Today was my first day at Western High School. I left my house at 7:18, and got to school around 7:33 - school starts at 7:35. I was terrified pulling into the parking lot, because I couldn't see any of the lines in the pavement due to the snow. So, I pulled next to some other car, hoping it was a parking spot (thank God, it was). Oh, and the reason I called this "We will ACHIEVE IT" is because its part of the competitive cheerleading routine ... its stuck in my head.
For anyone who is wondering, here are my classes:
1st hour: Basic Art.
2nd hour: French 3.
3rd hour: Chemistry.
4th hour: AP Lang&Comp.
5th hour: America at War.
6th hour: Intro to Tech.
7th hour: Oral Communications.
Yeah, 7 classes. But they're only 56 minutes long which is EXTREMELY short compared to Northwest's hour and a half long classes ... not gonna complain.
So in first period, I walked in, and of course, every one stared at me like I was a freak. I approached the teacher, and she just told me to sit wherever. So I sat at a table with 2 girls and a guy. After a little while, I started talking to the girl on my left. I come to find out her name is Sophia, she's a sophmore, and this is her first year at Western too. The girl across from me ... I completely forgot her name. But she's a freshman, and it is her first year too. The guy to my right, I think's name is Jared ... but he's not new. And he's a junior. We're starting a black/white picture in Mrs. Clarks class, and our group has a page full of alphabet letters ... I can't wait to start.
In second period, I sat on the French 4 side of the room ... for a few minutes. A guy, named Matt, started talking to me from across the room. After telling me I was on the wrong side of the class, he welcomed me to the middle of the room where the french 3 kids sat. I sat behind Quinton, in front of "Justin" (I forgot his name, but he looks like a Justin to me: and I told him that.) and to the left of Matt. Behind us were Maddie & her friend who's name has slipped my mind. They were all really nice, and the class was hysterical. Madame Marks walked out like, 3 times to get coffee ... and we barely did anything.
Third period Chem, I walked with Maddie and sat with her the whole class. We did a lab, burning stuff and lighting stuff on fire: it was pretty cool. Nothing too too exciting though.
Fourth period was ... AP Lang and Comp. I got in there, got 3 books, got a huge packet along with a syllabus, and sat at a computer. The room is SO different than Stavrakas's AP class. There are 26 kids (compared to 9), and we all sit at desks with little - no space. I sat between two kids that were really nice, and helpful. I got invited into some girls "Lit Circle Group", whatever that is, and talked to a boy who was born in Concord ... I thought that was neat.
Fifth period was so boring. I dont know why she put me in this war class. I mean, I'm interested in the war, but he told us we wern't gonna do anything but watch movies. Man, why am I complaining ... we took a test in there, sorry "quiz". It was simple, yet hard. He joked around alot too, Mr.Kamke. He seems cool already.
Sixth was Intro to Tech. I sat next to a super quiet senior ... her name starts with a B, but I dont remember it ... of course. He made us take a little "test" as well, just to see what we knew. After that and explaining the class, we talked ... which was boring.
Lastly, I have oral communications: which I have come to find out, is a FRESHMAN CLASS. Yeah, I'm the only junior in there ... with 2 sophmores, and the rest FRESHMAN. I guess I don't mind freshman. BUt they're all in that awkward state, wherre they care about their appearances and blah blah blah. You know how it is. I love Mr.Kim already; he's by far my favorite teacher. He was so chill in class. Like, he was super funny and asked us random questions. He gave us simple homework. We have to fill a bag with 2-3 things that represent us and we have to present them to the class tomorrow. In my bag I have a carved wooden thing of Jesus, a ballet shoe, and my WCU tournament of champs picture. I can't wait to present!
After school, I went home, after sitting in the parking lot for 20 minutes waiting to get out (booo! No patrollers like NW). But I ate when I got home, dressed for practice, and went back to school. I'm not like, "on the team" but I am? Haha. I don't compete with the cheerleaders since they have 3 comps left, but I work out with them. I did jumps and stuff today, and worked on my back-walk-over for next season (Which, Ashley says I'm "super light" and "flow easily". Her&Paige&Yojanna said I should have it soon: eeeek!). I love the cheerleaders. Everyone says they're super snottty, and they suck: they really arn't that bad? Haha. And they're nice! But yeah, that was practice.
I only have AP Lang homework & Oral homework ... surprising. I'm sure the rest will come soon, yay! :)
Overall, I had a wonderful first day. I only got lost once, and I made friends: what is there to complain about?
You are holy, great & mighty. The moon and the stars declare who you are. I'm SO unworthy, but still You love me. Forever my heart will sing of how great You are.
For whatever reason, I feel like sharing this. After practice, I was driving home. On my way home theres a 4 way stop and a flashing yellow light. Going over the hill towards the light, I saw a cop car with flashing lights. After he passed me, I was looking in my mirrors to see his lights go out, why? I dont know. But when I looked ahead, I had RAN the stop sign and passed INTO the center of traffic. I was terrified! I had to turn left, and made a sharp turn. It scared me the most, because I ran it ... and could have gotten hit! Lesson learned: DONT STARE OUT YOUR SIDE MIRRORS ... EVER.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
VDAY&L0VE.
