Eleven.

1. Changed my major from teaching to Business Management and decided to be a part of the family business.
2. Spent a week of my Summer at Hume Lake as a Counselor with a cabin full of wonderful young junior Highers that changed my outlook on life.
3. Got the news that I will be welcoming two members to the family: a nephew and a sister in law.
4. Worked and completed an entire catalog for work with my sister.
5. Began my second year of college.
6. Changed my direction of life... Let go of some people that were bringing me down and was blessed with a handful of some incredible people.
7. Said goodbye to my Grandpa Dave, who I was able to spend some time with and get to know in the last year.
8. Turned 20 years old!
9. Got my braces off. Now my jaw is practically healed and my smile is bigger... Whether that has to do with the man in my life or not... ;)
10. Met Cory Sass, who I have been blessed with to have all to myself and share memories and adventures with.
11. Fulfilled a dream of mine when I went to see Wicked at Pantages Theatre in LA with Cory.

Eleven things... Only eleven of the things that came into my mind when I thought about the past year. Just like every year, we make mistakes, we gain something, we lose something, and we ALWAYS learn at least one thing. This year, I've learned two things... One, that regardless of the circumstances, God won't ever leave your side and he always has control. Second, is to never settle for less than you deserve. I put myself through a lot this past year, and when I finally gave God the reigns... He started me on an adventure I would have never gone for alone. He has brought people into my life, people like Cory, who have been behind the scenes for such a long time until God knew it would be best timing for the both of us. And now, with an incredible family, astounding friends, an exquisite boyfriend, and a perfect God... I couldn't be more thankful for the past year... Because even amidst the difficulties and trials... I was blessed with sunshine in my life and true happiness. So thank you 2011, for what you had to offer me and for the trials that you gave me to strengthen me.

"Here is to the nights this turned into mornings.

The friends that turned into family.

The dreams that turned into reality,

And the likes that turned into love."

Happy New Year!!!

Oh the Holiday's

"A moment later, he plopped down on the sand beside her, and when the accidentally touched Gabby had the briefest flash of them sitting together just like this on a hundred different weekends in the future." -Nicholas Sparks from The Choice 

Now that I have finished finals and school for the semester, I have done nothing but enjoy myself and losing myself in a novel lent to me by Cory. I couldn't even begin to explain how wonderful the past week has been for me, even amidst a week of finals... there was just too much happiness in my heart to bring me down. 

Last Saturday, I spent the evening with Cory's family attending his Dad's firemen dinner where he received fireman of the year. After some time in the spa and a Christmas movie, Cory figured it was just about time to celebrate my birthday and surprise me with something he had planned. We jumped in his truck which was filled with blankets, and grabbed some warm coffee. After driving, he explained that he was taking me up to Palomar Mountain. We made our way to a perfect spot after seeing a deer and an owl, and he threw some blankets and pillows in the back of his truck. We laid there with warm coffee and looked out at the beautiful sight: a full sky of stars and a completely full moon. After enjoying a perfect sight, he put on some music and we danced under the stars. I felt as though I was living in my own Nicholas Sparks novel, that somewhere someone was writing my story down because it was that perfect. 

After the clock struck 12, I turned 20. As we made our way down the mountain, Cory pulled out my present... a CD that said, "Happy Birthday!" on it. He went on to explain he had spent the past couple weeks working on a song he had written me. He put in the disc in and I sat back and listened. I was completely taken back and had goosebumps all over... it was just perfect. 

After getting some rest, I woke up and celebrated my birthday with my family and some close friends. It was small and perfect, just what I love. The rest of the week studying and taking finals, and on Friday celebrated with friends. I couldn't be more blessed with this life that I am living out. Christmas is right around the corner, and I can't imagine being in a better place that I am right now to enjoy it. 

Becks <3

Ugly Christmas Sweaters, Handsome Boyfriend :)

My Best Friend <3 

Christmas Lights Galore!

