Reflect.

Thinking of the year 2010 brings back many, many memories. As I sit with some hot cocoa on my velvet salmon colored hand-me-down chair (very cute I must say), I reflect on the many things that happened this past year. And there was a lot. Years go by so quickly, but so much happens in each of them. Year 2010 has been a year of adventure, change, growth, and new experiences. This year stands out compared to the rest...we'll see if 2011 does the same...

-JANUARY-

Month 1 is tough to beat. A few days after the new year, I embarked across the country to Kenya with a team of 9 others from Biola. Safe to say this month was life changing as well as a great beginning to the new year. I came home with a new outlook on life as well as a passion and confirmation that I want to be a teacher.

-FEBRUARY-

The first day of month 2, I found myself getting up rather early for my first last day of school. Instead of riding my bike to Biola like I did the semester before, I grabbed a cup of coffee, gathered my teaching supplies, and headed to a brand new elementary school to start student teaching. I was definitely nervous. Everything was going to be so new. Instead of seeing friends during lunch time, I would be sitting in a teacher's lounge with new faces. I liked to call myself a real "adult" during this month.

With all that said, this experience was phenomenal and confirming that God's timing and placing is divine.

-MARCH-

Not too much rings a bell for month 3, but what does come to mind is this...

My housemates and I loved to pull pranks on each other. Every chance we got, a prank would be pulled. This one particular prank, though, stands out. It was a Sunday night. Friends were over, but not too many housemates. My roommate and I thought it would be really funny to take Rachel's (housemate victim) clothes...ALL of them...and hide them. We did and we left. Rachel came home to find an empty closet.

A few hours later, we come back. I noticed my bed side lamp was out in the living room. I thought it was kind of funny, but didn't think much of it. Later, I went into my room to put something away to find that the two beds that used to be in my room were GONE. I screamed and began laughing. We ran outside searching frantically for our beds, but they never turned up. It was not until almost 1am that Rachel, the housemate victim, returned our beds.

14522 Biola Ave holds so many memories.

-APRIL-

Month 4 was a very busy month. It began with Easter at my aunt's house in Santa Ynez, then I was home for a week to spend time with my family and relax. Teddi's prom just happened to be the week I was home, so I got to take lots and lots of pictures of her and actually see her all dressed up in person!

Another weekend was spent throwing a bridal shower for my cousin that was put together by myself and the bride's sister-in-law. I'll be honest, though, I really didn't do much planning.

Probably the best weekend of month 4, though, was celebrating my golden birthday on the 22nd! A big group of my girlfriends and I got together and went out to dinner. It was so much fun to have friends all the way back from freshmen year around one table...one friend coming all the way from Missouri. :-)

-MAY-

Month 5 was a staple month...because...I graduated! It was a busy month of hanging out with friends, staying up late and getting up early, and lots of last minute run arounds so I could walk across the stage. It was the last full month of sleeping in our house and the last full month of making sweet memories at Biola. Month 5 was bittersweet, more bitter because I was not ready to move on.

-JUNE-

Month 6 brought about many changes. I moved out of our house, cried like a baby, and moved all my things home. I really didn't know what the future held at that time and remember the reality of needing to make decisions set in. It was a tough month, to say the least. I felt like I had so much on my mind that needed to be taken care of, but I was not ready for it.

After being a nomad in LA for...just a week...I officially moved home and began packing two suitcases hoping I could get them under 50 pounds...

-JULY-

I got on a plane in California and got off in Colorado. For a part of the summer, I lived in Estes Park and worked at Camp Timberline. It was a GREAT summer where many memories were made. I was a camp counselor and basketball coach to some pretty awesome kids. Not only did the campers grow, but I myself, grew and learned so much.

Special Event- I was a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding. :-)

-AUGUST-

Well, if I controlled my life with my nut sized brain, I would be living in Indonesia, teaching at a school right now. But at the end of July, I found out that my plans fell through, God shut that door, and when the end of camp came in month 8, I really had no idea what I was going to do.

I came home and began planning where I could live. After much searching and planning, God (again) shut the door of what I thought I was going to do and I decided to live permanently at home until I found something that could work out.

-SEPTEMBER-

Month 9 was a month full of changes (once again). Now that I think of it, I feel like every month is full of changes. After searching what feels like forever for a full time teaching job and not finding a single one to even apply for, I started to substitute teach, something I was not looking forward to.

