Thanksgiving #2

Oops. I totally forgot about blogging! My biology class is killing! But I'll be sure to set an alarm on my iPhone to blog!

Today I am thankful for God's never failing, faithfulness. Yesterday marks one year to the day God turned my whole world around. He had other plans for me. At the time I was heartbroken, I thought my world was literally over. But as I look back on the year, He is always faithful! To think that if He didn't change the plans, I wouldn't have moved with my family back to Virginia. I wouldn't be back here with my friends and church family. And also, I wouldn't have the lessons I learned on this hard road He has taken me down.
I think of the verse in 1 Peter. "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."(5:10)
It's only by His grace that I can say that through this past year I did suffer, but through that suffering He restored and strengthened me. And for that I am so thankful!

Thanksgiving #1

Well, it's that time of year again. Thankful November. I really enjoyed posting last year about things I am thankful for that day.
I am amazed that this year has flown by! I can't believe it's November already.

Today I am thankful for that God has blessed me with a wonderful job. How blessed I am to be back with my church family, and to be serving our children in the way that I am. I could not ask for a better opportunity! At times as I sit at my deck I realize, I am working with people I have known sense I was 8 years old. Not many people can say that! God is so faithful!!!

Happy November!

Thanksgiving #17

Today I am thankful for music. If you know me, you know that I have a very weird taste in music. I like EVERYTHING. From worship to rap... from pop to heavy rock. And my favorite of all, Josh Turner, is country. So when I say everything, I mean everything.
I tend to listen to songs that say what I'm feeling (which is not always helpful at times). For example, I was listening to P!nk's song Who Knew the other week, beacuse I felt exactly that. Or one of my favorite songs at the moment Here Without You by 3 Doors Down. If you know these songs... you know these are not very uplifting or encouraging. And when I am listening to my iPod, and I'm convicted (which is 50% of the time, but wish it was 100), I switch it over to worship music. Like the song I Have A Shelter or Out of the Depths, both by Sovereign Grace Music. I'm truly thankful for God in those moments, because most of the songs I pick like that, it seems like he is picking those songs for me... speaking to me thru them. They are so encouraging, and in those moments I sense he is with me... caring for me. And the best part... he is! What a great God he is!!!

Thanksgiving #16

Last Monday evening, my aunt Stacy picked me up to go Christmas shopping. What a night we had! God really blessed us. I am thankful for that night we had... but this thankful post is about Stacy.
She is only 15 years older than me, so we are fairly close in age... but she is not just my aunt. She is my second mother, one of my best friends, and a big sister as well. She is one of the few people I can go to with everything. I've always had a special relationship with her, and it seems to be growing every year. God has truly blessed me with giving me an aunt like her! She is one of a kind!
Our night started out at Cordova.... (I'm not gonna say where we went because it might give presents away...) but of course we went to Starbucks while we were there. And when we closed down the mall... we headed over to Target, and closed them down as well. The night was filled with a bunch of laughs, and I got all my shopping done. It was so special to spend time with just Stacy... something that does not happen very often.
Thank you Stacy for always being there! Love you very, very much!

Thanksgiving #15

I know that I haven't been posting lately, and I know it's December now, but I've decided I'm going to still be posting thanksgiving post till I get to #30. (Since I missed a few days.)

So today, I am thankful for my grandparents, GG and Popa Don. A few weeks ago, I went up to VA for a week, and they were so kind to have me stay with them the whole time... feed me... take me where I wanted to go... and encourage me when I was feeling down and crying. It was so encouraging to be with them... more than they know. But it's not just then. They have always been there for me. Cheering me on when I was playing basketball... putting up with me 3 days a week when I was working on their side of town (haha ;) )... and always there to encourage me in my walk with the Lord. I love them so much, and I'm so very greatful for them.
Thank you GG and Don for everything! I love yall so much! See you Christmas Eve! <3

Thanksgiving #14

Today I am thankful for food. What a wonderful think food is... and there are so many ways to make it. Something I look forward to every year is the Thanksgiving meal. It's one of my favorite meals, and we have it Thanksgivng day, and a few times in between the two major holidays. This year I am really looking forward to it because we are spending Thanksgiving with just the Keene family, and Ross is my favorite chief.
Hope yall are having a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Turkey day everyone! Hope yall are having a blessed day as you spend it with loved ones. At the moment, my family, Diego and Lili are all in the living room watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.... A family tradition.
Later, we'll be to the Keese's for the day, along with the Cruz kids, for a day filled with the 3 F's... fun-food-football. What are you doing? (Comment if you'd like). Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving #13

I am thankful for God's will. At times I don't like it, but I know he does things for my good. And this does not mean it's easy and fun... but he does things with my good in mind. Right now I don't know what he has for my life. It's hard... but he is at work. I'll post about this later... but I can see things he is starting to lay out for my life. It's hard, you can be praying for me.
But this morning I went to Kingsway with my grandparents, and it was so good. But one song during worship really spoke to me, God Moves by Sovereign Grace Music.

