This one's for the Girls

I want to talk to all the young girls out there that struggle with their sense of beauty and self worth. I have watched so many girls get ripped apart by the world. We all struggle to hold to the worlds high standards of beauty. Not only does the world rip us apart, we rip ourselves apart. There are two types of beauty that I want to talk about: Artificial and Real.

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Think about the word, Artificial. It kinda gets stuck in mouth and sounds like a can of worms. It's something that isn't real, something that isn't special in any way at all. When you think of the word: Beauty, what do you think of? I googled: Beautiful Woman, and this is what the worlds standards of the word is:

Scanning the pages I quickly realized a theme: the majority of the woman had long, curly, blond hair, fair even toned skin, blue eyes, and wore a size 2 . If you're anything like me, you don't fall into all those categories. We are so easily pressed to want to hold up to the worlds standards. We'll dress the latest styles, wear the latest makeup, and style our hair to the newest trend. Because, we want to feel accepted. We think we have to appear flawless, perfect, whole, just like all the pictures we see in the magazines in the check out isle.

We think we have to appear beautiful all the time, everywhere, everyplace. Why? Cause who knows, there might be a cute guy that notices you when you're in town. But, is it really worth it? That one smile that he might give you, as you blush and quickly turn away, yet hope with all your heart that when you turn around he'll still be there? Yes, Hon, I know what I'm talking about, because I've been that girl hoping to catch the glance of a young man walking by. We do so much to get a little amount of acceptance. This is artificial. It's not real, and there isn't anything special about it.




So. We've talked about artificial beauty now lets talk about Real Beauty.

What is Real Beauty? It seems like the thing of fairy tales, a beautiful romance between prince and princess. Or the fact of the matter, what is a lady? Genuine Femininity, something not many woman know about anymore. It's something of grace and poise, respect for others, love and kindness. It sounds a lot like 1 Corinthians 13:

If I speak in tongues of me or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If i have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains , but do not have love, I am nothing. If i give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship[ that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love do not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects , always trust, always hope, always perseveres.

Love sounds a lot like something beautiful. Something worth striving for. This is true beauty, girls! If you end up treating people like it says in 1 Cor 13, you will be not only beautiful shinning on the outside, but gloriously shinning on the inside. And that's the side that truly matters.

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There isn't anything wrong with wanting to dress in the latest style and wear makeup, Goodness I do it! If you saw me on an average day I fall into the category of Hipster aka Skinny jeans, converse, and beanie/slouch hat. This is my style though, it's what I feel comfortable in and it's not me trying to gain any self assurance. We can dress in the latest styles but that doesn't mean we have to be pressured into doing it because everyone else is. Be yourselves, be who God made you to be and not what the world tells you to be.

I'm not trying to act like I have it all figured out. God has been bringing this verse back to my mind over and over. Enough for me to get the hint that He not only just wants me to read it, but live it out! If you want to go to a website that talks more about genuine femininity go to: Set Apart Girl Magazine.


Have a blessed week, this is my last week of sanity before I go back to real life aka College and work!

~Rachel

A Post on Beauty

This is the last piece I wrote for English Class. I was instructed to write about something prominent in Northern Michigan, something that made me love living here.

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   Northern Michigan is all I know: cold winters, warm summers, wet springs, and brisk autumns. Winter is the most prominent season in northern Michigan. Months filled with snow, cold, and wind, people complain about it and yet they don't think about all the joys there are: skiing/snowboarding, huddling up by a fire with coffee, and shocking beauty.

  Skiing or snowboarding is a must if you live in Northern Michigan. Bundling up: in snow pants,gloves, thick winter coats, helmets and ski masks. Braving out into the cold and racing down slopes, riding the ski lifts, while chatting with friends. Your adrenaline is up as you speed down the hill,  thinking on your toes as you maneuver over the grated snow and shape of the hill. 

  The lodge is a safe haven filled with laughter and friends. Warmth comes easily from the roaring fire and hot cocoa, making the cold outside feel like it never existed. Sooner then expected the urge to attack the slopes again enters your mind as heat envelopes you from head to toe.