For whatever reason, I felt led to blog about love tonight. I don't think I've mentioned this in any other blog, so I guess I'll put it in this one. I believe it was Friday? Or Thursday, I felt led to stop watching Degrassi every night after 6:00, and spend more time with God. So, I have. Every night I pray and worship, and God usually leads me to blog about something ... and tonight, He told me "Valentines Day. Love. Why you like/what you think about Valentines Day". Alrighty ...
I started thinking about Valentines Day, and came to the conclusion that I didn't really know the true meaning of it. So I Googled / Wikid / Answered the question, and these are the responses I got:
Answers.com-
To celebrate love. To share a day where you devote your love to people who you care for, you pamper each other and gives ou a reason to be happy together for a day.
Wiki.com-
St. Valentine, February 14, 1414. Wrote love letters, played a harp, "melted peoples haearts". Dressed in red/white. Had beautiful wings. Handed out chocolates, red roses, and love letters.
Google definition-
Originally a reliious day to honor St. Valentine. Day for couples to exchange chocolates. A day to exchange tokens of affection.
Now, I have no problem with couples celebrating Valentines Day: I used to LOVE celebrating valentines day! But of course, now that I'm single, I have no one to spend it with ... besides God.
The Wiki response really kinda clued me in. The description of St. Valentine made me think of God. Wrote love letters (Psalms), Played a harp (I dont think Jesus necessarily played a harp, but the sound of His voice itself was beautiful), melted peoples hearts (He melts my heart daily!), dressed in red/white (holy, pure, and blameless; yet drenched in blood for our sake), had beautiful wings. I dont know about yall, but this truly reminds me of the King of Kings ... and I think I'm gonna spend my Valentines Day this year "sharing the day devoting my love to the person who I truly care for", according to Answers.com.
So what do I think about Valentines Day? I think Valentines Day can be a super romantic and cute day, for couples. But I can also see it as a day to worship God, and devote some time to Him. Besides, He is love.
John 3:16 "For God SO LOVED the world He gave His only begotten son that WHOEVER believed in Him SHALL NOT perish, but have ETERNAL life."
I started thinking about Valentines Day, and came to the conclusion that I didn't really know the true meaning of it. So I Googled / Wikid / Answered the question, and these are the responses I got:
Answers.com-
To celebrate love. To share a day where you devote your love to people who you care for, you pamper each other and gives ou a reason to be happy together for a day.
Wiki.com-
St. Valentine, February 14, 1414. Wrote love letters, played a harp, "melted peoples haearts". Dressed in red/white. Had beautiful wings. Handed out chocolates, red roses, and love letters.
Google definition-
Originally a reliious day to honor St. Valentine. Day for couples to exchange chocolates. A day to exchange tokens of affection.
Now, I have no problem with couples celebrating Valentines Day: I used to LOVE celebrating valentines day! But of course, now that I'm single, I have no one to spend it with ... besides God.
The Wiki response really kinda clued me in. The description of St. Valentine made me think of God. Wrote love letters (Psalms), Played a harp (I dont think Jesus necessarily played a harp, but the sound of His voice itself was beautiful), melted peoples hearts (He melts my heart daily!), dressed in red/white (holy, pure, and blameless; yet drenched in blood for our sake), had beautiful wings. I dont know about yall, but this truly reminds me of the King of Kings ... and I think I'm gonna spend my Valentines Day this year "sharing the day devoting my love to the person who I truly care for", according to Answers.com.
So what do I think about Valentines Day? I think Valentines Day can be a super romantic and cute day, for couples. But I can also see it as a day to worship God, and devote some time to Him. Besides, He is love.
John 3:16 "For God SO LOVED the world He gave His only begotten son that WHOEVER believed in Him SHALL NOT perish, but have ETERNAL life."
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Look how far I've come.
The testimony of I, Samantha Elizabeth Alvarado, which has been ordained precisely by the Lord God. Beautiful am I, for being a creation of the I Am, and blessed are those who speak of the great thing the Lord is doing.
2006: While bombs were being set off in India and Baghdad, I was a 7th grade student at Northwest Cabarrus Middle School. During this time, a friend of mine invited me to PH, or Providence House. I began attending the meeting of teenagers and middle schoolers every Wednesday night at 6:30, earning myself $5 every Friday for playing a wacky game in front of everyone. Not knowing God, or even caring He existed in this place, I continued going for friends and the money.