God is Able

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "The sun shines and warms and lights us and we have no curiosity to know why this is so; but we ask the reason of all evil, of pain, and hunger, and mosquitoes, and silly people." This past week has been a challenge for me, in the light that I didn't let the struggle outweigh the blessings that were placed upon me. I had some issues with friends this past week which are still clearly not dealt with. I am the type of person who needs confrontation, someone who will come to me and talk with me to my face and resolve issues... a HUGE pet peeve of mine is trying to deal with issues over the phone or over a text message and that is how this issue grew. Yesterday, hurtful words were said to me. While I was eating lunch with friends yesterday, I received messages with words that broke me down to a low point. I tried my best to brush it off my shoulder and not let those words keep me down. When I had some alone time on the way home from school, I simply prayed that God would guide my thoughts and words to his will. 

I carried on with my evening with a group of friends to go see Hillsong at The Rock Church in San Diego. We listened to Frank Sinatra the whole ride up and enjoyed each others company. The concert was incredible... we were about 3 feet away from the stage where we stood worshipping our forgiving God. It was an incredible experience to be able to stand with people that I love and worship the God of love. In those moments I realized how truly blessed I am to be able to come and worship God with my friends. With all that was on my heart, all anger, all hurt, all resentment... I let it go and trusted that God will use it towards his will. Just as people question why there is evil, or why there is pain in this world... we never ask why there is happiness or joy. We are blessed ... and sometimes, we take that for granted. I have so many wonderful things going well in my life, and this weekend I get to celebrate my birthday with the people that truly care for me.

Cory and I after Hillsong

Feet away from the stage, worshipping God. 

Christopher lol

It's the most wonderful time of the year

As Christmas creeps around the corner, I can't help but be excited. This month is probably one of my favorites out of the whole year. Around Christmastime, everyone is happier, friendlier, and full of joy. As school begins to come to an end, the stress of finals and last projects keeps creeping closer to me. This is probably the first semester that I'm not completely buried in stress over finishing school, because I know that it will fall into place. This past weekend has been simply wonderful... Friday night Cory took me to the Cafe at North Coast to listen to some Christmas music and drink some delicious coffee. We grabbed a table near the front and just enjoyed our surroundings. Within minutes, we were accompanied by Steven and Natalie. We had such a good time socializing and laughing about random things, I didn't want the night to end. I finished off the evening with a Christmas movie with Cory's Family, following some great conversations with him, and a few dances to conclude our night :) 

The rest of the weekend was full of Christmas festivities, like getting our christmas tree and going to a church Christmas tea :) Then last night I went to see Cory play worship at Day Break church, where we listened to a sermon on Joy. I am very joyful and happy with where I am at. I am looking forward to this next week, with a Hillsong concert on Tuesday, closing up school, and my birthday on Sunday :)

My weekend events :)

Playing Christmas songs on the Grand Piano at Church.

Blessing

Allan K. Chalmers once wrote, "The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." For the past couple months, I have been incredibly joyous and happy. At first, I thought that with the really good, had to come the bad. I thought that my life was becoming "too good to be true." After everything I have been through in the past year, I found that when I handed my life back to God recently... he gave me contentment and peace, but most importantly he gave me hope.

I have been spending a lot of time with Cory, which I absolutely love. He is one of the best parts of my day and one of the reasons why I laugh and smile so much. I think one of the things I really enjoy about my time with him is that it's effortless. There isn't a moment that I am around him that I know I can't be myself, he just brings out the best in me. The other night, he took me to church with his parents which was just absolutely wonderful. The sermon tied together perfectly with my church's series on prayer, and it spoke right to my heart. As I closed my eyes during a worship song,  I allowed the words to captivate my heart. I sat there and realized just how extraordinarily perfect my life was. My heart, my mind, my soul, and my God are aligned and my path is directed toward a goal.

I once heard a quote that read, "All seasons are beautiful for the person who carries happiness within." Not only do I have happiness, but I have the power of God glowing in my heart and flowing through my veins. The seasons of life are all different, some good and some bad. God is blessing me with a season of pure joy, and carrying him within... every season of my life that I enter, I know I will be more than just okay. I know I'll always be blessed, even if it's just opening my eyes in the morning. We have a tendency of thinking that happiness comes from these objects and people that we don't have, instead of realizing that it's appreciating and acknowledging what God has placed in our path, who God has placed in our lives, and what he is doing in your life.

I encourage you to look at what you have, instead of what you want. Ask God to show you, and he will.

