Truly Thankful

It has been a decade since I have blogged, but what better way to welcome myself back to the blogging world than with a blog of all of the people in my life I am thankful for. (This is long so beware and read at your own risk....you will be glad you did though.)

I am thankful for Jesus Christ.
How lucky are we?! I mean, God sent his son down here to this horrible world to live a perfect life, die, and rise again...all just for us!! It's simply indescribable! I am so thankful that I have chosen to live a life for Christ and that He loves me so much, even when I make stupid mistakes.  His power of forgiveness is one that I strive to have myself and I love Him more than all the love in my entire heart.  God has blessed me with each and every person I am about to list and without them or Him, I would not be the person I am today.  So without further ado...

I am thankful for my parents.
I kid you not, I have the BEST parents in the world...and I'm not just saying that.  They support me in all that I have ever done, not to mention shelled out the money when I've needed it, which is probably more often than they'd like.  Dad, you have the kindest heart of any man I have ever met. You have so much love to give and you are always so patient with us three girls! You are the best elementary principal I have ever met because you are so selfless and want what is best for everyone.  Without you, that place wouldn't even be standing...and I seriously mean that.  Thank you for all you do for everyone else and being a Godly, loving, and the best model of the type of man that I hope to marry someday.  Mom, you have the biggest heart of anyone I know.  You spread yourself so thin, but you give your all in everything you do. You think about the little people and try to make everyone feel welcome and loved.  That is a great trait to have and I hope I can possess that one of these days.  Thanks for always being there for me and listening to me rant even when I know you'd rather not.  I know that times get tough sometimes but your faith in God is one that is hard to copy so I know that when things are not the best, you are going to be just fine.  I pray for both of you every night and miss you when I am at college. Thanks for being there for me and taking time to let me know you still care about me and love me each and every day. Much love!

I am thankful for the power of forgiveness.
Without this, I would be such a hateful person.  We all would really.  There are so many people and things that have hurt me in this world that without this power, I probably wouldn't be a very happy person.  I know that God forgives all of us ALL the time, so why is it so hard for us to forgive people?  Forgiving people is something I am so passionate about and try to do everyday.  I think we could all be better people if we strove to do that too....wanna give it a try with me?! I'm always needing accountability! ;)

I am thankful for my seestah.
I'm not going to be all mushy about her because she wouldn't want me to. Yeah she is probably gagging as we speak.  But I'm thankful for you Payton because without you, my entire life would have been so boring.  I'm really glad that mom and dad decided to have you because on that day, God gave me a permanent best friend.  We may not get along all the time, but there is no one I'd rather have as a sister.  Even though we don't talk as much now with me away, I hope you know that I love you very much and think and pray for you each day. Thanks for giving me laughs, making me cry, and letting me be your sister. Love ya!

I am thankful for my grandparents.
Okay, now seriously people, do you know better grandparents than Bob and Ilene?! Nope, didn't think so.  They are the epitome of grandparents.  I miss them so much it's crazy.  I mean, how could I not miss my grandma's amazing cooking, her loving heart, and encouraging words and hugs...or my grandpa's stories and great big bear hugs?? They have always been there for me whether it be a sheep show, basketball or softball game, or an FFA activity.  In college, they have supported me in more ways than one, send me encouraging letters, pray for me, and of course, loved me more than ever. I am so thankful God gave me them and that He has allowed them to be such a big part of my life.

I am thankful for cru.
Even though  I wasn't too fond of cru last year, this year I am beyond thankful for it.  I look forward to it each and every Thursday.  It has given me some of the best friends I could ask for, it is helping me grow closer to God, and it is showing me some great examples of Christians I need to strive to be like. God is so good and I am so thankful He made me stay plugged in to this great organization because without it, I wouldn't enjoy college, nor my walk with the Lord near as much!