 

  Snuggling into a fleece blanket, holding a cup of coffee, and staring into a beautiful fire can't be compared to anything else. The coffee warms your body, the blanket encases you like a welcomed hug, the fire radiates heat, and a golden light dances across the hard wood floors. Chatting with family members, and being warmed by the fire, laughter echoes through the house, remembering memories, and creating new ones.

  A winter in Michigan possesses incredible beauty. A beauty that takes your breath away, and makes you do a double take. It's not something that's constant like the Grand Canyon: Michigan winter's beauty comes and goes. Some days are dark and gray, and other days the sun shines as the snow falls down covering the ground with sparkling diamonds. Green and white splashes the forest as snow covers the pine trees and weighs down the branches making them bow down like a servant. Not

everyone that lives in Michigan finds it beautiful, they tend to focus on the cold, icy roads snow covered cars, and having to add more layers to stay warm. Michigan has a hidden beauty, you just have to look for it, being receptive and eager to winter, rather than complaining about icy roads and extra layers.

   Growing up in Northern Michigan I have learned not only how to dress warm and have fun in the cold, but most importantly to look for beauty in everything. It's not just in the landscapes of snow, but in the people that live up north. Everyone holds something beautiful about them whether it's their eyes, attitude, or personality. Northern Michigan is filled with people that care for one another, we share in our adventures, and in learning to brave a Michigan winter.

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Have a blessed week.

~Rach

Eucharisteo

   "Canceled." I read the text and shot back a demanding, "Why?!" A simple response, "The roads suck." I glance out the window and look at the huge snowflakes falling from the sky, slush covers the road and wind whips the snow laden branches. Immediate ungratefulness settles in my heart. "Why can't the plows get out there and clean the road off?! It's completely ridiculous that they haven't done it yet..."

  BAM. It hits. He tells me to knock it off and I sigh with regret. 

   I'm reminded of the message yesterday at church, the one about being grateful. But most importantly, being grateful for the little things. My pastor asked the kids to sit up front, and say what they were grateful for. They answered with: food, family, friends, life, cheese, younger siblings, shelter, and my all time favorite, chicken.

   Maybe we need to have the mind of a child, thanking God for the simple things, and having the faith to believe in Him (that's another blog post for another time.)

  

   We're well practiced in thanking God for the big things: praising His name after a surgery went well, and family member healed from cancer, but we very rarely remember to thank Him for the little things. Something simple and in our everyday life, but we don't do it. I pray that my friends and family will remember to not only thank God for the bigs but also for the littles.

Something simple? I don't think so...

 It's finally over.

This day has come to a close and my eyes threaten to close.

   Another typical day in my house. We joke at how many times people get hurt around here. Too many injuries, surgery, and stitches to count. Hospitals have always made me queasy. The smell of them leaks into my very body reminding me of all those days filled with cancer. Unlike the last times though this time we're here for something planned, it isn't life threatening and isn't horrifyingly scary. A simple knee surgery. Yet something yesterday made me quiver in fear. Three years filled with being in hospitals watching my Mom suffer along with my Uncle, made me scared whenever anyone went into the hospital. Even though my life has dramatically changed, I still have held on to this horrible fear...        

  

  We're all human and all very much inclined to being afraid but my question is why? Why are we always so quick to run to fear, rather than lifting our worries up to God and letting Him take it all? My answer: Because being worried/anxious is easier than giving them to God. When you really think about it though.. how stupid is that? We try to take it in: the pain, worry, and anxiousness when all we need to do is turn it over to God and let him transform that pain into freedom. 

   There's been one thing I've learned over these past few years: He'll set you free, but only if you let Him. Give Him all your worries, He can handle it, trust me. He loves you so much and wants nothing more than to have his Son/Daughter run to Him. Imagine Him, with eyes shinning down on you, standing there with open arms, and encasing you in his majestic arms. Taking all the pain and hurt from your life, and lifting the heavy burdens from your heart. 

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
~Deut 31:8~

The LORD is my light and salvation-- whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?
~Psalms 27:1~

Praise be to the God and Father of out Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trouble, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
~2 Cor 1:3-4~

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalms 46:1

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
~Isa 26:3~

Be anxious for nothing, but with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known  to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus
~Phil 4:6-7~

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's almighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
~1 Pet 5:6-7~

In Him,

Rachel

Ramble, Ramble, Ramble

If you read my blog I'm sorry I haven't posted anything in a couple of days. 

