...love with no regrets. Laugh a lot and leave this life with nothing left unsaid...don't be afraid to cry.That is one of my new favorite songs, it's called "Nothing to Prove" and it's by Phillips, Craig and Dean. It's on their newest album, Fearless.Since reading up on this 2012 conspiracy (lol) I've really thought about the end of my life a lot. I don't know when God has my home going planned and I'd rather not know. I can say that I'd like to live past December 21, 2012 and not because I survived the apocalypse either - haha.After watching the TV show, NCIS non-stop for about three weeks straight last October, I've seen a lot of people "die". I know it's not real but still...people fighting with the people they love then dying. Even this season (season 7), I have seen it in almost every episode - people having words left unsaid for the people they love, dying before they can be said. People having regret, after regret and going to their grave with them. I know, it's a show but people die every day in the same shape.I've lost too many people in my life and words were left unsaid. My aunt Linda died and I never got to say "I love you" one last time. My aunt Brenda died and I hadn't seen her in years - I never got to tell her that Jesus loved her one more time. My aunt Dean died and the last time she saw me, we argued. Talk about painful. My nanny died two Decembers ago, very unexpectedly, and I hadn't talked to her since Thanksgiving - it had been two weeks. I never want to leave anything left unsaid. If I love you, I'm going to tell you. If I've hurt you, I'm going to apologize. If I have regrets, I'm going to have to get over them and pray about them. God can take the pain of those regrets away.This video makes me cry everytime...the first time I saw it (on NCIS - of course) I cried...I just can't help but cry (you better watch it - it goes with the note - lol) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHJ6Mxc4l1EEver since this particular time in October, I've tried my best to make it a point to say what I needed to say to be at peace. I've made apologies I thought I'd never make. I've faced situations I thought I'd never face. And honestly, I'm broken. I'm very happy but still broken...I don't know how it is possible but God is really changing me and doing things and honestly, I don't know how I can hold back tears every time I see a friend (or foe).I know, this is kinda all over the place but it has one purpose - live your life with no regrets! Always tell people you love them, never let the sun go down on your anger towards another brother/sister in Christ (Ephesians 4:26b).I don't want to die with something to prove (the song "Nothing to Prove" is about this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmC5aRFb-Vs - that's the video of the song). I'm not saying I'm dying anytime soon (I sure hope not - I sure hope I fulfill God's purpose for my life and find Mr. Right before that happens) but I want to start making it all right now because we're not promised tomorrow.A recent background image I had on my phone said, "Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don't and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it'd be easy, they just promised it would be worth it." I know, it's a corny "teenager wrote it" kinda thing but it's so true. God has everything aligned to make us better, whether we see it now or not.I don't know really how to end this just, tell people you love them. Apologize even if you don't think it's your fault or if it doesn't seem like a big deal. And quit worrying about the storms and trial you are going through - you'll regret it later. It's not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about dancing in the rain ;)Seriously...don't leave this earth with something to prove.
Judgement Day - Abby Hugs Team
www.youtube.com
A small clip from Judgement Day where Abby comments on the team's outfits.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Update on my last blog post! :)
I'm not the most creative person, but here are some of the cards I made! I havent put any anywhere yet, but I do plan on doing it soon! :) Post some pics of any that you make on your blog... I would love to see what you come up with!
Letting your words effect some people's eternity...
Ehhhhh So normally I totally know what I'm going to write about and I cant wait to post it. This time not so much...
