you trust in the Lord, and you live your life to glorify Him, He will take care of you.  He knows you, all of you; the good, the bad, your best, your worst-- your every waking thought.  If He's taking you through trouble waters, perhaps you should hold on.  There's a method to the madness, it just might take time in the wake of everything to realize what it was.

We don't always do everything right, we don't always know what's best, and we can't see the Lord's entire plan. So, we trust and love the Lord and wait for things to get better.

Incase you didn't notice, I have a major case of the Monday's.  But, there are so many things I have to be grateful for.  If you're having a bad day, remember that too!

Fear of "speaking out"

If you follow me on here, you've probably seen where I'm a small group leader this semester in FCA. During the first few weeks we've been getting our girls, attempting to find a time that works for everyone, and then dividing them up between my co-leader and I.  

We met last night and a lot of girls couldn't make it for different reasons but it was basically a time for us to hang out and get to know the few girls who were able to come.

Next week, however, is the (for some) dreaded event of sharing testimonies.  

Sharing testimonies is where each girl gives a little bit about herself, past-present-future, and a little about her walk with the Lord and how she came into a relationship with him.  

My co-leader and I agreed that this was a wonderful way to break the ice (the first "serious" time that we'll share together) and will open up the doors for possible topics and prayer requests for the group in the future.  

To some this is a chance to really get stuff off your chest, because for some we've never told our story of how we met Jesus. To others, this is a time of pure panic.

"What will the girls think of me?" "Is my story relevant?" "Can I do this?"

Public speaking is never fun, talking about personal issues is rarely fun.  But I think it's important to remember that our testimony is written by the Lord, and therefore nothing to be ashamed of.  

Psalm 139: 1-4 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise;  you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 

There is no "wrong" way to tell people about how you met the Lord, that story has been written for you.  There is no editing, no rehearsing, no one (besides the Lord) knows you better than you. So I'm not sure who this post was meant for, but always be willing to tell people about Jesus, they may need to hear it, and it may need to be from you.

Don't ever think you're story isn't good enough, or relevant.  Because God made you in his image, and sent his son for our sins.  His grace and his mercy are always, and will always be enough.  

"We are his portion and He is our prize."

Gracious words

This post isn't only about gracious words, although it is always nice to hear them.  I was looking at my pinboard and I noticed i've pinned so many wonderful quotes, sayings, and pieces of scripture that I wanted to share.  It just so happens it goes along well with whats been on my mind lately.

We are called to be fishers of men, to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, and to love the Lord with all of our heart.  At times it seems so difficult to fathom what it means to love.  I feel like no matter how many times i'm told, and no matter how many books I read, I will never truly understand what it means to be created in the image of the Lord, by the Lord, a father who loves us so much so that he will forgive everything that we've done only to be accepted and loved by him.  

And to think if we lived our lives like that, loving unconditionally, how fulfilling and pure our lives and our love would be.  The relationships we could create could withstand anything, and the bonds would be unbreakable, real, deep and meaningful.  As if forgiveness of our sins wasn't enough, this is yet another gift we've been given, the ability and the command to love, and love to the fullest.  

It's hit me more recently the importance of what we're called to do, and I hope that it to encourages you.  Sometimes it's so hard to love everyone-- but we're called to.  So I want to give you a little push, not to change over night, but just to try and love those close to you a little more deeply.  Friends and family, and then to try to extend that love to those surrounding you, coworkers, classmates, and see if the light of the Lord can indeed shine through you.  It's a take off of passing-it-forward if you will, and I think we can really change the way that not only we think, but also those surrounding us.

I'll be there for you

It's like you're always stuck in second gear, when it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year. But, I'll be there for you, when the rain starts to fall. I'll be there for you, like i've been there before.  I'll be there for you, cause you were there for me to.

Friends: wonderful show, and wonderful blessing the Lord has given us.

