tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44392435283118718572024-02-18T20:27:22.061-06:00Glorify Him With Every Breath..."Show me, O Lord, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath." ~Psalm 39:4-5Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-22095489730977990442014-02-15T23:21:00.003-06:002014-02-15T23:21:37.044-06:00Dirt Road DreamDear Friends,<br />
<br />
In my last post, I was just beginning my last semester of college. A year and a half later, I sit here, overwhelmed by God's many blessings and provisions since graduation. He blessed me with a great job, a wonderful husband (the LOVE OF MY LIFE!), a lovely house in the country, and today.... a new pooch named Roxie!<br />
<br />
A new chapter of my life has begun and I've decided to document it on a new blog called <a href="http://www.dirtroaddream.com/">Dirt Road Dream</a>. We named the blog because we live on a dirt road, are renovating an old country farmhouse, and have lots of crazy stories about country living & DIY. Feel free to head on over to the new <a href="http://www.dirtroaddream.com/">blog</a> to keep up with us and learn about a different side of me :) (Also... head over if you want to get to know my crazy awesome husband)<br />
<br />
Though this is a new chapter, I'm still the same old me. Same passions. Same griefs. Same fears. Same victories. I'll still post about my mom... and whatever is on my mind. So I'm not leaving the blog world... simply moving to a new URL :)<br />
<br />
Love to you all! Hope to see you over at <a href="http://www.dirtroaddream.com/">Dirt Road Dream</a>!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
Emily <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-16795604417646065152012-08-20T20:47:00.003-05:002012-08-20T20:47:39.824-05:00The Start of the EndI just realized that it's been over a YEAR since my last post! Wow... that's unacceptable.<br />
<br />
Today, I moved into my new dorm room at Sterling and am anxiously awaiting the start of my last semester on Wednesday... I can't believe it's already here.<br />
<br />
Here's my class schedule for this semester:<br />
<br />
Spiritual Formation<br />
Non-Profit Management & Leadership<br />
International Relations<br />
Instructional Bible Study<br />
Intro to Missions<br />
Senior Project<br />
<br />
I can't believe I've almost reached the end... just need to press on and get these classes finished!<br />
<br />
Hopefully next time I blog, I have something more interesting to write about.<br />
<br />
Blessings to you all,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-57098540448843085462011-07-18T23:07:00.006-05:002011-07-18T23:57:55.239-05:00Crocodile Tears... or Lack Thereof<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPN2N-U-lB2t2i3lrk-XUbaiKCpTswVihlXRg6LE87cYzNBFmXTItClo145DI6164WDqldze0Da5_e4wwLFCczLOA_5djohPHBgwtFW9CpOcsHU0af4iuLfIs-CVoE1_-KkKnVvxX360/s1600/crying.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPN2N-U-lB2t2i3lrk-XUbaiKCpTswVihlXRg6LE87cYzNBFmXTItClo145DI6164WDqldze0Da5_e4wwLFCczLOA_5djohPHBgwtFW9CpOcsHU0af4iuLfIs-CVoE1_-KkKnVvxX360/s400/crying.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630921194216644530" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I just realized that I don't cry like I used to.<br /><br /><br /></div><br />Growing up, I cried a bit more than average I would guess. There were many reasons for that, but I think that most of it stemmed from my deep-rooted fears that God decided to deal with later on in my life.<br /><br /><br />Then when my mom died, I cried every day for awhile...<br /><br />Then every other day...<br /><br />Then a few times a week...<br /><br />Then every other week...<br /><br />Then sporadically here and there... every month or so.<br /><br /><br />Now, when I say cry, I'm not counting the times when I tear up while watching a sad movie or other moments in life when tears come into my eyes. Crying to me is when tears are overflowing and they last more than a minute or two. My mom used to call them "big crocodile tears".<br /><br />Maybe one of the reasons I don't cry as much now is because I don't have as much time to think.<br /><br />When I truly take the time to <span style="font-style: italic;">be still</span> ... tears come.<br /><br />It's almost as if my body doesn't let me grieve except for the times when I give myself permission. I wish that I would get some still time every day... but unfortunately, I don't always do it. Even in my quiet times in the morning, sometimes<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>my mind isn't at rest and truly still.<br /><br />The thing is: I've never felt the freedom to let myself become lost in feelings of grief. This excuse sounds lame, but I really don't have time.<br /><br />If I could drive away to a secluded cabin in the middle of the mountains and spend a few weeks there... with no telephone. No Internet. No distractions. Ah... that would be a taste of Heaven. It would just be me, my writing utensils, my Bible, my walking shoes so I could go on hikes, and a few carefully selected books. Oh, and I can't forget the chocolate and Kleenex.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGZgraEpte_fxVdzhyBKJ6rZq2z0ZVbUfagcq2y3nfqmHvNGwBj0-Odkqhtx5I9B3ZaEbH6M-xa7qBe1f3zwramYUyvLOUfkqkpZfrpsXyeCV5EEgHQlPLUwElntiKCRzu4W2dluaJOI/s1600/condo-villa-fourth.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGZgraEpte_fxVdzhyBKJ6rZq2z0ZVbUfagcq2y3nfqmHvNGwBj0-Odkqhtx5I9B3ZaEbH6M-xa7qBe1f3zwramYUyvLOUfkqkpZfrpsXyeCV5EEgHQlPLUwElntiKCRzu4W2dluaJOI/s400/condo-villa-fourth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630920257656591250" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Then, in that secluded place... I would cry. I wouldn't have interruptions. Busyness wouldn't be allowed to cloud out my feelings any longer.<br /><br />I would cry until no tears were left.<br /><br />I would tell God why I wish my mom was still here. Why everything seems to be going wrong and how hard life is. I would talk to him about my confusion, my sorrows... the sadness that still grips my heart even when my life seems "perfect" to the outside observer. I would talk to him about my fears regarding many things. And then I would be silent... and let the crocodile tears slide down my cheeks in the stillness.<br /><br />Tears would fall... for what I've lost, for what I've gained, for what is behind and what is to come.<br /><br />I don't cry like I used to. Not because I don't feel like I used to, but simply because I don't allow myself to be still and let the tears fall.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-37199375801714685562011-07-02T22:23:00.003-05:002011-07-02T23:20:19.365-05:00July Wish<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0NYhIIlf9YInZprPzoopeT0Z32FquTPqXBNSkrE21qBUCP_yIXyaBNvSMDcOAzYGuE2-70ZjttQqBUSNDp9dCbiPBfwXdqjW9g6VfNUBGrf226V2kpm8NZzL9Eti5N4DNLFtDDuiJ9I/s1600/Fourth+of+July+Pictures+-+%2540+Cota%2527s+house+189.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0NYhIIlf9YInZprPzoopeT0Z32FquTPqXBNSkrE21qBUCP_yIXyaBNvSMDcOAzYGuE2-70ZjttQqBUSNDp9dCbiPBfwXdqjW9g6VfNUBGrf226V2kpm8NZzL9Eti5N4DNLFtDDuiJ9I/s400/Fourth+of+July+Pictures+-+%2540+Cota%2527s+house+189.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624975586054545794" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I was sitting outside watching fireworks light up the sky... so beautiful. So powerful. Just like my God... <span style="font-style: italic;">and my memories</span>.