looking back

Soo.  It's almost the new year.  As I look back on this year I realize how much I've grown, been challenged, and strengthened.  Sometimes I wish that I did things differently, or that things could change.  But one thing I've realized is that God doesn't let things slide.  Every decision and event I've made in the past has been purposeful.  I don't want to regret anything, I want to continue to seek God and His will for my life.

There are going to be some difficult changes and decisions to make in the next few days for me, but I know that God isn't giving me more than I can handle.  He has a plan.  He has a way.  And as long as I'm seeking Him, that's really all I can do.

Now what do I want for this next year?

I've thought about resolutions, but that always seems so cliche sometimes.  I just want to continue to seize each day, and live it to the full potential God has blessed me with.  Whether it be playing the guitar more, writing more music, studying the Word, going out to town, working, whatever it may be!  I want to make the most of life!

so easy to say...so hard to do.

But anyways, I hope you all have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

gingerbread house

soo. last night we had a gingerbread house making party/contest!

I didn't win anything...even though my house is AWESOME!

But it was so much fun!  I love this time of year =D and I LOVE being home!

this is my house

notice the ghetto door/window.

they called it a hooverville.

this was the ultimate winning house that mary and chris made.  

DONE!

YAAAAAAAAY! 

I'm officially done with this semester!!!

Maybe my eye will stop twitching...lol

It's such a relief...this semester has definitely been a tough one in so many ways.  But I know for a fact that God has used this semester to continue to strengthen me in Him.  He has me where I am right now for a reason.  I may not know what lies ahead, but I can rest in the fact that He knows.

I won't be home until Thursday, but maybe I can use these next few days to rest, reflect, and just dwell on Him.

I just gotta remember, God has a purpose for everything.  No matter what has happened or what is to come, God's got it under control :)

tis the season

So it's been a while.  But I've just been caught up in the hustle and bustle of finals and blaaah! 

It doesn't even feel like Christmas to me yet, which saddens me because I LOVE this time of year!  I love the lights, the music, the cheer =D  But when I think about it, I don't want my focus to be too much on the tangible things of the earth.  Just because it's Christmas, shouldn't be why I'm joyful.  I should always have the joy of Christ in me, you know!  

I have so many things to do the next few days...but I don't want to worry or get anxious because of all those things.  Christ calls us to not worry about tomorrow and receive the peace that he has placed in our hearts.  

My eye has been twitching since Sunday.  And I think it's because I'm stressed/tired (random, I know), so instead of freaking out about everything.  I'm going to take it one step at a time.  Focus on my peace and joy in Him.  That is what truly will give me a calm and a satisfaction.

Anyways, next time you start to get anxious or overwhelmed.  Just pray!  He will give you a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Now on to my to-do list...

used books

so I discovered this used bookstore a few blocks from campus and there are TONS of books!

with that being said.

if you have any book wishes, let me know!

there are some classics too :)

backkk

a tease.  that's how i feel my thanksgiving break was!  It was too short!  and i certainly wasn't ready to come back to school.

but here i am...sitting. in good ol' greenville, illinois - aka the middle of nowhere!

i had such a great time at home.  i love my family, i love my friends, and i just love the comfort there.

but God has called me here for a reason and i know that!

i've got 2 1/2 more weeks left of the semester (crazy!) and then a nice relaxing winter break.  i know i say i don't like looking toward something and living for the moment, and i don't...but i just feel like thats the way i live so often.  i need to really just focus on the moment by moment and the here and now and what God is saying to me now!

OH!  one more thing:  my devo today was on worship.  but not just worship in music but in all that we do.  being a walking worshipper.  i want to be a light for Christ in all that i do and bring Him the ultimate glory.  i challenge you to be a WALKING WORSHIPPER

P.S - Christmas music can officially be played now!!! =D