Sunday, April 17, 2011
Too Long.
I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged. It's a shame really. I always want to say life gets too busy..but really that's no excuse. Last time I checked in things were about the same as they are now: business is great, Austin's wonderful, and I have the best friends and family around. This past weekend my family and I had the opportunity to go see our friends, The Gangloffs, for Janet's surprise 50th birthday party. It was a huge success and SUCH a blessing to be able to be there. It's so amazing how God keeps us fired up and encouraged for Him when we need it most. Being at the Gangloffs is always such a warm and open environment and it would just be so amazing if the world was like that all the time. Janet is such a beautiful and radiant example of Christ's love and what it's like to be a true and faithful believer and I look up to her so much. Even though she has been through more than anyone ever should in one lifetime, she continues to ooze Jesus and show that He is the center of her world. Happy Birthday! I'm so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life, even if I don't get to see them very often. It's just so good to be around genuine, pure, strong, and faithful Christians. I love you guys! ...........................................................................................................................................................I get to see my boyfriend this weekend, I get to see my boyfriend this weekend!!! I'm flying down to GA on Friday to see Austin and his family before he MOVES here in a few weeks and I couldn't be more excited. It'll be so good to spend time with him and everyone. God has TRULY blessed me with him. I couldn't think of anyone more perfect for me and it is just so exciting to see God's plan unfolding. I know I may be young, but I truly, fully, wholly know what love is now and it's the best feeling in the world. It blows my mind daily how He brought us together being from two completely different states but I know in my heart that it was truly meant to be. Everything is just working out perfectly and I am so ready to start my life with him. He's so wonderful and loves Jesus and respects me more than anyone ever has and I know that he's never, ever gonna leave me. That is such a wonderful feeling and I can't get enough. It's so true that absence makes the heart grow fonder..the time I do get with him is so precious and sweet and I can't wait to see his face on Friday. I never thought I would say all these goofy, mushy things, but I am so in love it's unreal and I thank God everyday for bringing me someone that I will spend the rest of my life with and can honor Him with and be so happy. ..................................................................................................................................................Life is good. God is good. I could NOT be more happy or more excited for all the amazing upcoming plans in my life. It's wonderful to look back at the past few months and see how life has bloomed. I am literally the luckiest girl in the world and I really need to start counting my blessings more often. I am so excited for everything happening, but even more excited about sharing it all with the best people on the planet. I couldn't imagine my life any different and it's only getting better. ................................................................................................................................. "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for Him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the ones who seek Him." - Lamentations 3:21-25
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Blessings.
I'm sitting here curled up in my baggy sweats and glasses, pillowcase fresh out of the dryer, just finished talking to my amazing boyfriend before he goes to bed, watching tivo'd episodes of American Idol with my family. Doesn't get much better than this, folks. I'm just in awe of life's blessings lately..and it's nothing exravagant either. Like I've always heard, it's amazing how love can change your life. I appreciate things so much more and Austin has made me re-evaluate so many things and simply be thankful for the everything God blesses us with. Life could not be better. Work has been going so well, not 100% busy yet since I still need to take state boards, but I've had so many family members and friends come give me their business and it's been awesome. (Thanks guys!) We leave for our Carribean cruise Sunday and I am soo excited. My parents, Aimee, the Rykers, the Surbers, and I are going on a 7 night cruise to Belize, Grand Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. I am so ready for some sunshine and best friend time. I will not miss the United States one bit. Ha. Austin and I could not be better. He came and visited this past weekend and it was a blast. We went to Little Mexico, saw my salon, went to the Beef House, went to church, hung out and watched movies at home and just goofed off and layed around and had amazing talks. He's my best friend and I am so anxious for him to move here. Just about 3.5 more weeks and he'll be here!! We're still looking for apartments for him but I'm pretty sure he has a job lined up. Things are really falling into place. We're both just gonna work for about a year and save money until we can get married sometime next summer. I don't care that I've only known him 7 months, I am 100% sure he's who God has for me. After all, my parents got engaged after 3 months..funny how you follow in their footsteps in certain things. ;) I'm the happiest I've ever been and I owe it ALL to Christ. My parents have been pretty great with everything too, I'm just so thankful for all their love and support. Brennan's been gone 6.5 weeks today at boot camp..halfway done! I couldn't be more proud. It's a daily struggle having him gone and I think I see my momma cry at least twice a day, but the day we go to San Diego and watch him be presented with his Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and deemed a US Marine will be one of the most amazing moments we'll ever experience. I don't know many people, especially in this day and age, who are willing to go serve at 17 years old and enjoy it as much as he does. Truly an American hero and I'm so lucky to call him, "brother."
I guess it just all comes down to this: I serve one AMAZING and FAITHFUL God, I have the perfect job and am supported by so many people, and I have THE BEST friends and family in this entire world. Honestly, what more could you ask for? I am firm and confident in my salvation and relationship with Christ and know that I have people to turn to day or night for anything I would ever need. I have been blessed with way more I deserve but it's so amazing what life has to offer when you start living for God and trusting that everything..will always..be okay. It's so easy to say that we trust God when things are good but even in trials we need to have the same spirit and I'm learning to live that way. We should cling to Christ most and have full faith in His plan even when we can't see "why." To trust Him means to whole-heartedly have faith in a NEW way..a less worried way. Gosh, things are great. I've just been so encouraged lately and I'm so happy with how everything is falling into place. Now I just need my boyfriend here and life will be even better.
