In Awe of His Love

There is nothing better than to know you are deeply and unconditionally loved by a God that is bigger than any struggle or disappointment you will ever face.

When I sit down to blog, I feel like I have a million things on my mind but the minute I try to write it all out, I am at a loss for words. I think about my life struggles and how they seem so minuscule compared to the desperation and tragedies that are occurring in our world. My heart aches for the lives (young and old) that are being perscecuted because they're Christians. (Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10) I hurt for those who are struggling with terminal illnesses and for those who truly do not know when their last day with loved ones on this earth will be. It puts your mind, heart, and world into perspective. 

I remember being a little girl and waking up in the middle of the night to nightmares. It took every ounce of courage I had to crawl out from under my covers and run downstairs to my parents bedroom. But the minute I was in their presence, my fear was gone. I relied on them to protect me, to be there for me, to forgive me, and to always love me even when I fought with my brothers or spilled a big gallon of milk while trying to pour it into my cereal because it was just too heavy to lift.

As I grew older, I became much more independent very quickly. I learned to take care of myself and not rely on my parents to always cook my meals, brush my teeth for me, bathe me, and pick my clothes out. I loved feeling "grown up", but so often I desire to be that small child again with no stress, no responsibilities, no worries, and the biggest decision I had to make was if I wanted chocolate milk or "vanilla" milk. 

Even as I noticed growth in my mentality, body, and maturity levels; I found that even though I was not always attentive in my small hometown church, I was growing spiritually. I began to find a love for Christ like no other love. I made promises to God in my prayers that I would never disappoint Him or my parents as I grew older and was faced with challenges and temptations. I knew exactly what I stood for and I wouldn't let ANYTHING break me. I was tough, invincible, and strongly independent.. or so I thought.

Over the years, I have been through and experienced more than most people at my age. I can say I have stood firm in my walk with The Lord and never fell into the deep pit of peer pressure. But one thing I can admit is that through these years, even though I have felt like I have always made all of the right decisions (yes, I make mistakes... I am not perfect)-- God has tugged on my heart and changed me and I believe He is still molding me into the person He wants me to become each and every day.

I've laughed and I've cried. I've laughed until I cried. I cried until I thought there was no way more tears could come out. I've been excited, blessed unimaginably, happy, and broken. I have had my fair share of disappointments and heartaches. But one thing has always remained constant, and that is my faith in The Lord.

He has been my shining light in what seemed like the darkest days. He has been my hope for tomorrow when I didn't think I could make it through another day. He has been my happiness and my JOY when I could barely find one going right for me. He has been constant. He has not changed, and I know He never will. (Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6) 

Whether I am headed to work, church, school, or anywhere- I constantly turn on the Christian radio station and instantly get chills from the powerful words and truth. I am brought to tears often by how many times I have failed but God's love and mercy remains.

To many people, I am the girl who smiles all the time; To others, I am the girl who talks way too much; But to most- I am the girl who loves Jesus and will never let you forget it. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing to them who I am and why I am. (because of Jesus) I have never met a stranger.

I love out loud. I am a talker, a singer, a (terrible) dancer, a painter, a monogrammer (yes I made that word up), a writer, a people-person, a coffee drinker, sweets-lover, animal obsessor, and so much more. But if you go your whole life never knowing any of that- I want you to know that I am saved. 

I am loved, cherished, honored, blessed, redeemed, and truly magnificent in the eyes of The Lord. (and guess what... SO. ARE. YOU.)

Never lose a day to tell someone how important they are or share a simple "hey" or smile. You can be a life-changer just as God changed my life, He longs and desires to change yours too.

My world. Its crazy, but it works.

If you're reading this, you're probably extremely bored. Before you read this, I'm going to say that it is about who I am and my mindset for the way I live my life. If you don't care, don't waste your time lol! This is mainly for me to get things off my chest when sometimes it feels as though the world may be weighing you down, or simply because there are days when I don't know if I am doing the right thing.

Here it goes..

