And THIS is what I learned.
Some of these are truths that I learned about the Lord this year…and others are things I learned about people and myself…some are silly things that I just kinda realized. but I learned so much this year and I thought I’d share it.
That the wall that I put up (that I call sarcasm) needs to come down, or I will never be effective in spreading the gospel.
That not everyone in your life is meant to be there permanently
God is sovereign. In every situation. Always.
All girls need a godly group of girl friends to hold them accountable.
People disappoint you, but the Lord never will.
Surrendering is hard, but there is nothing better than a life fully surrendered to God.
Life is too short to worry about something dumb like guys. Because let’s face it…they’re DUMB
Although it seems like the hardest thing to surrender to the Lord, giving God the pen to your love story will save you from a lot of heartache, and ultimately will be the best thing.
Everyone is fighting a hard battle. So watch your words. Be kind.
Adventure is worth it. It may scare the mess out of you…but it’s better than driving away regretting that you were too scared to take a chance. :)
I say stupid things sometimes. but that's okay, because everyone does.
The sun always rises in the morning…even after the darkest of nights. This is a promise that no matter how dark your life seems…there is a sunrise coming.
When the rain keeps pouring down, and it seems like there will never be an end to the rain….dance.
We will have great sorrow in our life, but it will never be more than we can handle.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself….even if you think that you are the most awkward person ever…like awkward tiger status
You are cherished. More than you know.
Every heart needs a healer.
There is no one that the Lord can't reach.
It’s okay to take a deep breath and stand completely silent and relish in a moment… A lifetime is made up of moments..you might as well enjoy them.
YOLO is used too much to justify stupid things.
Call me, maybe gets stuck in your head and everyone secretly likes it..and everyone is a closeted Justin Bieber fan.
Guard your heart. Be mindful of your thoughts. Watch your mouth. And Listen for the soft, loving voice of the Holy Spirit.
There is a Godly way to go about dating...and most people don’t care.
Auburn truly is the loveliest village on the plains.
One day my clumsiness will come in handy. I am sure of it. Even though I hate falling on a daily basis, it keeps me on my toes.
Sometimes you just need to call your mama.
I love my sisters. TFJ forever.
My brother will do anything for me. Even if it involves sacrificing something really important to him..and I should treat him better.
Red is just not my color.
All nighters suck
Chocolate doesn't fix everything.
Photography is a passion, art is a hobby, school is a priority, sunsets and small children are an obsession, and walking with the Lord is a lifestyle.
His love never fails. It never gives up. It never runs out on me. Ever.
Harry Potter will always be better than the hunger games, twilight, eragon and any other book people try to compare it to. Always.
Your life should be filled with laughter,
When in doubt….smile. there is nothing more beautiful than a happy girl.
last, but not least...Always remember to seek the Lord's will.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Rock bottom: Where do I look?
One of the things that every one has in common is pain. Everyone has experienced deep pain and sorrow in their lifetime. In the past 6 months I can count countless times that I have experienced joy and happiness, but I can also count heartache after heartache that I have experienced. I can count heartache after heartache that some of my closest friends and family have experienced, and I can tell you that there is nothing like some of the pain that I have witnessed people go through. When you are watching a casket get lowered into the ground, there aren’t many feelings like the finality of the situation. When you are on the phone listening to someone cry (that literally never cries) because he lost both of his parents in 5 months, there isn’t anything that you can say. But in everything that I have experienced and watched others go through in the past few months, I have learned this: The LAST thing that you need to do when you experience pain is run from God. He is the comforter. The TRUE comforter and the last thing that you need to do is run from Him. There are only two things that you can do when you are going through a valley that seems like it is literally never going to end. There are only two places to look.
1. 1The first place to look is the cross. Jesus understands pain and suffering. Why? Because He WAS the sufferer! I endured hunger and thirst. He went through death! His cousin had his head chopped off! He knows what it’s like to experience death.. He understands what it’s like to have your best friends walk out of your life. In His time of greatest need, his 12 closest companions were nowhere to be found. He knows physical pain. More physical pain than I can even imagine. He identifies with the sufferer, because he was the sufferer. He took on the worlds sin and endured MUCH more than we often think or talk about.
2. The other place that you must look is forward towards what the cross has accomplished. Why are you enduring pain? The Lord never intended for death, hunger, pain, and sorrow. But sin entered the world and with the fall of man, pain entered the world too. But Jesus conquered death and proved victorious! Every heartache that we endure produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character. And character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame! (Romans 5:3-5) So when you are going through pain run to the Lord. He is the only one who can comfort you.
