A checklist for myself.

(Or rather, a list of goals for the Summer.)

• I want to eat healthier/be healthier in general.
• I never work out, and I eat without thought. Just lookin' for some moderation :)
• I want to re-memorize my memory verses from last Summer :)
• I'm off to a pretty good start! I know the first 3 weeks worth :)
• I want to follow-through on my Bible project for Jenn.
• I need to start actually crafting the projects I wanted to do for the Fishbowl!
• This includes a cloth-covered cork board and a vintage window "picture frame."
• I need to refrain from dwelling on opportunities not offered, and instead delight in the ones I already have :)
• I've felt urged to share my testimony with someone new, and listen to theirs as well.
• Also, I would love to be able to complete "Conversations with God" by Neale Donal Walsch.

Yep, there's my list for myself :) In closing, I want to share a passage that Nikki referenced in her talk about salvation last night.

^"8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

⁹ Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! ¹⁰ For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹ Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

{Romans 5:8-11}

Just something to mull over :) Goodnight loves!

Congestion, cupcakes, and fallen trees.

Hooray for having my power back! Yesterday's storm did me in for a while, but all is good now! Leeeeeeet's make up for lost time.

Work yesterday was long. Playing catch-up while being all stuffy isn't fun. But, I was treated to some yummy food for lunch (on the plus side)! It was a sort of retirement party for one of the women who works at the office, and to celebrate we had roast beef sandwiches, ham biscuits with poppyseed spread, homemade guac with lime chips, fruit, almonds, punch (spiked and non), and these!

Can you say, buttercream?!

And even though soup would have been better for my body, I have no regrets! That food was so good! Delicious indeed. The storm hit shortly after, and while there wasn't any damage to my workplace or house, there's this doozy right between the two houses next to me.

Crazy, right? That uproot is taller than me! Oh, and I was also extremely bitter that it took me over an hour to get home due to a broken power-line less than a mile from my house.... But anyway, dad and I went to Panera since we didn't have power, but we were fortunate enough to have it back on before we got home. Kelly and Elsbeth came over to watch Teen Wolf, and I was able to get a shower and get in bed before my power went out again at 1am.

As for today, I sound really rough and I am still a sickling. Work was work, but even today we got treated to some delicious peach cobbler that Judy brought in! (Yummm.) I'm drinking hot tea like it's my job, and I'm trying not to be standing for too long at any one point, since my physical tiredness just doesn't allow for that too much. After coming home and taking a nap, it was off to 1822. God is good, all the time. I don't know how else to say it :) I think I want to get a Bible for my seester and mark some verses that would be helpful/encouraging for her as she transitions into college. She hasn't made the decision to delve into the faith, but maybe this would be something to help her along! If you have any verse suggestions, I would more than love to have assistance :)

Goodnight all!

Sickling status.

But hey, at least church, lunch, and boba were wonderful :) I may have put too much in my stomach, but that's okay. I came right home, changed into comfy clothes, and laid down for the rest of the day. When life hands you a stuffy nose, congestion, and a feverish feeling, you lay on the sofa, catch up on Dance Moms, watch 17 Again (the Disney channel original movie), and talk to seester on the phone. Speaking of Jenn, she left today for a three week program at JMU. Three weeks without her at the house?! I think it might get lonely around here... Well, that just means I'll need to keep my social life in high gear!

In other news I wore my new dress today!

(source)

I got a lot of kind compliments at church, so that makes me feel better about my purchase :) I was a little skeptical about how I felt about it, but hooray for positive affirmation!

But anyways, I need to drink this hot tea and go to bed. Tomorrow I enter back into my 40-hour work week. Here's to hoping I'm feeling better in the morning!

Not just a belief.