2007: Something inside of me wanted attention during this time. Something at home wasn't what I wanted, and I began to self harm. I would rub erasers on my arm until it broke the skin, and became infected. I would hit myself until bruises would develop. But the worste of these, is I would cut myself. With needles, with razors, with scissors; with whatever I could find. This went on for quite some time. After I finally told my mom what had been going on, one of the leaders at PH was contacted. Melissa began "mentoring" me, helping me through my problems and, eventually, working God into my life. Though I didn't completely understand or want to understand what she was saying, the self harm began to decrease and I thought I was done. Later on in the year, around September, I remember lifting my hands in submission to the song "Fire Fall Down" at the altar; and I finally gave my life to God.
2008: My daily self harm had stopped, and I only ran to it when I needed control over something that didn't go my way; bad grades, family, etc. I began my freshman year of high school, and was beginning to understand God a little. Over the summer, a new youth pastor took over PH and began leading it in a new way, which I liked. I was invited to be a part of the PH Discipleship Program, which I felt an honor. It was more of a leadership class, and I was extremely happy that I was finally understanding God, His power, and so I thought, His love. In November I began talking to the boy who would become my first love. We hit it off instantly, and were perfect for eachother. We had enough in common to talk all day everyday, and began dating January 11th of 2009.
2009: Price and I dated until June, and the fall took place in between then. We got intimate in ways we should not have. After feeling conviction from the Holy Spirit, we sat down with his parents and told them what we had done. His parents made us split up, leaving me & my heart completely shattered. Throughout the rest of my freshman year, I dealt with major depression due to the fact I only ever was wrapped up in him, and not in God. Summer of 2009 I attended Verge camp for the very first time; AND I LOVED IT. There was a presence of God so strong there, and I had thought I'd finally found healing and freedom. I went back to school that following August, and lived as though nothing was wrong.
2010: Steal dealing with hurts and pains, I ran from guy to guy hoping the next guy would be better than the previous guy; none of them satisfied the loneliness in my heart. I played church for awhile, claiming to be closer than close to God, and spending time with Him as much as possible. I met a boy via Facebook over the summer, and we began talking, eventually dating. I knew this boy was NOTHING like the man God intended for me to have, and I knew this boy was not saved. Yet, it drew me in even more. I began hanging out with him, and doing things I knew were not pleasing to God. He never truly hurt me as bad as I'd been hurt before, but I know he hurt a bit of me. During the summer of 2010, I attended Verge camp for the second year. And this year, I was saved. There was a moment when I was down at the altar, crying my eyes out, that I knew God had finally ripped apart the chains. He threw them in the face of the enemy and said "No, no more" and I finally said "No, NO MORE!". I was freed from my depression, hurts, pains, and fears this past summer. I was also prophesied over this summer, and was able to build amazing relationships with fantastic woman of God. I started my junior year in 2010, and was representing Jesus like never before. God gave me a hinge moment in 2010, and I took it. Packing up my life, my friends and my family, and moved to Michigan to persue what The Lord has for me.
2011: I followed the Lord to Michigan, and am in search of what He has. I've found a church, I've found a youth group, and I'm starting school soon. God is going to work wonders here in Michigan, and I can't wait to be a part of it!
Psalm 35:9 "Then my soul shall rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his deliverance."
Psalm 36:9 "For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."
2006: While bombs were being set off in India and Baghdad, I was a 7th grade student at Northwest Cabarrus Middle School. During this time, a friend of mine invited me to PH, or Providence House. I began attending the meeting of teenagers and middle schoolers every Wednesday night at 6:30, earning myself $5 every Friday for playing a wacky game in front of everyone. Not knowing God, or even caring He existed in this place, I continued going for friends and the money.
2007: Something inside of me wanted attention during this time. Something at home wasn't what I wanted, and I began to self harm. I would rub erasers on my arm until it broke the skin, and became infected. I would hit myself until bruises would develop. But the worste of these, is I would cut myself. With needles, with razors, with scissors; with whatever I could find. This went on for quite some time. After I finally told my mom what had been going on, one of the leaders at PH was contacted. Melissa began "mentoring" me, helping me through my problems and, eventually, working God into my life. Though I didn't completely understand or want to understand what she was saying, the self harm began to decrease and I thought I was done. Later on in the year, around September, I remember lifting my hands in submission to the song "Fire Fall Down" at the altar; and I finally gave my life to God.
2008: My daily self harm had stopped, and I only ran to it when I needed control over something that didn't go my way; bad grades, family, etc. I began my freshman year of high school, and was beginning to understand God a little. Over the summer, a new youth pastor took over PH and began leading it in a new way, which I liked. I was invited to be a part of the PH Discipleship Program, which I felt an honor. It was more of a leadership class, and I was extremely happy that I was finally understanding God, His power, and so I thought, His love. In November I began talking to the boy who would become my first love. We hit it off instantly, and were perfect for eachother. We had enough in common to talk all day everyday, and began dating January 11th of 2009.