<br /><br />And as I sat thinking, a poem was birthed:<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> 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mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u>July Wish</u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><br /></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Sometimes I wish upon a star</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Wishing I could be where you are</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">If only to talk for awhile</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And see your beautiful smile</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Deep things are on my heart</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Yet we are so far apart</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">My soul cries sometimes</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And it only comes out in rhymes</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I wish you were close by me here</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Like a warm blanket wrapped near</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Salty tears roll down my face</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I simply wish for one more embrace</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Fireworks light up the sky</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">This traditional Fourth of July</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">The bright color and sound</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Makes the darkness flee all around</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I wish the noise could change me</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Jar me back to this present reality</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But I’m lost remembering yesterday</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">It seems such a small price to pay</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">When I can see you in my mind’s eye</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Every time those fireworks light up the sky</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Traditions make me think of you</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And that winter day that you flew</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Away to a home much better than here</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">No more pain. No more fear</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Did fireworks light up the sky that day?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">In an eternal place far away?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">There’s no question that you will always be missed</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Every day that I continue to exist</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And little by little my heart will heal</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Because my wonderful Savior is real</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">So every year when the Fourth rolls around</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I can smile… because I know where peace is found.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-76998146875973455542011-06-26T12:47:00.003-05:002011-06-26T12:53:45.829-05:00I am She<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> 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<w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >Here is a poem that I wrote for my literature class today. Enjoy! And feedback is always welcomed and appreciated.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" ><br /></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >I am She</span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >I am she</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >The woman in the mask</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >The woman I didn’t want to be</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" ><br />I am she</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >The hypocrite woman</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >Never kneeling on bended knees</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >I am she</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >The woman who hides</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >Where no one can see</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >I am she</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >The unfaithful woman</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >How can you still love me?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >I am she</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >The redeemed woman</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12pt;" >Finally <span style="font-style: italic;">free</span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-80996132197176168442011-06-23T11:33:00.006-05:002011-06-23T12:10:30.756-05:00Dear 76 Readers... Got a Question? Any question?Hello dear readers!<br /><br />Today I am supposed to be doing nothing but homework (World Civ and Intro to Lit) but I decided to take a little break from that so that I can write to you.<br /><br />Did you know that you're over SEVENTY readers now? I was reading some of my previous blog postings this morning, specifically <a href="http://glorifyhimwitheverybreath.blogspot.com/2009/07/midnight-writing-and-more.html">THIS ONE</a> and suddenly realized that you all have put up with a lot of craziness from me in the past.<br /><br />I admit it. I am a little crazy.<br /><br />But nevertheless, the number of readers has grown... so there must be something you're enjoying... right?<br /><br />Hopefully.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDDjoCKXknDAtqYQbKYq-N-ok6UQBQAIKHpmjRy6ovuO7DcFeaGuJF5iS0OPBXKt5DBZCLEAJNOZqsPMzhpaKksYGNOyrOmrtAl58f5TV18xYzyQGplu3JzjNiPaLlrN-0S3jOT6tVqM/s1600/IMG_5938.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDDjoCKXknDAtqYQbKYq-N-ok6UQBQAIKHpmjRy6ovuO7DcFeaGuJF5iS0OPBXKt5DBZCLEAJNOZqsPMzhpaKksYGNOyrOmrtAl58f5TV18xYzyQGplu3JzjNiPaLlrN-0S3jOT6tVqM/s400/IMG_5938.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621457457569428066" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />That's my friend Jaci and I at an 80's Bowling Night last semester!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Uh... random.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*crickets*</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div><br />Okaaaaaay. Now, back to the MAIN point of this post:<br /><br />I recently thought of this idea... and if you don't like it, no biggie. But I thought I'd try it out.<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">From now until the end of the summer, I want to give you all the opportunity to <span style="font-size:130%;">ask me<span style="font-size:180%;"> any</span> question you can think of</span>: whether it be about <span style="font-family: lucida grande;">God</span>, <span style="font-family: verdana;">theology</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">relationships</span>, purity,<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> food</span>,<span style="font-size:78%;"> </span><span style="font-size:78%;">sibling drama</span>, <span style="font-family: verdana;">health</span>,<span style="font-style: italic;"> nutrition</span>, dating, <span style="font-size:100%;">exercise</span>, <span style="font-size:78%;">politics</span>... <span style="font-weight: bold;">ANYTHING</span>.</span></blockquote><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:180%;">?<br /></span></div><br />You can leave your name, but if you want to remain anonymous, that's fine too. Just place a comment at the end of this post and check "anonymous". I will be randomly selecting questions to answer in <span style="font-style: italic;">"Dear Em"</span> blog posts during the rest of the summer.<br /><br />Now, let's get one thing straight:<span style="font-size:180%;"> I'm not GOD.</span><br /><br />Therefore, my answers will <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> be 100% right or perfect.<br /><br />However, I do promise to use the knowledge that I have as well as my own experiences to give you the best possible answer I can from my perspective. If I don't know the answer... I'll try to find it... or find someone who does. Or... if you're just wanting to know what my personal opinion is on a subject, that's fine too. Ask away!<br /><br />Questions can be silly or stupid or serious or slightly sinister. But I'm not kidding when I say that anything goes. I cannot promise to answer every question that I receive. But I CAN promise that I care about all 76 of you and will do my very best.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >:)</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-36834050680151904492011-06-21T20:17:00.004-05:002011-06-21T20:25:55.561-05:00"Sisters" - A poem<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf-PtvaGaV6c9Qb4scCNbrYPIBlZOTp3EySQRg-cVjUtsYRRMM7W12UDlr2swhKUgqOf0kpORNpxqOGu_KmcWyqfcj53RTtpuqVOvJtq5QfxIYuYhUBSJWK_05UURXthgMbM7KmFfGXc/s1600/EditCHINA+1+078.