Happiness

Happiness!!!
Merry Christmas!
    It is Christmas eve eve, ah! Almost time for the "big man" to come! This truley is the most wonderful time of year! I am totally OBSESSED with Christmas, so this season makes my heart wonderfully happy! This blog is devoted to just that, happiness! Being home for more than a weekend and not having to worry about a lick of school work, happy! Sitting around with my family watching a variety of Christmas movies that warm your heart, happy! Two words, Christmas.Lights...HAPPY! Being at the parents house and not having to by my own groceries, whew, happy! Meeting new friends and also getting to reunite with the old, overjoyed!
    But there is something about this time of year that makes me even more happy than all of these extreamly awesome things...getting to wish my Savior happy birthday! I love birthdays, ask anyone! I love making people feel special on their big day; I mean like, you're alive another year, that is a reason to celebrate! With that being said, why not take time to celebrate the birth of my best friend, Jesus! During the year, I think we, as a society, get caught up in the hub babaloo of life. We get to this time of year and do our duty of singing a few Christmas songs about Jesus's birth and call it a year. But see, that is where we are wrong. Christmas is the time where we celebrate the birth of Christ but the honoring of this Man should not stop there, he didn't. Jesus life didn't end at birth; nope! He continued to live a sinless life and did the ultimate sacrifice, he died for you and for me. So see, we shouldn't make the celebration of Jesus a one time thing, nope! We should make this time of year a BIG deal but at the same time, keep on with it the other 364 days a year!
   I hope you all have a wonderful and Merry Christmas! I am so extreamly happy for everthing God has blessed me with in the year 2011 ,and I am overjoyed to see what the year 2012 has in store!
 --Merry Christmas!

Thankfulness

         What a glorious day Thanksgiving 2011 has been. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends that I do not get to see quite as often. I enjoy eating homecooked meals that I didn't have to prepare, and completly not worrying about school for atleast 24 hours (always a plus)! But today has always been a day of reflection for me. The year 2011 has held so many changes in my life; from healthy lifestyle changes to whom God has placed in or removed from my life. I have a certain few, whom this time last year I hardly knew, that now mean the world to me; no matter if they are in Florence or in another state doing civil duties. I am so thankful God has placed Christ serving friends in my life who I have the priviledge of hanging out with. For you , I am very thankful.
        I have a family who I would stand up against any other; they are who I am. Don't get me wrong, all families are not perfect, we certainly are not. But we strive to serve not just one another but serve together in Christ. I am so thankful for Godly parents who have raised me to be the woman I am today. I am thankful for Christian loving grandparents who cared enough to cook food for me today (: I am thankful for my siblings, who even though sometimes we disagree, we can still laugh about pretty much anything! Gotta love good family inside jokes (;
        I am a daughter of Jesus Christ, who came and died for me (and you); He did that for me!! HOW AWESOME is that! I am so thankful for my Salvation. I hope you don't think I just say these things because it is a line from something I am trying to pull on you. Jesus Christ is my best friend. Do I fail him? Why of course I do, but I strive to life an edifying life for the one who gave ALL he had for me. Wow, how humbling!
        To all of those who serve our great country, I thank you! This past year God as allowed me to meet some amazing people, with a few of them being servicemen/women. They have helped me better appreciate the sacrifice so many make for our country and go so little noticed. That is not the case with me any longer. I am so thankful for the certain few friends I have that are currently serving. You are making a sacrifice I am not willing to make, and for that, my gratitude is ..well...there are no words.
      I am not perfect; God proves that to me everyday. But I strive to life a fullfilling life for the One who created me. So, today I am thankful for having another day to spend with my family, talk to my friends, Facebook creep and eat pie! I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday and continue to be thankful the other 364 days of the year!

Part of That World?

