Nineteen Things This Year Has Taught Me

As of today, I've officially lived to see age 19. I've been told that life goes by in the blink of an eye and I totally believe it! That being said, I've somehow managed to glean a few lessons this past year. Here are 19 small ones that I think are pretty important.


1) It's okay to not be okay.

Stop wearing a mask. Everyone hurts, everyone messes up, everyone goes through hard times. Wouldn't it just be easier to admit that we're all not okay and accept that that's okay?

2) You need time to just be with your thoughts, God and His Word

This seriously makes EVERYTHING better. I used to be the absolute worst at this and still struggle with making time to just be still, pray and read my Bible. I've found that doing it first thing in the morning, downloading a devotional app and just committing to doing it are really helpful,

3) You NEED people.

You're going to go through hard times and you need people to lean on, talk to and to pray for and with you. It's amazing what a simple coffee date or conversation with like minded people can do for your soul.

4) Don't go a day without laughter.

Because, let's be real, laughing is the best.

5) Comfort zones are stupid.

They're cages constructed of fear. The Bible says not be afraid hundreds of times, so why should I be caged to my comfort zone if the Bible says not to be? (Hint: I shouldn't be.) Step out in faith and you'll find that God's got you every step of the way.

6) Don't be afraid of people.

Coming from someone that was incredibly intimidated by certain people during this time last year, being afraid of people is stupid. We're all on the same level, so don't put people on a pedestal. They'll eventually get knocked off. I'm SO guilty of this and had to learn this lesson the hard way.

7) Falling in love with Jesus is the best thing that you can ever do.

The love of Christ is incredible. It defies all of our earthly thoughts, customs and ways. You can never know too much about Jesus and the more you know, the more you'll fall in love with Him.

8) It's okay to look ridiculous.

Take the selfie. Do the stupid dance move. Make the weird face. Let loose every once in a while and stop being so worried about what people think of you.

9) Random adventures are the best.

Say YES to adventure. Go to the waterfall with your small group. Drive an hour to take photos at a lake at the base of a mountain. Get out of your comfort zone.

10) You need to be intentional in everything.

Do things with purpose. Stop making excuses. Be passionate in your pursuits. Keep learning. Think for yourself. Don't give up.

11) Not everyone will like everything you do and that's is GREAT.

It's hard to hear criticism but when people tell you what you're doing wrong, or that they don't like what you're doing, but that's when you own up to any mistakes you've made, take their feelings into consideration, change if it's necessary and move on. Live and learn, ya'll. Live and learn.

12) Siblings are weird and crazy, but they're the best friends you'll ever have.

My little sister, Ky, is seriously the strangest, craziest coffee-addict I know, but she's always there for me and I love her. Be willing to build relationships with your siblings and fantastic things will happen.

13) Family ties are the strongest bonds you'll ever know.

Family will always be there for you and I find that I often take that for granted. Cherish your family members and don't just tell them you love them, show them. #preachingtomyself

14) You don't have to be the smartest/most talented/most able/most experienced to be used.

You just need to be willing to serve and God will find a way to use you.

15) Forgiveness is really, really important.

If you don't decide to forgive and let go, you'll essentially suffocate from bitterness. Don't let that happen. Choose to show love to the person that hurt you and forgive them. (Easier said than done... I know.)

16) Most problems aren't as big as they seem.

When problems show up, take a step back and breathe in deep. Try to gain a little perspective and you'll probably find out that the "huge, life changing" thing you're dealing with isn't as big as it seems.

17) Wait to send that text/email.

I'm not saying you can't write out that text or email explaining how you feel or why you're right, (AKA why they're wrong) I'm just saying that it's probably wisest to let the message sit for a day before you send it. You'll avoid a lot of unnecessary conflict. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up realizing that you don't need to send that note and there's a better way to deal with the conflict. (This is me speaking from experience.)

18) Don't be afraid to say "yes".

Say yes to helping whenever you can, say yes to helping a friend that's going through a hard time, say yes to what you think God is calling you to do and say yes to things that will stretch you.

19) Every day has the potential to be the best. day. ever.

And depending on your outlook, it will be!

These are just little things I've learned this past year. You can ignore them or learn from them, it's truly up to you. Here's to another incredible year!

Radical Standards.