God Bless <3

86,400

Albert Schweitzer once wrote, "At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have relit the flame within us." Today is Thanksgiving, a whole day set aside from our busy lives to be thankful for what we have. My question is, why do we only set aside one day out of 365 days to be truly thankful for what we have? Why is it that with 86,400 seconds in a day, we cannot take a few of those to just pray and be thankful?

Recently, I have realized how truly blessed I really am. When I handed my life back to God, he has done nothing but bless me. I long for a relationship with him, for his forgiveness and his grace. He has given me a family that is more incredible and beyond words and friends that guide me and love me. In the past year, the fire in my heart went out... My passion, my faith, my hope. Today, I give thanks to a God who has relit the flame in my heart and who has put people into my life to keep that flame going.

 I wish I could sit here and write out all the things I am thankful for, or give details of every moment in my life... because it truly has been amazing. Instead, I will just post some pictures that are recent that make me happy.

Happy Thanksgiving :)

LA Kings Game :)

Beautiful surprise from Cory

Egg Nog!

Addi visiting at work

Thanksgiving Feast

Part of the Fam

Enjoying some quality time :)

Walk on the beach with Soph <3 

Enchanted.

Nicholas Sparks once wrote, "If conversation was the lyrics, laughter was the music, making time spent together a melody that could be replayed over and over without getting stale." Tonight, I had such an enchanting night. After a rough day of issues with friends and a long day at work, I had something to look forward to. Although my plans for tonight had previously been different, THIS night is what I needed most.

After coming home from work, I showered and got ready to head to Cory's house. I couldn't help but be slightly nervous because I was meeting his family for the first time. The moment I stepped inside the house, I just felt welcomed. I met his mom and dad, who I both adored, and his older sister who was so sweet. We ate pizza with his family and watched Elf to get us in the mood for Christmas. As I sat there with his family, I enjoyed the moment of just being content. After finishing the first movie, we put in another. Cory and I sat there on his couch and just enjoyed each other's presence. There is just something about him that I cannot quite put my finger on... he continues to surprise me and make me happier than I have ever been. After the movie ended, he put on some good oldies music and asked me to dance. As he took my hand, I stood up and he wrapped his arms around me. We danced for a couple songs and I just melted in my own happiness. I didn't want the night to end, but I knew it had to. On the way home, I couldn't stop smiling and I quietly just thanked God for what he is doing in my life.

I put my iPhone in, put on the song enchanted by Taylor Swift. The lyrics just matched my life perfectly at that point, "This night is sparkling, don't you let it go. I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home. I'll spend forever wondering if you knew, I was enchanted to meet you." Tomorrow I get to wake up and go to breakfast on the beach with Cory, then a girls day with Natalie and Sarah follows :) and to conclude tomorrow, I'm going to see Cory play in San Marcos.

Thank you God, for your continual blessings in my life. Help me to glorify you in everything I do and that I may be a light in this dark world. Continue to work in me and through me so that I can follow out your plan. Thank you, for this enchanting night you blessed me with.

xox,
Jewels

I See the Light.

The past few days have been incredible for me. After the rain passed through, it left a cleansing feeling for me. I always love days after storms, or mornings after rain because everything just looks better. As I was driving home the other morning, I literally stopped my car on my road and just let the scenery sink in. All the golden-brown leaves had fallen onto the street, and the sun was at the perfect point in the sky. I just sat there and just said thank you to the Creator of this beautiful place.

Following a relaxing morning of watching my nieces, I went to meet Kd for some coffee and time to do our nails. It was really nice to just spend the afternoon together catching up. I told her how excited I was for the night that followed. When I got home, I helped my mom prepare dinner and made some delicious pumpkin bread for my movie night with Cory. It was also really great because it was our traditional Callahan tamale night :) After Cory arrived, we just hung out with the family and watched the football game. It was a really relaxing afternoon and dinner where my family got to get to know Cory a little bit. Following the football game, I was lucky enough to watch one of my favorite Disney movies, Tangled :) I had the best night spending quality time with my family and getting to know someone I've been spending more and more time with. 

After spending the day at work with Kristen, I feel so refreshed for the week ahead of me. We spent the day working on the same project and laughing at each other and it was really good to spend some time with her. We laugh at the most ridiculous stuff and take embarrassing pictures of each other, like she did of me when I looked like a total nerd when I was trying to concentrate. 