I am thankful for Jeania and Rick.
You two are such a great aunt and uncle.  There aren't two other people made better for each other than you two. You balance out each other so well, not to mention raised some of the best kids you could ask for. I am so thankful for your family and what they mean to me.  Your kids show me so much love and I know they learned that from you.  You both have such big hearts for others and are great people all around. Even though you moved even farther away from me, I still love you and can't wait to see you soon...not to mention I may be coming to live with you in the next couple of years. That in itself is something I am so thankful I have as an option. You all are the greatest and  I love you with all that I have!

I am thankful for education.
Growing up in a family of educators, I know how important education is.  I was privileged to go to the best school system in the state and now I'm getting to go to the best college in the state. Without education, our world wouldn't be near as advanced as it is now and we wouldn't have near the gadgets and gizmos we base our lives around. So yep, I'm thankful for education and the people that have devoted their lives to it!

I am thankful for Adam and Crystal.
I am very fortunate to be so close to my youth pastor and his wife.  Not many students get the opportunity like I received to build such a strong relationship with these two people.  There isn't enough space in the blog to write how much I love these two people.  They have done so much for me that I probably did not even deserve.  The friendship I have developed over the past few years is one that many people don't understand, and you know what? I could care less. Without you guys, I know I wouldn't still be in college up here at OSU, I wouldn't know my loving Savior, and I wouldn't have been through some of the best and maybe some of the worst experiences of my life. Thanks for always believing in me and continuing to be my best friends. You guys mean the world to me! I'm throwing this person in here to. Daylon- You are in there with these two as well. Whenever they are there for me, whether you want to be or not, you usually are too. We have gotten to be pretty good friends and I am thankful for our friendship. You and your brothers mean a lot to me and I'm very lucky to know you all!

I am thankful for a house.
There are so many people in this world who are living in poverty and have little to nothing.  I have a house, a bed, food, water, etc. Those right there are things that I should be beyond thankful for.  I am so blessed to be able to have the things I have and I hope that I share my blessings with the people around me in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.  Having all of these things are defnitely something I am very, very thankful for!!

I am thankful for my entire family.
All of my family means so much to me and I love each one of them equally.  This year we have been blessed with three new additions to the family..Aubrey, Landri, and Heidi.  They are the three most precious girls ever and I love them so much.  God has blessed our family so much and I am thankful that we are all healthy and able to spend time with one another.  I love all of you very much and thank God everyday you all are in my life.

I am thankful for SPURS.
SPURS is an organization I'm involved in where we cheer for the basketball boys, make them posters, sell programs, work with Coaches vs. Cancer, and represent OSU athletics.  I have made some awesome friends from being involved in this and it has helped me to get more plugged in on campus.  I love it and am very thankful I've been given the opportunity to be in the organization.

I am thankful for each and every one of my friends.
Stephanie- you are such a good friends and it is such a God thing that God put us in each other's lives. I wouldn't be able to function without you at times. Deavon and Ashlyn- you know what you mean to me and I love you both with all of my heart. You always have been and continue to be two of my best friends. You are always there for me and I appreciate that a lot. Madison- I am so thankful God gave me you in the 1st grade. We have been through the most together and you will always, always be my very best friend. I love you til the end and back. Christen- Somehow God put you in my life too and I don't know why he did, but boy am I thankful for you. You are the best roommate I could ask for, not to mention friend. I'm so excited for you and your new adventures in life. I can't wait to be standing next to you in May when you marry your best friend. Carmena and Chelsea- Even though we have only been friends a short time, I am beyond thankful for you all. Whenever Reeves told me I needed to get to know you both, I was a little hesitant, but I'm so thankful I did. You are two of the funniest, nicest girls I know and I am grateful for you. Things happen for a reason and I believe you are in my life because of that! There are so many more of you that I could name but this blog would be a novel and no one would read it so....just know that if you are reading this or if I have talked to you within the last year, you mean a lot to me and I consider you a friend. I'm so thankful for each and every one of you....new and old!