I know that pain is hard, but the LAST thing you need to do when you are going through a hard time is run from the only One who can give you comfort! With his comfort comes a peace that is out of this world! The joy that comes from the comfort of the Father's arms is unreal. Don't run from Him, because you are upset by your circumstances. He is so much greater than any circumstance.
1. 1The first place to look is the cross. Jesus understands pain and suffering. Why? Because He WAS the sufferer! I endured hunger and thirst. He went through death! His cousin had his head chopped off! He knows what it’s like to experience death.. He understands what it’s like to have your best friends walk out of your life. In His time of greatest need, his 12 closest companions were nowhere to be found. He knows physical pain. More physical pain than I can even imagine. He identifies with the sufferer, because he was the sufferer. He took on the worlds sin and endured MUCH more than we often think or talk about.
2. The other place that you must look is forward towards what the cross has accomplished. Why are you enduring pain? The Lord never intended for death, hunger, pain, and sorrow. But sin entered the world and with the fall of man, pain entered the world too. But Jesus conquered death and proved victorious! Every heartache that we endure produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character. And character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame! (Romans 5:3-5) So when you are going through pain run to the Lord. He is the only one who can comfort you.
I know that pain is hard, but the LAST thing you need to do when you are going through a hard time is run from the only One who can give you comfort! With his comfort comes a peace that is out of this world! The joy that comes from the comfort of the Father's arms is unreal. Don't run from Him, because you are upset by your circumstances. He is so much greater than any circumstance.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Attitudes and birdie putts
It’s that time of year again. It’s time for a tradition unlike any other. It’s time for dogwood trees, time for amen corner to roar, and time for the coveted green jacket to be worn.
Confession time: While golf has always been a huge part of my life, I always resented how big of a deal my brother and dad made the Masters. They went pretty much every year and would come back raving about the chicken sandwiches and the amazing shots that were made. It was always a huge bonding experience for them, and my mom and I? Well, we would spend that day doing something more our speed like watching movies and eating ice cream, or planting flowers, or pulling weeds. So it has always been a bonding time for us too (And I loved every minute of it), but I always resented how I never once got to go to this “most amazing golf tournament ever” that was just two hours down the street from me. I just hated the Masters. I hated it. Finally, one year my dad took me to this tournament and I got to watch it first hand. While I now understand why he always took Taylor, (I mean...he understands golf, and loves it) and never wish to go again, I remember that day with my daddy like it was just yesterday. It was Easter, and it was the final day. Phil and Tiger were battling it out. One would make a birdie putt and the other would follow, but neither of them ended up winning. They both just fell apart. It was just crazy! I can now say that I watched an incredible tournament.(and I can now say that the chicken sandwiches are indeed pristine) I can honestly say that this experience is still in my top 5 favorite memories with my daddy. I just loved learning from him and listening to him talk about his past visits to the Masters with Taylor, and even his trips with mama. Suddenly, at that moment, my whole attitude towards this tournament changed. I went from hating it to absolutely loving it. I joined the rest of the golf world in my love for this tournament, and for the beauty of the course. Amen corner truly is beautiful. The flowers are gorgeous, and the each blade of grass is perfectly green.
Well, it’s that time of year again…and I can’t wait to see who will get to wear the green jacket. And that has gotten me to start thinking…I’ve learned that our attitude towards something can make a huge difference. So I challenge you to think about your attitude today. How can your attitude towards something make a difference in other people’s attitudes? Who knows, maybe your optimism will rub off on someone you least expect. My dad’s love for the Masters finally rubbed off on me.
Confession time: While golf has always been a huge part of my life, I always resented how big of a deal my brother and dad made the Masters. They went pretty much every year and would come back raving about the chicken sandwiches and the amazing shots that were made. It was always a huge bonding experience for them, and my mom and I? Well, we would spend that day doing something more our speed like watching movies and eating ice cream, or planting flowers, or pulling weeds. So it has always been a bonding time for us too (And I loved every minute of it), but I always resented how I never once got to go to this “most amazing golf tournament ever” that was just two hours down the street from me. I just hated the Masters. I hated it. Finally, one year my dad took me to this tournament and I got to watch it first hand. While I now understand why he always took Taylor, (I mean...he understands golf, and loves it) and never wish to go again, I remember that day with my daddy like it was just yesterday. It was Easter, and it was the final day. Phil and Tiger were battling it out. One would make a birdie putt and the other would follow, but neither of them ended up winning. They both just fell apart. It was just crazy! I can now say that I watched an incredible tournament.(and I can now say that the chicken sandwiches are indeed pristine) I can honestly say that this experience is still in my top 5 favorite memories with my daddy. I just loved learning from him and listening to him talk about his past visits to the Masters with Taylor, and even his trips with mama. Suddenly, at that moment, my whole attitude towards this tournament changed. I went from hating it to absolutely loving it. I joined the rest of the golf world in my love for this tournament, and for the beauty of the course. Amen corner truly is beautiful. The flowers are gorgeous, and the each blade of grass is perfectly green.