2009: Price and I dated until June, and the fall took place in between then. We got intimate in ways we should not have. After feeling conviction from the Holy Spirit, we sat down with his parents and told them what we had done. His parents made us split up, leaving me & my heart completely shattered. Throughout the rest of my freshman year, I dealt with major depression due to the fact I only ever was wrapped up in him, and not in God. Summer of 2009 I attended Verge camp for the very first time; AND I LOVED IT. There was a presence of God so strong there, and I had thought I'd finally found healing and freedom. I went back to school that following August, and lived as though nothing was wrong.
2010: Steal dealing with hurts and pains, I ran from guy to guy hoping the next guy would be better than the previous guy; none of them satisfied the loneliness in my heart. I played church for awhile, claiming to be closer than close to God, and spending time with Him as much as possible. I met a boy via Facebook over the summer, and we began talking, eventually dating. I knew this boy was NOTHING like the man God intended for me to have, and I knew this boy was not saved. Yet, it drew me in even more. I began hanging out with him, and doing things I knew were not pleasing to God. He never truly hurt me as bad as I'd been hurt before, but I know he hurt a bit of me. During the summer of 2010, I attended Verge camp for the second year. And this year, I was saved. There was a moment when I was down at the altar, crying my eyes out, that I knew God had finally ripped apart the chains. He threw them in the face of the enemy and said "No, no more" and I finally said "No, NO MORE!". I was freed from my depression, hurts, pains, and fears this past summer. I was also prophesied over this summer, and was able to build amazing relationships with fantastic woman of God. I started my junior year in 2010, and was representing Jesus like never before. God gave me a hinge moment in 2010, and I took it. Packing up my life, my friends and my family, and moved to Michigan to persue what The Lord has for me.
2011: I followed the Lord to Michigan, and am in search of what He has. I've found a church, I've found a youth group, and I'm starting school soon. God is going to work wonders here in Michigan, and I can't wait to be a part of it!
Psalm 35:9 "Then my soul shall rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his deliverance."
Psalm 36:9 "For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."
Friday, January 28, 2011
Who are you, oh Lord?
You are merciful - Deuteronomy 4:31.
You are powerful - Revelation 19:6.
You are my portion - Psalm 16:5.
You welcome us.
You reign - Revelation 19:6.
You suffered for our sake - 1 Peter 2:21.
You became flesh and walked among us - John 1:14.
You protect us - Psalm 23:4.
You call us your children - 1 John 3:2.
You dwell inside of us - 1 John 4:12.
You are the creator - John 1:3.
You are the RISEN KING - Mathew 28:7.
You are alive - Romans 14:11.
You are love - John 3:16.
You are the way, truth, and light - John 14:6.
You have come to set us free: forever - John 3:16.
You have come to give us life more abundantly - John 10:10.
You withold NO good thing from us - Psalm 84:11.
You are worthy - 4:11.
You created us in your image - Genesis 1:27.
You died for us - John 3:16.
You guide us - Psam 25:9.
You have come to save us - John 3:16.
You are holy - Leviticus 19:2.
You are REAL - 1 John 4:12.
You provide for us - Mathew 6:33.
You bind our wounds, and heal our brokenhearts - Hosea 6:1.
You give us rest when carrying burdens - Mathew 11:28.
You give us authority over the devil - Luke 10:19.
You love us - John 3:16.
You speak to us - Revelation 3:22.
You direct our steps - Psalm 37:23.
You are the I Am - Exodus 3:14.
You forgive us - Colossians 3:14.
You are perfect - Mathew 5:48.
You are for us - Romans 8:31.
You are everywhere - 139:9.
You walk with us through trials - 23:4.
You test us, and believe in us - Acts 14:22.
You delight in us - 37:23.
You bless us - Psalm 37:22.
You are ours, as we are yours.
You are our salvation - Romans 10:9, Acts 4:12.
You overcame death.
You are faithful - Psalm 89:2.
You are life - John 4:16.
You rule the Earth - Mathew 28:18.
You never change Malachi 3:6.
You walk on waves - 14:29.
You move mountains - Mathew 17:20.
You comfort us - Isaiah 51:12.
You are our Abba, father - Mathew 6:9.
You are all powerful - Luke 18:27.
You are beautiful.
You are strong, and mighty - Proverbs 18:10.
You are our joy - Psalm 16:11.
This merely sums up our God.
You are powerful - Revelation 19:6.
You are my portion - Psalm 16:5.
You welcome us.
You reign - Revelation 19:6.
You suffered for our sake - 1 Peter 2:21.
You became flesh and walked among us - John 1:14.
You protect us - Psalm 23:4.
You call us your children - 1 John 3:2.
You dwell inside of us - 1 John 4:12.
You are the creator - John 1:3.
You are the RISEN KING - Mathew 28:7.
You are alive - Romans 14:11.
You are love - John 3:16.
You are the way, truth, and light - John 14:6.
You have come to set us free: forever - John 3:16.
You have come to give us life more abundantly - John 10:10.
You withold NO good thing from us - Psalm 84:11.
You are worthy - 4:11.