I am thankful for life.
I am so thankful that I can type on this computer, run and play basketball, hang out with friends, watch tv, buy things, make people's day, mentor Misty, help people in need, read, write, listen to music, go to church without being convicted, eat out, induldge in sweets I shouldn't, take pictures, joke around, travel, go to sporting events, be myself, encourage others, blog, hold babies, paint, and everything else in my life I have forgotten to mention.

Everything in this life...I am thankful to God in heaven for. All of the experiences and situations He has put me through have made me that much stronger.  I am thankful for the person I have become and I continue to become. Thanks be to God always.


Over and out...(most of you probably didn't make it all the way down here to the end, but if you did, thanks for reading....and guess what?! I'm thankful for you!!)

Fighting to Create a World with More Birthdays.

Before you read my blog, I want you to do something for me. Actually, it isn't for me at all, it's solely for you.  If you follow the link below it'll take you to a very moving video. It's only 3.5 minutes long so it won't take too much of your time. Please just watch it...it'll touch your heart in more ways than you can imagine. You may shed a few tears, take a moment to say a prayer, or just sit in silence when it's over, but I urge you to come back and read my blog. I think you'll enjoy what I have to say.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH3MIKsqaeY&feature=related

Did you enjoy it? Did it touch your heart? Did it make you reevaluate certain things you do in life? Did it make you happy to be alive? Are you ready to start making a difference? If the video didn't make you rethink the way you live your everyday life, you may want to get a reality check...and do it quick.  There isn't one thing in this life that I dislike more than the word cancer.  It's everywhere and no one likes to hear it.  It's a terrible disease that affects the lives of so many innocent, beautiful, loving people in this world.  It saddens my heart to know that no matter how hard people work to find a cure, it's a slow process that potentially could never work. But it's a chance I'm willing to take. I hope and pray everyday that the money and time I give will aide in helping cure this sickening disease.

There are so many ways that the average joe could help those who have come in contact with this disease.  After watching the video, you can see that we spend money on stupid, pointless things.  We do this in order to either feel better about ourselves, please our taste buds, or give us a nicotine fix. Selfish much?! No one needs to supersize their meal at McDonalds... No one needs to buy packs and packs of cigerettes (which I must say can cause cancer and kill you. Don't get me started.)... No one needs a mocha everyday after work... No one needs any of these things to keep them happy, definitely not healthy, or any more popular or better than the next person. So why do we give in?!!

Ever since I was in middle school. I have had a soft spot in my heart for people who have been diagnosed or affected with cancer.  I wasn't very close to anyone that had it or anything, but it was something that was near and dear to me.  I decided to start getting involved with Relay for Life in our community.  Being a part of such a great organization was one of the best things I could have ever done in my entire 20 years of living.  Though I usually was the only one on my team that really cared about Relay and why we were doing it at that age, I still strove to do my part and make a difference in people's lives through my involvement.  Now as I've grown up a little, I've seen more and more people become a victim to cancer.  Here recently a beautiful, strong, unbelievably talented, down right inspirational friend crossed over into a new life because of that nasty word.  Though I know she's as happy as a lark, carefree, and dancing with Jesus without a pain near her, it still hurts to see her go.  I know that what I'm doing through the Relay for Life is giving others the chance to have more birthdays, more time with family, less tears, and another day at living.

Tonight is the Major County Relay for Life at the Fairview Football Field.  It's at 7:00 pm and lasts all evening.  I urge you to go out and see what it is all about.  Not only will there be countless survivors present, but there will also be a huge number of people just like you and me out there for support.  Cancer is all around us and it is up to us to figure out how to fight it.  Even though I am not on a team this year or on the committee, you can guarantee I will be making an appearanc to let those survivors and the ones fighting this disease know that I'm there for them. I'm praying for them and cheering them on in their battle, which they will win.  So how about you? Will you make a difference and give up a little to give a lot? Or will you just sit back and watch others take action?

I challenge each and every one of you to either make a team, join a team, donate some money, or just go to a relay and see what it’s like…I promise you, it’ll change your life forever.

