I used to think people couldn't change, then i met God, He proved me wrong, He saved me.--"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Friday, December 21, 2012
I'm not perfect
As a senior, my current goal is to find out where i will spend the next 4 years of my life studying and most likely playing soccer. After my most recent college visit i realized that college really is like being on my own. I won't have to tell my mother and father where i am going and i can pretty much do what ever my heart desires at the time. after returing from my visit, i began to think about what "College Lilly" would be like. Will i be able to find a group of people who don't party and don't do all the things i have spent the past two years over coming? What if i WANT to drink?
lately i've been bored with my new Christian lifestyle. it's hard knowing that i am no longer content with Young Life, an orginaization that has been with me the whole way through this journey. things have changed though, and i don't know if i want to be a part of that change. I am so thankful for Northern Kentucky Young Life. but i'm not sure that the Young Life i see now is the Young Life that i fell in love with two years ago. Maybe it's me thats changed, maybe I'm the problem. but then again, maybe not.
once again, i'm not really sure if you have taken any life changing lesson away from this. But i feel i owe it to you to show you that even though i write a lot about the awesome parts of being a Christian, it is still very hard. the saying "Nobody said it would be easy, they said it would be worth it" holds very true in the Christian faith. Becoming a Christian doesn't make your problems dissapear. But it does give you a source of strength to overcome those problems. I am human, i have a lot of issues. Wanting to drink and debating on whether i will finish my senior year as a part of Young Life or not are both huge choices i have to make. I have a lot of things to work on, but luckily i have a loving God to lead me.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving
1. Above all else, i am Thankful for Jesus Christ, without whom i would be in a much darker place and would not be the person i am today. He is my savior.
2. Steen(yes, i have a friend who goes by Steen...) i love you so much. You have been like a sister to me, and so much more. i really have no way to describe how thankful i am for you. You are amazing, I love seeing Christ work through you and pray that some day i may be able to do the same. Thank you for always being there, and for helping me through these past years. You are such a blessing, and i am sorry that there are no words to really express how much i mean that.
3. Claire- you too, are like a sister. i know sometimes i give you a lot of crap, but just remember that it is because i love you and want what is best for you. i can't wait to see the wonderful woman you become. regardless of what you decide to do after high school, you will succeed. you are the little sister i never had. it will be hard going to school without you, but i suppose it had to happen sooner or later. just be smart, keep your head up, and never stop smiling.
4. My brothers and sisters- no, we dont get along too often. no, we arent as close as i feel like we should be. and no, we aren't all the same. but i love you all. You guys have helped make me the person i am today. if it weren't for you guys, i very well might go insane in this house. i'm sorry that i'm sometimes a brat, but hopefully after i go to college and become an adult, i might start acting like one :)
5. Dad. i love you with all my heart. You are my number one fan, on and off the field. thank you for supporting me in everything i want to do. i can't wait to make you proud in college soccer, and i can't wait for you to see me play again. i'm going to miss you next year, but i'm sure you will check in on me enough, it will feel like i never left :)
With out the good Lord, i would not be where i am today. i would not be writing a blog, attempting to inspire complete strangers. am i wasting my time? maybe. Do i mind? not at all. Glorifying God is something to be done at all times, not just when people are watching. honestly, i have NO IDEA how many people really read this. but i am a firm believer in quality over quantity. so whether it is 1 person, or 100, i hope i have inspired you to take a minute or two, and think about what you are thankful for. Then when you are done, thank God. He is the reason i do this, and deserves all the glory in the world. Happy Thanksgiving, and God Bless.
Friday, November 9, 2012
one simple comment
wow...did i really just hear that? did someone just say that to me? i'm still shocked. i am the type of person who does not always see themselves the way others see me. i tend to shy away from compliments and have never been fully confident in myself, whether in be intellectually or physically. but to hear something like that, face to face, it means a lot. it makes me smile just thinking about it.
if there is anything that senior year has taught me thus far, its that i am going to be okay. no matter what i do with my life, i am going to glorify God and live for him. i'm not going to lie, im nervous about leaving my home to go to a school that is completely foreign to me. But i trust in the Lord and his path for me. although my lack of confidence still hinders, i know that He gives me strength and will be by my side.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Life As A Teen
Adults, dont underestimate the amount of stress high schoolers go through. just because we dont have to deal with your crappy boss or annoying co-worker doesnt mean we walk through out days without a problem. High school is tough, and it takes a lot to stand up to all the pressure presented to us.
