2011 Reflection

To think about everything that has actually happened in past year just really blows my mind. I completed my freshman year of college, and I became more comfortable at school than I ever thought I would. The internship with the youth group this summer taught me so much about God, relationships, and myself, and it was an experience that has permanently altered my awareness of how I relate to my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have seen beautiful transformations, and the impact of vulnerability. I have seen immense struggle faced by those I love, and through them I have witnessed the strength of Father at work. In entering my sophomore year, I encountered some obstacles of my own, but I have come to find that I can stand firm with the support I have around me. This year, more than ever, I have seen just how blessed I am in regards to my friends. The sacrifice, comfort, grace, and encouragement they display has been the most amazing testament of God's love at work. 2011, you have been good to me. You were long, yet you were filled with numerous opportunities. Going into 2012, I have no idea what to expect, but I have no doubt that I will encounter scenarios and challenges that will grow and strengthen me as an individual, and a daughter of Christ. Happy New Year, dear readers! But forget not your past; God uses that, too, so that you may truly prosper :)

"God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our future." 

-Oswald Chambers

Rain and snow shall thwart me no more!

In a few weeks time, I'll have these bad boys to combat the dreaded Harrisonburg precipitation!

I say a few weeks because they're on backorder, but will be available on January 11th. I can wait til then! I have patience :) And I am truly stoked to have boots without slits and that will actually keep my feet warm/dry. Praise!

Aside from that excitement. Today was very good! I had a little reunion lunch with a few girls from my CFA dance class (Chelsea, Raven, and Jasmine), and that was very enjoyable :) Those girls are still just as funny as ever, and it was really nice to see what they've been up to since graduating high school. Quote of lunch (or one of them): "Oh no, this ain't natural. P. Diddy gave me this!" Hahaha. Oh, Raven :)

My sister's and I spent some quality time with Aunt Kathy, Uncle Jeff, April, and Molly today! We finally got to do our Christmas present exchange, and we enjoyed some food together while we watched a movie :) I wish I could spend more time with them, because they are some of the greatest and most entertaining family members I have. Haha. Between Uncle Jeff and his humor, Aunt Kathy never picking up on my sarcasm, and April in Molly contributing witty comments of their own, we have a good time :)

I played some Wii for a little bit before Kelly came over! We sipped on coffee/hot tea out of my mustache mugs and watched one of my all-time favorite movies... Bring It On! Yes, on VHS :) I can literally quote nearly every line in that movie, haha. Why? Because it was my favorite movie in the third grade, and I think the record number of times my sisters and I watched it in one day was nine. Yes, I'm being serious. Haha. At any rate, Kelly and I thoroughly enjoyed that :) I'm not sure there are many people who hold such high esteem for the 1990's/early 2000s period like Kelly and I do, but it's pretty great :) I do love that girl!

I did a little editing to my blog, but nothing too drastic. A lengthened blurb, a few pictures, and the deletion of repetitive/excess gadgets.... Yep! I considered changing my template, but I still like the one I have now. Plus, I've grown used to it, and a lot of the other schemes are too plain/cluttered/childish/professional... Can you tell I've had a hard time with this? Haha. Well, if any of you have a template suggestion, feel free to leave me the link to the site :) Love you all! Goodnight!

When I look up at the stars

I can truly see the sphere in which I live, and this incredible peace transcends through me. I feel as though I could float and the troubles seem to be erased for the moment. Happy thoughts of wondrous impossibilities swim through my head in a flurry that neither phases nor overwhelms. I can take a moment to close my eyes and breathe without a break in serenity. All feels right in my comparatively small being, and the chaos that seems so big is triumphantly put in its rightful perspective of true significance. With a lingered gaze, it isn't just the brightest of these that twinkle in sight, but the little glimmers of the dust beyond shine through as well, adding even more to the beauty of vastness. I am but small, this moment reminds me of that. And only then does the realization provide such comfort. For what issues so large could I possibly be facing when I am indeed fractional? And even so, He never leaves me alone. His hand is in these stars; marks of His beautiful vision and divine omniscience. A new ripple of peace. I cannot help but smile :) What a beautiful sky. What a beautiful world :)

I know what I want to gain...

