P.S. It's Okay to be Different

Return of the Blogger: Part 1

2010-09-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!
Oh my goodness! I missed you all and the blog and everything sooo much! :)
Ah! You have no idea how good it feels to be BACK!! Lately I've been so busy it's not even funny, and I've been waiting for one moment to catch a breath and WRITE!

My heart is seriously about to burst since I haven't written in so long, so I knew that if I didn't start again soon, my life was in grave danger. (I'm just kidding, by the way!)

So first I wanted to start off by saying hello and telling you somethings that will be new this fall with my blog! First off, I will most likely be posting at least once a week during the soccer season(now!). Also, it has been about a year since I posted my very first post on my blog, so it is my 1 year Anniversary! Yeah me:). Because of that, I would like YOU, reader, to select your FAVORITE post of mine and contact me about it(annagp.16@gmail.com)so I can re-post it at some point to celebrate my 1-year Anniversary.

Another thing I would like to start doing is taking tips or suggestions for things I can add to my blog or you would like to see me write more about, so feel free to tell me anything you want!

I AM really glad to be back! Don't forget me!
I love you, readers:).
Until Next Time,

Summer Vacation!

2010-06-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I am taking a big summer break from my blog.
I will miss it, but it will be nice to take a break.
I will hopefully return in the fall with much to write about and share! Please keep reading then.
I hope you all have a WONDERFUL and safe summer!

With much love,

Did You Know?

2010-06-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some really random, yet funny facts.

~Because of animal crackers, many children until they reach the age of ten think that a bear is as tall as a giraffe.

~"Singapore" means "City of Lions", but none have ever been seen there.

~The average American(here we go again, slamming the Americans!)comsumes enough caffine each year to kill a horse.

~Christopher Columbus was blonde(I don't know if it's true, but I think it's funny).

~Julius Caeser was self-conscious about his receeding hairline, hence he wore the laurel wreath. (I don't know if that's true either:))

~Elephants can communicate using sounds below the normal human hearing range.

~A goldfish has a memory span of 3 seconds(I love this one!).

~The percent of men who wash their hands after using the restroom is 55%....ew!

~There are 6,500 windows in the Empire State Building.

~There are 45 miles of nerves on human beings' skin.

~Fish cough....I cracked up about this!! :)

~Men get hiccups more often then women.

~A chimpanzee can learn to recognize itself in a mirror, but monkeys can't.

~

~

All Around the World

2010-05-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

Home:).

I love trees and the great outdoors!

Washington, DC

I have a pine tree I like to climb and sit in.

I love to sit by creeks.

Badlands, South Dakota

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

So I haven't written on my blog for a long time....too long. And here I am, sitting at the computer at 8:30 PM, wondering what to write about. There are lots of interesting things in my life, yes. But what can I put into words?

How about I show you some of my favorite places on earth?

2010-05-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

16 and a half days until summer and Sam's graduation.

30 days until Nemacolin.

40 days until the Fourth of July.

About 68 days until I get to see one of my best friends ever.

98 days until my parents' 25th anniversary.

Where has my life gone?!

I am running out of ideas for things to write about...sorry I can't come up with anything better:).

Hope you have a great day!

Awesome Verse:)

2010-05-17T13:15:00.001-07:00

Romans 8:35,38-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor any thing else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Footprints in the Sand by Mary Stevenson

2010-05-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."

What I Need to Know

2010-05-12T11:52:00.001-07:00

Ah! I haven't been on my blog in what feels like AGES:(.
So sorry! Life just got away from me. Oh, gee, speaking of just that, the other day I just thought to myself, where has my life gone?

I'm stinking gonna be in middle school next year! I honestly cannot believe time goes this fast. Before I can even stop to protest, my life will be zooming down teh road to college, then marriage, and motherhood. Sometimes I have to take a moment to just look at myself, at my life, and remind myself that this is MY life, this is REAL.

One of my biggest questions is: What splits the boudary between what I NEED to know, what I WANT to know, and what I truly understand?

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW:
I need to know how to go to sleep without my blankie. I need to know how to run the house when mom is gone. I need to know how to stand up for myself and say no. I need to know how to handle criticism and bullying. I need to know how to fend for myself. How to operate a credit card, what's the difference between credit and debit?

I need to know how to drive a car, how to make decisions, how to save money. I need to know how to work hard and never give up. I need to know how to give my best, but never everything I live for. I need to know how to say, "Sorry, I called the wrong number." instead of just hanging up.

I need to know how to make enough time, know when to leave, and when to arrive. How to use passwords, how to work a key, how to say sorry when I really don't want to. I need to know how to speak, to a person who just lost someone very close, and how to handle the pain, when I loose the person I love the most.

What do I need to know?

סוף

2010-05-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

How will it end?

Will it end in fire, in a big explosion, a giant mushroom cloud?

Will it end with a bang, a boom, a flash of light?

Will it end with yet another fight?

How will it end?

Will it end with a shout, a triumphant cry, when it ends, will we ALL die?

Will it end like it begun, every nation peaceful, every battle done?

Will it end with all of earth asunder, every particle split apart?

How will it end?

In my heart of hearts, I know it will only end when God has finished His plan.

When Jesus comes again.

Daisies

2010-05-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

My favorite flower....sorry I was lame today:).

The Face of the Earth

2010-04-28T16:45:00.001-07:00

When someone falls off of the face of this earth....

Another person is hurting. A congregation sings. A funeral is held. All dressed in black.

When someone slips into heaven, the land beyond our world....

A daughter is broken. A wife is devastated. A girl is touched.

When a very special person gets taken by the hand of death....

Another person wonders. A soul is grateful for the life that they lived, for the words and wisdom that they always were willing to give.

When an amazing Christian passes away....

I wish I could have known him better. I wish I could have said so much more. I've never been so touched by a human before.

May the light of God shine on all of those who have lost a loved one.
Just remember that they're in a much better place, looking at Jesus. Face to face.

FAQ

2010-04-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

Who am I? Where am I going? Does this look OK?

How are you? Where are you from? Is there a God?

How much longer? Where did you get THAT?! Really?

How do I do this? Are you OK? What is wrong with you?

Are you hurt? Am I doing it right? How did you do that?

Why can't I? Huh? Me? When?

What time? Where? What's your name?

Why?

For Him

2010-04-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

Ring ring ring. No answer. Ring ring. I guess I'll wait one more ring, I thought to myself. Ring. Nata.
"Do you think I should just go up there?" I called to my mother, "Or wait?"
"Um, you can go up if you want to, if it's a good time for them." came her reply.
"Kay, I'll go!" I slipped on a pair of shoes, swung open the door, flew down the steps, and into the fresh spring air until I could tell myself otherwise.

Though I was scared, my legs a bit shaky, I prayed to the Lord that He would give me strength to do what I knew I needed to do. So many times I had shoved it aside, excuses swirling in my mind, "I'm too busy. Maybe tomorrow. I have too much homework." There was no excuse to avoid this anymore.

I looked down at the pebble-filled driveway, remembering so many games of tag and laughter and fun. What hung here now was silence, and the faint trace of remembrance, hanging by a single thread. A little slower, as if my legs had been weighed down, I climbed the three small steps and wrung the door bell.

After waiting about a minute, and debating whether to stay or leave, someone opened the door, beckoned me in, and had me wait until he was off the phone. Blind to what I was going to see, I walked into the carpeted room, where a hospital bed seemed so out of place in the beautiful sun-lit place.

A monitor flashed green and red, an IV plugged into his fading white skin. Drowsy from the pain medication, mostly from the pain itself, waiting, eagerly longing for eternal life. All the words I thought I was going to say slipped out of my mind and vanished right before my very eyes.

Words stuck in my throat, I felt like a kindergartner, trying to form the right kind of words to say after I fell and scraped my knee. I could have said thank you. Thank you for all of your words, thank you for all of your insight, your wisdom, your faith. Thank you for changing my life.

Instead, tiny tears swam around in my eyes, and all I could say was, "I'm praying for you." In reply he told my that he loved me and that I should just continue to honor God and that he was glad I was in his life. As one final word he said, unafraid and heartfelt, "Goodbye."

As his wife apologized that he couldn't talk more and walked me downstairs, she handed me a homemade cookie. A cookie. In all of her distress, she gave me a cookie. I walked home, happy and sad, threw away the cookie, for it was too much to eat.

Then I cried. I cried for all the words he'd said to me. I cried for all the cancer patients who had nothing to hold onto. I cried for all of the world, that it would know Jesus. I cried for him.

The Joy of Photography

2010-04-19T15:58:00.001-07:00

Oh, I just love taking pictures! The freedom of taking them is so amazing. You can take one of nothing, and it will be sure to turn out as something. You can mess up, mess up, mess up, and then get it right. You can pull out a camera at any given moment and snap a few photos. There is no test, there is no knowledge level you must have to be good at photography. Just a camera and an idea:).

Ah!

2010-04-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hey! I am sorry I didn't post a poem today as usual. I am also sorry that my posts have been brief. My life has been very hectic the last few days. My parents have been gone, both sets of grandparents are here and have come, and my brother is in a musical at the high school!

Phew! Just I couple of minutes ago I had to sit down and pray for patience to get through this crazy weekend:). It's so amazing, how God's love and mercy works, because just after I prayed, it felt like this huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders and now I am so free and much happier.

It's a good thing God is always listening when we pray...I don't know what I'd do without Him:).

I am Weak...but You are Strong

2010-04-14T14:03:00.001-07:00

For times when you feel lonely, weak, afraid, or feeling like giving up......

