Better Days To Come

This last week was a very busy and tiring week for me, with loads of stress. I have really grown to not like school this semester. Although I like most of my classes and all I'm learning loads of wonderful things from my professors, I am ridiculously busy. I have pulled many late nights and an all-nighter last week, and I still fell short of completing all of my schoolwork. I feel like no matter how many late nights or all-nighters I pull, there is still not enough time in my days/weeks to get everything done. I'm at the point where I don't even want to get everything on my to do list done. I will be thrilled if I can just get some of it done! Every time I even get the slightest bit close to finishing my to do list, more is added.

I was driving home when I heard one of my favorite songs on the radio. "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer. There are only a few songs that when I hear them on the radio, I just know it's going to be a good day; and this is one of them. I heard my song on the radio, and for a moment I was in an escape, leaving my stress and all that came with it behind. For just a few moments, in the midst of my busy day, my load of stress and exhaustion (physically, mentally, and spiritually), I had some peace and hope. Peace that rest will come and hope that this crazy time in my life won't last forever. There are most definitely better days to come.

My prayer is that whatever kind of week you're having, that you too have a moment of peace and hope.

It's good.

xo

Precious!

So cute!



Over It

Here's a peek of a few of the many thoughts running through my mind this week:

1.20.2011
I have survived the first two weeks of class. Now that I have have been able to organize my schedule/calendar making all the necessary adjustments and get a feel for how this semester is going to be, I have concluded: this semester is going to eat me alive! For realz, yo. I cannot even begin to tell of how busy I am. My life; lack there of, as of the past two weeks currently seizes to exist until the end of April.

1.21.2011
I'm seriously sooo so over cheerleading and ready for it to be over, and school too. I'm done and over being around immature college students who don't know how to be mature adults. I've had my share of the college life, ya know: the crazy schedule, late nights/all-nighters, loads of reading, research papers, exams, etc. I'm ready to graduate and move on to bigger and better things that I know the Lord has in store for me.

Here is hoping for not only a productive weekend but hopefully the chance to catch up on some very much need rest.

Love, in Christ our Lord
xo

Embarrassment At Its BEST!

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you a true tale of my stupidity:

I am taking a class this semester called Faith World Seminar: Living Car Culture. Today we went on a field trip to the Car Museum downtown. My two professors needed some students to volunteer to drive there so we could save ourselves some of the hassle of using one of the school vans; I fain volunteered. After filling my car with some of my fellow classmates, I went to pull out of the lot when my steering wheel became difficult to steer and my gas and break failed to work. Obviously, we all became very concerned. After putting the car in park, I decided that I might need to fill my car with oil since I saw the oil light shinning on the dashboard. I checked the dip stick which showed my oil was fine, but I added a small container just in case. As I pondered adding the second container of oil, one of my professors suggested I not in fear of overfilling it since the dipstick showed to my car to have plenty of oil. I went to make another attempt at driving my car when my professor made a comment which brought me to the realization that, although my car was turned "on," I had yet to "start" the engine.

My professors began laughing hysterically while I giggled in embarrassment. I turned on my car, starting the engine and still quite a bit embarrassed; then I let out a sigh of relief that 1) my car was working fine after all and 2) that we could now leave for the museum. Cars were definitely not intended for me.

Although I did not pass my drivers tests until the fourth attempt, I'm wondering if maybe it should have been the fifth...

College Students

To my dear fellow college students:

I pray you are all having a fabulous week and adjusting to the new semester quite well. I encourage you not to be overwhelmed, as I'm sure you've received all your syllabi with a semesters worth of assignments, but to find joy in your opportunity for learning and an education that many people in the world do not have.

Interesting fact: Only 5% of Americans attend college; only 3% graduate. I congratulate you on being part of that 5%, and I believe in you to also be part of that 3%.

I challenge you today to take a few minutes for a few calming deep breathes and be thankful: although God sees who you can be, He loves you as you are. And maybe even make a couple funny faces in the mirror for a good laugh.

