Gone Since Spring, Now Back in Full Swing!

I know what you're going to say.  I've basically been MIA since LAST SPRING! College Life and general Busyness took over and I just couldn't get back into the swing of blogging again! But no worries! Starting tomorrow I will be back in full swing (hopefully blogging every/every other day!) I can't wait to incorporate my wonderful adventures from this summer into my daily posts! Hope ya'll enjoy them!
xoxo

God is Great, God is Good.

Here are a few things i'm thanking God for this week!

1. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL WEATHER.

Laying in the sun on USC's Horseshoe is one of my absolute favorite things.

2. My wonderful friends who give advice when I need it, and listen when I need that too.

Taylor, (Me), Reagan, Savannah, Caroline

Me and Bailee

Taylor, Caroline, Reagan, Kristen, Savannah, Carlee, (Me)

3. Lutheridge

My Amazing Camp Friends!

3. Patience.

4. The Cocktails (we worked so hard this week and I never fail to be impressed by the music we make together!

SoJam 2010

5. Music in general. It soothes the soul.

6. Alpha Delta Pi

Just a few of the wonderful girls I've met in ADPi

7. SHORTS! (I'm thankful that I can finally wear them!)

8. My family

9. Red Roses

10. A voice to sing, feet for walking, arms for hugging, hands for holding

11. Pillows. (exhaustion sets in when you have 2 exams and a major paper in one week)

12. Relaxation

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Oh. And I think I'm gonna start doing weekly gratefuls so look out for those :)
What are you thankful for this week?

About Patience...

     Patience is a hard thing. That's it. There's no way to soften it or make it easier. It's simply one of those struggles that we all face every day. I've that most of the time the only way I can seek patience through a frustrating situation is to step back, take a deep breath, and throw up a silent prayer. Most of the time it's something like "Okay God, how in the world are you gonna use me in this situation?" or... "Hey God, right now would be a really great time for some advice." To my surprise, He's usually right there to take my hand and say, "Everything's gonna be fine," or... "Be stronger than that, it's just not worth it." Now I'm not saying that God isn't ALWAYS there for me or surrounding me at all times, but it's at those specific times when I can really hear Him speak. So... next time you're put in a situation like that, instead of speaking out (which never ends well), make a point to be silent, and listen to what God has to say about what's going on. Love ya'll! :)

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." James 1: 19-20

Make Us Aware.

A very close friend of mine once told me, that every day without fail we should ask God to show us that He is real. We should wake up, open to everything he has to say/move in us that day, and ask him to Make Us Aware. Often times we go through an entire day only focused on what we think is important, and what we think we need to get done. If we would only redirect our focus to what GOD wants us to get done. Asking God to show us that he is real, or asking him to make us aware of Him and His plan, does not prove weakness in our relationship with God. It can only strengthen the relationship with have with him already. So take a moment, and ask God to Make you aware. :)

      "Make me aware. Make me see; 
      that everything i am is not all about me.
      So take my world. Turn it around;
      so that the obvious can finally be found.
      Make me aware."
      ~Salvador

God of Wonders!

     It's days like today that I can't help but feel overwhelmed by the incredible beauty and majesty of our Savior! Right at this very moment i'm laying under the warmth of this much-needed sunshine in the middle of the horseshoe! (I'm FINALLY wearing shorts! Yay!) It's in the heart of USC's campus and with this amazing weather I couldn't resist soaking up some sun with my best friend Bailee. (shout out to my favesies Peaches :)) I have the perfect 360 degree view of everything going on. People throwing frisbees, studying, napping, even a pretty large prayer circle over to my left; and it makes me wonder. In all of the beauty of 75 degree weather days like today, how can will still doubt that there is a God? No one other person on Earth could create a day like this.
     "Lord of all creation, of water Earth and sky;
      the Heavens are Your tabernacle
      Glory to the Lord on High.
      God of Wonders beyond our galaxy;
      YOU are HOLY.
      The universe declares Your majesty.
      YOU are HOLY."
          ~Third Day

Does it ever end?

     Sometimes it feels like the stresses of school will never end! This week alone I've had 2 exams, 3 rehearsals, an application due, and not to mention Semi-Formal on friday that I have to prepare for. But the worst feeling in the world is when you study for a test, or prepare for anything at all, and are still worried that you aren't ready enough.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers (sisters :)), whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence." James 1:2-3
     We have to have faith that God has given us the gifts and resources to finish what needs to be done, and let him handle the rest. Our faith is tested everyday by the challenges we face, but that, in turn, develops perseverence. So, the next time we're faced with the same thing, we won't be as worried, and we'll put more of our trust and dependence in God, who handled the situation before? Maybe that sounds really redundant, but it's so true! Love ya'll!

Don't Worry, Be Happy :)

Today I've been worrying.. about lot's of different things; whether it be about myself, my future, or the people that I love. This verse has brough me comfort..
"He has made everything beautiful in its time" Ecclesiastes 3:11a
I guess when it comes to worrying or stressing over something, there's really no point, right? I mean, if God has a plan for everyone, and that plan will be carried out EXACTLY how God wants it to be, then who am I to worry about what's going to happen or where life is gonna take me. Every situation, every relationship, and every hardship will be made perfect in God's eyes and when he sees fit. Pretty comforting huh? I thought so too :)

Just a few..

Here are a few verses I've come across lately. Hope they speak to your hearts like they've spoken to mine!

"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind goverened by the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:6

"Therefore, my dear sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58