Thoughts from Nikki

MOVING TIME

2009-01-20T13:41:00.000-08:00

My blog has moved to:

www.nikkiboggs.wordpress.com

THIS is why I love Oak Leaf

2009-01-19T18:35:00.001-08:00

When I was eating dinner Friday night with my mom, grandparents and some of their friends, the topic of the conversation became about the church that one of the other couples went to. the big story...someone had sat in their seats. Apparently they have been sitting there, in the same spot, for a very long time. Upon this couple sitting there, my grandmother's friends sat in the row behind them. So, for the last two months, these two couple have been racing each other to the service every Sunday so they could have these two seats. Their entire Sunday's have been consumed by two seats! This has gotten so bad that at their Christmas party, the pastor had to say something.

I am so thankful for Oak Leaf. I can't possibly thank God for letting me a part of this church. I have never once been mad when someone sat in the seat I sat in the week before, and I have never the entire time I have been at Oak Leaf heard any of the pastors say anything about something so petty. I am so proud that Oak Leaf will do anything to help people become closer to God. I am so proud that I can be a part of the church that will do anything to reach people that other churches see as unreachable. I am so proud that I am part of a church that welcomes everyone with open arms. I am so proud to be part of a church where teenagers will give up a seat to sit on the floor when an adult gets there after the theater is packed.

This is why I love Oak Leaf. This is why no matter how many times my grandmother refuses to give the church a chance, that I still continue to ask her to go. This is why no matter how much smack people talk that I will forever defend this church and what God is doing there. This is why no matter how many times people look at me and wonder why in the world I could go to "that church" I will tell them that I am closer to God than I have ever been before.

2009-01-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

Man school has been really boring so far...I'm looking at transfering to highlands to finish my associate's degree. It's closer and they are offereing more classes so I can be finished sooner, so that's a huge selling point. My teacher's really seem to be into chapter reviews this semester, and they are taking forever to get finished with.

Ok, ok, I am finished with my pity party. At least I can give you guys a good update: I've lost five pounds, and after some regrouping have decided to loose thirty pounds...by Easter. That averages out to like 2.2 pounds a week. I understand why people become addicted to exercising. I feel so much more energized!

Here's to a great year 2008

2008-12-31T08:28:00.001-08:00

2008 was a good year. It was filled with ups and downs, good times, funny times, and sad times. I laughed and I cried. I was loud and I was quiet. I made new friends and lost old friends. I have set goals and reached them, and I have failed to reach some of them. I loved God with all of my heart, and still questioned why some things happened. Because of these things, I have been molded and shaped into the person that I will start a new year out with.

Here are my goals for all of next year:

Lose 20 pounds...I know this is really generic, but I really want to lose those 20 pounds.
Tithe...regularly.
Make President's list every quarter.
Take enough classes my first and second quarters to take the summer off and only have to work.
Remain a person of integrity.
Pay off my computer so I have an extra $50 bucks a month to put into savings.
Build my savings account back up.
Do more for myself...I resolve to get a pedicure once a month...or buy a pair of jeans or shoes. This will probably be the hardest one for me, because I would much rather spend the money on someone else.
I need to continually read my Bible every day, and develop a daily relationship with God.
Eat lunch with my Grandfather once a week.

I really can't wait to see how this looks in six months, let alone in twelve. I would love to bring in 2010 saying that I accomplished all of my goals for 2009/

I know...I know...

2008-12-28T14:39:00.001-08:00

I think this might be the longest time I've ever gone without writing a blog. Since finals, my life has been all about work and getting ready to come to Kentucky. I've been here for a week, and over all, I've had a pretty good time. It's been fun seeing all of my family. Christmas was great, and I got a ton of new scrap book stuff....I can't wait to get home and use it all. Work starts the day after I get home, and school starts that Thursday. I'm really hoping that I can add another class in to my schedule so that I can take the summer off. That would be awesome!

I visited a church with my mom and my aunt today. It was a really good service and I liked the aucoustic thing they had going today, even though it isn't an everyday thing there. They did a great rendition of 'Come Thy Fount of Every Blessing.' It was probably one of the best I've ever heard.

Well that's all for now. I'm gonna see if my mom needs any help with dinner.

Updates

2008-12-08T18:39:00.000-08:00

It's been a long while since I have written. Here are a few updates.

I have one actual final left, and another that is a party...I've been out of kindergarten for a while now, but that's how we roll at NMTC.
I only have one more full week of work, and then I'm heading to Kentucky. I am so ready to see some snow...my mom is ready for it to go away.
My grandmother's birthday is next Tuesday, and she volunteered me to cook dinner for her and her friends.
I love Christmas time! I love the weather, I love the decorations, I love that God gave his son to spend thirty three years walking around with sinners like us.
I love Oak Leaf Church and how hard they work to always make people feel welcome.
I get to sleep in tomorrow, but since I haven't been able to sleep in for awhile, it'll probably only be until 9 or so.
Kaela is coming home this weekend, and we are planning on finishing our Christmas shopping together...with a nice peppermint mocha twist to go along with it.

It's a day late...

2008-11-28T06:58:00.000-08:00

But here are some of the things that I am thankful for!

I have a relationship with God, and although it is far from perfect, and I am always reaching to make it better, I couldn't possibly be more thankful that God chose to give his only son to die for me.
I have an absolutely amazing family, and love the support and love they constantly give to me.
I have awesome friends, and an even better best friend.
I am getting really close to being able to transfer, and I am so glad God has given me the patience to last through the times when I have wanted to quit.
I have an amazing church that knows that it isn't about what someone wears or how many tattoos they have--it's all about the people, and getting them to where God wants them to be.

There are so many things to be thankful for this time of the year, and I hope that you all take the time to be thankful for something! Thanks for reading!

2008-11-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

All of the packing is finally done, and my family is in Kentucky. All of my stuff is at Grandma's house, and waiting to be unpacked...that's a great thing to come home to right? I only have one more full week of school after I get back from vacation, and I will be back in Kentucky once my boss leaves for her vacation with her family. I'm hoping for snow. I thought I might get some while we were here for thanksgiving, but I'll probably have to wait until Christmas.

It's so good not to have to do any homework over the break, and really just relax and help get everythign ready for thanksgiving. This is my favorite time of the year. I love the cold, and the food! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Lots and lots and lots of boxes...