I am far from ordinary- and that is what I strive to be. I don't fit in with the crowds. (Even though lots of people that don't truly know me think that I do.) I'm different and I am so thankful for it. I have lots of friends that I absolutely cherish, don't get me wrong. But I only have one true friend that loves me on my weakest days, is the most proud of me for my accomplishments, loves me even when my attitude isn't just right, and would die on a cross for all my sins. My Savior. He motivates me to become a better person when I wake up in the morning despite all the evil and disappointment in this world. He gives me hope for what is yet to come. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Things fall apart. There are good days and bad days. Things start looking up for a minute and before you can blink, something has gone wrong again. This life isn't perfect and I accept that. Well, you kind of have to because life happens whether you are ready or not.

A little about me: I am stubborn- I'll admit. I stick to what I believe and I won't let anyone change my mind. I don't fall for peer-pressure because I don't allow myself to even have a chance to. I'm a rule follower, but I love to have fun. (Ok..I feel like I'm giving my bio for a online dating service....next!)

People always ask me: How do you do everything you do all the time?

My answer: First, God. Second, I am good at staying busy. 

I do get overwhelmed at times, and I stress out very easily. But I feel as though God perfectly places all of the things I need to keep going at just the right time. 

Currently, I monogram and embroider.. my machine is constantly running and I am so blessed to be doing something I love and making money for it. Also- I have a full time job of being a puppy-mom. If you have a puppy, you know that they need your undivided attention 24/7 and it is very important to give it to them and to teach them and train them. I wouldn't trade my little girl (dog) for anything in the world. Thirdly, I started selling stuff on eBay... Let me tell you- that is a job itself. As if that isn't enough, I pack my school schedule into 15-18 hours because I am on track to graduate early. Here's the big finally- I just got a job at a local boutique on top of that for about 15-20 hours a week.

Call me crazy, YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! 

I consider it all a huge blessing and I can't thank God enough for the opportunities and open doors He has so generously and perfectly placed in my life. I'm blessed and I'm loved by such a beautiful Creator. He has given me everything I have.

So there's my crazy life in a very brief, short, nutshell.

If I could only say one thing, I would say this: Never settle. Never become someone you know your parents wouldn't be proud of. Imagine your life in 10 years. Push yourself. Take opportunities even if they don't work out. Follow the path God has in store for you- even if you can't clearly see what that is yet- your heart is telling you. Be open. Love yourself. Trust God and pray about your future.

Your life is so valuable and you deserve to be happy. Everyone has a crazy life sometimes, but thank goodness we have a perfect Savior who guides us each day and leads us down His path, if we allow.

I am thankful to be who I am, all flaws attached, because I know my God is still working on me every day and shaping me into the person He desires for me to be.

If you read all of this, bless your heart. lol! You're sweet. God wants great things for your life, and I know it. Be a blessing to someone, even on your worst days. Your life counts- and God blessed you with it. 

Be thankful. Be smart. Be open. Be loving. Be YOU!

Don't you know you're beautiful?

You're Beautiful Just The Way You Are

This is for the girl who thinks she isn't pretty, 

for the girl who wishes she was thinner,

for the one who wants to be taller,

shorter, more athletic,

happier, popular, 

or simply noticed.

Don't you know you are beautiful?

Watch these two inspiring videos!!

If the link isn't working, click here.

If the link isn't working, click here.

You are different and you are exactly the way God created you to be!

Stop trying to change yourself. Stop trying to be someone you aren't. Stop trying to pretend you're good at things you have absolutely no interest in. Stop trying to be a different person than who God wants you to be. 

We are all called into this world with a purpose. We are called to show and share the love of God to every person we encounter. Be the best Christ-like example you can be.

BE A LIFE CHANGER- For The Better!

Never leave a room full of people without encouraging and inspiring each person.

Do not follow the crowd. Be a leader and always leave a positive impact on the world.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

You are loved and you are important. You are a precious jewel in God's eyes. Start seeing yourself as a person of integrity. Stop feeling sorry for yourself because you aren't good at all of the things your friends are good at. Find your own strengths, and be aware of your weaknesses. We all have both.

