*ecclesiastes 4:9-10*

Friday and Saturday of this past week were A+ days!  Friday, I had the unique opportunity to visit a public middle school in our area and share with over 100 students about my job as a missionary, and how they too can use the talents God has given them and be a missionary too.  That's the short version - but no exaggeration -  I would put that on the top 5 list of best things I've ever done.  :)  

Saturday started out early but with great reason.  I joined a group of about 12 to 15 other women to start a short four week study on Naomi in the book of Ruth.  So much lately I've really been craving to be taught and fed from the Word, especially by older, wiser believers, and God has totally been providing that.  It was such a cool time being lead through just the first chapter of the book along with all the history that goes with it.  I love knowing the context and background that goes along with what I'm reading in the Word, but I'm not always great at pulling that out.  So thankful for those God has put in my life to help grow me and push me forward!  And, not only did my day begin by digging in to the Bible, it also ended that same way with the beautiful group of godly women pictured above!  I'd say its hard to beat a Saturday where I start and end seeking what Jesus wants to teach me with a handful of other women desiring to run towards Christ as well.  

l.o.v.e.

I love Valentine's Day!  I honestly get giddy and excited when, after Christmas, I walk into the stores and they're full of red chocolate hearts and pink balloons and all things lovey-dovey.  Weird, I know - maybe I'm broken - but there is not much about Valentine's Day that doesn't bring a smile to my face! :)  So in honor of cheesy, mushy-gushy things, my middle school persona looked up some of my fav things from the past and posted the links below... Enjoy! 

*Magic 8 Ball*
<3 Love Calculator <3
*M.A.S.H.*
<3 Paper Fortune Teller <3

This weekend, we got to spend some time with my Aunt Rachel and Aunt Shirley, two of my grandma's seven sisters.  Ali and I grew up going to their house.  In fact, when we were born, Ali had to stay in the hospital a few days longer than I did, so I spent my first few days at their house while my mom stayed with Ali.  When we were little, we would have sleepovers, make caramel popcorn and watch movies together.  Or we would take trips to the mountains and the beach, some before we were even old enough to remember.  They are even responsible for one of only two truly successful April Fool's pranks I've ever been a part of  in life! :P These two never married and have lived together for as long as I can remember.  And while to some, even me at certain times, it seems like that could've been such a sad life of singleness, theirs has honestly been anything but.  First, and foremost, both of them love and serve Jesus with their lives and know that  He alone is all that will ever really satisfy.  But, in addition to that, it seems they have truly embraced the gift of singleness and have lived their lives to the fullest, in spite of their single state.  And because of that, their lives have been so full of adventure, friends, family, love and an obvious joy that could only come from truly walking with Jesus.  I hope that I can follow along in their example of seeking Jesus first and then choosing to enjoy whatever stage of life He has me in and all that it has to offer!

*i want more*

"the heavens proclaim the glory of God, the skies display his craftmanship...they speak without a sound or word...yet their message has gone throughout the earth and their words to all the world....the instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.  the decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  the commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.  the commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living"
-psalm 19: 1-4; 7-8 

I know I'm a month behind but it is still the beginning of a new year and what better time is there than a new year to make some resolutions right?  So, here goes:


1) To blog more.  Maybe even once a week.  Plenty of my blogs are worthless mumbling, but some are also serious and heartfelt.  And I think sometimes they just really help me process things I'm learning or thinking.  I figure that's as good a motivator as any to keep it up.
2) Take more pictures.  I used to take soooo many pictures and now I feel like I never do.  Not sure what happened, but I want to make more of an effort.  Starting with maybe a picture per week, with my blog.  (I'm thinking optimistically here, people!)
3) Read more.  Last year I had a resolution to read a book a month and I almost made it.  This year, I want to read AT LEAST a book a month.  And, the picture above is not only my first weekly picture, but also the start of my reading list.  Most of these books were recommended and I'm pretty excited to dig in!
4) Volunteer more.  I want to get out of my comfort zone and serve others more.  I don't think this one needs more explanation.
5) Be more unplugged.  I want to spend less time attached to my phone, my email, or social networking and more time actually face to face with people.
6) Get back up more.  I'm a sinner and I mess up daily.  And I wish that wasn't the case but it is.  But I don't want to let those things keep me down.  The funny thing about new years resolutions is its like an excuse when you fail to wait until this "reset" point to start over.  But I don't want to do that - I want to get back up and try again each time.

"If you have made mistakes, even serious mistakes, there is always another chance for you.  And supposing you have tried and failed again and again, you may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down."

       -Mary Pickford

7) Love Jesus more.   Obviously this one is the most important.  I want to spend more time seeking to know Him, not just what I can gain from a relationship with Him.  And as He changes me from the inside out, I want it to be obvious to all who is first in my life.

"And let us say when we're finished that we thought we loved you when we came"

-Beth Moore

This past week I came across Psalm 19 in my reading time and was really challenged by the verses above.  Most specifically verses 1-4.  The heavens and the skies, sun and stars and moon are all part of God's creation.  And how cool is it to think that they don't have the option for actually using words to speak of who God is, yet these verses pretty much say they are screaming out his glory?  I was convicted thinking about how I, too, am one of God's creations, and how much more my life should be pointing others to Him, whether it's with words or not.  Even if I'm silent, the rocks will cry out.  But I want to join in with them and all creation, and I want my life, in word and actions, to scream out to all those around me about how great my God is.

Random: How fitting that my first post in the new year is also my 100th post? :)