I'm bogged down with homework, and it's getting pretty intense.

I won't promise anything, cause after all I am human and don't keep all my promises.

Just to give you a just of what's new in my life( or rather what's not) :

Work

Homework, homework, homework....

#slouchhat I've discovered I love them. 

And for all those who know me, (For those who don't know me, my hair was pixie short.) my hair is getting longer! This girl is extremely happy! What ever gave me the silly idea to chop it all off anyways?

Snow. It's happened.

Needless to say converse, flats and cowboy boots are not going to cut in anymore. Boots are a must, along with mittens, hats, and winter coats, and maybe even long johns....

and.. lets see what else..

 I finally got up the nerve to share my story with my Drama Group. Can you say scary, nerve racking, and physicing out!?

God gave me strength to get through it and I managed to not cry!

okay i did get choked up.. but that's doesn't count!

Well that's all for now. I need to warm my fingers cause the college library is FREEZING!

Have a blessed week!

~Rach~

7000

Recently checking my page views on my blog I came across this number:

7000

From various countries:

Germany.

Canada.

France.

Ukraine.

Italy.

USA.

Russia.

Netherlands.

United Kingdom.

Belarus.

Israel.

 A smile ran across my face when I saw how many I actually had.

I had no idea.

7000, sticks in my head as a big crazy number. It reminds me of a verse in the Bible,

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

Matthew 18:21:22

There's something about the number 7 that I like.

 In all honesty though 11 is my favorite number, just in case you where wondering...

Jesus wasn't saying that we should only count up to 77 and then stop forgiving someone. He meant that we are to forgive someone unconditionally. 

Forgiving them, just like every day He forgives us.

Constant

With a constant drip-drop the rain pours down, decorating the library windows.

It hammers on the roof, making ears aware to the downpour outside.

Students run to the nearest buildings to avoid the wet drops that fall from the gray clouds.

Walking through it I don't hurry like all the others.

I watch the sparrows flit from the trees, flying to the nearest shelter.

The leaves quiver from the giant wet plops.

Clouds cover the sky, making it dark and dreary.

I lift my face to the clouds, walking at a slower pace.

The fifty degree weather is welcomed after two weeks of below freezing.

The sun is there the whole time, trying to peep through the gray thickness and remove the darkness.

A girl comments “It would be great outside if it wasn't raining.”

We all know that standing behind the heavy clouds is a bright glowing sun trying to get through.

It never gives up.

A Son that never gives up, and no, I didn't misspell.

Think.

You are me: walking through everything thing in life, taking time to “Smell the flowers.”

The clouds and rain is our pain.

And Jesus is the sun.

Never giving up, always constant, trying to peep into our life and and make the dark, cold pain go away.

The problem:

We rarely let Him in.

So, will you take the challenge and let God into your life.

Will you let him remove the pain from your life, and make you new?

~Rachel

Don't let it pass

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains 

The God of all creation.

What were we created for?

So many of us forget... We spend our day going through the norm.

You raise me up to more than I can be.

He has gifted us with salvation: a chance to spend eternity with him.

Think of living forever.

With someone who loves you unconditionally.

The King of Kings.

You raise me up to walk on stormy seas.

Our God,

Is Amazing.

Powerful

Majestic

Holy

Loving

Compassionate

Gentle

Kind

Mighty

I am strong when I am on your shoulders.

Never forget who He is, and don't let a day go by without praising him.

Not perfect

The church pew digs into my back making me rearrange myself. The pews in front of me are filled with kids of all ages. Laughter bounces off the walls as someone cracks a joke. A paper airplane flies over my head and a little boy chases after it. I listen to the boys boast about their achievement in video games, and girls chatter about the latest music, and clothes. Someone looks back and notices me in my pew.Offering a small smile I acknowledge him and go back to my homework. The TV is turned on. 
Heads shot up and everyone turns to face the screen. Silence echoes through the room. 

The entertainment is over and I walk down stairs to the kitchen. The older boys follow me down the steps for audition callbacks. Half of them look revealed that it's almost over and the other half look they just ate a frog. They head down to the basement with anxiousness and dread. I settle into my new study spot: another church pew. A little person comes over and sits next to me, smiling and watching me  type. She gets bored and flits away to her mom. Distraction enters my mind and I listen to the mom's conversations: hamburgers, broken arms, auditions, movies, teens, and purses. They notice me and smile.