You created us in your image - Genesis 1:27.
You died for us - John 3:16.
You guide us - Psam 25:9.
You have come to save us - John 3:16.
You are holy - Leviticus 19:2.
You are REAL - 1 John 4:12.
You provide for us - Mathew 6:33.
You bind our wounds, and heal our brokenhearts - Hosea 6:1.
You give us rest when carrying burdens - Mathew 11:28.
You give us authority over the devil - Luke 10:19.
You love us - John 3:16.
You speak to us - Revelation 3:22.
You direct our steps - Psalm 37:23.
You are the I Am - Exodus 3:14.
You forgive us - Colossians 3:14.
You are perfect - Mathew 5:48.
You are for us - Romans 8:31.
You are everywhere - 139:9.
You walk with us through trials - 23:4.
You test us, and believe in us - Acts 14:22.
You delight in us - 37:23.
You bless us - Psalm 37:22.
You are ours, as we are yours.
You are our salvation - Romans 10:9, Acts 4:12.
You overcame death.
You are faithful - Psalm 89:2.
You are life - John 4:16.
You rule the Earth - Mathew 28:18.
You never change Malachi 3:6.
You walk on waves - 14:29.
You move mountains - Mathew 17:20.
You comfort us - Isaiah 51:12.
You are our Abba, father - Mathew 6:9.
You are all powerful - Luke 18:27.
You are beautiful.
You are strong, and mighty - Proverbs 18:10.
You are our joy - Psalm 16:11.
This merely sums up our God.
What a blurr.
January 28, 2011 at 10:54 PM, and I'm finally coming clean.
That sounds awful. Sounds like I should be saying "HEY EVERYONE, I got high yesterday and went streaking in the snow." Which I didn't, incase you were wondering.
But here lately, I've been so resistant to spending time with God. Late at night when I usually read my Bible, I'm on Facebook or Skype, or watching Degrassi. Its so dumb of me, because I know better than that. When I think about it though, there are so many reasons that I just wanna beat myself up over. Like, He is so worthy & righteous ... He deserves it! Not only that, but this is me saying "Ok, well I'm gonna go watch Degrassi now but I'll deal with you later God. Peace." Like, hello? Does that even make sense?
I'm 100% positive that when Jesus was on the cross, He wasn't like "Oh hey, can I go pig out real quick and then yall can put me up there? Kay cool, thanks." I feel like thats what I'm saying to Him when I do that. But its so hard for me to focus anymore. This moving has been so rough on me, physically/emotionally/spiritually. But I know this move is for God, so it should be easier: right?
WRONG, so wrong. That's only gonna make it harder! Well, easier for the devil to try and attack me ... but harder for me to focus. It was great, actually, I went to a church called Westwinds last Sunday. It was a little weird when I went in, because it was so dark I couldn't see, and the stage was in the center of the room. I thought it was cool though, it reminded me of home. After service, I talked to the youth pastor and his assistant for a few minutes, which was nice and welcoming. Wednesday night I went to Biggbys (YUMMMIEST COFFEE EVEER) with Ben, Brooke, and Tori (the youth pastor, his assistant, and a student from SJ). We weere there for a good hour or so, talking about SJ (student journey, the youth group), Westwinds, God, and just visions. It was so great finally being out talking to believers you know? I'm so used to being with Bekah, or Sarah, and just other believers that I can talk to all the time; which is me being in my comfort zone I suppose. But up here, I have a few people that I can tlak to God about ... and its weird. I dont know, I'm venting now.
But anyways, I just feel like I'm hammering at Him, just being a brat. Yeah, ok. I don't know where I'm going with this anymore ... I got out what I needed out, and I guess thast the point of blogger huh?
Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." How re-assuring ... :)
I tried to get the picture at the top at the bottom, but thats just not where it wanted to go, obviously. Ha. Just so yall know, I went on a wild hunt for that picture. I felt stirred to put a field in there, with a hill. So I googled like 4 different things to find that, and finally I searched "fields with hill" and looked on that page. God was like "its at the top", so I went and found this. Haha. Maybe thats why its at the otp ... hmm.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Update ... kinda.
Howdy those who read my blogs!
This is day 8 in Jackson, Michigan, and might I say I couldn't be happier. I mean, of course I miss everyone from Concord (Ha, theres a Concord like 20 minutes from my house), but I mean ... just being here 8 days has been amazing! I'm completely blessed. Like, in the simplest ways. My parents went and bought a whole new bed room set (Like, new bed, dressors, mirrors, nightstands, etc) and gave me their old one. So I now have a full size bed, two full size dressers, two nightstands, the comfiest comforter ever and a tv! (As compared to my twin size bed, one nighstand, and no dresser). I'm completely blessed, and extremely humbled. Every morning I wake up, and look through my window and just think to myself "Wow, I am just so blessed!". Since the Lord is doing good things through me, of course the devil is going to throw stuff at me: and he has begun doing so.