By the end of month 9, I was finally cleared to sub and found out that it wasn't so bad after all. I was feeling a bit down with everything that had happened in the months past and when I got to do something I love, my spirits were lifted and still are to this day.

Special event: My close friend from high school got married this month. :-)

-OCTOBER-

Month 10 was another busy month, a very good month. I began working full time substitute teaching and got to know a few schools very well. I now work at these most days rather than going to a new school each day (I actually feel like I know people now!).

Every weekend seemed to be filled with out of town events, putting miles on my car and pictures on my camera.

-NOVEMBER-

I'll be honest. Not too much sticks out in month 11. Thanksgiving. Family time. Working. Thinking of what is next.

-DECEMBER-

Who doesn't say that the month of December isn't busy for them??? It sure was for me. Beside Christmas gatherings, what sticks out the most for me is....I bought my first car! And my last until I pay this puppy off. Now I am learning what it means to be an adult.

I also worked down in LA for two weeks, lived in Marina Del Rey and commuted East every morning. Those poor LAers that do that every morning. I would be a reck if that was me; traffic is awful! On the bright side, I got to hang out with many friends every day!

***

It was a jam packed year that I will remember for a very, very long time. As I reflect, I am reminded how blessed I truly am in the midst of these changing times. I have learned how God is sovereign. He is good. He is faithful. And I will put my hope in Him.

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.

Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself,

'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!'"

-Lamentations 3:22-24

Bring it on 2011.

little lamis.

One of my best friends, Dustin, and I, sponsor a little girl from Lebanon.

Name: Lamis

Age: 2

Born: April 24th. (That is two days after my birthday and two days before Dustin's. And yes, that is mostly why we picked little Lamis. We like to think of it as a divine appointment.)

Interests: Play with her toys. Helps at home by being good. (That is my girl!)

A few days ago, Lamis sent us a letter! Of course, she didn't actually write it because she is only two, but her writer said this. "Her parent very happy to have a friend for Lamis from a far country."

I got chills after reading this. It is so easy to make my monthly donation and go on with my life here that I forget what I am actually doing. Little Lamis now has two friends from a far country and I, myself, have a new friend from a far country. It can't get much better than that.

It is my dream and goal to continue supporting Lamis until she can support herself. It will probably be another 16 years that I get the opportunity to build a foundation for this little girl. 16 years is a LONG time and I can't wait to continue receiving letters from Lamis as she grows and have the chance to be a part of her life.

It is also my dream to visit her in Lebanon one day. But...there's a BUT. I don't keep up on my international news much, but Lebanon is not a safe place to go, especially if you are a Christian. The Christians and the other religious practices do not get along. I heard that one of the head guys at World Vision traveled to Lebanon and returned home, unexpectedly, very late. He was kidnapped and put into jail. So, this dream may have to wait a bit.

College.

It doesn't prepare you for much. You may come out educated in your field of study.

But...

You won't know how to balance a check book.

You won't know how to manage your money.

You won't know how to compose yourself during scary job interviews.

You won't know how to dress like a professional. You just got out of a place where dressing up was rare.

You won't know what it means to have a "9-5" schedule.

You won't have very many friends like you are used to.

You won't want to stay up late anymore. It's not cool.

You're Friday nights are shot. That work week sure did wear you out.

Hanging out with your parents all of a sudden becomes kind of fun.

Your weekend doesn't start on a Thursday night.

You won't be able to have anymore coffee dates anytime during the day. Remember, you now work during normal business hours.

You will think you can conquer the world three hours after you grab your diploma. That's a lie. We have to start at the bottom of the totem pole.

However...

College does present you with a few positive things.

Your independence.

Your own faith and dependence on something greater than yourself and your parents.

New friends. New places. New experiences.

And lots of fun.

I wouldn't change anything.

Today.

Today I miss.........

THIS.

Probably because today's church service involved a speaker from Africa.

I want to relive the moments I had during the time I spent in Kenya. What I would give to go back to that place....

Brilliance.

My mother is a genius. There is more behind her than wanting to get on a bike and ride 100 miles or wake up at 4:30am to run 8 miles. Although she really loves to do that (who knows why), while not on her bike or wearing out her running shoes, she does have some creative ideas to room decorating. Not that I ever doubted she had this ability, but it really came out today.