      Ariel from The Little Mermaid said it best when she said she simply wanted to be "part of that world". But do I really want to be a part of "the" world or simply live for Christ in His world? This made me think... my graduation is getting much closer than what I had originally thought. It is looking like I have roughly three semesters remaining then I will be a "big girl". That is CRAZY!!! Coming to this realization lit a fire under me the other day that has changed my perspective on many things. I want to be the best candidate for a future news reporter position that I can be. I want to travel the world, reporting on fascinating and interesting stories where I can. I truley feel God has placed a passion in me to "get out". I do not mean like literally pack my bags and leave tomorrow, but I have just always felt this fire and passion to go BIGGER and BETTER!! But not only do I want to go big or go home in this world, but I want to make a difference...a difference for Christ!
           With upcoming internships, job shadowing and future job positions, I am already praying that God will place me where HE wants me, not where I want. I have came to a place in my walk with Christ and in life that I am willing to go wherever the Lord leads, whether that is in my hometown or thousands of miles away. Everyday I realize more and more how blessed I am to live in a free country, have been raised by a Christian family and be attending the school that God has chosen for me. So many times I know I am unappreciative for what God has given to me but I desire to simply live for Him. It is never easy to live a devoted life for Christ, sometimes it takes courage to stand firm. One of the verses that has really been on my mind recently is found in Deuteronomy 31:6. This verse states, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” When it comes to thinking about graduating, future job positions or even future relationships, I can get myself all worked up. But I have come to realize through this verse God commands me to be courageous for I know that He will never leave me nor forsake me!
         So yes, I desire to be a part of that world, the world of TV news and television, but not a part of "that" world. I feel called and a strong desire to be set a part in this world. This blog is nothing very special, just simply a few things that have been on my heart recently. My prayer today is that I can used by Christ to impact the world in ways He wants, not my own desires. I pray that other Christians will realize this as well and make a stand for the cause of Christ. The chorus of the new song entitled "Courageous" by Casting Crowns goes as follows:
      We were made to be courageous
      And we're taking back the fight
     We were made to be courageous
     And it starts with us tonight
...Will you be courageous today for the cause of Christ and decide to be a part of His world and not your own?

Little Bit of This..

    Hellooo to a new school year! I can not, I repeat can NOT believe I am in my third year of college. Whew, where has the time gone! I am so excited about what God has instore for this upcoming year! I love new semesters; I love meeting new people, restoring old friendships and getting to advance my education (I know I am a school nerd). But really, I am very excited for what the 2011-2012 school year is going to bring. Since my last post, I had the wonderful opportunity to go on my first mission trip ever down. I went to Tuscaloosa and help build two Habitat for Humanity homes for families who had lost everything in the April tornadoes! Wow, what a humbling experiance that was. I spent most days doing interior work, which meant building safe rooms in the houses. That work included endless hours of drilling and nailing into metal, whew were my arms SORE! I have never been more tired than I was that week (or had flat hair for that long of a period of time, ha) buuuut it was worth every second! It made me want to do more mission work more often! It is an amazing feeling to know you are smack dab in the middle of Christ plan, doing His work!
     With getting back into the swing of things for school, I was a slight bit nervious how this year was going to go. This summer brought a lot of changes in my life. I really felt my heart changing towards different things, interest and people. I did not know how things were going to go once everyone was back into town. However, we serve a really cool God. He took some areas in my life that I was so nervious about and turned them into good. God is doing some really amazing things through the lives of some of fellow Christian friends on campus right now! I can see it, I can feel it and I can sense His prescence!
     I have fully started being in my major now in school, which is Broadcast Journalism, and so far, I am loving it! As a little girl, I always wanted to be a news reporter; I use to stay up late at night just to watch the news before I went to bed (I know I know I am a nerd). But really, it has always been my dream, and now to see my dream coming true is very surreal! Like, I get so excited thinking I am going to get to hopefully travel the nation reporting news..ahh!! My dream is D.C., but we shall see where God leads!
     Thanks for reading my blog..nothing to too fancy in this one, just a little piece of my brain! I am sure throughout the semester I will write more...well, that is if I have time (:

It Has Been Awhile...