2008-11-20T20:24:00.001-08:00

Man there is a lot going on around my house. There are no pictures on the walls, we have boxes piled to the cieling, and the empty shelves in my bedroom make it look completely empty. Did I mention the boxes? They are everywhere!

School is almost over!!! It's actualy so close to be over that I am almost excited...I did one of my teacher interviews today. It went pretty well. I absolutely can not wait to transfer schools. I can't wait to be out of North Metro, but for now and the next semester, I'm gonna tough it out. I only got to take three classes next semester. I really wanted four. I just wish that they would hurry up and get everything switched over so I could add another class. I know....I know....I've got to be like the only person on the planet to want to take another clas. I don't actually want to take it, I just want to get it over with!

It's what I'll be praying for

2008-11-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

I couldn't think of what to title this blog, so I decided to leave it blank. As I write this, I'm fixing to go into my bedroom and start packing up boxes. My mom and sisters are moving to Kentucky, and I will be moving back in with my grandmother. As much as I would like to go, I can't....I have to stay here for school.

It's the best choice possible right now, but my mom is exceptionally nervous about the move. I wish she could see just how strong she really is. I know she'll be able to do it, but I dont' think she thinks she can. My sisters, on the other hand, are the most excited. Jessica has been wanting to move back for awhile, and Samantha can't wait to have her new beginning.

I'd love the prayer support from all of you readers. Pray that my mom finds strength in herself, and most importantly from God. Pray that my sisters transition smoothly into school, and make friends that are completely in love with God. It's what I'll be praying for, and I'd love for you to do the same thing.

I think I just found my title...

Respect

2008-11-13T16:25:00.000-08:00

I've always believed that respect is earned. I always give someone the benefit of the doubt to begin with. They have the responsibility to keep my respect. There are very few people I have ever lost respect for, and they have done nothing to gain it back. Although I find it in myself to be able to be nice and find compassion if they are in a time of need, I can't find it in myself to have respect for them as a person.

Sometimes I wonder if the way that I view this is wrong, or if I see it the right way. I have an exceptionally hard time trusting people, and I think respect is one of the greatest contributors to trust. To trust someone, and to have respect for them is giving them a peice of yourself-of your heart. Should they break that trust, it breaks that part of you.

I know this is an insanely random thing to write about, but I seem to be having a hard time with it today, and needed to vent a little bit about it.

It's been like a week...

2008-11-07T18:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a very long time since I've written anything. There's been a lot going on in the past week. Most notably, we have a new president. Although you all know that I wasn't backing Obama during the elections; I have come to the realization that Obama is our President.

Kind of a DUH thing to realize right?

Well, I don't know your opinion, and unless you share, I probably wont even ask. But, since you are reading my blog, I feel like you should at least get to know where I am standing at now. I think we all need to get over the fact that Obama isn't McCain. Obama is my the leader of the free world for the next four years at least. We need to stop complaining about him and start praying for him. Let's pray that he can finds the bast way to improve the economy, and that he does everything he can to protect our men and women over seas, lets pray that he can improve education standards and policy, and lets pray that he can lead this country to a place where God looks at all of us with love. Lets pray that we as a country can show Obama what it feels like to have support of a country, but to have the support of a people that prays for him daily.

Ok...thats enough politics until the next election.

The rest of my week actually went somewhat smooth. I finally got a new phone...and iPhone, and I absolutely love it...where has this thing been all of my life? That part was awesome...the rest...well...at least I had the iPhone. I am taking the hardest class I have to take to get my Associates. We have two new full time teachers, and they are changing the syllabus for every class. Needless to say, it has been changed three times. That's got me a little stressed right now, but I think that I'm gonna be ok. We only have four weeks left in this semester anyways.

I also found out that my next college has pretty much been decided for me. Since my school is in the middle of a transfer, the only school they have a running contract for transfers with is Reinhardt. It's an awesome school, and it's not too far away from home.

Just Being Me

2008-10-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

In class yesterday, after talking about politics and religion, my teacher asked a pretty hard hitting question. The question--if you could leave the world with one thing, what would it be?

I only get to leave one thing? I had the hardest time finding an answer to that. I would like to think that I have done quite a few good things, and have affected the lives of at least a few people in a positive way. So, what did I choose?

I didn't. I couldn't. I haven't lived my entire life. I haven't done everything I want to do. There are things that I want to be known for. I want to be know as a girl who above anything was completely filled by the love of God. I want to be known as a girl who would do anything she could to help, a girl who would give you the shirt off of her back if that's what you needed. I want to be known as a girl who was full of integrity, and a girl who did anything she could to make you smile.

As for leaving the world with one thing, I don't know...but...I don't see myself leaving the world anytime soon...unless God has another plan. So, for now, I choose to be known for the things I am doing and living for right now. I choose to be known for just being me.

2008-10-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Last week, I found out that Michael still didn't have anyone to write the family devotion guide. I asked to be given the chance, and he gave me the chance to go after it. When I asked for some past message notes, the ones that I got was more than I expected. Michael sent me all of the notes for the crossing over series. It was a great reminder of just how big God is. I was reminded of prayers that have been answered, and ones that I am still praying for. My sun stand still prayer is in full swing, and some parts of it have definately been answered!

Are you ready to submit to God?

2008-10-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

We had an absolutely amazing night at Fuel. There were a few kids who decided to give their lives to God tonight! I absolutely love to see how God is working in lives of the teenagers in our city. Jake did the teaching tonight, and said something that made me think about my relationship with God.

"Are you ready to submit to God?"

As soon as Jake asked this question, I was hit with my reality of the moment. I couldn't help but think that I haven't been very submissive to God lately. I've been relying on myself more than God, and I've been putting myself through more trouble than I need to go through. From now on, I am praying that I am able to turn to God when things begin to get hard, and not turn to myself or anyone else to see the truth.

Trying to write a paper...

2008-10-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

School is kicking my rear end this semester. I have a research paper that I know isn't due for a few weeks, but I feel like I'm so far behind. My teacher said to write on anything in our five hundred page book. Why can't she just give us something specific? It almost feels like I'm forgetting something, even though I've checked all of classes and I'm not. Maybe God will tell me to quit school...I don't think it will ever happen.