"Never apologize for having high standards. People who really want to be in your life will rise up to meet them"

Purity is something that is often looked down upon in today's society. If you don't cuss, date every guy you meet and listen to the latest secular music (which is often terribly written... not to mention the horrendous lyrics) you typically can't fit in with the popular crowd, which means you often don't get a second look. (Or you get multiple looks because people can't believe how different you are.)

According to God, though, that's okay: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

As Christians, we're called to a different code. We're called to strive to live above the standards of the world and to be renewed by Christ. It's easier said than done, though. There's always someone that's going to tell you your standards are too high.

:"Call me crazy, but I think the first kiss is so special, I'm saving it for the altar.

For example, as a personal standard, I've decided to save my first kiss- yes, my very first kiss- for my wedding. (There's only one first kiss and I want to save that for my husband.) I know that's not a popular goal, but it's one I've set for myself. It's more than saving your body for your husband, it's going that extra step and saying, "I've been waiting for you, thinking of you and I've saved everything for you. That's how special you are to me." The other day, I was telling a friend about that goal and she disagreed with it. I have a few friends that do. They've said things like, "But what if he's a bad kisser?", "What if that first kiss is awkward?" and "How will you practice?". My answer is usually "So, what?"

There are always people that are going to ridicule you for the goals, guidelines and principles you set for yourself, but God calls us to the next level of purity. He calls us to be Holy; to be set apart; to be examples to fellow believers and for the rest of the world. Are we striving to reach those standards?

(Also, for the record, that standard I mentioned above is possible. Joel Smallbone from For King and Country and Moriah Peters, two popular Christian artists, saved their first kiss for the altar. It's possible. Not easy, but possible. Just a little side note there ;) )

People Pleasing: Part 1

Recently, my youth group did series on relationships. Really, the whole six part series was great and I gleaned a ton from it. The fifth sermon really hit home for me, though. It was titled "Escaping the People Pleasing Trap."

       People pleasing is something that I think, if we're honest, we all deal with. We want others to like us. We want to please them and make them happy. We never want to let them down. But it's a grave mistake to try and please everyone.

     Here are five ways that the people pleasing trap can hurt you:

       1) It causes you to miss God's purpose for you. When you're focused on other people, you can't focus on what God has for you as an individual. Instead, you're constantly trying to put all of your efforts into people you're trying to please, living in constant fear that you won't measure up.  Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe." When you're trying to keep everyone happy, you become a clone. That's not what God wants for you. He has a unique, wonderful purpose for you.

       2) It keeps you from growing in your faith. If you're all wrapped up in what other people think of you, you're looking for glory from other people.  John 5:44 states, "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" Others' glory is unnecessary. We only need God's approval.

       3) It leads you to sin. People pleasing leads to following the crowd- it leads to conformity. According to Exodus 23:2, “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd." 

       4) It makes you a hypocrite. When you're trying to be everything to everyone, you start putting on masks, using different expressions for different friends, telling different lies to each social group you hang around with. It's easy to forget who you told what. Luke 16:15 says, "He said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.’” 

       5) It silences your voice. John 7:12-13 describes a time when people were gossiping about Jesus.  "Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, ‘He is a good man.’ Others replied, ‘No, he deceives the people.’ But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders."

     Guys, (and girls, of course) it's time to stop following the crowd. Stop trying to make everyone happy. Take the words of Romans 12:2 to heart: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."

-To Be Continued-

More Like Family: Co-op

Omygosh, guys. It's almost June. We're a month away from 2013 being half over. How crazy is that?! However, I still have over 7 months of this year left and I plan to use them and enjoy them fully. That being said, summer has begun. Well, for me it has.

Monday marked the last day of co-op for the year. (Ah!!!) It was so exciting and so disappointing at the same time. No more homework? Yay! No more super early Monday mornings? Hallelujah. Plus, co-op being over means that summer plans get to come to being soon. (Summer camp, bonfires and crazy sleepovers, anyone?)

On the other hand, though, I'm really sad. I'm going to miss watching the little ones and trying to corral them. (Easier said than done, but hey!, they're worth it.) I'll miss singing with my worship team girls. I'm going to be depressed when I don't get to see my amazing friends. I'll miss my teachers. I'm going to miss the random conversations, (Journalism class. Enough said.) the crazy laughter, the occasional shocking moments, the weekly memory making... okay, you get the picture.

