Life. Is Good.

Sometimes I wonder why in the world God blessed me with the life He did

Why He would think of me when it comes to filling my life with incredible people 

Why He would give me days like this that overwhelm me with joy and laughter

I am completely and utterly amazed by the life I have been given. And so thankful. I think if people chose to open their eyes, and see past all of the junk that sits before them, and took a look at God's big picture, life wouldn't be so bad all of the time. Not saying that life is always easy, but with God, nothing is too big or too overwhelming. Nothing. What a gift life is. And what are we doing as Christ followers to make each moment of this life worth it? What does it mean to live life to the fullest? And what does it look like to die a meaningful death?

"I want to live

Until I die

Don't let the devil bury me alive

When my heart stops

Let me go home

Don't let the suburbs kill my heart and soul"

"It is impossible to be inauthentic while you are focusing on My Presence."

Loved. If that is what you can call it.

"I want you to experience the riches of your salvation: the Joy of being loved constantly and perfectly. You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel... Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love."
-Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

"You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same. You are Amazing God."

 Be filled with peace knowing that you are incredibly loved by the Lord.

Crazy Love

You know those love stories where both of the guy and the girl are totally messed up? Where they have broken families and insane pasts? And they are ready to give up on life, but then they find each other and their love for one another changes everything? And restores all hope in life and love and their purpose? (I only started to think about this because I watched this ridiculously depressing movie this past week. I'm not one for unhappy endings. But this is what the couples love story looked like.)  I mean when you really think about it, that's a radical love. Do you think that love really exists? What if my love changed somebody's life like that? What if my love restored someone's joy and laughter and life... what an honor that would be. And not even in a romantic relationship, but through a friendship. How beautiful would that be if God used me to bring that healing to someone's life.

Learn to Laugh

   Learn to Laugh at yourself more freely. Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am Gos with you. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities- things that are beyond your control. Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your domain.
   Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places. Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise. Just as parents delight in the laughter of their children, so I delight in hearing My children laugh. I rejoice when you trust Me enough to enjoy your life lightheartedly.
   Do not miss the Joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Rather, take my yoke upon you and learn from Me. My yoke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily born.

-Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

Well Hello.

I am 16. 

I am loud, when I get comfortable around you.

I am completely aware I am not funny, but I still choose to laugh at myself.

 My laugh is loud and comes out quite often, but laughing is good for the soul! 

I love to dance. I will take every opportunity I can to make someone feel totally uncomfortable with my dance moves... It kind of makes my day. 

I am a hopeless romantic and am a sucker for a good love story. 

I love learning music, I know I am not very good and have so much to learn, but I love it. 

I love to help people. I see past the stuff on the surface and find what the true problem is.  I love to listen and try and give the best advice I can.

I am very naive, which is sometimes a good thing, but other times its a problem. 

I see the good in everything, or try to. Life is way to sort and precious to look at the bad. 

I adore my friends. All of them. They bring me more joy than I know what to do with. Because of them, I want to be that joy and that friend to others. 

I love Ben Rector. Yep, he's just my favorite. And I'm currently hooked on Hunter Hayes... Amazing. 

I am in love with the Lord. I realize I am not good enough for Him, and I never will be, but I am trying to live my best to serve Him. 

This is me. Not a person I try to be for others, but the woman God has made me to be. And as I am learning what "me" looks like, I wanted to lay out the things I know for sure. The things I am, without a doubt.  Who knows, these may change throughout the years to come. But for right now, these are the little things that make me, me.