Never think your value is less than someone else's. God created us all equal. He created us to love one another and to reach out to one another. He shows us to love the way He loves the world.

Do not be concerned with outer beauty, because your heart is the most beautiful thing in the world and if you use it for God's glory and purpose, you will change so many lives. 

Matthew 6:25-26

²⁵ “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

I'm in awe of how perfect our Creator made us in His image. He carefully designed each one of us from the tip of our head to the end of our toes. We are all so unique in our own ways. Think if everyone in the world looked exactly alike... how boring would that be? I'm thankful for a God who gave us all personality and unique beauty.

Take a look in the mirror. Embrace the blemishes and wrinkles. Those are signs of wonderful years and memories. Be thankful for the person you are and who you're still becoming.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

Kellie Pickler's Song

Perspective Matters!

How Do You View Life?

Perspective is primarily about what angle you view something. Often times people say, do not look through the rear-view mirror of life at past times, instead look only out of the windshield at what is ahead. Or, is the glass half-empty or half-full. Well this all depends if you've been drinking out of the cup or if you just poured it, right? Perspective. It is important in daily life choices and observations. It plays a huge role in the way we handle things that occur in our life. It affects our thought process and our attitude about situations.

Understanding how a situation can be positive or negative truly affects the outcome of how you will react and respond to it. 

Negative Perspective: You woke up this morning an hour past your alarm. Your clothes were wrinkled and your hair was a mess. You couldn't find your keys. You didn't have time to make your coffee. You ended up having to turn around halfway to work because you realized you left the hair flat iron on. You stepped in dog poop because you ran through the grass instead of taking the side walk as you rush into work. You feel as though it has been an awful day and you let everyone you come in contact with know it. They better not mess with you today, you've already had enough.

Positive Perspective: You woke up this morning an hour past your alarm. Thank God it was only an hour and not two, right? Your clothes were wrinkled and your hair was a mess. It could be worse. You could have clothes that have holes and no shampoo to wash your hair. You couldn't find your keys. You didn't have time to make your coffee. You ended up having to turn around halfway to work because you realized you left the hair flat iron on. Maybe God was telling you to slow down, take a breath. HE saved you from a terrible car accident this morning that would have occurred if you would have left 10 min earlier. You stepped in dog poop because you ran through the grass instead of taking the side walk as you rush into work. Great excuse to buy a new pair;) You feel as though it has been an awful day and you let everyone you come in contact with know it. They better not mess with you today, you've already had enough. Never lose an opportunity to make someone else smile and show them the light of God you have in your life no matter what it is you're going through. I promise you, someone else is struggling FAR worse than you could ever imagine.

Your decisions and attitude about every situation you encounter reflects who YOU are.

Never look at the bad-side of things. If you find yourself taking the wrong approach or looking at the wrong perspective of things, fix your mistakes. Find the absolute best in even the worst of situations. Those are the people that have the most happiness. Quit staring at yourself in the mirror HOPING things will get better. Find happiness in the imperfections of life. Find peace in knowing YOUR Savior has already determined every step you will take today and He is not going to fail you. He wants you to trust him and let Him guide you. Slow down, take a deep breath. The Lord is reaching His hand out to you at the end of the tunnel, or is it the beginning of the tunnel and you went in backwards? Perspective. 

Look at life with an innocent mind, loving heart, forgiving attitude, and happy spirit. 

Shine God's light through you so that others may see His beautiful works in you. 

Never lose an opportunity to see the bright side of every situation, bad or good.

Be A Life Changer

Open Your Eyes to the Things Unseen

In a world full of trouble, hatred, pain, and suffering, only those who choose to find the good in life will. Everyone has a story that reflects directly who they are as a person, something that defines them. You may carry baggage because of what someone did to you in the past, but why? The problem with people in today's society is they believe the world owes them something. They believe the people that have wronged them should be punished and they live their life holding a grudge until they get some sort of apology. Luke 6:42 states this:

"How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

Meaning to me: Do not judge others for the things they may have done wrong or for the things they do not do in the same manner as you. Open your own eyes to see the things YOU have done wrong in your life because you would not want to be placed on a pedestal in front of the world while someone calls out all of your own sins. If you are going to judge someone, can't you see that you yourself have problems of your own that you need to work out? When you clearly remove your own burdens, you will then realize that those things you thought the other person were at fault for will seem harmless and worthless because you will now be at rest, and you will have peace, forgiveness, and Jesus Christ in your heart. 