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 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mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><br /></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u>Sisters</u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I am the envy of every woman</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">The lust of every man</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">If you possess me</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You may lack humility</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">In youth, I am abundant</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But I slowly fade with time</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Everyone covets me</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">The world bows down to me</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I wield power over the weak minded</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Strength over the purest man</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I am strong</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But not as strong as my sister</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">She does not fade with time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">She is rare.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">The world doesn’t know her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">She is not sought after by many.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br />No one can destroy her</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But I am destructible.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">She only enhances me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">In fact, I am nothing without her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">She is the one who gives substance</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">To my shallow fleeting existence</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I can be improved with cash and possessions</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But no amount great or small can buy my sister.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">She is unfading.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I am fleeting.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Unequal we are.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Yet sisters</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I live in high-society</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Make my home in Hollywood</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But my sister can be found elsewhere</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">In the lowliest places on earth</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">She dwells with kindness and compassion</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And makes her home with humility and forgiveness</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">We are opposites</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Sometimes seen together</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I am rare – she is rarer</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">We are sisters:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Inward and Outward Beauty</p><br /><br />It's been awhile since I've written a poem... I would LOVE your feedback: good, bad, ugly, or that you didn't understand it one bit! :) I don't usually do free verse, but I couldn't seem to rhyme methodically with this one...<br /><br />Thanks for reading!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-76875112158775227912011-06-13T09:58:00.008-05:002011-06-14T21:04:57.591-05:00Few Regrets<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSMlkFjzQcJdPBLBoo5zUcItW-8SWoLSl0AIsZRhNQjIApHxfBkSsilaxz0kYuNdbxEpkP1J2HnWq86IgvUCtbDOfU6Yc7-dCllcTZ-Hk6eM8IX9yQ8f0_joO61e6fz4RwwJrl06qWMs/s1600/EditDSC08871.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSMlkFjzQcJdPBLBoo5zUcItW-8SWoLSl0AIsZRhNQjIApHxfBkSsilaxz0kYuNdbxEpkP1J2HnWq86IgvUCtbDOfU6Yc7-dCllcTZ-Hk6eM8IX9yQ8f0_joO61e6fz4RwwJrl06qWMs/s400/EditDSC08871.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618257658169313682" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />"All men are like grass,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">and all their glory is like the flowers</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">of the field.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The grass withers and the flowers fall,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">because the breath of the Lord blows on them.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Surely the people are grass.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The grass withers and the flowers fall,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">but the word of our God stands</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">forever."</span><br /><br />~ Isaiah 40: 6b-8<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">"<span style="font-style: italic;">Surely the people are grass</span>" .... uhhh yikes. I know "<span style="font-style: italic;">each man's life is but a breath</span>", but I usually don't like to dwell on that, because it honestly makes me feel a little frantic. This is kind of ironic since my entire blog is based around this verse.<br /><br />But here's the thing: I look forward to events, and then... all too soon, they're over. Time goes so fast... but I don't feel like I'm moving. I still feel like I'm 18 years old.<br /><br />It scares me sometimes.<br /><br />So much to do! So much to see! So many things to explore! I don't want to waste it!<br /><br />The older I become, the more I realize how essential it is to have a close walk with Christ. The <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">only </span>way that I can keep from "wasting" time is to draw close to my Father and determine what HE wants me to do every day. How does HE want me spending my time? Are the things I'm involved in glorifying to Him and beneficial to His kingdom?<br /><br />Because those are the <span style="font-style: italic;">only</span> things that will outlast this life<span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br /><br />Living for ourselves can be fulfilling... while it lasts. But in the end, we are somehow <span style="font-weight: bold;">empty </span>and full of <span style="font-weight: bold;">regrets</span>. Perhaps we end up in that broken place because we finally realize that<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">this</span> kingdom is not a kingdom at all in comparison to the place that God has prepared for those who love him.<br /><br />I don't want to regret this life. I don't want to regret the choices I made or the way I spent my time. I think everyone desires to live with no regrets... but how many people actually achieve this? It might be impossible to live with <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">no</span> regrets, but what if we could live with <span style="font-style: italic;">few</span>?<br /><br />John 10:10 says:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-style: italic;">The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full</span>."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When I think of a full life, I think of security in the arms of Christ, joy in His presence, and overpowering strength to face trials. Regrets do not come to mind. In fact, the only things I regret are the situations where I behaved in an ungodly way, times when I didn't follow the holy spirit's prompting, or missed opportunities to share God's love with other people.<br /><blockquote><br />All the things that I regret can be linked back to one common factor: my lack of abiding in Christ.<br /></blockquote>When I was far from his presence or out of touch with His spirit... <span style="font-weight: bold;">those </span>are the times that I did things, or said things, or thought things that I now regret. Every situation that I can think of can be traced back to that one thing.<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">The secret to a life of few regrets is fully and continually abiding in Christ.*</blockquote>So we've already determined what we need to do in order to live a life of few regrets... but what do we do with the regrets we already have?<br /><br /></div></div>Philippians 3:12-14 might answer this for us:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-style: italic;">Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Forgetting what is behind</span> and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.</span>"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Forgetting what is behind doesn't mean forgetting the lessons God taught us. But what we should be forgetting is the stuff that doesn't matter anymore. In II Corinthians 5, God says that we are a <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">new </span>creation in Christ!