I really don't know why this semester is so hard. I have written so many papers. I think that next semester I'm gonna do some more core classes, and not have to worry about doing all of the kids research again next semester. I need a change of pace.

Weekend Update

2008-10-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things that went on this weekend...

Friday:

Finally got all of the papers and transcripts that I needed for the scholarship.
I went with Grandma to about four different Lowe's stores looking for three rocks

Saturday:

Spent the morning doing homework and washing clothes
Went to the haunted corn maze and the regular corn maze with Cliffy, Jenna, Mike, Bradley, Jennifer, Jarrett, Megan, and Josh. we had an awesome night!

Sunday:

Went to bed around one or so, and woke up at 5:30. I didn't fall back asleep until 7.
We had a guest speaker at Oak Leaf today because Michael is in Mexico. She said Jackass, and the fire alarms were going off all morning.
Gonna try and take a nap before starting on a research paper.

Mighty to Save

2008-10-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

I recently downloaded a song that I hadn't heard in quite a long time. It's a song that I absolutely love, but for some reason I just hadn't listened to it. It's called mighty to save, and I couldn't love the words to it more. Here are a few of my favorite lines from it.

So take me as you find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender

I love the fact that God takes us as we are- completely full of imperfections. I love knowing that no matter what I do, or what happens to me that God is always there. I have no doubt that God is going to do amazing things in my life. He already has. I have completely surrendered to what he has planned for my life, and I can't wait to see where he takes me.

2008-10-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would give you all an update on everything. I still have to go to the doctor on Wednesday, but I'm feelin pretty good today. I figured out that the medicine was makin me sick. So sick, that I felt like I had the flu. Thanks to some great advice from my boss, I felt great today...while taking the medicine! Anyways, I am really excited to be able to go to FUEL again this week. Man, Wednesday is gonna be a busy day. I have to go to class too. Thanks for everyone that prayed! I didn't get to go to Kentucky this weekend, and I was really lookin forward to it, but Thanksgiving will be here before I know it.

My mom was Terrified

2008-10-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

First, I will start by saying that I have had a cold for the last couple of days. Last night, when I went to take my cold medicine, I apparently passed out and had a seizure. The only thing that I remember was taking the medicine and waking up with my mom standing over me and my sister on the phone with 911. I had to go to the hospital, and the only thing they could figure out was that I have a couple of infections. So, I now have to go back to my regular doctor on Wednesday. Hopefully, they will say it's some crazy one time kind of thing.

I guess it turns out to be a good thing that we didn't end up in Kentucky last night. I can't imagine what my mom would have done if we were in the car in the middle of no where and that happened.

2008-10-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

So I stole this from this guy, who stole it from this guy. I liked it, so did they, and I'm hoping that you all like it too. Here are some things that you may or may not know about me.

I would rather have something salty than something sweet, unless it is a chocolate chip cookie.
Bella happens to be one of my favorite toddlers in the world. She calls me Kiki..its so stinking cute.
If I could adopt her, I would in a heart beat...no matter how hard it would be on me.
My dream car has changed like five times...right now it's a black Range Rover.
I would rather be in the mountains than at the beach.
I love the winter. It's my favorite season.
I wish that it would snow everyday. I've often thought that Alaska would be a great place to live.
I want a small tattoo, but I can't settle on one thing.
I am the oldest child in my family...I also happen to be the shortest.
My favorite television show is Grey's Anatomy...F-R-I-E-N-D-S plays a very very close second.
My favorite colors are brown and blue.
I have a guilty pleasure...Reality TV!!
I have changed my mind three times, trying to decide on a major. I think I finally know what I want to be when I grow up.
I would love to spend a couple weeks in south France. Followed by a couple of weeks in Greece.
Skydiving is at the top of my list of things to do in life.
If I could be a super star, I would be a country music singer...I would love to tour with Brad Paisley or Sugarland.
My all time favorite song is Set Me as a Seal by Joel and Stacey Goddard...I have a lot of favorite songs, and they tend to change very often.
Right now those favorite songs include 'Very Last Country Song' by Sugarland, 'Diverse City' by Toby Mac, 'She's gonna hurt Somebody' by Chuck Wicks, and 'So Deep' by Will Goodwin
My mom and best friend threw a surprise party for my 18th birthday.
I love to shop...for anything really.
I love when my Grandfather gets dressed up and wears Old Spice. It reminds me of Sunday mornings when I was like 5.
I love push pops...but only the orange ones.
I own like a bazillion pairs of flip-flops.
I have seen Third Day in concert quite a few times, and they get better every time I see them.
I believe in God with everything in me. Yet I still sometimes find it hard to turn to God in the hard times, instead of just blaming him for it. It's something that I pray for every day.

I hope that gives you a bit more insight to who I am. I had fun writing this. It kind of made me think about the things that make me who I am.

I don't know how to do it...

2008-10-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in like a week...what in the world is wrong with me? Well today, it happens to be that I have a crazy bad cold. Anyway, I am so looking forward to tomorrow night. I love seeing the kids of Cartersville totally pumped about what God is doing in their lives. I can't wait to be part of the change that I am praying will take place in this city!

On another note, I learned a very valuable lesson that I think everyone should get the chance to learn...I was at work today, playing on myspace (of course) and heard a kid in the waiting room saying 'I don't know how to do it...show me daddy.' Take a moment to let it sink in. I was blown away. I had to take a moment just to be reminded what a child-like was all about. It's about trusting that God will show you exactly how to do it. No matter what, we need to be reminded that God will always show us what to do, even when we don't know how to do it.

The lesson for the day: don't be someone who only prays when things are going good. Pray when you have absolutely no idea what you are going to do, and need God to show you how to get through it.

FUEL

2008-10-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

Fuel kicked off last night. It was so much more than I expected. I was so happy to be a part of something that is giving the kids of Cartersville something to look forward to. I tried to make my way around to everyone last night, and introduce myself...aparently Cartersville Middle school has a surplus of kids named AAron. I met like 10 of these guys. I can't wait to see where God takes this. Michael was at Starbucks this morning, and all of the guys working there were trying to figure out what was going on at Club 104 last night. That's awesome! I also met some great volunteers last night. It's awesome to see what a support group theese teenagers have. I am soo excited to be a part of it!