Today, when pulling into the parking lot of a restaurant, I saw a license plate that read, "ATHEIST." It was complimented by a sticker that said, "Teach Science." All I could say was "Oh..." As soon as the word escaped my mouth, my dad was quick to retort with a, "Hey! That their belief." He went on to say a few things about our my belief was mine, theirs was theirs, etc. There's just one thing that really irked me... and it was hearing my faith referred to as a belief. Yes, I believe in God. And yes, I believe that Christ died for me so that I may live forever with Him. But that isn't mere belief, it is Truth. Capital "T." That little righteous anger that churned in my stomach was only affirmation of that. My faith defines my life     how I live, the things I do, how I think, who I am. This Truth is my cornerstone, the rock upon which I have built myself around. A belief? Mere religion? No. The glory of God is too evident     His grace too tangible, His love too captivating, and His miracles too irrefutable. He is Truth.

On Choir Tour, a few people were confronted with the question, "How am I supposed to know that your Jesus is real?" Well, if ever there were a testament, it would be 70 teenagers standing on bleachers in the middle of a parking lot in the Alabama heat, shouting praises and worshiping Jesus with radiating passion. Their hearts are not singing to a fictitious character. They are not narrating a fantasy tale. This tour was a proclamation of their faith, an opportunity to depict and share the power and glory of Jesus Christ    the Truth of the Gospel and what it means for us.

What we as Christians believe, is true. For the Truth is unmistakable and undeniable.

"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation."
{2 Peter 1:20}


"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness[.]"
{2 Timothy 3:16}

Although my father may be be slow to defend me, and he may jump more quickly to aid the beliefs of others, I have a Father that lives in and through me. He shields me with His armor, and I am never sent to battle alone. Praise for that, dear friends!

Choir Tour 2K12!

Georgia and Alabama bound we were! I'm telling you, these youth are more of a blessing then any of my numerous rambles can properly express :) And my fellow leaders are wonderful to say the least! To be able to serve and minister amongst 91 of my dearest brothers and sisters in this capacity is, truly, the opportunity of a lifetime. With incredible passion, perseverance, and humility, we were able to sing praises to Jesus, strengthen our relationships with one another, and impact the lives of those who were witness to our work :) Choir Tour 2K12, you truly were a remarkable experience!

I got to see my UGA loves!

 Best counting group EVER!

Braves game!

 Haha! So awkward!

 The pick-up sweaters ;)

Concert at the Foundery in Alabama!

Bus 2 memory verse!

My video montage of the week :)

In less than 12 hours

I, along with 91 others, will be beginning the adventure that is CHOIR TOUR 2012! Woop woop! It definitely does not feel so close, but.... it is! And I am SO excited that I get to see these two amazing sisters of mine in approximately 40 hours!

Sarah and Margaret!!!!

Well, okay, I might get to see Margaret, but I will definitely be seeing Sarah :) Eeeeep! I didn't think I would possibly be able to see some of my Mu loves again so soon! And the fact that they want to not only see me, but also support the youth choir, really warms my heart :) They are so great. Truly, truly!

For those who are wondering about my day today, here it is: Work was long, and I have taken note that my hand flesh is in shambles from this job. It's just rough, haha. After work, I packed, got an Arby's dinner, and then got a visit from my beautiful Steph-squared counter part :) I love her! Whether we're picking on each other, making each other stress out over things that really are okay, or exchanging witty sarcasm, it's always a good time in my book :)

And now, I need to get some sleep! Tomorrow marks a one-week journey that will undoubtedly rock my world and blow my mind! SO STOKED!

Also.... THIS IS MY 900TH POST! Ahh! (Links to my other hundred-markers:)

100: Sunday, July 4, 2010

200: Thursday, September 23, 2010

300: Sunday, December 5, 2010

400: Thursday, February 10, 2011

500: Tuesday, April 26, 2011

600: Wednesday, August 3, 2011

700: Wednesday, November 16, 2011

800: Tuesday, February 28, 2012

See you all in a week! :D

Jennifer is a Hermitage graduate!

Today, June 13th, 2012, my little sister became a high school graduate! WHAT?! Oh my goodness, I am so proud of her    too much so for words :)

I am so excited that, as Jenn heads off to college, I will be able to partake in her journey for the next two years at JMU :) Having her there is going to be a blessing; I know it :)

Guess who else graduated?

CHANDLER!

Love him :) Proud mom/youth leader/friend moment!

Random picture addition...

Jenn waterfall braided my hair tonight, and she was so proud of it :)