XO
Lizzie

Baby Shinner

Toby got another black eye from wrestling practice. While I was slightly envious, little did I know that I myself actually had a little tiny baby shinner. All weekend I had a small mark under my left eye. I thought it was just some stubborn mascara or eyeliner that wouldn't come off. It wasn't until recently, I realized it was actually a little black eye. Here I am wiping away ay my eye trying to get make up off that wasn't even there. It was a bruise this whole time. The only thing is I could remember how it happened. I was at cheerleading practice telling some of my teammates about it when my girl Amy refreshed my memory telling me what happened at our last basketball game. *light bulb* So, here I am proudly telling my tale and bragging about my black eye which you can barely even notice. I'd post a picture but a photo doesn't do it any justice- you'd hardly be able to see it.

Anyway, thank you Amy for not only giving me my black eye but for also refreshing my memory as to how I got it. :) smiles :)

School = fun-sucker?

I am beginning to think school can be a fun-sucker. Not that I don't like school, don't appreciate it or anything like that. I actually find most of my classes to be fun and enjoyable. I've always been that weird kid that says I like school and all that jazz. However I've noticed there are certain things I enjoy doing but when I have to do it for school my interest in the activity suddenly decreases. For example, I enjoy journaling but I find myself procratinating to journal for my groups class. I also really enjoy reading, but I can never seem to find the desire to complete reading assignments for my classes without struggle.
I am sure its psychological, mind over matter, etc. etc.
But how do I change my mindset and over come this? How does one put mind over matter in this situation?

Oh how I look forward to graduating this Spring and not having to deal with this nonsense.

Love- xo

Cut, Copied and Pasted

Thoughts and quotes from The Daily Love.

“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” – Robert H. Schuller, pastor.

“The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” – Chinese Proverb

“Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life. Meaning does not lie in things. Meaning lies in us.” - Marianne Williamson, author & speaker.

Happy day- xo!

Desire

I'm sure as a child you were faced with the dilemma as to what you wanted to be when you grew up. I'm also sure if there was more than one thing you wanted to be like a mommy, an astronaut, and a teacher that the adult figures in your life said you could do all of them; you don't have to pick just one thing and the sky is the limit etc. etc.

Well, the desires of my heart are many. I have always been passionate about many things, never just one thing. I did know one thing for certain, I want to serve God and be obedient to him and his will for me. However for some reason, somewhere along the line, I got the impression that having multiple passions and wanting to do more than one thing in life was not possible. The adults of my childhood were wrong. I began to shuffle through life trying to determine what that one thing in life was that I wanted to do/be. What am I meant to do; what is my calling?

*Insert Revelation Here*

-My "Ah-Ha!" Moment-

The adults were in fact correct! I can do/be more than one thing. Although it might not necessarily be practical to do/be all of them at once, I can do/be them within my life time (or at least work towards doing/being them, until the Lord calls me home that is).

I was chatting with a good friend/classmate of mine yesterday whom is in a very similar place in here lifetime as I: trying to sort out what she wants to do with her life. My friend sparked an idea of something I might like to do after graduation. After talking with her, I went for coffee with a dear professor of mine. My awesome professor helped that spark of mine evolve in to a flame. And now, I'm on fire with a passion for what I want to do after graduation.

Drum roll....... I want a position working with Black Mountain Expeditions in Ashville, North Carolina. It's a place of adventure travel and teen wilderness trips, so the job would be focused on my outdoor leadership minor more so than my exercise science major. But never the less, I think it's perfect for me. AND the best part: it's a Christian organization :) The camps and expeditions not only exercise you physically but spiritually as well. Another plus is that we also do international expeditions too! My wonderful professor has connections and hooked me up with one of the gentlemen from the organization.

I am so super duper uber excited about this. I had chills and goose bumps while I was viewing the website, reading about the camp(s), their core values and all that jazz. Just looking at the photos on the website made me wish I could be there now. Ah- it's so good!

Check it out: http://www.blackmountainexpeditions.com/

My Savior, My God

I am not skilled to understand

What God has willed, what God has planned

I only know at His right hand

Stands one who is my Savior

I take Him at His word and deed

Christ died to save me; this I read

And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior

That He would leave His place on high

And come for sinful man to die

You count it strange, so once did I

Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives

My Savior's always there for me

My God: He was, my God; He is

My God is always gonna be

Yes, living, dying, let me bring

My strength, my solace from this spring;

That He who lives to be my King

Once died to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high

And come for sinful man to die

You count it strange, so once did I

Before I knew my Savior

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmania.com/my_savior_my_god_lyrics_aaron_shust.html
All about Aaron Shust: http://www.musictory.com/music/Aaron+Shust

Discover

When we discover the gifts and talents God has given us, we can better discern His purpose for our lives.

