Click here!

Take a look at this link and listen to this kids stuff, God really blessed him with the ability to give a message in a unique and clear way.

Lots to be THANKful for

So, naturally I don't want to study for finals.  Im trying to think of constructive things to do besides go out and go shopping. I decided I would share my thanksgiving story. You may have heard it, maybe not.  Since this place is sorta like a journal for me I decided it would be good to write the story out while its still fresh. :)

The day started at 6:30 am. I got up along with dad and becca to go run our Turkey Trot. :)  On our way to the race Dad mentioned that he had talked to Jeff the night before.  He mentioned that he didn't receive the $80 care package that mom sent because the post office was closed until that Monday.  I was a little irritated as mom had paid for overnight shipping on MONDAY and as of WEDNESDAY it still wasn't there.  We had sent him a can of peas, turkey jerky, a tasteycake pumpkin pie, and some other favorites.  We figured he could have his own little dinner while we skyped him as we ate our dinner.

 Dad then proceeded to tell me that Jeff found out Wednesday afternoon that he was assigned to a family and had to spend the day with them for Thanksgiving. No big deal right? Thats a nice thing for them to do...WRONG.  Jeff either had to wear Khakis with a white button down shirt, or his dress blues.  Here is where the problem lies. Jeff didn't have khakis and it was too late to go out and get some, so he was going to have to wear his dress blues, which he looks stunning in. However, they are extremely uncomfortable.


He had to be at a bus station at 7 am where he would meet his family and then spend the day with them.  All I could think of was how I knew Jeff wanted to watch the football game and how I'm sure that his dress blues would not be comfortable to sit around in all day.  I kept reminding myself that this was his choice and that he's a big boy Marine.  He can do it...I mean really if he can run miles in a heat index of 110 he can sit in a comfy house with uncomfy clothes on.  This didn't really help the fact that it was going to be weird not to have him sitting there with us at the table.  I was also upset that this wasn't the first time the military messed something up for him.  Im proud of Jeff and I am thankful for the military personnel and for ALL they have done for my freedom...but sometimes they just aren't organized.

Anyways, I pushed all thoughts out of my mind and ran the race. We had a ton of fun, Becca filled in for my friend who was originally going to run but at the last minute couldn't. I beat my last time (*cough and dad cough*, dad beat my first 5k race time, and Becca finished...which was her goal. :)

After the race we rushed home to get some of moms sticky-buns and tell her how we did.  Shortly after we got home Dad and Chris left for Shenk Park for the annual Turkey Football game with church friends.  Little did we know, Jeffs good friend Tyler had picked Jeff up from the Harrisburg airport and brought him to the field.  Jeff got ahold of the football and yelled for Dad to catch, dad thought it was Chris and then did a double take. Chris was pretty surprised as well.  After the game they went and picked up Jeffs car from the shop near the park.

I went upstairs and got a shower, while I was in there I just started thinking of Jeff and how he could potentially have a miserable day.  I started crying and prayed that God will help him to have a relaxing day and that he would know that even though he couldn't be with us in real person or on Skype that he would know that he is loved and we are thankful for his service.

I came downstairs and joined Rachel and Mom in the kitchen doing homework/talking/making dinner.  We saw my car pull in and new it was time to sit and listen to all of Dads awesome plays and whatnot. :)  Chris walked in the door followed by my cousin Matt, Chris had my camera at the field and had it out of the case as he walked in. I thought he had some awesome pictures to show me.  I then see dad walk in with a backpack, I kinda looked at it wondering why he had it with him, and then it hit me at the same time I looked up at the man in the doorway that it was Jeffs backpack. Chris captured the whole thing.

                                    Mom screamed, embraced him, and started crying.

                                         
                                                     I was a bit shocked.

                              This will be a moment my family will forever make fun
                              of me for, as I blurted out while crying that I was "mad at him
                              because I just wasted time in the shower crying over him" I think
                              I punched him in the shoulder too...oops. haha

                            He forgave the punch and gave me the best hug ever!

                            Becca was in the background yelling that she wanted
                            a turn as she hadn't seen him since August. :) She got her hug
                           while the rest of us finished crying and shook as the adrenaline
                           took its course.

                            Forget shopping all day for Black Friday. Hiking,
                            laughing and making "asian" memories (inside joke) with your
                           siblings lasts longer than any TV on sale for $199. :) <3


                                         

I suppose I should spice this up, but I don't have a lot of time. So, I just want to encourage all who read this and have finals to hang in there and to finish strong. :)

Im sure a lot of you have seen this, but it never hurts to hear it again. :)

CLICK HERE! :)

"Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may  be matched by your completion of it." 2 Corinthians 8:11

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaIvk1cSyG8 


WATCH THIS!!!! SO CUTE!

