Today I just wanted to put up my favorite Bible verses, or those that have just really meant something very dear to me. There are a million amazing verses in the Bible, these a just a few. :)
Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Psalm 36:5 "Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness reaches to the skies."
Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Matthew 5:5,7-9 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Joshua 22:5 "Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and to cling to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul."
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly."
1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you, except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
Hebrews 4: 12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart."
Luke 1:46-47 "And Mary said, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
Proverbs 4:23-24 "Above all else, guard you heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."
Psalm 68:20 "Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death."
Esther 4:15b "When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
Matthew 14: 27 "But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.""
John 13: 35 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
That is a very few of the many verses that mean the world to me. :)
Friday, May 30, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
A Day at the Zoo
I spent a beautiful afternoon at the Zoo today! :) The sun was shining and birds were chirping, leopards were prowling, giraffes eating trees, monkeys were screaming...actually, most of the monkeys were sleeping. But you get the point.
It was a warm, sunshiny day, (who doesn't like those?) and I was with my awesome family...it was perfect.
We all tried to do the monkey bars too, which was highly amusing. My dad did not make it very far, and neither did anyone else it seemed like. I would like to point out that I was one of the few who actually went across the entire set of monkey bars. I used to LOVE monkey bars when I was small! (well...smaller) That's all I would do at the park for hours. I don't know why I enjoyed them so much, but I did. And I got to do it once more, for the first time in ages! Ah...memories...
The lions were up close to the fence today, which was fun. They were studiously ignoring all those trying to get their attention. :)
At the end of our long walk through the Zoo we sat and had dippin' dots! The perfect, perfect ending to our outing. :)
It was a warm, sunshiny day, (who doesn't like those?) and I was with my awesome family...it was perfect.
We all tried to do the monkey bars too, which was highly amusing. My dad did not make it very far, and neither did anyone else it seemed like. I would like to point out that I was one of the few who actually went across the entire set of monkey bars. I used to LOVE monkey bars when I was small! (well...smaller) That's all I would do at the park for hours. I don't know why I enjoyed them so much, but I did. And I got to do it once more, for the first time in ages! Ah...memories...
The lions were up close to the fence today, which was fun. They were studiously ignoring all those trying to get their attention. :)
At the end of our long walk through the Zoo we sat and had dippin' dots! The perfect, perfect ending to our outing. :)
Monday, May 19, 2014
The GIRL Scout Is No More
I just attended my very last Girl Scout award ceremony as a girl. From now on, I will either attend as an adult leader or as a family member or friend.
I don't actually feel any emotion at all, strangely. I'm not sad. I'm not overjoyed to be done. I'm just...cool with it.
It was a fun night. The little girls were adorable. Playing down by the banks and then singing with the girls before the ceremony was amazing. At one point I had four or five girls all trying to stand next to me at once and pressing against me nearly knocking me over and making it extremely difficult to do the hand motions to the songs. And I could not have been happier! :) The ceremony itself was fun, and I got beautiful flowers tonight.
I am planning on being a leader. I definitely want to stay involved in Girl Scouts, and playing with little girls just adds to my motivation to stay involved. :)
It's probably a good thing I am done...because there is no more room on my vest. It's completely covered with patches. :)
I don't actually feel any emotion at all, strangely. I'm not sad. I'm not overjoyed to be done. I'm just...cool with it.
It was a fun night. The little girls were adorable. Playing down by the banks and then singing with the girls before the ceremony was amazing. At one point I had four or five girls all trying to stand next to me at once and pressing against me nearly knocking me over and making it extremely difficult to do the hand motions to the songs. And I could not have been happier! :) The ceremony itself was fun, and I got beautiful flowers tonight.
I am planning on being a leader. I definitely want to stay involved in Girl Scouts, and playing with little girls just adds to my motivation to stay involved. :)
It's probably a good thing I am done...because there is no more room on my vest. It's completely covered with patches. :)
Friday, May 16, 2014
I Can Drive
Well, I spent an hour last night reading the most boring book I have ever read.
And I spent an hour today waiting anxiously with a million butterflies in my stomach to take a test, certain I would fail.
Much to my surprise and delight, I passed! I can now drive legally.
It took me forever to take the written test to get my permit, and I am sure some people who know me thought it was really never going to happen. But I did it, and I passed with flying colors.