I've had an awful attitudd lately. Towards everyone, and its making me mad. Actually, I dont wanna go into that right now.
Anyways! I got accepted into Western High School Thursday, thanks to Karen (moms best friend, and the mayor of Jackson). Since its my junior year, I had the option to do "School of Choice", which just gives me the option to go to whatever school I want pretty much. But for Western, they had like 5 or 6 kids trying to get in, and they only had 2 or 3 spots. What they do is put all the names in a hat and draw the names of students that get to go to the school. But my mom talked to Karen (Again, the mayor) and Karen called Western and got me a spot. She also got my sister a spot at Dibble, where she wanted to go (which is also right across the street from our neighborhood ... no joke).
Last week sometime (I think Monday or Tuesday?) I began looking for churches in the area. I Googled "Contemporary Churches in Jackson, MI" and a church named Westwinds popped up, in huge letters. So I began looking around the website, and found it interesting. So, I decided to email the pastor (I think ... his name was everywhere on the website, so I assume he's the pastor) and asked him a few quesetions about the youth service. He was extremely polite, and got back to me within the next few days or so. He told me all about SJ, student journey, and asked if I'd like to meet with him and his assistant. It was so awesome to be asked that. I truly felt wanted, and it was just exciting to see leaders going after students: especially after they'd just met me! :) So, I'm headed to Westwinds tomorrow morning/night. I'm really excited, because I think this just may be the church! Also, the pastor told me that alot of the students at SJ go to Western, which just so happens to be my school. Hopefully I can make some new friends!
The devil has been throwing alot at me lately. I've decided to talk about that now, haha. The whole attitude thing ... I dont know. I've been really irritable lately: I havn't had sugar in 3 weeks, and I havn't had meat in 2, so I've been having awful headaches which has made me ... grr. Haha. But my sister got a peice of extreme chocolate cake from Olive Garden the other night, and she agreed to let me have it at the end of Selah ... needless to say, I'm pumped. But not only with my attitude, but with a boy ... A BOY! Ha, I havn't been into a boy, and him feel the same, in months ... since ... awhile ago. But I was talking to him, and we liked eachother, but he's back in NC (maybe SC, actually). And it just isn't working. But the devil is so hard trying to make me chase, and be strung along: nuh uh, not me. I've been made for more than that. And I have to tell myself that ALOT, because I wanna be that little puppy ... but hopefully God'll bring me to someone up here ;) Haha. Everyone has told me "Ah! I'm sure you'll meet your husband up there!" Wouldn't that be nice?
Please pray for me! I'm putting in job applications this week, and I so desperately need a job /: I have insurance/gas to pay for, and gas is $3.19-$3.23 up here: yipes!I'm believeing God will provide, and He has thus far: so I have great reason to believe He will :)
Yepp, well, thats all for now folks!
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which GOd has promised to those who love Him".
This is day 8 in Jackson, Michigan, and might I say I couldn't be happier. I mean, of course I miss everyone from Concord (Ha, theres a Concord like 20 minutes from my house), but I mean ... just being here 8 days has been amazing! I'm completely blessed. Like, in the simplest ways. My parents went and bought a whole new bed room set (Like, new bed, dressors, mirrors, nightstands, etc) and gave me their old one. So I now have a full size bed, two full size dressers, two nightstands, the comfiest comforter ever and a tv! (As compared to my twin size bed, one nighstand, and no dresser). I'm completely blessed, and extremely humbled. Every morning I wake up, and look through my window and just think to myself "Wow, I am just so blessed!". Since the Lord is doing good things through me, of course the devil is going to throw stuff at me: and he has begun doing so.
I've had an awful attitudd lately. Towards everyone, and its making me mad. Actually, I dont wanna go into that right now.
Anyways! I got accepted into Western High School Thursday, thanks to Karen (moms best friend, and the mayor of Jackson). Since its my junior year, I had the option to do "School of Choice", which just gives me the option to go to whatever school I want pretty much. But for Western, they had like 5 or 6 kids trying to get in, and they only had 2 or 3 spots. What they do is put all the names in a hat and draw the names of students that get to go to the school. But my mom talked to Karen (Again, the mayor) and Karen called Western and got me a spot. She also got my sister a spot at Dibble, where she wanted to go (which is also right across the street from our neighborhood ... no joke).
Last week sometime (I think Monday or Tuesday?) I began looking for churches in the area. I Googled "Contemporary Churches in Jackson, MI" and a church named Westwinds popped up, in huge letters. So I began looking around the website, and found it interesting. So, I decided to email the pastor (I think ... his name was everywhere on the website, so I assume he's the pastor) and asked him a few quesetions about the youth service. He was extremely polite, and got back to me within the next few days or so. He told me all about SJ, student journey, and asked if I'd like to meet with him and his assistant. It was so awesome to be asked that. I truly felt wanted, and it was just exciting to see leaders going after students: especially after they'd just met me! :) So, I'm headed to Westwinds tomorrow morning/night. I'm really excited, because I think this just may be the church! Also, the pastor told me that alot of the students at SJ go to Western, which just so happens to be my school. Hopefully I can make some new friends!