For all you reading, I love you. God loves you. I'm praying for you and no matter what you're going through right this second, God is BIGGER. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Love life and life will love you back.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Crazy Love.
I couldn't sleep last night so I was kinda rummaging through my room going through things when I found a Target bag from a few weeks ago with the book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan inside. I had always seen this book at Christian bookstores but never really read the back but when it was on sale a few weeks ago I decided to pick it up not even knowing what it was about. So I figured reading always makes me sleepy and little did I know, I was about to open up and read life-changing words. I got through about 70 pages before I just couldn't keep my eyes open anymore but I already can't wait to finish it...and then read it again. The jist of the book is living DIFFERENTLY for Christ. Not just knowing who God is but really having a desire to fear Him and live for Him. To realize that life is 100% more abundant when lived for God, and that we are NOTHING without Him. In the beginning of this book, Francis has you stop and go look up a video on just how BIG God is. (I will post it at the end of this post) It will change your whole outlook and will stop you in your tracks and let you marvel in his totally awesome and creative mind and make you realize just how SMALL you really are. Incredible.
Even though I haven't been struggling with one specific sin lately in my life I have been praying for conviction on even the smallest things in my life: patience with my parents, letting a curse word slip out when I am frustrated, letting myself get overwhelmed for no reason..and not to say that these things don't matter but what I want is to live a clean life. To live right because I want to and not just because it's what I should do. I think we, as Christians, get complacent. We forget the true meaning behind why we try and do the right thing. We go to church because our parents go, because we were raised to believe that Sundays are for church and not because we are hungry for more Jesus..we pray before bed because it's routine or we want something, not because we want a real conversation with God. We do the right things in front of our peers and in public because it makes us look better and seem like good people, not because we know we owe God our lives and to be examples and witnesses. We HAVE to change. We have to WANT Jesus. We have to know that a life lived for God will be, not can be, but WILL be better than anything this world has to offer. We have to whole-heartedly trust that even though it's not always the most popular thing, taking a stand for Jesus WILL change lives and that God promises good for those to seek Him. We will never be able to fully understand God and what He is up to in our lives, but we must not stop searching. Ever.
I have friends lately that have turned to worldly things for comfort and peace and simply to "numb" the life they know..when really they don't even have it bad at all. It breaks my heart for people who have experienced God's goodness and still choose to live that way. NOT saying I am perfect at all or never choose this world, but that is what this book is teaching me, to WANT to change and to trust that God will be sufficient if we do the right thing. If everyone could see just a glipse of God's grace and peace and faithfulness I just know that this world and it's problems would be different. People often ask why God "lets" bad things happen when in reality the only explanation He "owes" us (and really He doesn't owe us anything..) is that He is God, and that is enough if we trust and know that He has a plan. We often think that if we were given the chance to play God, that we, dirty sinning humans, wouldn't dare let bad things happen because it's just not fair. Shame on us. We think we could do better when we sin every single day and yet the BLEMISH-FREE, ALL-KNOWING, and PERFECT God we claim to trust IS doing just that: what is best and we have to know that it is for our good. We wouldn't be true Christians if we didn't believe that. God promises good to those who believe and life is so short so we have to share that with the hopeless. It's what we are called to do.
I often wonder why when people are buddhist or atheist or taoist or wiccan or "coexist" they get a "thumbs-up" for being different and exploring options but yet if someone finds out you're a Christian it's either looked down upon or that you're just like everyone else. THIS IS A PROBLEM. Chrisians are more known for what they don't do: don't drink, don't have sex before marriage, don't go out with their friends, don't have fun, don't like anyone different than themselves, etc., than for what we are doing. We should be known for helping others first, loving unconditionally, NOT JUDGING, doing whatever it takes to show God's love, still being in the places where there are no other Christians to be a witness, and simply sharing the truth but not shoving our beliefs down people's throats. IT IS SO IMPORTANT to change people's views on Christianity..the fate of our religion depends on it. Our generation is so good at being bold and making thing happen and if we could only do this with Christianity, too, I know there would be a revolution.
Something that REALLY bothers me is that Christians are first and foremost known for judging anyone who is different, down to little things. Having tattoos and facial piercings and a gay friend who I hang out with regularly, I personally have felt judged around "church people" and in certain churches and I feel that this is SO wrong because no one got the chance to get my beliefs and that I believe in God. It was overlooked my my outward appearance and that is something that makes me SO sad. I know my parents don't neccessarily like my tattoos and such but as TRUE CHRISTIANS we are called to look at everyone's heart and not be so worried about the outside. One of my favorite bible verses EVER is one that my brother, Brennan, wrote in crayon on a piece of paper in like kindergarten and it reads, "Man looks at the outward, but the LORD looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7 IT IS SO TRUE..and if we are trying to be LIKE the LORD..which is the whole point of claiming to be a Christian (Being more like Jesus..) then why are we still looking at outward appearance?! It's insane to me. Matthew 7:1 says, "Do not judge, or you too, will be judged." We can't only follow the parts of scripture that we like, we have to follow it all. So I challenge you today to look past pink hair and black clothes and tattoos and people who don't have money and elderly and ANYONE different from you. You don't know their heart or intentions or where they are in life and your kindness might change them. They will notice and difference in you and you can tell them that it's because you have JESUS. What an amazing way to change the world.