Today I received a package from one of my best friends, Valerie Erwin. Here's a little breakdown of what this packaged contained:

1. A letter.  A sweet and loving letter that reminded me of two things: I miss my best friend, and how talented she is at writing!
2. Then there were chocolates, Ferrero Rocher's to be exact and if I said I was addicted to these, it would be an understatement.
3. Essie Nail polish in "Bikini so teeny" a part of the summer collection.
4. A summer reading list with three books that I can't wait to read, it includes: Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (haven't seen the movie either!) and I can't believe there's a Jodi Picoult book I haven't read, Change of Heart 
5. A list of versus worth reading, and I can't wait to dive in.  In the list you'll find Proverbs 31:25, which has been told to me by several people lately... think the Lord is trying to tell me something? Yeah, me too!
6. And a list of wonderful music I've already started downloading.

All in all this package was amazing, so this is my public thanks for being such a wonderful friend, a trustworthy confidant, and a beautiful person.

But it wasn't just that, it was a wake up call for me.  

I'm not only called to be compassionate and loving to those I want to bring to the Lord's feet, but also to those already there.  We shouldn't get so wrapped up in only pouring out love to strangers and those who are lost, but also to take time to build up our friends, our loved ones, and encourage them in their every day lives.  We're called to be there for them, confide in them, and trust them with our hearts.

So this ones to you, my closest friends, for you are amazing and there is not one day that I don't thank the Lord for you in my life.

A few changes

I'm super excited to say I've officially started using photoshop, and I think I'm already obsessed!

I'm doing a little revamping on the blog, so any advice or feedback would be very appreciated.

On the blog title change, {this and that} was slowly becoming old, and although this blog is undoubtedly filled with a little this and a little that, I wanted a title that was more aimed at where I am in my life right now.

There was a song playing on the radio called {Learning to be the Light} by NEWWORLDSON and the lyrics automatically caught my attention,

It's so much brighter living in your world, Savior what you did for me, You gave me something I want everyone to see.  When we stumble and it all goes wrong, only You can make it right so I say {I'm Learning to be the Light}

These lyrics really hit home with me because as I grow in my faith I start to realize how important it is to shine and allow my light to reach others.  I'm attempting to live my life in a way that will encourage others to follow the Lord, letting the light shine through me, pouring out love and compassion to all those surrounding me.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

How will you shine?

Hosanna!

I think it was my first time at FCA that I heard this song for very first time. The worship band that night was playing it and all of the students were singing.  I saw eyes closed and arms raised toward the Lord, and it was then that I realized this was the first time that the Lord was really pulling on my heart.  The song almost brought me to tears, that had never happened before.

I recently saw this image "Hosanna in the Highest" on pinterest and it was just too perfect.  

Lately I've been praying asking the Lord for many things: strength in times of weakness, patience at times when it seems impossible.  But one thing that I've realized I need to pray for more than all of those things is for the Lord to change my heart.

The lyrics for this song are just amazing, and I think that perhaps this is my prayer to the Lord, 

"Heal my heart and make it clean, open up my eyes to the things unseen.  Show me how to love like You have loved me.  Break my heart for what breaks Yours, everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause.  As I walk from earth into eternity"

It's crazy to think what that actually means "Show me how to love like You have loved me", and how much does he love us? He loves us so much so that he sacrificed his only son... That is unfathomable. What great expectations He has held for us, to be able to love like Him.

I think at times we all should stop and reflect on who we are.  Are we reflecting the image of the Lord in the actions we take each day? In the words that we speak? In the love that we show are neighbors?

This song is just an amazing worship song, it's beautiful.

Let's play catch up

So many exciting things have been happening lately, and I've yet to fill you in!

Where to start.... Ok, first things first, I observed at Kidspring on Sunday in Jumpstreet (2nd and 3rd graders) and absolutely loved it!  It was a tad intimidating at first because we began the morning with play time.

In order to set this picture up for you, let me tell you it did not go like this:

Image found here, Thanks Google.

