"In life, you're going to be left out, talked about, lied to, and used...but you have to decide who is worth your tears and who is not."
My senior year of college has been such a learning experience. I've learned so much about myself, about friendship, about appreciating the little things, and about what really matters. This year has been learning all about cherishing the true friendships of people who are there through the thick and the thin. People who are there when things are hard. I've had people this year, who I really thought were friends, just turn their heads and prove otherwise. It's been upsetting, but as time pushes on, I've been able to start realizing that these aren't the people that I should be dwelling on and getting hung up about. There are some absolutely amazing people in my life, both family and friends, that I have been HONORED to know and love. So God, thank You for the opportunity to have amazing people in my life who help me get past those who do not deserve my tears. <3
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Change the World.
"Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness, and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again."
- Og Mandino
Just a short challenge... how different would our world look if we practiced this, even just half of the time?
- Og Mandino
Just a short challenge... how different would our world look if we practiced this, even just half of the time?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
A Friend Loves at All Times.
This week at school has been the hardest I've ever experienced in my time here at Cedarville. I have felt the cruelty of people I thought were friends, and been judged by people I've never spoken to in my life.
How can people who claim to love Jesus and want to be like Him act in these ways?
This last Sunday, I got caught up in the middle of a misunderstanding and have received the brunt of the ridicule for it. The situation was blown completely out of proportion, and the rumor mill started running. People started talking about me, ignoring the facts and throwing in their own renditions of the incident. I have went to certain people and told them what actually happened, but for all those who were not involved, they just continue to keep talking hurtful words and lies amongst themselves instead of going to me and those who actually know what happened and getting the REAL version.
Matthew 7:1-5 ESV
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
James 4:11-12 ESV
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Luke 6:31 ESV
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
If I had made a mistake, I would be the first to apologize. If I had done something questionable or wrong, I would be the first to admit it. I do not have anything to say because I haven't done anything.
It is through situations like these that you find out who your true friends are. A true friend seeks you out and hears your side of the story. A true friend sticks up for you when others are talking you down. A true friend lovingly gives you advice when they see something in your life. A true friend has your back and holds you up when you feel you cannot stand any longer. A friend loves at ALL times.
I thank God for my true friends who have stuck with me through unnecessary drama and have ignored the lies people have tried to start. On the same hand, I pray for the people who choose the pathetic road of spreading rumors. It's times like this when those people should ask, "what would Jesus do?" and then change their ways.
How can people who claim to love Jesus and want to be like Him act in these ways?
This last Sunday, I got caught up in the middle of a misunderstanding and have received the brunt of the ridicule for it. The situation was blown completely out of proportion, and the rumor mill started running. People started talking about me, ignoring the facts and throwing in their own renditions of the incident. I have went to certain people and told them what actually happened, but for all those who were not involved, they just continue to keep talking hurtful words and lies amongst themselves instead of going to me and those who actually know what happened and getting the REAL version.
Matthew 7:1-5 ESV
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
James 4:11-12 ESV
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Luke 6:31 ESV
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
If I had made a mistake, I would be the first to apologize. If I had done something questionable or wrong, I would be the first to admit it. I do not have anything to say because I haven't done anything.
It is through situations like these that you find out who your true friends are. A true friend seeks you out and hears your side of the story. A true friend sticks up for you when others are talking you down. A true friend lovingly gives you advice when they see something in your life. A true friend has your back and holds you up when you feel you cannot stand any longer. A friend loves at ALL times.
I thank God for my true friends who have stuck with me through unnecessary drama and have ignored the lies people have tried to start. On the same hand, I pray for the people who choose the pathetic road of spreading rumors. It's times like this when those people should ask, "what would Jesus do?" and then change their ways.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A Special Challenge
This week I started my student teaching at an elementary school in Xenia. The week has mostly been full of laughs and silly questions from students... but yesterday, something happened. I met a certain second grader. He is one of the most special little boys that I have ever met, and I can already tell that he is going to have a major impact on me this semester.
I'm not certain what has placed him in the disabled state that he lives with, but this little boy is not able to walk or move much beyond his hands and head. This little second grader gets from place to place with the help of an aide. And yesterday was music day for his class.