My first day of class was yesterday. I haven't had either of the teachers that I have this quarter before. I'm kind of nervous about the class that I have today. Everyone that I have talked to says that this teacher is the hardest one in the entire program. I guess we'll see today.

2008-09-30T18:00:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, I found out that someone I know recently decided to completely go against everything she was taught and rebel. At first, I was furious. I was so mad that the things she yelled at me for, she was doing herself. It was the perfect example of the reason that I left the last church I was at. The more I thought about though, the more I started to realize that I was spending more time on all of the bad things that were going on in her life, than praying for her to get her life back on track with God.

How crazy is it that we focus on why some one is doing something wrong, rather than just asking God to help them get through the hard time they are going through. I was once told, that it was impossible to be a christian, do the wrong thing, and still be able to go to sleep at night feeling good about yourself. I hold that true for myself...if I know that I have done something wrong, I feel horrible about when I go to bed that night. If this is true for everyone, I can't imagine the way someone who was saved and turns away from God feels when they go to sleep.

I'd like to ask everyone to pray for this girl. I don't want to share her name, but please, God will know exactly who you are praying for.

Louder than Creation

2008-09-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

I think that I have a new favorite worship song. It's called 'Louder than Creation.' My favorite line from the entire song is "Let me shine brighter than the stars in the sky an offering of praise all my life to you my holy king."

That line always hits me pretty hard. I want to be that person...so in love with God, that when people look at me, they just know. Even if they aren't a christian, they would know that God is seriuosly working in my life. Part of my sun stand still prayer has always been to be part of a radical change in someone's life, and I know that living this song will be a huge part of it.

So Wednesday is going to be a really busy day. It's my first day of class; and I have no idea who either of my teachers are. I've never met them. I think it's going to be a pretty interesting quarter...human growth and development. This is pretty much what I'll have to be doing when I have my own practice so I am really looking forward to learning more about it. I also have a language arts class...not sure how I feel about that yet.

Wednesday also happens to be the first day of FUEL. I am so ubsurdly excited to see where God takes this city through kids who are younger than I am.

God uses the bad...

2008-09-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about friends lately. No...not the tv show either. I've been thinking about what makes a friend a good friend; and why it is that sometimes even the best of friends have to be let go. I think that I have a few good reasons.

In the past two years or so, I have lost two friends. Actually, one chose to leave, and one I had to choose to let one go. At the times that it happened, I was devastated. Now, looking back, I can't help but think how different I would be if those things hadn't happened. Although I was prepared for the second time, I think that it was the worst....

Here's how to make this long story much shorter. There were three of us...I think that if you tried to describe us, the word inseperable would be the one to come up. The one day, on of them chose to leave. To this day, I'm still not exactly sure what happened. For an insane amount of time, I was so bitter. I was so angry with her for leaving. It was like our family had been broken up. Thankfully, I had my best friend. We were able to get through it together, and more than anything, we were able to get closer to each other.

The second time it happened, I was prepared for it, even if I wasn't ready for it. I know, I know...it's just as confusing now as it was then. It's been a little over a year since it happened. I have no doubt that if I was in trouble and called this person with some terrible crisis, he would be by my side in two minutes flat. But, no matter how trustworthy and honorable I found him, I had to let him go. I was doing some serious cleaning of my life, and I couldn't support him and have my life be in tune with God. I remember the last phone call...I knew it would be the last real conversation I would ever have with him. I knew I had hurt someone, but I couldn't risk my relationship with God.

Here is why I am sharing all of this. God always lets us know what we have to do...what the purpose is. Whether it's going to be good or bad, there is always always always a plan for it. Every one has gone through at lest one crazy thing that changed their life. I can't wait to see how God uses the things that I have gone through to change someone else's life.

I'm going to vent

2008-09-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

I've been so stressed here lately. I don't feel appreciated by one of my sisters. I am doing everything in power that I can for our family. Yet, I am the 'self righteous' one. I can't seem to understand why or even how she feels this way. I've asked her so many times why she feels like this, but I never get an answer. No matter how many times she blows up, nothing ever happens to her. There is hardly ever a punishment, and even if there is, she gets out of it by apologizing. How many empty aplogies can there be? Sometimes I can't help but think how much easier it would be if I had never moved back in. Maybe I just should have stayed at Grandma's house. This is pretty much how I am feeling now, and I can't figure out how in the world God is planning on using this. I feel like I just need a break from everything. I'd love to take a vacation with myself. :)

My mom has decided to stay here instead of going to Kentucky. I really hope that it works out. I think that my Dad was really looking forward to it though, even if he wouldn't admit it. He's pretty quiet like that. I need to decide on a school to go to. I thought it would be an easy decision, but as it turns out, they are all really good schools.

I feel a little bit better now that I at least have all of this written down. There is still so much going on in my head, but it's not all so drab like this.

2008-09-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

I figured that I would shock all of you readers out there and give you this week's randomness on a Monday. Just for the record, that's a day early instead of a day or two late. :)

Here are some things that make me smile:

I love the smell of Old Spice, but only when it's worn by my grandpa. Every time he gets dressed up, he puts some on. It reminds me of being little, and sitting next to him in church.
I love love love love love that winter is coming. I can practically smell fall in the air.
It's national stay at home week on ABC.
Going to bed...then getting into the bed when it is really really cold and covering up in the blanket. That's got to be one of the best feelings in the world...it's like a hug from your bed :)
Now, I think that I will go to bed and dream of it snowing, while watching ABC with Grandpa, who will be wearing Old Spice in a room that is very cold.

Good night to all!!

church at a Brad Paisley concert?

2008-09-19T12:34:00.001-07:00

Here's the setting...I'm at the hospital, waiting on my mom to have a MRI. I am the only one in the waiting room, and the fishing show on tv mixed with the security guards radio is quickly getting on my nerves. I just found out that the MRI could take two hours. I am so glad that I remembered to pick up my computer on the way out. I've been thinking about something since the concert two nights ago, and I think that I should share it with all of you readers out there.