Now I am going to go take a nap. :)
Honestly, I was freaking out about this test. I was completely terrified I was going to fail. I felt the same way the day I had to take the ACT. (which I actually did fairly well on...) I was just horribly afraid of failing miserably, I don't know why. But it's over now, so I can breathe again.
So, at the DMV's today, they had a sign. "Due to a shortage in examiners, your kidness and patience is appreciated". Um...kidness? They appreciate children? No, they just can't spell. Also, there was a little sign about not texting while driving with two little fingers that had faces painted on the nails and looked like they were getting a mug shot. Anyway, on one side it had 1", 2" and 3" and on the other side, corresponding it had 2.3 cm, 4.9 cm and 7.5 cm....I guess someone can't do math either. I mean, to begin with 1" is 2.54 cm, right?
Anyway, that bugged me the entire hour we sat and waited for our turn. But it did distract me from the freaking out I had been doing, so it served a good purpose I suppose. :)
And I spent an hour today waiting anxiously with a million butterflies in my stomach to take a test, certain I would fail.
Much to my surprise and delight, I passed! I can now drive legally.
It took me forever to take the written test to get my permit, and I am sure some people who know me thought it was really never going to happen. But I did it, and I passed with flying colors.
Now I am going to go take a nap. :)
Honestly, I was freaking out about this test. I was completely terrified I was going to fail. I felt the same way the day I had to take the ACT. (which I actually did fairly well on...) I was just horribly afraid of failing miserably, I don't know why. But it's over now, so I can breathe again.
So, at the DMV's today, they had a sign. "Due to a shortage in examiners, your kidness and patience is appreciated". Um...kidness? They appreciate children? No, they just can't spell. Also, there was a little sign about not texting while driving with two little fingers that had faces painted on the nails and looked like they were getting a mug shot. Anyway, on one side it had 1", 2" and 3" and on the other side, corresponding it had 2.3 cm, 4.9 cm and 7.5 cm....I guess someone can't do math either. I mean, to begin with 1" is 2.54 cm, right?
Anyway, that bugged me the entire hour we sat and waited for our turn. But it did distract me from the freaking out I had been doing, so it served a good purpose I suppose. :)
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Breathe Deep
Breathe deep
Moments like these
Treasures to keep
Listen close
Love long
Breathe deep
Those are some of the lyrics to a song I listened to today, and it just really spoke to me. It reflects how I've been feeling the past few weeks or more. From my last Bible Bowl tournament to my graduation, to walking with my sister down the hill to the mail box today and then realizing neither of us had grabbed the key...it's moments like these; staying up late reading Shakespeare, two steppin' (or trying to, I had no idea what I was doing) in the living room with my older brother, drying dishes with my little sister singing at the top of our lungs, cuddling a sleeping three year old, praying with a friend...these are the moments that I think "Breathe deep. Remember this, Amanda."
Moments like these
Treasures to keep
Listen close
Love long
Breathe deep
Those are some of the lyrics to a song I listened to today, and it just really spoke to me. It reflects how I've been feeling the past few weeks or more. From my last Bible Bowl tournament to my graduation, to walking with my sister down the hill to the mail box today and then realizing neither of us had grabbed the key...it's moments like these; staying up late reading Shakespeare, two steppin' (or trying to, I had no idea what I was doing) in the living room with my older brother, drying dishes with my little sister singing at the top of our lungs, cuddling a sleeping three year old, praying with a friend...these are the moments that I think "Breathe deep. Remember this, Amanda."
Sunday, May 11, 2014
In a Blink
Yesterday was amazing. I feel like the entire day took about five seconds though. Seriously, I've been alternately looking forward to it and dreading it all year long. And then it was just...done. Walking down the aisle (doesn't that make it sound as though I were getting married?) happened in a blink, (thankfully I don't think I had a stupid grin on my face. But who knows? I can't see myself...) receiving my diploma happened in a blink, the reception happened in a blink. And then I was home, reading cards and thinking, we're done. Oh wow. What just happened?
I was actually enjoying myself immensely all day yesterday. There were a few tears during the ceremony, though not as many as I expected. I just had a blast! Seeing so many friends, and just enjoying every moment.
But then this morning I was looking at a picture of all eight of us seniors and that's when it hit me. I'm done. The chances of all eight of us being together again at the same time like that...slim. So, needless to say I had a few moments of sadness this morning (although no tears).