Teens, you arent the only one dealing with these pressures. i understand how hard it is. But i promise you that the strugges you go though now will make you stonger than ever. you truly can do anything through Christ who strengthens you.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Making the most of my down time
Growing up in a Catholic school, I began to despise every moment I had to be in church or religion class. But now, every free second I have I am using to work at my relationship with Christ. There are so many moments throughout the day that I am just sitting there doing nothing productive. For example, right now I am in my english class with nothing to do because I finished my work in 15 minutes. Instead of laying my head down or talking, I am typing up this post. I dont want to waste any more time in my life with silly things. I used to listen to my Mac Miller station on Pandora while mowing the lawn. Now I listen to christian stations and worship while mowing, that's two hours with the Lord that I didn't have before. I can't think of anything I would rather do than praise Lord.
I would encourage everyone reading this to do what I've done. Make the most of your day. Don't waste time doing something without purpose when you could be doing the most purposeful task in the world, worshiping our God.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
First Step To My Future
while playing in a district game i jumped into the air for a head ball, and landed on the outside of my right foot. (i heard a crack...ew) Nothing was broken but i did end up with a high ankle sprain, ending my senior soccer season a month early. when i hit the ground and heard my ligaments crack, i prayed. i prayed harder than i have my whole life. While lying on a soccer field, crying my eyes out, and trying to contain myself, i prayed to the good Lord that i would be able to play again. i prayed that this was not the end of my soccer career. when i made it to the doctor in crutches the next day, he told me that i was done for the season. Heart broken. That is the only way i can describe how i felt. i was in disbelief, why would this happen? i was having the best season of my life. after realizing that i was done with soccer, i committed to becoming a young life leader, and that was the end of that, or so i thought :)
two weeks after the injury i received an e mail from the small college that i had been speaking to about playing for. they were aware of the injury and i was eager to hear what they said. they told me they wanted me on their team "regardless of injury". they offered me a scholarship. the Lord delivered!!!!! My prayers were answered and i am so thankful. i cannot explain how much this means to me. To be able to play real soccer again is a dream that i had kissed good bye. God is so so so good. He has given me a second chance, and there is no way i could thank Him enough.
i would like to apologize to anyone reading this who is not happy that i will be leaving home. especially my YL leaders. i love you all like family, and i don't mean to offend you with my enthusiasm about leaving, however this is a dream come true and i hope you understand that. you all have been amazing to me and i love each of you.
My dreams seem to be working out, but to anyone who reads this, please remember; the Lord knows what's best for you. i once heard a quote that said, "Sometimes Gods greatest gifts are unanswered prayers" i am a strong believer in that. Trust in the Lord with all your heard, and know that He loves you, and is going to do what is best for you.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Just another hurdle in my life...
This is what i mean guys. I have come such a long way from this time last year, but my fight isn't over. This journey that i'm on has no end. Thats amazing though, no matter how old i get or how much i invest myself, i can always get closer to God! i can always let Him work through me and use me as a tool to show others His grace and glory. Whether it is being a Young Life leader, or a just friend, i want to share my love for God, as well as His love for all of us.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." -1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Monday, July 23, 2012
Words I Would Say
These are the words i want to say to YOU
Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say
Monday, July 2, 2012
Expectations
Dear high-schoolers,
Dont let this world bring you down. we are going through some of the most influential years of our lives. Who cares if the people you go to school with don't approve of you, you only have 4 years with them, they aren't worth your worries. Don't let all the negativity surrounding you sink in. You're too perfect. Let God take control.
-Lilly :)
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
One of my many blessings
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Testing my Faith
In the Letter To James it states that
-testing of your faith brings you closer to the Lord
-you need to ask God for the wisdom you lack
-those who doubt will not be granted
-God cannot be tempted
-temptation stems from your own desires
i am living proof of all of these. I live my life for God. please check in soon for the continuation of my journey. Please feel free to contact my with any questions or really anything you feel i may be able to help you with your own journey to the Lord.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
When i wear my "I Am Second" shirt and bracelet, i typically get a million and one questions about its meaning and typically one or two not-so-flattering looks. I Am Second is simply the idea of putting the Lord first in your life. i recommend that you check out the site and watch some of the videos they have posted. The videos often deal with specific issues, and give you a chance to hear from people who are making the same journey as me. Some of the stories really are mind-blowing.