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"<br /></div></div></div><br />Abiding in Christ deals with having an eternal focus and perspective. When we're abiding, we are no longer looking to the mistakes that we have made in the past. We are focused on walking with Christ in the moment... every single day that we have... with every breath that we take.<br /><br />This forward focus is what takes our eyes off of ourselves and places them on the cross. Is fulfillment what I desire? Then I must learn to devote myself entirely to Christ and His purposes - for it is only <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">there</span> that I find life to the full.<br /><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVLJA6cBiqVqH8ajz-WxtPZRu8TaXvd7NIhaA9-OzxgX1ZviKCwM17A8noJuL22TCnP-s6-9UIcoF5Ti_hSE4OVDocq8M_5-FcG9f6xRdsYorpRLVyf1Rp0jTCldS__R8UjMyB9AGiig/s1600/EditDSC08885.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVLJA6cBiqVqH8ajz-WxtPZRu8TaXvd7NIhaA9-OzxgX1ZviKCwM17A8noJuL22TCnP-s6-9UIcoF5Ti_hSE4OVDocq8M_5-FcG9f6xRdsYorpRLVyf1Rp0jTCldS__R8UjMyB9AGiig/s400/EditDSC08885.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618260963506421074" border="0" /></a><br /></div><h6 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-style: italic;" class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size:130%;">"What is the secret to great living? Entire separation to Christ and devotion to him. Thus speaks every man and woman whose life has made more than a passing flicker in the spiritual realm. It is the life that has no time for trifling that counts."</span></h6><h6 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; font-style: italic;" class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size:130%;"> - Amy Carmichael</span></h6><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">*If you're confused about what it means to abide in Christ, I suggest you read Andrew Murray's book "Abiding in Christ". It's excellent!</span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-91788734013831679692011-06-10T13:09:00.005-05:002011-06-10T14:48:31.761-05:00"Emmie!"I feel like I'm spending the entire summer with children - because I pretty much am! Other 20 somethings might think that playing endless games of peek-a-boo, pushing children on swings, playing with Legos, and always having Elmo on the TV would get old... but not me! I even have two extra car-seats in my car now, just so I can drive the kids around. People probably think I'm a young mom... which doesn't bother me! :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm85jLUpWV4hJ5Zx5HsdQCXtR3_ScPhrQaaVeMyilloFiTHoo3WtQWDJ3MvKAl6gjqiouqDgThDJyv_OxVyk_tuY8tH5CqlDc9dMaCU4W4kcnh_ubNg4crHMzf2_5ukQmLp83H12EJCRw/s1600/J%2526L1rz.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm85jLUpWV4hJ5Zx5HsdQCXtR3_ScPhrQaaVeMyilloFiTHoo3WtQWDJ3MvKAl6gjqiouqDgThDJyv_OxVyk_tuY8tH5CqlDc9dMaCU4W4kcnh_ubNg4crHMzf2_5ukQmLp83H12EJCRw/s400/J%2526L1rz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616678525213853346" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It's fun and I love it!<br /><br /></div><br />Plus, I still have time to do other stuff that I love: workout, read, sleep, go to the pool, and write... just like I'm doing now.<br /><br />I am so blessed.<br /><br />The only problem is: I'm falling in love with these two kids! As if I wasn't in love with them already...<br /><br />There is no greater joy than walking into a room and seeing Lily's big smile as she exclaims "Emmie!" Jackson has taken to calling me "Emmie" as well. I love them. I love being with them. I love being their "big sister" for the summer.<br /><br />I don't want it all to end...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; width: 107px; height: 78px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-84255866309576305042011-06-04T02:42:00.003-05:002011-06-04T02:50:00.654-05:00One Step<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lately, I've been contemplating my future. There are so many places that I would love to go... so much that I want to see and do</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">. Sometimes I can get overwhelmed because the options are so numerous. Then my prayer becomes "Father, what would YOU have me do? In a world where the possibilities are endless... lead me." The more I pray... the more He seems to answer "Emily... one step at a time." So it was within these thoughts and prayers that the following poem was birthed:</span><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One Step at a Time</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">One step at a time</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">On a road full of stairs</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">If I look too far ahead</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I might fall</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">One step at a time</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Trusting</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Waiting to see where you lead</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But not wanting to spoil what you’re doing</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">One step at a time</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Solid … steady</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Unwavering in commitment</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">To the very next step</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">One step at a time</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Even when the fog is thick</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And I stand trembling</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Doubting</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">One step at a time</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">When the sun shines bright</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I’m tempted to run and leap ahead</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But still you say to me</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">One step at a time…</p> <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-32987162058183105022011-05-07T23:51:00.005-05:002011-05-08T01:34:50.189-05:00That Time AgainIt's that time of year. The time of year when a lot of the posts on Facebook resemble the ones below:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">~ HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY _________!! You are the best mom ever, always giving of yourself for others...I hope that you can enjoy today and let us take care of you! :) Love you soooo so much!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center">~If you have an amazing mother, put this as your status!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />~ At 3yrs " Mommy I love you."</div><br /><div align="center">At 10yrs " Mom, whatever."</div><br /><div align="center">At 16yrs " My Mom is so annoying."</div><br /><div align="center">At 18yrs " I wanna leave this house."</div><br /><div align="center">At 25yrs " Mom you were right."......</div><br /><div align="center">At 30yrs " I wanna go to Mom's house."</div><br /><div align="center">At 50yrs " I don't want to lose my Mom."</div><br /><div align="center">At 70yrs " I would give up everything for my Mom to be here with me."</div><br /><div align="center">You only have 1 Mom.Post this to your wall if you appreciate and love your Mom ♥</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div>It's the time of year when my heart hurts a little more inside; when I can't escape the memories, thoughts, and feelings... about <em>her</em>. Emails titled "Get your Mother's Day gifts 50% off" and "Mother's Day is just around the corner!" cause little tears to form in the corners of my eyes... but there's no escaping them. I can't shut myself out from the world for the entire month leading up to the holiday.<br /><br /><br />My Facebook status would probably be something more like this:<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br />At 3yrs " Mommy I love you."</div><br /><div align="center">At 10yrs " Mom, you're everything to me, even though we argue."</div><br /><div align="center">At 16yrs " This can't possibly be my last birthday with you..."</div><br /><div align="center">At 18yrs " Mom, I wish I could ask you ____________."</div><br /><div align="center">At 25yrs " I'm picking out a wedding dress... without you."</div><br /><div align="center">At 30yrs " My baby keeps screaming and I don't know what to do... wish I could call you."</div><br /><div align="center">At 50yrs" I haven't forgotten... and I still miss you."</div><br /><div align="center">At 70yrs " I would give up everything to be with you, just one more day."