When YOU judge someone, that does not necessarily define who THEY are, it defines who YOU are. 

John 8:1-12 shares a powerful message about how forgiving our Savior is.

1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Response: This does not mean sinning (committing adultery) is right, of course. This is just a wonderful and true example of how Jesus stepped in when the people of the town wanted to point out all of someone else's mistakes before stepping back and taking a look at their own lives.

This message goes hand in hand with the way the world thinks and responds now-a-days. You constantly want someone to notice things you do right, but the minute you do something wrong, you follow with, "well so and so is worse than me... did you hear what he/she did?". This world is so full of earthy things when we should all be focusing on the things unseen. 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. Recognize who YOU are as a person. Point out your own strengths and weaknesses. Focus on things you can improve on, and I promise you... once you do that, you won't have anything negative to say about your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ because you will see past the earthly things and you will open your eyes to the things unseen.

Practice loving, practice giving, practice encouraging, practice praying, practice serving, and practice ministering. 

YOU define who YOU are as a person, don't ever think someone else's words define you. In reality, it only defines them as a person who is a "downer" and not a "lifter".

"Live in such a way where if anyone would speak badly of you, no one would believe it."

What's on Your Agenda?

God Wants to Be a Part of Your Agenda

Each night when I get in bed, I think about how extremely fast the days go by. Whether you are ready or not, the days are coming at you in full swing. We get so excited for things that are happening 5 months from now and it seems like we can hardly wait, but once it finally arrives, it flies by and all that is left are the memories. Every day, our routine never seems to change. We have daily routines that we all go by. Its what seems to work best for our life. 

What God has to say is "Let ME prepare YOU for the day that stretches out before you. I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it. You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your journey. You would feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead."

God promises that even though we do not know what is on our road ahead, He will thoroughly equip us for our journey if we put all of our faith and trust in Him.

Our job is simple- To trust God with our problems and focus on leading others to Jesus!

So on your daily agenda, you should have these words:

LOVE

Pour out love to anyone and everyone you meet. Each person should see the overflowing love you have for Jesus through your smile, your eyes, your voice, and your words. Make every person you come in contact with feel your love and most importantly the love of Jesus.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."

Deuteronomy 6:5

PEACE

Have peace in knowing God is in control. Do not worry about tomorrow because today has enough troubles of its own. Be in peace with your circumstance and trust that God is at work in your life, building you and preparing you for the days to come.

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."  Philippians 4:9

FAITHFULNESS

Be faithful to God EVEN when the road gets tough. Show faithfulness in all aspects of your life. Always keep in mind that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.

"He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." Luke 17:6

"They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness." 

Lamentations 3:23

JOY

Be joyful and thankful for all that God has blessed you with so far in your life. Do not worry about what you could have or what you would have if circumstances were different. The way your life is now, is the way your life is supposed to be. The only way you can better yourself is by digging deep in the Word of God. You aren't doing God a favor by reading your bible, you're doing YOURSELF a favor. By doing this, you will find the greatest happiness and joy and you will be content with knowing that God IS working each day to bring joy in your life.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." Psalm 28:7

GOODNESS

Do GOOD always even when the whole world could be doing bad. Never fall into peer pressure of materialistic things. This world has nothing for you. Do not store up any earthly treasures, because when you go to be with the Lord, all of those things will remain here on the earth. Always choose a Godly way over an earthly way. You will live with happiness and goodness all of your life.

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6

GENTLENESS

In every aspect of your life, be soft and gentle. Show gentleness in your voice when speaking to everyone you encounter that day. Let them know you are in love with Jesus by the way you carry yourself. Be slow to anger in times when it is the hardest. Show care and gentleness to those who are harsh to you. You have no idea what their day has consisted of and maybe all they need is someone to remind them that Jesus is in control of their life.

