hawaii

i was in Hawaii a few weeks ago and let me tell you, it's gorgeous there!  I think that my favorite thing about it is the clouds.  Where we stayed it would be bright, sunny, blue sky, but behind us was the mountains.  And in the mountains you'd see storm clouds and rain.  It was really incredible.

I also got to go whale watching and I could see so much of the island.  Out on the ocean you could just see the different climate changes going on.  Having the mountains and ocean is definitely the best of both worlds.

This is a sunset picture from our room.  We had an amazing view of the ocean!  It's true about the colors in Hawaii=so pretty :)

anyways.  who wants to go back with me?!

the stand

so I absolutely love the lyrics to this song by Hillsong and thought I'd share it :)

Whenever I sing it/hear it, it immediately becomes my cry.

"So I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned

In awe of the One who gave it all

So I'll stand my soul, Lord, to YOU surrendered

All I am is YOURS"

What does this mean to me?

Well first of all heart abandoned.  Oh man...that's something that just hits me.  I have passions, I have feelings, I have desires, but to put that completely aside and give it to God-that's total surrender right there.  Am I there?  NO! (I wish!) but I certainly can try.  It's just the simple act of completely giving yourself to God.  

Someone mentioned to me that surrender can be thought of as sitting there hands out in front of you, with your palms facing up, that way God can take you just as you are and do as He chooses.  If your hands are clenched, there are then restrictions.  But that simple act of letting go and releasing your hands, upward to Him can give a little sense of freedom.

And then there's the simple words ALL I AM IS YOURS.  I find comfort in the fact that I am God's, nothing will ever change that.  But it's not just some of me, it's ALL of me.  And that's something I constantly need to remind myself.  It's so easy for me to give half-heartedly, but I'm still left with this emptiness and struggle, but if I just continually, minute by minute give up all of me to God-wouldn't life become somewhat easier?  

Just some thoughts...and footprints that have been left on my heart =)

--by the way. this is the 3rd time i think i've had these lyrics posted on here...they must mean something to me!  =P

champs!

here we go Steeler's, here we go!!!!!!!

YAAY.  Superbowl champs =D  What a fun game to watch!  I would love to put up pictures...but I have lost my connector thingy.  sigh.  hopefully i'll find it soon so i can put them up - especially the super cool 3D glasses one (even though the commercial was kind of lame). 

oh and apparently the harrison run back for a touchdown at the end of the 1st half is talked about being one of the greatest plays...wanna know where i was? yeah. i missed it.  i was in the bathroom...how lame, right?!  but i really had to go!!!

anyways...

isn't it funny though, how much hype and attention is put on the superbowl, and then it's over in a second.  already they critics and ESPN analysts are talking about what's going to happen next year.  can't you just take a break for a second, and dwell on the moment?!  i think as humans, we are always looking to the future and never stop to just sit and enjoy the glory all around us.  we're always trying looking to something else.  its like the saying "stop and smell the roses" (however cliche that may be). but seriously!  take a breath!

Happy February (even a day late!) <3