DEATH

Yes, the title is morbid...I know.  It seems to be the unfortunate reoccurring theme in my life the last few weeks.  

Here is a breakdown:

Fall break- Found out my teachers son committed suicide. 

Few days after fall break- A VERY dear friend of ours passed away

Few days after that- One of my best friends horse died. (it may not seem so, but its a huge deal)

This Saturday- A dear lady that I worked with at youth group, her nephew was hit by a car and killed.

Today- The GM of Hershey park died.

Two out of the five do not directly effect me, however the people it did effect are near and dear to my heart. My heart has been so burdened for these people, death is not an easy thing to deal with.  That person (or horse ha) is gone never to be seen here on earth again.  

The thought of all the deaths was overwhelming me the last few days.  I got to thinking about our time here on earth.  You think you are going to live till maybe your 80's 90's and peacefully pass away in your dreams.  Thats how I think at least, yet that is not the case for most people.  Each one of these deaths were sudden and unexpected.  They weren't laying on their death bed, they weren't in their 80's and 90's they were just gone in a blink of an eye.  

What if you died, just like that?  What have you done with your life thus far?  What would others say about the way you lived your life?  What did you offer the world while you were still alive?  Where are YOU going when you die?

All these thoughts made me want to step up my game and make sure that I am making the most of every moment because, when I die I want people to say that I was always serving, always loving, that I made them laugh, that I encouraged them and that I did what I could and never gave up.  

Although these thoughts gave me anxiety, I do have hope that when I die I  know where I am going.  I know that the Lord has a place prepared for my eternal life in heaven.  I encourage you to evaluate your life, do you know where you are going?  Don't think you have time to live life how you want and then get serious, cause it could be gone in a flash. 

If you have any questions on your life after you are done on earth, I would be more than happy to answer them. :)

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

Romands 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Well it appears that I had my settings blocking non-users from commenting.  I fixed it, you should be able to comment! :)

"TBD" "Too Busy Disorder"

So blogger changed, and it tells you how many profile views you have had.  I have more than I thought I would, unless its my faithful Emma checking up on me. :) Anywho, moving right along...

For the last couple of days I have been thinking about the phrase "Im so busy, I don't/didn't have time..."  Now, for some people and on some days this phrase is 'legit' and true, however if there are any out there like me, somedays its just a conveinant excuse to use.  Not only to someone who wants to spend time with you, but especially when referenced to spending time with God.

This past week I taught a lesson to my group of high school girls about spending time in the word and building a relationship with our creator. I talked about how we are supposed to treat Him like He is a friend not just someone who dictates our life and occasionally sprinkles us with blessings.  I mentioned how we always make time for friends, Facebook, eating, social activities etc... yet at the end of the day when our devotions haven't been done we say "ugh sorry God I was too busy, I didn't have time to get to know you today and Im too tired to do it now."  Now, maybe Im the only one that uses this excuse, and in that case allow me to just talk to myself here.

When you (I) think about it, this really is the worst excuse ever, because if Jesus would have used this excuse when it came time for Him to be crucified, where would we be today?  He made the time to die for the sins He never committed.  So not only did He make time but He sacrificed His time for something He didn't have to do.  When I look at it this way, the guilt for not making at least 10 minutes for him overwhelms me.  The summer relationship that I was in this summer basically ended with "Im too busy, I don't have time for you"  If those words hurt me, Im positive that they hurt the one who created us.  Thank God where sin abounds, Grace super bounds.

Devotions are a drag you say?  Well, I heard once that you should do your devotions at a time that you are fully awake and can focus.  Its also a good idea to associate it with something you like.  So, you like coffee?  Sit down with a cup of java and dive into the word.  Love the outdoors?  Make sure your setting is outside, or close to a window that will allow you to observe the outdoors.  The more comfortable you make it the less of a 'drag' it will be.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself when studying the word.  This list was given to me, so I take no credit.

God, what will this change in my life?
How will it adjust my life?
How will I be different?
If this passage is true, how will is radically change my life?


So, are we really busy or are we out of focus?  Do we need to re-prioritize our daily tasks? Are you going to allow what you know needs to change to just stare at you in the face or are you going to attack it?

 I know what I need to do...I need to get back to my homework so that I can get to my devotions tonight.

:)