"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:11

PATIENCE

Remember to be patient and understanding always. Be willing to understand first and be understood second. Always put other's happiness before your own. Be patient when trying to understand the way others think, talk, and do things. We all have been brought up differently. YOU could make the difference in someone's life by showing them God by simply being patient and listening, even when it doesn't concern you.

"Meanwhile, the saints stand passionately patient, keeping God's commands and staying faithful to Jesus."

Revelation 14:12 (The Message)

SELF CONTROL

One of the most important things every person needs to practice daily is self control. It is so important. Basically, to have self-control means that we behave in a manner appropriate to the given situation. It means we defer when it is appropriate to defer. It means we speak when we need to speak. It means that we control our tempers and do not blow up every time things do not go our way. It means that we ignore the minor mistakes of others instead of trying to prove that we are always right.

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” Proverbs 25:28

and lastly:

KINDNESS

Be forgiving and kind, just as our Father is forgiving and unconditionally kind to us. Kindness goes such a long way and can be the most inspiring thing a person sees out of you. First, always remember who you are! We are God's children, created in His image. We were made to minister to others and show kindness to everyone. Secondly, follow Christ's example. In difficult situations- ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" It is often hard for someone to feel sympathy for you when you approach them in a rude manner. Always show kindness in your voice and in your body language even when it is hard. Lastly, develop compassion and be kind one deed at a time. Even if you choose to be kind by giving someone a small compliment, that could be the only kindness they have witness and received all week. Always be kind because you never know what someone else could be going through. Everyone has their own story and each day YOU could be impacting someone's life.

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10

Somewhere, Sunny and 75!

Except, Just the Opposite..

It is currently 16 degrees in my hometown. No snow, no ice, just dry and freezing. School was cancelled today and will be cancelled tomorrow, too. Thats my state for ya! (lol) 

As I sit inside with hot chocolate and mini marshmallows (my favorite), I begin to reflect on how thankful I am for small luxuries such as a warm place to stay, warm food to eat, heated cars, and a sweet puppy to cuddle with. Here she is:

This is Zoey when she was a tad younger.

We should always take a second to pray for those who do not have warm places to live or a home to return to each day. If you're out buying a coffee at Starbucks for this cold weather, buy 2 and give one to the man standing on the side of the road with a sign on a piece of cardboard- If it doesn't warm your hands maybe it will warm your heart today.

Below is a video about two guys helping a homeless man. This is the biggest blessing to me and I am SO thankful for people like these guys. So while you are bundled up by the fire, take 6 minutes to watch this and I can assure you, it will bless you. Also, be sure to check out Heaven is For Real trailer. Both links are attached below.

Helping a Homeless Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsIOoXG_gmo

Heaven is For Real: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-ewaCVARtM

The Journey

Your Journey with Christ is More Important Than ANY Journey You Will Ever Take....

"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." 

Jeremiah 29:11

In the new year, people make huge goals for themselves. Some goals are to lose weight, gain weight, eat healthy, exercise more, spend more time with their family, etc. More than often, you find that these things are so materialistic. Hardly ever, people make goals to study the Bible more or lead at least 10 people to Jesus this year. The world's minds are so full of Earthly pleasures. God wants all of your focus and attention on spiritual things and ways to make this world see Jesus in every situation.

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Colossians 3:2

This year I made goals for myself to start new devotionals, read more Christian books (I am not a reader), spend time in the Word with Jesus, and in every aspect of my life- work on areas where I can be more "Christian-like".. determined to making my relationship with God stronger.

By the way- It is never too late to make "new year's goals for yourself" :)

At the beginning of the year, I went into our local Christian book store and found the devotional book  Jesus Calling. In only 5 days, it has blessed my life in such a tremendous way. 

Every person has their own struggles. After all, life can not be perfect always in a world full of disappointment and sin. This is because if everything was always perfect, some would feel as though we wouldn't need a God to rely on and turn to for help and comfort. In this world, you will have trouble, but the Lord says take delight for He has overcome this world full of sin and hard times.