"He said to me, 'My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.' So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me. For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, and hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles for Christ. Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"The Lord will always lead you. He will satisfy your needs in dry lands and give you strength to your bones. You will be like a garden that has much water, like a spring that never runs dry."
Isaiah 58:11

"If God is for us, no one can defeat us...we are completely victorious through God who showed His love for us."
Romans 8:31, 37

"He gives strength to those who are weary and more power to those who are weak...the people who trust the Lord will become strong again."
Isaiah 40:29, 31

"I find rest in God; only He gives me hope. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated. My honor and salvation come from God. He is my mighty rock and my protection."
Psalm 62:5-7

Learning to Play the Game of Life

2010-04-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

Last night as I lay awake in bed, I started to compare playing soccer to "playing" life.
Seriously, there are a lot of similarities. When I play a soccer game, there are lots of things that I try to remember...I would list them, but what's the point? When I'm on the field in a game, sometimes I get all caught up in trying to remember all the little details, where to pass the ball, who to pass it to, where I should stand, etc.

And when I get all caught up, I forget to play soccer. This really does happen. My brain is going so fast that I don't have time to even think...in fact, it's as if I ate too much McDonald's and my artery gets clogged, so I can't eat McDonald's any more(sorry, McDonald's, but it's a true fact).

This is just like life. When we live our lives, we try to remember how to treat people, do the right thing, make perfect decisions, and always try our hardest. Just like playing soccer, we tend to get caught up in trying to remember things. What we need to do is just step back, and remember that all we need to do is honor our God.

We are not perfect. We won't always make the right decisions or do the right thing, but at the end of the day, God still loves us. All He wants us to do is play the game.

Save the Drama for Your Mama

2010-04-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

DON'T say it. Don't even say it....that dreaded word! D-R-A-M-A...grrr.
Today is a message for all my sista-girls out there:
Friendship is more important than guy-ship...okay?
I have three things to say to everyone who dates at this age:
1.) You ARE TOO YOUNG!!

2.) You will be much happier if you spend more time with your friends, because boys will just break your heart in the end, anyway.

3.) THERE IS NO POINT! Why not just be friends with all of the guys now, wait 'till later for all that romantic junk.

Yeah. Sorry. Just my opinion. Oh, one more thing!! Save the drama for your mama....

P.S. It's OK to be different!

Spring Checklist

2010-04-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

1.) Flowers are blooming~check

2.) The sun is shining~uber-check

3.) The grass is green~check

4.) The snow is melted~check

5.) The weather is warmer~CHECK!

6.) Dairy Queen is open~check

7.) I am getting homesick(I guess)for the beach~CHHHEECCKKK!!!!!

8.) I am reallyyy tired of school~check!

9.) The trees are green~not yet

10.) I hear the oh-so-sweet sound of birds chirping~check:)

Easter Break!

2010-04-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I am taking a break from my blog for Easter!

I hope you all have a wonderful vacation celebrating the wonderful joy and life in Jesus Christ!

Yeah, it IS OK to be Different!

2010-03-29T11:44:00.001-07:00

She sat in solitude on the swingset, kicking at the soggy mulch and dipping her toes in the small puddle below the swing. A gentle breeze lifted her dark brown hair off her neck for a moment. A group of kids on the kickball field were arguing over an unfair play, their arms flailing in every direction.
The distant sound of squealing could be heard as a clique of drama queens chased a boy around the blacktop. But she would never fit in. She was too weird, too mature, too out-of-fashion for the rest of the world. No one would ever accept her.
She thought to herself as she swished up and down on the swing, "What does it take to fit in? Coolness? The best clothes? The prettiest hair? A spectacular body? A dirty mouth?" A silent tear rolled down her cheek and splashed into the puddle below. "How can they not see?!" she wanted to scream, "How can they NOT know that the way they are living is never going to get them anywhere?!"
Three more fat tears raced down her face, and she wiped them away just as quickly as they had come. What is so wrong about being different? She started to get up and walk away, seemingly invisible to the rest of the children out playing. She walked and walked and walked until the whistle blew.
No one made sure she was there. No one walked with her. No one stood by her. It went on like this for weeks, months, and she couldn't stand it any longer. She wanted to make sure someone noticed her for once in her lifetime.
She left. She walked straight out of the playground, unto the busy road, into downtown, past her house, and disappeared. When the children lined up at the end of recess, no one noticed her absence. At the end of the day, her teacher didn't know where she was. By 6:00 that night, the police had been searching for nearly three hours.
When they found her, she was at a church, talking to the youth pastor that had stayed late to help clean up. She told him about how much she wished she could be heard, but no one would listen. She told him about how much she wished she could be seen, but no one would look. And she told him about how much she wished there was something or someone out there who loved her, but no one did.
He, in response, told her about God.
To all of you who are struggling to be different in this world, who feel alone and unloved, God is there for you. Just remember this girl. Think about what COULD have happened if someone would have approached her on that swingset, talked to her, told her SOMETHING nice.

P.S. It's OK to be different.

Saved

2010-03-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

We've never met, but I know you so well.
I've seen you from the inside out.
I've seen you hurt, and cry, and I've seen you try to take your life.
You've come so far along the way, you've stumbled and fallen, your hands are bleeding.
Your face is stained with dirt and tears, but you will be clean.
I will wash you. Cleanse you. Set you free.
And if you ever fall again, I promise to catch you, and when your tears leak down, I will dry them.
And when you come stumbling to my feet, old and tired, forgiven and saved, I will let you in.

Haiti

2010-03-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

My post today is about Haiti. I have no idea what they must be going through. I have no idea how they're going to fix up their mess. I have no idea how many people are dead, dying, or missing.

All I know is that God's got a plan.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Hey! Sorry I'm late today! I had a bit of a busy afternoon:)!

Pray for Haiti.

Remembering

2010-03-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning I had nothing to do. I meandered outside into my driveway, kicking at lose asphalt and dry leaves. I slowly walked to our silver van, opening its rusted door, a tiny piece of paint chipping off the handle.
As the door swung open, the sunshine streamed onto the dull gray material. I sat down on the middle seat, thinking to myself how fast time flies, I chanted over and over in my head, "Sam is turning 18. 18! He's actually going to leave for college! 18! College!"
I stared down at the beaten old floor mat, remembering the many feet that had trampled it. The old van almost seemed to creak in remembrance too. Our Silver Bullet(aka: the van)has served us well for seven years, and is now the junky one compared to our new gold Honda.
Our Silver Bullet doesn't have automatic doors, or a super-nice sound system, or a pop-up table, it can't switch the track on a CD from the steering wheel or even blast cool air for more than a couple hours, but our beloved silver van holds so many memories.
It holds sandy feet from Rehoboth beach, it holds mud and sweat from thousands of soccer games. It holds the wins and the losses, the ups and the downs. This van has a map for crazy adventures, instructions on how to get lost, and a GPS that always knows the way home.
This van holds dirt from the wild west, laughter and music, hymns from Sunday mornings when there was no church, and unforgettable conversations. On the floor, as I look, I remember many liquid spills, chip bags opened improperly and strewn across the floor.
I sighed and let the memories take me away for awhile, before I would forget them. Who knew a van could hold so much?

The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

2010-03-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite poems ever, enjoy:

The tide rises, the tide falls,
The twilight darkens, the curlew calls;
Along the sea-sands damp and brown
The traveler hastens toward the town,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.
Darkness settles on roofs and walls,
But the sea, the sea in darkness calls;
The little waves, with their soft, white hands
Efface the footprints in the sands,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.
The morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls
Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls;
The day returns, but nevermore
Returns the traveler to the shore.
And the tide rises, the tide falls.

Tickin'

2010-03-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

Do you know one thing we humans are so good at?
Any guesses?
We're so good at wasting time. We're SO good at making a whole DAY of time into a fiesta of procrastinating. We're so good at putting aside things we NEED to do and coming up with excuses so we can do the things we WANT to do.
It's funny(funny?)how we waste so many chances to shine for the Lord, in our heads thinking that "there's always tomorrow". And then we shove it aside for another day.
Did we ever stop to think "what if there is no tomorrow"?
One of the reasons that I picked the verse that is under the title of my blog is because we should not be ashamed to tell others about our wonderful Lord.
Here is a little video that means a lot to me. Pass it on. Think about it. The clock is ticking....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piuoGb-Nhfw

Shoes

2010-03-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hey, ya'll! I'm back! I'd like to share with you a weakness of mine....shoes. It's dangerous to take me into a shoe store because I almost always find something I like, but, no, I don't always get it!

So here is an exclusive look at my shoe collection:

Everyone's gotta have flip-flops.

The classic school sneaker, very classic. Classic.

Running shoes. The girl's gotta run, man!

Converse are awesome, okay? Everyone should have a pair of converse.

Ummm....church shoes...heh.

These are surprisingly comfortable church shoes...my first heel:).

These are strictly for soccer use only. Don't judge me, okay? They're for soccer. SOCCER.

You gotta love these, they're just so.....lovable.

These are soooo comfy and cute:).

Who doesn't like a good pair of mocassins?

I was scavenger hunting in my Grandmother's closet when I found these, and, well...
These were $5.00 at the good ole Walmart. $5.00!

Oh, come one! You HAVE to love these. Must.

I got these to go to a wedding. That's all. A wedding.

I got these when we were buying the ones for the wedding...I couldn't resist.

Cool shoes. Cool shoes.

These are my personal favorite. Aren't you jealous?

Shoes

2010-03-15T12:04:00.001-07:00

Hey, ya'll! I'm back!

Today I'd like to share with you a little weakness of mine.....shoes. Shoe stores are dangerous with me because I ALWAYS find something I like, and, no, I don't always get it, if I did I would have thousands of shoes:)!

Bringing me to a shoe store is like bringing an alchoholic to a bar....okay, so that was rather exagerated and, well, you know....anyway, here is an exclusive look into my shoe collection:

A Temporary Break

2010-03-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hey, ya'll!

I am going to take a little break from blogging! Especially with the new-found sunshine, I want to do other things!

I will be back be either Saturday or at the lastest, Monday!

Thanks!