The truth is God has been teaching me a TON lately and I've been trying my best to soak it all in. One of the main things I've been learning about is encouragement. Some people are naturally good at it and some aren't. We all have our special gifts, but by no means at all does that mean that you shouldn't do it! Some people are just more generous with their money. Generosity is their spiritual gift, yet for those who it isn't their gift they are still called to tithe. Get my point? This is where I'm going with this... People are committing suicide, cutting themselves, making themselves throw up, and many other heart wrenching things all because they do not think they are good enough. I often think what good would it do if i just mentioned i liked that girls handwriting or how she has some pretty shoelaces. When the truth is.... it may changer her life. Not necessarily those comments, but anything. We say we "love" people yet we pass them by day by day and do not say a word!!! A young girl in our town jumped off a bridge on to the interstate just the other day... I didn't know her personally, but when i ask myself if I had known her would I have made a difference in her life I'm not totally sure I like my answer... Have you ever been having a bum day and someone says something nice to you, maybe about your hair looking nice or how good you look in those jeans and it totally and completely makes your day better?? I have! If that is the way it effects us then why do we not do it to others as often as you can? First off i think the world constantly tells us to see the bad in others... how she is over weight, he is to tall, she is as white as a ghost, or whatever it may be. When the truth is... to that one imperfection there is a TONNNNNN more beauty and great things! I once heard a quote, "If you were given a dollar for every nice and encouraging thing you said and a dollar was taken away every time you said something negative or degrading....would you be rich or poor?". Think about it... I think this also has to do with whether we have the mindset of Christ or not though. If we view people through Christ's eyes then we will see them as perfect and covered with the blood of Christ, yet when we view people through the worlds standards we see them as messed up and ugly.
So... Here is my proposal... We cant just automatically change the world, but we can impact our little areas and in time that in it self will change the world. If you are a natural encourager then that's great... continue doing what you are doing! Girls, we could change lives just by TRULY showing the Love of God... Do you get that?! Send a card...send an email.... send a txt....whatever it may be! Tell girls how truly beautiful they are! There are so many times that i think a girl is drop dead gorgeous and she makes me jealous just looking at her, so i think of course she knows she pretty yet when i tell her what i think she is totally taken back and so appreciative. Girls who are in love with God... tell them how much you admire them! Satan is after them constantly... he doesn't want them to live the life they are living. Encourage them and build them up! I promise you... if you pray and ask God to point people out to you who need to hear a kind word, He will! Sometimes it is so obvious to me that people need encouragement it is as obvious as a neon sign over their head saying, "I NEED ENCOURAGEMENT AT THIS EXACT MOMENT!". Girls, this is what true Christianity is about....
I found on a blog the other day the idea of writing cute little notes on index cards saying things like, "You are loved", "You are beautiful", "I'm praying for you!" and etc on them and then placing them in different places. It could be a friends car, moms mirror, school bathroom, church bathroom, friends Bible, anywhere!! Below is a sign that I made for my bathroom so that whenever a friend came over they would see it and be reminded of how God views them! Take this idea... run with it! God will give you unending opportunities!
Love you girls.... and Remember... YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING, and just plain AWESOME!! =)
JEN
The truth is God has been teaching me a TON lately and I've been trying my best to soak it all in. One of the main things I've been learning about is encouragement. Some people are naturally good at it and some aren't. We all have our special gifts, but by no means at all does that mean that you shouldn't do it! Some people are just more generous with their money. Generosity is their spiritual gift, yet for those who it isn't their gift they are still called to tithe. Get my point? This is where I'm going with this... People are committing suicide, cutting themselves, making themselves throw up, and many other heart wrenching things all because they do not think they are good enough. I often think what good would it do if i just mentioned i liked that girls handwriting or how she has some pretty shoelaces. When the truth is.... it may changer her life. Not necessarily those comments, but anything. We say we "love" people yet we pass them by day by day and do not say a word!!! A young girl in our town jumped off a bridge on to the interstate just the other day... I didn't know her personally, but when i ask myself if I had known her would I have made a difference in her life I'm not totally sure I like my answer... Have you ever been having a bum day and someone says something nice to you, maybe about your hair looking nice or how good you look in those jeans and it totally and completely makes your day better?? I have! If that is the way it effects us then why do we not do it to others as often as you can? First off i think the world constantly tells us to see the bad in others... how she is over weight, he is to tall, she is as white as a ghost, or whatever it may be. When the truth is... to that one imperfection there is a TONNNNNN more beauty and great things! I once heard a quote, "If you were given a dollar for every nice and encouraging thing you said and a dollar was taken away every time you said something negative or degrading....would you be rich or poor?". Think about it... I think this also has to do with whether we have the mindset of Christ or not though. If we view people through Christ's eyes then we will see them as perfect and covered with the blood of Christ, yet when we view people through the worlds standards we see them as messed up and ugly.