The devil has been throwing alot at me lately. I've decided to talk about that now, haha. The whole attitude thing ... I dont know. I've been really irritable lately: I havn't had sugar in 3 weeks, and I havn't had meat in 2, so I've been having awful headaches which has made me ... grr. Haha. But my sister got a peice of extreme chocolate cake from Olive Garden the other night, and she agreed to let me have it at the end of Selah ... needless to say, I'm pumped. But not only with my attitude, but with a boy ... A BOY! Ha, I havn't been into a boy, and him feel the same, in months ... since ... awhile ago. But I was talking to him, and we liked eachother, but he's back in NC (maybe SC, actually). And it just isn't working. But the devil is so hard trying to make me chase, and be strung along: nuh uh, not me. I've been made for more than that. And I have to tell myself that ALOT, because I wanna be that little puppy ... but hopefully God'll bring me to someone up here ;) Haha. Everyone has told me "Ah! I'm sure you'll meet your husband up there!" Wouldn't that be nice?
Please pray for me! I'm putting in job applications this week, and I so desperately need a job /: I have insurance/gas to pay for, and gas is $3.19-$3.23 up here: yipes!I'm believeing God will provide, and He has thus far: so I have great reason to believe He will :)
Yepp, well, thats all for now folks!
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which GOd has promised to those who love Him".
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
V#Nt++.
I find it necessary, at times, to express feelings outwardly in a way thats suitable to the soul. For me? That means writing.
Galllly jee, I've been super stressed lately. I've been helping mother prepare, countless times, the house to be looked at. I have an 8-10 page paper due Monday that I've barely started. I've got a party to plan for Saturday. I have to make enough $$$ to pay my bills. But quite frankly, I just feel empty.
For Christmas my Grandma Mckeiver sent me $25 for Barnes & Noble. I bought "The Real Me" by Natalie Grant, and "The Shack" by William Young: both are fantastic books, might I add. I've read them both, and I just love them.
The Real Me, is a "self help" book in a way. It helps girls with struggling self images, much like myself. I always try to pull off that "Nah, I Love the way I look!" attitude. When in reality, its quite the contrary. Anyways, during our fast at church, Selah, I'm going to read through this and The Shack (along with the Bible, of course) to have the Lords word. He has already spoken to me in marvelous ways. I just cant wait to see what happens after Selah. The Lord told me breakthrough was coming. He didn't say who for, but I trust Him that its coming for someone.
Friends ... gah. I have a few bestfriends, but honestly, I've been doubting them lately. I was reading something, I forgot what it was, but it was talking about how the person adressed the Lord as his bestfriend. That truly made me think about my "bestfriends" and how I "base them", if you know what I mean. If the Lord is my bestfriend, and lets say Jim Bobby is my bestfriend, theres a HUGE difference there isn't it? Kinda confusing, but it makes sense in my head. I just realized how much I love the keyboard on my laptop, its superb.
I'm thinking about going to the library after school tomorrow. Last time I went to the library, it was a success. I got a few sources/notes down, and research as well. I seiroulsy just need to get that thing done ... such the procrastinator I am. You'd think that because this is my last paper, and I can't rewrite it, that I would be triyng so hard huh? I'm really not though. I'm just slacking so bad. Part of me is like "Screw it. Its just a paper." but the other half of me is like "Alright look, your already failing the class, dont' make this worse."
You light up my life, with your perfect love.
Though this week has been tough, and its only day 2 of 7, I've seen the Lords light. And I insist on seeing it throughout the week.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Children.
NO, I AM NOT THINKING OF HAVING CHILDREN.
I've really just been led to write about ... children.
I LOVE kids. Like, babies, infants, toddlers: I love them all. Here lately, I've been attending the 9:00 am service at The Refuge, and the 11:00 am service at Concord First Assembly. This past weekend however, I felt led to work in the nursery at The Refuge, as I havn't in quite some time now. So, I did, and it was truly a blessing. There was a boy in the room I worked in named Noah, and oh he was just so precious! He was adorable, and just had such a caring attitude towards the other kids. During worship, he knew EVERY word to EVERY song, and during "How Great is Our God" he had his hands lifted (well, on his knees) in worship. It was so amazing to see a young child worshipping and loving on the same God I worship and love on! It was so powerful!
The same night at work, I was with Julia, Leslie, Corie and Kaylee (some of my faves). We were bored, as usual on a Sunday night, and we made a list of baby names. I dont know why, but we always make lists with our kids names (Oh! Whitney was there too!). So, for whatever reason, I feel like expressing the names we all came up with for my childresn.