<br /></div><br /><div align="center">And then there's eternity: Together. Forever.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />But even though I know that... even though I understand that I will see her again and that our joy will be complete, it still hurts that I can't give her a hug today... that she can't come to my choir concert, or meet all my college friends; that she isn't here for my 21st birthday tomorrow, and that our last conversation was almost four and a half years ago.<br /><br /><br />I loved her. I love her still.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604228023000811922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx3srGy_Tdso2xAi1wHg4B1OfNR1n_zmgg3bJrivO8_1O-69-YpDzZbMhQb2do_e9YjVgkjqVV_LsflZi7YFH4toiGbU_8dZDiUhCwUzan7JiDnqJKjOpX95hT76cc147yRHuEIYYE3Y/s400/mom.jpg" /><br /></p>I also love how God continues to strengthen and uphold my family and I... even in the hardest times; His hand can be clearly seen. <strong>My heart <em>does </em>ache that my mom is not here to hold but it only causes me to more fully abide in my Savior, Jesus Christ.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He is my hope...<br /><br /><br />He is my light, my strength, my song.<br /><br /><br />This cornerstone.<br /><br /><br />This solid ground.<br /><br /><br />Firm through the fiercest drought and storm<br /><br /><br />What heights of <strong>love</strong>!<br /><br /><br />What depths of <strong>peace</strong>!<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>When fears are stilled<br /></blockquote><br />When strivings cease.<br /><br /><br />My <strong>comforter</strong>.<br /><br /><br />My all in all.<br /><br /><br />Here in the love of Christ.<br /><br /><br /><em>I stand</em>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-70353119530311427422011-04-26T10:57:00.003-05:002011-04-26T11:06:30.538-05:00Pressing the Pause Button<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" 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</w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> </div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Dear God,</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Last week, I hit the pause button. Not the pause button for life. Or even the pause button on my busy schedule.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I hit the pause button on my relationship with you.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I know it was dumb of me. So many papers and tests and homework and projects – the pile grew so large that I decided that something else had to be put on hold for just a little bit.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">You</span> became that “something else”.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I didn’t consciously choose to put You on pause. But our relationship stopped regardless of my choice or subconscious motives.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Jesus, I’m sorry.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I haven’t been talking to You like I normally do. I haven’t been spending time alone just being still in Your presence. I haven’t allowed You to fill me like only You can.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lord, you were an afterthought.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">God forgive me.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wasn’t thinking about You this weekend.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This</span> weekend… of all weekends.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Resurrection weekend.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The weekend when Your love altered history. The weekend when You had me on Your mind and in Your heart as You hung there… dying for <span style="font-weight: bold;">me</span>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oh Lord, I’m so unworthy. So disgusted at my lack of effort in placing You at the center of my heart and priorities.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the pile of “stuff” to do gets so high I can’t see anymore, help me to remember that it’s only “stuff”. If this life is all there is, then it’s perfectly fine to place all my time and energy into stuff.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But if this is only a taste… a preview… the prologue of the true novel that hasn’t yet begun; Oh Father, forgive me! How can I be so blind?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Instead of focusing on this fleeting prologue that we call “life”, help me to focus on the everlasting epilogue… the story You’re writing that doesn’t end. I plead with You to help me remember that in my times of greatest busyness, <span style="font-weight: bold;">You</span> should become even more of a priority than when I have extra time.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jesus, what You did on the cross for me was incredible. Indescribable. Totally humbling.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You know better than anyone else that I will continually be unworthy. That anything I do will never measure up to Your ultimate sacrifice of love.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s overwhelming that You would <span style="font-style: italic;">die</span> for me…. when I fail over and over to give You priority.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But even when I keep pressing the pause button, <span style="font-weight: bold;">You never fail me</span>. You continue to love me. And in Your strong, yet quiet way… You draw me back to yourself.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-11598942313042988532011-04-23T15:14:00.006-05:002011-04-23T16:29:18.619-05:00Complete<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpb-yYMRMxw01z4Yd4glDLxiOqyp5Uz9z_gZ8o2sc4qzCdy6tQPgZ35_9ESBzhY3caxADDekacU6BmEXM2uI2vRvLQZpfOPLUEiV3MaJw8M5JIQotjM22GAf9x1lvKW_fYJSonK5sXKQ/s1600/Mel+and+Josh+290.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpb-yYMRMxw01z4Yd4glDLxiOqyp5Uz9z_gZ8o2sc4qzCdy6tQPgZ35_9ESBzhY3caxADDekacU6BmEXM2uI2vRvLQZpfOPLUEiV3MaJw8M5JIQotjM22GAf9x1lvKW_fYJSonK5sXKQ/s400/Mel+and+Josh+290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598879591843291554" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There is just something overwhelmingly beautiful about waiting on the Lord's plan.<br />He can write better stories than anyone else can<br /><br />Watching His hand bless others abundantly through grace<br />Make me want to be obedient to the Lord's pace<br /><br />I question.<br />I doubt.<br />I wonder if it's worth it.<br />Should I just do without?<br /><br />"You'll just know" people say<br />But how will I know you've brought me the one<br />to whom I can give my heart away?<br /><br />Lord, lead me.<br />I need you more than anything.<br />You've locked up my heart and taken the key.<br /><br />Faithfulness is what I need<br />So blind me, close my eyes... until the time is right.<br />Purify every word and deed<br />I'm looking toward Your radiant light<br /><br />Jesus, You alone can fulfill<br />Thank you for this abiding contentment<br />My <span style="font-style: italic;">one desire </span>is to be in the center of Your will<br /><br />But if... even in that place<br />There are no others<br />I'm confident that Your face<br />Will <span style="font-style: italic;">satisfy</span> deeper than earthly lovers<br /><br />Your beauty overwhelms me as I look<br />To You for the peace my heart craves<br />My paralyzing fear and shame You took<br />I praise You! Because Your love is a love that saves.<br /><br />Please, dear Father, direct every step of mine.<br />Give me Your heartbeat<br />I pray continually: Not my will. Thine.<br />Only there am I satisfied, whole, and <span style="font-style: italic;">complete.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-67210932821091252722011-04-13T13:32:00.006-05:002011-04-13T14:03:48.251-05:00You<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEzhDmqIBPPN6AQn8Yagfr9uiulNTvtQul2tX_i7MIHQB7Ed3ae_N8sUloHv6EWpLG9sNo_NVUtigjoINlug7jSExRi-HZsSQMeaiEPcKkXGZICS0dlJ9QK-jYZqwnoYybAgtPgD2w0A/s1600/mommy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEzhDmqIBPPN6AQn8Yagfr9uiulNTvtQul2tX_i7MIHQB7Ed3ae_N8sUloHv6EWpLG9sNo_NVUtigjoINlug7jSExRi-HZsSQMeaiEPcKkXGZICS0dlJ9QK-jYZqwnoYybAgtPgD2w0A/s400/mommy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595145130999346642" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A picture is worth a thousand words<br />But a picture is all I have<br />Memories are all I have<br />Mom, what I wouldn't do<br />To exchange one more word with you<br /><br /><br />Bittersweet tears run down my cheeks<br />I remember the joyous times<br />I remember the painful times<br />Time.