When we are pushed out of our comfort zone, we discover the strength and capabilities God provides.

The more we grasp our value as beloved sons and daughters of God, the greater we can understand our purpose in the world.

We are challenged to speak truth and extend grace to those around us.

God uses wild, unknown places to transform us because we are forced out of the familiar and must depend on Him.

When we experience a new place, we begin to appreciate it and consider our role in caring for it.

Meeting new people and exploring new places opens our eyes and hearts, giving us a broader perspective and awareness of the globe.

In the words of Fani

1 Timothy 4:12 Do not let anyone look down on you becasue you are young, but set an example for the believers in life, in love, in speech, in faith and in purity.

In the words of my girl Fani:

"We are a generation of warriors. We can fight the good fight. We are NOT too young. We are NOT too weak. We are NOT too few in numbers. We can be a light. We can be God's army. We can change the world."

a quote from Jessi

"I believe we, every single one of us, were created, and in that creation was a purpose. I also believe that our Creator is good. Therefore, I believe our purpose is good. In us lies the ability to make a difference in this world. But I also believe that our Creator found joy in His purpose. And I think there is something to that. Maybe our purpose in itself doesn't have to change the world, but the joy it gives can certainly make a difference as well. The ability to find joy in what we do and what we ourselves create cannot be underestimated. That joy will motivate us and make us better people. If you do what you love, you will love what you do. That not only makes you a happier person, but it also makes the people around you happier. I say, let's create some happiness."

-Jessi

Beloved

I'm a mess of emotions and feelings. The bible tells us to guard our hearts; while on the other hand it also says deceit comes from the heart. So I didn't quite find the clarity for which I was hoping. Although, I have found some peace. Dan and I talked last night and once again this morning. We've decided to continue in an open relationship. My heart is rejoicing. This will give us a chance for some necessary space to work on our relationship and really truly focus on the Lord and what he wants for us in our lives.

My prayer: I give thanks, so much thanks to the Lord for providing understanding between Daniel and I.

While am continuing in a dating relationship with Dan, I am still the Lords beloved. It is He who owns my heart and to whom I belong. To no man will I give my heart without the Lords prompting.

Good Morning Heartache

By Renee Olstead

I'm Going Crazy Missing Him

It's a can't eat, can't sleep kind of thing.

I wonder if he'll wait for me.

There's no man I know who I want to date or marry other than him.

I'd rather have a long distance relationship seeing him only once a year, heck even once every two years, than be with anyone else right now.

I miss him so incredibly much.

Acres of Hope

He will allure her

He will pursue her

And call her out

To wilderness with flowers in His hand

She is responding

Beat up and hurting

Deserving death

But offerings of life are found instead

She will sing

She will sing

Oh, to You

She will sing as in the days of youth

As You lead her away

To valleys low

To acres of hope

Acres of hope

Here in the valley

Walk close beside me

Don’t look back

For love is growing vineyards up ahead

You have called me master

And though you’re in the dark here

Call me friend

And call me lover and marry me for good

She will sing

She will sing

Oh, to You

She will sing as in the days of youth

As You lead her away

To valleys low

To acres of hope

Acres of hope

How the story ends is

Love and tenderness in Him

Not safe, but worth it

So the valley’s up ahead

Or the ones we live

We’ll sing together

We’ll sing together

We will sing

We will sing

Oh, to You

We will sing as in the days of youth

As You lead us away

To valleys low

To acres of hope

Acres of hope

(By: Shane Barnard and Robbie Seay)

“Lord, sustain me in the valley. Give me ears to hear your sweet tender voice and lead me in to acres of hope in this dry and weary land.”

"Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. ‘In that day,’ declares the LORD,’you will call me 'my husband'; you will no longer call me 'my master. (Hosea 2:14-16)

Both this song and bible verse have be of encourage me tonight in this difficult time in my life. I love Daniel so much and I also want to be with him very much. However, God is first in my life. One day the Lord will call a man to pursue me and to be my husband. But until that day, God is my husband, and I have to trust and know that He is enough.



Flipped

My world has been flipped like a snow globe, and while the snow and glitter have been swirling all over the place like crazy mad, I can finally say it's all slightly beginning to settle.