While we were at the concert, I was struck by how much it reminded me of being at church. Weird, right? I don't think so. Here is my reasoning behind it. At church, there is one guy on a stage that has every one's attention. At a Brad Paisley concert, he is on the stage and he has every one's attention. In a worship service, there are people raising their hands in praise to God. At a concert, people are raising their hands when a song about putting lamp shades on your head comes on. At church, you have awesome christian tshirts, while at a concert you have about thirty different (but equally awesome) tshirts for the different artists there.

All of this made me think if we don't put these people on the same level we put God. Don't get me wrong, I loved the concert, and would go to one again tomorrow if given the chance. There has to be a place where we all break off celebrity and put God. The two can never be on the same level. Everything that we see in society has some kind of celebrity backing, but it the only time we get to see someone or something backed by God is when someone chooses to let God shine through them.

Brad Paisley Concert

2008-09-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have got to have the best best friend in the entire world. On Tuesday, she sent me a text while I was at work, and asked if I would go with her to take her mom to the airport. Of course I said yes, not wanting her to go by herself. Well Thursday mornign I got a call from her saying that we still had plans but they had changed. We were going to the Brad Paisley concert. For those of you who do not know, Brad Paisley happens to be my favortie male country music singer. I dont think that I could have been anymore excited than I was....until we got there. They were upgrading tickets...we were four chairs away from the center stage isle. The concert was absolutley amazing! I had a great time! Thanks to my Jenna boo boo boo!!

With God....

2008-09-17T09:46:00.001-07:00

I have been raised my whole life believing that God will never give you anything that you can not handle with His help. I can't help but wonder what God has planned for everything that we are going through. I wonder what God expecs us to do to get through it. I know that I have to rely on God to bring everything full circle and change everything in my life, and I know that he can do it. I just want it to happen now.

No easy decision

2008-09-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

There is way to much that I've been thinking about. I should get better at getting stuff off of my mind. There is so much good going on in my life. I absolutely love Oak Leaf Church, and the things that God is doing through it. I can't wait to see how God uses Fuel to change this city. I don't want to think about ever being away from this church, but I think that it might be close in my future. My mom is talking about moving to Kentucky. I'm not sure how I feel about that anymore. Awhile back, I was all about moving, but now...I'm just not sure. My mom and my sisters have lived in different places, but I have lived in Cartersville since I was walking. I know that I would have my family, but I wouldn't have my friends, my church, or my school. All of my friends are here, and I can't imagine leaving all of them. I feel like if we move, I would be trapped there. Don't get me wrong, I love my entire family that is in Kentucky. I crave the time that we spend up there. Usually, I don't want to leave once I'm up there and there are tears when I leave, but once I'm back in Georgia, I'm home.
I have a ton of thinking to do, and I don't see an easy decision in any one's future around here.

Great day at the Leaf

2008-09-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

It was a great day at the leaf today. Jody talked about the reliability of the Bible. I can't imagine how my life would have turned out had I not had the Bible and God to be my rock and the two most reliable things in my life. I am so thankful that God led me to a church for real people, a church where anyone is welcome. I couldn't imagine being at church anywhere else. I am crazy excited about Fuel starting. I can't wait to see how God changes the youth of this city. I can't wait to see how the youth of city change the adults of this city. I have no doubt that God will do amazing things through this.

List of Thougths

2008-09-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about a lot today.

Thought Number One:
I think that I want to change the world, or at least be part of the reason it changes. I would love love love to see a radical change for God in our city that leads to the rest of the world. I would love to see more kids my age stand up for what they beleive in, no matter what social circle they are in at school--cool kids...goth kids...whatever! I would love to see supportive parents tell their kids they are proud of them for standing up.

Thought Number Two:
I think it is ridiculous that there are churches with dress codes. Seriously...if you wanna be like Jesus, lets all wear togas to church next week.

Thought Number Three:
I am crazy excited about going to Oak Leaf tomorrow. I don't think I've been this excited about church since the last time I was at Super Wow. I'm glad that I am excited to go to church every Sunday and I'm not going out of habit.

Thought Four:
I am getting hungry....I think that we ate dinner to early tonight.

Thought Five:
I am getting really tired so I think I'm gonna go to bed instead of eating. I'll grab some cinnomin toast crunch in the morning.

The Locator....

2008-09-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

I am watching this new show the locator on WEtv. This is the third show I've watched in the last week or so, and I still can't decide how I feel about it. I think that it stirs up to many emotions for me. For those of you who don't know, I have never met my biological father. However, I think that I have the best Daddy in the world. That's a story for another day though.

Anyways, I think that this show stirs up to many emotions. I know some people will watch this show and think that it is the greatest thing ever, but I think it will take awhile before I can watch it without a ton of emotions surging toward me.

There are times when I think that it would be kind of cool to find my bilogical father, just because I have a butt load of questions to ask, and I think that I deserve to get the answers. Then, there are other days when I think that never meeting him wouldn't effect me in the least. Confusing times, but I know that one day I will make up my mind.

I never did this week's random facts....

2008-09-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

1. I am so excited about going to Oak Leaf tomorrow. I feel like it's been forever since I've been, even though I only missed last Sunday. I'm excited that my family is going. It's a great step to seeing my 'sun stand still' prayer come true.

2. I have an insane amount of bug bites on my ankle. Literally, there are like 20 just on half on the ankle.

3. I still haven't decided what school to go to. My mom really doesn't want it to be Georgia State. She doesn't want me to be in downtown Atlanta...and I get it.

4. I think of all of the schools, I be at West Georgia or Georgia College and State University.

5. I took both of my finals for the summer quarter today, so that means no more class until October for me!

You Said

2008-09-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

For those of you who do not know, at my last church, I did a little bit of singing with a youth band on Sunday nights for youth services. One of the songs that we sang was 'You Said' by Shane and Shane. My favorite time was Cody and I were the only two on stage singing this song. It was almost always the song we would close with. We did it acustic, and the sound was amazing. It always put me in a place of worship. Just to sing to God and be able to praise him. To this day, it is one of my all time favorite songs--like top five here people.

I was listening to it today, and couldn't help but think of my Sun Stand Still prayer. I am still praying for it, and I think that I can see it al getting a little bit closer. I can't wait for God to answer my prayers, and I know he will do it in His time and I will be completely amazed.