See it All

2010-03-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

God, you are the light.
I want to be blinded by Your light, like Paul no longer Saul.
Clear this mud from my eyes, so that I can see it all.
I want to see you, not a rear view.
I want to know you, so I may show you.
In every way, I'll bless your name, because for me you came.
You are the one real God.
There's no man behind the curtain.
You are the only God.
There's no mask to take off.
You are the one real God.
So clear this mud from my eyes,
I want to see it all,
take my heart, and I'll watch it thaw.

Food for a Hungry Soul

2010-03-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

There are so many verses that I just LOVE! Listed below are merely a few of them.
Please, please, please feel free to leave a comment with some of YOUR favorite verses!

Here is a verse for when.....

IN DOUBT OF CHRIST:
Ephesians 2:12-13
Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from the citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

FEELING ALONE:
Isaiah 49:15-16
I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

HOPELESS:
Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint.

UNSURE:
Psalm 115:3
Our GOD is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

AFRAID TO SPEAK OF THE GOSPEL TO UNBELIEVERS:
Matthew 5:16
Let your light shine before men that they will see the good things you do and praise our Father in heaven.
WORRIED:
Zeph. 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love.

YOU NEED SOME REASSURANCE:
John 8:12
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

ANXIOUS:
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer…present your requests to God.
PRAYING:
Psalm 18:28
You, Oh LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

ANYTIME:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

YOU FORGET HIS POWER:
1 Corinthians 2:9
“No eye has seen, no ear has hear, no mind has imagined what he has prepared for those who love him!”
LOW SELF-ESTEEM:
1 Peter 3:4
The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God’s sight.

UNSURE:
Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

FAILING FAITHFULNESS
Lamentations 3:21-23
Yet this I call to my mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”

Random Things for a Random Mood

2010-03-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

First picture-George drinking coffee.
Second picture-Bad hair day.

I know I'm so random, but I don't know what else to write about, and I'm feeling glum, so sorry to disappoint you!

Divinity

2010-02-27T10:16:00.001-08:00

Divinity

If I could bottle up laughter,
And mail away some love.
If I could send some happiness, and package up a hug.
Or fly a kiss across the sea,
Or take a sip of compassion, and a bite of glee.
Then save them all for later,
Then the world would be,
A much brighter, better place, where people could be free.

Help Me!

2010-02-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

I often feel like screaming this.

Sometimes I'm so confident, and so pumped to serve the Lord, and then, BABAM! I realize how hard it is. Then I get discouraged. Then I pray for help. Then I can't take it any longer. And, sometimes, I confess, I give up.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will NEVER leave you or forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

Hold up, wait a minute!! He will NEVER leave me? He will NEVER forsake me? Don't be AFRAID?! Oh, gee, what an awesome God our God is!!!!!! Does this mean that even when my life is spinning out of control, along with my sanity, my brain, my body, and my heart, that God will still be there for me?

Well, yeah! You bet He will! Even when my dreams have been crushed, even if everyone around me is driving me nuts and making me mad, even when life isn't looking so swell, God will be there for me, promising me a better life with Him.

Okay, whoever you are, take a deep breath. Sit back, relax. Close your eyes. Think of all that you have, all that you are. Think of your many blessings. Now let go of all of your worries: a 10-paragraph essay due tomorrow, a big test you're not ready for, decisions that you don't want to make, spring that you wish would come, things that are hanging over your head.

Now let them all slide away. Pray to the Lord our God, who loves you, who is the only one who will ALWAYS be there with you. And next time when you're screaming HELP ME! Just look to Him, for He cares for YOU!

P.S. It's OK to be different!

And Now a Word From.....

2010-02-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

"GROOVY!" ~Collin...:)

"It tickles me!" ~Catie

"Monkey!" -Dyani, "Um, Dyani, that's a squirrel!" -Me

"Saturn..." ~Mary

"We're truffles!" ~Olivia:)

"Your lobes are soft!" ~Courtney (okay, that sounds really awkward!)

"National Anthem, National Panthem." ~Machen (my personal favorite)

"You have nice hands!" ~Creepy game machine at Fourstar

"Did you know our house has two fireplaces? No, I'm lying, it doesn't have any fireplaces." ~Collin

"Are you for real?" ~Alecia

"If you aren't gonna take this seriously...." ~Lucy

"NEVER, EVER mess with an olive or a pickle, their juice STAINS!" ~Olivia

"You know what else is impossible? Our friendship." ~Collin (he was JUST KIDDING!)

"Squizzles!" ~Erin

"In 0.03 months, I'm gonna be a waterfall!" ~Mary(well, sort of, long story!)

"Was that an atomic bomb? Did I just see a mushroom cloud?" ~Lucy, Courtney, Catie, me(a modified version!)

"Anna, are you okay?" ~Catie "No, I'm hyperventilating!" ~Me

"14 to 3!" ~Erin (oh, whoops! did I just post that?!)

"Goldfish!" ~Olivia

"Cocoa's chin." ~Roya

Ha. Ha. I love you all, my dear friends! To all of you who don't have a quote up there, you're still special to me! Sarah-Thanks for the endless debates and outrages and conversations about our dear Percy Jackson. Collin-Thanks for always being GROOVY and for being my friend even though I think those basketball tickets smell like oatmeal.

Catie-Thanks for always being happy and laughing, and for being a super-duper awesome friend. Dyani-Thanks for always being there, even though you're thousands of miles away, and for making me laugh 'til I cry. Olivia-Thanks for being the wonderful gal that you are and for teaching me things that I would not have known if God hadn't put you in my life.

Courtney-Thanks for the support, the laughable moments, and most of all for being my spelling buddy for life:). Machen-Thanks for all of the "inside jokes", soccer games, and "national panthem"s that still make me smile.

Alecia-Thanks for ALWAYS glowing with your bright personality, and for making me smile from the inside out! Erin-Thanks for our long talks, for your funny emails, and for your wise advice, it means a lot to me.

Mary-Thanks for being my long-lost twin, for sharing your thoughts and hopes and dreams with me, for understanding me so well it's scary, and for showing me that there's a God that's GOT me:). Lucy-Thanks for your inner beauty, for your bright personality, and for the many memories we've shared.

To all of my cousins, I thank you for the many moments we've shared, for our laughing contests, walks on the beach and in the park. For so many Christmas dinners, for eating so much we might die, and most of all for sharing with me the true love of Jesus.

Thank you, my family, for understanding me more than any other person. Thank you for the many car trips, adventures, prayers, laughter, and love. And thank you Jesus for being the BEST friend any one could ever ask for:).

Awaken

2010-02-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

My life is sleeping,
a fragile chrysalis.
My wings are waiting,
my memory fading.
Awaken my, oh Lord,
I'm falling away.
Help me restore,
I need thee, oh Lord.
Moments of my life,
good and bad,
have past.
Now upon me, Lord,
please cast.
Awaken me from sin and grief,
rescue me from this dread thief.
Day by day, and hour by hour,
unfold me, Lord, to your power.
Reign over me forever, Lord,
and never leave me,
don't close your door.

I'm So Pathetic

2010-02-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

Oh. My. Word. This morning and....well, every morning, I hate math.

Today it was really bad. (Sorry all you math-loving people!) I know this is reallllyyyy pathetic, but I kept looking at the clocking and calculating exactly how many minutes we had left.

I know. Really pathetic. Please try not to be like me!

That's how much a hate math. If I could, I would skip it altogether. Oh, well. I can't.

Short and Sweet

2010-02-17T13:25:00.000-08:00

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a women who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

What a powerful verse. So often we get caught up in how we LOOK. Is my hair okay? Are my teeth white enough? Is my body acceptable? Are my clothes cool enough?

Yes, we ask all of these questions, because we are unsure and insecure about what we look like. But this verse says it all, it's short and sweet, and gets straight to the point. What you look like doesn't matter!

It doesn't matter if your hair is messed up, if your clothes aren't "cool", if your appearance doesn't live up to the world's standards, well, that's fine!

So here's my challenge: this week, try to "take some time off" of being so worried about what you look like. Try to not to judge others by their clothes and hair, and try not to get so caught up in looks.

Focus more on God and what He has given you. As you slowly turn away from the world's standards, and zero in on what God has in store for you, you become less indulged in yourself and your appearance, and more exuberant on honoring Him!

Waking Up

2010-02-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

I hate waking up. I hate it. That is, on a school day.

First off, the alarm in my brothers' room goes off,(our rooms are sort of connected, so we share an alarm)and it's not just any alarm. It's one that plays music. No offense to my brothers, but I don't really like their music.

So I wake up to some hard rock song. That just puts me in a great mood. Not. And then I realize that I have to get up. Yeah, I forgot that I actually had to GET UP! And then I realize that I have to get out of bed.

After all of this dazed confusion, I get out of bed, praying for a better mood, as I drag myself to the closet.

Waking up is not the best part of my day:). What's yours?

I don't have much trouble falling asleep.

Huh.

Horizon

2010-02-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

She's out there, she's somewhere.
She's floating amongst the horizon of reality and the boundary of my imagination.
She's a rainbow in black and white,
she is passive, still, quiet.
She's an enigma carefully wound,
intricately woven, complicated.
She's the moon waiting for the sun to reach her,
warm her, make her shine.
Her heartbeat is the rhythm of a soft, small drum,
as it beats under her skin.
She won't ever cross the horizon,
she'll never see the sun,
her rainbow will stay in black and white,
until my life here is done.

Twilight and How it has Taken Over

2010-02-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

Recognize either one of these? Jacob Black, the werewolf, and Edward Cullen, the creepy stalker vampire. Yeah. It's them.
Sorry for being so mean. That's about all I have to say for today.
Bye now.

The Way We Live

2010-02-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

'Tis Wednesday already, isn't it? Time for contemplation and worship.

I don't know about you, but I often question the way I live. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or what ever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I wonder, do I do EVERYTHING for the glory of God?

Am I neglecting my time with God, and trading it for worldly activities that don't really matter? The gospel of Luke tells us that we should, "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind."