My co-op's more than an intense once a week class day, as I often describe it as. It's a family. It's a place to belong. It's a community.

I could list so many things I love about co-op, but I kind of already did that. I can't list all the crazy memories of the year- that would take all of summer break. (AND I am NOT spending all of summer break blogging photos and memories of the school year JUST to go back. I WILL enjoy this summer and it WILL be the best yet. (Seriously, though... it will be.)) But I can't leave this post without adding a few highlights from this year. It was truly amazing.

Twister Hobbit Movie night with my best friends, Mary, Bekah and Ky. Ky and Mary were talking the entire time: quoting the movie, speaking in whale, (thank you for serenading us, Mary. (-_-) ) and freaking out about Gollum. Of course, Bekah and I weren't much better... we talked a lot too. But, hey, at least WE didn't get locked out of the movie room!

Little kids. They're amazing. Most of my year was spent with little kids, believe it or not. They're a ton of fun! They're not really worried about making themselves look like idiots. They're more concerned with having fun. I think some adults (and teens) could learn a thing or two from the little ones around us.

The last day of co-op is always themed. This year was "Superhero day"! I dressed Thor inspired. (He is the BEST superhero, after all.) Before the morning started, I was helping watch the Z kids and I "borrowed" Cole's ninja mask so I could pose with the infamous "Nacho Libre" (Tommy)

The formal. I wish I had a decent photo of our whole group. Josh, Danielle, Lizzy, Bekah, Mary, Ky and I all went. It was a night to remember. We danced our feet off, we went a little crazy and when we were too tired to dance any more, we kept dancing. I saw some old friends and made some new ones. We danced and danced and danced and sang and made total fools of ourselves. So much fun!

Not sure why, but this photo makes me smile. Isaac got his hands on my camera and started snapping away while he was sitting in my car after co-op, talking to my sister and a couple friends. He got around 20 shots. This was definitely the funniest!

Omygoodness, don't get me started on how much I love this girl. She became like my little sister this year. She's super mature for her age and she's super fun to be around. From this year alone, we have a ton of memories and inside jokes.

The King Tut field trip was a blast! I love Ancient Egypt. The mystery and richness of the history... it makes me stand in awe (and shock) when I think of some the events that have taken place there. It was awesome to be able to see some of it in front of my very own eyes.

Oh, this picture makes me laugh, worry, (what WERE they doing?!) and tear up a little... Dani's not coming back next year and that... well, that's super sad. We've known each other for forever and she's not going to be in the area any more. (I'll probably post more on that later...)

This was taken on the last day of co-op this year. We always go to a park. I guess they were practicing their superhero moves? I don't know... still, so fun!

The Journalism team. This year was so much fun! Everyone brought something new and fresh to the table (literally... we had a round table...) and our articles were top-notch this year. Way to go, team!

Last day of co-op photo op with the girls! Next year just won't be the same without some of them. Each of them have impacted me in positive ways. Love these girls.

Meeting Hazel was a major highlight of my year. She's so precious and sweet. I love her so much already. I can't wait to watch her grow and follow God's plan for her life! She's going to do great things.

Well, I guess it's with that I say "I'll see you in my memories" to the co-op 2012-2013 school year.

And let's start summer off right with a fantastic quote.

What does it mean to be a Princess?

*Note: This post is for girls. Guys, feel free to read it\. It's how a girl wants to be treated. Just make sure you don't start acting  like a princess. We want a Prince or a Knight. :)


What do you think of when you think of royalty? Maybe you picture a castle with lush gardens and gushing, overflowing fountains. Maybe you think of a Princess in a far away land with long hair cascading down her perfectly fitted gown. Maybe you think of a valiant prince, awaiting the moment that he can set out to find his destiny. I think of Christ's followers.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," you might be thinking, "Christ's followers are royalty? I think you need a reality check. I follow Jesus, but I am far beyond royalty."

If this is you, I have some awesome news that will make your day. You are Royal.

Think about it: God is the King of Kings, right? You are His child. What does that make you? It makes you a princess.

What does it mean to be a Princess? It means that you are of royal lineage. You deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. You should act like a Princess, as well.