They include:
*Saffron Marie, *Adalia Shea, *Ezekiel Blaine, Broderick Shane, Dustin Avery, Carson, Carter, Ashton, Shane, Kaylen Marie, Kaylee, Daelyn Ashe, Dallas, Amery, Layton, Kinsey, McKenna, Katarina, Aiden, Elise, Natalia, Coree, Lyza Kait, Kamryn, Cody Shane, Keneith, Tayler, Tylor, Shiio, Raylen, Kayra, Michale, Mathew, Mykala, Layla, Braxton Lee, Finlee, Myka, Ellie, Krystina, Zoe, Saraya, Kayden, Caden, Cole, Missy, Olivia, Auriel, Julia, Julianna, Gabrielle Michele, Emilia Grace, Mia, Nathan, Janine, Brayla, Rachyl, Darla, Audra, Sandra, Miriam, Kaitlyn, Loraine, Saxra, Lyzzie, Josiah, Seth, Braylen, Clae, Delanie, Delilah, Mikayla, Kayla, Bailey, *Noah James, Hallee, Brianne, Jessie, *Jessalyn Kae, Laura, Lacey, Katee, Laney, Molly, Kara, Reaghan, Myranda, Shara, Mona, Savanah, Sophia, Eryn, Nicolas, Zachary, Colin, Noel, Melanie, Chandler, Chessa, Madisyn, Jacob Daley, Isabella, Nancy, Mailyn, Jaryd, Karaline, Maria, Gianna, Brooke, Kacey, Abby, Naomi, Darah, Railen, Daniel, Amalay, Karyn, Mary Kate, Jase, Dakota Faye, and Rebeka.
The ones with (*'s) are my favorites. I dont know what we were doing, but these were just names that I truly liked. It was funny, because the first 3 names on that list are the names I wanted for my children. Then I had this ENTIRE list of names I love! Like earlier stated, I'm not interested in kids right now (though I LOVE LOVE LOVE them), I just felt led to write about children.
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them,
‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’
— Mark 10:14
I've really just been led to write about ... children.
I LOVE kids. Like, babies, infants, toddlers: I love them all. Here lately, I've been attending the 9:00 am service at The Refuge, and the 11:00 am service at Concord First Assembly. This past weekend however, I felt led to work in the nursery at The Refuge, as I havn't in quite some time now. So, I did, and it was truly a blessing. There was a boy in the room I worked in named Noah, and oh he was just so precious! He was adorable, and just had such a caring attitude towards the other kids. During worship, he knew EVERY word to EVERY song, and during "How Great is Our God" he had his hands lifted (well, on his knees) in worship. It was so amazing to see a young child worshipping and loving on the same God I worship and love on! It was so powerful!
The same night at work, I was with Julia, Leslie, Corie and Kaylee (some of my faves). We were bored, as usual on a Sunday night, and we made a list of baby names. I dont know why, but we always make lists with our kids names (Oh! Whitney was there too!). So, for whatever reason, I feel like expressing the names we all came up with for my childresn.
They include:
*Saffron Marie, *Adalia Shea, *Ezekiel Blaine, Broderick Shane, Dustin Avery, Carson, Carter, Ashton, Shane, Kaylen Marie, Kaylee, Daelyn Ashe, Dallas, Amery, Layton, Kinsey, McKenna, Katarina, Aiden, Elise, Natalia, Coree, Lyza Kait, Kamryn, Cody Shane, Keneith, Tayler, Tylor, Shiio, Raylen, Kayra, Michale, Mathew, Mykala, Layla, Braxton Lee, Finlee, Myka, Ellie, Krystina, Zoe, Saraya, Kayden, Caden, Cole, Missy, Olivia, Auriel, Julia, Julianna, Gabrielle Michele, Emilia Grace, Mia, Nathan, Janine, Brayla, Rachyl, Darla, Audra, Sandra, Miriam, Kaitlyn, Loraine, Saxra, Lyzzie, Josiah, Seth, Braylen, Clae, Delanie, Delilah, Mikayla, Kayla, Bailey, *Noah James, Hallee, Brianne, Jessie, *Jessalyn Kae, Laura, Lacey, Katee, Laney, Molly, Kara, Reaghan, Myranda, Shara, Mona, Savanah, Sophia, Eryn, Nicolas, Zachary, Colin, Noel, Melanie, Chandler, Chessa, Madisyn, Jacob Daley, Isabella, Nancy, Mailyn, Jaryd, Karaline, Maria, Gianna, Brooke, Kacey, Abby, Naomi, Darah, Railen, Daniel, Amalay, Karyn, Mary Kate, Jase, Dakota Faye, and Rebeka.
The ones with (*'s) are my favorites. I dont know what we were doing, but these were just names that I truly liked. It was funny, because the first 3 names on that list are the names I wanted for my children. Then I had this ENTIRE list of names I love! Like earlier stated, I'm not interested in kids right now (though I LOVE LOVE LOVE them), I just felt led to write about children.
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them,
‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’
— Mark 10:14
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