I have had people tell me, and I'm not trying to be boastful, that I am special and unique and that there aren't many girls my age like myself. I have considered this multiple times. And I still don't get it. Why am I, of all the people out there, "special"?

No one can see what is going on underneath me. Truth is, I am such a mess without Jesus. Like in one of my poems untitled, "Rain", I wrote, "You may not see it, 'cause it's under my skin, but I'm a mess within.

You see, the bible tells us that Jesus is the only way to heaven. In John 14:6, the gospel states, "Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE."

Hmmmm....let's just ponder that for a second. Jesus is the WAY to heaven, Jesus is the TRUTH, though this fallen world is full of lies and hatred, and Jesus is the LIFE. Jesus is the life that He gave us by dying on the cross, spilling His OWN blood to save us. To save YOU.

So this makes me ponder even deeper about the way that I live. And when I think hard about it, I can come up with three words to describe how I live: lazily, selfishly, and wishing for something to change.

Uh-huh. Yep. That sums it up for the way that I live. What does the bible say about this? Well, let's check: Hebrews 11:6 tells us that, "...without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

Another verse in 2 Peter says that, "...since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him."

It is so easy to be lazy here in our world of high-speed Internet, On Demand cable, and cell-phones that supposedly "do everything". With one click, touch, or tap, the "world" is at our fingertips.

It's so hard for us sometimes to "do the hard things". Selfishness is one of my problems too. Let's see what the bible has to say about this: Matthew 22:39 basically says it like it is, "though shalt love your neighbor as yourself."

No laziness. No selfishness. No wishing my life away.

It may be hard and grueling work to live as a Christian, but I'm here to tell you that God has a plan! And it will all work out.

Well, here I am, just a Christian girl in a fallen world:).

P.S. It's OK to be different!

Books and How I Get so Indulged in them that I Can't Get Back to Reality

2010-02-08T14:04:00.001-08:00

Ahh! I am so totally addicted to my book!
I have my head so wrapped around it that I can't get it out.
I sit there just thinking about it, that is, if I'm not reading it.
When someone asks me a question, I'll accidentally say, "What's that, Annabeth?" and they give me a weird look, and say, "I'm not Annabeth." "Oops!," I say, completely humiliated, "Haha, that's just a character in my book!"
Right. Who on earth besides me starts calling their friends fictional characters?! It won't be long before I start talking to my characters, since I've already started dreaming about them.
Goodness. Somebody help me. I need psychiatric therapy.
Ah.

For Jesus

2010-02-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

For Jesus, who saved me from eternity in hell.
Whom is my best friend,
and one that will never leave.
For Jesus, who loves me the way I am,
who saved Daniel from the lions' den.
Who led me to quiet waters,
and did not abandon me me in the valley of death.
For Him who without I would be like chaff,
which the wind blows away.
For Jesus who suffered, died, and rose again.
All for a sinner,
all for me.

Hmmm....?

2010-02-04T15:20:00.000-08:00

So I have decided that I need to come up with some sort of routine for my blog. But I have been having trouble coming up with SOMETHING!

THOUGHTS FOR THURSDAY: On Thursdays(unless I am unavailable)I will have a brief post about things to think about, maybe deep and reflective, or light and fun, depending on my mood.

SATURDAY POETRY: Saturdays(unless I am unavailable)will always be poetry days. I will post one of my poems each Saturday, or maybe one of my favorite poems by a different author.

MISERABLE MONDAY: Ha. Yeah, I don't know what Monday posts will be about, we'll see. Haha:).

WORSHIP WEDNESDAY: On Wednesdays I will write about God and the Christian life. The posts will include passages from scripture and my favorite "bible heroes and heroins". I will often use my little motto: "I'm just a Christian girl in a fallen world."

WILD CARD DAY: Sometimes I will just randomly splurge and write on a Tuesday or Friday. My posts on a wild card day may be filled with memories, insights, favorite quotes, and family adventures.

Let me know what you think!

Keep on reading!!

Top 30 Best Songs of the Year (In My Taste)

2010-02-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

I am most definitely a music-lovin gal, so here's some of my favorite songs of the year:

~"Everyone to Know"; Bethany Dillon
~"I am Yours"; Bethany Dillon
~"One More Round"; Barlow Girl
~"Hanging On"; Britt Nicole
~"Walk on Water"; Britt Nicole
~"Welcome to the Show"; Britt Nicole
~"Say It"; Britt Nicole
~"Free to be Me"; Francesca Battistelli
~"Beautiful, Beautiful"; Francesca Battistelli
~"Gimme that Funk"; Group 1 Crew
~"iContact"; Group 1 Crew
~"I See You"; Group 1 Crew
~"Change"; Group 1 Crew
~"I'm Yours"; Jason Mraz
~"We"; Joy Williams
~"Beautiful Redemption"; Joy Williams
~"For the Ladies"; KJ-52
~"Everything"; Lifehouse
~"The Upside"; Newsboys
~"My Friend Jesus"; Newsboys
~"Fireflies"; Owlcity
~"Free"; Switchfoot
~"Wishes and Dreams"; Stellar Kart
~"Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours"; Stevie Wonder
~"White Horse"; Taylor Swift
~"Our Song"; Taylor Swift
~"True Beauty"; Mandisa
~"You'll Never Know"; Krystal Myers
~"Mr. Blue Sky"; ELO
~"Falling Slowly"; Kris Allen

One of those Days

2010-02-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Ugh. It's Monday again.

I think that sentence just speaks for itself.

Mondays are filled with:
Forgetting to remember what you forgot over the weekend.
Failing to pay attention in your least favorite class.
Mindlessly staring off into space.
Getting a C on a science test for the first time in your life.
Watching an excruciating English lesson on writing a How-to paper about making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Realizing that you forgot your lunch box at school while on the bus.
Getting frustrated with your friends and the stupid drama they cause.
Noticing at the IM room while running on the track how out of shape you are.
Being overcome by fatigue.

Anyone out there having the same kind of day?

P.S. Tomorrow is lookin better:).

Standing Out

2010-01-29T13:53:00.000-08:00

My hand shook as I reached into my backpack to pull out a piece of paper.
I ripped it from the notebook and asked my friend next to me for a pencil.
I trembled all over now.
They were all watching me.
What was I going to do?
Was I going to back down like I had done so many times before?
The bus rolled along as it neared my house,
I trembled more, and I prayed for strength.
Jesus, what am I to do?
With a shaking hand I wrote my message on the piece of paper.
I knew my friend was watching me, what would she think?
The bus stopped at my house, as I got up, my legs shaking,
I handed the folded note to the girl across from me.
I got up.
I exited the bus.
As I walked up my driveway, I praised Jesus, because through Him I did it!
I did it it and I didn't back down.
I stood out.

Like an iPod

2010-01-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

The Native Americans, the Greeks, and many others came up with myths and beliefs to try to explain certain things. For example, and I'm making this up, maybe one day a Native American said, "Hey, I wonder why it rains?" he scratched his chin, sat down by the fire in his teepee, and declared to his family, "It rains because the clouds are sad and shed their tears on the earth below."

And BANG! That's what all of the Native Americans think.

Huh. I guess we sorta think that way too, don't we? Okay, so we don't come up with some random myth about why it rains, but we tend to come up with all of these excuses about life and what and who we are.

So, I came up with a little metaphor about myself, a weird one, but a true and accurate one.

I decided, as I sat on the bus, listening to my iPod, blocking out the world around me, that I am just like an iPod.

Think about it, really. iPods have a hard shell, just like me. I'm a little rough around the edges(aren't we all?)but once you get inside, there's so much more. Just like an iPod, I am a commonly used and known device.

I am no surprise on the outside, no "new invention". Like an iPod, you can push my buttons, and choose my song, and listen to me, and turn me up, and turn me down. Just like an iPod, I am full of different, surprising things.

Have you ever secretly looked at all the songs on someone's iPod when they aren't around? Oh, whoops, I wasn't supposed to admitt that:). Any who, the person's iPod will have songs that you probably knew, just like someone might know somethings about you. But the iPod might also have songs that you didn't know, or that you didn't expect.

Just like me, there are some things not many people know about me, and that may surprise someone. The only thing that I do not have in common with an iPod is that you cannot, unforunately, turn me off. :)

Who knew we were all so much like an iPod?

Hey, Check it Out!

2010-01-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hey, everyone!

I am officially BACK! And check out my AMAZING new blog!

Thanks to Sheila at Blog Designs By Sheila, my blog is now polished off, funky, fun, and just what I wanted. :) Thank you, Sheila!

Comments are greatly appreciated and welcome!

Thanks for your support!!!

Sorry, everyone!

2010-01-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

Hey, everyone!

Sorry for the confusion! I am currently working on a new blog. It is being designed at the moment.

I will not being posting as much, since I am working on my new blog. I will alert all of you when it is up and running!

Until then: tomorrow is my birthday, pray for Haiti, and live your life serving Christ!

Lots of Love,
Anna

Where I'm Going is a Question that I'll never Know

2010-01-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

I often wonder where I'm going....

What will my life lead me to?

This is just a little thought for the day.

Jesus has a plan for YOU and a plan for ME. He won't ever leave!

Psalm 139:9
If I rise on the wings of dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

Are You For Real?

2010-01-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

So tonight I am home alone. It's so weird, the silence of this house when nobody is around. After I finished up my homework, put my backpack away and such, I decided to take a shower.

I checked on the dog, who causes lots of trouble at times, but is the sweetest thing EVER! I checked to make sure he was asleep. I thought to myself, 'I guess I trust him well enough.' And I bounded up the stairs to the hot shower.

Ahh...so warm and refreshing, the shower was. I sat there enjoying the relaxing water pour over me, while singing at the top of my lungs. (I give you my permission to laugh.)

I barely heard it at first, it was faint and coming from downstairs. It was a dog. A howling, barking dog. A beagle in fact. It was Snickers.

