Simple things that make this season fun

I wrapped some presents today. I'm not the best at it but oh well. Nobody really cares how it is wrapped anyways. I am all finished with my share of Christmas shopping and gift wrapping. I also decorated some Christmas cookies. I'm looking forward to having movie nights. We need to bring out "Its a Wonderful Life" and "The Nativity Story." We taped "Cranford" last night on the DVR so we will probably stay up late and watch it. Masterpiece Theater is showing "Cranford" and there is now a sequel that is going to follow it. There also is a new "Emma." Check PBS.org for all the rest and when they are showing.

I am thinking of what I want my goals to be for the upcoming year. I'm not totally sure yet but my brain is beginning to ponder.

the semester is getting closer to the end

Today has had the strangest weather! I was walking in the sunshine then within the matter of seconds hail/freezing rain started to crash down from the once sunny sky. If Ohio would only have a better relationship with Mr. Weather!

I'm trying to just focus on one thing at a time. That is easier said than done. Lots to do. Lots already done.

Here is the link to the project I made for my college writing project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxAyTXcR7_A

heart to heart conversations

Today I met up with an old friend who at one time was a very close friend. It was good to reconnect and chat over a cup of peppermint white chocolate mocha at starbucks. We both have changed so much. I mostly listened to what she had to say. I think we all need someone who we can just listen to. Someone who won't judge us or put us down. I know so much better how to pray for my friend. She really is in a place of just finding herself. She told me that some of the stuff that she is doing is messed up but what else is there to do. My heart just ached. She told me things that she didn't want anyone else to know. I feel good that I am someone that people can trust yet it is so hard to bear other people's secrets. I hope that I said the right things and that God will open the doors for other opportunities.

Last night I went to Pray+Praise=Unplugged. The name is self exclamatory. Basically a group of Christians from campus crusade for Christ got together for worship and then we broke off into little prayer groups. It was a good time and we were able to pray for some things that have been going on @ the university.

My Prayer:

Lord, I thank you for the heart you have given me for others. Give the words to say when I don't know what to say. Help me to continue to grow deeper in my relationship with you. Open the floodgates and let your Holy Spirit fill the hearts of those who are seeking you. Draw those back who have lost their way. Guide and lead me and I will follow.

road ahead

The last few weeks of the semester is full of projects and all sorts of assignments. In my College Writing class I get to make some sort of visual and have a ten minute presentation. I have to persuade some issue or topic. I have an idea in my head already. I'm going to use imovie and put together a video/picture movie. Pray that all my ideas will come together and make something really effective. If it is good enough I'll post it on youtube and put it up on here.

Here are some verses that I've felt inspired by.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (New King James Version)

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Jeremiah 33:2-3 (New Living Translation)

² “This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: ³ Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.

Impact

I have such a passion to see people's emptiness meet. I walk around everyday and see blank faces and it makes me wonder if they know that there is more to life. I read an internet post of how this guy thinks there is nobody to trust in the world. It really made me feel sad that people view life and other people in this way. Its not always easy but I try my hardest to just let my actions speak. Some of my non-Christian college friends know that I'm a Christian and I know that they watch how I react to things. Showing the love of Jesus to others is about the best thing that you can do.

Through out my teenage years I have seen a number of my close friends fall away. It is such a hard thing to go through. Friends that came from Christian homes, most were home-schooled, and seemed to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. All of a sudden they totally turn away and become whole different person. Most of these friends I don't see very much and certainly don't hear from them. It makes me ask the question, Lord what is happening to my generation? This week I heard from one of those friends and I hope that maybe we can re-mend the missing few years of our friendship. This is something I'll be keeping in my prayers.

Those peaceful fall days

I love the smell of the seasons! Fall has that crisp cool smell. I love the way campus looks right now. When I think of college I think of beautiful buildings surrounded by trees with yellow, red, and hardly green leaves. When I get a chance I love to talk walks to just clear my head of all the stress and things that overwhelm me and focus instead on the natural creation that God has made. There are a lot of squirrels down here at Kent. Mostly the little black squirrels. They are a bit more people friendly and are very quick. Its sort of rare to see a brown squirrel. When you do they normally are being chased by a black squirrel.