I'm begging you today, right now, as youre reading this, to stop and pray for change in your heart. For a desire to LIVE for Christ and the ability to look past people's flaws for everyone, including myself, has them. It will do you so much good. We owe it to our amazing savior. I'm praying for YOU and know that no matter where you are, you have God.
Now watch this video and be in awe of our inspiring and powerful God who is BIGGER than your biggest problem, fear, obstacle, pain, trial, and hurt and knows everything about you. You are not too far gone. I love you. Now be amazed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpChZxPfa-c
Even though I haven't been struggling with one specific sin lately in my life I have been praying for conviction on even the smallest things in my life: patience with my parents, letting a curse word slip out when I am frustrated, letting myself get overwhelmed for no reason..and not to say that these things don't matter but what I want is to live a clean life. To live right because I want to and not just because it's what I should do. I think we, as Christians, get complacent. We forget the true meaning behind why we try and do the right thing. We go to church because our parents go, because we were raised to believe that Sundays are for church and not because we are hungry for more Jesus..we pray before bed because it's routine or we want something, not because we want a real conversation with God. We do the right things in front of our peers and in public because it makes us look better and seem like good people, not because we know we owe God our lives and to be examples and witnesses. We HAVE to change. We have to WANT Jesus. We have to know that a life lived for God will be, not can be, but WILL be better than anything this world has to offer. We have to whole-heartedly trust that even though it's not always the most popular thing, taking a stand for Jesus WILL change lives and that God promises good for those to seek Him. We will never be able to fully understand God and what He is up to in our lives, but we must not stop searching. Ever.
I have friends lately that have turned to worldly things for comfort and peace and simply to "numb" the life they know..when really they don't even have it bad at all. It breaks my heart for people who have experienced God's goodness and still choose to live that way. NOT saying I am perfect at all or never choose this world, but that is what this book is teaching me, to WANT to change and to trust that God will be sufficient if we do the right thing. If everyone could see just a glipse of God's grace and peace and faithfulness I just know that this world and it's problems would be different. People often ask why God "lets" bad things happen when in reality the only explanation He "owes" us (and really He doesn't owe us anything..) is that He is God, and that is enough if we trust and know that He has a plan. We often think that if we were given the chance to play God, that we, dirty sinning humans, wouldn't dare let bad things happen because it's just not fair. Shame on us. We think we could do better when we sin every single day and yet the BLEMISH-FREE, ALL-KNOWING, and PERFECT God we claim to trust IS doing just that: what is best and we have to know that it is for our good. We wouldn't be true Christians if we didn't believe that. God promises good to those who believe and life is so short so we have to share that with the hopeless. It's what we are called to do.
I often wonder why when people are buddhist or atheist or taoist or wiccan or "coexist" they get a "thumbs-up" for being different and exploring options but yet if someone finds out you're a Christian it's either looked down upon or that you're just like everyone else. THIS IS A PROBLEM. Chrisians are more known for what they don't do: don't drink, don't have sex before marriage, don't go out with their friends, don't have fun, don't like anyone different than themselves, etc., than for what we are doing. We should be known for helping others first, loving unconditionally, NOT JUDGING, doing whatever it takes to show God's love, still being in the places where there are no other Christians to be a witness, and simply sharing the truth but not shoving our beliefs down people's throats. IT IS SO IMPORTANT to change people's views on Christianity..the fate of our religion depends on it. Our generation is so good at being bold and making thing happen and if we could only do this with Christianity, too, I know there would be a revolution.
Something that REALLY bothers me is that Christians are first and foremost known for judging anyone who is different, down to little things. Having tattoos and facial piercings and a gay friend who I hang out with regularly, I personally have felt judged around "church people" and in certain churches and I feel that this is SO wrong because no one got the chance to get my beliefs and that I believe in God. It was overlooked my my outward appearance and that is something that makes me SO sad. I know my parents don't neccessarily like my tattoos and such but as TRUE CHRISTIANS we are called to look at everyone's heart and not be so worried about the outside. One of my favorite bible verses EVER is one that my brother, Brennan, wrote in crayon on a piece of paper in like kindergarten and it reads, "Man looks at the outward, but the LORD looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7 IT IS SO TRUE..and if we are trying to be LIKE the LORD..which is the whole point of claiming to be a Christian (Being more like Jesus..) then why are we still looking at outward appearance?! It's insane to me. Matthew 7:1 says, "Do not judge, or you too, will be judged." We can't only follow the parts of scripture that we like, we have to follow it all. So I challenge you today to look past pink hair and black clothes and tattoos and people who don't have money and elderly and ANYONE different from you. You don't know their heart or intentions or where they are in life and your kindness might change them. They will notice and difference in you and you can tell them that it's because you have JESUS. What an amazing way to change the world.