Fear not tomorrow, God is Already there

I am overwhelmed with the amount of peace I feel right now. I have been so stressed this whole week with the amount of projects I have due tomorrow and the little amount of time I have to do them... God miraculously moved all of my projects due dates to Monday. The relief and peace I feel right now is incredible. Loved driving home with the windows down, country music up... Summer is almost here. 10 more days... I can do this...

oh my God

Words cannot describe how wonderful worship was tonight. The band was incredible. I am so thankful for the talents God gave all of the players so we can enjoy them. Their music just brought me joy. After such a stressful past couple of days, I am so thankful I was able to dance, sing, act like a fool, and let go while bringing glory to God.
After about an hour of straight worship, we took time to reflect on what God was doing in our lives. It's amazing what God can reveal to you when we are surrounded in His Presence. In the process of me always trying to make sense of things, and trying to make everything perfect, I lose all sight of trusting God. I push Him aside and try to take control for myself. In the quietness of my prayers, He whispers to me, "Do you trust me?" A simple question, I know. But one I have yet to grasp. While saying I trust the Lord to the world, deep in my heart I am scared to death. I am so scared to let go of what I think to be a perfect plan, for the unknown. God is gently bringing me to my knees, pulling me closer to Him.

Thank you Lord for still pursing us when we continually screw up. You know we are not worth it, but through You, we are. Thank you.

   "Meet Me in morning stillness, while the earth is fresh with the dew of My Presence. Worship Me in the beauty of holiness. Sing love songs to My holy Name. As you give yourself to Me, My Spirit swells within you till you are flooded with divine Presence.
    The world's way of pursuing riches is grasping and hoarding. You attain My riches by letting go and giving. The more you give yourself to Me and My ways, the more I fill you with inexpressible, heavenly Joy." -Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

God, help me to let go and give. Help me not to hold on, but daily give up my ways for Yours. Help me to give, so I can be filled with the inexpressible,  heavenly Joy of Your Presence.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

You know, we have the choice to be happy. And I guess I am just kind of realizing this now... Every morning I can choose to dwell on the positive and not the negative. God gave us that ability. Through Christ we have the power to forgive and experience life to the fullest. Sure there are struggles, things will not go our way, people will let us down; but "Christ stays the same, Yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). That peace is overwhelming. It's hard to accept, but denying it would deny the power of Christ dying on the cross for our sins. I am so thankful that I can rest in God's plan for my life.

Something Beautiful

My history teacher shared this with our class while we were learning about the Holocaust last year. I don't know why I just remembered it today, but I just thought I should share it. 

This story comes from a woman named Gerda Weissmann Klein; she shares about her time in the concentration camps and how this one moment restored her faith in humanity. (There was more background to the story, but I figured no one would want to read it.)

"All of a sudden I saw (pause) a strange car coming down the hill, no longer green, not bearing the swastika, but a white star. It was sort of a mud-splattered vehicle but I've never seen a star brighter in my life. And two men sort of jumped out, came running toward us and one came toward where I stood. He was wearing battle gear. I have to think...you know. His helmet was this mesh over that and he was wearing dark glasses and he spoke to me in German. And he said, "Does anybody here speak German or English?" and I said, "I speak German." And I felt that I had to tell him we are Jewish and I didn't know if he would know what the star means or anything, but you know, and I uh looked at him, I was a little afraid to tell him that but I said to him, "We are Jewish, you know." He didn't answer me for quite a while. And then his own voice sort of betrayed his own emotion and he said, "So am I." I would say it was the greatest hour of my life. And then he asked an incredible question. He said, "May I see the other ladies?" You know, what...what we have been addressed for six years and then to hear this man. He looked to me like a young god. I have to tell you I weighed 68 pounds. My hair was white. And you can imagine, I hadn't had a bath in years. And this creature asked for "the other ladies." And I told him that most of the girls were inside, you know. They were too ill to walk, and he said, "Won't you come with me?" And, and I said, "Sure." But I didn't know what he meant. He held the door open for me and let me precede him and in that gesture restored me to humanity. And that young American today is my husband. "

This might be one of the most precious love stories I have ever heard. And the hope that this man brought her is just beautiful. It just warms my heart.

http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/phistories/phi_individuals_kurt_gerda_klein_uu.htm

Walking in the Light

Be thankful.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Lately I have just been dwelling on the bad stuff, but in reality.. I have so much to be thankful for.