Ugh! I moaned as I regretted leaving him on the couch. I smothered a glob of conditioner in my drenched hair, and hobbled out of the shower, grabbing my towel. I dried myself of as well as I could, and descended the wooden stairs to the living room below. I was wrapped in my towel, and my wet hair was dripping all around.

And much to my surprise, there was Snickers, sitting on the couch, just as I'd left him, except with his head perked up and his mouth crinkled from barking. There was nothing outside, no dogs, no people, no burgalers.

In fact, Snickers hadn't done anything, he hadn't chewed up a shoe, or scratched the couch, or ripped a pillow. I had left my hot shower for nothing. Not one single thing.

Gee. You see the drama that goes on when you're home alone?

Weird

2010-01-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

Weird is such a good word. I love it! I love it so much because it is a word that not only describes me, but describes every human being on planet earth! So, you listen to me, whoever you are, WEIRD IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF!

But today I am talking about the kind of weird that people treat Christians in this world. I'll tell you one thing, it ain't easy being a Christian girl in a fallen world.

But if it means Jesus and eternal life, and that one day I'm gonna be a beauty, then, fine, call me weird! I like to try everyday to look for as many opportunities as possible to shine the light of Christ.

So if I'm speaking to someone in need of reassurance today, then, please, don't be afraid to be WEIRD!

Trust me, it's so much better than being normal! :)

ISAIAH 40:31
THOSE WHO HOPE IN THE LORD WILL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH,THEY WILL
SOAR ON WINGS LIKE EAGLES',
THEY WILL RUN AND NOT GROW WEAK, WALK AND
NOT BE FAINT.

(Wow! Did you just read what I just read?? Dude! I think you should read it again!)

Welcoming 2010

2010-01-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

Hey, 2010!
And goodbye, 2009!

2010 brings so many new things, so many great things, so many lovely things, and it's so exciting to get started on a new year!

For example, 2010 brings the graduation from high school of my oldest brother. I am so excited for him, and though I'll miss him so much when he heads off to college, and to start a life of his own, I know God has such great plans for him!

Also, this summer is my parents' twenty-fifth Anniversary, and, believe it or not, my grandparents' fiftieth Anniversary! WHEW!

So welcoming our new year of 2010 is a joy to me.

Speaking of the new year and all, I need to come up with some resolutions. I have a few in mind:

1.) Grow closer to Jesus and learn to love Him even more.

2.) Cook more often,and conquer the tricky process of ironing clothes.

3.) Okay, I'll admit it, I'd like to help my parents out more, whether it's doing the dishes more often, setting the table everyday instead of every other, and doing laundry.

I think these are some pretty good resolutions! I'd love to hear some of YOURS!

SORRY!

2010-01-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry for the delay in writing!
I will write VERY soon, I promise!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-Anna

2009-12-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

2009-12-23T12:18:00.001-08:00

Ahhh....Christmas! It is a wonderful time, ain't it?

Today was my last day of school, so I JUST got out for Christmas break!! I am so excited!

My friend, Elise, and I promised to exercise over Christmas every day, and we came up with a short exercise plan. Jillian Michael's would be proud. :)

I love Christmas for so many, many reasons. I love it because I can give, give, give to all of my friends that I love so very much. I love it because everyone is happy and not one person is left out or sad.

I love at that part at the end of the day, when all of the friends are departing. Everyone is hugging and saying, "I love you, Merry Christmas!", over and over again. We all just get that bubbly-warm feeling inside, when you are surrounded by love.

Everyone circles around each other, promises to email every day, and says, laughing, "I don't think I can live without you for 10 days!" Then everyone is off, off to their own Christmas celebrations, off to their own, separate lives for a while.

As we all shuffle onto the buses, loaded with gifts and candy, smiles on our faces, we call out, "See you next year!"

I sometimes just think how amazing it is. Amazing that all of these different people, different in so many ways, came together as friends. All of us, coming from different homes, various lives, unique personalities, all came together, and learned to love each other.

Christmas time reminds me that our Lord God brought us all together. He brought us together for many reasons. To teach each other, to learn from each other, to help each other, and to listen to each other.

Christmas time reminds me that Jesus came to our home that He created, became human, and knowing that He would have to die, did it FOR US.

As I look at each one of my beautiful, amazing friends, I think of Jesus, because He is the only reason that I am so priveliged to have them as my friends today!

So, as all the Christmas chaos continues, and presents are wrapped, gifts are given, and music plays, don't forget about Jesus. Jesus, the baby born in a manger, for me, for you, for all of us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

Wondering....

2009-12-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder about your life? Whoever you are that's reading this?

Do you ever wonder what you'll be doing this time of year next year? Like for example, will I have made a new friend? Will I have dis-connected with a friend that right now I never thought I would?

Will I be different next year? Will I still be the same pickle-loving, writing, reading, crazy, fun, soccer girl I am right now?

Will I make a significant difference in some one's life between now and next year? Will I still be a straight-A student? Why do we always need answers? Why must we ask so many questions?

This makes me wonder, do we really trust God? If we can't even let go of the worries of tomorrow, yet question the future, what are we really doing? Are we trusting in Him? Or are we just falling through the void of our life, with nothing to hold onto?

I'm so sick of questions. I'm so sick of wanting answers. Maybe we don't need answers. Did God EVER tell us we needed answers? Why, no, I don't believe He did.

And yet I still wonder, I still dream. I wonder who I'll marry, but I guess all girls do. I wonder whether I live to graduate from college, or to be a wife and a mother.

And I wonder about death. Such a strong word, death is. I hate saying it, let alone writing it or reading it. I wonder how I'll die. And then, as I wonder, I get this mixed, sick feeling, yet uplifting feeling, that I could die any day.

And it strikes me so powerfully that God could call me home at any time, I could get sick and die, I could get in a car crash and die on my way to school, or I could get run over by a car as I am walking across the rode.

This all came to me in a dream, of course. I dreamt that I was at school in my classroom. All of my friends were there, my teacher sitting on her stool, and everything was okay. All of the sudden the announcements came on and everyone had exactly 4 minutes to live.

The announcer said that a volcano(I know there are no volcanoes near us, but it was a dream, and it was very real)was going to erupt in 4 minutes and it was too late to evacuate.

Everyone started freaking out. I felt my legs go limp, and I didn't know what to do. This was the moment that I had pondered over for years and years, and I had 4 minutes left on this earth. The weirdest feeling came across me, then we heard the volcano erupting, and I woke up before it killed us.

I don't want to be afraid of death, you see. Because it is only a transition from earth to our eternal home in heaven. But I guess it's not death that I'm afraid of. I'm afraid that when it comes, then I will be afraid.

So no matter how much I question and how many answers don't come, I will always wonder.

Home

2009-12-16T15:10:00.000-08:00

A sweet brick house and creamy yellow trim,
an arched wooden door,
a homey space within.
A place where no one judges,
no one tears you down,
there is only love, no stubborn, cold-hearted grudges.
No accusing stares,
no malicious whispers,
no deceptive glares.
Where each is a part of something,
everyone is equally loved,
and no one is nothing.
And even though may quarrel,
end up loving more,
and even though may argue,
are not thrown out the door.
And home is everything you know,
no matter how big or how small,
and no matter where you go.

For Daddy:)

2009-12-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

I know this is my blog and all, and is supposed to be full of my writing, but I want to take a step back and talk about the man who inspires me every time I write, and is a beautiful writer himself.

Yep! He's my Dad! My Dad is the inspiration behind all of my poems, stories, and this blog. (Of course, Jesus inspires me the most, since He gave me the gift of writing, but my Dad is also very important in the process as well.)

My Dad is a very talented writer, he has written many, many poems over the years, and when it comes to writing, we are so much alike. Sometimes, especially on long car rides when it's just me and him, we like to make up nonsense poems. It's pretty amazing how we practically finish each other's sentences. And as he says, "After all, we are related!" :)

One of my Dad's students(my Dad is an English Prof. in our small Christian college in town)made him a packet organized as a book full of his poems one year. I read it all of the time.

I give Jesus all of the credit for making me the writer I am now, and I thank my Dad for inspiring me. SO THANK YOU, DADDY, IF YOU ARE READING THIS!!!

One day I hope to become a writer, well, I take that back, I already AM a writer, what I am trying to say is that one day I hope to become a published writer. Maybe one day I will. But for now, I continue to watch and learn the beauty and art of writing by watching my Dad.

Enough of that, here is my favorite poem written by my Dad, and then one written by me. Hope you enjoy!

Job
At bedtime every night he sings
"Amazing Grace" to his only daughter,
he says a prayer with his second son,
and bends to kiss his close-cropped head
cocooned beneath his comforter.
To his teenage son who's reading on the bed
he gives a manly hug,
then joins his wife in the living room.
The bills are paid, the dishes done,
he grabs a beer and turns the TV on.
Tomorrow he will hit the gym,
this weekend get some yard work done
and church and teaching Sunday school.
As usual on his favorite show,
they catch the bad guy in the end.
He ends up dozing through the news
but catching part of Letterman

In bed he thinks of everything
that he's been spared. He's not afraid
he'll wake up to bombs, or searchlight glare,
or soldiers kicking down his door.
Disasters strike him as quite unlikely
living so far from a fault line,
coast, or tornado alley. His town
has little theft, less rape, no murder.
He offers thanks, a top ten list
of ways that he's been over blessed,
though soon he'll be drifting off to sleep.
A fleeting thought disturbs his pleasant mood,
he hopes that God's got nothing left to prove.

And by me: Modern Martyr: Dedicated to Cassie, victim of the shooting at Columbine High school

A gun pointed to your face, yet you lost no trace of
faith.
A question hanging by a thread, yet you felt no surge
of dread.
A trigger pulling back, you felt no need to attack,
A bullet flying through the air,
but your heart was already there.
A light shone in the darkness, you are not alone.
A siren screaming, a shout of orders,
an empty body,
a lifeless martyr.
A hallelujah, a guilty boy,
a panicked officer, a scene without joy.
You held onto the promise of life, you fought Goliath,
you won the fight.

