Grace.

Something that I've been trying to do lately is to be more like Jesus. Live like Him and especially love like Him. I think that when you're trying to focus on something specific is when Satan targets you the most. I've always tried to treat everyone equal and be a friend to anyone, but I had forgotten how hard it was to have grace on mean people. I haven't had to deal with "mean girls" since seriously like sophomore year of high school so I had forgotten what it feels like to be targeted and the center of someone else's "humor"...and how bad it just HURTS. I don't care how old or mature you are..it still gets to you. Going to cosmetology school where it's all girls, I should've known that it would be drama but I always tried to stay out of it. Until I somehow found myself in the center of a few girls' "main conversation." And anyone who knows anything about this situation knows it was out of nowhere and wasn't because of any certain event that happened..it was just girls being, well, girls. But either way, it hurt and made it very hard to love unconditionally and happily..and to simply be nice. The Lord says to "give thanks in all things" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) but I just found myself in a pit of hatefulness right when I had made a commitment to myself to love like Jesus. So like I said, of course, Satan attacked. But at the midst of my despair and hurting heart, God proved his sovereignty once again and pulled me out of that mindset. I don't know if I should continue to be in awe of God's faithfulness or if it's bad to be surprised because I know that God will never let me down. Either way, I was layin in bed when I got a text from my dear friend Haley Schilling from back in Indiana that simply said that she loved me and missed me and was praying for me and then included this verse, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone." - Romans 12:14-18 - God is so good. Like seriously. SO GOOD. That couldn't have come at a better time.

It's just amazing how one conversation with a TRUE friend and some amazing scripture can completely change your mood and remotivate you. I have never wanted to love everyone despite how they may treat me more than now and I hope and pray that it is something that can continue. I guess I'm just really thankful for all the amazing people in my life and through this has just made me really realize how great and true friends are something to be cherished. So for anyone reading this who has stuck by my side and would never sell me out no matter what, THANK YOU.

I'm off to eat my chewy sprees (thanks Katie!) and get ready for school tomorrow. Quick post but I'm just overflowing with thankfulness for God's timing and for my bestest friends. Also, prayers for my family!! Brennan leaves for the Marine Corps boot camp for 3 months in 12 days!! Yikes. So proud of him! G'night.

Oh, and this song completely spoke to me in the car 2 mornings ago..I was in tears. So check it out. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C2o0jHNRuU