   Hope you have time to read, this is a long one! (:      ...... Man, it is has been a few months since  I have posted, and a lot has seemed to go on since then.. but then again not much at all. This summer has been a whirl wind, and low and behold, it is almost over! Last fall my intintions were to be gone to a summer camp all this summer. I tried out for one that I especially wanted, but did not make the cut when it came time to be a staffer. So, I took that as a cue to stay local. I was then practically handed another opportunity to work a second part time job this summer; I mean God just LAYED it in my lap. Isn't it cool how it works like that sometime. But I had to major goals that I wanted to accomplish this summer and I suppose I might share them with you.  
   “The LORD is my strength and my defense^; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2
       This is the latest verse I have found and absolutly love it. This pretty much sums up my feelings and love towards Christ. If there is one thing I have learned this summer is that I want to be radically changed for Christ. It is not something that I any longer want to proclain and not live. God calls us, His people, to give up of ourselves and to follow him; fully, completly, and with all we have. Romans really gives up a pretty plain command in chapter 1 verse 1, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
      The thing I have learned this summer is I have to give my whole self to God; mind, body, actions. Give everything I have to him. So many times, we as Christians, say to God , "Ok I will give you everything exxxcept this one small area." I know I did, or still do. We are human beings who think we can handle our small problems on our own, that God doesn't need those or can't use those. WRONG! He can! My area that I have still been holding onto in my physical health. Since this past January, I have made the decision to no longer live the way I have all my life; living , eating, and consuming things that are in excess and unhealthy to my body. I have always thought this was my body so ultimatly my problem. But with growing closer to Christ this summer, I have came to understand he wants this part of me! Do you know how hard that is, hard to tell the Lord okay I am going to give you this little area in my life I thought I could handle but apparently I cant?
     Giving our all to God is very freeing! I am not saying everyday is a breeze or will be one, but with Christ, every day is new day in Christ, that he has made so we can praise him with all we have. We were put on this earth for one reason and one reason only, to love and serve Him. I am just as guilty as the next person , allowing my life to become so consumed and so busy with "life" that at the end of the day I think, what have I done for God today. That has STOPPED! I do my best to get up every morning in prayer, whether it is getting dressed, driving to work or eating breakfast; I really try to just say "Lord this day belongs to you."
     Please do not think I am some perfect Christian and now have all the worlds "problems" figured out, I am not and I don't. I still have days where I feel I have failed Christ that day, not living and sharing Him like I should. But all God ask is we realize our wrong, talk to Him about it, and start new the next day..that's it!
      So what are you holding back from God today? Is it your health, time, job, money..whatever it is, trust God. Give it to him! I cannot begin to describe the love he has to offer if you just hold up your arms inviting him in!

Blessings
--G--
    

So I've Been Thinking...

    While sitting at home the past two days doing nothing but reading and sleeping after surgery, I have had a lot of time to think. God has been showing me some things lately through the Bible study that we have been going through at The Well called "Radical". This book is by the author David Platt, and with only reading into a small portion of the book, I feel my thoughts about life situations are becoming "radically" changed. What I mean by that is I am working on giving every situation in my life to Christ.
    One of these situations that really is hitting home is relationships; whether with friends or something more. I hold friends in my life extreamly close to me; they are practically family away from family. If I have 'beef' with a friend, I can not stand to have it very long and usually end up appologizingfor my behavior and mended broken bridges. God is showing me I can't radically change my life without having peace in my life. I am working on that. Another area is relationships, like dating. This area is huge in my life right now. I feel like everyone I know is either married or getting married. But this is the conclusion I have came to; God has a perfect plan for me. And in the plan includes a beautiful God orchrestrated love story that is better than anything I can ever imagine. So it is my job to sit back, relax, and fully rely on Him (I am working on that too).
  Early Sunday morning, my rooomate Mollie Malone's brother, Elliot, was in a severe automobile accident. He has currently lost both legs, appendix, gallbladder, has a broken arm, hurt liver, and bad lungs. But he is STILL ALIVE! I look at my 'problems' in life and am humbled by how small they really are. Elliot is a man of Christ who is relying on Him to get him through. It is a true miracle Elliot is still living and it has made me realize Christ faith is sufficient.
   So as I sit here doing nothing but thinking and chilling post surgery, I am realizing a lot about myself and walk with Christ. I know I don't say this enough but I am grateful for my family and friends. Even if we have had our differences and are no longer as close, I still love you an pray for you. If Elliot's accident has taught me anything, it is live everyday to the fullest for Christ. Sharing His word and letting those you love know it. For we don't know the time or minute when God will decide to call us home!
   Have a good afternoon.
Be blessed and tell someone you love them <3!!
----1 Peter 4:11
    If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Are You Hiding or Seeking?