After the initial shock of playtime we arranged the kids in small groups assigned by their color on their name tag.  Now that is more my style.  It was a low key and organized way to deliver a very important message to the kids.

It's so admirable to watch their excitement and enthusiasm, and I'm almost envious of their polarization. What's wrong is always wrong, and what's right is always right.  Black and white with little to no gray; if it were only that easy!

I then got to visit Alex in Atlanta! One week without him and it had been really tough.  Although I've learned even in this little time that our separation will be good for us.  It will give us time to miss and appreciate each other a little more... oh, and he's coming to Greenville this weekend (so technically we still haven't experienced "long distance" dating yet).

But, he's coming to visit my dad because on Wednesday he had a very invasive surgery on his back! I believe it was called a spinal infusion, and it was very scary.  However, no worries because he is doing absolutely fantastic, praise the Lord!  They expected him to be home on Saturday, and Todd being the strong man that he is made it home Thursday afternoon.

Yes, that is a pink hair net.

One last thing to spring on you, I got the FCA Small group leader position! 

I couldn't be more pumped, I just couldn't!  It was so affirming to receive this news because I've felt a calling to really dive into community with others and share my passion for the Lord and I'm so excited to see what He plans to do through me!

I'll try to refrain from being so slack on blogging now that school is out, no promises of course.

What have you been up to this summer?

She's got it right

Oh my, I'm so excited to share this with you guys. But first, let me explain myself!  So once a week (if our school schedules allow) I meet with two wonderful girls, Alex and Sami, and we just talk about life, relationships, and the Lord.  I feel like it always keeps me grounded, yet uplifted at the same time... if that makes any sense, at all.  Well Alex showed me this video, and it just made me giggle at first.  I watched the video, laughed, and really thought nothing of it.  I'm driving home from spill the beans (best ice cream, ever) and the weathers beautiful, good music is playing in my car, and I realize how lucky I am to have the things that I have.  The Lord's blessed me in ways that I don't even think I could ever fathom.  Take a look at this girl who's got the right idea:

Oh my cuteness.

So anyways, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to feel a little bit like she does: Excited and enthusiastic about what the Lord is doing in each of our lives.  I feel like I've done a post on this like 20 times, but it's just so important, and I am constantly needing a reminder myself.  Happy Wednesday, well... Thursday now.  One more day of school, and I'm off on SPRING BREAK! Expect posts of me bragging at the beach asap, Just kidding. ... But maybe a few.

Video taken from Youtube.

Short and Sweet

Ok, so it is SO late, and I still have homework to do but I really just wanted to do a short and sweet post since I've completely neglected my blog all weekend long.  I was so blessed to have spent my entire Sunday worshiping and praising God.  I went to the eleven a'clock service at Newspring, and I would be lying if I told you it was anything less than AWESOME. I continue to learn and grow so much through that church.  I also had the wonderful opportunity of accompanying Alex's mom, Tina, to the "Come to the Well tour" which featured Lindsay Mccaul, Royal Tailor, Matthew West, and Casting Crowns.

Taken by Tina, found it here!

It was beyond amazing to listen to what each performer had to say, as well as just listening and experiencing hundreds of people worship God through song and praise.  My favorite thing about going to concerts is when the singer takes a second and just lets the crowd take over, it's such a good reminder that we're not alone.  It was absolutely amazing to take a look around the Bi-lo center and see eyes closed, and hands raised.  

I also wanted to share a song that I heard at FCA as well as the service at Newspring today, this particular version is "Give me Faith" by Elevation Worship.  I hope that someone listens to it and just feels empowered and encouraged to keep your faith with the Lord.  I really couldn't have asked for a better way to start my week! I hope that yours goes good as well!

KONY 2012

"Right now there are more people on Facebook than there were on the planet two hundred years ago. Humanities greatest desire is to belong and connect and now we see each other, we hear each other, we share what we love and it reminds us what we all have in common. This connection is changing the way the world works..."

