A dream come true...

I finally saw Shamu!

And I have to admit, I did cry.

Pathetic? No, I just really like him.

Ash Wednesday

I've never really been one to be big on ash Wednesday and Lent, but this year I realize I'm in a place where this is what I need.  I need to give some things up and take other things on.  I need to focus on giving things up in my life that do not help me grow in my relationship with the Lord, things that distract me.  I have decided to take on a much healthier lifestyle, one that includes set time with the Lord.  I know I go to a Christian school and attend chapel three times a week, but I feel like this is something I am being challenged to do more often.  I know spending these next 40 days strengthening my relationship with God will do wonders and cannot wait to see the outcome!

This is also a time where I realize that one day none of the things I worry about now will matter.  Tonight in chapel, the fact that we will not live forever came up.  This is something that struck me hard over Christmas break and continues to show up in my life.  I keep telling myself that I need to live everyday like a blessing, but I'm not.  I need to take on the heart of a joyful follower of Christ and appreciate each day I do have with my family and friends.  

So over these next two months or so, I pray that I will find a change of heart.  One that strives to know more and one that takes full advantage of what I have here and now.

Holly, you continue to show your love of life to me even though you are no longer here.  I am so blessed and I want to take full appreciation of each day I have that you didn't.  Your saying keeps coming up day to day and ringing in my ear.  Losing you was so difficult, but your appreciation for life will continue to grow through your friends who miss you so dearly.  

LOVE LIFE.

The cutest thing your eyes have ever seen

I am so incredibly blessed!

And what about now?

It happens to everyone. We find ourselves waiting for something, not anything in particular, just something.  I've realized that that is what I have been doing lately; I've been waiting for something unexpected to swipe me from behind, some wonderful surprise.  Sitting around waiting, looking forward, when today I realized what I have now. I have been so preoccupied with what I think is going to happen. I'm continually asking, "Okay God, how about now?", when I noticed today I shouldn't be expecting anything extravagant.  
Today was an amazing day of peace.  Today I figured out for myself that there is beauty in the uneventful.  I did nothing today but sit and talk.  It wasn't anything mind blowing, it was just what I needed.  I talked life with one of my amazing friends and we just spent time together quietly.  It was so rewarding to spend the day with her and I feel as if I was overlooking the simplicity in things before. I loved every minute of my day!
Through all my rambles, I'm just trying to say that living in the moment is so important.  I constantly have to remind myself to stop worrying so much about the future and to take hold of what and who I am with now.  This day reminded me about how rewarding it is to be in the moment, free of concerns and troubles.  I am blessed beyond belief to be where I am today and shouldn't be asking for more.  I truly believe I have it all right now.  God has put me where I need to be in this moment and I need to take advantage of it. This has been nothing but a beautiful day of God showing me His plan for me.  I may not know what tomorrow or the next day may hold, but all I need to know is that it is in God's hands.


Slow down and appreciate the good things.

Love at first sight...

Welcome to the world Emery Otis!

March 3, 2011

9:50 Eastern

8 pounds, 11 ounces

Brother's first meeting!

Emery

The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

The Smell of Summer

Everyone knows it and everyone craves it.  Once you feel it coming, a sensation of relief takes over you... the summer days are coming near.

I cannot believe that here I am in March and I only have two months left of my first year of college.  Time has flown by, but I know a summer of endless memories is within my reach.  I cannot wait until those summer days come, it will feel just like things have never changed.  The days literally drag on pleasantly and I will be surrounded with loved and familiar faces.  Summer has a comforting sense in that it never changes, it's like a relaxing break from life as you've known it for the past 8 months.  I cannot wait to bask in the sun rays without a care in the world and for me this may come sooner than June!

Sun, warmth, water, laughter, tan lines, bare feet, and calmness...