“If not us, then who?  If not now, then when?"                   

-John Lewis

Altared From the Inside Out.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- that is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

This past week God gave me an opportunity of a lifetime.  He blessed me with chance to change myself, as well as enabled me to assist many junior high students in changing theirs. Being down in a canyon with 200 people on fire for God, no cell phone reception, no distractions, and the presence of God is something you really can't describe in words. In fact, it's nearly impossible.  I did find out through the journey though that one week is all it took for my life to be changed from the inside out.

Before I left for camp... I was a little nervous because this year, I was attending camp as a leader instead of a camper. Not only was I nervous because I didn't know what to expect, but I was also a little hesitant about leading a bunch of 7th graders through the curriculum.  I had decided before I left that I was going to make the best out of any situation and try my best to not hold back.  I knew I'd regret it later if I didn't listen to God's will and try to lead students on the right, spiritual path.

The beginning of the week started off a little like I had worried about.  I was nervous, the kids were quiet, and I wasn't too sure I knew what I was doing.  Monday night, I prayed long and hard for God to give me the confidence and courage to start over on Tuesday.  The next day, my whole experience turned around. Now, it could have been the fact that it was Tie-Tye dye-Tutu-Tuesday, but I'm pretty sure it was the power of God working through me.  My small group started to warm up to each other, my partner, and to me by the end of the day, which made the experience that much better.

There were so many great things about last week that I'd love to share, but I'd be writing a novel.  Between the non-stop laughing in my small group, to watching the kids battle it out in volleyball, to them trying to figure out how to get from one plank to another on the low ropes, to watching the Spirit work through them in worship... it was an awesome week. All of these things were just a few of the things that showed me why God had called me there.  Not only were the kids amazing, but so were the staff. We all got along so great and brought out the best in one another. It was so great to know we were all there for a reason and understood that God was working through us.

Needless to say, I learned a lot about myself, but I learned more about what junior high students face in today's day and age. I received the chance to relate to many of the students and be an ear for them to talk to.  It was by far one of the most rewarding things I've ever done and taught me what is truly important in this life.  I met so many amazing kids that have so much going for them if they keep their eyes on the real prize and be blessings to others just as they were to me.

I was truly changed last week from the inside out. I know that kife is truly slipping by one day at a time and it's up to us to be the real change we wish to see in the world. Our children are the next generation and if they aren't well equipped for what they'll face, how will they cope? How will they know there is a God that loves them and there is more to the materialistic things the world shows them?  I believe that it is becoming harder and harder for students to live a life for Christ. By taking a week out of my somewhat busy schedule to be an example and leader for them, I'm making a positive difference in their lives, as well as my own.

My God is Greater. My God is Stronger. My God is a God Who Saves. <3

In the Blink of an Eye.

So, four more days of class and four tests and I'll be done with my first year in college.  Is that not crazy?! I'll answer that question...it is beyond crazy!  Last year at this time, I was worrying about my Senior Prom, sending out graduation announcements, and anticipating the big night. I was so wrapped up in everything and so excited about gaining a new sense of freedom that I wasn't even thinking of all the changes that would enter my life. Needless to say, the night of graduation, it hit me: I'm growing up and NOTHING is going to be the same after this moment.

And I was right... nothing has been the same.  There was a part of me way back in August that didn't even want to go to college. All I wanted was to stay where I knew what to expect and somewhere I was safe.  When I got to college, my view on the whole situation still hadn't changed.  I was excited for something new but I knew absolutely nothing, I was on my own, and I didn't know what to expect.  It was a rough couple of months.  My car (which I got for graduation and loved dearly) got hit and crushed forever, I had a four wheeler wreck with my dad, and my classes weren't the easiest.  I cried often (okay, maybe a lot) and I questioned myself on what I really wanted out of my college experience.