<br />All of it precious<br />What a wouldn't give for a little more<br />With you<br /><br /><br />To feel your arms around me today<br />To see you smile<br />To sing "Happy Birthday"<br />What I wouldn't do, Mom<br />To be with you.<br /><br /><br />I love you.<br />Still.<br />Always.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-19575061057649059172011-02-15T20:05:00.003-06:002011-02-15T20:28:55.475-06:00Thoughts on a Tuesday Evening...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9coTGrhVJGfyutbnmr8DJnQoJIGADz18zxHFvj13ZRNVl1HtS_YeYo_sFcrtbhl76DBBjBzpdORMdjuA2-R5Vd3IwgDsslQONStGVb82zF041QpBnhrh_PvpiTS9eRu8ZugsEsfwFKs/s1600/Camp.+Lex+Party.+Reh+Dinner+032.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9coTGrhVJGfyutbnmr8DJnQoJIGADz18zxHFvj13ZRNVl1HtS_YeYo_sFcrtbhl76DBBjBzpdORMdjuA2-R5Vd3IwgDsslQONStGVb82zF041QpBnhrh_PvpiTS9eRu8ZugsEsfwFKs/s400/Camp.+Lex+Party.+Reh+Dinner+032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574108004049160818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm so amazed sometimes at how fast things change.<br /><br />One year ago I didn't even know where God was leading my life... now I'm going to Sterling and majoring in something that I feel called to do - even though it wasn't at all "my plan". I stand in complete awe at the way that He leads and guides me.<br /><br />So far, this year has been one of great rejoicing for me. I have tasted beautiful authentic freedom. I have had the opportunity to minister in many different avenues - youth, peers, as well as adults. God has been working on my heart and transforming my mind. No WAY am I perfect. But HE is at work in me... and that alone calls for great rejoicing.<br /><br />Today I was reminded of God's incredible love for me. As I walked from class to class this morning, the sun on my face enveloped me in warmth. It's funny that I can feel so loved by my Maker simply by walking in His creation, but it's true. Joy fills my heart... especially on beautiful days that are warmer than 40 degrees... :)<br /><br />Do you know this love? Do you know this joy? It can't be matched anywhere by anyone. Only Christ fills like this... and what He brings is<span style="font-style: italic;"> lasting</span>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; width: 107px; height: 78px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-17945046335683498152011-01-12T14:08:00.000-06:002011-01-12T14:09:48.945-06:00Remembering<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> 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</w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering</span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Salty tears roll down my cheeks</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But I don’t wipe them away.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Many nights I’ve lain awake</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I let music sweep me away</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">To another place</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I still see your smile</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And long for your arms around me</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I watch a mother and daughter pair</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Shopping together</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It used to be you and I</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Inseparable.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Your voice used to sing</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In melody with mine</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Your hand, so gentle</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Yet filled with strength</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Crying in your arms</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Fear gripping my heart</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Your smile so brilliant</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The concern on your face</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">When I would fall down as a child</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The sweet smell of your embrace.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Clothed in wisdom and guidance</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You spoke.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But then, lying there helpless</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Thin and hairless</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Courage shown through</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In your beautiful eyes</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Crying out to God</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In the middle of a field</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I wanted so desperately for him to save you</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Family game nights and movie nights</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You always made everything so fun.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Our hearts almost felt as one.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Saying goodbye to you</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">That sunny November day</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I held my crying sister</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As they drove your earthly body away.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The deepest sorrow</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Gripped my heart</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But peace and hope</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And a little glimmer of light</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You are still gone</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So I’m caught here</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remembering.</span></p> <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-87735963928731647212010-12-26T11:35:00.002-06:002010-12-26T11:40:42.142-06:00Photobooks and Photography...My dad is ALWAYS so hard to buy for... so this year, I decided to create a photo book of engagement photos that I took using the Shutterfly website. Luckily, they loved it!<br /><br />If you want to take a peak, I linked it up below.<br /><br />To view more of my photography you can go to my website <a href="http://www.zemages.com">EMAGES</a> or become a fan of me on Facebook using the box I posted up at the top.<br /><br />Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; width: 108px; height: 79px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><object codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="425"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D0QctG7hmzas7cW%26uid%3D003053308749%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1293384849000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"><param name="menu" value="false"><param name="quality" value="best"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D0QctG7hmzas7cW%26uid%3D003053308749%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1293384849000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf" width="425" align="middle" height="425"></embed></object><p style="width: 425px; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0QctG7hmzas3HQ&eid=118">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-41910891858818223942010-12-16T10:53:00.007-06:002010-12-16T15:52:24.206-06:00What breaks are made of...What are breaks made of?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Eating lots of food, sleeping until noon, and spending time with family...<br />That's what the best breaks are made of....<br /><br />HI friends! Wow, I know it's been so long since I've updated my blog. College is done for this semester, so I'm extremely excited about that! The break has been just wonderful so far. I checked my final grades and I think I got A's all across the board... woohoo!<br /><br />AND I just found out that I'm singing a solo in Cabaret at college in January - not sure about that date yet. Some of you might wonder what I'm singing... I'll give you a hint:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo4URGwokkouauqDkgZnNbUwjkvxP51uhvztudXfzJncCRKObheXy3GP7Khy3JHXEHWtxI5YmyS7rfYUAaenGzOkTKYLDdzbqn3cmJWX-CcyXR84RB2H0r4eFBAmpiBC1WUr6BoeFHKA/s1600/pocahontas-costume.