"Life is not a race – but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say “thank you”, “I love you”, and “great job” to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh, Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you’ve been given, it is not accidental – search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself – plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you’ve been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment."
As I was sitting at a good friend's house today, I saw a picture in her house with this quote on it. I read the quote once, then twice, and then a third time. This quote really hit home with me. I just love it.. Why? Because every bit of it is so true. Its the way I want to live my life.. May all I do in this life of mine, be done for the glory of the Lord.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is a gift from God- not by works so that no man can boast. For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2:8-10
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Closing Doors.
Wow. Its crazy how much can change in one day. But ya know.. I am actually not complaining. Today God closed a door in my life that I was not expecting him to close. Yes, I was shocked. Definetely took me by surprise. But, I am not upset. I know God has a reason for closing this door.. and It is all for his good. God sometimes closes doors in our lives that may be getting in the way of us living for him completely, or that may be getting in the middle of our relationship with him. And you know, I dont blame him for that one bit. When we have a relationship with a friend for example, we do not want anything or anyone else keeping us from being the best of friends. Same goes with God. he wants all of us. Not just some of us, but ALL. I am so thankful that God has allowed me to take this situation and look at the positive in it. I can't explain exactly why this happened, probably never will, but I can rejoice in the fact that God knew that this was a door in my life that needed to be closed so that I could better live my life for him and witness to others. And I want nothing more in my life than to be that. Whatever his will is for my life is what I want to follow. You know, they always say.. "When God closes one door, he opens another." I cant wait to see what doors God is getting ready to open in my life. Thank you Lord for always showing me what is best for me.
-E
-E
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wow... I can't believe school is already back and going full speed again. It feels like just yesterday I was breathing a sigh of relief because summer was finally here and I actually had a several weeks to relax and have fun. Well, as you already know.. those days are already over and once again my life is back into a normal routine.. just about.
My summer was definetely one I will most likely never forget. It wont be remembered because I went to some amazing place, or was involved in some amazing event.. although I did do some cool stuff, but it will be a summer remembered for all the things I learned. The life lessons that will forever stick with me for the rest of my life. God really opened my eyes this summer to so many things I never realized or ever took the time to really look at, or into. He also used tough times to show me things as well.. I didn't understand at the time, nor did I like the fact that God was allowing me to face some of those storms, but now I see why he did and I wouldn't be the person I am now if I wouldn't have faced them.
One storm I went through this summer, probably my biggest, was very tough. On June 15th, my great-grandfather went to be with the Lord. It was a very tough time for my family.. and still has been. He meant so much to us all, especially me. He was always there to listen when I needed someone to talk too, he was always willing to play any game I wanted to play as a kid, even If it did involve me putting curling rollers in his hair. I could go on for days about all the things we did together or the stories he told, etc.. But the main point is he was an amzing godly man and the best grandfather a girl could ever ask for in life. When he went to be with the Lord, I was upset.. but at the same time I was rejoicing. I was so glad to not see him suffer anymore. Through this situation God taught me one valuable lesson. That lesson being this: When times get tough, look to him. He has a plan and a reason for everything he does. Even through the tough times, we should glorify him. Yes, it is so hard to do because it is so tough loosing a loved one.. and Yes, even I struggled with it, but once I was able to let go and just realize that this was all a part of God's plan, I had such a relief. SO, I guess what I am trying to say through all of this is: God uses even our storms and our weakest moments to teach us things. Usually, that is when he get's my attention the most. Somthing I am encouraging myself to do, and I encourage you as well is to look for the positive in things. Look for the things the Lord may be trying to teach you. He is always trying to teach you things you just have to be waiting and open and ready to see or hear what it his he has for you.
Another part of my summer, was my amazing, incredible, unforgettable trip to Mission Fuge at the University of Mobile. God worked in beyond amazing ways during that week at camp.. Not only did he work in me, but he worked in my youth group as well. I was beyond thrilled to witness some of the changes in my fellow brother and sisters lives. God taught me things individually as well, but I will share some of those with you another time. Overall, the trip was great. God broke many people, within our youth group, and out of our youth group as well. He opened our eyes to the fact that it didn't matter what school we went too, but that we are all bonded by one common ground, that being Jesus Christ. Since that trip, we have become a much more unified group and I love it!
During this summer, God placed two incredible people in my life. My youth summer interns. Ashli Blackwell and Ken Delaughter. These two individuals have forever changed my life.. especially Ash. She and I bonded from day one and I thank God for that. This girl is such a godly example and such an inspiration to me. She was always such an encouragement to me and was always there for me, as if she had known me her whole life. I was so sad when these two left to go back to their normal lives in their hometowns, but I thank God that he allowed them the time they shared with us this summer. I know that God is going to continue to use them in incredible ways throughout their lives.