So... Here is my proposal... We cant just automatically change the world, but we can impact our little areas and in time that in it self will change the world. If you are a natural encourager then that's great... continue doing what you are doing! Girls, we could change lives just by TRULY showing the Love of God... Do you get that?! Send a card...send an email.... send a txt....whatever it may be! Tell girls how truly beautiful they are! There are so many times that i think a girl is drop dead gorgeous and she makes me jealous just looking at her, so i think of course she knows she pretty yet when i tell her what i think she is totally taken back and so appreciative. Girls who are in love with God... tell them how much you admire them! Satan is after them constantly... he doesn't want them to live the life they are living. Encourage them and build them up! I promise you... if you pray and ask God to point people out to you who need to hear a kind word, He will! Sometimes it is so obvious to me that people need encouragement it is as obvious as a neon sign over their head saying, "I NEED ENCOURAGEMENT AT THIS EXACT MOMENT!". Girls, this is what true Christianity is about....
I found on a blog the other day the idea of writing cute little notes on index cards saying things like, "You are loved", "You are beautiful", "I'm praying for you!" and etc on them and then placing them in different places. It could be a friends car, moms mirror, school bathroom, church bathroom, friends Bible, anywhere!! Below is a sign that I made for my bathroom so that whenever a friend came over they would see it and be reminded of how God views them! Take this idea... run with it! God will give you unending opportunities!
Love you girls.... and Remember... YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING, and just plain AWESOME!! =)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thought Filled Thursday!
God will never leave you empty...
If something is taken away He will replace it with something better,
If He denies your request in a certain area it is bc He wishes to give you what is best,
If He ask you to put something down it is so you can pick up something greater!
~ Roy Lessin
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Word Filled Wednesday!
~ Jeremiah 1:19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. ~
JEN
P.S. Check out Kats post (the one right before this one)! =)
JEN
P.S. Check out Kats post (the one right before this one)! =)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
How High Are Your Standards?
Hey Ladies! I was thinking the other day about chick flicks, romance movies, whatever you want to call it. I happened to be flipping channels between The Notebook and 27 Dresses. Early on in The Notebook I was thinking "what attracts me to this movie? why do I love Love Stories in general?" And after moving past the handsome actors the media throws our way, I noticed a common denominator in Chick Flicks: Pursuit. One of the most dominant things in The Notebook is how Noah pursued Allie, and didn't give up until he one her heart. After noticing this I got to thinking about 27 Dresses, Jane thought she was in love with her boss, but if you've seen the movie you know that she really falls in love Kevin. Kevin, like Noah, pursued Jane, and didn't give up on her even when she was acting insane. The thing that makes a chick flick so special to me, and I think to most girls, is the fact that these guys EARN the hearts of the women. They don't wait around for the girls to come for them, they go for the girls themselves.
So after this weird revelation in my thinking, I carried that viewpoint in the world of high school, and started assessing the girls I know in relationships and the ones I know who aren't. I look at some of these girls in relationships, and I know that the relationships won't last, because the guy isn't good enough for them. I noticed that some of my friends who are in and out of relationships are letting the guys be initiators, but it's like that's where it ends. The guys and girls are catching on to the romance of it all, but still falling short. Girls, just because a guys asks you out and he always makes the first move, doesn't mean he has earned your heart. Your standards don't need to stop there. The Bible says to guard your heart because it is the wellspring of life. YOUR HEART IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT! Don't give it away just because a guy has the guts to ask you out. Make him earn your heart. If he's the right guy, and he has God's will in mind, then the pursuing WILL happen, and your heart will be earned. But remember girls, hold out for a hero!!!
