Its funny how plans don't ever seem to quite work out. You know you wait all week for the perfect weekend and then something comes in and ruins it? well, I'm not saying that this particular weekend is like that but I've had a lot of those recently. So I got to thinking and realized the simplest thing when I was reading the Word. Gods plan prevail. not. mine. We get so caught up in our own day to day lives and don't just stop to recognize God's glory, His grace, Love, and presence in the intricacies of the world. He is almighty and all knowing and only He knows what is best for us. And here's the kicker: God says to obey Him. Not to complain and throw a hissy fit if He doesnt give us what we want. I've been the hissy-fit-throwing-2-year-old lately and I'm sure God's getting tired of it.

All of this to say, I'm letting go of my plans as hard as that is to say because I love being in control. But God knows best. He guides me and provides for me and He has never failed me :)

time management

so i've put this blog on the back burner for a while...oops! i've had a TON going on! but now its the weekend and i can just sit and relax and even blog :) Halloween is this weekend and I'm really excited to go dress up with my friends and watch scary movies that I hate but secretly love! its going to be awesome! i'm going to Mckays on saturday to see what magnificent treasures they have there, i havent been since last semester. I love books so i'm sure i'll wind up wasting a lot of time and money, but WHO CARES? its fun! :)

My best friends birthday is today! We've known each other since we were about 2yrs old and its amazing how close we've remained. I'm so thankful for her today.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Halloween!

the past few eventful weeks

well i survived.

the past few weeks have been...well...exhausting. i've had a test in just about every class along with projects, homework, lab reports, etc. Its definitely been trying, but its FALL BREAK. i have 5 days of no school and just chilling out with my family:)

God has taught me a lot. He's taught me the importance of the people He's put in my life. He chose them each individually for different reasons and they might not stay for my whole life or even for month but the important thing is- they're there.

Thank You Lord for those people.

Tests, projects, reports, and whatever else there is thrown at me---will never break me. God is my strength.

James 1:1-4

is it really already Wednesday? seriously? where did this week go?

well, last week was simply insane. thats the only real word i can use for it that does any justice to what i was feeling, which was OVERWHELMED. this week has been 1000 times better and less stressful but not completely stress free.

I went on a retreat last weekend, where i spent several hours alone in the solitude of Christ. It was magical. I honestly thought that i would hate it because i do NOT like being alone. but I had the opportunity to organize my mind and allow God to take my troubles away from me.

I learned that if i give everything over to God and I mean EVERYTHING then i feel better. Not only better, but I can trust and rest in the fact that HE has a magnificent plan :)

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

Sinking....

I'm incredibly overwhelmed these days.

I've never felt so stressed, over worked, under appreciated, or sleep deprived.

Its insane.

I know God will carry me through, but its just so hard to trust. I have problems right here and right now, that I want an immediate answer to. I know I have to trust Him because that's the only place that I'll find rest and peace. So here's my prayer-- God of the Universe, Creator, Savior, Father, Friend, please deliver me through this time of trouble. As it says in Isaiah 43, You will not let me be burned by the fire and the waters will not overwhelm me when i'm with You. Guide me through these next few days, as I know you will, but just take over for me. I can NOT do it. I am a weak human and cannot do anything of my own accord. You created the universe, no organic chemistry test or genetics exam will phase you. You know all things. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Its you in me, God. Thank you so much for Your unending love and mercy. I love you Lord. You are my stronghold in times of trouble. No other can calm me like you. You are my Father. Amen.

Stress of this world will always be present but God will take your burdens if only you let him. Psalm 55:22- Cast your burdens on the Lord and he will sustain you.

treausre

coming back to nashville this weekend i was thinking and listening to music, just kind of reveling in the beauty of the drive. its such a magnificent drive with all of the hills and trees.

anyways, i was driving and listening to some music, some christian and some not. while i was listening, i heard some lyrics that i dont even remember what song they came from, but it was talking about how WE are God's treasure. it took a little while for that to sink in. You mean to say, that I am His treasure?!?!?! ME--a dirty, rotten sinner, not worthy of God's gaze much less His love. Its a concept not too foreign for me, I mean I've been in sunday school and church where they briefly mention God's love for us through saying that God sent His Son to die for us so that we are saved. Such a beautiful picture of sacrificial love, yet it gets overlooked because of its common use. When thinking about being God's treasure, i started to wonder- WHY? why does He want me? Im no where good enough. I mess up every day. I fall short every minute. But then, the sunday school teaching kicked in. When Christ died on the cross for our sins, His blood covered every past sin, every present sin, and every new sin. When God looks in His book, He will not be able to see that on September 7, 2010 I screwed up 11000 times. He'll only see His absolutely perfect and blameless Son because I've accepted the invitation to follow Christ. This does NOT give me a get out of jail free card by any means. I still have to ask for forgiveness and I try my best to lead a righteous life worthy of Christ, but before I even get out of bed I know that it is not possible. I CAN however, accept that God in His infinite love for me and for His Son, WILL forgive me. His mercy is never ending. His love is never failing. His GRACE is everlasting. And that is why on my ride home yesterday I fell in love with my Savior all over again. He's my Father, my Redeemer, my Joy, and my Peace.

We find Peace when we rest in God alone.

20 years later.....

in 18 minutes i'll be 2o years old.

OMG.

IM OLD.

looking back on the last 20 years i've had only a few constants in my life.

God, family, and friends.

it doesnt matter where i am or what i'm doing. they'll be there to support me and cheer me on.

so while i'm celebrating my sweet 20 years of life and still feeling like a sprite 16 year old that just got my VW bug at the Marriott in Birmingham, I'll be thinking of all the wonderful people who have brought me to this grand stage of life. Where i might trip and fall, but shoot what's the fun in being perfect.

Good night world, next time i'll see you i will be 20! :)))