Expectations 2012

I don't have high expectations for this new year. Last year was quite a roller coaster of events and emotions. So this year, I'm keeping it simple with only 3 goals:

1. Get a job. I'm so over the part-time jobs that are suited for high schoolers and college students, like working in the mall(s) and frozen yogurt joints. I'm ready for a full time grown up job that pays me enough to afford living on my own (rent, loans, and all other costs).
2. Get an apartment. I am so thankful & grateful for my family who has gone above and beyond to support me amongst all the craziness of last year, including moving to South Carolina. However I am so ready to be a big girl and live on my own in my own home.
3. Study and pass my certification exam (American College of Sports Medicine: Health Fitness Specialist). I have 8 weeks to study & demonstrate that I did in fact earn my college degree. That I didn't accrue all of this debt in student loans for nothing.

This year is a me year. I am merely focusing on me this year. It may sound selfish, but if ever there is a time in life to be selfish its the college/post college years also known as the early twenties. Once you marry, have children or involve yourself in other such commitments the focus becomes less on you and more on your commitments. Therefore, I am focusing the year on me; simply exploring life and the pleasures it has to offer.

Cheers to 2012!

there is a time for everything

There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under the heavens.

-Ecclesiastes 3:1

This summer has been a summer of change(s).

I graduated from the university. My boyfriend and I split. I moved to South Carolina. I'm working at a new bbw location (with hopes of finding a full time job soon *crossing fingers*). And I'm searching for my first home of my own (*again, crossing fingers*).

Many changes have taken place as I have begun a new chapter in my life. Some of these changes have been difficult and even painful while others have been exciting and empowering. However, all of these changes have challenged me and pushed me to grow, often in ways I didn't imagine or expect.

After all the tears and heartache; laughs and smiles, I wouldn't do anything differently. It hasn't been easy and it won't always be easy. But there are two things I know for certain:

1) The LORD is with me, always. I may be a lamb among wolves, but the lion is patting by my side.

2) God did not say "With Christ all things are easy" or "I can do all things with ease through Christ who strengthens me." God did say "With Christ all things are possible and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The path head is not easy, but it is possible.

And so I walk in confindence with the my God now, and through the changes to come.

let love be genuine

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own site. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if you enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:9-21
(Marks of the True Christian)

beloved

Those who were not my people I will call "my people,"

and her who was not beloved I will call "beloved."

And in the very place where it was said to them, "You are not my people," there they will be called "sons of the living God."

Romans 9:25-26

put not your trust in princes

Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
Blessed is he whose help is in the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever.

Psalm 146

majestic

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

-Psalm 8:3-4

joy in the morning

I will extol you O Lord for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me.

Oh Lord my God I cried to you for help and you have healed me.

Your anger is for but a moment and your favor for a lifetime.

Weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes with the morning.


"I shall never be moved." By your favor O Lord you made my mountain stand strong.

You have turned my mourning into dancing and clothed me with gladness.

Glory and praise to you God for I will not be silent. I will give thanks to you forever!

-Psalm 30