It just happened so quickly. I feel like any moment I'm going to blink and be eighty and think oh wow. What just happened?
I have great, great memories of the past eighteen years. And I'll have great, great memories made in the years to come. I'll live in the moment so as not to miss a thing, but I won't hold onto the past.
To be honest, I was not expecting to feel this good, to be so happy and content. I'm thanking God for the peace I have right now.
I was actually enjoying myself immensely all day yesterday. There were a few tears during the ceremony, though not as many as I expected. I just had a blast! Seeing so many friends, and just enjoying every moment.
But then this morning I was looking at a picture of all eight of us seniors and that's when it hit me. I'm done. The chances of all eight of us being together again at the same time like that...slim. So, needless to say I had a few moments of sadness this morning (although no tears).
It just happened so quickly. I feel like any moment I'm going to blink and be eighty and think oh wow. What just happened?
I have great, great memories of the past eighteen years. And I'll have great, great memories made in the years to come. I'll live in the moment so as not to miss a thing, but I won't hold onto the past.
To be honest, I was not expecting to feel this good, to be so happy and content. I'm thanking God for the peace I have right now.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Graduation is tomorrow, everybody! Are we excited...yes? More excited than I was a month ago anyway.
Last night was my Senior Banquet. So many dear friends are graduating with me. Last night was very emotional. Lots of memories. There were a million tears, but there was plenty of laughter too. :) I am so blessed to have lived the life I have lived and had the friends I have had.
I don't really have a lot to say. Last night was a wonderful night. The Senior blessings, and then everyone talking about the Seniors, sharing stories and anecdotes....I will forever cherish the memory of last night. As I will also forever cherish all my beautiful friends who, like me, are moving into the next chapter of their lives. I was unable to share any memories and talk about how wonderful all my friends are last night because I was too emotional. Getting words past a choked up throat is difficult. But they are all amazing and I pray God will bless them in all their future endeavors.
I'm also praying tomorrow goes well. I am the first one of the Seniors to walk down the aisle. Oh joy. I hate being the center of attention! And the whole crowd is going to stand up and turn and stare at me as I walk self-consciously up to the front. As long as I don't trip and fall it should be fine. But whenever I am nervous and/or embarrassed I get a stupid grin on my face and I am really hoping that won't happen tomorrow.
Anyway, just thought I'd throw up a little update. I'll let you know how the graduation goes. :)
Last night was my Senior Banquet. So many dear friends are graduating with me. Last night was very emotional. Lots of memories. There were a million tears, but there was plenty of laughter too. :) I am so blessed to have lived the life I have lived and had the friends I have had.
I don't really have a lot to say. Last night was a wonderful night. The Senior blessings, and then everyone talking about the Seniors, sharing stories and anecdotes....I will forever cherish the memory of last night. As I will also forever cherish all my beautiful friends who, like me, are moving into the next chapter of their lives. I was unable to share any memories and talk about how wonderful all my friends are last night because I was too emotional. Getting words past a choked up throat is difficult. But they are all amazing and I pray God will bless them in all their future endeavors.
I'm also praying tomorrow goes well. I am the first one of the Seniors to walk down the aisle. Oh joy. I hate being the center of attention! And the whole crowd is going to stand up and turn and stare at me as I walk self-consciously up to the front. As long as I don't trip and fall it should be fine. But whenever I am nervous and/or embarrassed I get a stupid grin on my face and I am really hoping that won't happen tomorrow.
Anyway, just thought I'd throw up a little update. I'll let you know how the graduation goes. :)
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Cleaning and Typewriters
Graduation week.
Commence cleaning.
For several days now we have been cleaning the house top to bottom, and it's crazy. I mean, it's great too, to see walls where once there were only piles of stuff and to see the floor in places that you didn't know it existed. But man! It's exhausting! Lifting things and moving things, and dusting and vacuuming and sweeping and organizing shelves and closets and whole rooms....whew. I have to tell you, that vacuum is much heavier than a vacuum ought to be. I had to vacuum the upstairs yesterday, and before I'd finished doing one room I was no longer just pushing the vacuum back and forth with my arm as a normal person would do. I was leaning into it and using my hip. I'm blaming the vacuum, because we're not going to mention my lack of strength. :)
Anyway, on a different note. My mom pulled out her typewriter yesterday (you come across all sorts of things when you clean...) and my little sister and I had a blast with it! :) I want my own typewriter now. A lot. It was amazing, and so much fun to use. And while I was sitting there punching away at the keys I had this feeling like I had come home. Like I was where I was meant to be. I felt like I belonged right there, at the typewriter. Like I had always belonged there and I just didn't know it. I could really get used to using a typewriter, let me tell you. I felt a little like I'd either gone back in time or stepped into a movie somehow. :) (Either of those options would be awesome) What I really, really want to do now is write one of my books on the typewriter. At least one. How amazing would that be? All of you who know me should really get together and buy me a good ole typewriter for my birthday. :)
Commence cleaning.