I would love to say that it was just a phase and I got over it in no time, but it really did take awhile to adjust.  By Christmas time, I still wasn't 100% I wanted to go back, but I did.  I knew that I needed to make the best of my year.  I became very passionate about children with disabilities and decided to declare my major.  I also became more involved with the Christian organization I was in last semester, but I started to put myself out there and participate in more activities.  I also found a much needed friend who just so happens to be my roommate next year in our new HOUSE! Not to mention, I was chosen to be a SPUR for next year's OSU basketball season.  It's all quite exciting and happened so quick.  Never in a million years would I have thought all of that could happen in a few months time. 

I have changed a lot since the beginning of the year.  Not that I've changed who I am, I've just rediscovered what is important to me and I'm very happy with what I found.  Even though this year is ending, I know that the summer will present me with even more challenges that will shape me into the woman God wants me to be. I'm even sort of sad to be leaving this tiny, undecorated, kind of smelly, almost unbearable, dorm life with my roomies.

God has done amazing things with me this year and I am truly blessed beyond belief.  He has placed people in it that I don't deserve and given me too many opportunities to turn my year around.  I'm happy to be done with school soon and for summer to start.  It'll be nice to get away and do my own thing without assignments and tests being shoved down my throat. 

I'll continue to blog during the summer, though I highly doubt I'll have as much to say.  Hopefully, my blogs are an inspiration to someone and they bring smiles to faces... I know they do to me.  For now, it's off to practice my speech for my presentation tomorrow (if you're reading this, say a little prayer please).

<3

Believing in Something Bigger..

To my girls who have been reaching their goals and making great things happen, this blog is for you...

You all sure have been making a run for it.  Not only have you made it farther than anyone expected you to, but you've made it to the big enchilada... the STATE TOURNAMENT.  I'm happy for you all because last year we made it so close but fell short. I knew that it would be hard to watch you all play for something we all wanted so bad last year, but now it is your chance to shine bright. This means so much to me because I wanted it so bad last year for us, but now I want nothing more for you all to get it this year.  I know that you girls can do it if you just believe in yourselves and play harder than you ever have before.  Playing in the Big House is something so special and it is every Oklahoma high school basketball player's dream. This has been your goal from the moment you started practicing, so go get it. There is no one team that can stop you if you play your game.  Anyone can be beat on any given night, in any given gym (cough Pawnee at SNU cough)  I wish only the best for you girls and can't wait until Thursday to watch you beat some Pawnee butt.  Believe in yourselves, trust in each other, and just go have fun.  Don't forget to enjoy it while it lasts and prove all those people who think you can't do it wrong! If you want to hear..."It's Championship Saturday and you've made it to the Big House," bad enough, you'll go do whatever it takes to win that beautiful Gold Ball!! Do it to it ladies!! :)

Make Grandma Paige proud and go win it all. Not only am I writing you all your own personal blog, but I'll be supplying you with my game day text on Thursday so no worries there! ;) I'm your biggest fan and don't doubt for a second I won't be yelling at you from the stands. I love you all so much and wish you the best of luck on your quest for that Gold Ball.

LJKA! :)

Family is Forever

As I was driving home, as in Fairview home, it slightly dawned on me that my days with my family are limited. Now, I don't mean to say limited as in I'm going to die soon (Well, I hope not at least) but limited in the fact that the things in and around my family aren't going to be the same today as they were yesterday.  I have realized since I went to college that even though I'm an hour and a half away, life still goes on here at the homestead.  Nevertheless, I guess I am going on and doing things on my own as well, it's just weird that I'm not as connected as I used to be.

Last semester, I really liked being able to come home. I counted down the days until I could get the heck out of Stilly and I always dreaded leaving to go back on Sundays. I had a lot of my friends, in high school and in college, that didn't really agree with me visiting home so often.  They would tell me I needed to branch out, break away, only visit two or three times a semester, or not go home at all.  At times, they really got to me.  I was so afraid that people would view me as "stuck in high school", a "homebody", or "unable to let go of the past".  I cared so much what people thought about me that it tore me down.  I would feel ashamed for wanting to go home and seeing the people I loved and missed the most.