KONY 2012 is a film and campaign by Invisible Children that aims to make Joseph Kony famous, 

not to celebrate him, but to raise support for his arrest and set a precedent for international justice.

I encourage you to take some time to watch this video, to really listen and to pay attention.  If you feel moved by this video there are some steps you can take after watching:

1. Sign the Pledge.
2. Join a movement.  (Clemson's campus specific, find one in your area!)
3. If you can, give.
4. Get the gear.

"The LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound" Isaiah 61:1

How to: Be happy?

Ok, so you're wondering how a 20 something college girl without "real life" experiences can give advice on how to be happy.  

And you're right, that's insane, I could never give a HOW TO guide on happiness.  What I can do, however, is share with you a few of the ways that I am making myself happier, and I'd like to think the people around me happier as well. I'm going to supplement this post with some pinteresting things (like how I did that... pin-teresting, interesting... with pinterest... punny) from my board "words to LIVE by".

1. Be nice.  It's hard sometimes, to love each other with the kindness and compassion that is expected of us.  And we're not perfect, we're not always going to be able to be kind, to be caring, and to simply be nice to those we don't like or who make us angry.  But anger only produces anger, hate only produces hate, and love... well, I believe it can then produce love. 

 2. Find something you're passionate about.  My goodness there are so many things on this earth that you can do! FIND ONE.   Some things I'm passionate about? Blogging, music, fashion, crafts, my family, my friends, my school, my puppy, my relationship and growth in Christ... I could go on all day.  So find something you like, and dive in, we're all happiest doing what we love.

3. Have trust in the Lord. If you put you're faith in him, you will not be led astray.  

Cast your cares on the LORD and we he will sustain you; he will never let the righteousness be shaken. Psalm 55:22

  4. Find financial stability. Money is seriously one of the biggest stressors that people deal with today.  It took me a long time, actually, no I'm still learning how to budget, and manage my money in a responsible manner.  But I can tell you that when I plan, manage, and budget i'm less stressed and more prepared.  There's a budgeting class at Newspring that you better believe I'll be taking soon! Check it out.

5. Give yourself time to relax. When you're freaking out, frazzled, and completely going crazy the very last thing you need is your stress level to sky rocket.  I can guarantee you that no big problems were solved by stress.  Sometimes when I need to relax I: wine and dine myself, or turn to some scripture, talk to a friend, go for a run, take a nap, watch TV.  All of these things help to wind down, relax, and get my mind off of things for just a little while.

Like I said, no "HOW TO be happy" but just a little but of advice from a 20 something girl who's learning the way of life, and taking as well as giving advice on how to do so in a happy and loving manner.

Wow.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Signing up for texts from Newspring could quite possibly be the best decision I've ever made.  I'm not sure if its on purpose or not, but I always receive the texts around the time that I wake up in the morning, and they serve as a tiny reminder about what I heard/ learned the in the last sermon.

This week Perry preached on why we shouldn't worry about the economy, and money (watch it here, seriously... everyone can relate to this). I feel like the closer and closer I get to growing up, the more and more finances can really stress me out.  But after really reflecting on Perry's message I wondered, when has God ever really let me go without?  Perry recommended that we take just 10 minutes to sit and think, or jot down, everything that the Lord has given us.

Mine hardly fit on one page.  There is so much that Lord has blessed me with, and it's foolish to think that I need money or any materialistic thing to bring me joy.  As I sat and thought about what I wanted to put I began to realize that the Lord works in mysterious ways... I know, that sounds cliché, but it is so true.  Doesn't it always seem like eventually everything works out? My mom always told me that things have a way of working out, and I'm just now starting to realize that when you're at your breaking point, perhaps its God who gives you a little push to make it through.  The little push could be: kind words from a friend, financial help or some financial miracle, perfect "timing", there are so many instances in my life where circumstances just happened to work out.  The Lords capabilities are endless, so it seems ignorant not go to him for help, for guidance, but also for praise and thankfulness.  

