Hey 2012, how ya doing?

2012 you are here!  Goodbye to a wonderful year 2011, I send you away with hope and promise that this year is going to as good as you were and even better.  I prefer to not set new year resolutions that are things that I need to do, but rather things I want to do to better my own self.  While cleaning some things out today, I came across my faith statement that I shared on October 30, 2005 with my church family.  You may skim it or read it or skip it (just remember I was younger when I wrote it--and I didn't edit it). 


Today is the day that I personally confirm my faith to not only everyone sitting in this congregation, but also to my family, friends, and all Christian brothers and sisters.  As I look back to December 24th, 1990, when I was baptized at St. Andrews Lutheran Church my mom and dad, along with the congregation, promised to teach me and help me learn the Ten Commandments, Lords Prayer, Apostle Creed, and the concept of Communion, for me to read and learn about the Bible, and to support me in the church.  Over my past 15 years my mom and dad have helped me learn the Ten Commandments, Lords Prayer, Apostle Creed; I have learned the concept of Communion and continue to receive it, I have been taught about the Bible and continue to read it throughout Sunday school, and I have been supported by all my church family. Today I continue to come to Sunday School wanting to learn more and more about how Lutherans look at the bible each week.  As I travel through my life I will always have the influence of God on my life, shaping me to become the person that he has planned out for me.  I enjoy being a strong youth at our church, being part of the hand bells choir, serving in the service, participating in most church activities, and going to youth events held for youth.  I enjoy going to ELCA youth activities for kids my age along with one for younger children and helping while getting to know other  youth my age from other churches. 


Over the past 15 years, as I have attended Sunday School, I have learned a parable that I can practically tell you from memory:  John 2: 1-11, is about the Wedding in Cana of Galilee.  Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his followers were also invited to the wedding.  When all the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."  Jesus answered, "Dear women, why come to me?  My time has not come yet."  His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you to do."  In that place there were six stone water jars that the Jews used in their washing ceremony.  Each jar held about twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, " Fill the jars with water."  So they filled the jars to the top.  Then he said, "Now take some out and give it to the master of the feast."  So they took the water to the master.  When he tasted it, the water had become wine.  He did not know where the wine came from, but the servants who had brought the water knew.  The master of the wedding called the bride-groom over and said to him, "People always serve the best wine first.  Later after the guests have been drinking awhile, they serve the cheaper wine.  But you have saved the best wine until now."  So in Cana of Galilee Jesus did his first miracle.  There he showed his glory, and his followers believed him.        Over the years I have learned more and more about this story and have continued to enjoy it.  The miracle that Jesus performed at the wedding that day wasn't only amazing because he changed water into wine, but also because it was his first miracle.  This was a start to Jesus' miracles to come just like today is the start of my faith to continue on. 


Looking back into all the years of Sunday School I have had many teachers that have influenced my faith, but one especially that taught me something that I still use today.  Even thought I have learned the books of the Bible of the Old Testament though Confirmation, I will always remember an acronym that Heather McFlea taught me.  My 4th grade year in Sunday School, Heather was my teacher and she wanted to help us learn the books of the bible starting with the Old Testament, but we never got past the first seven, but hey 7 is better than none.  We used this to remember the first seven books, Grama Exits Leaving Nana Down and J.J. ; believe it or not, it helped me.  I have had many more teachers that influenced my faith but I will always remember my year with Heather. 


Over the past weeks, I have been preparing this faith statement and have learned that it is a lot of work to know what you are talking about.  When I was asking Pastor Tony about how to write a faith statement, he made the point to me, that confirming does not mean that I am graduating out of church.   I am just stating my faith and what I believe in and becoming part of this congregation.  I will continue to be part of the hand bell choir, occasionally sing with the adult choir,  serve in the church service, be a strong youth in our youth group, continue to come to Sunday School, continue to be part of the church, continue to grow in faith and continue to learn to understand Gods love.