Homework.Homework.Homework.

I haven't wrote anything in ages. Thus the life a college student. So.. here is a prop I recently wrote for class.---------

“If you need to use the bathroom or want something to eat we're stopping at McDonald's in 5!” our Youth pastor shouted from the front of the van. Lilly, Martin and I huddled under the blanket in the

middle seat. We roused from our positions. Sleep. That is all any of us wanted. Pulling into the parking

lot I looked at Lilly over Martin's head, his curly hair making it impossible to see Lilly on the other

side. 

“Do you have to go?” mumbling in non-cohesive voice

“Nope”, she replied in the same tone

Martin laughed, “ Well, I need coffee and food so I'm getting out!”

Lilly moved out of the way and Martin squeezed by. We looked at each other and giggled. We both

knew what the other was thinking: steal his blanket! We each grabbed the end of it and huddled

underneath making it impossible to see us. I leaned up against the window thinking “If I'm this giddy already and it's not even 10 o'clock yet, I should have grabbed some source of caffeine...”

Martin returned with enough food to feed an army, along with a cup of coffee. He took one glance at

us and knew he wasn't getting his blanket back. Lilly and I giggled either from the sleep deprivation or

his facial expression. He sat down and sipped his coffee, burning his tongue in the process. Lilly

glanced at his coffee, and shouted full of exuberance “Martin! Your coffee cup has free WIFI!” Mouth

full of food, Martin looked at me with raised eyebrows and I pointed at his coffee. On the side of his

cup it had the “WIFI” symbol. He looked at it and nearly choked.

Everything is funny when you're tired. 

Now that I've finally put something up here, I'm going to go back to doing homework, and drinking Mountain Dew to stay awake.

~Rachel

Sorry that the formats weird.. I'm too tired to fix it.....

Miracles

   I'm completely content at the moment. I have a moment. A moment to be still and pay attention to the things surrounding me. Crickets chirping outside my window, moths bouncing off my screens. Cool summer breezes entering my room making the hot humid air leave as an unwanted guest. Being still is something I can't remember doing in a very long time. It's seems as if so much has occupied my life in the past four months.. when really all I did was go to work and then come home and sleep.

    I worked this summer at a Garden Center. In the last month at work, things dwindled to a slow pace. It was just me and 5 other co-workers as compared to the 18 that were there in June. I started to grow close to my co-workers and became known to them as the "listener". They would rant and rave from everything about their Boyfriends/Girlfriends, ex-husband, siblings, things that made them tick, and something completely crazy as "what's better then a slurpee?".  I found out that people love to talk.. but very rarely do they like to listen.

 I was overjoyed when I was able to share my faith with one of them. She was talking about her Ex and how much she despised him and how she couldn't even stand being in the room with him. I was amazed as to how much she was opening up to me. I realized then that I needed to take this chance and talk to her about Jesus Christ. I began to share with her about my life, my Moms journey with cancer, and my Uncles death. She started to realize that I wasn't just some 18 year old girl who's really quite. But that I can actually relate to a lot of hard life situations. I knew that she would interrupt me and try to add unwanted comments. She told me of how she read books and how they were helping her cope with her Ex from 13 years ago. She suggested I read them. At that moment I was able to tell her that God got me through my hardships. She didn't believe me at first. I could see her guards go up, and she wanted to change the subject. She started talking about her Ex again... and again I decided to lay off a bit and listen again. Five minutes later after listening to her talk a miracle happened...

She asked me a question.

Through all her ranting, she decided to ask me a question.

"What do you think I should do about my Ex?"

I was completely astounded that she asked me this. I thought a moment. Looking down at the faded chair I was sitting in. God whispered the answer in my ear. The only true and right answer that I could give her. I looked her straight in the eye and replied 

"You need to forgive him."

I began explaining to her that we didn't deserve forgiveness either. But Jesus Christ came and paid the price of our sin dying on the cross for us. She looked at me and I knew without a doubt that she was going to contradict me. She did. She told me that he didn't deserve forgiveness. That he hurt, yelled, screamed at her and there was no way that she was ever going to forgive that man for what he did to her.  My lunch hour was then over and I had to go back to work. I didn't know if my answer was going to change her heart or not.