Teddi and I both didn't know what to do with the many scarves that occupy our rooms. When thinking about it, I probably don't need that many scarves, but I will admit, I am addicted. We asked Mom what we could do with them and she came up with this brilliant idea. Buy curtain rods and place them over your windows. Hang the scarves to look like curtains. That way the scarves serve two purposes. And I LOVE it. Way to go Mom. I knew you'd pull through :-)

Happy fall.

I made Apple Cinnamon muffins and was really excited about it. They sounded so good on a fall day. I got a good deal on the muffin box. 99 cents from the discounted grocery store in ghetto Bakersfield. I found this place thanks to my mom. She shops there all the time purchasing the basics. The discounted store carries items that are damaged and close to their expiration date. And my mom shops there. Usually those who shop at this store are struggling families on food stamps and my mom goes there. She loads up every time too. I often have to remind her that she needs to leave some food for the struggling people out there. Rarely does she listen to me.

So. I baked these muffins. As I was taking out the ingredients, the mix smelled a little strange. I looked at the expiration date. 05/10. That's what I get for shopping at discounted grocery stores I guess. But, I decided to keep going and see how they would turn out. Not so good.

I got everyone in my family to try them. So maybe I lied to get them to taste it. They fell for it. They thought they were pretty gross. At first it was blamed on my baking skills, but I was quick to say that they expired 6 months ago. I was in the clear.

On the bright side, I got new Biolage shampoo for 6 dollars. Target sells it for 20.

Oh Max.

Max Lucado is one cool guy. And I say that because I met him. I would say we are pretty good friends now, but I don't want to push it. I got to meet Max at a concert held for World Vision a few weeks ago. Not only was it a good concert, but I felt so cool! I got a back stage pass to "hang out." No, I will not tell you how I got that pass, but I felt pretty cool wearing it.

When Max began to speak, he kept saying how beautiful Bakersfield was. He couldn't get over how many pretty trees we had and how nice the people were. I love Max. Pretty much for that reason. I was contemplating if I should bring my camera or not, but declined...I would get star struck by all the artists that I would probably make a fool of myself. Therefore, I have no pictures to prove that in fact, I was there.

All this to say.....I got one of Max's books called Out Love Your Life. I just started reading it and love it! A little convicting, but I think we need that in our lives. I am still at the beginning of the book, but it's deep. And really good. We are ordinary people who are made to do extraordinary things. Thinking of God's disciples, they were not great theologians..."Before Jesus came along, the disciples were loading trucks, coaching soccer, and selling Slurpee drinks at the convenience store. Their collars were blue and their hands were calloused, and there is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nice than the guy next door. The one thing they had going for them was a willingness to take a step when Jesus said, 'Follow me.'"

Good. Convicting. Creative. Pretty darn humorous. All Jesus wants us to do is follow Him no matter the kind of person we are. God tends to use those who think they are least prepared. I am one of those.

To top off the night, I received the book for FREE. Want to know how you can? Begin sponsoring a World Vision child and you can have your own. Your own book. And your own kid.

Two birds. One stone.

My camera is getting dusty and it's embarrassing. I want to be taking more pictures! I figured since I have been frequently visiting the homes of others and taking care of their children, why not work a little on my photography? Why not kills those two birds with only one stone?

I babysat for this family last week. I decided that as much as I love boys, I really enjoy babysitting the girls...they are the ones that get most excited about having dance parties.

We danced a bit. Painted a little. And even snuck a piece of gum when we weren't supposed to.

Meet Renee.

4 years old.

Looking to make her joy complete by laughing all the way until bed time.

Meet Lily.

7 years old.

Looking for someone to "boss around" (Only coming from her sister).

My paintings thank you very much.

Too bad we couldn't have spent more time together...

Wednesday.

Today was a day that called for the quote book to be retrieved from my purse. I subbed in a 3rd grade class and I could not help but laugh throughout the entire day.

As soon as I met the class, one of the students approached me and asked if he could share something with the class. I said yes and he came up to the front of the room.

Student: "Guys, I have something I need to say. I have never told anyone at this school what I am about to say. No one here knows." (a very dramatic monologue I must say)

Me: "Ok, ok. Get on with your news."

Student: "Well, guys (deep breath), I am not coming back to this school next year." (Mind you it is October and school gets out in June)

Class: A huge gasp for about 2 minutes.

