Lately, God and I have become much closer, and I'm super excited about it. 2015 was a rough year, and Fall of 2015 was specifically tough. It drew a wedge between God and me because I knew He was there, but such darkness was around me that all I could do was cry out to Him and hope that He would respond and give me peace. Some days were better than others. But God has been teaching me a lot lately, specifically this past weekend. I'm going to try to tell you all I can, but it is hard to put most of it in words.
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You can also mix and match these as you please and as feelings come and go. Happy Valentine's Day to all of my viewers!
I know this day gives people many diverse feelings, so I want to talk about it! Valentine's Day is a wonderful day for those who are in love, in a relationship, married, happy, etc. It's a day that you can explicitly tell and show someone you love them (not that you need an excuse to do that only one day a year...). Some people have a valentine every year while others don't. It's also a day that some call "Single's Awareness Day." Which, is quite fitting simply because if you're not in a relationship where you show and tell someone how much you love them....then you're single and the day makes you quite aware of it. These people have different ways of approaching this day. 1- They can have a friend be a valentine and it be more like galentine's day (this is mostly for women) 2- Go do something you enjoy with a friend or by yourself and have a drink (or two) 3- Accept singleness and don't care, do homework and be on Facebook 4- For the Believers: know that Jesus is your Valentine (John 3:16), and He loves you You can also mix and match these as you please and as feelings come and go. Dear Fred,
Four years ago, I checked Facebook during Chemistry because I heard something had happened near the Tech School, and it was a slow day in class (as it always was). I saw his name and thought I recognized it. I texted Zo asking her. She didn't respond, and I started to slightly freak out because I didn't know what was going on but my gut told me something was very wrong. I didn't want to believe my gut. Four years ago, my Chemistry class let out, and I was walking down the hall with my good friend Nick. Zo texted me back and everything I knew in this world changed. I went into shock when I read the words, "My dad is dead." I didn't think I could face pre-calc and my teacher (not that I usually could, but specifically today was not the best day to try). Thankfully, Nick and I were right near the Guidance Counselors' offices, and he convinced me to go. I'm so thankful that he did. As I was sitting in the chair, waiting for my counselor, reality started to hit me. I hate reality. I've been trying to figure out what my next blog post would be and so many things were flying through my mind but things got in the way. (AKA class's started up again.)
I recently read an article on the Odyssey, that site that you either love of hate. It was about a sport you left behind to continue on in your life. I couldn't help thinking how accurate it was in my life. So, let's talk about it =] Many of us have played a sport in our lifetime at least once. Some of us have played more. And by this I mean like on a team you committee to for a season. Happy 2016! I'm sorry I've been MIA for a while. Life threw a lot at me not to mention I had finals and then worked long hours over break. Different blog posts have been mulling around in my head but I just haven't written anything down. But I figured it was about time so, at this time of year, people are making resolutions for the remaining of the year and saying, "new year, new me/you." But what does that even mean? And does it even happen?
Many years I only make one resolution and let be real - they usually deal with health in some way whether dieting, losing weight, or working out. I'd be lying if I didn't want that for this year also. This year, I decided to make a few resolutions & they are: Pray.
Freakin pray. Like your life depends on it. Because it does. And write. Because writing gives you a voice whether or not you believe anyone can hear you. And they can. And sing. At the top of your lungs. For all to hear. As if the world is deaf. Because it is, and they need you to be the aid. I'm sure many of you have heard the new R. City song featuring Adam Levine, "Locked Away." I heard the song a bit ago on the radio and really liked it and the message (I thought) it was portraying. (if you haven't heard it or don't know what I'm talking about, here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GUm5g8SG4o) I really liked the sense of loyalty it seemed to try to evoke. Like, no matter what happens to us, I'll be there for you and love you the same.
Sometimes we need that reminder. But this past week, this song totally changed for me. I found out someone close to me is in jail for something insanely dumb that he did. He is quite literally locked away and probably going to lose basically everything. You guys have probably been waiting for a report on how Revive went (that's what I'm telling myself anyways). I haven't blogged about it because I couldn't find the words to describe it. Honestly, I still can't.