Oh my, my, my

2009-12-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

I saw a cloud floating across the sky, and thought to myself, 'Oh, my, my, my', there ain't a day that goes by when I don't wonder why.....

I saw a bird flying past, its wings going so fast I could hardly see them. And I though to myself, 'Oh my, my, my', oh how I wonder why.....

I watched tiny baby close its eyes to sleep, as its mother rocked it gently back and forth. And I thought in my head, 'Oh my, my, my', I wonder why....

I walked along the ocean, the sand squishing between my toes, while the waves crashed over and over again. And as I strolled along the sea, I thought, 'Oh my, my, my', I am always wondering why.....

Why must we know all the answers? Can't we except the truth? Must we possess all knowledge? Why do we fret the future, yet can't let go of the past?

Oh my, my, my....I wonder why. I wonder why He's made, such a beautiful place, given by His grace, lit by the light of his face.

Oh my, my, my....I wonder why.

Quirky Qualities

2009-12-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

Like mist everyone else, I have verrryyyy many quirks, and without them, I just wouldn't be who I am, you know?

One of my biggest quirks is my obsession with pickles. Everyone knows I loveee pickles! I love to eat them, in fact, I have these little "pickle packs" that my dad puts in my lunch. My email is: randomnesandpickles@gmail.com, I have a sign in my room that has a picture of pickles and says, "PICKLES ROCK!!!!"

I know, I know, very, very odd. I can't help it, though:). Here comes my big confession.....drum roll, please....uhhh...it's coming.....okay, okay, I talk to EVERYTHING, living or nonliving. There. I said it.

I talk to my computer when it's slow, I talk to my closet, asking it "What should I wear?", I talk to my bed, saying, "Ahhh...you're so comfy!", I talk to my stuffed animals(George the koala,and Caramel and Toffy the beagles)!

I talk to everything, and even if I don't TALK to it, I sing, making up my own song. :)

There's one more BIG quirk, and I am not ashamed, even though I am too old for it, to tell you. I have a blankie that I sleep with every night. And, yes, it is a blankie, not a rag, like some people call it! It is ripped in every which way, it has millions upon millions of holes, and it used to be a pretty pink, but is now a faded, light pink.

I keep telling myself I'll get rid of it, but I am literally attached to it! Blankie has been my best friend since birth, and has seriously(don't laugh)been with me through everything, he(and yes, Blankie is a he)is just to precious to leave me just yet:).

Oh my goodness! I must be insane! I'm letting out all of my weirdest quirks on the Internet where anyone can see! Oh, well, there's a reason for that. The reason I'm comfortable with anyone knowing these things is because I know that ALL of us are weird, and, I mean, at the end of my life is it really gonna matter that I talked to everything and owned a blankie when I was 12?

No, I can assure you, it won't! Because Jesus loves us each for who we REALLY are, and my quirks don't define me, they just add a little sugar and spice to my personality!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR QUIRKS? DO YOU STILL SLEEP WITH A TEDDY BEAR? DO YOU TALK TO ALL OF YOUR THINGS BOTH LIVING AND NONLIVING? WHAT MAKES YOU YOU?

These are a few of My Favorite Things

2009-12-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

I love so many, many things. Here are a few....

I love waking up to two perfect inches of snow spread across the yard, glimmering and untouched. But I also love waking up on a summer morning, listening to the birds chirp away, the sun just coming up past the trees.

I love walking around the block in the early morning, when no one else is up, and it's as quiet as could be. But I love the exhilaration of a walk in the dark, every where I look, it's peaceful and still.

I love the pleasant noise of the waves crashing on the beach, the seagulls happily singing over head, and the delighted squeals of the little children playing in the sand. And I love the silence of my classroom taking a difficult test, tense with concentration and determination.

I love that bubbling-up feeling I get inside when I am surrounded by people who love me, or when someone says something special to me. I love that utter peaceful feeling at night right before I drift into my dreams.

I love the tickle of my little cousins' whispers in my ear, as they tell me an "important secret". And I love the blast of rhythmn flowing through my body at a concert with a loud band.

I love the twinkle of stars at night, shining brightly so. And I love the mystery of the luminous moon, so far and yet, so close.

I love the feeling of good, hard laugh, where everyone arround me is red with glee, and I am smiling so hard it hurts my cheeks. And I love the feeling of letting out all of my tears, when I'm in distress, then being comforted.

I love taking a long, hot shower after a stressful day, then relaxing in my room or reading a book on the couch. I love the feeling of accomplishment, when I've finished everything I needed to get done, contentment stretching from my head to my toes.

And I love the sound of a baby's sneeze, as the little face scrunches up and quakes. I love the tenderness of a baby's yawn, right before he falls asleep, the tiny mouth opens crookedly and lets out the tiniest sigh.

I love......

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

2009-12-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

Some days I hate the mirror. Some days I love the mirror. But no matter what, it is the best manipulator I've ever met.

The mirror is what you look into to see yourself right after you wake up, with your hair all exploded and messed up (at least mine is), and imprints of the covers smothered all over your face from sleeping like a rock.

The mirror is what you look at when you had a bad day, and, as if it could magically fix all your problems, you stare at it, burning into that annoying person's eyes that seem to always appear when you're trying to look at yourself.

The mirror is where you try to get that fly-away hair in place before the big concert. And you probably look quite odd standing there flinging your hair around, licking your fingers, tossing your head back and forth, and who knows what.

Ohhhh......the mirror is where you bring out the panel of judges from inside you and crack down hard on your imperfections, then, feeling guilty, you're suddenly friends with that human in the mirror.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, we are just human, after all, so GIVE US A BREAK!

Friends

2009-12-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

"Friends are the chocolate chips on the cookie of life."
I totally agree with this quote. My friends are vitally important to me. It's sort of funny when I think back to the first time I met some of my closest friends, laughing at the fact of how awkward we were together at first, before we got to know each other better (or too much!).

It's also kind of ridiculous how many "inside jokes" you come up with with your friends. I could list some, but what's the point? You wouldn't get them! I guess inside jokes live up to their name!

You know what else? It's kinda weird to think how relaxed you can get around your friends. Like yesterday, for example, we were in art class, and my friend, Nicole, was leaning her head against my shoulder, and I was leaning mine on top of hers, while our teacher was explaining what we were doing.

You know what else???!!!! No matter how much friends, real friends, irk each other, they never fight! How cool! I love my friends!!

It's so much fun to be around friends, because you know they love you, not because of what you look like, yet they think you're beautiful, but because of who you really are.

Friendship is a difficult concept, if you really think about it. It's hard to be a friend. Yet, we all seem to get the hang of it pretty quickly from birth. I don't know what I would do without my friends.

My friends are sort of like a second family, but they're all separate. I need each of them for different reasons. Some I need to be able to depend on. Others I need to depend on me. Some I need to keep me straight, and others loosen me up.

I also like my friends for different reasons. Some of them I like because they're happy and energetic, and some are calm and fun to talk to, and yes, some are just original-style, old fashioned friends! (I was just kidding on that last one!)

What are some memorable moments with your friends? What do you like best about them?

All Bad Choices all Around

2009-12-05T05:40:00.000-08:00

:( I don't know what to say.

There is nothing to say:(.

I got an email this morning from one of my dear, close friends, it was called, "i need help through this."

Hmmmmmm.....I read it. I am not at liberty to say what it was about. But my heart ached for her. I replied the best I could, telling her God is in control.

I received the news the other day that my fourth-grade teacher's mother passed away. I sent another email. What was I supposed to say? I've never gone through anything like that.

Last year my parents informed my brothers and I that our wonderful friends who live in the South were getting a divorce. I balled my eyes out. What am I supposed to say to those people whom I've seen together since I was born, and now are torn apart?

I heard my mom on the phone this morning talking to her mother. She says to her mother, as clear as a bell to my ears, "They're just making all bad choices all around."

What is wrong with the world? Everything you're used to can change in a day. Everyone you've loved can turn their backs to you, yet you're still loving them.

This makes me sick in an inexpressible way. How can these families just fall right apart? How can death overtake life?

My only single answer and hope is that I have my Lord Jesus here in my heart, and I'm never letting go. Though I am surrounded my evil, I pray that I would hold on to light, and though I know trials will test me, I know Jesus, my rock will defeat those who try to tempt me.

All bad choices all around, well this is my choice:
Psalm 62:5-6
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Death Before Life.....and other highly opinionated topics

2009-12-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

I know I've already told you a lot about myself already, but there is still more, believe it or not. I am a very opinionated person. My opinions range from my strong believing that you shouldn't own a cellphone until you are at least able to drive, to my faith in Jesus Christ.

One of my most opinion-y of opinions is the whole thing with abortion. I may not know as much about it as some people, but I strongly believe, as Dr. Seuss said, "A person's a person, no matter how small." And that just about sums it up.

What I don't get about abortion is that every life God has given is a gift, so why kill it? In my eyes, abortion is murder. And why am I even saying "it", those babies are PEOPLE!!!!!!

What comes to my mind when I think of abortion is cutting off a life before it even got to begin. Who knows? That baby could have been the next Albert Einstein, that baby could have found the cure to cancer, maybe that baby could have lived a wonderful life, serving his or her Lord.

Overpopulation the problem? Didn't God command Adam and Eve to "be fruitful and multiply"?

You see? I am one opinionated young gal!

I guess I wouldn't say my faith is an "opinion" because it is a fact. Jesus Christ died to save us from our sins, and He reigns on high, He will judge us all, and He loves each and every one of us. Hmmmm...yep, that's seems like it's all fact to me.

I always will believe that. And as one of my favorite hymns states, "No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand, 'till He returns, or calls me home, here in the power of Christ, I'll stand."