It wasn't until the end of the semester that it really hit me:  It's my life, why am I letting others define it?  I decided to let go of what others were saying about me and live my life the way God intended me to live it.  I prayed about it so much that I think God was saying, "Paige, I've already figured this out...why can't you see it too?"  I did see it though, it just took me a little longer than I would have liked it to.  I decided that I wasn't going to let what others had to say get to me.  I was coming home and seeing my friends and family becauseit was what I wanted to do.  How could I not miss people who were such a big part of my life?  Picking up all of my belongings, relationships, and living in a whole new world and lifestyle was extremely hard for me.

So yes, I am home this weekend. For all of you people out there that think that's ridiculous, how about you quit worrying about others and worry about yourself.  Everyone grows and develops differently. Some students don't come home because they don't have a strong relationship with their families, don't want to deal with what comes along with the visit, or because they have decided to leave their families out of their "new" life.  For me, family is everything. Since I have a sister still in high school, parents who are very involved in the community, as well as my grandparents living in the same town, it's important for me to visit and stay in touch with them.  By saying that, I hope to get across that everyone deals with situations differently and it's not right of someone to judge another.

I'm excited about my life and where God is going to put me.  I do know though that my family will play a huge part in my life.  No matter how busy I become or what comes up in my life, I will never forget my family.  As I've learned through life, friends and boys come and go, but family is always forever.  Whatever the circumstance, my family will stick by me through thick and thin.  I am so thankful for them and I try to tell them often I love them.  I'm fine with coming home and visiting because it's something important to my future success.  So I'm simply living my life the way God and I have intended it and am not letting others get to me, no matter how hard they try.

This is What Dreams Are Made of...

"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, and determination.  Remember all things are possible for those who believe."

If you read that quote closely, you'll see how much truth that it holds.  Keeping your dreams alive and important is so critical if you hope to achieve them.  Sometimes it's hard to have goals or dreams and stick to them because it's easy to get lost along the journey and see those dreams die out.

No one ever wants to see a person's dream fade away, but unfortunately, it happens each and everyday to someone around the world.  They lose hope in something they had their heart set on and give up.  With all the dreams and goals I have set for myself, it's hard to imagine not achieving some of them.  I know as well though that at any given moment, anything can happen and my plans could get pulled out from under me.  I think the best way to ensure that your dreams and goals are achieved are exactly as the quote said, by believing in yourself, working extremely hard, and having a deep determination to accomplishing what you truly want.

I know that when I played basketball in high school, we always made goals for ourselves as a team.  We would write down what we wanted to accomplish or win and keep those goals posted so that we were reminded of them every day.  Sometimes, things didn't go as we had planned and hoped, but we pushed forward and did our very best.  My senior year was a rough year because we had a player down and we were extremely close to going to the place every basketball player dreams of:  The Big House.  Losing my last game was one of the hardest things I've come to face, but even though I failed to reach one of my goals, it wasn't going to stop me from dreaming up even more goals I could try to accomplish.

My sister is now a sophomore and she is on the same team as I played on last year. At the beginning of the season, everyone knew that they were going to make it to the Big House and have a high possibility of winning the gold ball. Unfortunately, they have also encountered some serious hardships this season as well, but it's nothing that they can't overcome.  They all have a dream to go to the Big House and win that gold ball, but because they have had some bad luck, doesn't mean their dream is impossible.  I know that they want this bad enough that they won't give up.  Not only are they playing to win for themselves, but they are playing for their teammate who wishes more than anything, she was out there too.  I believe in my Lady Jackets with all my heart.  If they believe in themselves, in their dreams, and work hard everyday, they are going to get to that Big House and I'll be sitting in the stands when that announcer announces, "It's championship Saturday and you have made it to the Big House."

I know a lot of people that are dreaming big and hoping to achieve their goals.  Some have smaller dreams, such as receiving straight A's, graduating school, or getting over a fear, but some are dreaming bigger by wanting to explore the world, win a gold ball, or even make it on a hit TV show.  No matter how big, how small, how difficult, or how impossible a dream might seem, anything can happen and be accomplished by believing in the dream as well as yourself.  Nothing is impossible if you just believe.