Student: "I know. My parents are moving. My dad got a new job." (Once again, very dramatic)

Me: "Ok, well, that is too bad. Good thing you have a whole year left here." (Really trying to be sympathetic about the situation)

A few minutes later, a friend walks over to the student, pats him on the back and says, "Man, I'm really gonna miss you."

Mind you these are third graders.

Next quote book worthy moment.

I told the class my name was Miss Pierce and I would be their sub for the day. One particular student yelled out, "Oh, like Britney S. Pierce, also known as Britney Spears." For all you fanatic Glee followers, the Britney Spears episode's main character was Britney S. Pierce who played the part of Britney Spears. I have only seen one episode of Glee and it just happened to be that one.

I began to laugh at the situation and asked the student if he watched the show. He said yes and that it was his favorite show. The rest of the day, I became known as Miss Britney Spears.

I never corrected the kid because I thought it was so funny. Obviously not very professional to be called that name, but I went along with it. It's nice to have a change once in awhile.

The day was a blast and I am ready for two more days with this kiddos.

Mind you, these are third graders.

Continue reading "transies."

I am almost done with the book and still cannot get this quote out of my head.

"The land we least desire may produce the fruit we most desire."

The land, meaning, the difficult, dark valley we are going through, may produce in us something that we could never think or imagine. And it will be good.

Nothing left to say.

October?

I can't believe October is already here. Crept up on us didn't it?

I am not saying, by any means, that I am sad this month has decided to blossom. I am quite excited actually. I love when the seasons change. It's a start of something new and fresh. The weather changes (which I love), your every day scenery changes, and most importantly the clothes you wear change.

I feel guilty when fashion gets the best of me, but I love it so much! It's really sad when I watch movies because most of the time, I am looking at the clothes the characters are wearing instead of listening to what they are saying.

I have been waiting and waiting for cooler weather to come around the corner because I recently went shopping. I told myself no more tank tops and dresses. From here on out, I am consciously bargaining for warm winter tops, cozy accessories and hopefully a new pair of boots.

A few things that I think might come in handy with this new weather approaching...

BRING ON THE SWEATERS.

And a casual denim button up. Only if worn WITHOUT denim pants.

A never-ending scarf. After refusing to never buy into that fashion trend,

bought my first one last week.

I love boots. Especially with a skirt and tights.

Purchased a Vanilla Amber scented candle at Target. Adds to the feeling of Fall.

And of course, who could go wrong with a Chai latte from Coffee Bean?

I get really excited thinking about all these things.

I baked.

When people ask me if I like to bake, I tell them no. But I do tell them I love to cook. There is a difference.

When one cooks, one does not need to follow a recipe. One has the freedom to add whatever one wants. No strict instructions to follow.

When one bakes, one must follow the step by step instructions, never missing one or completing them in a different order. Baking just does not work that way.

I love to cook. I have lots of freedom in cooking. Baking is a different story. By the time I have combined all my ingredients, I want to be done. My feet hurt from standing and my stomach hurts from snacking on all the dough/batter/whatever.

With all that said, I baked red velvet cupcakes. Enjoy.

For all you "transies" out there.

And by "transies" I mean people going through a transition stage. Now that I think of it, I am not sure if that is even a word.

"Life is full of unwanted transitions. It is our response to the land between that will determine whether our journey through the desert will result in deep, lasting growth or prove destructive to the soul." -Jeff Manion

I began reading a book called "The Land Between" just the other day. It fits perfectly into my life as I go through a transition phase, myself. Author Jeff Manion, describes the "land between" as a place we face when going through transition phases. Usually, it is a valley. Not a very pretty place. Manion parallels the "land between" with the Israelites and their journey from Egypt into the Promised Land. Traveling through that valley was not pretty and many lessons were learned.

Throughout the book (which I am only on page 66), Manion talks about the Israelites and their lack of trust. You are probably thinking, "Yes, those Israelites, never trusting God. Always rebelling and being pulled back. Again and again and again."

When we think of them, though, do we ever think that, we, ourselves, do the very same thing? Manion asks that question. Do we trust God? Do we completely trust Him? Sure caught me off guard. We sometimes feel like we are above the Israelites, when, we in fact, are the Israelites.

As I think about my life, I find myself being just like the Israelites, constantly doing things my own way, complaining to God about my circumstances, and God always telling me to trust Him completely. It's time to let my life go into His hands, trust Him completely and know that it will be GOOD. I have seen God provide for me in the past, what makes me think He will not provide for me now?