Almost every year I attend Lutheridge Camp, Arden, North Carolina, to learn about my faith and continue to make it stronger every time I go, I learn a new and better why to share my faith with others, in my denomination and not in my denomination.   I learn how to make my own faith stronger without hurting anybody.  I think one factor that also helps me at Lutheridge is that it is not only kids there but all ages from toddlers to adults.  I will say that if you have never been to Lutheridge then you have missed out on a lot. 


Another thing that I have learned over the course of my faith is that know matter how big your congregation is or where you are at, you always need to be spreading Gods word and having a strong faith.   Over the past year, i have attended many other denominations with friends, and know matter where I am, I keep my faith strong.  The size of your church should never determine how strong your faith is.  About three months ago, I attended a church smaller than my home church and learned as I examined one special thing.  Even though they are a small congregation, they had a strong faith.  I really believe that visiting that church made a positive influence on my faith. 


The last thing that I would like to talk about is the people that have had an influence on my faith.  Both my mom and dad have always been an important part of the church, which has kept me there to.  My dad's parents, go to the Lutheran Church that I was baptized at, so i enjoy going to the midnight Christmas Eve service to celebrate the day I was baptized.  Both of my dad's parents attended Lenoir Rhyne College, so those activities are Christian related.   My mom's parents always had a religious house and welcomed me to their church anytime.  My friends always want me know how my church is, and what it is life, and would they like it.  And last my church family, everyone is always supportive, in everything I do.  And especially my pastor, Pastor Tony, who has been there for me and my faith and is a great Sunday school teacher along with teaching about any religious subjects.  To all these people I would to share a warm thank you.  May faith has and will continue to grow because of all of my Christian brothers and sisters.  

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To this day I have continued to do most of what I said I was going to do.  While change is important in ones life, it is also important to keep somethings close to you that you are familiar with.   I am blessed to be who I am.  


Dear Heavenly Father, you are amazing!  I love you LORD Jesus!  Praising you is something I love to do!  :)

Colossians 3:16 or 3:17

Oh, how I love Christmas. Christmas 2011 rocked my socks off.  Family means the world to me, and this year I got to see all of my family.  Christmas eve my moms whole family gathered for fun and games and then church.  

That is my grandmother, her 4 daughters (and their husbands), 8 grandchildren (2 spouses),   3 great-grandchildren and 2 granddogs :)  Don't we look like we know how to have some fun!

The true meaning for the season is often hiding behind Santa Claus songs, and singing about only wanting the love of your life for Christmas.  But what really is the meaning for Christmas. Below are two different Christmas hymns that I truly love!   Hope you enjoy reading them *-they are much more fun when sung-*

271--I am so glad each Christmas Eve
1.I am so glad each Christmas Eve, the night of Jesus' birth!
Then like the sun the star shone forth, and angels sang on earth.
2.The little child in Bethlehem, he was a king indeed!
For he came down from heav'n above to help a world in need. 
3.He dwells a gain in heaven's realm, the Son of God today;
and still he loves his little ones and hears them when they pray.
4.I am so glad each Christmas Eve! His praises then I sing; 
he opens now for every child the palace of the king.
5.And so I love each Christmas Eve, and I love Jesus too;
and that he loves me every day I know so well is true








288--Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
Good Christian Friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say; Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before him now, and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!  Christ is born today


Good Christian Friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear or endless bliss; Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened heavens door, and we are blest forever nore.
Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!


Good Christian Friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave; Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all to gain the ever lasting hall.
Christ was born to save!  Christ was born to save!

Power of music.

Music is so powerful.  Have you ever noticed how your mood can change, just having hearing a song.  Sometimes it is for the better, but sometimes a song can bring you down.  I have learned one thing about myself, there are many songs that calm me down.  I am so thankful for the ability to be able to listen to music.  

I would like to share with you some songs that i feel help me out.  It is a variety of different types of songs.. but it is what helps me. 

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAE8EF80B6B746E42

(you will have to copy and paste the link into your web address bar)  and let me know if it doesn't work

Tackling hurdles..