Afternoon babysitting with Kristen.

Nerd Alert.

Although I didn't even have to post the picture, I take pride in embarrassing moments and pictures. I finished off my day with homework and baking cookies with Sarah :) we caught up on some classic girl talk and laughed at ourselves as we made fun of each other. Now, I am just relaxing in my room listening to a sermon from Hume on trust. 

Thank you God for what you are doing in my life.

Thank you for having a plan.

Thank you for helping me understand that your plan is better than mine. 

Thank You. 

Stepping Stones

I feel as if I have been blessed to a great extent, with great moments. I have been thinking a lot about change and I remembered a quote written by John Steinback where he said, "Change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn, and it comes like the stealthy perfume of wildflowers hidden in the grass." In reading this quote in my journal, I ask myself a question I have heard before: "What measure of time does it take to change a life?" Is it in a day? A year? or within a single moment?

Looking at my life and my past, I find the stepping stones it took to get me where I am today. Some of those steps weren't easy, some of them I never paid any attention too... but all of them brought me to this step of where I am right now. Charles Bukowski once said, "Some moments are nice, some are nicer, and some are even worth writing about." I write because it is my passion, I write because it is something that God gave me, and with that I do it to bring glory to Him. And looking at my life right now, I couldn't be more thankful for the blessings he has placed in my hands. He has gifted me with new friendships, an extraordinary family, uncontrollable happiness, and unbounded faith.

As I look at my life and what he has blessed me with... I feel overwhelmed. I feel as if my words can't comprehend my happiness, and that no matter how I try and explain my contentment... it just doesn't cover it. God changed my life... and the time in which he did, is immeasurable and when he did so, he gave me moments worth writing about.

One of the many beautiful sunsets God designed.

Left me speechless.

Cold Rainy Day  <3

<3 

Rain :)

A few of my Favorite things

Got the idea from a friend to write out a list of my favorite things... and I have SO many... but I kept it down to 40 ;)
Enjoy...

1. God
2. Sunrises and Sunsets
3. Apple Candles
4. Iced Caramel Macciato on a warm day.
5. Little surprises
6. Gardenia Flower Bushes
7. Owls
8. Nail Polish :)
9. All kinds of chocolate
10. Writing quotes in my journal
11. Driving with the windows down, during the day AND at night (with the heater on, if its cold)
12. A good Song
13. Spending hours at the piano trying to figure out a song, and then the feeling I get when I get it down.
14. Christmas music, both listening to it and playing it.
15. When people surprise me with little things.
16. Getting presents for people.
17. Smiling
18. Making someone laugh.
19. Waking up to a "Good Morning" text :)
20. Holding Hands <3
21. Watching movies on rainy days
22. Making funny videos with Kathleen Diane Horne
23. The California Coffee House Dessert Drinks
24. Baking
25. When my parents cook amazing food, which is like.... every night.
26. Getting emails from my Grandfather
27. Seeing God in little moments.
28. Giving advice
29. Hearing what my Dad has to say about situations in my life.
30. When my mom is in a bubbly mood.
31. When I get phone calls from my nieces.
32. Photography
33. Laying under the stars, bundled in blankets.
34. Getting lost in a book, and seeing the world through that specific novel.
35. God's surprises in life.
36. When someone proves me wrong.
37. Prayer and worship music.
38. Antique and Thrift Stores
39. Coffee.. iced, hot, black, sweetened... I love it all.
40. Quality time with people.

In Good Company

It is now Tuesday, and my week has already started off wonderfully. Last night,  I got to spend some one on one time with someone I have been recently talking to a lot. He picked me up, and we went to the Old California Coffee House for some delicious dessert drinks. We sat by the fire and got to know each other a little bit since we never really had done so before, outside of the phone. After some good conversation, we went to go see Footloose, which I had already seen but was dying to see again :) And of course, it was just as amazing as the first time I saw it, maybe even better ;) My night was full of awesome conversation, lots of laughter, many strange similarities, and good company :) One of those nights that I didn't really want to finish, but I knew I had to wake up for classes the next morning. 