"Dang, have you ever eaten alone?"

My response: "Yes, I have! But it's not nearly as enjoyable!" And that, dear friends, is the truth! Haha.

I started today off early at Starbucks with a beautiful girl who may just be the most optimistic and  encouraging young ladies I have yet to encounter. My dear love, Elizabeth :) She is beyond sweet, and I am so happy that I finally got to spend time with her one-on-one. Yes, it was certainly an early morning for both of us, but it was so worth it :) I do love her, so very much! I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that she's no longer one of my "middle school girls." Awww! Why do they grow up so fast?!?! (Sorry for the potentially awkward mom/big sister moment that just happened there, haha.)

Then, for lunch, I met up with my dear love, Chelsea! We met up at our old go-to spot, Chick-fil-a :) I am so happy that, even after an extended period of not seeing really seeing or communication with one another, we can still get together and spend quality time talking/catching up/laughing/hanging out. Though there are things that have changed over time, so many lovely things have remained consistent. And for that I am so grateful :) I am really happy to still have Befri in my life :) Only Chelsea really understands what that means, but that's okay :)

I was so happy to have just a marvelous first half of my day! Unfortunately, my bad day struck immediately after I got home. It's okay, though! Because I had no other plans for the day and was able to lounge on my sofa for hours in sweatpants and my snuggie :) Although I was never able to fall asleep, I did get some nice down time. And my dear little sister even picked me up some things I needed from the store since I was clearly on couch potato status. I'm blessed to have a sister like Jennifer looking out for me<3

I felt well enough to partake in dinner at padre's which was delicious. I only wished I had more of an appetitive. After we ate, we lounged around and enjoyed the fine television entertainment that can only be provided by the Disney channel :) All the while dad and I enjoyed variations of apple pie and hot tea. Now that's good stuff right there! A little later, I went to my friend Kaci's to spend a little time with some of my small group girls from school. I wasn't there long, but the laughs, sarcasm, and witty banter that we got to enjoy made the trip worthwhile :) That is all for today. Goodnight, loves!

Q&A

Fortuitous?
No.
Nothing pure occurs by chance.
Easy?
Certainly not.
Bearing burdens and humbling oneself is never without struggle.
Guaranteed?
Never.
We are entitled nothing, yet the most worthwhile things are worth risk.
Free?
Nothing is.
Sacrifice is required, out of love and compassion.
Worthwhile?
Yes.
In retrospect, I regret nothing; a benefit has been forged from everything (even the stumbles and lows).

If I have learned anything in my lifetime, it is that the bonds of friendship can far exceed any societal norm or expectation. They can be the thing that saves you in your darkest hour, and they can provide you with the greatest challenge. You can be instilled with the greatest wisdom, and experience the most incredible growth. Safety nets can become a solid stepping stone, and a tightrope can become the most sturdy of bridges. It requires faith, yes, and it requires trust. Reciprocity is key, and it is there that the true value is revealed. Friendships are, to me, THE most beautiful thing we've been given here on this earth. Invest in them, embrace them! My friends are some of my greatest blessings, and they have played such a key role in my personal, emotional, and spiritual growth. By the glory of God they have helped shape me as an individual, and I am so grateful that Christ is at the center of our love for one another. Because, truly, I do not think my friends and I would be capable of loving one another as we do without the example of love that Christ set before us. All credit and praise goes to our Father in Heaven, who created fellowship so that we as brothers and sisters can stand strong and united, in this world, in Him.

(Obligatory run-down!)

• Bank trip.
• Stizz/shopping date with Sarah and Kelly (My Big and Grand-big!).
• Fizzle Gizzle burger at home.
• Wii date with Kelly :)
• Just Dance 3 was such a workout!

Post-Christmas bummin'.