Sometimes it is good, to take time and think... Tonight as I sit and think about all that I am thankful for, I also sit and have millions of things running through my mind.  I decided that I needed a few items of advice, and thought I would start with listening to myself.  I often will speak of advice but not always follow what I say.  I just finished reading some of my own blog posts here, and realized that I have so much going for me.  Everything is going to be okay, I can cross these hurdles that are being placed in front of me. 

One thing I have learned about myself, over the years...is I allow the little hurdles to be the same size as the big ones.  I really need to work, at getting over that...but I think that takes time.  I do not want to share all those hurdles, because some are to personal and do not need to be announced, just need to stay in my heart...there are other hurdles that I would like to share.  







Recently, I was told by my doctor that it may be smart to try a gluten free diet.  Today marks the official start, but I have been gluten-free for about 2 days.  While I know many people go on this diet, it is still something that you have to be strict with yourself about. No cheating here or there.. and I am already craving the taste of butter on some bread.. but I will find a solution eventually.  Thanksgiving dinner was not bad, and tonight we found some different brands that offer a gluten free option.  This hurdle, is possible for me to overcome.  


Do you ever catch yourself thinking about a million things at once???  And your not sure if there is really something that is bothering you, or if it is just all the things added together??  Well, that is me.  The semester is slowly coming to a close, and there is a lot that needs to be done.. but the Christmas break is just around the corner.  I think I am ready to be home for a while, but I do not for sure I am not ready to move stuff home for break.


I believe I am getting to the point of being in need of a bear hug... 
I love hugs, getting them from anyone.. but then there is some people that you just enjoy hugs from even more.  Everyone has someone in their life, that just gives the best bear hugs ever.  :)


With all this said, today has been a wonderful thanksgiving.  I am so thankful for my friends and family.  I am so thankful for being able to look outside my window and see the stars.  For beautiful evenings spent with family and sharing stories.  For being able to know that I am generally safe here in my home.  I am thankful for those that choose to serve our country.  For the wonderful people in my life, past--present--and to come.  I am thankful for all that I have.  I am so thankful for all, each one of the people in my life have a special place in my heart.  This is only all possible because the one true God gave his one and only Son to die for us.   Don't take for granted what you have today, because it may not be here tomorrow. 


Dear heavenly Father, 


I pray to you today, with thanks for everything you have provided me with.  Amazing family, Awesome friends, and the people that I do not know yet or never will.  I pray for those that are sick, and down especially the Haas family as they push through the struggle of cancer. I pray that you give love and healing to those that are sick and comfort to their caregivers and family. I pray God, that you lend me guidance over these hurdles that come into my life.  God, you are mighty and holy, and I love you.  I pray for all those that serve our country, the few I know and the millions I don't--they are all so special and often do not get thanked enough.  I pray for safe travels for all those traveling during this thankful season and that those shopping tomorrow are safe as well.  Lord, I pray to you on this day and all the days to come, you are wonderful LORD, I love you.  In your holy name, Amen. 

Days are flying by, and moments of life we are losing.  We should all live every moment of life as if it is our last--unfortunately most of us don't do this..and instead we take every day for granted.


Growing up there have been  points in my life when I always had my phone on me and I needed to txt someone goodnight in order to sleep. Through events in my life that has changed now I lose my phone and rarely send goodnights. Many things happen in life that sometime change because of someone or because of an event in life. We have to be careful that we don't let events like this take control of our lives. 

Reading the bible is the same way. I have gone through points in my life that I have read the bible everyday, and I learned in church and Sunday school that it is important to not just read and study the word at church but I catch myself doing this. What is it that changes our ways. Is it that we lose sight if what is important or we think we are better than it. This can only be answered when choosing what we are referring to. My change of ways for texting people is because I am growing from that an realizing I have better things to do. But if it is the matter of reading the bible then I am not sure of the real reason, but I would guess it is time constraint.  While I know this should be changed, I sadly am not sure when I will get into reading the bible.  