"When you focus on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened. You take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me. You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is "fixed".... When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through. Walk in the Light with Me by practicing the discipline of thanksgiving"

-Sarah Young, "Jesus Calling"

Be thankful.

I said dart gun... not fart.. ooooo

Getting Starbucks at 8:30 at night with your best friend...

Choosing not to study, to shop online and watch a movie instead. 

And write this blog...

"Ope. There he goes."

"What up Larry"

"MOM! I'm going to go to the moon!"

"Hate that guy..."

"Aw my caterpillar never turned into a butterfly"

"You punched my shark!"

"....light bulb...."

"This is my warm-up suit. 

What are you warming up for? 

Super cool stuff, stuff you wouldn't understand.

Like sleeping?

THESE ARE NOT PAJAMAS!"

Eating. And eating some more. Being full. And then eating some more.

Yep. Just the little things that made my day so much better.

more like Him

Can you think of one person in your life that just makes you happy? That when you see them, your day is just brightened? I want to be that kind of person. I want to be able to make someones day, or at least make it a little brighter. I want to be able to show Christ's love and joy through my words and actions. I have been so self centered lately... I want to be more like Him: loving, compassionate, forgiving, joyful. God put us on earth to serve others and love people. Just love people... I think I can do that.

In His Presence

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

~Psalm 16:11

"Waiting on Me means directing your attention to Me in hopeful anticipation of what I will do. It entails trusting Me with every fiber of your being, instead of trying to figure things out yourself... I have promised many blessings to those who wait on Me: renewed strength, living above one's circumstances, resurgence of hope, awareness of My continual Presence... It also helps you to enjoy Me; in My Presence is fullness of Joy."

 ~Sarah Young, "Jesus Calling"

Incredible

"¹⁹ The sun will no more be your light by day,
   nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the LORD will be your everlasting light,
   and your God will be your glory.
²⁰ Your sun will never set again,
   and your moon will wane no more;
the LORD will be your everlasting light,
   and your days of sorrow will end."

-Isaiah 60:19-20

Words to live by

"Everything I do, I do for the Lord. You know, anytime, anywhere, no matter what I'm doing I just say "You know what Lord, I'm doing this for you." And at that point I feel invincible, and no one can stop me. I have all of this energy and strength because I know I have the Lord right there with me. And When I do things for the Lord, I am always rewarded. Last year I did everything for myself, and this year, now that I have my mind focused on the Lord, He has blessed me and rewarded me so much. Now I am not trying to please everybody else. Not my parents, or my friends, or my teachers... Their opinion does not matter to me. God's does. And at the end of the day His is the only one that I care about."

While enjoying the beautiful weather and a parfait, my sweet friend shared this with me. I am so thankful for the person that she is and the friendship God has blessed us with. She has encouraged me so much, in ways I couldn't imagine. And I am so thankful for her!

Think Good thoughts

Man today was such a great Friday. I mean, the weather was gorgeous!! But I was so encouraged today. I was sharing with my friend about the Kony movement, and he told me he thought to many people were following a trend instead of actually feeling like it is a good thing to do. Even though I agreed with him to some degree, I think that's the whole point of the movement. Who cares if people if are just going by trend; they are accomplishing what they wanted: For Kony to become famous. He kind of apologized and told me that he wasn't trying to shut me down, he has just been really trying to analyze what people tell him and what he is being taught. Instead of just believing what he is told, he is digging for the truth and what he believes to be true. He told me that he was trying to dig deeper into the Bible and analyze what he is reading. So often I just believe what is being shown to me. When really I should be taking those things and studying them further. That is how you learn and grow. I was just really encouraged by him and his wisdom. And it kind of made my day.