I know some girls who have had trouble with guys trying to push physical boundaries. Remember girls, when you hold out for a hero, he will not only be working for your heart but working to protect your purity as well. If the guy is worth dating he will pursue you in the RIGHT ways. I'm not saying he will be perfect, but I am saying that when you hold out for a hero, it will help your purity walk too. I love you girls!
-Kat
So after this weird revelation in my thinking, I carried that viewpoint in the world of high school, and started assessing the girls I know in relationships and the ones I know who aren't. I look at some of these girls in relationships, and I know that the relationships won't last, because the guy isn't good enough for them. I noticed that some of my friends who are in and out of relationships are letting the guys be initiators, but it's like that's where it ends. The guys and girls are catching on to the romance of it all, but still falling short. Girls, just because a guys asks you out and he always makes the first move, doesn't mean he has earned your heart. Your standards don't need to stop there. The Bible says to guard your heart because it is the wellspring of life. YOUR HEART IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT! Don't give it away just because a guy has the guts to ask you out. Make him earn your heart. If he's the right guy, and he has God's will in mind, then the pursuing WILL happen, and your heart will be earned. But remember girls, hold out for a hero!!!
I know some girls who have had trouble with guys trying to push physical boundaries. Remember girls, when you hold out for a hero, he will not only be working for your heart but working to protect your purity as well. If the guy is worth dating he will pursue you in the RIGHT ways. I'm not saying he will be perfect, but I am saying that when you hold out for a hero, it will help your purity walk too. I love you girls!
-Kat
Monday, May 10, 2010
In honor of Kathryn Reed!!
So, I was trying to think of who I wanted to do a biography about today. Then it hit me... I should share about Kathryn! I think she is an amazing rolemodel and does her very best to see God in everything she does!
K-Keeps her word
A-Actively growing in Christ
T-Truly cares about others
H-Has fun no matter what
R-Ready to give an account for her beliefs
Y-Yearns to draw people closer to God by her life
N-Never gives up
Here are a few things about Kathryn that I admire (Threre are many, but these are just a few!)... First off her love for God. There is no doubt about it... She loves God. It shows in every move she makes, breath she takes, word she says, song she sings, and just about anything else she does! I've never once heard her cuss, listen to a song that didnt bring God glory, or seen her do a thing that wouldnt honor God. Now do not get me wrong... she is human and Im sure she makes plenty of mistakes, but the one thing that matters is that she tries! Many people do not even go that far... Also, the part of how she is alwaysbready to give an account! She absolutely amazes me how pretty much everything she says she has a verse to back it up with. When I do not know how to respond to something she has the perfect thing to say... It never fails! She can make anyone laugh! Her love for God shines through her life more than anything though! :)
K-Keeps her word
A-Actively growing in Christ
T-Truly cares about others
H-Has fun no matter what
R-Ready to give an account for her beliefs
Y-Yearns to draw people closer to God by her life
N-Never gives up
Here are a few things about Kathryn that I admire (Threre are many, but these are just a few!)... First off her love for God. There is no doubt about it... She loves God. It shows in every move she makes, breath she takes, word she says, song she sings, and just about anything else she does! I've never once heard her cuss, listen to a song that didnt bring God glory, or seen her do a thing that wouldnt honor God. Now do not get me wrong... she is human and Im sure she makes plenty of mistakes, but the one thing that matters is that she tries! Many people do not even go that far... Also, the part of how she is alwaysbready to give an account! She absolutely amazes me how pretty much everything she says she has a verse to back it up with. When I do not know how to respond to something she has the perfect thing to say... It never fails! She can make anyone laugh! Her love for God shines through her life more than anything though! :)
So now for some pictures... She may kill me, but I wanted you guuys to see how pretty she is! :)
~ Proverbs 31:30 Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who feareth the Lord, she shall be praised! ~
I love how she can have so much fun! :)
Love you sis! :)
JEN
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