Dan and I had some closure, and we're on our way to taking some steps towards, what I pray to be, a most wonderful friendship directed by God on a foundation of love and respect.

I'm feeling very confident about the year of 2011, it's going to be a good year.

...one day at a time...

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

"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 hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Not Selfish, But Obedient

I learned today that I was incorrect in one of my previous posts. Not only are selfish and self-seeking actually very similar (they're basically like cousins), my decision was not by any means selfish nor was it self-seeking for it was an act of obedience. Although I wish there was another way, I want to do God's will. And I am willing to accept that this is the path God has for me at this time. Also I've learned that while God calls us to be obedient, it doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be easy.

Romans 12:3

For by the grace given me I say to everyone of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Philippians 2:3-4

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Isaiah 26:3-4

3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever.

P.S. I want thank all of my dear friends and family from the bottom of my heart for your love and support during this challenging time in my life. You have all been so wonderful and helpful; without you I would still be lost and hurting. Thank you! xoxo <3

Selfish Love

I have the understanding that we are most selfish when we are young; and as we grow older life requires us to be more selfless.

Yes, breaking up with Dan was selfish of me. But this is the time in my life when I need to be selfish and make decisions for me; not do what I think others want me to do or expect me to do. If I don't do what I need to do for me, then I become a people pleaser. I can say from experience that being a people pleaser, or at least trying to be a people pleaser, is not a possible task. You absolutely cannot please everyone; and so I am not going to try, it's not my job to try and please everyone...or anyone for that matter. I am only to please God.

1 Corinthians 13:5 says this: Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps not record of wrongs.

Though my decision was selfish, it was not self-seeking. My decision(s) have been guided by the Lord, for I am merely seeking the Lords will for me at this time in my life.

In the words of Dan: I always held our relationship in an open palm for the Lord to take if he willed. Now, I must do my best to make good on that belief.

Whether or not love is blind, I do not know. But I do know: love is not self-seeking.

To Mend A Broken Heart

I'm not really sure where to go from here. I spent last night crying (a lot), journaling, and praying. The only thing I can think to do now is to take one step at a time. If I can just have strength for one step, that one step will be followed by another and another which over time will become a multitude of steps. And once enough steps have been taken, I will be where God wants me to be.

If anyone has any pointers or advice on how to mend a broken heart, I will gladly take them.

Everywhere

I know I previously wrote that somehow, in some strange way, the pain and the hurt feels right. But the hurt and pain also really sucks.

Daniel is all I have been able to think about since we split Friday evening. If I'm not thinking about him, then something reminds me of him; he's everywhere. I saw him for a split second in church today, but I didn't get to see him or talk with him before he left. There's also a slight chance he might have been avoiding me, and I don't blame him. We agreed to be friends, but it might take some time before he's ready for that. I know I hurt him a lot, and it's killing me to know that I caused so much hurt and pain to someone. And not just anyone, but my best friend. I actually kind of hate myself quite a bit for that. All Daniel ever did was care for me and love me, and I broke his heart and crushed him. And for that I am such a terrible person.

I really wish I could see him, talk with him and hug him. I know I'm going to get through this, I just don't know how I am going to get through this or how long it might take. I don't really know what I am suppose to do, how I'm suppose to feel or anything like that.

And the Bible doesn't say anything about dating. Although, a long time ago my best friend Kim shared with me what the Bible does say about the brokenhearted:

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. -Psalm 34:17-18

My prayer is this: that God be close to both Daniel and I, deliver us both from our troubles, and that we may both find healing in Christ our Healer. I also continue to pray for Daniel's forgiveness for all that hurt and pain I've caused him, and for being such a disappointment to him.

Sincerely and Truly,

me.

It Must Have Been Love

I'm letting go of what I can't hold on to, and letting go of what was never mine.

I'm making choices regarding decisions I've been searching for answers to for a long time. One of which was to break up with my boyfriend. It just doesn't feel right to be in a dating relationship at this time in my life; It's not what I want right now. This has been extremely difficult for me. Dan is a great man whom I do love very much; he was my first boyfriend and he is one of my best friends. But my heart feels right about this decision. It hurts so incredibly much, but in some strange way the hurting feels right too.

And now that we're apart, I'm learning to live without the a piece of my heart.