My ultimate life-verse is Isaiah 40:31, "Those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weak, walk and not grow faint."

From unborn children to my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, I'm an all-around, opinion-filled, faith-solid young girl.

Tears

2009-12-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight I prayed.
I prayed for my friends.
I prayed for their salvation.
Tears streamed down my cheeks, as I thought of them
without a savior.
Lost in the light of my Father, I prayed with hope,
and thought of all His daughters.
Tonight I prayed.
I prayed for my friends.
Tears streamed down my cheeks, as I thought of them.
Quiet pleas to God, for salvation through His son,
I wish I could find something to say to that would make this undone.
Tonight I prayed for all of those broken and alone.
For my friends to find their way home.
Tears streamed down my cheeks, as I thought of them.

Belle

2009-12-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

Today I babysat my sweet little neighbor, she is the cutest thing! She's polite, VERY SMART, and genuinely happy.

I asked her, as we were coloring, who her favorite princess was, she knew right away, and she said, "Mulan". I asked her why she liked Mulan, and, as if she had prepared a speech, she proudly said, "Because she is strong and brave." she announced, "I think that's where I get all my energy and strength, too, from Mulan."

I was so shocked, it took me a minute or so to believe that that had come out of the mouth of a first-grader. This made me wonder who my favorite princess was. After I ruled out Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, and Snow White, I had Cinderella and Belle left.

I sat there wondering which was my favorite. I finally said, not that my little first-grader was still listening, "I think my favorite is Belle." After I said it, I started to come up with reasons why I liked Belle so much.

After considering all of the things Belle did in the story I decided that I am most like Belle than any other Disney princess. One of the main reasons I chose Belle as my favorite was because she was so accepting of the Beast, sure she was afraid, but she saw past his ugly looks, and into the pain that he held.

Belle is also very brave and stubborn, which slightly reflects my character as well. This is a dumb reason, but I've always thought Belle's dress was the prettiest of all the princess'....hehe:).

It's funny how even a first-grader knows exactly what she likes, and is not afraid to say it!

What princess is your favorite? Which one resembles you the most?

....Time Is Tickin Away

2009-12-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

Once I went on a walk with an old friend of mine, we hadn't spoken in years. We were just walking a long and catching up for all of our lost moments together. After awhile, she turned to me and said something like this:

"Anna, I have never met a girl that is so strong in her faith, you're a really great friend."

At that moment tears welled up in my eyes, I had heard it before from my parents and family, but never from a friend that barely even knew me. And here comes the part that I wish I could change; my lame-face response. I looked down at the ground and said in a shaky voice,
"Aw, shucks."

And I knew I blew it. It was a beautiful moment, and all I had to say was, 'aw, shucks'. Instantly I was angry with myself. What was I supposed to say now? "You are too"?

I knew that would sound too ordinary, so I just kept smiling and walking. This brought attention to me that we don't have very much time here on our temporary home! We can't just sit around regretting the fact that, "oops, I messed up again." We need to TAKE ACTION! We are His messengers!

Alone

2009-11-30T09:50:00.000-08:00

Floating above the bubble, so called my life.
Reaching for what I cannot touch.
Dreamily gliding across the emptiness of my abyss.
Straining toward it, then falling, falling...
Falling down into the mysterious nothingness, and landing on the surface of vacancy.
Crying into the lonely, drifting place, waiting for the darkness to embrace.
Feeling everything and nothing.
Wishing anything were something.
Aching and lying, I feel like dying, but is there such a thing?

Being a Women

2009-11-28T16:57:00.001-08:00

When I was a little girl, like maybe 5 or 6 years old, I made a list of three things I never wanted to have to do when I was a women. (Keep in mind that this is before I "knew anything"). Here's my silly list:

1. I never want to wax my lip.

It seemed so scary and painful then, but now I look at it like ripping a band aid off.

2. I want to have kids, but I don't want to feel any pain.

Oh, gee! Having kids and no pain....hmmm, right! :)

3. I never want to have to share a bed with anyone!!!

I have nothing to say about this.....:).

As you can see, like most little, naive kids, I expected that I would always feel the same way about all of this. As I got more and more exposed to the world and saw how things were, my list changed from all of the "I never want to"s to the "I'm gonna have to"s.

I feel like we're like this in many areas of our lives, always telling ourselves what we never want to do. I think sometimes we need to take a step out of our comfort zone and surprise ourselves!

A Thankful Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

I am always worried that one day, years from now, or maybe even sooner, Thanksgiving will vanish and Christmas will take over, Black Friday being the only thing people are interested in.

I sure hope this doesn't happen, but I fear, as people put up their Christmas lights the week of Thanksgiving, and the Outlet Malls are playing holiday music, and having "Christmas sales", that our Thanksgiving will be pushed out of the spotlight while Christmas seeks all of the attention.

But not this Thanksgiving, this Thanksgiving I will remain loyal to this fourth Thursday of November. Often we find our selves wanting what we don't have. For instance; a brunette finds herself wishing she were blond, and dyes her hair, yet a blond finds herself wishing she were a brunette, and dyes her hair.

If someone has curly hair, they dream of straight hair, and spend a fortune to get it "chemically straightened", but still, if someone has straight hair, they dream of curly hair, and spend a fortune to get a perm.

Those who have glasses, hate them, so they get contacts. But those who have perfectly healthy eyes are in luck, because, guess what, they make no-prescription fake glasses! You see? We can't be grateful for what beautiful people God made us, so we want, want, want, and get, get, get.

I want to have a Thankful Thanksgiving, so here are a few things that I am thankful for.

I am thankful for my body, that can move and work, that I am not disabled. I am thankful for my brain that is fully functional and intelligent. I am thankful for my room, in which I can relax and think and wind down after a bad day. I am thankful for my school, with my amazing teachers, that are committed to help me learn, and their amazing efforts to teach.

I am thankful for my friends. Good and bad, that have taught me lessons that I couldn't have learned myself. For their love and generosity, for their loyalty and honesty. For their always being there when I need to just talk, and for acknowledging silently my troubles.

I am thankful for my church, where everyone feels like family, and where I have grown to learn the word of God. I am thankful for my "second family", the Wishings, whom I am neither timid or shy around, and whom I would always go to for anything if my family wasn't there.

I am thankful for my stable home, for my parents' hard work to raise me, and my brothers in Christ. And for my family, that without I don't know what I would do, and that even when we quarrel and fight, I know will always love me.

I am thankful for all the small pleasures, chocolate, new shoes, waking up on a summer's day to the bright sunshine, sitting on the beach, losing myself in the sound of the waves crashing, holding a new born baby while it sleeps peacefully, starting a new journal, being so tired I fall asleep right as my head hits the pillow, and running down the soccer field, free and untamed.

Last, and most importantly, I am thankful for Jesus Christ, author of my life, savior, who by His grace, brought me salvation. And who, wretched though I am, loves me no matter what I do or say, or how far I fall from Him. For Jesus because without Him I'd be nothing, and who with Him I am free. And for Jesus because He'll never forsake me, even when everyone else does.

This is my Thankful Thanksgiving!

Tradition

2009-11-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

Ahhh....good ole tradition...we have many in my house, here are a few.

~PSALMS-Every morning, after most everyone is finished with breakfast, my dad reads a Psalm.

~BIB STO AKA: BIBLE STORY-When we have time, in the evenings my dad will read a part of whatever book in the bible we are reading, then we pray and sing a hymn.

~CRANBERRIES-On Thanksgiving, before we eat, everyone passes the pot around the table and places their cranberry in and says something they are thankful for.

~MOVIE TIME-At some point in the "Christmas Season" we all watch the well-known, well-loved, A Christmas Story.

~ADVENT-During the season of Advent, we all take turns reading the passages in the bible.

~WELCOMING CHRISTMAS-After Thanksgiving dinner, while we're doing the dishes, we play Christmas music for the first time that year.

~SHOPPING SPREE-Before school starts, and before summer begins, my mom and I go on an all-day shopping trip:).

~MR. PEW-In the summer, my dad and I go on many bike rides. Sometimes we bike through the college. On campus, there is a copper statue of Mr. Pew, the man who a building was named after. Whenever we bike passed, we always go say hi to him:).

TRADITION! TRADITION!

Dinner Conversations

2009-11-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

Sam: (out of nowhere) "Space will desinigrate before time."

Mom: (looking at Sam) "Have you heard back from MIT yet?"

Sam: "No. Space will desinigrate before time." (he says a lot of other things, but I really don't know what they mean and can't remember what they are, sorry.)

Mom: "I guess that sort of makes sense, actually, if you just say that."

Me: (looking at mom with shock) "How does it make sense at all? I don't get anything he's saying!"

Will: "You know, maybe we should actually listen to what he says, that way when we actually learn about it, we'll get it."
(dad agrees)

Me: "Oops, I never listen."

Mom: (giving me the evil eye) "Anna, you should."

Me: "But I don't know half the words he's even using!"
(we move on to another subject.)
5 minutes later.....

Sam: "As I was saying, space will desinigrate before time."
(we all start laughing.)

Dad: (says something....)

I have a feeling our dinner conversations aren't normal.

Welcome to My World

2009-11-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

....Ahhhh, that must be something in my dream, wait, no, nevermind, that's the alarm. Sam must have set it too early...WHAT??!! It's already time to get up??! Noooo! Oh, please, no! Really? Are you for real? Ugh!

As I reluctantly drag myself out of bed, reaching toward the lamp, I squint my eyes against the bright, sudden light. I uncover the blue light of my stereo and head to the closet. Oh, gee. The Closet. And the big "what to wear?" question hangs over my head.

Quickly deciding I didn't want to wear bright-blue pants on a Monday, and pulling on my most-favoritist pair of jeans and most-comfiest shirt, I turn around to make my bed, making a mental note never to become like my brothers and stay in bed 10 minutes extra after the alarm goes off. After making my bed, I discover two little lumps covered by my sheets and comforter at the end of the bed. Hmmm...I pull up the sheets, scouring the bed for my missing culprates. Aha! Gotcha!