There are steps leading up to the music classroom. As the other students filed in, he called out to us, "don't worry! I'm on my way!" as his aide pulled his wheelchair up over the steps. As she wheeled him into the classroom, the most beautiful, wide smile appeared on his face. He greeted us with a cheerful tone.
Since next week is Valentines Day, we listened to some music for the holiday. The music came on, and he sat there and moved his little body in any way he possibly could, grooving to that music. The smile never left his face the entire class. When students were called up to play the special instruments, he couldn't. But he clapped and showed excitement for them as they got to try. When class was done and all the other students had left, he and his aide made their way to the stairs. He gave us a goodbye, a smile, and a high five. And then they were off.
After he left, I thought to myself, "how would I react to everyday life if I were in a wheelchair. How would I react to life if I knew that's where I was going to stay and couldn't participate in activities that we take for granted each day?" This little boy could easily have a bad attitude or a sad outlook on life, and we would all let him get away with that and say "well, I don't blame him. Look at his condition." But he has not chosen that route! Here is a little boy who has a priceless personality despite the trials that have come into his life. SIt sure makes me ashamed at how little trivial problems in my life have the ability to ruin my whole attitude on certain days.
I am so excited to work with this child throughout the semester. I have a feeling that he has just started teaching me. I'm thankful to God for putting people in our lives to teach us that we would never suspect.
I'm not certain what has placed him in the disabled state that he lives with, but this little boy is not able to walk or move much beyond his hands and head. This little second grader gets from place to place with the help of an aide. And yesterday was music day for his class.
There are steps leading up to the music classroom. As the other students filed in, he called out to us, "don't worry! I'm on my way!" as his aide pulled his wheelchair up over the steps. As she wheeled him into the classroom, the most beautiful, wide smile appeared on his face. He greeted us with a cheerful tone.
Since next week is Valentines Day, we listened to some music for the holiday. The music came on, and he sat there and moved his little body in any way he possibly could, grooving to that music. The smile never left his face the entire class. When students were called up to play the special instruments, he couldn't. But he clapped and showed excitement for them as they got to try. When class was done and all the other students had left, he and his aide made their way to the stairs. He gave us a goodbye, a smile, and a high five. And then they were off.
After he left, I thought to myself, "how would I react to everyday life if I were in a wheelchair. How would I react to life if I knew that's where I was going to stay and couldn't participate in activities that we take for granted each day?" This little boy could easily have a bad attitude or a sad outlook on life, and we would all let him get away with that and say "well, I don't blame him. Look at his condition." But he has not chosen that route! Here is a little boy who has a priceless personality despite the trials that have come into his life. SIt sure makes me ashamed at how little trivial problems in my life have the ability to ruin my whole attitude on certain days.
I am so excited to work with this child throughout the semester. I have a feeling that he has just started teaching me. I'm thankful to God for putting people in our lives to teach us that we would never suspect.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Get It Together.
One of the best things that someone can have in their life is someone who will be blatantly honest with them. I had a conversation today that pointed out some things that I really need to work on.
I have built up this high, thick wall around my life and person. I am so scared of letting people in and knowing absolutely every little thing about me and all of my deepest feelings and experiences and thoughts that many of my relationships do not go nearly as far as they could. I am always willing for others to do the talking, but the talking has never been for me. And that is something that I am aiming to change.
One of the most important things that a Christian, or really any human being, needs in their life is community. People who know you. Not just the surface you. Not just the "Oh yeah, I'm great and have it all together on the outside" you. People that you can have full trust in and can trust you as well. That is what I am to work on both in this last semester of college and in my life after college.
I'm thankful for people who can be real with you and say "This is what's up. Get it together."
It's what I need.
I have built up this high, thick wall around my life and person. I am so scared of letting people in and knowing absolutely every little thing about me and all of my deepest feelings and experiences and thoughts that many of my relationships do not go nearly as far as they could. I am always willing for others to do the talking, but the talking has never been for me. And that is something that I am aiming to change.
One of the most important things that a Christian, or really any human being, needs in their life is community. People who know you. Not just the surface you. Not just the "Oh yeah, I'm great and have it all together on the outside" you. People that you can have full trust in and can trust you as well. That is what I am to work on both in this last semester of college and in my life after college.
