Growing Pains

You know the feeling when you have that weakness in your life that you have to face? Me? I have horrible communication skills. I can't speak in front of a group of people whether it be making speeches, announcements, or any other form of speaking. When I see all of those eyes looking at me watching my every move, my knees get weak, my hands get sweaty, my voice shakes, and my mind goes totally blank.

This week I received a letter in the mail from my school, informing me that a new program was being formed. A ten-week communications class. And I was one of the few selected people to attend.

I absolutely did not want to do this and was going to decline the offer. But then I realized something: Sometimes the things we see as obstacles are really opportunities. God wants to see us grow, and He gives us these opportunities in order to stretch us. You can't walk on water unless you get out of the boat. You can't grow unless you get out of your comfort zone.

So here I am, facing my fear, and determined to conquer it. This is going to take pain-staking effort, hours of prayer, and I expect a few emotional break-downs.

But when it is over, I will look back and say: It was worth all of the growing pains...

Currently...

Reading: Crazy Love-Overwhelmed by a Relentless God. This is one of those turn-your-world-upside-down kind of books. An amazing read.

Listening to: Phil Wickham's "Because of Your Love." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekrKOYRZC0I

Recommended Blog:[ http://forallthefanatics.blogspot.com/ ] This girl inspires me. Her previous blog leading up to the new one can be found at http://sistersnthesavior.blogspot.com/

Encouraging Scripture: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.-2 Corinthians 5:17 {I am free from all of the past mistakes. His blood is enough to break every chain.}

Favorite Quote: "Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes."

Inspiring Person: Tim Tebow. This kid has something special. He's got Jesus, and he isn't afraid to tell you about Him. :)

Images via: google.com

It's time for a wake-up call.

God has been doing so much lately--in me and in the people around me. I'm going to be honest, the past few months I have been distracted by the things around me. Friends, television, clothes, etc. It's crazy. I have never been distracted by physical things, but I have wanted this and that and everything between. My prayer life and time spent reading the Bible had decreased. I had become lazy and complacent. But through it all, I was dissatisfied and longed for something greater.

But God is faithful. :) Last week I turned sixteen and the cry of my heart is in this song:

I pray that my sixteenth year will be the greatest pursuit of God I have ever experienced. That He will astound me, take my breath away, and turn my world upside-down with the things of Him. That He will become my passion. That our relationship will be more than a check-list. That He will be my everything. I have learned that nothing in this world will be able to satisfy any of our longings. We must pursue Him. We must pursue His presence. Because that is the only thing that will bring satisfaction.

My blog has changed because I am praying that my generation will receive their wake-up call. You know what is awesome to think about? It only takes one person to step out and say, "Hey, God. I'm ready. Use me. I don't care what people say or do. My life is Yours. Your will be done." When one person sets on fire, their passion will spread to the next person, then the next person. Soon we have a whole generation passionate for their loving Father. Isn't that a lovely thought...

Love like crazy.

Ten things I wish I could say to ten different people :: 
10. I always wanted to be your best friend.
9. I miss you. I just wish you missed me.
8. You know that time when you completely ignored me? It hurt like crazy. But I do forgive you.
7. Can we be friends again? Like when we were little?
6. You are one of the prettiest girls I know. I just wish you would believe it.
5. Hi. Could you be less sensitive? Thanks you.
4. Thanks for being my friend when no one else will.
3. Please stop complaining about your weight. You are not fat!
2. Could you please quit flirting with every guy you see?
1. You're cool. I wish you would notice me.

Nine things about myself :: 
9. I am a punctuation nerd.
8. I love Jesus.
7. I wish that I owned converses.
6. I will sing at the top of my lungs even though it doesn't sound good.
5. I actually like school. *gasp*
4. Flip-flops are my favorite shoes.
3. I don't like the color orange.
2. I hate the smell of nail polish.
1. I <3 waffles.

Eight ways to win my heart ::
8. Smile.
7. Talk about Jesus.
6. Be respectful.
5. Make me laugh.
4. Be a good listener as well as a good talker.
3. Sing at the top of your lungs with me.
2. Be yourself and don't try to fit in with the rest of the crowd.
1. Love kids.

Seven things that cross my mind a lot ::
7. What's for supper?
6. I need to practice the piano.
5. What time is it?
4. Where am I going to college?
3. Lord, help me.
2. Song lyrics.
1. Ugh, I need to exercise.

Six things I do before I fall asleep :: 
6. Brush my teeth.
5. Turn the light off.
4. Put my sister on her side of the bed.
3. Set my alarm.
2. Pray.
1. Attempt to sort through my thoughts.

Five people who always make me smile ::
5. Spence
4. Kynzie
3. Grace
2. Aaron
1. Esther

Four things I'm wearing right now ::
4. Blue Jeans
3. Buddy Walk shirt
2. Zero jewelry
1. My black hair scrunchy


Three songs that I listen to often ::
3. Rooftops by Jesus Culture
2. Restless by Switchfoot
1. Satisfy by Tenth Avenue North

Two things I want to do before I die ::
2. Go to Africa.
1. Fulfill God's purpose for my life.

One confession ::
1. Clowns creep me out.

Fall Bliss

Isn't it just gorgeous...

And because I am in love with m&ms at the moment...

Happy Thursday everyone!

Images via: weheartit.com

What does love look like?

Isn't that a lovely thought?

Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity

and passing over transgression

for the remnant of His inheritance?

He does not retain His anger forever,

because He delights in steadfast love.

He will again have compassion on us;

He will tread our iniquities underfoot.

You will cast all our sins

into the depths of the sea.

You will show faithfulness to Jacob

and steadfast love to Abraham,

as You have sworn to our fathers

from the days of old.

-Micah 7:18-20