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSo4URGwokkouauqDkgZnNbUwjkvxP51uhvztudXfzJncCRKObheXy3GP7Khy3JHXEHWtxI5YmyS7rfYUAaenGzOkTKYLDdzbqn3cmJWX-CcyXR84RB2H0r4eFBAmpiBC1WUr6BoeFHKA/s400/pocahontas-costume.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551326313229429554" border="0" /></a></div><br />Yep, she sings it! <span style="font-style: italic;">Colors of the Wind</span> is the song that I auditioned with, and apparently they thought it was good enough to sing during Cabaret. I'm really excited! But stinking nervous... I haven't done too many solos in my life. SCARY.<br /><br /><br />On a completely different note, I've been doing photography lately - trying to get my business up and running. I have an engagement session this Saturday, so that should be fun! Here are a few of my favorite shots from my dad's engagement session:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETHemSeEZFhmWOX2zpXEDMIx6bwOn7_iip5YScbQmKOlqwFI7XKo36ALkU_O9XRnpnxvo6zdkNw8pfKVfW-m1GYY4732tpBQ6uC44Ploxo0puUGbEX5ePKf9h6y5iCIaEAv9l2p-TMjE/s1600/DAbc2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETHemSeEZFhmWOX2zpXEDMIx6bwOn7_iip5YScbQmKOlqwFI7XKo36ALkU_O9XRnpnxvo6zdkNw8pfKVfW-m1GYY4732tpBQ6uC44Ploxo0puUGbEX5ePKf9h6y5iCIaEAv9l2p-TMjE/s400/DAbc2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551400368653719506" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqC21NHpcXVsC54t2QDdk6KyUwjlXezEwQUhiwcPlMDb_nBPzkaOiPn7WAo5jHzNFyUnJgsbjaufQ_7WaIrCBHde4QngOheO51GJU1tl54b6vRX7hnsijMtvKGGTiZ-2U3wmRpFJiXoBI/s1600/DA4Colored.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqC21NHpcXVsC54t2QDdk6KyUwjlXezEwQUhiwcPlMDb_nBPzkaOiPn7WAo5jHzNFyUnJgsbjaufQ_7WaIrCBHde4QngOheO51GJU1tl54b6vRX7hnsijMtvKGGTiZ-2U3wmRpFJiXoBI/s400/DA4Colored.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551397915885554354" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzczZ6rChNUpoSd8Eyk-i_zXaPkKkit1L_PpKI7xqdtZaSIZatmovpcRMLv-Af4DwRg2Uc3vyrWZ91BiVt_bJc4iAY7OCWnntE5wlCTJ3LSVC9vV6lRWb2VNTJXNoy2SiB-jlkPtX_No/s1600/chairsepia2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzczZ6rChNUpoSd8Eyk-i_zXaPkKkit1L_PpKI7xqdtZaSIZatmovpcRMLv-Af4DwRg2Uc3vyrWZ91BiVt_bJc4iAY7OCWnntE5wlCTJ3LSVC9vV6lRWb2VNTJXNoy2SiB-jlkPtX_No/s400/chairsepia2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551396905865469826" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />You can view more of my work here: <a href="http://www.zemages.com">www.zemages.com</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And now... I must go fill out more of an application that has been looming over my head for the past few weeks. :(<br /><br />Blessings to you all! And Merry Christmas!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-27965171560863830452010-12-05T23:49:00.002-06:002010-12-06T00:12:31.552-06:00Twas the Night before Finals Week<div style="text-align: center;">Twas the night before finals week, and all through the dorm<br />Every girl was stirring - studying up a storm<br /><br />Last minute cramming was a common sight<br />Until the first break of morning light<br /><br />At 1am, not one student was tucked into bed<br />Visions of papers and exams danced in their heads<br /><br />..............................<br /><br />And that's all I have to say about that right now<br />My brain is fried and I'm exhausted anyhow<br /><br />Sterling College finals will soon come to an end<br />And I know that God will continue to be my friend<br /><br />:D<br /><br /><br />(This is just proof that I'm going a little crazy...)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-81586037509683200952010-09-13T16:24:00.004-05:002010-09-13T16:45:47.502-05:00Have Peanut M&M's Ever Made You Cry?Yeah, me neither.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Until today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After finishing a paper for my Special Needs Education class in record time, I decided to go down to the vending machine in the lobby of our dorm. The intention was to reward myself with something sweet.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unfortunately, the selection wasn't very good, but they had tropical Skittles... so I decided to go with that. The machine wouldn't take my dollar bill, which was frustrating. I spent more time than I should have digging through my wallet to find some spare change.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />FINALLY I found 75 cents worth of coins... and pressed D1, with the intention of pressing the zero after that because the Skittles were D10.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well... as I'm sure you've already guessed, D1 has it's own type of candy and there is an entirely separate button for D10. Which I blindly didn't notice until after I had already pushed D1.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So there I stood... watching a yellow bag of peanut M&M's fall instead of my tropical Skittles.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as I bent down to grab them out of the machine; a million thoughts and memories flooding my mind. Once I was back in my room, I ripped open the package, slightly annoyed that the machine wouldn't take a dollar bill and I had used all my change on the peanut M&M's that weren't even my favorite.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>"But they were someones favorite."</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And at that thought, tears started welling up in my eyes. I glanced around the room, frantically wanting to prevent the tears because I knew that once they started, it would be hard to get them to stop.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But my strength to control them failed when my eyes fell on a red book called "<em>Corduroy</em>":<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTV8YtVhW3ooiOxoUxLrWVDDrcSil2lB_eYPxrPeGI1yO6UMjw7V0cqvmjbpsEHxkoaFDhi1Qeix2Gk-qaoyY1OcoUOTRUCHz_IQby_U59a_MwGWi0BZckpZxknP1BTw1JDFnNV2d8u4/s1600/corduroy_scene.gif"><img style="WIDTH: 293px; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516517290626712418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTV8YtVhW3ooiOxoUxLrWVDDrcSil2lB_eYPxrPeGI1yO6UMjw7V0cqvmjbpsEHxkoaFDhi1Qeix2Gk-qaoyY1OcoUOTRUCHz_IQby_U59a_MwGWi0BZckpZxknP1BTw1JDFnNV2d8u4/s400/corduroy_scene.gif" /></a><br /></p><br />I had picked this book up at a garage sale a few days before. From the outside looking in, you'd think that it was just an ordinary book. But to me, it's a book <em>full</em> of memories. Memories of cuddling up on the couch with my mom as she read it to me - her voice full of character and animation. I could hear her voice as my eyes took in every sentence.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So there I was... sitting on my roommates bed, eating peanut M&M's, reading "<em>Corduroy</em>", and crying....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Missing her.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-43368805014280061442010-09-11T08:12:00.003-05:002010-09-11T08:29:50.779-05:00Know NothingI sat down this morning, surprised that I felt so inspired to write. Ironically, I couldn't think of one meaningful thing to talk about. Suddenly this verse from 1 Corinthians popped into my mind:<br /><br />"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."<br /><br />Wow.<br /><br />How about I write about nothing else but Jesus Christ and him crucified?<br /><br />Friends, what if we really took this verse to heart? It's not the only one in the Bible like it... there are many others. What if we really did vow to know, talk about, and meditate <em>only</em> upon Christ? My guess is that our lives would be transformed in a greater way than we could ever imagine.<br /><br />Obviously, in the every day tasks of life there are things that we need to think upon that are simply necessities - such as meals, cleaning, grocery shopping, school, etc. But what if in these daily tasks we were constantly keeping the Lord in mind... ready to go to him with any prayer or request the minute we encounter a need. There is no way that a life of total dedication and abandonment like that is ever left unchanged.<br /><br />So today... as you go about those daily chores and duties, know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified! Meditate on this truth. He is more than worthy of all our affection, attention, and dedication.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-2932464651170681422010-09-02T12:24:00.002-05:002010-09-02T12:39:40.126-05:00Growing Slowly<em>"Be not afraid of growing slowly - be afraid only of standing still."