Today was uneventful to say the least. The only thing I really did was go over to my Mommom's. We generally go over there on Christmas Eve, but she wasn't feeling well. My sisters, David, Dad, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Jeff, April, Molly, and I all went over there and enjoyed a nice home-prepared meal. There was entertaining conversation (most provided by Uncle Jeff) and some gift opening. All in all, it was a nice relaxing time. I came home and had a scare when Mom and Johnny were both gone, both having left their cell phones at home and leaving every single light on with no trace of a note or anything. Yeah, I was a tad worried to say the least. But they came strolling in at like 10:15. Apparently they had gone to see The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. And that's fine, but next time at least one of them really needs to keep their phone on them. I had assumed the worst: an emergency came up and they were in such a hurry that they didn't bother to grab their phones or leave a message. Paranoid? Maybe.

I wish I had had other plans for the rest of the night, but I didn't. So I've been chatting with a few of my SAO sisters, which is always nice :) I do love them.  Yeah, I think that's all I'm going to type for tonight. I'm tired. Sorry it wasn't interesting. Goodnight all!

Merry Christmas!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

I hope you all had a wonderful day filled with the utmost joy and love! After all, today is one of celebration! On this day ever so many years ago, our Lord and Savior was gifted to us as an itty bitty baby!

"Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not evolve out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being, He is a Being Who cannot be accounted for by the human race at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate, God coming into human flesh, coming into it from the outside. His life is the Highest and the Holiest entering in at the Lowliest door. Our Lord’s birth was an advent." 

-Oswald Chambers

That was an excerpt for today's reading in My Utmost For His Highest :) And it is so true! Even as a baby, Jesus was not a mere human child. He was Immanuel, God with us! Our salvation is what laid in the manger that night; He always was, and always will be :) Thank you, Father, for your most precious gift that far surpasses any that we can give! You are most definitely looking our for your feeble and broken children, and for that (and much more) we give You praise!

For the events of my day, I have pictures :)

 Our tree :)

 Pastor Hershman reading the Christmas story to the children :)

 My grandparents have the most beautiful assortment of tea cups!

 These bells are so wonderful :) I used to pretend that I was conducting them when I was a child :)

(They light up in time with the music that plays when you turn them on!)

 Grandma and Grandpa's tree :)

 Jennifer and Grandpa!

 I love my Grandpa! So much :)

 Baby seester!

Padre knows that I'm a sucker for a fire :)

Yep, I had four [or would you say five?] stops total (mom's, dad's, church, grandparents', dad's). Although today was long, it was good :) And I am so glad I got to spend time with my church family as well! They are just as much my family as anyone else, after all! Okay, now I must share with you what is by far the greatest gift I received today...

MUSTACHE MUGS!!!!

Haha. I squealed/screeched when I opened these :) They are going in my house next year, and I am beyond excited! But of course, Christmas is not about the new presents we unwrap, but the gift God blessed us with! May that never be forgotten :) Goodnight loves!

Christmas Eve [Eve]

Hello there :) This is going to be another one of those doozies that spans over two days. Please bear with me, friends!

Friday was Christmas Eve Eve! Hooray! I started my day with lunch at Fizzle Gizzle with Nikki :) I do love getting together with her and discussing many aspects of our sometimes crazy lives. We chatted over burgers and a thing of fries that we can never quite seem to finish. Haha. Afterwards, while she grabbed some Stizz, she opened her present, which she seemed to like a great deal :) Have I already mentioned that I love it when people are happy/excited about a gift? Because I really do :) Once we went our separate ways, I delivered Julie her present and then came back to my house for a bit before Elsbeth came over to exchange gifts :) Look at what she made!

I think it is SO beautiful :) I absolutely LOVE it!