I'm begging you today, right now, as youre reading this, to stop and pray for change in your heart. For a desire to LIVE for Christ and the ability to look past people's flaws for everyone, including myself, has them. It will do you so much good. We owe it to our amazing savior. I'm praying for YOU and know that no matter where you are, you have God.
Now watch this video and be in awe of our inspiring and powerful God who is BIGGER than your biggest problem, fear, obstacle, pain, trial, and hurt and knows everything about you. You are not too far gone. I love you. Now be amazed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpChZxPfa-c
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Happiness.
It's unreal to me some people's immaturity. How someone can do SO much wrong you to and still play the victim and expect you to feel sorry for you. How you can absolutely positively know someone owes you respect and yet they still refuse to give you that. I guess it's just a good life lesson on how fast things can change..and how some people just never will. And I guess all you can do is pray that they learn so that they quit hurting everyone around them..and realize that it's not realistic to live selfishly.
Whew. I just had to get that out. :) Anyway, I've been neglecting this again..I've honestly been so busy with LIFE. I know that's so cliche but it's so true. I've spent countless hours the last week or so catching up with my best friends, cleaning, purging, and unpacking my stuff from GA, and setting up Studio 34..which is almost done! Tomorrow morning we put the finishing touches on it and we'll be ready to rock n roll...about dang time. It's been so good to really get settled in at home. Sleeping in my own bed..not waking up at 5:30 every morning..homecooked meals..and having my friends I've known since birth a phone call away. Although I am away from Austin for about a month or so more..it's been good to be HOME. Speaking of Austin, he's coming to visit in 8 days for the weekend and I can hardly contain my excitement. He's coming to see how things go for when he MOVES here in April!! Yep, he's coming, and I couldn't be happier. Like I said, when you KNOW, you just KNOW. I've never felt so free and content in my life and I have no one to thank but my amazing Savior. Things are still just falling into place and it's amazing to know that I have an amazing future ahead of me. I never would have thought I would be where I am right now, even down to sitting in this chair with my mom and Chloie watching gameshows. Faith is really an amazing thing and I'm so glad I've learned to just sit back and TRUST. Church was so good this past week. Pastor Terry talked about how we 'know the bible is real," and why I don't doubt that it is in any way, it was good to see those examples and scripture. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be able to sit in church with my family again every Sunday. It's definitely something I need and again, God's timing is just shining through.
We've gotten several letters from Brennan at Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego and he's doing so well. I could not be prouder. He got all 4 wisdom teeth taken out with no anesthesia except 12 novacane (sp?) shots but I guess recovered well and fast. They had their first big drill competition this past Sunday and if their platoon scored 70 or above (whatever that means) they'll get a phone call home. So our fingers are crossed!! We're missing him so much and with all this controversy going on with him being allowed to wear his dress blue military uniform to high school graduation or not (see local news station websites and newspapers..) things have just been crazy and it's been hard not to think about him constantly and miss him. So keep him in your prayers!! 4 weeks down..9 to go!! Almost 1/3 of the way done!! Ooh rah!!
Overall, things are great. I'm gonna have to go to GA to take my state boards I just found out, but other than that, it's going smoothly. Can't wait to be working full time. I LOVE my shop and Morgan couldn't be more amazing to work with. Life's good. God's good. Praying for YOU reading this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhdN3rndQwo
Whew. I just had to get that out. :) Anyway, I've been neglecting this again..I've honestly been so busy with LIFE. I know that's so cliche but it's so true. I've spent countless hours the last week or so catching up with my best friends, cleaning, purging, and unpacking my stuff from GA, and setting up Studio 34..which is almost done! Tomorrow morning we put the finishing touches on it and we'll be ready to rock n roll...about dang time. It's been so good to really get settled in at home. Sleeping in my own bed..not waking up at 5:30 every morning..homecooked meals..and having my friends I've known since birth a phone call away. Although I am away from Austin for about a month or so more..it's been good to be HOME. Speaking of Austin, he's coming to visit in 8 days for the weekend and I can hardly contain my excitement. He's coming to see how things go for when he MOVES here in April!! Yep, he's coming, and I couldn't be happier. Like I said, when you KNOW, you just KNOW. I've never felt so free and content in my life and I have no one to thank but my amazing Savior. Things are still just falling into place and it's amazing to know that I have an amazing future ahead of me. I never would have thought I would be where I am right now, even down to sitting in this chair with my mom and Chloie watching gameshows. Faith is really an amazing thing and I'm so glad I've learned to just sit back and TRUST. Church was so good this past week. Pastor Terry talked about how we 'know the bible is real," and why I don't doubt that it is in any way, it was good to see those examples and scripture. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be able to sit in church with my family again every Sunday. It's definitely something I need and again, God's timing is just shining through.
We've gotten several letters from Brennan at Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego and he's doing so well. I could not be prouder. He got all 4 wisdom teeth taken out with no anesthesia except 12 novacane (sp?) shots but I guess recovered well and fast. They had their first big drill competition this past Sunday and if their platoon scored 70 or above (whatever that means) they'll get a phone call home. So our fingers are crossed!! We're missing him so much and with all this controversy going on with him being allowed to wear his dress blue military uniform to high school graduation or not (see local news station websites and newspapers..) things have just been crazy and it's been hard not to think about him constantly and miss him. So keep him in your prayers!! 4 weeks down..9 to go!! Almost 1/3 of the way done!! Ooh rah!!