The "land between" is tough. It is not meant to be a walk in the park. They don't call them valleys for no reason. But this is the time for growth and what more can we want out of life than growing closer to a powerful God.

I will comment about this book as I dive more deeply into it. Like I said, I am only on page 66.

On a lighter note, for some reason, every time I am driving in the car, I think about the change I am going through and want to do something about it. With that said, I am either getting a tattoo or dying my hair brown. I will probably go with the latter. I will be living on the streets if I get that tattoo.

Lost and Found.

Right after I graduated and left for Colorado, Teddi began to drive my car. This was my "college car." A small, white Chevy truck that could only seat two people comfortably and one of those was myself. My dad loves this car and loved the fact that only two people can sit comfortably in it...that way I wouldn't be able to drive lots of "kids."

On Tuesday, Teddi walked into my room hysterically laughing. She showed me the glass jar and said, "Were you missing this?" I looked at it and the memories began to flood back to me. YES. That alfredo sauce "went missing" after a day of grocery shopping..hmmm...probably 6 months ago. It took me a few days to realize that I could not find my sauce and I began to play the blame game. I knew one of my 7 roommates had to have taken it. I bought the sauce and it was GONE! I started looking in everyone's labeled cupboards, looked in the refrigerator and even looked in the community cupboard, thinking someone took it upon themselves to share with the rest of the house.

It only took me a few minutes to get over it, but it was always in the back of my mind that my alfredo sauce went missing.

Well, when Teddi came into my room, holding that sauce, like I said, I could not stop laughing. She told me as she was looking for books under the driver seat, this magically appeared.

I'm pretty excited...I know what to make for dinner tonight.

Two of my favorite things.

Panera Bread is my all time favorite bakery/restaurant/coffee shop/library in the world. I have spent many hours at that place, trying everything on their menu and spending much time with good company. Every time I order, I have the hardest time making a decision because everything is so good! Thanks to my old roommate who worked there, I have had the privilege of tasting every treat made there. And I have also had the privilege of gaining a few LB's because of my obsession.

I am so excited that Panera Bread FINALLY came out with Panera cards that you use every time you order. This gives you free stuff, a gift on your birthday and the fact that, ya, you kind of feel cool carrying around your very own Panera card.

What I am even more thankful for, though, is the good company that I follow into Panera Bread. Since living at home, things are quite different, and a lot different than I thought they would ever be. Never did I think I would be living with my parents again during this transition phase. But God has been good through it all. He is teaching me A LOT and blessing me more than I could ever imagine. One blessing has been spending time with a good ("good" is a horrible way to describe her because she is more than "good") friend of mine. Our friendship began last summer while interning in our church youth group. I remember my sister saying, "You are going to love her. Everything she does reminds me exactly of you." The day I met Katie Johnson, I knew that we would be pretty good friends. Such good friends that we discovered our favorite piece of clothing we owned was a puke green vest from Forever 21 and we wore it ALL THE TIME.

Katie and I enjoy spending our time at Panera Bread. She has been such a blessing to me, especially during this time. I love anticipating the time we get to spend together and the words of wisdom she shares with me. I feel incredibly blessed to be her friend and even more blessed that I get to be in her wedding...EEE!!!

Katie and Panera Bread. Two of my favorite things.

One of those.

It was one of those days yesterday. The morning was fine, but it was all down hill after that.

I have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting for my fingerprints to come in so that I can be put on substitute lists in various districts. I decided to call them and was told that they were mailed to me on September 8th. It was now September 21st. I raced over to the Superintendent building, grabbed them, and ran to Human Resources. I compiled all my paperwork together, gave them to the secretary and waited in anticipation. One of the important pieces was having a physical. Earlier, I had called them more than once to make sure this certain physical I had done would be okay to accept. They told me that was fine. But when they saw it in person, they said, "We cannot accept this. There is too much information on it." Who says that? That is like a teacher telling you a paper that you wrote was too good. No one ever says things like that!

After finding out this sad news, tears began to well up in my eyes. I could tell the secretary felt bad for me and told me I could go to a clinic and get a new physical right away. I grabbed my things, gave her a smile, and said, "I can do this. Just one more loop hole to get there."