</em><br /><br />I was sitting in my cultural diversity class a few days ago and we were discussing ancient proverbs from different cultures. My teacher handed us a list and told us to look them over. I just scanned the list quickly, knowing that some of them were a bunch of hogwash. I mean, we already have a whole book of Proverbs in the Bible, right? Why did I need to read any more?<br /><br />WELL...<br /><br />As I was moving quickly down the list, I came to the Chinese proverbs. Suddenly, one of them caught my eye and just seemed to jump right off the page:<br /><br /><em>"Be not afraid of growing slowly - be afraid only of standing still."</em><br /><br />Amazed, I set the paper down as I tried to grasp my mind around the deeper meaning contained within the proverb. Some people might only think about the physical aspect of growing or about growing in knowledge. But immediately, my mind jumped to my spiritual walk.<br /><br />How many times in the past had I become impatient because I didn't feel close to the Lord? How many times had I wondered why I couldn't seem to make the difference for Christ that I desperately wanted to make? How many times had I tried to force myself into spiritual submission?<br /><br />I wanted to grow... FAST.<br /><br />I wanted to <em>see</em> that spiritual growth.<br /><br />I wanted to become a world-changer... overnight.<br /><br />But then I read this proverb and realized something. I shouldn't be afraid of growing slowly - just as long as I'm growing. When I'm frozen in my spiritual growth is the point where I should become concerned. Growing is so important... but no one can grow a tree overnight. Walking day by day with my Lord, even through the valley, is just as important as when He takes me to those spiritual mountaintops where everything looks clear.<br /><br />So I just want to encourage you today... don't give up if you feel like you're growing slowly! Look for the little ways that God is working in your life... and don't you dare give up. He is not finished with you yet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-1456036895032713162010-08-26T22:53:00.003-05:002010-08-26T23:05:50.673-05:00Sterling WildlifeSo... right now I'm writing to you from the campus library... because wireless internet is down campus-wide. We recieved an email today that said it should be restored by tomorrow at 5pm. WOOT WOOT! As Switchfoot says "You never know what you got until it's gone." :)<br /><br />Today I had my first encounter with Sterling wildlife. It was night... and I had just come outside to take some friends back to the lake where they had left their car,<br /><br />WHEN SUDDENLY...<br /><br />A BIG HAIRY THING WITH A LONG PINK TAIL RAN UNDERNEATH MY CAR.<br /><br />I gasped.<br /><br />Never had I seen such a hideous looking thing.<br /><br />My friends screamed.<br /><br />One of them shouted "It's an opposum!"<br /><br />Grossness. First the rat named Stewart, and now this.<br /><br />After scaring it out from underneath my car we chased it from car to car... and finally abandoned the thing because it was getting late.<br /><br />Poor thing.<br /><br />Perhaps we should have named him McHairy. Then my dorm, McCreery, can have it's very own mascot.<br /><br />Perhaps not.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-10855062409694219052010-08-24T17:17:00.002-05:002010-08-24T17:31:52.224-05:00Can you say GROSS?I'm sitting at my house... wait. No I'm not. I'm sitting in my DORM ROOM... underneath my loft bed. How weird is that!?<br /><br />Hi friends! For those of you that don't know already, I transferred to an amazing little college in an amazing little town in the middle of an amazing little state. Okay, that's not completely true. Kansas isn't really THAT little... but it's smaller than Texas. :)<br /><br />I am absolutely loving the campus, the people, the atmosphere of my dorm (McCreery Girls ROCK! WOOT!), my R.A. Candice, my professors, my awesome advisers, and the administration that has been so helpful to me. It's a lot cooler today, which is really nice. I enjoyed going to a variety show that the college staff and R.A's put on last night. It was entertaining... and white shirts - you guys were TOO FUNNY! HA... some of you people back home might not understand, but that's okay. I don't really know how to explain it other than by saying that is was basically like a mime act with high-pitched screaming and running around like wild banshees. So anyway, that was a lot of fun.<br /><br />I almost ate a rat.<br /><br />That too, is something that you people back home won't understand. I was selected out of the audience (THANKS KAYLA AND SALIMA!) and blindfolded. Then I was told to grab things out of a cup and eat them, while identifying them as fast as I could. At one point I reached in and grabbed a handful of fur... and then the fur moved. I screamed and when they took the blindfold off, I saw a white mouse (That was ALIVE) in the cup that I had just put my hand in. Can somebody say GROSS? Yes... gross. That's what it was. Then, rumors started flying that I was crying when I walked off of the stage ... because I was laughing so hard that tears were coming out of my eyes.<br /><br />Ha. What a night.<br /><br />Classes started today too. I took <em>Intro to Children With Special Needs</em> this morning, as well as Fundamentals of Teaching Reading. Then, this afternoon, I took Language Arts for Elementary Teachers. They were all very interesting and reaffirmed the fact that Elementary Education is exactly the major that God wants me in.<br /><br />Well, thanks for reading all this randomness... come visit again soon!<br /><br />By His Grace,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439243528311871857.post-57435114169208204022010-08-17T15:14:00.003-05:002010-08-17T15:50:50.390-05:00A Call to Arms...NOWHow many times have you said to yourself "When I finally reach ____________, THEN my life will really start,". When I finally reach graduation, marriage, the milestone of starting a family... then I will be totally content. But until that time, I can't really serve Christ in an effective way.<br /><br />What a lie.<br /><br />An amazing battle is won by the enemy when we are convinced that the stuff we do right now is just "filling the time" until true life begins. How much more effective could we be if we decided:<br /><br />Right now.<br /><br />Today.<br /><br />To take up that spiritual armor and fight the battles of God. Whether it's fighting to have a good attitude when things don't go as planned, fighting to get out of bed again in the morning, fighting to forgive someone, fighting for joy in the midst of a busy life, fighting for purity in a world of filth, fighting the temptation to judge others, fighting anxiety and fear..................fighting.<br /><br />And yet, I'm so guilty to play the part of a bystander on the sidelines of a combat zone. Believing lies that I am not qualified to fight... not qualified to put on that shining breastplate of righteousness, that powerful belt of truth, that victorious sword of the spirit, I stand... imaginging one day being "worthy" enough to take up that armor.<br /><br />Weapons are handed to me by fellow bystanders. They offer me everything. From self-help books to chocolate to companionship... each minute assuring me that these things are strong enough to fight my battles for me. An easy fix... but in the end they are only a string of distractions and leave me empty.<br /><br />Jesus. He calls to me... pleads with me to gird myself in the spiritual armor that He offers. He promises that it will be strong enough to thwart the schemes of my greatest fear and enemy: satan and his lies.<br /><br />Not only that, but he says "Emily, take up the armor right NOW. Quit waiting until you're good enough, because that day will never come. In the meantime, you could be winning mighty battles in your own heart and in MY Kingdom."<br /><br />Friends, now is the time. What are you waiting for? None of us are promised even another day on this earth. Take up the spiritual armor that is discussed in Ephesians 6 and start fighting your battles! If God is for us, WHO can be against us? How much more could you and I be accomplishing for the kingdom if we laid aside the thought that we'll do it tomorrow! Life doesn't start when we finally reach that perfect salary earning, marry that perfect person, or have a perfect family. Life is NOW. Don't miss what God has for you now because you're so busy looking behind you or in front of you. Look at what you have right here before you and thank God for the opportunity to serve Him NOW.<br /><br />Don't wait. :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/247/BFA086EA685F0A149DBD0B45A9EE9199.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1