Well, it’s that time of year again…and I can’t wait to see who will get to wear the green jacket. And that has gotten me to start thinking…I’ve learned that our attitude towards something can make a huge difference. So I challenge you to think about your attitude today. How can your attitude towards something make a difference in other people’s attitudes? Who knows, maybe your optimism will rub off on someone you least expect. My dad’s love for the Masters finally rubbed off on me.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Words (continued)
I was in AP Art in high school and some of my art was based on something called 6 word memoirs. Sometimes the less you say the more significant the statement…I mean my life was changed by 6 words so I truly believe that 6 words can speak volumes. So I have been counting my words all over again. So here are a few 6 word memoirs..I’ll start with the one that changed my life.
He must increase. I must decrease
You’ve been here all this time.
You captured my heart that day
Lord, take me back to wonder
You inspire me to be better
Love me for who I am
I’m the most awkward person ever.
Love is more than a game
Please don’t try to change me
Dreaming with my eyes wide open
I gave Him my heart’s key
I jumped, you didn’t catch me
I won’t fit into a mold
Sometimes memories keep me holding on
Sometimes my memories hold me back
I’m alone and I need you
You’re more beautiful than you know
I will wait for you forever
Ashamed of past, terrified of future
I can see through your mask
Don’t try to hide from me
See…some of these are funny, some speak about how my life has been changed, and then some are a cry out to the Lord for help. Sometimes few words can say much. Be mindful of your words. They mean more than you could possibly know.
He must increase. I must decrease
You’ve been here all this time.
You captured my heart that day
Lord, take me back to wonder
You inspire me to be better
Love me for who I am
I’m the most awkward person ever.
Love is more than a game
Please don’t try to change me
Dreaming with my eyes wide open
I gave Him my heart’s key
I jumped, you didn’t catch me
I won’t fit into a mold
Sometimes memories keep me holding on
Sometimes my memories hold me back
I’m alone and I need you
You’re more beautiful than you know
I will wait for you forever
Ashamed of past, terrified of future
I can see through your mask
Don’t try to hide from me
See…some of these are funny, some speak about how my life has been changed, and then some are a cry out to the Lord for help. Sometimes few words can say much. Be mindful of your words. They mean more than you could possibly know.
Words.
Words. I have been so convicted lately about how often I waste my words. I’ve clearly been reminded about how fragile and short life is. I’ve been reminded about how unpredictable it is. You see, you never know how long you have. Life is short.
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14
And when you are confronted with death, the first thing that you typically think about is the last words you said to the person. The scariest part is that there are two things that will go through your mind…You will either spend the rest of your life regretting the words you said..or didn’t say. Or you will be blessed to remember that the last thing you said to them was that you love them. You see, your words are so important. And they don’t need to be wasted.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” James 3:9-12
Y’all I promise I am calling myself out right now too, but seriously. Your words are so important. With just a few words you can make someone’s day or ruin it. With such few words..you can express that you love someone or hate them.. Your tongue must be tamed. Because there is no regret like the regret you feel when the last words you say to someone are meaningless, or hurtful. But honestly, sometimes the words that you will regret more than the words you say that are hurtful, are the words that needed to be said and were never spoken. Those words will echo in your ears for years to come. I know this from experience and I don’t wish that on any of you. Life is short and precious. Use your time and your words wisely, because once they are spoken you can’t take them back…and if they are never spoken you get to think about that forever.
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14
And when you are confronted with death, the first thing that you typically think about is the last words you said to the person. The scariest part is that there are two things that will go through your mind…You will either spend the rest of your life regretting the words you said..or didn’t say. Or you will be blessed to remember that the last thing you said to them was that you love them. You see, your words are so important. And they don’t need to be wasted.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” James 3:9-12
Y’all I promise I am calling myself out right now too, but seriously. Your words are so important. With just a few words you can make someone’s day or ruin it. With such few words..you can express that you love someone or hate them.. Your tongue must be tamed. Because there is no regret like the regret you feel when the last words you say to someone are meaningless, or hurtful. But honestly, sometimes the words that you will regret more than the words you say that are hurtful, are the words that needed to be said and were never spoken. Those words will echo in your ears for years to come. I know this from experience and I don’t wish that on any of you. Life is short and precious. Use your time and your words wisely, because once they are spoken you can’t take them back…and if they are never spoken you get to think about that forever.
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