I'm thankful for people who can be real with you and say "This is what's up. Get it together."
It's what I need.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Erin Elizabeth
Today, I want to express how extremely thankful I am for my sister.
One of the absolute greatest blessings in my life, without a doubt, is my younger sister, Erin. She may only be 16 years old, but she is wise beyond her years and a huge encouragement in my life. We have sort of a silly relationship. Most of the time, we are communicating in funny voices or joking about the most random things. There are some times though, when we are able to lean on each other and pull each other through a hard time... and I feel like she does that way more for me than I do for her. She doesn't have to do what she does for me, but she does. She is always there for me.
Today was a hard day for me. Something happened where I was just feeling very confused and upset. I got blindsided about some information and just felt really hurt. Out of the blue, I got a text from her. She said she had heard what happened and just gave me the most encouragement that anyone could possibly give me. And she meant every word of it from the bottom of my heart. To know that my little sister was so confident in me and rooting for me and thinking of me from 1000 miles away was so amazing. I teared up as I read her words. It is amazing how heartfelt words can cut so deep and mean so much. She did not have to say what she did.
Just some snippets from her text...
"...Don't believe me? Let's see, you are a gorgeous, intelligent, sweet Christian girl that has a great life ahead of you. It's not often that all of those traits come in one package. Everything happens for a reason. It is just another bump in the road. Don't let it get you down. It is all part of the perfect plan God has for you."
Dear God,
Thank you for sisters. And in particular, thank you for my absolutely amazing sister. I thank you for blessing me with her. I thank you for the close relationship that we share. I thank you for allowing me to have her as my very best friend, and I pray that the status of that never changes. Help us to grow even closer as the years go on. Help me to never take her friendship and love for granted. Let me be at least half of the encouragement and support and friendship to her that she has been to me.
One of the absolute greatest blessings in my life, without a doubt, is my younger sister, Erin. She may only be 16 years old, but she is wise beyond her years and a huge encouragement in my life. We have sort of a silly relationship. Most of the time, we are communicating in funny voices or joking about the most random things. There are some times though, when we are able to lean on each other and pull each other through a hard time... and I feel like she does that way more for me than I do for her. She doesn't have to do what she does for me, but she does. She is always there for me.
Today was a hard day for me. Something happened where I was just feeling very confused and upset. I got blindsided about some information and just felt really hurt. Out of the blue, I got a text from her. She said she had heard what happened and just gave me the most encouragement that anyone could possibly give me. And she meant every word of it from the bottom of my heart. To know that my little sister was so confident in me and rooting for me and thinking of me from 1000 miles away was so amazing. I teared up as I read her words. It is amazing how heartfelt words can cut so deep and mean so much. She did not have to say what she did.
Just some snippets from her text...
"...Don't believe me? Let's see, you are a gorgeous, intelligent, sweet Christian girl that has a great life ahead of you. It's not often that all of those traits come in one package. Everything happens for a reason. It is just another bump in the road. Don't let it get you down. It is all part of the perfect plan God has for you."
Dear God,
Thank you for sisters. And in particular, thank you for my absolutely amazing sister. I thank you for blessing me with her. I thank you for the close relationship that we share. I thank you for allowing me to have her as my very best friend, and I pray that the status of that never changes. Help us to grow even closer as the years go on. Help me to never take her friendship and love for granted. Let me be at least half of the encouragement and support and friendship to her that she has been to me.
Amen.
^ Talk about gorgeous!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Psalm 139
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
-Psalm 139: 13-16
How absolutely amazing is it to know that You loved me so much even before I was a substance? How crazy is it to know that every day of my life was written before I was formed?
When you are feeling down, remember this:
You are more precious than you will ever understand. Someone loves you more than you will ever know.
Now take that love that He demonstrates toward you, and show it to someone else. <3
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
-Psalm 139: 13-16
How absolutely amazing is it to know that You loved me so much even before I was a substance? How crazy is it to know that every day of my life was written before I was formed?
When you are feeling down, remember this:
You are more precious than you will ever understand. Someone loves you more than you will ever know.
Now take that love that He demonstrates toward you, and show it to someone else. <3
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