   Latly in my devotion time, God has seemed to continually be leading me to the same types of Bible passages. Like it's almost weird because every night I am being shown the same things, which must mean He is trying to tell me something, ha! So what is this 'special' thing I have been learning? Well, I am glad you asked...
   
   Deuteronomy 4:29--"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."
    Seeking Christ; yes, I have heard this term pretty much my whole life, but what in the world does it actually mean, personally, for me? Remember the childhood game hide-and-seek; where one person counts to some random number while the other kids run and hide? I loved this game, even though I was terrible at it. Like I mean terrible. I would always get tired and impatient and end up turning myself in just so I didn't have to wait any longer. Yea, I was that kid. But recently, God has been showing me I am being that same person in my relationship with Him. God is saying seek me, just simply seek who I am, my desires for you, my will and way. This sounds simple right? But remember, I am the person who is impatent, who gets tired of waiting and "jumps the gun." God is showing me, I am wrong. I need to seek him, wait for him, desire him in all situations in life: relationships, friendships, family, etc.
   
  Luke 22:42--"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
       I am learning that in this so called game of life, that my role, as a Christ follower, is to quit hiding from God and seek his face. I am also learning that the more time I spend seeking him, the more I love him. Like sometime my love for Christ is so strong, I can feel it so much, it can almost take my breath away. Do you know that kind of love from Christ? I pray you do, and if not, I would love to share with you about it!
   
    The words to one of my favorite worship songs goes as follows: "The more I seek you, the more I find you. The more I find you, the more I love you." I pray this can become true in your life as well as mine. For me, it is a daily decision I have to make. I have to wake up every moring and tell myself, "Not my will but your's be done." It's not easy at first. I stll at times see things through 'human' eyes, but I am working at it. Please hold me to it too.
-Hope you all have a wonderful Friday, stay cool, take a walk in the sunshine, and love each other!

Blessings
--G--

Let go and let God!

     Ah, I love goreous and sunny summer Saturdays (like all those 's' words? lol). I am back in the good ole town of Florence, and even though my time visiting my parents was nice, it feels great to be back in a routine of things.
   So, I am feeling the need to step into deep waters tonight, so get your boots on okay? Cause here we go...
Relationships are definied as the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. Since I now know that I am the personality type "ESFJ", I honestly feel that I understand who I am on a deeper level. The top three traits of this type is caregiver, person in charger, and deep feeler. I am FOR SURE all of those. But I want to really focus on the last one, a deep feeler. I have always been this way. I hold friendships, all of them, very near and dear to my heart. I don't look to make just here and there friends (even though I have them); I look to make life lasting relationships with people I come in contact with. This trait can be very good, but a lot of times can bite ya in the rear. I can honestly say I have never been in a full fledged dating relationship. Yes, I have been on a few dates, even in some half relationships, but none of those were very healthy. I am thankful for the things I have went through, even if they ended void, because without I would have not learned valuable lessons about myself, others or most imporantly what and who God has planned for me.
     I have been reading this amazing book entitled, When God Writes Your Love Story. Even if you are currently dating someone, this book is a MUST READ; it is honestly changing my life one word at a time. But this book talks about giving your "pen" to Christ, meaning to stop trying to hold onto control of everything (even relationships) and allow God to illustrate the most beautiful story ever imagined. I am learning that God really truley and honestly has an amazing plan orchestrated for me, but I have to quit putting my own feelings and desires in to the mix and give Him my "pen".  I am working on this, for it is a daily task I must conquer. With recent relationships I have went through, I tried to handle things on my own, make things happen that shouldn't have, pushed my ways on God instead of His on me, and in result got hurt, really hurt. But see, it was a learning lesson. I have since learned I was dumb, reaaaall dumb.
    I desire to know, follow, seek and live the will God has for me and trust that who He brings into my life, for friends or dating relationships, will be whom He he has orchestrated, but I have to surrender my ALL to Him. As I said, this is a daily battle for me; I am working on it. But my control freak like nature gets in the way many times and I result in getting hurt. If only I would have listened to Him first I might not have gone through it. But at the end of the day, I know God still loves me, still wants me, and still has my best interest at heart. I just encourage you to give your "pen to Christ".. Simple let go and let God!!