I found out two weeks later that it did. I was standing next to her plucking the heads off wax begonias... She started talking and I began listening, adding in my comments as needed. She started talking about how immature young adults were.. I started thinking *oh joy... what's she going to say about me..* She then said "You know what I'll remember about you?" I replied with a simple "What?" almost dreading her reply.

Looking me straight in the eye she replied-

"I'll remember how you always listened. And how you told me to forgive my Ex. I realized that you were right in forgiving him. I starting to forgive him now and if you hadn't of told me that I don't think I ever would have. Thank you." 

I was completely dumbstruck. I didn't know what to say for a second. I wanted to hug her and start dancing right there in the midst of the green house...but decided that in doing that she would probably think I was completely crazy.

All that time I spent listening to her. Paying attention when she needed me to. It left an impression on her. I can only hope and pray that in talking to her that I started a small change in her heart.

 I was able to befriend the hardest person possible at work. She trusted me enough to ask my opinion. She talked about everything with everyone that would listen. But she never, ever asked questions. She's the kind of person that always thought she had the answer to everything. For her to ask a question is unfathomable. It was a miracle from God. I'm still overjoyed that she actually listened to me. I can hardly believe it. I'm blessed that she choose to ask me..

It was a complete Miracle.

Praise His Name

 The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning. It's time to sing your song again. What ever may pass and what ever lies before me. Let me be singing when the evening comes.

Bless the Lord oh my soul.

Oh my Soul.

Worship His holy name.

Sing like never before.

 Oh my soul.

I'll worship your holy name.

10,000 Reasons~ Matt Redman

Such a beautiful simple song.

The band played this song multiple times when I went to Chicago for Dare 2 Share. 

Every time they played it, hands all over the stadium would raise in praise to our heavenly Father.

It would give me goosebumps every time. 

 He has given us so much.

About three months ago I took pictures during a worship service. It was amazing to see the personalities in people come out.  There were the people that would raise and clap their hands to every song. Then there would be the ones staring at the words on the screen not looking at them but past them. Then the ones looking around at everyone else, staring at people. And of course the people that saw a person with a camera (me), and immediately either turned off, or started pretending to worship as if to pose for the camera..

Do we truly worship Him?

There are so many way we can worship our heavenly Father.

Sometimes we get so stuck on the fact that we have to sing and raise our hands to worship God. 

By believing that you couldn't be more wrong.

 It doesn't just have to be vocally.

You can worship God by

1.) Obeying Him.

2.) Serving others.

3.) Sharing your faith with someone.

4.) Praying.

5.) Thanking Him.

There are so many ways to worship our heavenly Father.

What way do you worship Him? What way do you honor and glorify His name?

~Rachel

Blessed~

Blessed.

The word that pops into my head when I think about this past week.

A week of giggles, laughter, smiles, instruction, friendship, and family.

Purity Ring Drama Group had it's annual play this past weekend. My second family, and I performed a comedy. We were told by numerous people that this years play was the best one yet!

I call them my second family because that is what they are. We are a team. We work together, rely on each other, and we stick together in the thick and thin.

 When you stick teens, and children together that all have two things in common. Incredible things are bound to happen.

The first~We all have a vast love for our Heavenly Father.

The second~  We are all homeschoolers. Taught by our Moms and Dads, teaching us the ways of the world.

The first one is the most important.

Relying on God to get us though numerous practices and performances.

He gave us the strength to get though it all. 

There were joys, and sorrows, but what I've come to find out is that the joys always overrun the sorrow.

I got to spend an incredible week with my best friends, a week that I will never, ever forget!

~Formal day, Opening Performance ~

This was my last year in Purity Ring.

 I am truly Blessed to have been able to be apart of it.

 I'm going to miss the long Monday afternoons rehearsing  a scene over and over again. The races towards the kitchen for food, the costume pinning, giggles from the girls, swing dancing in a toe socks, and the chairs that seemed to never go in a straight line..

 The little hands that reach into mine holding tightly as if they would never let go.

The little girls that told me they were going to follow me everywhere, and asked me to sit by them because they were lonely.

I love each and everyone of these kids. We have learned so much from each other. We have grown our friendship, reconstructed old, and built knew. 