It was an amazing night filled with hope and love; one of the greatest nights I have ever been a part of. The best part about it, I think, is that most of the impact and inspiration that came from it, as someone who helped put it together with a lot of behind the scenes work, I may never have the opportunity to see the impact the night had. Maybe I will be able to in Heaven, but even then, maybe not. A local up and coming artist and a friend of Renown, Jeffrey Cameron, started off with a pre-show. Then Adam Sams, an artist who has toured with Switchfoot before and is from Jacksonville, opened the night. We had a few different speakers but the main one was Jamie Tworkowski, the founder of To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA). He introduced his best friend, Jon Foreman. If you told me when I was little that I was going to be helping put on events that impact people, I might have believed you because I knew my heart even then. But if you told me that I was going to be putting on big events with big name people, I would have thought you were crazy because who am I that some "celebrity" would want to come to my town? But if I've learned anything about putting on events, it's that it's not because of or for me by any means. I'm just the vessel being used. In high school, I was a leader for the FCA there (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and we put on annual volleyball tournaments. One year, we brought in Steve Cunningham, a professional boxer and steadfast believer, and my peers couldn't get enough of him. When I got in college, I had no idea that I would be doing what I did in high school but on a larger scale. I became a leader of a Christian (I use that word loosely because I'd rather say Believers or Followers of Christ but I just generalize it because that's what we are on campus) organization - actually, the position just fell into my lap, and I took it. But last year, we decided to start holding a few larger scale events. Like bringing in bands and speakers etc. Because . . . why not? Thus Revive and the G1 Conference were born. Revive is a concert event put on in the Fall. Last year, the hometown band that is just recently making it big, All Things New came and shook the floor. Quite literally. We thought that the floor was going to break open from all the jumping-ness and Jesus juice flowing in that place. Also a local band opened up for them. It was a night I hope I never forget. It was beyond amazing. G1 Conference is our God First conference geared towards young adults. We had pastors and speakers come from all over Florida. It was a two day event, Friday night and all day Saturday. And we had the bands SEU Worship, Bellarive, and the local band that opened up for ATN at Revive, as well as a special guest performance from Deraj. Needless to say, events like these have caused me to go even more insane than I already am, because I become like a control freak on the day of events because my mind knows what needs to get done and wants to do it all at the same time. At least I know that, right? But Revive 2015 is tonight. T O N I G H T. And guess who's coming? Jon Foreman and TWLOHA. Yes, the lead singer of Switchfoot and an amazing organization that is geared solely towards helping people. Because people need people. We're going to have a bunch of different people and organizations speaking because tonight is geared towards bringing hope to a community. I attend school in DeLand, Florida. We are located in Volusia County and are one of if not the leading county in the United States for deaths by suicide. Our county needs hope. Last October, I was helping a church out with their event called Fearaphobic. Basically, its a haunted house twisted with Christian themes and people talk to the people who go through afterwards, calming them down, giving them hope, etc. I got to be one of the talkers. That night, we heard sirens, which isn't uncommon because for a small town, we hear multiple sirens every day. But one of the pastor's wives that I was with wanted to pray. I'm glad she did. That siren was for someone who tried to commit suicide. That night. While we were putting on an event that gave hope. Why hadn't they come? Why didn't they see an out? Why didn't they have hope? Volusia needs hope. So we're going to try to give some back to them. And tonight? Tonight there is hope. There is hope coming back to Stetson University. There is hope coming back to Volusia County. There is hope. So don't be afraid to dream impossibly. It is impossible for Jon Foreman to know of a little town called DeLand. It is impossible for Jamie Tworkowski, founder of TWLOHA, to call us up and say that because his best friend Jon Foreman is going to be there, he'll be there. With a team of his own. It is impossible for Stetson University, a school that does not stand on its beliefs it was founded upon anymore, to fund a large portion of such a large event that brings in people who give the hope. And hope of Jesus Christ. All of this is impossible. But it's happening. For This Time, Cambria The other day I was talking with one of my best friends, and, although we're like a thousand miles apart, we struggle with similar things. I know being in a relationship takes effort, but so does being single - truly single that is. And being content with being single? Now that's hard to come by and even harder to make peace with within yourself. Some say that singleness is chosen. I wouldn't go that far. Yes, we decide if we want to enter into a relationship or not, but in all honesty, there has to be someone worth giving our time to, because who wants to waste their days with someone who isn't worth their time? I know I don't. It's also a subject that usually comes with negativity. Which shouldn't be. I thoroughly enjoy going on Pinterest and most of the time I spend on it is compiling quotes. I found these quotes and sent them to my best friend the other day. I hope they help change your perspective even the slightest bit. Herein lies a Pinterest 12 point philosophy about singleness (and I agree with): 1. It's not easy to hear, but we all know it's true. We can't force it. 2. You might be such an amazing woman (or at least that's what you hear from your mom...), but you need to remember that your future relationship is a two way street. Even if you think you're ready, maybe he's not at that point yet. 3. If a man really, truly wants to be with you for who you are and not your body, he will do everything in his power to not only let you know but won't be afraid to let others know as well. Look for signs. If they're not there, don't waste your time. 4. He might be praying for you right now. You could do the same. Just because you're not together or may not have met yet doesn't mean that you cannot pray for or about them. Might as well start your relationship off right =] 5. As a follower of God, it's already tough. But to find a man who shares similar views, beliefs, and morals as you, you almost want to forget about it. But don't! He's out there, I promise! Don't lose hope and remember these 10 things when you feel lonely: 6. Singleness can produce a lot of good stuff! For example, you are able to get to know who you really, truly are. Get to know yourself! You may change as you go through different phases of life, but find out who you are right now. And when the time comes for an opportunity for a relationship, you can make sure that you choose to be with that person, not the loneliness inside of you. 7. Having standards is a beautiful and wonderful thing. Don't be afraid to have high standards. Yes, that may eliminate some men who come along who wish to take you out or whatever they do these days, but it will help you find a man who is quality and totally worth your time. 8. No one else should have the jurisdiction to tell you how to feel. 9. Putting yourself first may be one of the hardest things some of us learn how to do in life. But, it's worth it. Do things for you that don't require anyone else's opinion or presence. Do you bro. 10. We all know men are REALLY bad at asking for directions, so just remember... 11. Don't be afraid of leaving. It all boils down to needing to do what is best for you, no matter what circumstance or situation you may be in, single or not. 12. Last but not least, I think my good friend Will said it best... For This Time, Cambria |
AuthorI'm a die-hard Sixers and Eagles phan, a writer, a teacher, and a dreamer. Archives
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