Overall, things are great. I'm gonna have to go to GA to take my state boards I just found out, but other than that, it's going smoothly. Can't wait to be working full time. I LOVE my shop and Morgan couldn't be more amazing to work with. Life's good. God's good. Praying for YOU reading this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhdN3rndQwo
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Home Sweet Home.
I can't believe I have neglected my blog as long as I have, but what a crazy week and a half it has been! I officially graduated Paul Mitchell the school - Atlanta last Tuesday where I was thrown an amazing suprise going-away party by my awesome friends Lauren and Amy and it was the best day ever!! Such a relief to be done and moving on to the next chapter of my life. Speaking of moving..mom and dad came down to GA last thursday night to spend some time with our dear friends, the Kimmels, and to pack up all my stuff and move me home. Welllll, friday night on our way to eat dinner I was in the car with Austin and it started smoking. We obiously had to pull over and long story short it had to be towed to Conyers to a body shop and fixed and 2 days later we went to pick it up to start our 11 hour journey home only to have it overheat again about 5 minutes after we had payed the shop and left. So the guy came and picked it back up and about 5 hours later it still wasn't done. (We got some awesome shopping in at TJ Maxx and Target though so I wasn't complaining too much..) and ended up going back to the Kimmels for another night and picked it up yesterday morning and finally were able to make the trek back to Crawfordsville. Mom and I followed my dad and it was actually a blast. We listened to all kinds of music and got caught up on the last few weeks and pulled in the driveway about 9:30pm last night. Then Aimee and Drew and Korbin came over and we watched American Idol. Such a good feeling knowing I'm home to stay..but definitely bittersweet.
You're probably all wondering who this Austin character is that I have mentioned a few times in my previous blogs. Maybe not. But either way, you're about to find out. Remember my struggles and heartaches over the past few months? Well God has definitely revealed Himself yet again as to why things work out the way they do and I couldn't be more thankful. I met Austin Halloween weekend when I stayed with my friend Chelci from school. We were both single at the time and I was excited just to see how things went. Well we hit it off great and honestly from then on were inseperable. A few months later I sorta got cold-feet with my future being so unknown since I was about to graduate and wanting to move home (this was all before my salon plans) and so I backed out and went for things and people more comfortable which was the most foolish thing I could've ever done. But I look back now and the say is true: sometimes you don't realize what you've got til it's gone. So somehow over the past month or so, God brought Austin back in my life. Sweet, caring, and forgiving Austin and life COULD NOT be better. He's a wonderful, Christian, hard-working, sweet, sincere, down-home, COUNTRY boy and for the first time in my life, I'm 100% content. He treats me better than I could ever imagine, is so selfless and respectful, and I know that God has us together for a reason. He's still in GA right now working and saving up money but we're planning on having him move to IN as soon as he can and I couldn't be more happy. It's amazing the things God brings your way when you least expect them and when you KNOW, you just KNOW and I'm not afraid for the whole (cyber) world to know!!
Life has just been one HUGE blessing after another and I owe it all to Christ first and my wonderful family second. I could not have and do the things I'm able to without them. I just have had so many amazing oppotunities lately and I'm just so thankful. My good friend Lexi called me the other day and invited me to be apart of Beautiful You..a gathering with high school girls from all over and a speaker and the band, Alanna Story. It has to do with self-image and accepting who you are in Christ and not looking back at your past but remembering that you're beautiful no matter what. Local hairstylists are teaming up to do makeovers on the girls and I think it's going to be a great oppportunity to witness and see how God is working around Crawfordsville and see friends I haven't got to see for awhile and get time to worship. And speaking of doing hair..I'm about to go see my alomst finished salon for the first time today! I am so excited and couldn't be working with a nicer or sweeter girl, Morgan Servies-Smith. I have decided to name my shop "Studio 34" after Psalm 34 which is my favorite book of the bible. I figured it was unique and a good way for people to ask "why 34?" and be able to share my faith in a casual way. I am so excited for all the upcoming events and opportunities and experiences and it it so amazing what happens when Christ replaces worry in your life and you trust Him in everything.
I'll be updating more soon and uploading pictures of the salon. Please spread the word and any questions feel free to contact me : 765.376.5384
God is good, all the time.