Basically, that was my summer in a nutshell.. I left out some things, but I am going to fill you in on them some other time. As for what is going on now, here it goes. School started last week. Not much to say about that. School is school. After school everyday, I have football practice till about 6.. Then I spend the rest of my evenings doing homework and spending time with family and friends, and the boyfriend. Ryan left for college today, and I am sorta sad.. but at the same time I am so excited for him! This is the start of a new adventure for him and I can't wait to see what all God has in store for him in life and in his baseball career. I can't wait to watch my man play some Co-lin baseball. :)
Well.. Thats about all folks. I well try to keep you updated better this time. Promise. I hope you all have a great rest of the week and remember what you here for.. It's not about you, it's all about HIM. To God be the Glory!
-E
My summer was definetely one I will most likely never forget. It wont be remembered because I went to some amazing place, or was involved in some amazing event.. although I did do some cool stuff, but it will be a summer remembered for all the things I learned. The life lessons that will forever stick with me for the rest of my life. God really opened my eyes this summer to so many things I never realized or ever took the time to really look at, or into. He also used tough times to show me things as well.. I didn't understand at the time, nor did I like the fact that God was allowing me to face some of those storms, but now I see why he did and I wouldn't be the person I am now if I wouldn't have faced them.
One storm I went through this summer, probably my biggest, was very tough. On June 15th, my great-grandfather went to be with the Lord. It was a very tough time for my family.. and still has been. He meant so much to us all, especially me. He was always there to listen when I needed someone to talk too, he was always willing to play any game I wanted to play as a kid, even If it did involve me putting curling rollers in his hair. I could go on for days about all the things we did together or the stories he told, etc.. But the main point is he was an amzing godly man and the best grandfather a girl could ever ask for in life. When he went to be with the Lord, I was upset.. but at the same time I was rejoicing. I was so glad to not see him suffer anymore. Through this situation God taught me one valuable lesson. That lesson being this: When times get tough, look to him. He has a plan and a reason for everything he does. Even through the tough times, we should glorify him. Yes, it is so hard to do because it is so tough loosing a loved one.. and Yes, even I struggled with it, but once I was able to let go and just realize that this was all a part of God's plan, I had such a relief. SO, I guess what I am trying to say through all of this is: God uses even our storms and our weakest moments to teach us things. Usually, that is when he get's my attention the most. Somthing I am encouraging myself to do, and I encourage you as well is to look for the positive in things. Look for the things the Lord may be trying to teach you. He is always trying to teach you things you just have to be waiting and open and ready to see or hear what it his he has for you.
Another part of my summer, was my amazing, incredible, unforgettable trip to Mission Fuge at the University of Mobile. God worked in beyond amazing ways during that week at camp.. Not only did he work in me, but he worked in my youth group as well. I was beyond thrilled to witness some of the changes in my fellow brother and sisters lives. God taught me things individually as well, but I will share some of those with you another time. Overall, the trip was great. God broke many people, within our youth group, and out of our youth group as well. He opened our eyes to the fact that it didn't matter what school we went too, but that we are all bonded by one common ground, that being Jesus Christ. Since that trip, we have become a much more unified group and I love it!
During this summer, God placed two incredible people in my life. My youth summer interns. Ashli Blackwell and Ken Delaughter. These two individuals have forever changed my life.. especially Ash. She and I bonded from day one and I thank God for that. This girl is such a godly example and such an inspiration to me. She was always such an encouragement to me and was always there for me, as if she had known me her whole life. I was so sad when these two left to go back to their normal lives in their hometowns, but I thank God that he allowed them the time they shared with us this summer. I know that God is going to continue to use them in incredible ways throughout their lives.
Basically, that was my summer in a nutshell.. I left out some things, but I am going to fill you in on them some other time. As for what is going on now, here it goes. School started last week. Not much to say about that. School is school. After school everyday, I have football practice till about 6.. Then I spend the rest of my evenings doing homework and spending time with family and friends, and the boyfriend. Ryan left for college today, and I am sorta sad.. but at the same time I am so excited for him! This is the start of a new adventure for him and I can't wait to see what all God has in store for him in life and in his baseball career. I can't wait to watch my man play some Co-lin baseball. :)
Well.. Thats about all folks. I well try to keep you updated better this time. Promise. I hope you all have a great rest of the week and remember what you here for.. It's not about you, it's all about HIM. To God be the Glory!
-E
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