Total Rest and Relaxation

       Hola mi amigos!

  It has been a few days since I posted last, so I thought I would catch up on a few things!
The end of Spring 2011 semester was very bittersweet. This was the first time, since I lived in the dorms,
to not have to move out once finals were completed. It was such a strange feeling helping a few of my friends
move out knowing I will be in Florence all Summer. I am excited about my summer plans, really! The Lord really blessed me with an excellent second job and I will also be attending school, via online nonetheless. So, since my summer is going to be CRAZY hectic with jobs, school, VBS, vacation, dinner nights, Bible studies, church, mission work, and working out, I thought I would spend a few days in my homeland before all this craziness begins!
    Home is defined as a person's country, city, etc., esp viewed as a birthplace, a residence during one's early years, or a place dear to one. My home, or my growing up place, is in a small town in north Alabama. I am proud of my little town, not much there; however, it is where my fondest memories have taken place. I consider myself very close to my family, and even though I love living on my own, spending a few days with them has been much needed! But since being "home", I have rummaged through my old memory box, a box full of pictures, letters, and items from early childhood until now. It is so cool to relieve some wonderful times in my life; times when I didn't care what the world was wanting me to be, who I wanted to become, or what others expected of me. But a time when I was a kid, simply being a kid not caring about nothing else but having fun!
   Some like to call me their "mom away from home". Which basically, I am, haha! I took my personality test thingy the other day and it said I am an ESFJ; meaning I am an extravagant, feeling! I am serious y'all, this test hit the nail on the head. Most people with this personality type are control freaks, mom figures, care takers, sensitive at heart, and good advice givers. I feel like I fit these roles, honestly. But I feel responsible for so many people; friends, family, peers, I feel as if its my responsibility to "take them under my wing". Ugh I don't know where I am going with that thought but mainly, if you need me, EVER, I am here. To bake cookies, dinner, hug you when you cry, walk with you when you need to vent, scream and be mad when you are furious, or tell you like it is only to better yourself!
    I've rambled enough, I am not even sure if any of this blog makes a lick of sense, but oh well! I am anxiously returning to my "new home" mid-week, aka Florence, and I am ready to start my crazy/busy/fast pact/no free time summer! To tell you a secret, I dislike summer breaks, always have. I love school (yes I am a nerd and embrace it) and I literally get giddy thinking about Fall semester getting here. Fall means new friends, new classes, Saturday football games, fun leaf piles, and cooler air! AHH!! See I am already excited!!!
     --Blessings--
            G

Leading By Example..

     "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and becoe more, you are a leader."
-John Quincy Adams