Here's a video on Alanna Story, the band that will be at Beautiful You. I have seen them live and they are SO AMAZING:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMTWzMgNzUw
You're probably all wondering who this Austin character is that I have mentioned a few times in my previous blogs. Maybe not. But either way, you're about to find out. Remember my struggles and heartaches over the past few months? Well God has definitely revealed Himself yet again as to why things work out the way they do and I couldn't be more thankful. I met Austin Halloween weekend when I stayed with my friend Chelci from school. We were both single at the time and I was excited just to see how things went. Well we hit it off great and honestly from then on were inseperable. A few months later I sorta got cold-feet with my future being so unknown since I was about to graduate and wanting to move home (this was all before my salon plans) and so I backed out and went for things and people more comfortable which was the most foolish thing I could've ever done. But I look back now and the say is true: sometimes you don't realize what you've got til it's gone. So somehow over the past month or so, God brought Austin back in my life. Sweet, caring, and forgiving Austin and life COULD NOT be better. He's a wonderful, Christian, hard-working, sweet, sincere, down-home, COUNTRY boy and for the first time in my life, I'm 100% content. He treats me better than I could ever imagine, is so selfless and respectful, and I know that God has us together for a reason. He's still in GA right now working and saving up money but we're planning on having him move to IN as soon as he can and I couldn't be more happy. It's amazing the things God brings your way when you least expect them and when you KNOW, you just KNOW and I'm not afraid for the whole (cyber) world to know!!
Life has just been one HUGE blessing after another and I owe it all to Christ first and my wonderful family second. I could not have and do the things I'm able to without them. I just have had so many amazing oppotunities lately and I'm just so thankful. My good friend Lexi called me the other day and invited me to be apart of Beautiful You..a gathering with high school girls from all over and a speaker and the band, Alanna Story. It has to do with self-image and accepting who you are in Christ and not looking back at your past but remembering that you're beautiful no matter what. Local hairstylists are teaming up to do makeovers on the girls and I think it's going to be a great oppportunity to witness and see how God is working around Crawfordsville and see friends I haven't got to see for awhile and get time to worship. And speaking of doing hair..I'm about to go see my alomst finished salon for the first time today! I am so excited and couldn't be working with a nicer or sweeter girl, Morgan Servies-Smith. I have decided to name my shop "Studio 34" after Psalm 34 which is my favorite book of the bible. I figured it was unique and a good way for people to ask "why 34?" and be able to share my faith in a casual way. I am so excited for all the upcoming events and opportunities and experiences and it it so amazing what happens when Christ replaces worry in your life and you trust Him in everything.
I'll be updating more soon and uploading pictures of the salon. Please spread the word and any questions feel free to contact me : 765.376.5384
God is good, all the time.
Here's a video on Alanna Story, the band that will be at Beautiful You. I have seen them live and they are SO AMAZING:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMTWzMgNzUw
Monday, February 28, 2011
It Is Well.
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." - Proverbs 16:9
"But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil." - Proverbs 1:33
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall make your path straight." - Proverbs 3:5
"For this is God, or God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death." - Psalm 48:14
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass....Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him." - Psalm 37:4,7
Verses like these have been flooding my mind for the past few days. I had an amazing weekend with Katie and Chris and Becks and Austin and other wonderful friends and it made me truly realize that my time here in Georgia is coming to an end. I'll be leaving this wonderful and WARM state in 4 days and it's still been surreal until this weekend and today. I got up this morning and drove to Atlanta for a Fusion Extension class taught by an instructor from my school and we talked about how this service would work into my salon plans. And then tomorrow: Tuesday, March 1, 2001 at 3:30pm I will officially be a cosmetology school graduate from Paul Mitchell the School - Atlanta. Funny to look back the the first blog entry I wrote in July and was still living in Indiana and excited to start my life here in GA..and now it's time for me to go back to Indiana..something I never thought I would want to do but know that it is where I'm supposed to be.
My parents have been working closely with Morgan Servies who I will be renting my shop from and working with and they have gotten SO much work done on my room. I literally have THE BEST parents in the world and I am so thankful for their continued support and unconditional love. I have pictures of my salon so far I'll put up at the end of this blog and I am so excited to be going back stress-free to my room almost completely finished. What a huge blessing! It's all coming together so well and all I have left after tomorrow is state boards. I never thought this day would come!!! For all of you that know how much of a procrastonater I am..you know that this is HUGE for me!
Another thing that God has just put on my heart lately is how perfect and wonderful His timing is. I know I've talked about that recently, but it's proving more and more true everyday. I just love the moments in life when you can identify a time or place in the future where things were so unclear and now see exactly why it happened. I live for the moments that I can't explain other than "they were/are a God thing." I feel so sad for the people who don't get to experience God's love and grace on a day to day basis and it's really been motivating me to be more outspoken and bold about my faith. I spent the night with a dear friend from school last week and we were laying in bed talking about life and the subject of God and Christianity got brought up and it really felt good to be able to answer some of her questions and be able to share what an impact Christ has had on my life and how a life lived for God is so much for beneficial than one lived for self. I haven't even experienced TRUE tragedy in my lifetime yet and I still don't know how I would've made it throught certain trials and experiences without Christ. And even when we do rely on God for comfort, strength, peace, etc. it's still very hard sometimes to feel those things, especially right away, so I really can't imagine a life of depending on other humans and being uncertain of your future. It kills me when people say that they "just don't worry about the future or what happens when you die," or that, "everyone goes to Heaven if you're a good person because I don't believe in hell." And I get it, I do, what person who hasn't been raised in a Christian home would want to, at 20+ years old, open a book that says Jesus walked on water, and that blind men were instantly healed, and that the whole earth flooded and that Jonah survived in the belly of a whale and truly be able to be like "yes, even though that's not happening to today's world now, sure I believe it" without hesitation. It sometimes just seems like it wouldn't add up. Had I not had child-like faith being raised in church I'm sure it would all seem far-fetched to me too, but I just wish that everyone could get and feel just a GLIMPSE of what a life lived with Jesus in your heart is like. The abundance and peace that comes with it. I guess it's just something I have to show through my life, and it's so good to be so motivated at such a transition in my life; being able to move back home and start fresh not only in my earthy life, but in my spiritual life and witness as well. Such a good feeling.