Obama vs. McCain

2008-09-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

Or should it be McCain vs. Obama? I am so insanley tired of people saying they will vote for someone because they are black or white. Even worse, I am tired of hearing that they will not be voting for someone--even though they agree with them--because they are black. It absolutely should not matter.

This will be the first year I can vote. I didn't think that I would be has interested as I actually am. I think that both canidates have good ideas. I like Obama's ideas for education, however, I don't think that I could ever vote for someone who supports abortion or gay marriage. Both of those things go completely against everything that I believe in. So where do I stand? I think that well...I have no idea. I'm sure there will be tons more on this later.

2008-09-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

It's been way to long since I have posted anything...the internet card went stupid again. I got a new one...again. So here is what has happened since the last blog. I went on vacation for the weekend to Tybee. I like the beach for the weekend or even a week, but I would take the mountains anyday. I love the cold!! Theese are a few of the pics from the vacation...the sunrise and a few family ones.

Random Wednesday

2008-08-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

1. My cold is making me feel not so random.

2. Benadryl helped me sleep a good two hours last night.

3. Benadryl is supposed to make you sleep all night.

4. It didn't seem like the Olympics lasted as long as they did.

5. I have to miss Oak Leaf Sunday...I'm going to be at the beach.

Love me some Oak Leaf!!

2008-08-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today, I think that Oak Leaf in general was on steriods. I was pumped to be at church, even if I was in the service for 'people who really love Jesus' aka-the 8:30 service. My favorite song right now, is God of this city. I can't wait to see how God takes over this city with Oak Leaf church. God is going to do absolutely amazing things through this church--even more than he has already done. I am so crazy excited to see how God uses the House of Rock to reach teenagers!

I figured I would give my opinionon the whole Healer song. I know that the guy who wrote it isn't really sick with some terminally ill disease, but the song is crazy powerful. God is going to use it, no matter who it was written by...no matter the context. It's still a great song.

Worship

2008-08-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

I love that there are so many different types of worship. I am a huge fan of the butterflies in my stomach in a worship service, but I think that the most powerful type of worship is the kind that gives me the calm feeling. It's like there isn't a thing in the world that I have to worry about. The kind of worship where God takes away all distractions and gives me the peace, the quiet, and the time to do nothing but be in the center of a room filled with nothing but the presence of God. A room so full that it feels like the oxygen has actually been replaced by God himself. I can't do anything but breathe Him in; when I do, not only does he fill my lungs, but my mind, my heart, my soul. It's perfection in a single moment.

For that moment, God is holding me in His arms. I am protected. I am safe. I am His child. I am the one that he is pouring His love into. For that moment, it's just God and me.

We might as wel call this Random Wednesday

2008-08-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to give you this randomocity.

Link to THIS.

Could someone please let me knwo when J.lo sets word records so I can think about following her career? I can't believe she said this stuff. Look, I know that having twins is a big deal. I think a triathalon is a big deal; but there is no way that a mother of twins running a triathaon is bigger news than Phelps winning his 8th gold medal and breaking world records. She needs to get over herself. On the other hand though, I'm sure that if applying waterproof makeup becomes an olympic sport, J.Lo's makeup artisit will surely win.

Sun Stand Still!

2008-08-20T19:14:00.001-07:00

Around a month ago, Michael did a series at Oak Leaf. The last message of the series was about praying sun stand still prayers. Sun stand still prayers are ment to be bold and impossible. To me, they are meant to be a little bit scary. Here is my reasoning behind it- sun stand stil prayers require you to be vulenerable. They require you to revert to a child-like faith. This is also the best part of having a sun stand still prayer. A child-like faith requires that you put all faith in God--nothing less. It requires you to reveal your deepest desire and open your heart to God so that only he can fill it--the ultimate show of faith. Here is what I am praying for:

1. I am praying that God changes my house. I am praying that every single person in here is changed for the glory of God.

2. I am praying that God gives me the money and a large enough scholorship to not have to take out a student loan. It terrifies me to be in debt. Yes, it's weird, I know.

3. I am praying that God works through me to change someone's life.

4. I am praying that God helps me to find a full time job. Thank you monster.com

I know that God can change people's lives, but sometimes I wonder if it will ever happen. Sometimes my house seems so helpless. I have no idea where all of the money will come from for school. I don't know how to get the money either. I do not know when in the world I will find a job. That definitely seems like a hopeless situation. I don't consider myself an amazing person, and I know that I will never be able to change someone's life. I do know that I am ready for God to put me into an amazing situation though.

I can't wait to see what God does in my life. I can't wait for God to answer my sun stand still prayer. I can't wait to find out what my next sun stand still prayer will be.

two hours and six reps...

2008-08-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

It's been an insanely long day. I kept Bella last night and let her sleep in the bed with me instead of in the play pin. BIG mistake!! She sleeps going across the bed. Between her head and her feet, I don't know which one kicked or hit me more. Next time, it's the pin for her! She woke up at 8:30, and I've been up ever since. I haven't slept past 9 in like two weeks. I know, i know, some of you guys are like 'I haven't slept past 9 since I left college.' To you I have to say I'm sorry. Go on vacation...let the grandparents watch the kids...do something...sleep past 9. It's awesome and I miss it. :)

Then the real drama came. I thought that I had gotten rid of all of the AT&T drama yesterday, when I had the most amazing sales rep that AT&T has. If you ever have any trouble, go to the store in the Walmart shopping center and ask for Karen. She saved me $150 and got me a $100 rebate. Best sales rep I've ever delt with!! After successfully installing the new connector, I still couldn't access the web. Keep in mind, my laptop has been without internet for about a month. I was so frustrated!! I spent two hours on the phone with 6...yes i said 6...different reps.

Finally, I am sitting in my comfy chair...with my laptop...blogging with no wires. I officially have wireless back!!

random Thought Tuesday Anyone??

2008-08-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

1. I hate the construction work in front of my office...everyone has been late to their appointment for the last month.

2. It hasn't rained yet. I thought for sure this place would be getting drenched right now.

3. I can't get God of this city out of my head

4. I should really go to the early service on Sunday. I'd probably get a better seat.

5. I still love that there is standing room only in the late service.

Greater Things

2008-08-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

There are so many things going through my head...I thought today would be a good day...I'm feeling a bit down...blue if you will. I have got to find a new job or another part time job. I'm crazy stressed about that right now. I still haven't decided on a school. I know I have a while, but I can't push it out of my mind.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing...I've been doing so much for my mom and sister's that I feel like I have pushed my relationship with God to the back burner...not something I'm proud of at all. Don't get me wrong, I love all three of them to death, but at some point I have to do something for myself.