From there, it was time for my tradition Christmas Eve Eve sleepover with my beautiful best friend and my 'adoptive' family :) Heather, Mama Tobz, Papa Tobz, and myself  enjoyed a delicious dinner of cheese fondu before MT & PT went to pick up Adam. Whilst they were away, Heather and I watched The Help (which is SUCH a good movie, I must say!).  The movie ended right around when everyone got back, so it was time to make the chocolate expresso fondu! Twas scrumptious! We still managed to have some left over, but it wasn't nearly as much as we did last year. So that, my friends, is improvement! Heather and I chatted in front of the fire until it was officially Christmas Eve, which marked present time! Heather was so excited, it was great :) She loved her gifts, and I certainly do love mine!

The sparkly flowery hair clip almost made me cry. You see, I had the other clip that came with that one (Heather had given it to me in a package last year), but I lost it about two weeks ago when it must have fallen out of my ID holder :( So for Heather to give me hers, to me it was the sweetest thing. That may not make sense to some... but it really did mean a lot to me.

After waking up and getting presentable, I had brunch with my beloved Tobz's :) Sarah and Adam were both there too, which just made things even better :) I was absolutely delicious, and I was so happy to be in such wonderful company! Not long after, I found a present that Mama Tobz had gotten for me.

She really is far too sweet.

I hung out for a little while afterwards until it was time to head on home. I ended up falling asleep on the sofa for quite a while until it was time for Christmas Eve Communion Service! I had never been before, but it really touched me that Heather's family invited me to partake with them. They may never truly know how much it means to me for them to include me like that, but I am so thankful that I didn't have to be there alone<3

After departing church, I delivered Kim's present to her house before going over to Candice's. I went there to borrow a dress, and ended up being fed dinner as well-- some of the cooked sea bass that David had caught and seasoned potatoes, yum! Those two goobers make me laugh :) Since being home, I've mostly just been hanging out with Jenn :) The Teen Mom 2 marathon was on TV, and even though I am not fond of that show, I was happy to being spending some time with my little sister :) I ran into her room when it became officially Christmas and jumped on her bed... I think it freaked her out. Haha.

Well, I think I have drawn this out enough. Merry Christmas, dear friends :) Talk to you soon!

"Let's just come back to reality...

... or 'Awesome Land' and pay attention to me!" No joke, that is a quote from a little boy Jenn and I overheard in Target. HAHAHAHA! What a riot.

Today was wonderful :) I had a marvelous lunch date with Ashlee at Bdubs. (Yes, I went there on Tuesday too, but hey, it was Boneless Thursday! Haha.) For three hours we talked about school, college apps, church, family stuff, amazing friends, spiritual gifts, who we seek advice from.... the list could go on for quite a while. It was just so nice to get together and catch up :) I love that girl so much!

After a brief pitstop by home, I went to bank (and used the little tube thing to deposit a check for the first time! so fancy!) and then went to Elizabeth's to exchange presents! Okay, I don't want you all to think I'm going to post a picture of EVERY present I get, but this is too pretty to not!

Lovely, right?! I love it! And I am happy to report that she loved her gifts as well :)

Jenn and I hit up Chipotle for dinner. YUMM! Then we made a quick run through Target before coming home to wrap presents. Well, actually, I wrapped presents while she provided a music playlist and wrote out the name tags. Haha. I was very happy for the company, though. Aside from getting approximately 20 or more presents wrapped, we also had really nice conversation! We talked about fun childhood memories, our family, and we even got to talk about Jesus for a little while!!! You have to understand, opportunities like that almost never come up for me, and it made me so happy that we talked about it! Even if it was only for about 5 minutes. Every little bit counts, right??? I'm trying to convince her to come with me to service on Sunday! I do hope she decides to come! I'm really glad I decided to stay in tonight. Quality time like this with Jennifer doesn't come by very often, and I do love my baby seester :)

 ^^^I need to get this framed. HAHAHA!

Haha. I know, we're goofballs. But I love it that way :) Goodnight loves!

Juliana endeavors and Christmas festivities :)

Let's take it back to yesterday:

• Stopped by church.
• Did some shopping.
• Wrapped some presents.
• Hangout time with Juliana!
• Bdubs for dinner.
• Sarah Walston opera recital!
• She is SOOOO talented!
• Dance Central party with Nikki, John, Thomas, Annemarie, and Chandler!
• Too funny for words.
• Sleepover :)
• We stayed up until 3:30 AM watching The Last Song.... Haha.