I am so excited for the new and crazy-fast changes in my life lately. I know that I am never out of the care of God and that He has an amazing plan for my life. It's so exciting to think of all the possibilities of my future and that it's all happening so soon. "Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul!"
"But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil." - Proverbs 1:33
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall make your path straight." - Proverbs 3:5
"For this is God, or God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death." - Psalm 48:14
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass....Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him." - Psalm 37:4,7
Verses like these have been flooding my mind for the past few days. I had an amazing weekend with Katie and Chris and Becks and Austin and other wonderful friends and it made me truly realize that my time here in Georgia is coming to an end. I'll be leaving this wonderful and WARM state in 4 days and it's still been surreal until this weekend and today. I got up this morning and drove to Atlanta for a Fusion Extension class taught by an instructor from my school and we talked about how this service would work into my salon plans. And then tomorrow: Tuesday, March 1, 2001 at 3:30pm I will officially be a cosmetology school graduate from Paul Mitchell the School - Atlanta. Funny to look back the the first blog entry I wrote in July and was still living in Indiana and excited to start my life here in GA..and now it's time for me to go back to Indiana..something I never thought I would want to do but know that it is where I'm supposed to be.
My parents have been working closely with Morgan Servies who I will be renting my shop from and working with and they have gotten SO much work done on my room. I literally have THE BEST parents in the world and I am so thankful for their continued support and unconditional love. I have pictures of my salon so far I'll put up at the end of this blog and I am so excited to be going back stress-free to my room almost completely finished. What a huge blessing! It's all coming together so well and all I have left after tomorrow is state boards. I never thought this day would come!!! For all of you that know how much of a procrastonater I am..you know that this is HUGE for me!
Another thing that God has just put on my heart lately is how perfect and wonderful His timing is. I know I've talked about that recently, but it's proving more and more true everyday. I just love the moments in life when you can identify a time or place in the future where things were so unclear and now see exactly why it happened. I live for the moments that I can't explain other than "they were/are a God thing." I feel so sad for the people who don't get to experience God's love and grace on a day to day basis and it's really been motivating me to be more outspoken and bold about my faith. I spent the night with a dear friend from school last week and we were laying in bed talking about life and the subject of God and Christianity got brought up and it really felt good to be able to answer some of her questions and be able to share what an impact Christ has had on my life and how a life lived for God is so much for beneficial than one lived for self. I haven't even experienced TRUE tragedy in my lifetime yet and I still don't know how I would've made it throught certain trials and experiences without Christ. And even when we do rely on God for comfort, strength, peace, etc. it's still very hard sometimes to feel those things, especially right away, so I really can't imagine a life of depending on other humans and being uncertain of your future. It kills me when people say that they "just don't worry about the future or what happens when you die," or that, "everyone goes to Heaven if you're a good person because I don't believe in hell." And I get it, I do, what person who hasn't been raised in a Christian home would want to, at 20+ years old, open a book that says Jesus walked on water, and that blind men were instantly healed, and that the whole earth flooded and that Jonah survived in the belly of a whale and truly be able to be like "yes, even though that's not happening to today's world now, sure I believe it" without hesitation. It sometimes just seems like it wouldn't add up. Had I not had child-like faith being raised in church I'm sure it would all seem far-fetched to me too, but I just wish that everyone could get and feel just a GLIMPSE of what a life lived with Jesus in your heart is like. The abundance and peace that comes with it. I guess it's just something I have to show through my life, and it's so good to be so motivated at such a transition in my life; being able to move back home and start fresh not only in my earthy life, but in my spiritual life and witness as well. Such a good feeling.
I am so excited for the new and crazy-fast changes in my life lately. I know that I am never out of the care of God and that He has an amazing plan for my life. It's so exciting to think of all the possibilities of my future and that it's all happening so soon. "Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul!"
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Reflections.
Well, I'm down to my last week here in Georgia. I clearly remember sitting in Katie's bed blogging about how I "only" had 4 weeks of school left and couldn't believe it was ending so soon....imagine how I feel now. Literally 3 school days left and I'm done with my education aside from classes in my future to keep current. I don't think it's REALLY hit me yet, but I'm starting to realize that the people I've seen everyday for 7 months won't be by my side..the teachers who have made me fall in love with hair won't be there to answer my questions, and I won't have 75 degree weather in February EVER back in Indiana. I won't be able to come home to sweet little Beckham, see Katie or Austin whenever I want, and just be completely independent...but I've never been so ready to go home. Ready to see my family all the time..spend late nights with momma and laugh with daddy, have countless girls nights, spend time with Lukie and start my career. Not too stoked about the weather but it's exciting nonetheless. I seriously never thought I would want to move BACK to Crawfordsville. Gosh, it all just blows my mind to think about. Even crazier to think of all the people I want to see that I haven't been able to see when I was home on vacation for almost 8 months. I guess I'm just ready to go back to my roots.