Amazing Grace

John sang Amazing Grace tonight. There was nothing more peaceful and beautiful than everyone singing together. I know it made God smile. There was just something so precious about hearing all of those voices join together; no matter what we were going through, we joined together as a God loving congregation to sing praises to our Lord. It was just beautiful

Faith Like a Child

I felt so encouraged today. I had such an awesome talk with my dad this morning. We just talked about faith and life and God. And it just amazes me to see the he life he was living before he knew the Lord and to see the life he is living now. There aren't many people who would give up the life and fun they know to follow the Lord. That kind of faith is so encouraging to me. It encourages me to live a life more pleasing to the Lord. And it just helps me to see that the Lord does use every little thing for His plan and glory. I am just so thankful for both my mom and my dad. Not many people have great parents like I do.

The beach was stunning this morning. I mean... BEAUTIFUL. I want to live there. .. One of these days I will... But until then, I will enjoy Upland. Oh, Pepe's was incredible as well. Definitely hit the bottom.. Now I'm off to go run this food baby off. Good start to a gorgeous Saturday

Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Sweetly Broken

At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees, and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered

We played this song last night during worship. (Worship was awesome by the way. I am so thankful I am able to play with such talented musicians! You ever have that feeling when you are just so happy and excited you start smiling and laughing? Yeah, I get that overwhelming joy when I play with a really awesome team.) So before we started, the band sat down and discussed all of the songs and what they meant to us. And I got this song. (To be honest, Chad switched me songs and I was really disappointed I got this one) But as I sat there and read through the song, God showed me how relevant it was in my own life. 

It's incredible to me that the God has the power to break us down. He doesn't do it in a prideful way, but in a humble sweet way, that brings us to our knees. God is breaking me down. And He's not whispering in my ear "I told you so" or "Look at how far you have fallen". But He is telling me "Come back to me baby girl, it's okay". God wants me to rely on Him and Him alone. Earthly things will fade and will let us down. And that is why I must be completely reliant on Him. 

I mean, it is the most precious thing to me to see God take away things in my life that are pulling me from Him. Even though it hurts, God has shown me how much He loves me. And it is just the most beautiful kind of love that I can imagine.

I can do all things

I think I spend way to much time trying to figure everything out. How I should act, what I should say, how I should feel, when I should feel, and how I should let go. I have spent these past couple of weeks trying to figure out every single detail of what I should do next. When I think God just wants me to be. To just be with Him and trust in His plan.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in and and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)

I lost sight of what it means to be content through the Lord. I began to rely on others and earthly things to satisfy me. But what happens when they go away? Where does my heart stand? Who am I resting in? Where do I lay my trust?

I need to learn how to be content with the Lord alone. If I am not content by myself, how can I expect to be content with someone else? God wants me. All of me. Not just some of me. But my whole heart. Every little piece of it. And now I have to learn how to be content. And strive to give my whole life to the Lord.

I want to be at a place where I am content with who I am and where I am. In whatever circumstance, I want to be at peace knowing "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."

Lost... (No Really)

So, I took my sis to Disneyland today. I was really excited to drive there and be with her and just have a good time. So after school, Allie and I grabbed a bite to eat and headed out. We got there, and I have never seen so much traffic in my life. We had to park in the overflow parking lot; I'm pretty positive we parked in the very last parking spot in the whole lot. But it was all good you know? I was in the happiest place on earth! Then we got inside, and world of color was sold out. I might have cried a little bit. So in return, I forced Allie on California Screamin'. And she liked it! (I think. She cried, not sure if it was from how fast we were going or how scared she was..) The rest of the night was fun, crowded, but fun. Now the drive home is another story... I got lost so many times. I have never prayed so much in my whole life. I made so many u-turns to try and get back on the right street. Pretty positive I made someone mad, but I honestly didn't care at that point. I just wanted to get home! Good news, we made it home. Praise God! But over all, great night hanging out with my sister. I wonder if she knows how pretty she is. I should tell her.. ya, I'll get on that.