Today!

• Breakfast: pancakes from scratch!

 Juliana's were cinnamon sugar!

Our massive pancake that we gave to Jennifer :) 

 Nutella for me; cinnamon sugar for her :)

Jennifer got breakfast in bed :)

• Juliana and I had a short shopping trip.
• I went over to Kelly's, where we baked a lot of cookies!
• Snickerdoodles and chocolate chip, to be precise :)
• She was in the process of making gingerbread/sugar ones when I left!
• We also exchanged presents!

I loveeee the blanket she make me :)

• Wrapped presents!
• Youth leader Christmas party!!!
• Lots of tacky sweaters and good food and great company! I feel SO blessed to be a part of this group, this family of people that care so much about the youth group and each other :) I just love them!
• I won a Ninja Turtles lava lamp from the white elephant gift exchange! Haha!

• And as a leader gift, we all got these AWESOME sweatshirts! I am in love with it!

I'm gonna rock it allllll da time :)

• Gift exchange/hangout/movie night with Kathryn!
• I love my gift :)

This is going to hold LOTS of teabags for me! YAY :D

• I also love the sweet sweet letter that she gave me! Dawwww!
• And, I love just talking to Kathryn. She truly is wonderful :)

I see more present wrapping, a shower, and lots of sleep in my future. Goodnight loves!

God is good,

and I believe he made everything to be good as well. It is sin that creeped in and created the bad. He made you to be good, He made me to be good. When faced with individuals that come across as inherently and blatantly mean, consider that. Chances are, something hard or terrible in their life probably sparked the negativity that has now clouded the light God placed within them. And regardless of how scarred, torn, or tattered a person may be, God wants them to come to Him. Not only that, but He treasures them. They haven't lost their value as His child. All who are lost, He desires to be found. We need to share the love and compassion, even though it may be the most difficult thing we have ever done. If we are to truly serve our Father and further His kingdom, we have to sacrifice our personal feelings and pride. We must live our lives for the One who gifted us life.

(For more insight, read this post by my dear friend/sister, Taylor, who sparked this segment.)

Today's run-down:

• Shopping fail.
• Boba date with Heather :)
• Shopping WIN!
• Dinner at padre's.
• Artsy gift endeavor.
• Hangout at Elizabeth's :)
• More artsy endeavors.
• Sleeeeeeeep!
• Goodnight all :)

An afterthought post! Spiritual gifts!

I momentarily forgot that I wanted to blog about this....

Today in service, Hershman talked about spiritual gifts, which have been bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit so as to build up the body of Christ for the glory of God's kingdom. Now, this is something that has always frustrated me a little in the sense that I wasn't sure of what mine was. I know that I've never spoken in tongues, nor have I prophesied. I have never personally physically healed someone... Do you see where I'm going with this? Well, I was comforted by a few things mentioned in the sermon: 1) We are all gifted; we are all gifted for a purpose. 2) There are many gifts, all of which are indispensable. 3) Some gifts are more visible than others.

So I do have a gift! We all do! And it had its own precious value, because it is indeed a gift from God gifted by the Holy Spirit! (Insert sigh of relief and joy here!) Then, as the service came to a close, my dear sweet Elysia turned to me and told me I had the gift of comfort and encouragement. Literally, it was one of the most touching things anyone has ever said to me. I didn't know what to do except to hug her. Because, it's one thing to figure out a gift like that on your own, but it meant so much more to hear it from a friend-- my beloved sister in Christ :)

That just really meant a lot to me, and I thought I would share that with anyone who so happens to read it :) I love you all! May your dreams me peaceful and full of wonder :)

"⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."
{1 Corinthians 12:4-6}

And again I say....