This morning when I woke up, I felt well rested and excited to start a new week. Although I have a lot of school busyness coming up, I can't help but be happy with my life. God keeps blessing me day in and day out with different things. Especially when the weather is sunny and cold, it's hard not to be satisfied with my life. I am really excited to see more that God has in store for me in the future :) Today I am enjoying the sunshine during my cancelled class, and going to enjoy the rest of my week!!

No makeup and Sunshine :)

A Blessed Day

Nicholas Sparks once wrote, "Life, he realized, was much like a song. In the beginning there is mystery, in the end there is confirmation,  but in the middle where all the emotion resides to make the whole thing worth while."You know when you listen to a good song, and there is just that part somewhere in the middle that just gives you goosebumps? That's like what my life is like right now.

Last night, I stayed the night at Kd's. We spent the evening eating homemade pumpkin bread, yogurt parfaits, and soup, accompanied by Dear John. After a wonderful full night sleep, we quickly got ready to head to Encinitas to have breakfast: my first Acai Bowl :) it was absolutely delicious. From there, we did some necessity shopping at Target and stopped at the mall for cases for our phones. That night, we babysat my little brother and his friends while carrying on our Nicholas Sparks weekend with A Walk to Remember. I made us some Mexican Hot Chocolate to finish off the night. 

Overall, it has been an amazing weekend and it is only Saturday evening. I have been spending a lot of time with Kd and its been great. I've been talking to new people, which makes me really excited and happy to get to know them. I am constantly surrounded by people who uplift me, and when I am put down for something... I find strength from the Lord. 

I hope he continues to work in me, so he can work through me... so I can work for him. I'll close off this short post with a verse from Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, "Two are better than one, because they have good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to pick him up!"

Friday Night Festivities 

Nala keeping my feet warm :)

Added a little color to my hair :)

Pure Contentment

Nathaniel Hawthorne once wrote, "Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." For the longest time, I searched for happiness in temporary beings, whether it be through people or objects on this earth, it wasn't satisfying. There is worldly happiness, and happiness brought by God... two completely different forms. Although the happiness of this world can be deceiving and thought to have been of God, true happiness from the source is beyond compare.

As I lay in bed tonight, I read from Philippians 4:11-12, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." As I take a step back and really pay close attention to the words of this verse, as I say aloud "whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Isn't that what God wants? We are either hungry for more of his love or living in plenty. With Gods love, we are able to be content in a broken world. As it states in Ecclesiastes, "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad consider: God has made the one as well as the other."

He is the source of it all: love, hope, faith, grace...happiness. I do not want worldly versions of these things, they will never satisfy me without God. When I gave my life back to God, he gave me happiness... he allowed me to be content, he gave me hope. Faith, Hope, and Love... these cannot exist without each other. Everything here on earth that makes me happy, is just an overfilling of my cup. God empties me every day to fill me up with his grace.

When I chased happiness, I found that it was always out of reach...sometimes, even just inches away. But when I came to my knees to God, he placed it right in my hands.

He is unfathomable and unexplainable... a God who saves <3

Balboa Island

Laughter, an inner quality, mood or disposition or an expression of amusement. Lately, I have found that laughter cures just about anything and that friendship is worth more than money can buy. Friday night, I had the opportunity to stay the night on the beautiful Balboa Island with my beautiful friends: Sarah, Kd, and Sophie. The night consisted of dinner on the water, a ride on the ferry, and a late night in the apartment. We made videos and took pictures that we would look back and laugh on, and we spent time together laughing.


After falling asleep in the main room with Kd, we woke up to the most beautiful day outside our windows. Kd and I laid there and talked about just how blessed we were to be able to wake up to such a beautiful place. From there, we got ready and walked around the Island, getting yogurt parfaits and coffee :)

After our wonderful tour around the island, we made our way to fashion island where we shopped all day enjoying eachothers company. On the way home, Kd, Sarah, and I blasted Taylor Swift and shouted the words to all the songs and I just sat there in contentment. We sang and we laughed and just enjoyed each other's company. I am so blessed to have these girls in my life, to have them encourage me and look out for me at all times.