I sped over to the clinic, talked to the rudest lady I have ever dealt with, and waited for my name to be called. As I was waiting, I slipped off the bathroom, you know, because I had to go. As soon as I walked out, the nurse called my name. We walked back. He asked me some questions. He told me I needed a urine sample. I looked at him. I said, "Are you kidding me? I just went to the bathroom." He laughed and got me some water. I drank 3 rather large cups of water. The doctor saw me. I told him I was in great shape. There was nothing wrong with me. I peed in a cup and I walked out of that office.

I once again sped back to the Superintendent's building and offered my "correct" paperwork to the secretary. This time it was correct.

On my way home, after my no fun day, I thought it would be appropriate to stop for some frozen yogurt. There is a new place in town called "Burrberry", just like Pink Berry. I stopped in, grabbed some tasty yogurt and got into my car. As I was driving, you can only guess...about half the fruit spilled out onto the floor of my car.

I was ready for the day to be over. I got into bed and began reading my daily devotional book. It said exactly what I needed to hear. When things don't go as planned, we just have to say to God, "Oh, well. That is okay" and know that things will get better. We can't put ourselves down for the small things that go wrong in our lives because we will not be prepared for when big things take a change in course.

I went to bed feeling much better only until I woke up a few hours later with a coughing attack....

Hope.

My mom has a devotional book called "Jesus Lives" and I will read it whenever I see it lying around. The author writes these amazing devotionals that have so much truth in them. They are like little letters from God full of truth and hope...and a letter that makes you smile :-)

It seems like every one I read, it gets to the heart of what I am going through...

This one is entitled, "Hope."

"Though difficulties abound in this world, rejoice that I am ever present with you. I can enable you to cope with any and all circumstances, strengthening you as you look trustingly in Me. No matter how hopeless your situation may seem, I assure you that all things are possible with me.

I am the Truth, and therefore I am true to all My promises. They provide a rock-solid foundation on which you can live and move and have your being. Since I am the living Word, affirming your trust in My promises is a excellent way to draw near Me. As you bask in the beauty of My Presence, you may find yourself wanting to praise Me. Do not restrain that holy impulse; instead give it voice. While you are worshipping Me, new hope will grow within you. Hope in Me, for you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence."

It's important to remain hopeful in hard times. We must remember we have God's promises to lean on; He never fails us.

The little letters from God. Always uplifting and always good.

My life after May 29th.

In the midst of figuring out "what I am supposed to do with my life", I cannot help but have fun throughout this process. Here's what I have been up to since I grabbed my diploma and ran...

I moved out of my house, although I really wasn't happy about it.

I lived out of my car.

I taught a four year old VBS class.

I enjoyed 4th of July on a boat. With my flippy floppys.

I participated in Cousin Cooking Class every Tuesday night. Go CCC.

I got to work at Camp Timberline in Colorado for 5 weeks.

I was a bridesmaid in my beautiful cousin's wedding. She is now a married woman.

I spent a long weekend at the lake.

I got to see my best friends from high school for a whole weekend.

I sent sister off to her junior year of high school. How the time flies.

Next part of life is coming soon....

Mambo Yote.

I am LOVING Camp T! The whole experience. Kids. Counselors. Colorado.

Here are some pictures of the last two weeks. I would love to write more, but it is late. I am tired. And I get to be a bridesmaid in a wedding tomorrow. Shut eye time.

On top of Twin Sisters.

Beautiful sunrise-Twin Sisters

Camp Timberline.

July 7th- August 17th...I will be a camp counselor and basketball coach to some pretty neat kids! So excited.

I will update my blog as much as possible, but if you are dying to contact me, send me some mail! I absolutely love mail.

Camp Timberline Summer Staff

Attention: Emily Pierce

1207 Longs Peak Rd.

Estes Park, CO 80517

Colorado, I have missed you so much.

The Thug Life.

Meet Janae. She is as cool as what she is wearing.

Janae and I first met freshman year while living on the same floor. Although we did not become friends at first, we can now say we are pretty darn good friends. It may have to do with the fact that we love the sport of basketball, love watching Friends over and over again, love to dance and sing, love to make fools of ourselves in the comfort of our own home, or the fact that we our pantry in the house contained the most food compared to the 6 others. Whatever it may have been, Nae has been not only a great friend to me, but an encourager, challenger, listener, and laugher (if that is even a word) to me.

Just this morning, I woke up to a text message saying, "Isaiah 40:31. Love you." She cares about me. I care a lot about her. She has taught me to be vulnerable with others. She has taught me what it means to study the bible and how to do it. I love, love this girl.