Race for Ability

This past weekend was Kent's Homecoming. One of the activities was the Bowman Cup race for ability. Its a race that is open to those with and without disabilities. I miss running races so I got myself out of bed at 7 am on a Saturday, so untypical of the college student's weekend sleep pattern. I have been running with one of my friends that is also an Art Education major. I talked her into running the race with me. I was doing really well for the first two miles of the 5K (3.1 miles) but that last mile I started getting tired. I got a time I was happy with. I've had to run on my own and pretty much train myself since track ended. It was fun to run a road race. :)

New song by Kutless

I bought "What Faith Can Do" last week on itunes. Its the new single from Kutless. It has such a good and powerful message with in its lyrics. I think its quickly turning into my theme song. I hear new songs and the ones that really leave an impacting impression on me usually become my theme songs. The album this song is on "It is Well" comes out October 20th.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7elxC8LXfzE

Engage

I was really inspired after hearing the message that was given at the campus church I've been attending. The title of the message was "Engage." It was about sharing your faith and not keeping it just for yourself. A comparison was made between the early Christians and Christian college students that I thought was really cool. The early Christians were right it the midst of non Christians. They lived by each other, they worked together, they ate together, and they traveled together. Its just like in college, we live in dorms, have class with, eat with, and walk to class with non Christians. We were given the challenge to talk to someone about they believe. I've already a chance to do that with one of my new friends who I found out is a converted Jew. I ready feel that my faith is growing in new ways. I think that people do see something different about me. I pray that I will continue to grow more in the likeness of Christ. We all fall short at times but He is always there to guide and lead us.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily.
Acts 2:42-47

summer days

Its been a while since I've posted anything so here is an update. Last week I found out I got the dorm I wanted and had been praying to get! I've started talking to my roommate and figuring out what I need to bring. I'm trying to start and get things now before I go on my mission trip. I don't want to come back and everything is gone or back ordered. Its crazy that my trip is only two weeks away!

My graduation party turned out wonderful! The weather was perfect. I was able to see a lot of people I haven't seen in a long time. The week after we went on vacation and I missed six of my friends grad parties. Even if I was home I don't think I could of made it to all of them. The first few days of vacation were cold but we went to the beach, looked at shops, and did things anyways. The weather finally turned around at the end and we went on a whale watch and saw 17 whales! On the way home a lady was selling fresh fruit at a rest stop in New York and we bought some berries. They were so good!

Graduation

I did it! I have the proof of completing high school. I love this picture my mom took.

Here I am walking in. I am the third girl from the left.

The Grand Valley class of 2009 had 95 in the graduating class this year. We had 3 valedictorians who each gave a speech. When the last valedictorian, one of my close friends gave her speech my eyes started to water. I had to blink a few times but I didn't cry.

I was awarded 3 scholarships at Graduation. Thank you Mrs. G for writing those letters! On my way to get one of the scholarships I felt my cap sliding off my head. I knew I should of bobby pinned it to my head. I sorta kept moving it so it would fall of or anything. When I got back to my seat I took it off and put it back on. A little embarrassing. When I walked across the stage I felt such a feeling of accomplishment. Now I'm beginning a new chapter in life. I know that I couldn't of gone this far without the help of wonderful people that God has put in my life!

I did it!

glitter-graphics.com
I've completed high school. Its so crazy to say that! I can't believe I've spent the past thirteen years of my life doing school and now its over. I took my last final and now I feel a sense of relief.

My plans

thought of the the day: talking pictures in the reflections of mini vans is grand hobbie.

To update everyone I had recently made my decision of where to go to college next year. I'm going to Kent State University (main) in the fall. I have somewhere around 26 days of high school left. The seniors get out a week earlier than everyone else. I've been running, school work, and getting things prepared for the upcoming mission trip. Its so nice to see the sun come out the past few days after seeing snow last week.

Hanna...

I hope you have a lovely day! You are so faithful in remembering and making posts for all our birthdays that you deserve posts as well. I hope 15 brings you lots of great memories that you will always look back on with a smile. Thank you for coming up with that pose for my senior pictures. It was perfect!

~Lauren

My Birthday!!!!

Thought of the Day: Wow, I truly have so many loving and caring people in my life!

Today is the day (well, when I started writing this it was)... My 18th B-day! It started off good. I got a lot of "happy birthday" comments from people at school, facebook, blogs, and text messages. I've felt like I need a button that says thank you for me. I brought cupcakes and we enjoyed them at my lunch table. In Bio my teacher told me to go to the office and get my flowers. I asked one of my friends should I go. I didn't expect to get anything like that at school. Lots of people get flowers and balloons brought to school but we normally get given that stuff at home. It was a bouquet of red roses and a card I opened it and it was from Mom and Dad. My mom put a picture of me and her when I was first born and a picture of a rainbow that was out the first day I came home from the hospital. I got to get two gifts a few days early the dress I'm wearing in the picture above and a skirt I'll wear to church sometime. I had a National Honor Society Induction that I had to be a part of since I'm one of the old members.

We had tech week for the musical this past week. That's when we have to use microphones, wear costumes and stage make-up, and the stage crew changes the scenes. Its been very crazy. Tonight I have the the musical again tonight. We did 2 shows yesterday. One for the high school during the morning and one for the public at night. I will write at another time about this a little more and maybe add some pictures if they turn out.

thoughts of spring!

Just a short quick update on my life. I'm going to be super starting next week. That's when track starts and the musical practices become longer since its getting closer to the show. Trying to stay on top of it all will be tricky so I'm asking that you keep me in your prayers please. I can get stressed out a lot during this time of year. I have Sound of Music mountains to paint and the list goes on!