When I finally got home, I hugged my daddy who I hadn't seen because he had been away at work. Then I got to go out to dinner with my parents and just me... I felt like an only child, but I loved the quality time. I feel as though my weekend has only begun, excited for Sarah's halloween party on monday :)


xoxo,
Jewels

What we woke up to :)

Sarah <3 

I wish I could explain, but this sums up our friendship hahah

<3 her

Friendship <3

Everlasting

Shaun Marler once said, “If you want something that you’ve never had, then you have to be willing to do something you’ve never done.” I have been paying closer attention to things lately whether it is words of a song or a quote as simple as this one. I’ve found that when I allowed myself to soak up words, they have a greater significance in my life. This idea of doing something you’ve never done in order to get something you’ve never had is such an intriguing concept… And then I thought about it a little longer and a little harder.

Lately, my life has been more different than ever. I have been spending more time with new people in my life, like Kd and Chris… and enjoying what every day has to offer me. I have found that my passion for music is even greater than I had thought before and that my love for playing the piano won’t ever fade. But more significantly, I’ve found that putting my life in God’s hands has given me opportunity, it has given me strength, and he has blessed me with true, abundant happiness. On my way to school this morning, I was feeling more tired than I usually do, so I picked up a coffee on the way. I plugged in my iPod to listen to some early morning worship to get my day started off right. As I listened to the words of one of the songs I had known for a great deal of time, I caught onto one phrase: “the art of losing myself in bringing you praise.”

An art, this idea of the production of something beautiful or extraordinary. How could losing myself possibly be an art? Something beautiful or extraordinary? As I was talking to God about this, I had a realization.

Months ago, I decided to give up myself. Whether it was through making my own decisions or trying to live the life I wanted… I had to give it up. Everything I had been trying to do based off my own knowledge, was failing. As much as I thought I was doing what was right for myself, I was wrong in the eyes of the Lord. I had to do something I’ve never done, to get something I’ve never had. Months ago, I lost myself to the Lord… I gave it all back to him because I could no longer attempt to control my life on my own. Through that revelation, came praise. An art of losing myself, in bringing you praise. I love bringing praise to God; I love making him joyful and living out his plan.

I am working on becoming a woman after God’s own heart and going through a study on this right now… and every day when I get into the word and this study, God blesses me with this passion and strength whether it be through writing or screaming the words of a song.

God, thank you, if only there were words greater than those. If only the words that I speak and write could describe you, but you are immeasurable and indescribable. You give everything that is good and bless me with immense passion for you. Continue to work in me, work through me, so I can work for you. May in all my ways, surrender to you…. Lead me in the way of everlasting <3

Planting a Seed

"Today is the first day of the rest of my life."

I have heard this phrase thousand and thousands of times, and yet I hear it and disregard it as if I already know what it truly means. But do I? the FIRST day of the rest of my life... The past doesn't matter, whether it was wonderful or full of difficulties. All that matters is that it happened and that I learned from it. I once heard a small tidbit of knowledge that went something like this: If you have one eye on yesterday, and one eye on tomorrow, you are going to be cockeyed today. How true is that? 

Lately, I have been ceasing the day and living my days to their fullest. I promised myself a couple weeks ago that I would actually live my life, no regrets, nothing holding me back. I cannot even imagine what the rest of my life is going to look like if I keep this perspective, which I am :) 

One of the things I have been getting into more is music, of course spending a lot of time at the piano, I have also been getting into concerts. After going to a Ray LaMontagne concert at the end of Summer, I decided I was going to give into my love for it a little more. So last night, I went with my friend Kd to see David Cook, Carolina Liar, and Gavin DeGraw :) AND after the show... we got a meet and greet with Gavin and David, I wish I could describe it.... but I can't, it was just wonderful.

The concert was absolutely incredible, we stood the entire time when Gavin was on stage... Certain songs that had great significance to me, just touched my heart. Our seats were so close, we were able to see Gavin perform up close... and in the middle of one of his songs, he looked and pointed right at Kd and I.... and Kd and I just looked at each other and burst into excitement... it was amazing. 