    Yesterday was a very significant holiday, Mother's Day! I had full intentions of blogging yesterday but ran out of time, so here I am! In my opinion, I have the best mother around. Not only is she my mom, but my best friend. We have our moments where we fuss and disagree, but at the end of the day, my mom is always there for me. I am so thankful and blessed that God blessed me with not only an amazing God fearing mom, dad as well. Mother's Day is not only a day to celebrate our mothers, but a day where we can be thankful for the family God has blessed us with.
   Since I was a little girl, I have wanted to be a mom. My sister and I were just joking yesterday how when we played "house" growing up, I was always the mom/teacher/boss and always made her be the lesser character. It has always just been a strong pull of mine to someday be mom. When I first was deciding what major to go after in college, I was convinced teaching was for me. My thoughts were I become a teacher, then one day a mother, and then I can be home with my family. However, God had a different plan. I am now in the process of becoming a TV News Anchor, my ultimate passion. I know that in this field I will be working odd hours and my time wont be as flexiable, but I trust that God knows and hold my future in His hands, and whatever happens..happens.
   I hope you know a relationship that I have with my mom. I understand not everyone has a such mom in their life, but maybe you can find it in a grandmother, aunt, cousin, or friend. One day I hope to be a mom, and I hope to be a mom like my mom has been to me. Yes, there is a care and respect for her, but at the end of the day, I know I can tell her anything.
  So mom, thanks so much for all you do and continue to do. I know I do not say it quite enough, but I am thankful to call you mine! (:

Blessing..
--G--

Glory Day, The End is Here!

     Today marks the first day of finals for the Spring 2011 semester! I just simply cannot believe that my second year is college is already coming to an end, wow! Looking back on this full year, God has blessed so much. I have had some amazing people come into my life that I am SO thankful ful! I love the Fall semester; for it is when new friends move in, Saturday night football games are in full swing, and the weather is perfect every day. But I also love the Spring, for it means Summer is just around the corner!
    So, yesterday, into today, was the National Day of Prayer. Some of us from The Well celebrated by having a prayer vigil around the clock at the amphitheater on campus. I went with my friend, Amanda Price, early this morning, from 6-7am. I am still completely shocked by the way God showed up this morning. Yes, it was cold, and I was crazy tired, but just spending time in the early morning when no one is on campus, simply pouring our hearts out for the needs of fellow students was amazing.
Psalm 46: 10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." That is simply what I did this morning, simply sit and marvel at His glory. I serve an amazing God, who knows all my crazy faults, worries, and failures, but He takes them all anyways and uses them for His glory!
    God has taught me so much about myself in just this semester alone. He has drawn me so close to Him, and I literally cannot go throughout the day without his love and mercy. I have also learned a lot about myself in terms of relationships with people as well. God has showed me that I cannot expect my relationships with people to work out unless I fully immerse Him into them. God has to be the center in ALL relationships, friends, dating, family, whatever. I realized I was failing at this, putting others and my own personal feelings before Him. This verse has become my new LIFE verse for this semester, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
    I hope that you just take a moment today to thank the Creator of our Universe for giving you another day to praise Him, another day to love Him, and another day to tell others about Him! 
Have a wonderful Friday; blessings!
--G-- 

I Was Inspired, so Here I Am...

   Hi! Wow, blogging world; kind of exciting! So, with a lot of friends starting one of these, I thought I would jump on the 'bandwagon' and start one myself. In this first blog, I want to really kind of just let you all into the deepest parts of my heart/mind..get to know the real 'me'!

    First off, I am a God loving, Savior serving, prasing Him freak! I love Christ, a man that gave it all for me and expected nothing in return. I spend my days honestly seeking His face, wanting to see others through His eyes, and spending more time with Him! I am learning that I want God to direct my path, every single step. And if things are not His will, they wont work.

   I have amazing friends. I am so blessed with the people God has brought into my life. My friends at college are my 'family away from home', and without them, I would surly die! I am a strong 'feeler' (or so I have heard). I hold people very close to me very fast and it hurts SO bad when things fall apart with friends.   I have had some friends come and go into my life this semester. I have had friends come and go into my life this semester (as with all), but I still pray for my friends daily, all of them..even if things may not be so good at this moment! (:

   I am weird yall, like really. I find the oddest things cool; like news, weather, sewing, and being crafty. Most people who know me say I am a "45 Year old Country wife"..which is pretty much true. I love the news, as I mentioned, and I am pursuing my dream of becoming a TV news reporter. I am simply a small town girl with big city dreams! I love politics and vow to live in Washington D.C. for a short period of time.

   So yea, thanks so much for reading. I hope by this you have seen a little more into my life. I will be back soon, with more crazy thoughts that pop into my head!
--G--