Set A Fire

There's no place I'd rather be,

There's no place I'd rather be,

There's no place I'd rather be

Then here in Your love, 

Here in Your love

So set a fire down in my soul

That I can't contain,

That I can't control

I want more of You, God

I want more of You, God

Be Light

We are called to be a light. In order to share the Gospel, we need to know who we are through Christ. We focused a lot this weekend on different things we worship and how we see ourselves. They asked us: What is it in your life that you believe will make you ultimately happy and whole? What compared to God and make you ultimately happy? And it's true. As I took time to reflect on my own life, I found that everything I aimed for that I felt would make me happy, never satisfied. Only God.

They also spoke on this passage: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10). God created each person with a specific will. Every strength and insecurity will be used for God's plan that He is preparing for us to do. So why do we choose to be someone different, when the person we were created to be is perfect for God's plan. Why do we compare ourselves to others when were made specifically for what God has planned for us?

So, we use our strengths and weaknesses to allow God to shine through us. So we can be a light in the darkness. And allow His will to be done here on Earth.

Through Christ Who Strengthens You

Philippians 4:13 is a very popular scripture that is often quoted out of context. It says, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." That doesnt mean you can just do anything you decide to do because you want to do it. Paul was talking specifically about how he was able, through the power of Christ, to be content no matter what his circumstances were.

I do believe that, by God's grace, we can do whatever we need to do in life. I think that's the mindset we need to have. There's nothing that's too much for you if you're trusting God. you can handle whatever comes your way because God promises that He'll  never put more on us than we can bear and deal with.

So keep a positive attitude no matter where you are right now, no matter what's going on in your life. Cheer up, God is on your side. Stop being upset about things you can't do anything about.

God wants you to know that He has an individual plan for your life, and He wants you to accept His unique plan for you and not compare your plan with anybody else's. You have to trust God knows more about what you need and what you can handle that you do. After all, He knows you better that you know yourself.

Lord, like Paul, I want my contentment to come from You, not my circumstances. Show me everyday that Your plan for me is perfect and that I don't need to worry.

"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

It's okay

It's okay not to be okay. I have felt so much peace today after hearing this. Sometimes I feel like I have to say I'm okay in order to show that I trust God. As if saying I'm okay will show God is stronger than I am. Or looking like I have it all together makes me a good Christian. But, that is so not true. It's fake. And I want to be real and be humble with my struggles. I have peace knowing that God is in control, but now I also have peace knowing that I can just be. And it's okay

Lost in Him

 

I pray that my heart will love God like this

My whole life

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart." -Jeremiah 29: 11-12

No one really focuses on the second part of that verse. (Or maybe they do, I just didn't focus on it) What does it look like to seek God with All Your Heart? What would my life look like? God will reveal Himself to me when I give Him my whole life. All my fears, worries, dreams, routines... It's when I give up my whole life to Christ is when I will truly find the Lord. Thank you God for having a plan. What an undeniable peace that is!

Lost

I don't know what I'm doing. I feel like I am doing something wrong. Still. I really thought my time with her today would not be about everything that happened. would not be about how sad she is. or how bad I made her feel. I really thought that after two months we would be able to talk, and laugh, and feel normal. Now i just feel sick. (Now i dont know if I feel sick from all of the food I just ate, or what went down today) To be quite honest, I dont know what to believe. And I really didnt want to hear half of the things she told me. And then I get her sister who hasn't talked to me in two months, asking if I want to hang out and to hear my side of the story. No. No you don't get to hear my side of the story. You ignored me for two months and now your good? No! And then I spend my rest of the day with him. Its weird how not weird it feels. its strange how normal it was. i mean, is it normal? was it normal? I dont know!! I dont know what to do! or what to think, or how to feel... I am so lost. I know God has my back, and I know He has a plan greater than mine. But i just dont know...

