I'm NOT your biggest fan.

The one word I despise the most right now... FORMAL.

Why do we create such things? I mean I know why, but it really just makes people freak out and feel crummy about themselves (well I guess you are the one that truly makes yourself feel that way, but hey, it sure ain't helpin'). I really have no good male friends that I want to spend a whole weekend with. Honestly at this point in the opposite sex relationships I possess, it would all be horribly awkward. 

I am really okay with NOT going, but "NOOOOOO," cry the people, "YOU HAVE TO GO!!!!" Why do I have to go? My mom told me today, that I needed to go, and that she would pray for me to find a date. HAHAAAA... I love her. 

It's kind of strange, this whole boys and college thing. Everyone says, "They will be everywhere, wait until college to date, its SO much better." I have not found this to be true. They are not so much better, they are actually worse. All of the boys I meet are not worth my time. I really think it must be me, or a closed door that God has on my heart. Don't think I am trying to pity myself, because the truth is, that is okay with me. I don't want to get hurt again and I don't want to waste my time. 

Back to the subject of this 'rambly' blog. I know that I can go to formal with a "guy friend," but I simply don't want to. I just want to be left alone, formal free. 

Okay, done be cynical. It's late... I'll just sleep on it.

Surprise!

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.  ~Charles R. Swindol

Well, I think it's my turn to start helping make some memories for my mom. 

I decided to surprise her at a Pine Cove scrapbooking retreat this weekend. It was great, but I think I distracted her from getting much done. Oh well! :) 

Mom's (well at least the one I have been lucky enough to have) spend a lot of their time making plans and caring for their kids. A very selfless life.  I think at some point, whenever you find fitting, take over. 

Sometimes when I am talking to other girls, especially younger girls, I find myself saying over and over again, "You just DO NOT UNDERSTAND, that woman that you have been blessed with is one of the most amazing gifts you will ever receive." I tear up every time I think about it. 

So, yeah, I am sappy about my mom. Sure, we fight and disagree(mostly about how much she calls me (: ), but we hardly ever go to bed mad at one another. 

Simply put, I just really love my mom. I am excited to surprise her more and change her diapers when she is old, if I have to.

The 3 W's

I have been doing a lot of thinking about this coming semester and what goals and kind of perspective that I want... Oswald Chambers helped inspire me.

Worship- giving back to God what He has so mercifully given to ME.

Waiting- praying and asking God for clarity and direction to do His will.

Work- putting into action what God has revealed and asked of ME.

These 3 W's have really helped me think of things in a more eternal light. It really sums up the way that we should live day to day. All surrounded by His glory and grace and yet totally unique to each persons passions and desires for life.

So AWEsome.

Pine Cove 2009

So I think most of you know that I love Pine Cove Camps. I have spent a fair share of my time there each summer and each year have grown fonder and fonder of that place in East Texas. Last summer I got the amazing privilege to be a Baby Ruth (The discipleship program for girls who have just graduated high school). This fall I was able to apply to be on summer staff as a counselor. 

I found out yesterday that I am working at the Towers. It is the 2nd-5th grade camp. I was glad to hear from them, but Towers was not my first choice. I really wanted to be at the Shores, the high school camp and honestly it was hard to let go of that (actually I'm still working on it). As hard as it was, I have an amazing peace about being at the Towers and being given the opportunity to love and share Jesus with elementary aged kids. 

I really think that this summer is going to be fantastic. Very strenuous and growing. I am nervous and scared, but I know that this time next year I am going to be thrilled that I was able to have this opportunity. I am just praying that the Lord will truly use me to impact this little kiddo's lives. What a blessing, I mean really how much more purpose can a girl want? I get to spend 5 weeks telling precious kids about the love that Jesus has for them. 

Whoa, goosebumps. THIS IS GOING TO BE AN AWESOME RIDE!

Home

I am beyond ready to come home... 

You never realize how lonely you can be even when you are with a bunch of people.... 

It's taken me awhile to realize why. Here is my "profound" conclusion:

They haven't been with you when you were sad because you made a bad grade or didn't place at a speech tournament. They weren't there to see you heartbroken for the first time. They weren't there to jump up and down with you when you accomplished something great(like breaking to finals at state or just for the cute guy asking for your phone number). 

I know those things will come, but I'M STILL LITTLE and need my mommy and daddy and my twue fwends. 

Why Yes, I Will Call You President Obama...

   Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Romans 13:1-5

This verse is so important for the next four to possibly eight years of our lives. I know that the first thing that came to my mind when I found out Barack Obama won was "I can never call that man President." Then I sat there thinking about that and I became very convicted. The Lord, who reigns in heaven has appointed this man to lead our nation. Whether you like him or not, you have no control. By saying that this was not suppose to happen and you can never call this man your President is say, "God, You are wrong." How dare we do that. We do not see the big picture... I did get to see a little fragment though. I have gotten to talk to several people who are scared and afraid and are turning to God. People are nervous and faiths are being strengthened. I know that my own strength has been re-evaluated and re-focused to the Lord. This is not in my hands, thank goodness! 

I want to challenge Christians to stop whining. It is ugly and disgusting. Let's rise above bitterness and anger and show respect and peace in the Lord. God has a plan, this is his plan. Trust and respect His authority...

My prayer from now on is "Father, Your glory be made know through President Obama."

"....and right now, in the good times and bad, You are on Your throne and You are God alone."

Thought you might wanna see me and my date dressed up for my date party. We went as "bikers." 

It was a lot of fun!