I do have to say I am quite proud of Miss Blea. Seeing her grow in so many ways these past four years has been incredible and I am proud of the many accomplishments she has made. I cannot wait to see her path in these next few years and am excited to see where the Lord takes her. Yes, I CANNOT WAIT.

Love you, Janae Blea and I am blessed to know you and be your friend.

Kiddos.

I really do love to take pictures of kids, especially ones that LOVE to be in front of the camera. What is funny about these pictures...I have no idea who these sweet kiddos are.

As I was enjoying my chai from Coffee Bean, these sweet girls began running around the fountain. I grabbed my camera and started taking pictures.....I am sure their mom's thought I was a little coo coo. As I continued shooting, the girl in the pink dress, came up to me and said, "Excuse me. You are in my way and I cannot run." Such sweet little girls.

Lauren.

So, I do know this little girl, but just a little. I babysat with my friend, Emily, and this is what I got to play with all night. 3 year old Lauren was "a show off" according to her mother, constantly laughing, smiling, and jumping all over the furniture. When bed time came around, Lauren did not want to comply. I quickly said, "Lauren, want to take some pictures?" I've never seen a little girl smile so fast and want to stay in front of a camera forever. The next morning, Lauren awoke, explaining she wanted to see "the Emilys".

Pop's Advice.

Graduation is quickly approaching and like any other college student, I have no idea what I am doing after I walk across the stage to get my diploma....although I do know what I am wearing on that day. Who knows where I will live, where I will work, my mode of transportation, and most importantly...if I will be able to keep my turtles.

You could say that I sort of had a minor break down about a week ago. Lots of thoughts were running through my mind as I tried to answer some of these questions. It is not good to think about this much heavy stuff in one setting, let alone as I lay in bed after waking up from a nap. To help answer some of these questions though...I called none other than my dad.

I have figured out who best to talk to in times of stress. Not my mom. She's great, but too much of a nurturer and always says, "ya, ya. I'm sorry." Not my sister. Because she's a bit young and doesn't understand most of the stuff I am going through. Ohh but she soon will. Not my brother. Because I have a hard time listening to him and taking his advice.

The best person to go to advice for is....my pop. He lays it out on the table. Always tells me to suck it up, life isn't fair and you will get through this tough time. He always says, "things will work out. Never does my dad feel sorry for me. He always tells me this is life and "if it were easy, everyone would do it." That is the honest truth. If this life were easy...attempting to be successful at your job and in relationships, maintaining a growing relationship with the Lord, etc...then everyone would really do it. But life is tremendously difficult and as you can probably see, not everyone does it. It takes perseverance, hard work, sweat and tears, but in the end, it is so incredibly rewarding.

When I called my dad last week, he never felt sorry for me, but told me one good thing that has stuck with me since then. "Emily, your life isn't that bad. Honestly, look at it. You are pretty lucky."

Once again, hearing that reminded me that I need to look at all the blessings I am given and quit looking at the ones I do not have. I am a pretty lucky girl. Amazing family. Wonderful friends who have challenged, encouraged, and uplifted me. A fabulous education. A house (I would put a nice adjective in front of it, but it would be a huge exaggeration) to live in. A car to drive. Food everyday....never on the table, but at least everyday. Clothes to wear..probably too many. A chance to be a teacher to some pretty cool students. The list could go on and on.

I am one pretty darn lucky girl who is blessed. God will put me where He wants me to go doing what He wants me to do. In time, He will do exactly that.

Melodies.

Francis Chan said that the music you listen to becomes the melody that plays inside your head over and over again.

These songs have become the melody of my heart...

If You Say Go by Vineyard Worship

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRQruZ_oX-8

Beauty of Your Peace by Tim Hughes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRJEBC-rCtc

I Will Lift My Eyes by Bebo Norman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtAjrNqEsoM

Let That be Enough by Switchfoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9fPJM1qdWo

Cielo by Phil Wickham

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfjZGoXhuzE

Let Him Go by M.O.G. This one just reminds me of dancing every single night in Africa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IvBH8fbarc&feature=related

I have no idea how you can click on the websites to listen to the songs, but bottom line, you should listen to them.

Sweet.

An e-mail I received from my African friends...

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy --"when I see my image in it."

happy easter.

I woke up with a stuffed bunny and a Starbucks gift card next to my pillow, and my mom whispering in my ear, "He has risen...He has risen indeed."

Thank you for Jesus and coffee.