For several days now we have been cleaning the house top to bottom, and it's crazy. I mean, it's great too, to see walls where once there were only piles of stuff and to see the floor in places that you didn't know it existed. But man! It's exhausting! Lifting things and moving things, and dusting and vacuuming and sweeping and organizing shelves and closets and whole rooms....whew. I have to tell you, that vacuum is much heavier than a vacuum ought to be. I had to vacuum the upstairs yesterday, and before I'd finished doing one room I was no longer just pushing the vacuum back and forth with my arm as a normal person would do. I was leaning into it and using my hip. I'm blaming the vacuum, because we're not going to mention my lack of strength. :)
Anyway, on a different note. My mom pulled out her typewriter yesterday (you come across all sorts of things when you clean...) and my little sister and I had a blast with it! :) I want my own typewriter now. A lot. It was amazing, and so much fun to use. And while I was sitting there punching away at the keys I had this feeling like I had come home. Like I was where I was meant to be. I felt like I belonged right there, at the typewriter. Like I had always belonged there and I just didn't know it. I could really get used to using a typewriter, let me tell you. I felt a little like I'd either gone back in time or stepped into a movie somehow. :) (Either of those options would be awesome) What I really, really want to do now is write one of my books on the typewriter. At least one. How amazing would that be? All of you who know me should really get together and buy me a good ole typewriter for my birthday. :)
Saturday, May 3, 2014
The End, The Beginning
This is it, folks. The day is done. And I am finished with one small part of my life.
Okay, actually it's not all over yet.
Today was my last regular tournament for Bible Bowl...ever. But I still have summer tournaments, Nationals and the like, so it's not actually done. But still, the season tournaments are over. We had our Senior blessings today and it just feels so final.
Strangely though, I'm not unhappy. In fact...I'm almost excited. Okay, excited is not really a good word to describe what I feel. But I'm...happy and pleased and content and looking forward to what comes next. I'm not at all melancholy or wishing to turn back the clock and do it over again. I'm just happy. I feel like...like Peter Pevensie. "It's alright. It's not what I thought it'd be, but it's alright."
I did have a ton of fun today...it was just a joy to be alive. The sun was shining, and it was so warm and wonderful outside! :) And I was with so many of my friends doing one of the things that I love best in the world. It was perfect. And now that's it's over, it still feels perfect.
I won't cry because it's over. I'm going to smile because it happened. :)
I honestly have not shed a single tear and I don't think I will. The next chapter of my story is going to be just as amazing, if not more so. :) I cannot wait to see how it will unfold, where God will take me. :) This is my new beginning and I am eager to start. :)
Okay, actually it's not all over yet.
Today was my last regular tournament for Bible Bowl...ever. But I still have summer tournaments, Nationals and the like, so it's not actually done. But still, the season tournaments are over. We had our Senior blessings today and it just feels so final.
Strangely though, I'm not unhappy. In fact...I'm almost excited. Okay, excited is not really a good word to describe what I feel. But I'm...happy and pleased and content and looking forward to what comes next. I'm not at all melancholy or wishing to turn back the clock and do it over again. I'm just happy. I feel like...like Peter Pevensie. "It's alright. It's not what I thought it'd be, but it's alright."
I did have a ton of fun today...it was just a joy to be alive. The sun was shining, and it was so warm and wonderful outside! :) And I was with so many of my friends doing one of the things that I love best in the world. It was perfect. And now that's it's over, it still feels perfect.
I won't cry because it's over. I'm going to smile because it happened. :)
I honestly have not shed a single tear and I don't think I will. The next chapter of my story is going to be just as amazing, if not more so. :) I cannot wait to see how it will unfold, where God will take me. :) This is my new beginning and I am eager to start. :)
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