Some things that I'm feeling utterly thankful for lately:

1. My friends, family, and loved ones.  Through all of this I have support, happiness, laughter (a lot, actually, a ton of laughter), good memories, and strong bonds. 
2. I want to put an emphasis on family, I've never gone a day without a roof over my head, without food to eat, without a more than adequate education.  I've never gone a day without hope, without love, I am more than blessed for the family God has given me. 
3. My life.  Seems rather broad, but I mean it, my very existence.  
4. My health.  I'm so thankful that God created for me a healthy, able body, and I try not to continuously take for granted how much of a blessing that is.
5. Forgiveness and rebirth.  It is because the Lord gave his only son, to wash away our sins and bring us back to life.  For this I am so thankful, for this I am obedient.  This brings me joy.

I did it!

First off, notice something different?  Although I tried to make an adorable blog template all on my own, it just wasn't user friendly.  So, I went here which I found on Ryann's blog, and bought a cute little template that was a little easier to navigate, and looks very simple and clean.

Also, big BIG news: I just wanted to share the fact that I finally did it, I got Baptized! That is undoubtedly VERY awesome, but I have even better news to share, my best friend/ boyfriend also got baptized with me.  If you had asked me two weeks ago, I would have assured you that I was going to hit that water either alone, or with a stranger; however, I couldn't have asked for someone better to experience that with.  A friend of mine actually got it on video (which I didn't even think to ask her to do), but I am so glad that she did!  So, even if you didn't get to experience it with me, you can still experience it here! I'm so so excited to see what the Lord has planned for both of us, and we'll both be completing the ownership class at Newspring on the 26, and then I intend to find some time to volunteer!  I'm really excited as well as enthusiastic about a chance to volunteer, and I would love the chance to volunteer at Kidspring!

On a completely other note, there is also some super interesting news about Alex that I'm excited to share.  Alex had CO-OP interviews all last week, and although he was a nervous wreck, I was fairly certain that he'd be absolutely fine.  And what do you know? I was right.  He made a list of his top five, and bright and early Monday morning his #1 and #1.1 (that's how close they were to each other) called within 15 minutes of each other.  The scary part of this is that he has to make a decision.... tonight. Now obviously he held one particular co-op above another, but the catch is one is in ATLANTA (two hours away), and one is in CHICAGO (feels like two-hundred-billion hours away).  So you're thinking, easy decision, ATL so you can stay close to your beautiful and brilliant girlfriend... welp, Chicago is offering a signing bonus as well as a little more an hour.  YIKES. Pray for him in guidance to make this decision, asap.  But honestly, I'm so proud of him I'd be happy with either one.

ATL

vs.

CHI-TOWN

Don't ever give up on God....

Week 1, The week of JOB,

The first sermon i've listened to since my last run-in with religion.  Ironic? I think not.  Everything happens for a reason, and God always has a purpose.  This particular sermon was based on this very sentence, "don't ever give up on the God, who has never given up on you".  My main problem in exploring my faith is the tendency to give up.  When life gets tough, when things get difficult, or when something goes undoubtedly wrong, God is the first one I blame. This is a personal flaw, and one that I intend to change.  

If you have never heard Perry Noble preach, perhaps this sermon will strike your interests.  It certainly did mine!

Why start a blog?

Most people I know at least have the luxury of being "knowledgable" about the Bible, Christ, etc.  However, I unfortunately am very ignorant when it comes to religion.  It's not particularly anyone's fault, it is simply fact.  My ignorance has held me back from exploring my faith all my life, and I currently have made the decision to stop making excuses, and to start making some changes.

At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to make this Blog public because exploring ones faith can be a very personal journey; however, in Crazy Love page 71 Francis Chan says,

LUKEWARM PEOPLE rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends.  They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.

Well, I'm on a journey to figure out who I am in all aspects of life and religion.  So, we'll see how this goes....