Choir Banquet (:

It's hard to believe my freshman year in high school is almost over. It seems like just yesterday I was worrying about finding my classes the first day, and getting used to my new teachers, finding a place to sit at lunch, etc. I think each year of our life helps form us into the person we become- and this year changed me a lot.

One of my constants this year was Choir. Some of my very best friends are in Choir, and I know I'm going to continue to grow closer to these people for the next three years of my life. I'm so grateful for all the experiences I've had, all the laughs, all the tears. It's been unforgettable. And now that Choir Banquet is over, I feel like my whole year is too.

Before the banquet. (:
Rojean, Katie, and Cammie! Crazy, amazing girls.

Some of my very best friends, Catherine and McKenna.

Reasons to Pray?

Prayer is so beautiful.

I mean, when you really think about it? Being able to talk to your Creator, the one will loves you no matter what, who will never leave you- anytime you want? That's huge. And it's amazing.

A friend and I were together the other day and started talking about prayer, and all the ways that it's important to us. We talked about how comforting it is to know that when you pray about your friend who's hurting that there's actually someone there listening to You. We talked about how astounding it is that we can talk to Jesus, just like we talk to our best friend. We talked about how undeserving we are, that he actually wants to hear what we have to say. We talked about how loved we feel, when we know that when we are hurting or have a problem- He cares.

But you know what we didn't talk about?

We didn't talk about listening to God.

Which is huge.

How are we supposed to know God's will for our lives, if we don't listen to what He has to say? Think about it. He already knows what's going to happen to us in advance if we choose to do what He asks- or if we choose to do what we want.

And you know what?

God's way is best. Always.

Even if His will for you makes absolutely no sense at all. Maybe at the moment you're confused and hurting and you think that this situation has to be done THIS WAY, or no way at all. Because, that's the only way it's going to work, right?

Wrong.

He knows best. And He actually wants the best for YOU.

So next time you sit down to pray, make sure you set aside some time to listen. Maybe God's got something to say too.

Cute Pictures With My Cute Best Friend.

McKenna and I got together today and had the BEST time. And took some amazing pictures along the way. (: Want to see;)?

Haha this was such a fail! The sun was waaaay too bright. (:

Haha McKenna you are such a spy;)

I'm a treehugger, get it? (;

McKenna found some pretty purple flowers. (:

McKenna, you are the definition of blessing.

Choir Spring Trip!

So last week Choir packed their bags and went to San Antonio! We had A BLASTT. Friday night we hung out at the riverwalk, and Saturday we went to Six Flags! Both times it was raining soo hard.. so McKenna and I said a prayer that the sun would come out- and it did! God can give such awesome blessings in even tiny ways like that.

McKenna, Nathan, and I. (:

Cammie, Vincente, me, and McKenna!
Uhh.. dont ask about the guy behind us. haha

Cammie and Katie:)

McKenna, Catherine, and I at the hotel! Haha.. ohh the faces of people in the background. ;)

At the Riverwalk! We had tonss of fun there. (:

The trip was pretty darn fun. There was so much laughter, and jokes, and roller coasters!! Best weekend I've had in a long time.

THANKFUL THANKFUL THANKFUL!

So today I am feeling really, really thankful.

I am thankful that I know Jesus. That I love Him. That I want to grow in Him, and learn more about Him, and fall in love with Him. I know I don't deserve his grace, or love, or forgiveness, and I am so thankful for all that He does for me. Especially the things I don't even know about!

I am thankful for my friends. I'm not sure if I blogged about this in the summer or not- but all summer I prayed that I would meet wonderful Christian friends in Choir that would uplift me and I would grow close to- and man did God provide! I couldn't ask for better friends. (Ahem.. McKenna, Catherine, etc) :)

I am thankful for my family. My sister and I are best, best friends. (She's a year older than me) We don't just share clothes and jewelry- we share a bond that no one can break. And of course, my parents. I can't ever be thankful enough that I'm growing up in a Christian home where my parents are still in love with each other- 18 years into a marriage. That takes work and dedication and I am so thankful.

I am thankful for the way God made me. I don't want this to sound vain, let me explain. Throughout my short, fifteen year life I have struggled with accepting not just the way God made my personality, but my body, like any other girl. But over time I've slowly become fine with who I am. My body type. Me. Weird as it might sound, some days it's really hard being thankful for who you are. And today, I am.

I am thankful that I have the chance, every day, to witness to everyone around me. I want not only to talk about Jesus and spread the truth, but I pray that people will see Jesus in me just through my actions. I hope that when people see me, they dont really see me, but Jesus!

So, yes, I'm thankful. For the beautiful weather today. For everything about my life. I'm so, so blessed and I cannot thank God enough for giving me everything that He has! I cannot wait to see what's ahead in my life.