I got my new track shoes. They are really cute. They are grey with this pretty shade of blue. In the inside they have an amazing design. None of my shoes before had anything cool in the inside. I've tried to start running and weight lifting so hopefully the first practice won't be a killer.

Oh my birthday is March 20th so I keep counting down the days! I'm not sure what I want or what I'm doing for it yet. I can't wait for spring time! I'm tired of the cold and want to see the tulips and feel the warm sunshine! I will try to keep you all updated on how things are going when I get a chance.

glitter-graphics.com

I read a valentine story a few years ago online or in a magazine but I can't find it, so I'll write from what I remember.

One year a little boy in elementary school spent a lot of time making homemade valentines for all of his class. He glued the lace and cut the colored construction paper into hearts. He wrote each of the names neatly. At the Valentines Day Party, he put each of the cards into the boxes where the other kid's v-day cards were full. He came home to his mom with a huge smile on his face. He showed his mom his one single V-day card. It wasn't from any of his classmates. It was from his teacher. The one she gave to everyone of her students. The boy's mother started to cry because her son was so full of joy over one single valentine when he had given out ones to everyone.

~LEP

silly me

Thought of the day: waking thoughts make me laugh!

I woke up this morning and thought, wait its light out what time is it? I went to look at my alarm clock and it was dark. The power was out so I reached for my cell phone. It was 8:11 Yikes! I had really slept in. I got up quick and went out to see mom. I asked her what are we going to do. She told me Lauren there isn't any school because of the power being out. Silly me I didn't even think of that! It got really cold so we are at our grandpa's house hanging out. I've been trying to get some reading done. Have a good day!

Situations

Thought of the day: God wants us to trust Him with EVERYTHING!



I've been dealing with a situation. I don't feel like writing the details for the whole world to know but I've learned some things that I think we all learn through things. I really had been praying and asking God to give me guidance in how to address this situation. Sometimes I felt like I wanted to take control and get angry and upset, but God had other ideas. Instead his solution was to be calm and trust that He would work through this for His glory.

I went for a run today. My lungs hurt from all the air. Its been some time since I've gone running last but it was a great day for it. I went running around Orwell since there are sidewalks and places to run. March is when track starts so I'm just trying to get a head start. Well shortish post got to go start reading before I get really behind.

Winter Buddies

Thought of the day: A camera, dresses, and snow make a complete day to enjoy with friends! Mid-terms are over! We got a snow day Friday turning our three day weekend into four days of fun! We spent Friday inside trying to stay warm. Saturday Meli and I woke up early to go out to Pennsylvania. My dad was going out there to look at a drum set for church and Meli and I had made plans to spend the day with some of our friends that live out there. We don't get to see them too often, but we right away started laughing and giggling when we got there. The plans were to go sledding later in the day. We waited until it got a little warmer since it was 7 below when we left our house that morning. We took pictures and dressed up in some of their dresses. I think I will never out grow dressing up!

We went sledding at a place not too far from where my friends live. It had a hill, then the ground was flat, then it dipped down into another hill. Meli and I went down the hill in our long sled together. We had enough momentum that we reached the second hill. My friend and I went down in a different spot and didn't realize that there was a jump and we went up in the air and didn't come down so well. After sledding and snowboarding (which I didn't try because I didn't have the right shoes) we ate some yummy food at their house. Then we went to a party that they were invited to for a little while. Snowmobiles with sleds tied to the back were there and Meli started going crazy and wanted the first ride. Before each of us went we all wrapped our faces with a scarf, except Mel the first time she went. That time she had snow stuck in her eyelashes. When I saw her I said I wanted to be the last one right before we left so I could go straight to the car to get warm. There was a fire going outside that we all stood around watching people fall off the sleds. One of the sleds was inflatable and popped before it was my turn so I just got a regular ride. Meli got one more ride so I didn't end up being the last one after all.

They came to Harp and Bowl with us that night. It was fun spending the day with them. Maybe they can come to youth group with us sometime.

Thought of the day: Hanging around with your buddies, what could be better?

I have finals coming up this week so I'm going to be really busy balancing everything. I finished reading all my books for English before Christmas break so I had time to read whatever I wanted to read. My mom wanted Melissa and I to read The Purpose Driven Life. I've been reading that and really getting a lot out of it. I had it laying out in art class on my desk and my art teacher asked 'who's reading The Purpose Driven Life? Its a good book'. I told her I was. I wasn't really expecting her to say that since she has really different views on things. I know she was raised Catholic and now she is more into things like meditation and Buddhism. I'm not really sure if she exactly follows one religion or what.

We have spent this last week trying to get out of vacation break time and go back to normal time. I want to spend my three day weekend next week with my friends sledding. Last weekend there wasn't enough snow. Now there is, and its supposed to stay! Time to get the hot choco out, curl up in a blanket, and watch a movie. :)