THAT... is what makes the journey with God so magnificent.

Today, January 5, 2014's devotional is worth sharing.

God is simply saying that those crazy dreams you have in your head that you feel as though you will never achieve ARE possible. "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37

Never give up on your dreams, because even if they don't result in the dream you had in mind, it will always work out perfectly in God's perfect plan which is so much greater than our own. 

Order your Jesus Calling book @ http://www.thomasnelson.com/jesus-calling-teen-edition.html

His Timing is Perfect

A World Full of Love & Perfect Timing

"Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love." 

1 Corinthians 13:13 

I'm so excited to blog again. This is my second day :) I promise I won't be blogging every day but since it is so new right now.. its so interesting! It will be enjoyable to look back at the beginning of 2015 and see what all I blogged.

In this blog, I'm going to be talking about my relationship with my boyfriend of 2 years and 5 months on January 12th! I figured he should make the blog since he does mean so much to me. So, here is the story....

Tanner and I on our 2 year anniversary 

In 2008, my boyfriend moved to my hometown as a "new kid" at school, and he was an eighth grader. Of course, the first day he walked in every little seventh and eighth grade girl immediately had the idea that they wanted to be his girlfriend, myself included. I have never been shy, ever. I would be the first one to come up and talk to you and more than likely the last one to leave after I talked your head off. I've always been a strong Christian. As I saw the girls surround him, I knew (ME-Lori Thomas) would never have a chance with someone like him. I just kept my distance and continued on with my seventh grade year. 

Back then, the cool thing to do was ride golf carts and hang out in the neighborhood with the kids I grew up with. One day, they all made the decision to go meet the "new kid" in the neighborhood that lived about 5 houses down from me. Little did I know, the new kid was HIM, Tanner Roach. We rang the door bell and my heart sank. My friends and I went inside and I sat in the floor and played with his dogs. I was nervous but of course, not shy. 

Weeks passed and I still had a crush on him. He had other little Junior High girlfriends and he was getting comfortable and learning all the people at our school. Before that year was over, I received a text from him and we began "going out"... or whatever you call it in Junior High. Let me include, we never saw each other or hung out (haha) but that didn't matter so much to me, I just liked the idea of having the "new boy in town" as my boyfriend! The year came to a close and he went off to high school, we "broke up" because he was off to bigger and better things and I was still stuck back in Junior High. 

As the year went on, I had a different feeling about Tanner. I was never a girl that needed a boyfriend and was certainly not "boy crazy". I was content and happy with who I was and where I was. I enjoyed going to church on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings and I did competitive cheerleading and football cheerleading. I loved hanging out with my friends and having slumber parties. Even when my girlfriends started getting into boys, I was satisfied with where I was in life and knew that God ultimately had a plan for me and my future.

Freshman year.... The year everyone anxiously waits but does not want to walk in on the first day. My best friend and I spent the night together the night before and all I could think about was getting to see Tanner at school again. As freshman year got started and I learned my way around, I began to take certain paths in between classes to be sure I'd pass Tanner in the hallway. (creepy, I know) Even if all I got was a smile, I was jumping for joy inside. 

The Sadie Hawkins dance came around in February of my freshman year and I knew just who I wanted to go with...but so many other girls had been asking him. His response to them was "No, I'm sorry. I think someone else was going to ask me." This bothered me because part of me thought it sounded cocky (lol) but the other part was dying to know who he was waiting for to ask him. My friends thankfully talked me into asking him one day after school. "It can't hurt. Its worth a shot," they would say. My heart was racing 90 miles and hour. I ran up to him and caught him after school, and said nervously, "Tanner, will you go to Sadie Hawkins with me this year?"......

"Yes." (and I even got a smile and a laugh)

WHAT?? I was in SHOCK. I was the one he was waiting for to ask! Oh my gosh. God really was hearing my prayers and he answered them. My small dreams were coming true right before my very eyes ;)

Sadie Hawkins came along and I had the cutest little red dress and he matched just perfectly. It was a night I will remember the rest of my life. We ate dinner and danced (yes, he danced and he is so shy). That's all- and I could have sworn I was the happiest girl alive.