So to my Lady J's as playoffs start soon (LJKA) and to my favorite group of boys that have a huge dream, good luck these upcoming weeks.  I believe in you and I know that you all can do it! I'll definitely be praying for you. :)

One of These Days..

Life is full of surprises. Some that are good and others you'd wish you could forget.  God has granted me a ton of blessings so far in this life. He's given me friends and family who love me, given me the privilege of going to college, and has placed a roof over my head so that I have a nice, warm place to live.  So why at times do I complain that I don't have everything I need? Isn't He enough?

A lot of times in life I find myself wanting more, whether it be more clothes, more money, more friends, or even on a more personal level, a man by my side.  Are those too much to ask for?  Well at times, I don't think they are, but in all actuality, they really don't matter at all. All we truly need in life is to accept Jesus as our Lord and make disciples.  We don't need all these material things such as clothes, money, or the nicest house or car. Those things aren't going to matter on the day we leave this earth and meet our Father in heaven.  All of those things will simply sit where we left them and rot away, get old, and become worthless.

I am definitely one of those people that like to have nice things and spend a lot of money on material things. But I also understand that in the long run, those things don't define who I am or what I'm going to do with my life. One thing I can't buy or control though, is the person that I fall in love with.  Now, I'm not one of those girls who thinks that having a man in my life will complete me, but I do get lonely at times. It's hard to understand that God has a plan for me and even though I have no clue who Mr. Right is for me, He does, and is going to make it happen.

Sometimes though, I'm worried that I am going to be alone for the rest of my life. I have seen and met so many beautiful women who are in their mid 20's and even late 30's who aren't in love and haven't been given the chance to start a family.  Even though they struggle with the fact that they have never been married or found a man to love them, they still have a positive outlook on their lives and know that God still has a plan for them, it's just taking their plan a little longer to get started.  After hearing their stories, I'm not so scared about someone never falling in love with me or never getting to start a family, it's God's plan, not mine.

One day though, I hope that God has a man planned out for me who will love me for me, who can be my best friend, and who will want to give me little children to call our own.  Being in college and seeing so many of my friends happy and many of them getting married, it's hard not to want the same thing.  I'm being a patient person and trying to follow my heart.  One day, I'll be blessed with a man that I can call my own and when that day comes, it won't be about me anymore, it'll be about us. Material things won't matter and owning the best of everything will be history.

I can't wait for the surprises that God has in my near future, but for now, He is enough for me. I'm trying to stay positive and live life to the fullest, because you never know what tomorrow will bring. Tell people you love them, give your family hugs, and say the things you need to say, because tomorrow might just be too late.

Snow, Snow, Snow...

Oh, what a beautiful day it is here in Stillwater, Oklahoma...well, sort of.  It's been snowing for well over 12 hours now.  Usually snow is beautiful, but today, it isn't what I'd call an idealistic snowfall. 

Since school was cancelled today, some girls came over last night and we had quite the sleepover in our living room.  We ate too much, watched movies, and of course, carried on several conversations, some very girly, I'll admit it.  Recently, they decided to trek back across campus to their dorms. They soon figured out that that wasn't the smartest idea they've ever had. They videoed themselves walking back and there was a lot of screaming and crying involved. I felt really bad that they had to endure the harsh conditions, but they were determined to make it back!

I love snow days, but come, oh, two o'clock in the afternoon, being cooped up in a dorm room gets extremely boring.  Being the bright college students that me and my roomates are, we didn't prepare for the storm by buying board games, cards, or renting movies, but instead, we bought junk food.  I will say though that the main reason we didn't go buy things to entertain us was because for some odd reason, the entire country decided to freak out over snow and bought the stores out of everything.  A bit ridiculous don't you think people? Unfortunately, we are slowly realizing that the junk food was a BAD idea and that we should have been more creative in thinking of different things to do on a nasty, cold, snowy day.