After starting off my week like that, there is no way the rest of the week can't be amazing. It's going to be full of friends, shopping for more pieces of our Indian costumes for Halloween, girls night, Church, Pumpkin carving, Hiking at Torrey Pines, Balboa Island, and a fun Halloween get-together party!! Of course there are other things I am excited for too :) But I will contain my excitement :)

Hope everyone's week is as wonderful as mine will be :)

He uses the weak to lead the strong

Well it is Sunday evening and I am feeling very excited for this next week and the festivities that I have planned ahead of me :) Tomorrow after work, I am going to Kd to see Gavin Degraw at Humphrey's by the Bay which I am SO looking forward to... she got us the tickets and it's going to be a great little date night for us :) Then on Friday night we are having a girls night! She invited us to come and stay at her apartment on Balboa Island for the night and I am even more excited because my best friend Sophy is going to come too!!! Saturday night I am going to visit my sister who will be camping with the family on the beach in Carlsbad, then Sunday night I am celebrating Halloween with some friends! With an eventful week ahead of me, I reflect on the past week and today and I am so thankful for this life that I am living for God. 

Church this morning was on sharing your faith as a church, which meant consistently sharing the Gospel and our lives with others. Pastor Bill broke it into 3 parts of what was needed in order to share our faith.

1. Relevant Priorities

2. Flawless Integrity

3. Sacrificial Commitment 

It was all about living a life that was worthy of God, something that required sacrafice... Something that modeled Jesus Christ. The thing I found most moving and interesting was when the pastor said that there was no substitute for that kind of life or that kind of God and the foundation of a faith like that is just living a life for Jesus. The pastor read from 1 Thessalonians, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." I love sharing my faith and my passion for God with the people around me. So tonight, I finish off my week with some time spent in the word and some time spent with Jesus :) in some nice warm socks and delicious hot cocoa in my new mug from Kd <3 and I pray that I can model a life like that for Jesus.

A Woman After God's Own Heart

I am finishing off a busy school week with some peace and quiet in my own room. As I laid in my bed and tried to translate my thoughts and make sense of this past week, I asked God what he wants of me. Lately, He has surrounded me with wonderful people with a passion and love for God... but something was still missing and it was my own personal study. As much as I was trying to just read straight from the bible, I found it hard to stay accountable.

As I laid on my bed mid-conversation with God, I got up and walked to my bookshelf where my eyes led me to a study book that I never actually started. Three study books compiled into one book... and the first titled: A Woman After God's Own Heart. I smiled, and found myself down memory lane.

Some of my beautiful Campers :)

This past Summer, I was asked by my Pastor if I wanted to be a Junior High counselor at Hume Lake Christian Camps, a camp I had attended throughout High School. Prior to this, I asked God to open some doors for me, and he surprised me with this one. Going out of my comfort zone, I counseled 7 girls and I had one of the best times... And during that week we studied David and how he was a man after God's own heart. I could go on and on and on about David and how he changed my life, but that will be another post... :)

When I opened the study book, I didn't know what to expect... God has been surprising me a lot lately, throwing my curveballs and making sure I am paying attention. Sometimes, I think our God has a sense of humor because he gets my attention in the most entertaining ways. I had been so caught up in the world this past year, trying to be good, trying to be better, trying to be the best... basically, setting myself up for failure.

When I read the first chapter of my study tonight it was about a heart devoted to God and what that takes. It is a daily commitment, a daily battle... a constant practice. When reaching the end of the study, I read the words, "Good, better, best, never let it rest... until your good is better and your better, best." 


My heart just burned inside my chest and I just felt God in my presence and it was just so powerful and I didn't want the moment to leave. So why should it have to? Why should we only have those rare moments with God.... why can't we feel that throughout our day, what is stopping us? Nothing ... nothing besides the devil and our own beings.

I encourage you this week, or even just for a day. Commit yourself, give your day to him and see what he does with your words, your actions, and your heart <3

In Romans 12:1, the apostle Paul says to "offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship." Today, I present my body as a living sacrafice... and pray that God will use me according to his will.

Dirt Road Prayer

Spent the afternoon at the piano learning a song named "Dirt Road Prayer"... The lyrics of the chorus just spoke right to my heart...

"And so I go where the green grass grow, 

the weeds are high and the sun hangs low. 

Look the the sky, and I say hello,

Like it's the very first time. 

It doesn't matter how long it's been,

I can talk to God like he's my best friend.

Take my heart and lay it down right there,

in a dirt road prayer."