Along with the time constraint issue, working out falls into my mind.  I used to be in good shape.  I could bike all the way through my neighborhood (sometimes twice).  And I used to be able to work out without thinking about it, but now its a struggle.  Time is rolling on and there are many things that I need to do, but deal with laziness. Life is like this and we are struggle with how to handle this.. so what should we do.  Depending on who we would ask, some would answer pray.  I am going to go with being perristance.. and so now I am going to get off my bandwagon of telling what is going on in my life that I need to fix and get to working out. 


Dear God, 
Life is amazing, and I thank you for my life each day.  I have to remind myself each day to pray for myself, while I also pray for others.  I pray especially today for my new family member and that he is a healthy baby boy.  I pray for those that dealing with midterms and exams while living each day.  I pray for those that are serving in the military state side and oversees.  I pray for those that are nonbelivers and the believes that try to tell faith to those that don't understand.  In your holy name Lord, I pray!  Amen

:) God loves you and me! 

There are so many things that I think about to share in a blog.  But if I wrote them all, I would have no time to do the things that are more important.  Instead I know that I am thankful for all the wonderful things that I have going on in my life right now, but also that I have many things I am struggling with.  God is with me.  God is with me always.

Have you said, "I love you today"?  

Have you said, "Thank you" today?

Have you given your best friend a hug?

Have you checked up on the ones that weren't at church today?

Have you called the sick and lonely?

Have you smiled today?

Have you?

Dear Heavenly Father, 

You are most holy, and I love you LORD Jesus.  I would ask that you guide me and help me when days are slow and down.  Some days I am eager and ready to tackle the world, but on other days I wonder if I will make it.  LORD you are amazing and you have been part in my life when all of this is taking place.  I reflect daily on the happy moments, and try to cover them with the bad days.  LORD I ask you to help me see that it is okay, and that their are other people like me, struggling just the same.  LORD Jesus please watch over everyone this week, especially those that are serving our country.  They are the ones that we often forget to thank daily, they are the ones that have chosen to protect us and our country.  LORD, you are the most holy and loved one in my heart.  I love you LORD JESUS!

In your heavenly name, I pray. Amen.

Am i fine china?

Friends can't be like fine china.  

Fine china:

 Is something you only use for special occasions.  

Something that you can go each day without.  

Friends need to be like every day dishes.

Every day dishes:

It doesn't matter if it is just a boring day.

You have them around all the time. 

If the people around you are like fine china--then do you really need them in your life.  Are they not important enough to you to have them around you all the time?  Do you only go to them when you need something, or when you are having a party?  Do you only invite them because they will bring the alcohol and be stupid?  

Take a moment.  Stop.  Think.  Think of that person that is always there for you.  That one that is there no matter what.  Who is it?  Is it someone that treats you like fine china or every day dishes?  

There are many people around us--that we call friends.  And that is okay!  But make sure that you hold on to the every day dishes and make them your every day dishes instead of fine china.  

I am blessed to have true friends. Ones that are truly there and I am truly there for.  Lately I have been reflecting more and more on that.  Noticing the ones that see that everything is not okay without me telling them.  The ones that help me feel better only by reinforcing they are there for me.  I may be miles apart from some, some only minutes apart.  But what matters the most is that they are my friends.  <3

Dear God, 

You are a truly amazing person!  i love you more than anything in the world.  I ask for prayers to be lifted up for everyone, all my friends, enemies, and those that I do not know.  It is important for me to pray daily for my friends.  For my friends that live here in North Carolina, those that live in another state, those that live in another country.  That I pray for those friends that are struggling physically, mentally, socially or just in general. I pray for my friends that are choosing to serve the country, those that are choosing to serve the homeless.  I pray for all!  And Lord, I ask lastly for prayers for myself.  I need to remember to pray for myself daily as well.  I need prayers as much as everyone else.  

Lord Jesus you are amazing, In your holy name I pray!

Amen