Don't worry about it :P

Teehee. Love you Heather! :)

Today was lovely :) Church was wonderful! (I love it when Hershman speaks.) The lunch period afterwards was fun and full of great company :) The two-hour nap I took on my sofa was good relaxations. Dinner at my dad's was yummy, and the decorating of the tree afterwards was also splendid :) Top that off with some daddy/daughters Once Upon a Time time (haha! that sounds funny), and my even was quite enjoyable! I even got to skype Steph tonight, which is always a treat :) Well loves, I'd say it's about time to shower and wind down for bed. (Maybe I'll wrap a few presents first....) Tomorrow I think I shall rise a little early so as to get some more Christmas shopping done! Bahhh! Less than 7 days' time! Goodnight all :)

I've been crafty today!

But I can't tell you what I've been doing because there are people that read this blog that are on the receiving end of my "artistic" endeavors! Haha. That was quite a mouth full :) What you see pictured is one of the bags I used to keep from making a mess on my dining room table.... Well, let's just say it didn't help a whole lot. Haha. I've been scratching stuff off of the table basically all day! Hope madre doesn't notice! Anywho, let's make this somewhat of a teaser and list some of the materials I was using ;) Calligraphy ink, glue, a Sharpie pen, tissue paper, three different paint brushes and.... That's all I'll say! Haha. Don't worry about it :P I am prety proud of what I've done, though! I just hope that the people receiving my [attempt at artsy] gifts actually like them! I do hope so!

Additional happenings: Jennifer brought me Chickfila breakfast in bed this morning! Sure it deprived me of some sleep, but I was so grateful! I love my little sister :) And it makes me feel so loved when she does even little things like that for me; they mean so much, truly<3 And aside from crafting, I didn't do much else until Candice's Thirty One party that she was hosting at her house. I didn't order anything, but I brought the money for Jennifer's order and got to hang out with Candice and her friends for a while. Oh! And I met one of my founding sisters, Megan! She was so sweet :) Also, I video chatted my SAO sister Jenn for a bit, and that was lovely :) She's just so cute. I love her lots!

Well, church comes in the morning! Thus, it is time to bid thee adieu :) Goodnight all!

Why am I still up?

I mean, I know 2 AM isn't that late, but I've been home for two hours and haven't done anything...

At any rate, today was good :) I woke up super late (because I didn't go to sleep until 4 AM ), and I hung out in my pjs for a good while. Then, this evening, I drove over to Mechanicsville to see my darling Stephanie :) We got some dinner at Panera, and then went to see the Christmas production at her church!

Twas a wonderful show indeed! I very much enjoyed it :) I'm glad Steph invited me to accompany her! Then, after driving by some lovely houses decorated in beautiful Christmas lights, I said my farewells to Steph and her family and went over to Elizabeth's :) Her, Kathryn, Julie, Rachel, Destry, and myself hung out, drank hot chocolate, watched Youtube, and just talked about whatever came to mind. Exhibit A: Julie explaining the "Virgin Diaries" TV show...

"'I'm 28 and I'm a virgin.' 'I'm 29 and I'm a virgin.' 'I'm 30 and I'm a virgin.' 'And we're all ROOMMATES!"

Hahahaha! Maybe you had to be there.... I do love my friends :) Break is good... very good :) I should probably stop watching Wizards of Waverly place and get some sleep.... Maybe :) Goodnight loves!

1, 2, 3, DONE!

Yes, that's right, after taking three final exams today, my fall semester of sophomore year is officially DUNZO!

HUZZAH!

So wait... no more oceanography?

That's RIGHT! Haha! And I got an 86 on that thing! Holla! So now, I am officially home for three weeks, and I am so incredibly excited!

My first night back consisted of:

• Dinner date at Casa Grande with Jennifer :)
• Paranormal Activity 3 at the Byrd with Kathryn, Julie, Jesse, and Elizabeth :)
• Late night Waffle House with Kathryn, Elizabeth and Kim :)
• And we got to see Maegan! I hadn't seen her since summer!

This break is going to be so wonderful :) I can feel it! Goodnight loves :)