I can't get this song out of my head...I know there are greater things to be done in my life. The only thing holding me back is me. I just need to figure out how to move me out of the way.

Anger

2008-08-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about Michael's message from Sunday. It was on anger. For those of you that know me well, you know that it takes something huge to happen for me to release the anger that I build up. The last time I was truly angry was in July of last year. I have been upset, and I have been mad, truly angry...not in a very very long time-over a year. The last time I was angry, I lost a friend that I cherished. I valued the friendship...I loved staying up until 3 in the morning on the phone...I loved that I could say anything and know that it wouldn't be told. I miss the friendship, but I don't miss the drama that came with it. I know that as a christian, my walk is better off with out this person- no matter how hard I miss them. So what happened that made me so angry?

That's an easy one...I let everything in that relationship build up. Everything that made me mad...everything that upset me...everything that hurt my feelings...everything that made me believe in them...everything that made me happy...everything that I knew was going on but wanted to ignore.

I took it was a learning experience. I told myself to never let things build up that I wasn't happy with. I told myself that to have a good relationship with anyone, that I needed to be open and honest with them. It sounds so much easier that it really is. I have such a type B personality it isn't funny. I'm the biggest pacifist you will ever meet. I want everyone to be happy...even if that means that I won't be. I thrive on making people's lives easier. I love to help...even if it means I don't give myself what I need.

At the end of Michael's message, he said something that really hit hard for me. He said that some people don't get angry enough. Although he was talking about being angry over the things that make God angry, I can't help but thing that maybe God would be angry too if he never took time for himself. Maybe I should be angry more often...maybe I shouldn't.

All I know is at the end of the day, I need to feel good about the relationship that I have with God...if I have to get angry to be there, does that mean that I am wrong?

I went through so much unneeded trouble

2008-08-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

After all of the trouble I had to go through with Geek Squad, I could have just called AT&T and had a new connector sent to me. Hopefully by Wednesday afternoon, I will once again have wireless connection. I had forgotten how spoiled it had made me...and I love it. My cold is starting to go away. Hopefully I will be able to see Colton again really soon. By this time with Colton, I had already watched him twice. I'm looking forward to getting to know this little guy's personality.

Random Thought Tuesday...actually on a Tuesday

2008-08-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today is going to be a long day. Here are a few random things to get thorugh...

1. I could never live off of speghetti oh's. If it came down to me eating speghetti oh's and getting a million dollars...I still wouldn't be able to do it.

2. I think having a cold is worse than having the flu.

3. I have a cold....in the middle of summer.

4. If you have a cold in the middle of summer, can it then be called a warm?

5. We have cures for things that a hangover...why isn't there one for the cold?
I think it's probably because the guy that was looking for the cure to the cold got a
hangover.

What a busy weekend!

2008-08-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

This was a crazy busy weekend. As you know, Jenna had Colton on Friday. He is absolutely beautiful...looks just like Peyton. I wish I could have stayed at the hospital longer, but I had to finish my paper on 20th century photography. It was more intersesting than I thought it would be. After class, Maria and Brad brought Monkey(bella) to the house. I can't believe how fast she is growing up. I felt bad for the guys in the nursery on Sunday morning. Bella was screaming her head off not to be left. They said she was fine after about ten minutes though. Church was awesome. It's so good to see my family at church. I'm still praying that God changes their lives radically. I'm at work now...it's really boring right now. More later!!

I am an aunt again!

2008-08-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

I am Aunt Nikki once again! Colton Dale Linton Graham was born today. He weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces and he was 20 inches long. He looks just like Peyton...so pretty much just like Jenna. I'll show pictures soon!

way too long

2008-07-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. It has been a very crazy week. Here's a recap!

Saturday: first day of normal class schedule for the summer....it's not the best decision i've ever made.

Sunday: Great day at Oak Leaf! My mom went and had a great time. My sisters are gonna go with us this sunday...hopefully

Monday: Last day of vacation...bring in the cold...my nose is still stuffy

Tuesday: First day back at work...boss is sick...I'm sick...wonderful

Wednesday: Realize sometime between Sunday and today that I have lost my debit card. Stay on the phone for hours freezing everything...not so much fun. Missed the meeting with oak leaf for the students...not too happy about that.

Thursday: Woke up with more than a cold...won't share the details.

Today: Homework for me....

Random Tuesday (actually Wednesday)

2008-07-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry the random thoughts didn't come yesterday....I wasn't feeling very random. Here they come:

1. I can't stand it when singers or rappers who sing or rap about drugs, killing people, and calling women the most derogatory names thank God at award shows. If you really want to thank God, use the gift he gave you to bring honor and praise to him.

2. Number one is my pet peeve.

3. My other pet peeve is smacking on gum or chewing with your mouth open.

Today was awesome

2008-07-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Today at Oak Leaf was awesome. It was good to be at the last service at Woodland. I'm excited about the theater too! 'God of This City' is my new favorite song. It was a great song to end the stay at Woodland, but an even better beginning to what is fixing to happen.

I'm so excited to see where God is taking me. I think my mom is going to church next Sunday. How cool is that? I have been praying for so long to have my family in church. My mom going is a great start. I hope that she does go.

Little side note...after I got home from church, my grandfather wanted help stringing their gazillion pounds of garden fresh green beans...it's not a fun thing to do.

It's been a few days.

2008-07-12T14:29:00.001-07:00

It's been a few days since I've blogged, so I figured I would catch everyone up. On Thursday morning, I got a call from Maria--her mother in law had died, so she wanted us to get Isabella. So Thursday afternoon after the doctors appointment, we got Isabella. She has got to be the biggest ham I have ever seen in my life, and she is soo cute!

Anyways, I ended up having to do everything for the shower with Bella pretty much attached to my right arm. It went pretty smooth though. Everything turned out great, and Jenna loved it. We all had a good time, and I think Peyton and Bella might just get married...in like 30 years. :)

Now, I am going to relax, have some dinner, and get a good night of sleep, before I get up...for the late service...at Oak Leaf tomorrow.