I pull out the two fuzzy little socks, proud to have accomplished one thing today. Ohhhh! I say out loud, poor Ceddy (aka Cedric), I forgot to feed you! (Just to clue you in, Cedric is my goldfish, and is somewhat neglected at times:P) I descend the stairs slowly and with care, while feeling guilty about always forgetting Ceddy.

In the mornings, it seems, I don't usually feel like talking. Some mornings are different, and I can't shut up, but most mornings I silently greet everyone and eat breakfast. Let's skip the whole brush-teeth-do-hair-gather-homework-remember-lunch-routine.

By the time we get to my school, I'm in a brighter mood, and happy to see my friends. Oh, wait, I skipped bus hall, by my definition-torturous time period in which students must sit in agony while bus hall monitors yell at everyone to sit down until we are released to our classrooms.

Anyway, moving on, in library I pick the most random books off of the shelf, because I never read my library books...wahaha! And I take a seat in the "story pit" where Claire and Nicole are drooling over picture books with polar bears and baby seals.
"How many times have you checked that book out?" I ask Nicole.

"I lost my count," she replies in a distant tone while staring at the cute, fuzzy little polar bear, that could probably eat her alive.

In English, I listen while everyone moans at pulling their English textbooks out, and I silently give three "Hip, hip, hooray!"s. In Reading, hardly being able to stand listening to my classmate struggle on the pronounciation of every other word. In Math, restraining myself from glancing at the clock every three seconds. And lunch, Huzzah!

95% of the time, lunch is fun and relaxing, maybe even thrilling sometimes. But when they break out the drama....urrrgg. If anyone knows me at all, they'd definetly know that drama is my LEAST FAVORITE THING ON THE ENTIRE EARTH!! For me, I'd rather sit through an hour of nails screeching down a chalk board, than sit through 5 minutes of drama.

I'd rather eat plain oatmeal for a month than be involved in one tiny bit of drama. And for me, drama is like an OCD person in a slob's house, a person with claustrophobia in a giant crowd! I can't stand it! O.K., now that that's out of the way....

When it comes to the expression: lunch + drama, the sum is anything but pretty. And when that happens, I find myself in the women's bathroom down the hall, locking myself in the stall, praying I would make it. When finally I know I should get back to lunch or else my peers would think I fell in the toilet, I sit down at my lunch table, plug my ears, close my eyes, and wish I were somewhere else.

Skipping over the boringness and Science and Social Studies, flute lessons, and tutoring my stubborn students....home at last! Kinda reminds me of "Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!" Piano. Hangin out. Running. Bible Study. Dinnner....

Dinner is a very interesting process at my house. First, we all get our food, right? I mean, who doesn't eat food at dinner? Note that my brothers eat a....hmmm...I'll be nice, large amount of whatever my mom cooks. Conversations could vary at my house from my mom and dad talking about the car having to go in tomorrow, or some mathematical-scientifical discussion in which I have no idea what anybody's talking about. (That's what happens when you have a family full of geniuses.)

The rest of the day is not much to talk about...unless you want to be bored to death. I'm sure there are many things I've left out like the fact that I talk to my computer when it's slow and my brother incessantly telling me, "don't worry about it." But this is my world, welcome!

Losing All Inspiration

2009-11-16T16:29:00.000-08:00

Some days I seem to just lose all of my inspiration to do anything. I know it's okay to do that every once in a while on a lazy Saturday, but, if we continue to live our lives like that, and make up excuses....how are we fulfilling God's plan for our lives?
When you've lost all inspiration....
My Steps to Recovery:
1.) I GET UP!

2.) I go up to my room and prepare myself to worship God by playing some of my favorite worship songs on my stereo while I either sit with my eyes closed and listen, sing along, or dance...:)

3.) After I am finished listening, I lie on my bed with my bible and study book that I am using, and I get to work.

4.) When I am finished, I clean up my room, making me feel less clustered and more accomplished.

5.) Sometimes after step 3 or 4 I like to go for a long walk and just contemplate.

6.) I remind myself that losing inspiration doesn't mean I am bad person, just that I am human.

7.) I get inspired.

2009-11-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

My precious beagle, Snickers...:) and the perty sunset...!

More About Me

2009-11-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I should tell you all a little more about myself. Where to start? I was born! Believe it or not! I was born in Georgia, where we lived for a couple years, until we moved up here, "the great white north" of Pennsylvania. I absolutely love my small town in which I've grown up and although I want to go away one day, will miss it terribly. I play soccer, probably the least-popular sport in America, but I sure do love it! I play defense..and I think I love it so much because...well, actually I hate offense because I feel too..hmmm...free almost, but on defense I feel like I have one sole purpose, and that makes me feel secure. I love music, and I would say that I am a very musical person. I am not the best singer, but I LOVE to sing! I usually go to the nursing home with some friends from my church to sing every once and a while. I also play piano, I think this is my fourth or fifth year playing, and I started to play flute last year and am enjoying it immensely! I think I am a very interesting person, I am not one to seek attention, but I don't mind speaking in public (let me know if you get confused), but I hate entering writing contests because I don't like my writing to be "publicized" yet I won a writing contest a couple weeks ago, and now I am doing a blog. Weird, eh? I also have two older brothers and no younger siblings. I love my brothers for many reasons, one being that they are great role models! Also, I think they have made me a stronger person. Instead of playing house or barbie dolls, we would play FBI, instead of a "pillow fight" we would have a "pillow war". I truly believe that God gives us exactly what we need and exactly what we can handle, and I think He knew that what I needed and could handle(hehe) were two wonderful brothers. When I look back on all of the times I had wished that I had a little sister, I see now that I am perfectly fine with my two brothers.
My parents are both great role models also, and I can see by everything that they do how much they love the Lord and how much they want to serve Him.
I also have a beagle, named Snickers, the sweetest dog on Earth...:). And a goldfish named Cedric!
Of course, like everyone else, I have many goals and dreams for my life. I hope to go to Grove City College, and to become either a writer, psychologist, or a special education teacher. I hope to become a wife and a mother as wonderful as mine. I want to travel and discover more about who I am. I want to own at LEAST two dogs and no cats....I'm not much of a cat person. Most importantly I want to "make disciples of all nations" and continue to let God surprise me each day.
When it comes to the saying "diamonds are a girl's best friend" I oppose completely. For me, CHOCOLATE is my best friend!!! I don't care how many diamonds you buy me, if you get me chocolate....haha, I love ya! (got that boys?)
I'm not much of a material girl, I'd rather spend all day in my pine tree writing than going shopping, but I don't mind shopping every once in a while...it's a girl's natural instinct, right?:)
A perfect friend for me is someone who gets me completely, who I am 100% comfortable with and who makes me the best person I can be. It's someone who we never run out of things to talk about, but when we are quiet, it's not awkward. She or he is always faithful and always kind, but not perfect, someone who loves me for who I am inside the most, but makes me feel beautiful.
I am not a perfect girl. I am not always nice. I am not always fun to be around. I am not the best friend that ever lived. I am perfectly imperfect. I do not always respect myself. I do not always respect others. But I've got something inside of me that's more powerful than anything else. Something that made the heavens and the stars, and someone that died on the cross to save us all from our sinful nature. And even though I am not perfect, I know that God loves me, and even though people may desert me, and life might not go my way, God's love for me will never change.

If you have any more questions to ask me, feel free!

The Story Behind the Name

2009-11-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the
Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

I know the name of my blog might sound depressing, but there is a story behind it. First, and foremost, I did try to write a book called, "A No One's World" but that didn't quite work out for me. Nevertheless; here's a little clip from the book:
I've always thought I'm a no one....
I've always asked myself: Why did God even bother to create me? I've always thought maybe I need to be someone, but if God made me no one??.... I've always believed that Jesus died for me and saved me from my sins, but who would do that for me? I know I'll never comprehend His love, but I wish I could know just one thing. Just one. Who am I? I've come down to a conclusion. Science may tell me I'm a Homo Sapian, and evolution can tell me I'm an ape. Faith can tell me I'm a sinner, and faith can tell me about love, and love will tell me about Jesus. And Jesus told me about life. And now I can live it for Him.

Even though the book didn't work out, I am very excited to start this blog. So, obviously, my blog was named for the identity that God has given us. I don't know yet exactly what God's plans for my life are, but I am fully prepared to accept whatever they are. Sometimes I feel like I am living in a no one's world, that people don't understand me, and that I am alone. But when I take a minute to step back and look at my life as a whole, I see that God made me someone. And that someone deserves more than what she's been treating herself to be. So, join me if you will on my journey through A No One's World...:)!
Buckle up!

2009-11-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

I guess it's sort of hard to get started on a blog. I wish I knew exactly what to say. Instead of going on and on about some important topic, I am going to start this blog by not saying anything! Welcome to A No One's World!
Sincerely,
Anna

Thinking

2009-11-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Unlike most people, I don't think before I write, so watch out, this could get quite interesting! Thinking is one of the weirdest things I've ever thought about...I mean, think about it! How much time and dedication it takes to think for a couple of minutes. First, you have to cut out all of your surroundings and completely submit yourself to your brain. Next, you have to compose the thoughts, and process them. And finally, you have to get them to do whatever you need them to do, like, yell at your brother, which for most people comes without having to think, or solving a math problem, or eating a cookie after deciding whether this one was your fifth or your sixth. See, thinking takes much time and effort to do. But we usually don't think about this matter of thought. We also seem to have special places where we think the most or the deepest. Mine seems to be the shower. In the shower I am always caught off guard thinking about something distant, then, trying to pull myself back to the present, while also trying to save myself from drowning, I forget what had made me think about that. Maybe it's just the mixture of hot water and soap that triggers my brain cells, but the shower is where I think the most.