What does it mean to be treated like a Princess? Well, it was hard for me to put this into words, so I did what any smart girl would do: I googled "What does it mean to be a princess". What I found impressed me. I was left speechless. I came across a blog, http://theslickguy.xanga.com/, that answered the question to a T in my mind. After a little more exploration, I found out that the author is Christian!

Here's a couple paragraphs from the article: (Read the whole thing at http://theslickguy.xanga.com/553109820/what-does-it-mean-to-be-treated-like-a-princess/)

If a man treats a woman like a lady or a princess what would it look like?




There would be the obvious expressions, such as opening doors, offering coats etc. Another example would be a man treating a woman as though she has something valuable to say therefore listening to her intently. If this woman is a princess then he should be hanging on to what she says.



however, there are also things that if a man does he is not treating her as a princess. Some of these things however women generally like. For example, if a man calls a girl up the night before or the day of in order to ask her out he is not treating her like a princess. Also if a man hugs, pokes or otherwise flirts with a woman he is not treating her as a princess. Some may disagree with me, but if you think about it, try going to a land where there is a princess, and hug, poke and otherwise flirt with her. See what happens. I guarantee you it won't be a pretty sight. Why? because it is not being respectful of her, doing so is bringing her down to his level and is no longer viewing her as a true princess. He is viewing her as someone who is a friend and not someone who is to be revered, or held up in a special light. If he is to hug poke or otherwise flirt with this princess he needs to be dating engaged or married to her, and as such he would then hold a place where he would be allowed to physically and emotionally connect with her.




I honestly believe that this definition is spot on. Do you ladies agree?



How is a Princess to act? Once again, I decided to Bing the answer :) Here's what I found. (From Chacha.com)

A princess should act confident, have good manners, and be charitable. A princess should also be gracious, polite and patient. She should be compassionate and thoughtful and smile a lot.

I agree with this, but only if you are to be a Princess of the world. A Godly Princess should not only be those things, but even more. Let me add on my own 2 cents here.

A princess should act confident, have good manners, and be charitable. A princess should also be gracious, polite and patient. She should be compassionate and thoughtful and smile a lot. A princess should be secure in who she is because she is strong in the Lord. She should shine with His light. She should be a person people long to be around. She should be a Proverbs 31 woman. A Princess should carry herself with grace and dignity, but she shouldn't be afraid to laugh at herself. A princess is never stuck up and is always looking for ways to help others. A princess should be dependent on God.

Let me end this blog post with infamous Proverbs 31 chapter. Remember: YOU are a Princess.


10 A wife of noble character who can find?


She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

Thor: A Lesson in Friendship

Thor: one of the best movies ever made, in my opinion. Love, adventure, drama... this movie has it all. It's entertaining and fairly clean. There are a few swear words and some violence, but this is one of my favorites. It's right up there with "Joyful Noise", "The Chronicles of Narnia", "October Baby" and "Captain America". The storyline is simple, easy to follow and fun. Not only in this story well made, but it has good morals as well.

Thor shows what true friendship is. Dictionary.com defines friendship as this:

1. the state of being a friend; association as friends: to value a person's friendship.

2. a friendly relation or intimacy.

3. friendly feeling or disposition.

What does the Bible say friendship is? After looking on Biblequestions.org, I found the following:
 
"Some general teaching about friendship. In the first place, the Bible says, "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly" (Prov. 18: 24). Some are too distant to form friendships. There is great value in friendship. "Two are better than one," wrote the wise man (Eccl. 4: 9). A true friend will stand by, even in times of trouble. "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity," the Bible says (Prov. 17: 17). To the converse, the Bible speaks of false friends when it warns, "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint" (Prov. 25: 19). There are some people that are not desired to be friends. For instance, "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go" (Prov. 22: 24). A true friend will tell us when we are wrong. Hear the Bible, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Prov. 27: 6). Genuine friends must be cherished and not forsaken (Prov. 27: 10)."
 
While I knew these most of these verses, I found it very helpful to have them listed all together, as I hope you will, too. Being a friend also means sacrificing oneself for the another. John 15:13 says " Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." In the movie Thor Lady Syth and "The Warriors Three", as they introduce themselves to Thor's mortal friends, show true friendship. They risk it all to save their friend. Thor also risks his life for his friends in the end of the movie.
 
At the moment, it's quite late, so I'm going to continue my superhero posts tomorrow. Enjoy!