♫God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm
Deep in His dark and hidden mines
With never-failing skill
He fashions all His bright designs
And works His sovereign will

So God we trust in You
O God we trust in You

O fearful saints new courage take
The clouds that you now dread
Are big with mercy and will break
In blessings on your head
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face

So God we trust in You
O God we trust in You
When tears are great
And comforts few
We hope in mercies ever new
We trust in You

God’s purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain
God is His own interpreter
And He will make it plain

"The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower." I'm excited to see what he has for me. He is good!

Well, Colts are about to play.... gotta stop blogging. GO COLTS!

Thanksgiving #12

I am thankful for scripture. Within the last few months, God has really been showing me things in his word that I have never seen before. I read thru the book of Matthew, and now I am almost done with the book of Mark. I read one chapter at a time, and every time I read it, something new is revealed.
He also reveals it other ways as well. I was drinking coffee here (here is GG and Don's house) and I had a Thomas Kinkade coffee mug, and it had Matthew 6:21 on it. Well, I did what my dad tells me to do, and not only read that verse but read the others around it. So I read that section in my Bible, and I have really been meditating on it.
Look it up yourself: Matthew 6:19-26.
God is so good to show me things in the weirdest ways. Isn't he good?

Thanksgiving #11

I am thankful for laughter. I'm going thru a different season at the moment... and it's not the easiest. Tonight, I watched a movie with my grandparents called Life With Father. I watched it with the Bishop's when I spent the night on Tuesday, and it was pretty funny. And yesterday I found it on Netflix and watched it with GG and Don tonight. It's a movie that was made in the 50's and it's pretty funny. It was great to sit here and laugh with them. Something I really needed.

Well, time to settle down for the night. Football tomorrow... and I won't be able to watch. Atleast it's Auburn's bye week. War Eagle!

Thanksgiving #10

I am thankful for coffee. I'm not sure what it is about drinking coffee that is so good... but it is. It's bitter and strong... and the way I drink it, it's not sweet at all. Now, if I go to Starbucks (which I do a lot) I do get sweet drinks, such as a Caramel Macchiato or a Mocha Frappuccino. But just drinking it at home, I just take half and half. It's very enjoyable to drink, and it brings much comfort. I'm glad God made the coffee bean.

Thanksgiving #9

Today, I'm thankful for my bed. Last year my grandparents gave my parents their kings size bed, and I was given my parents queen. And I have never slept in another bed that is more comfortable. It feels like you are sleeping on clouds. And the funny thing is, it's over 10 years old. When I had my twin, I had a lot of back trouble, but now, nothing. It's way better than a tempur pedic bed I've slept on.
When I move out, I'm gonna sneak it out, cuz mom and dad said I can't have it.

Thanksgiving #8

I am thankful for Zyrtec. One again, this may sound weird, but it's true. If you know me really well, you know that I hate taking medication, for anything. But the reason I'm on Zyrtec is for Snuggs. That's love. But if I wasn't on medication, I would have allergy attacks. My eyes would swell up and water, I would sneez none stop, and I would get very ichy... this is all because of my cat. But Zyrtec is the only allergy medicine I have found to work, and keep my allergies at bay. And this is why I am very greatful... I can enjoy my cat while I have him.

Thanksgiving #7

Today I am thankful for sports. I know this may sound weird... but I am. It's something in my life that does not really change. Yes, the team's roster may change every year, but the team doesn't change. Like the Indianapolis Colts have been the Indianapolis Colts since 1984. And as far as I know, will not move again. I've been a fan since 2006, and they have not really changed. The day Peyton Manning retires will be a sad day indeed (I'm sure I will cry), but when that day comes... they will still be my Colts.
Same with the LA Lakers, they have been my team since 2001, and Miami Heat, have been my other team since 2002. (I do have 2 NBA teams....)
But for me, sports aren't just an enjoyment to watch, it's therapeutic. I can go shoot basketball or mess around with a soccer ball, and it's very soothing. Not sure why... but it is. I know I'm weird, but while I'm shooting the basketball, I use that time to pray. I guess because I was commited to basketball for 5 years strait, season or off season, holding and shooting a basketball is something familiar to me. Whether I'm in Richmond, VA or Pensacola, FL... it still feels the same.
Even tho my life is changing, the games never change.