For this I am Grateful. 

Thank You Miss Julie, Mrs,Walker, Mrs Jordan, Leah, Mom's, Dad's and Cast!

~You have truly shown me how Blessed I am~

Yours~

Rachel

~Bare feet~

Summer
It's almost here..You want to know how I can tell? My horses are shedding their winter coats, not in vast amounts mind you, but on their head, little hairs are starting to shed..


I am excited about it, so many things come in the spring.
Flowers
Warm weather
Soft Breezes
Fresh smells

Although Autumn is my favorite season, I truly do love them all. Living in Northern Michigan you get just the right amount of Summer, and Winter. Winter isn't unbearably cold, and just when you are about to get sick of the ice, spring comes. Summer isn't stifling hot, and when you are tired of sunburn, and sand in your car, fall comes. 

To those of you living in similar places, you know what I mean, if you love in Florida, or Texas, well just stop reading and go back to what you were doing ;)

I have heard so many people grip and complain about how they "Hate winter" or "I was late to work cause I had to shovel off my car"I'm not pointing fingers at anyone, in fact this morning....


Scrambling out of bed, I had already slept in to late, wishing I could lay there for another ten minutes, I crawled out thanking God tomorrow was Saturday and I could sleep in a bit. I shrugged on my coat, hat on my head and flannel pj's shoved into my boots and headed outside into the wind. I actually thought to myself "Why did God even create Winter!"  I walked up to the chicken coop, grumbling to myself about being stupid enough to not have grabbed a pair of socks to wear inside my uninsulated rubber chore boots, and grabbed a pile of hay for the horses. They looked at me, heads going up and ears pointed, even though they already had some of their food, they     
 nickered at me.

As I opened the Rabbits cages, grabbing their dishes and banging them on the side of the building to knock out the ice, they hopped around in their cages knowing sweet, fresh warm water was coming their way.  Buddy, the most timid rabbit, came up to me while I was giving him food and started drinking.


Grateful

 That's what the horses were, they stayed outside in the wind and the cold, and stood with their butts to the wind, waiting for their breakfast in the morning.They have to rely on people to take care of them and feed and water them, they can't do it by them selves.The Rabbits, being excited with fresh water, enough to have the timid one come near my hand to get a drink.


In their own way, they were grateful

So, are you grateful?
Was your car warm on the way to work?
Did you have enough gas to get to work?
Did you have food to eat for breakfast?
Do you still have your job?

~1 Thessalonians 5:18~
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you


~Rachel

Past, Present, and Future

Oh me oh my! I looked at the last time I posted something on my blog... and just about died!

A month.

 A whole whoppin' month. A month were I have entered into my last semester of High school, the beginnings of play rehearsal, the joining of the  Younglife College Bible Study.

I came to the realization a few days ago..

(who would of thought it would have taken this long to figure out)

I.am.growing.up!

Let me tell you darlin' I'm scared, excited, and nervous all at the same time!

There's driving, college next semester, an open house to plan, school to finish, lines to memorize, 

and needless to say figuring out what I'm going to do with my life!

I had it all figured out,

 I was going to be a Vet technician, and get my degree at the community college.

Well...

They decided ( the college) that they weren't going to add the program until 2015!!

 I pretty much died when I heard that!

I mean seriously, I have to wait two years! When my plan was to be done with college with my degree by 2016..

By then after hearing this news, I was like"Okay God, this is totally not funny! 

I had my life all figured out I was going to be done with college, have a job all in a matter of 3 and a half years, why did this have to happen!"

And believe me, I'm still asking God why.

Why

that word can mean so much, when it's only three letters.

Sometimes our plans, our what we think is brilliant plans, get turned on their head, and in response to that, what are we suppose to do?

    Let me tell you what I'm going to do.

I'm going to go to the community college as planned, and get my general education under my belt. 

but in the meantime I'm going to 

Wait

Wait, rely on God to show me what to do, to put my future, my plans, that I've made into 

His Almighty Hands

God knows what he's doing people, I mean come on! 

He created you, he knows what you are doing every hour of the day, He knows your beginning and your end.

 Do you think that the God of the universe, could handle something as simple as your future?

I think yes.

"For I know the plans I have for you,"declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future" 

Jeremiah 29:11