After that day, we didn't date. In fact, we didn't talk for about 6 months. I was heartbroken but still young and finding my way in the world. I was still attending bible studies, football games, and being myself. 

It was July of 2011, and I got a text from him. "Hey:)" It took me about 30 minutes to reply because all I could do was jump up and down and scream! Yes, I was so excited. But no one outside of my two best friends knew how much I liked him! (That I knew)

The next month, August 12, 2011- He asked me to be his girlfriend in my driveway after he had taken me home from hanging out one night. I was absolutely ecstatic!!! 

The rest is history.

Tanner and I after I was crowned Homecoming Queen
(such a HUGE blessing)

We have been dating ever since, and I can still say he is everything I could have wished for. God knew my story back then and I trusted that He would bring the right guy into my life on HIS timing, not mine. Little did I know, His timing was so much earlier than I had expected. 

To this day, we pray together and for each other. We hold strong expectations and moral standards for our relationship that we promised to the Lord we would always follow for as long as He wanted us to be together. Of course, not everything is perfect.. but it shouldn't be. We have experienced hard times, deaths, sorrows, and struggles together. We have also had amazing memories, laughs, stories, and fun times together. God has used us to do so many great things for others and in return, it has built such a strong God centered foundation for our relationship to strive off of. I'm so blessed and humbled to have such an amazing person in my life to encourage me, help me, and love me through every circumstance. I absolutely love his family and every one in it, even the aunts and uncles, grandparents, cousins, and doggies. 

When I reflect back, I thank God for exactly how everything took place. In this time, he has showed me what it means to love and be loved. For all you precious christian girls out there- never think for a second that you should settle for someone when you have your whole life to find who God created for you. Your time will come, and you will know immediately when it does! Always remember it is on HIS timing, not our own.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

Ecclesiastes 3:1 

New Year. New Blogger.

2013 in the Past. 2014, Here We Come!

There is a first for everything, right? I love to talk; my friends and family would agree! I've never "blogged" before but I am so excited. Facebook was not really a place to put your every thought, but here I feel like you have a choice to click on the blog. So, if you're out there reading.. I hope in some way, your life will be blessed today by reading this.

I'm so fascinated with the things God puts in each person's life to make you exactly into the person you need to be. In 2013, I learned so much about myself, my life, and God's plan for my family and future. In my 18 years, I haven't seen all there is to see or experienced all there is to experience, but I do know that in one year I've learned so much.

It was a hard year to say the least, but a blessed one for sure... senior year, last year cheering (and trying a new position), taking college courses, new puppy, monogramming, boyfriend (which I'm so thankful for), and life situations.

I've learned that through every dark and dreary tunnel, God's bright shining light is at the end waiting for you, and in every valley, there is only one way to go and that is UP! As I'm still growing and learning so much about life, God continues to show me what it means to be thankful and understanding.

I've learned that life is not about making yourself happy. It is about serving others, being patient, worshipping God and studying His word, and through that, you will find the greatest happiness.

Of course, I still have so much to work on in life.. things I wish I could adapt to more quickly, but thank goodness, God is still shaping me into the person He has called me to become.

In 2013, I've seen struggles not only in my own life but in the lives of people I love and care about. (which of course is going to happen) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John (16:33) I'm thankful for my family's struggles which in return has changed our outlook on a lot of things for the better. In the midst of those trials, I've seen God's beautiful ways work to build other areas stronger.

To say the least, I'm thankful for every struggle and every opportunity I have had in 2013. I will use each of them as an opportunity to grow and draw closer to God. I know I have so many goals for my own life, but I see how God's plans are so much greater.

Each day, He is shaping my life and building me into the person He knew I would be 18 years ago. He is the ULTIMATE forgiver, healer, and friend. I can't wait to see how he will shape my life in 2014.

I'm blessed to have another year to share God's love.