Here are some pictures that I took out of my window this morning when I woke up.  We were all really surprised at how much snow actually had come over the course of the evening.  Usually those news men like to exagerate the truth a bit.  In all, we're now anxiously awaiting to see if the university will be closing campus again tomorrow... Until then, my computer shall be my saving grace.

It's a winter wonderland!!

A Generation All It's Own..

As I was driving around campus today in my cozy, warm car, something hit me.  Now, it wasn't an epiphany or anything like that, but it was a realization all its own.  As I slowly went over speed bumps and stopped at stop signs, I watched as students walked to class. Now being a student, I also walk to class most days, but do I stop to consider those in the vehicles around me?

At each stop sign I stopped at, students would walk across the crosswalks, some with headphones in, others texting, and many lost in conversation.  Not a single one stopped to let me go and they all just kept on walking.  A short trip that was supposed to take me five minutes, was now taking closer to fifteen.  I was in no hurry so I really didn't mind, but what I did mind was the students that went across the crosswalks and expected me to move.  Pedestrians always have the right away right? Well, to an extent, yes, but there should be a sense of courtesy involved as well. 

When I walk on campus, I try to make it a point to let a car go at a stop sign if they've been sitting there forever or not walk across the crosswalk when a car is about to drive over. It just seems that my generation is full of themselves, the world revolves around them, and they are the only person that matters.  It's not supposed to be that way, but unfortunately, it's something that's probably not going to change.

I can only hope that I am considerate enough to the people around me and that they will be able to respect myself and others.  This brings me to another point... As I attended the OU/OSU bedlam Women's game this past week, I noticed something that really disturbed me. I was sitting in the student section with some junior high kids from my hometown.  To our right was an entire section of elderly people all dressed in crimson and cheering on their team.  When OSU was ahead, an OSU student from the student section would yell up to the older people and make jokes, say nasty comments, and make rude faces.  By doing so, he got a lot of the older people all riled up and that made him laugh, so of course, he kept on.

After time went on, a very energetic and loud mouth elementary student started copying the college student and yelling at the elderly group of people.  He also thought he was being cute and continued throughout the rest of the game.  Needless to say, OSU lost, so they both shut their mouths towards the end of the game.

But in all honesty, what were those two boys trying to achieve? I know that that section of elderly people were very offended, but they just had to ignore it.  Those two boys had no respect for themselves or any of those older people.  Being considerate to people isn't a hard thing to do. Actually, it's the natural, right thing to do.  Unfortunately, as days go by, my generation is slowly losing that.

I hope that when people look at me, they won't think that I'm a stuck up, only cares about herself, college student.  I'm proud of who I am and the school that I represent. I only hope that my fellow peers felt the same way!

The Start of Something Beautiful.

Today is my first blog. How exciting! This next week will be my 4th week to my spring semester.  I would love to say that I'm excited about that, but I'm not. Now if tomorrow marked week 16, that'd be a dream come true. Until then though, I'll just keep marking off the days until the glorious summer arrives. 

I've always told myself that I know exactly what I want out of this life, but I've come to realize that I'm lying to myself.  No one really knows what they want out of their lives and if they do, it usually doesn't turn out the way they've imagined it.  Since entering college, I've had a lot of eye openers, I've changed my mind a million times, and I've cried a lot.  With all that came a personal strength that I would have never gotten if I hadn't entered college. I have learned so much in so little time about myself that I didn't know before.

There has been things that've happened in my life lately that have made me really think about who I am, where I'm going, and who I want to spend my time with.  I pray often that God will lead my on the path He wants me to take, it's just hard at times giving Him full control.  Tomorrow is a new day though and the sun is going to come up and shine brightly (hopefully).  I'm going to take small steps, but enjoy every one of them. I'm ready to face this semester with a new attitude and see what I can accomplish.

And for today, that's all that I have! :)