Thanksgiving #6

I am thankful for friends. At times I sometimes feel alone, and I'm not sure if it's cuz I'm here in Florida or what. But since I've been going thru something hard, my friends have all be very caring. Some calling me, checking on me to see how I'm doing, and saying they are praying for me. I've had some friends tell me "I'm praying for you. Is everything ok?" or "You've been on my heart lately. Are you doing ok?" That means so much! And it just shows that God is with me... caring for me.
My friends have also been encouraging as I'm going thru this time. Telling me God's got a plan for all this. It's hard to hear... but I know it's the truth... and it really means a lot.
And I have friends that keep telling me, "I'm here girl. Call me when you need to talk."
Thank you friends for caring for me. And all your prayers. I know God has a plan.... Can't wait to see all my friends in VA, on Monday.

Thanksgiving #5

I am thankful for my sister and brother, and even tho at times I do get annoyed with them (and one more than the other most of the time)... I still love them.
As I'm going thru this new season of life, my sister has been very encouraging. She, like my parents, has been reminding me God has a plan and he is still good. Sunday and Monday night she even slept with me just so I wouldn't be alone. We laughed about random stuff.... such as my "grandpa" cat.
But all my life, she has been the life of the party. And even tho she has her very crazy moments, it's still fun. She can really make you laugh, and will even laugh about herself with you. I am so greatful God gave her to me. I wouldn't want any other sister.
Now, as for my brother. He can be very weird at times.... Let me change that... he is very weird all the time. He has these jokes that come out of nowhere, and make no since, but the great thing about Josh is that, as you are laughing at him, he too will laugh at himself. I'm not sure if he is laughing because he realizes what he said, or if he is laughing because you are laughing. Either way, it's great.
One thing I love about my siblings, is that even tho we get annoyed with each other, we still enjoy each other's company, and enjoy spending time together playing games, the 360, or just talking and laughing.
I'm so blessed to have them in my life, and apart of my family. Love you Kelsey and Josh!

Thanksgiving #4

I am thankful for the trials God brings into my life. At the moment, I am going thru another hard trial. They aren't fun. It seems like I have gone thru more trials than anyone else my age, but I'm sure that isn't true.
God uses trials to bring us closer to him, and all we need to do is trust him. But the only way we can trust him, is if he shows us we need him.
And this is harder said than done, I know, but speaking truth to yourself will help. One way I find to help with speaking truth to myself is writing in my journal or blogging.
The trial I am going thru at the moment, I can't see what God has for my life. I feel like my life is over, to tell the truth. But that's where trusting him comes in. If I knew what he had in store for my life, how could I worship him, how could I trust him?
He himself speaks to us in many ways. My sister on Saturday night texted me, blessed be his name, and once again I broke down. Sunday worship, the second song they did was Blessed Be His Name, and I broke down in church. I knew he was with me, and he will never leave. He gives, and he takes away, but I want to chose to say, "blessed be his name".
2 other songs I've been listening too aswell, Everyday by Sovereign Grace Music, along with Your Hands by JJ Heller.

Here are the lyrics to Your Hands
♫I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away

I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crooked lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands
Prayers right now will be great! One thing you can pray for is that I will stop crying. But also that I will keep my eyes focased on him above, that he will give me peace thru this hard time, along with my trip up to VA. The people I love encouraged me to get away from life, and take a trip up to VA to be with friends and family. I leave Monday and return the following Monday. Pray that the trip will be smooth.
God is good all the time! ~Jeremiah 29:11~

Thanksgiving #3

I am thankful for my partents. Well, they did bring me into this world, but they also have tought me to have a relationship with my heavenly father. At times I didn't want to listen, and I know I gave them a very hard time most of the time. But I'm so thankful that they kept pursuing, and kept speaking truth to me.
And thru the past years, they have stood by me as I walked thru many hard things, and they continue to do so. Even tho I wouldn't share things with them, they always were there to pray for me, always there to speak truth to me, and always there to just give me a hug when I needed one.
Thank you dad and mom for always being there for me! I love you both very much.

Thanksgiving #2

I am thankful for my heavenly father. He has done so much for me. Everyday is filled with his amazing grace. The fact that I'm breathing right now... that is his grace. He also sent his only son to die on the cross in my place... something I don't deserve. And he has forgiven all my sins.
He has cared for me over the years... and at times I might not have liked it... but looking back now, and I am very greatful! Because he did it all for my good. It's all apart of his big plan for my life.
He is letting me live as I don't deserve. Praise God!

Thanksgiving for All of November

Some of you might have seen the invite on Facebook about putting something you are thankful for on your Facebook status everyday for the month of November. I thought that was a really cool idea, but thought to do it on my blog instead, and go into a little more detail about why I am thankful for that thing rather than just saying why I am thankful for it.

#1
I am first thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I cannot thank him enough for what he did in my place on the cross. He has taken the wrath deserved for me, where now I am forgiven of all my sins. What an amazing gift!