I look back at all the directions my life could've gone. Where would I be had I joined a sorority and stayed a Criminology major at ISU? Had I stayed in Avon and tried to finish cosmo at Regency? It's unbelieveable to look back and realize everything, good and bad, that has happened in the 3 years since I've been out of high school has gotten me here. Gotten me to Georgia and now heading back home. How if anyone would've asked me a year ago where I would be in February 2011, the last thing I would've said is finishing my education at Paul Mitchell the school Atlanta. What a journey it's been and it's amazing to look back and thank God for each step of the way.
I think the thing I am most thankful for recently is how much I have grown in my walk with Christ. How I have learned to effortlessly allow the peace of God to come into my life. How I know who I am and how I want to be. How I crave church and scripture and how thankful I am for everything in my life. How I am able to look back on the trials of my life, expecially the ones I've had here in Georgia and almost chuckle at why they stressed me out so badly. How I've learned to have confidence in my Savior's plan and will for my life. How I've not let little things get me down like they used to. How I need to be soo grateful every single day for Jesus's sacrifice for us. How just when I think I know what and who's right for my life, God changes that, and I'm okay with it. And how MUCH He loves me despite my sinful-natured heart.
I couldn't have asked for a more amazing 7 months here. I wouldn't have changed a thing. Not in the first week and not in this past week. It's all got me where I need to be. I really should start packing though..procrastionation really should be my middle name. Tuesday graduation and then daddy, momma, and Makinze are coming next Friday to pick me up and I absolutely can't wait. I would give ANYTHING for Brennan to be able to be here but I know things are getting better and better for him day by day. I pass a Marines billboard everyday on my way to school and it's such a sweet reminder of how thankful I am for his willingness to serve. It takes a really special person to complete the training he's doing and fight for our freedoms and you better believe there's no prouder big sister out there. So say a little prayer for him as he's mentally and physically WORN OUT by now. I just LOVE him so much and can't wait until May 15 to give him the biggest hug of his life. I miss him so badly it hurts. Semper Fi! "Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle." - Psalm 144:1
Off to finish American Idol and pack my lunch for school tomorrow..one of my last days!! Yikes! So many exciting things going on in my future..moving home, spring break cruise, Lil Wayne concert, my business..the list goes on and on. Thank you JESUS for all the blessings you've given me and my family. "For we live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7
"Look back and thank God. Look forward and trust God. Look around and serve God. Look within and find God. He closes doors no man can open and opens doors no man can close."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=memsP8-k5Ew
I look back at all the directions my life could've gone. Where would I be had I joined a sorority and stayed a Criminology major at ISU? Had I stayed in Avon and tried to finish cosmo at Regency? It's unbelieveable to look back and realize everything, good and bad, that has happened in the 3 years since I've been out of high school has gotten me here. Gotten me to Georgia and now heading back home. How if anyone would've asked me a year ago where I would be in February 2011, the last thing I would've said is finishing my education at Paul Mitchell the school Atlanta. What a journey it's been and it's amazing to look back and thank God for each step of the way.
I think the thing I am most thankful for recently is how much I have grown in my walk with Christ. How I have learned to effortlessly allow the peace of God to come into my life. How I know who I am and how I want to be. How I crave church and scripture and how thankful I am for everything in my life. How I am able to look back on the trials of my life, expecially the ones I've had here in Georgia and almost chuckle at why they stressed me out so badly. How I've learned to have confidence in my Savior's plan and will for my life. How I've not let little things get me down like they used to. How I need to be soo grateful every single day for Jesus's sacrifice for us. How just when I think I know what and who's right for my life, God changes that, and I'm okay with it. And how MUCH He loves me despite my sinful-natured heart.
I couldn't have asked for a more amazing 7 months here. I wouldn't have changed a thing. Not in the first week and not in this past week. It's all got me where I need to be. I really should start packing though..procrastionation really should be my middle name. Tuesday graduation and then daddy, momma, and Makinze are coming next Friday to pick me up and I absolutely can't wait. I would give ANYTHING for Brennan to be able to be here but I know things are getting better and better for him day by day. I pass a Marines billboard everyday on my way to school and it's such a sweet reminder of how thankful I am for his willingness to serve. It takes a really special person to complete the training he's doing and fight for our freedoms and you better believe there's no prouder big sister out there. So say a little prayer for him as he's mentally and physically WORN OUT by now. I just LOVE him so much and can't wait until May 15 to give him the biggest hug of his life. I miss him so badly it hurts. Semper Fi! "Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle." - Psalm 144:1
Off to finish American Idol and pack my lunch for school tomorrow..one of my last days!! Yikes! So many exciting things going on in my future..moving home, spring break cruise, Lil Wayne concert, my business..the list goes on and on. Thank you JESUS for all the blessings you've given me and my family. "For we live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7
"Look back and thank God. Look forward and trust God. Look around and serve God. Look within and find God. He closes doors no man can open and opens doors no man can close."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=memsP8-k5Ew
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