I'm going to be uncomfortable...and love it!

2008-07-09T19:22:00.001-07:00

I love the idea of God doing something new. It's crazy scary, but how cool is it that God gives you a new place to go, new people to meet, and new people to share your faith with. It absolutely amazes me that God would want to use me for something when he could no doubt do it on his own. I can't complain though...he's given me everything I've ever needed, and even some things that I have wanted. I'm more than willing to give back to him, even if it is a bit uncomfortable at times.

I'm so excited!

2008-07-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

So I volunteered to help with the student minisrty at Oak Leaf. I am so excited to see what God has planned with these kids. I can't wait to see how he uses me to help even one of them--even though I hope that he uses me even more than that.

Random Thought Tuesday

2008-07-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

1. My office is still a mess...we should do something about that.

2. Insurance companys frustrate me, and bore me to the point of wanting to go to sleep at my desk.

3. The construction work going on across the street is really loud today.

4. The morning mess cracks me up...pranks on the 20's.

5. It's really hard to have random thoughts on command. I think I did rather well for myself

Big Dummie

2008-07-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

I just read a bulletin someone posted on myspace. One of the questions was what is your darkest secret. What dummie makes up these surveys? I mean seriously...who in there right mind is going to post their darkest secret on myspace? That seriously frustrates me.

Go, be uncomfortable...

2008-07-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about bold prayers. I think I have an idea of why people don't pray bold prayers. It's a scary thing. I'm not gonna lie, it's kind of scary for me too.

I mean think about it. A bold prayer will most definitely require action on my part, and something that bold and crazy will probably force me to step outside of my comfort zone. I'm not one to be comfortable with stepping outside of my comfort zone. Go figure, huh?

I'm not sure how anyone could possibly be comfortable doing this. Think about it--God never told us to be comfortable. He told us to be bold, to pray for the sun to stop, to fight off the army of 5 kings that come up agianst us.

Yes, being bold will make us uncomfortable. We will feel like we have no where else to go, and we will probably feel dumb for praying for something so crazy. Be bold, be uncomfortable, be dumb, be crazy. God is waiting to do something crazy in all of our lives. Will we be crazy, bold, and dumb enough to listen?

BOLD

2008-07-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today, Michael challenged us to pray BOLD prayers. I haven't really ever thought about being bold in prayer. We have to ask God for the big things. In Joshua 10, Joshua prayed for the sun to stop so that he and his army could defeat the Amorites. That's a seriously crazy prayer.

Think about it...he asked for the sun to stop. That means God added hours to the day. God gave Joshua extra hours into the day so that he could defeat this army with five kings that he was up against. I love that one of the verses says that God listened to man. God is waiting on us to ask him to do something amazing in our lives.

So be bold. Go and pray for something so unattainable that the only way to gain it is for God to do it. He's waiting to something amazing in all of our lives. We just have to ask.

Testimony

2008-07-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

I recently sent an email to Michael, the pastor at Oak Leaf. In it, I mentioned something about my testimony. In his reply, he asked to hear my entire testimony. It has been a long time since I had shared my testimony with anyone. It's something that I know I shouldn't mind to share, but also something that has so many private details that I find it hard to share with anyone that I don't trust. So, after two days of thinking about it, I put the hesitation behind me and sent it. Today, I recieved a reply. It wasn't crazy long, but the meaning behind it was insanely powerful. It said that God had great things planned for me, because of all of the preparation he had done already in my life.

It's so true. I can't wait to see all of the things that God has in store for me. I can't wait to see what's next.

Happy Fourth of July!!

2008-07-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!

Today has been a pretty good day so far. I woke up crazy early....5:45. I usually don't get up until 7, so this was a difficult thing for me to do. I then went to eat breakfast, to the parade and out to delinger. It was awesome to see Oak Leaf doing their thing out there. My sister had a great time on the bouncey bunjee thing. She couldn't do a front flip, but she mastered the back flip. Later on, cookout at the grandparents house then fireworks!!

Have a great and safe day! Don't forget what today is all about. Remember to thank all of the men and women you know who have served or are serving now.

Sleeping Late

2008-07-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

It is officially three o'clock in the afternoon, and both of my sisters are still in the bed. I've been up since 9. I've taken a shower, gone to the shcool, made lunch, and sent emails. All while having the tv on. Nothing will ever be able to wake theese girls up. I wish I could sleep late like that. I'd never get anything done though.

I survived a Japanese Game Show

2008-07-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

OK well I didn't survive a Japanese game show, but I am watching it now, and this is by far the most unbeleivable thing on tv. People really do this stupid stuff. Are the nuts? I think so. Right now, someone has to be a human crane....a human crane? Yeah I didn't believe it either. If you ever need to feel extremely brilliant, I suggest watching this show.

Random thought Tuesday

2008-07-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

I have decided to post a weekly random thought blog. Here's today's list:

1. My office needs to be cleaned...really bad.
2. My office needs to be organized...really bad.
3. Cartersville stills needs a Panera...really bad.
4. I can't wait for Jenna's baby shower. I'm excited for her to see everything.
5. Class starts on the same day as the baby shower. I'm so lucky I knew the teacher. She isn't going to drop me for missing the first class. That would be...really bad.

Food for Thought

2008-06-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

I went to Oak Leaf on Sunday morning. I forgot how much I absolutely love being around other people who are absolutely in love with Jesus. It was so refreshing to feel the presence of God in every place a stood; every step I took I felt God beside me, behind me, and in front of me. I love that feeling-nothing can get in your way, hold you back, or pull you down. I hope you all have that feeling at some point. I hope that you all know exactly how it feels to be completely empowered by the grace of God.

First time Blogger???

2008-06-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am a first time blogger....unless myspace counts. I don't think so tho....

I didn't start this blog to talk about anything specific. I really just wanted to write it so that everyone could have an idea of what was going on in my life. Here are a list of the main things that I have been thinking about lately:

-I have to decide what college I want to go to, and it's not as easy as I thought it was going to be.

-Integrity...more on that later.

-Oak Leaf Church

-I stopped writing...why?

I promise these aren't the only things I have been thinking about, but they are just the things that are going on in my head right now.