Out of My Hands

Alright God, this is in Your hands. I know you know what's best and I trust You. I trust your plan is better than mine. Let your will be done. Whatever it is, I will follow you. Lead me, show me what you want me to do and how you want me to act. Show me what you want me to do. Lead me. Reveal yourself to us. You are in control. And I want what you want. Take control Lord

Thoughts

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will." -Romans 12:2

I have let negative thoughts control my mind since I was a little girl. Doubts, insecurities, worries.. all of these consumed my mind making my an insecure person. Those thoughts affected my relationships and how I saw myself. Letting my mind run free makes me over analyze things that I probably don't have to worry about. Now I realize that those thoughts are not of the Lord. I dont want to be scared all the time. I want to be fearless. And through God, I know I can be.  God is in control and I trust that everything that happens is in His will.

Free to be Relentless

I had the most encouraging devotional this morning. I needed to hear this so much today.

"Relentlessly pursuing God is not necessarily easy, but it's definitely worth it. However, you can't really pursue God until you've first experienced real freedom.

God is in the business of setting us free, and it's glorious to be free from guilt, condemnation, and always wondering what people are thinking of us.

We're set free from the concern of failing when we know who we are in Christ. This brings us the courage to be able to step out and pursue God's promises.

God, I want to live a new life, relentlessly pursuing you and your promises. I trust You to help me become all You created me to be and experience true freedom."

Come As You Are

"You have joy and peace today. You are redeemed, accepted, and made right with God because of the way He sees you in Christ. You are already loved and accepted by Him. Not 'you will be someday'. You are destined to be molded into the image of Christ, and nothing can stop that from happening if you will simply cooperate with the Holy Spirit and spend time with God. You don't have to clean up your act first. You can come as you are, and God will make you what you ought to be." -Joyce Meyer

I have really been trying to spend more time with God lately. And I just feel like I fall short all the time. It is so easy to get discouraged, but I was so encouraged to hear that I don't have to have my act together when I talk to God. I mean, He already knows whats going on in my life.. so theres not much for me to hide. But the fact I dont have to pull it all together or start over when I fail before I go to Christ is so comforting. I love that He accepts me because He sees who I am through Christ. and I love how God can "make me who I ought to be" just how I am right now. Thank you Lord!!

Countdown

I think I had the best Christmas break ever. I loved being busy and having something to do everyday. I loved going to the beach, and walking the lights and eating all day everyday. but the thing about being busy is it makes the time go by faster.. I really dont want to go to school tomorrow. I really dont want to work on a history project and then give a presentation on it and have my teacher make me look like an idiot in front of the class. And I also dont want to go back and relearn all the information I forgot for the finals I have to take in two weeks. I know once I get back in the swing of things, it will be fine. But as of right now, I would much rather be home. But I am so thankful for the break I had. I had such a great time not worrying about any homework and hanging out with my man. I loved being able to relax and not worry. So.. approximately 70 more days until spring break. Let the countdown begin

Resolutions

This year, I am going to be fearless. And let this blog hold me accountable as I go through life this coming year. I am not going to worry anymore. Because I know how much it affects my relationships and everything I do. And I am so tired of worrying about what others think, I want to be a beautiful, strong, and fearless woman through Christ. I am going to be secure in who I am and know that who I am is enough in anything I do. I am not going to spend my time worrying about being a person that lives to please everyone else. I think being secure in myself means being secure through Christ, and knowing who I am through Him. It was so beautiful this morning, I went for a run on the beach before we had to leave our campsite at Encinitas. And I was just running along, and Divine Romance came on my iPod. and normally, I would have easily skipped that song to a more upbeat tempo, but this time, God kind of stopped me. I could kind of hear Him tell me, "just slow down". So, I just walked along that foggy beach and danced and sang out loud to God. And it made me so happy! Just being with God, and having that mindset of being with Him was so precious to me. I think He was showing me once again how much more fulfilling He is than this world will ever be. I think I needed to see that for two reasons: One, to see that His opinion is greater than what the world thinks of me. And two, to be reminded of how fulfilling it is to have Christ as the center of my life. I have let most of my days lately, go by without taking time to even talk with God. I have missed that closeness with the Lord. And this year I want to get in the habit of making time of Him, even when it seems totally inconvenient, so He can be the center of my life again. So there they are, my two resolutions for this year. Good times ahead my friends!